Do you want something really special then try The Queens Grill

Embarkation;  As you arrive at the ship, baggage handlers take your baggage. As we were staying in the Grills we went straight to the priority counter and within 15 minutes we were all checked in, through security and onboard the wonderful Queen Victoria. It was just after midday and all the cabins were ready which was a pleasant surprise. We went to our suite 5101. I will review the suite later.  Our female butler Elvie introduced herself and advised us that lunch was being served at The Queens Grill restaurant. The Queens restaurant is on deck 11 and we made our way there via the special lift using our room key card to gain access to both decks 11 & 12. We had requested a table for 2 and we were welcomed and escorted to table 47 which we kept for the duration of the cruise. I will review the dining later.

After lunch we returned to our suite and already our luggage had been delivered and was waiting inside our stateroom.  We unpacked and shortly afterwards we attended  the emergency drill taking our life jackets with us from the cabin. After that it was sail away and time to explore the ship. We had sailed on the QV in 2012 so we were familiar with layout and facilities. The ship was well maintained and spotless.

Leaving Southhampton to Gibralter we crossed the Bay of Biscay. I has brought some sea sick tables as it is notriously rough but we were lucky we had a smooth two day crossing and didnt need to use them.

We were fortunate that the guest speaker on our cruise was Simon Weston OBE . He gave an inspirational talk to a full auditorium as he talked about his life and future. It was very humbling to listen to him. He is a true Welsh gentleman with a wicked sense of humour.

During the sea days we were able to use the private sundeck area on decks 11&12. There is a shower on deck 12. If you forget your suntan lotion there is a communal bottle next to the cold water and juice units at deck 12 entrance to the lift.Waiters come around and will bring you your choice of soft and hot complimentary drinks. Afternoon Tea is served daily in the Grills lounge or if your sunbathing you can have it at your sunbed on decks 11&12.

Other perks for the Grills passenger would be the priority use of tenders and free shuttles at ports where buses were provided at a cost to other passengers.

Disembarking; We were orginally booked for transfer and flight back to UK which was all part of the package. We however decided to remain in Rome and take another cruise on Windstar so we were able to organise late departure of 11am from QV. Our suitcases were taken off the night before and we were able to leave our hand luggage in a secure room after we left our cabin at 08.30am. The Lido was still open so we were able to have some refreshments and sit where we wanted on the ship until we were ready to disembark. The Lido was still open as there were transit passengers onboard who were continuing onto Venice.

In 2012 we sailed on QV and having a balcony cabin we used the Britannia restuarant which at that time we didnt enjoy as the service was not good although the balcony cabin was very nice. We usually sail RCI and always have a wonderful experience especially with the service so we were hesitant to resail with Cunad and QV but we are so thrilled we did and have the experience of The wonderful Grills. It you want to really treat yourself then I would definately recommend the Queens Grill.