Cunard Queen Elizabeth Review - 12 Night Cruise
Overview
First-time Cunard sailing, 12 nights aboard the Queen Elizabeth over Christmas. 13th cruise line reviewed, 20+ years of cruising experience. Third Christmas cruise in a row (previously Oceania and Azamara).
Service
Outstanding across the board. Very British, very proper, but genuinely warm — everyone is treated well regardless of cabin category. Takes a little getting used to, but excellent for anyone who values consistent, high-quality service.
The Ship
- Absolutely stunning — classic design, heavy on nautical heritage (paintings and artwork of ships, Queen Elizabeth, and the Royal Navy throughout)
- Warm wood tones, unmistakably a "real" ship — unlike many modern vessels
- Deck 3 promenade sits close to the water — a standout feature not found on many newer ships
- Theater and main dining room both described as visually stunning
Pools
- Large, generous surrounding space
- Water was cold throughout the voyage
- Back of Deck 9 redesigned with new awnings, shade, patio-style sofas/chairs — comes alive with color at night
- Overall pool experience was more elevated than expected, despite the cold water
Stateroom
- Standard balcony cabin, 8030, Deck 8 (~10 cabins behind the bridge)
- Initial concern about motion this far forward — turned out to be a non-issue, minimal movement felt over 12 nights
- Layout comparable to standard balcony cabins on Holland America and Princess
- Very clean; room attendant service was excellent
- Twice-daily service, including turndown
Dining
Main Dining Room (Britannia)
- Standard tier for most passengers (Club Level, Princess Grill, and Queen's Grill offer elevated tiers with dedicated lounges/dining rooms)
- Expectations were higher than the actual experience
- Soups: Outstanding every single meal
- Entrées: Inconsistent —
- Christmas dinner surf trio (shrimp, lobster, halibut): lobster mushy, shrimp still had shells, halibut overly dry
- Paid surf and turf ($45 upcharge): filet mignon was great, but the lobster was inedible
- Verdict: comparable to other mainstream lines; the reviewer felt Princess's main dining room is better
Lido Buffet
- Nothing spectacular overall, but standouts include the pizza and pasta station
- Good Indian and Mexican dishes; strong rotating weekly themes
- Skip: the back grill — widely regarded (by other guests too) as serving poor hamburgers
- Try: the Wellness Café near the front pool/spa — excellent for lighter breakfast or lunch
Specialty Dining — Veranda Steakhouse
- One of the best meals had at sea in a long time (both lunch and dinner)
- Lunch is significantly cheaper than dinner, and both are excellent
- Recommended for steak and seafood fans; worth trying both meals if possible
Christmas Cruise Experience
Cunard delivered a standout Christmas atmosphere:
- Staff captain read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
- Officers performed Christmas carols
- Special theater show, Santa appearance, snow in the Grand Lobby
- Hand-painted glass ornaments gifted to each guest individually (not just per cabin)
- Rated as the best of the three Christmas cruises taken (vs. Oceania and Azamara)
Entertainment
- Original ship shows: okay
- Visiting acts: some very good
- Highlight: Come From Away (Broadway production about 9/11 and the Gander, Newfoundland landings) — exceptional cast and production, no extra charge to attend
- Cast is dedicated solely to this show but also learns Cunard's other productions
- Recommends booking the box experience (bellhop, champagne, chocolate) for a true Broadway-at-sea feel
- Two full orchestras onboard — one based in the Queen's Room, one in the theater — combined for a swing night during the cruise
Dress Code / Gala Nights
- No need to be intimidated — attire expectations are similar to Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean (smart attire)
- Gala Night is optional — men just need a jacket, women a nice dress
- Reviewer wore a tuxedo (encouraged by a friend) and enjoyed leaning into it, but emphasizes it's not required
Overall Verdict
Best suited for travelers wanting a more laid-back, adult-centric cruise experience with excellent service, strong entertainment, live music/dancing, and comfortable staterooms. Recommended without hesitation.
Next planned Cunard sailing: Queen Mary 2.