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Cunard Queen Victoria - Russian Rendezvous
Reviewed By: Phillips, Ringwood on 18th Aug 2008
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises	Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria	Sailed: May, 2008
Destination: Baltic	Age: 46-55

This was our first cruise and we had not really considered that this type of holiday was something suited to us. We booked the Queen Victoria because she looks like a real cruise liner and the itinerary was interesting and varied. The other attraction was that it was a round-trip from Southampton. This is so much more convenient. The cruise covered 8 Northern European ports including the highlight which was St Petersburg. The whole experience was outstanding! The Balcony cabin was not huge but plenty adequate. The service was certainly beyond our expectations – as was the entertainment and the food. In the main shore visits were good, but rather expensive. We weren’t told in advance that Cunard were providing a courtesy coach whenever the docking was away from the city centre. Next time we will do our own thing a little more. However, visitors to Russia would be hard pressed to fit so much into the visit and Visa issues make it sensible to use Canard’s services. Like most cruisers we had to decide between 1st and 2nd sitting for dinner. Neither was ideal and we elected for the later one in the Britannia restaurant. On balance an early sitting probably leaves more entertainment options open. Inside the ship there were numerous places to sit without it all feeling too crowded. Outside the pools were very small and shallow. We would jump at the chance of going on another cruise – especially with Cunard and onboard the Queen Victoria.
Quality of Food
In the bRitannia Restaurant mostly. A wide variety of excellent food. Eating there was much nicer than the Lido. We had dinner one night in the Todd English restaurant. This cost extra but was well worth it for a special occasion. Also recommended was the afternoon tea in the Queens Room. Served by white gloved waiters this was a lovely experience.
Entertainment
The Queen Victoria has a theatre that most towns would give their right arm for. Brilliant shows and very comfortable seating.
Shore Excursions
All good but somewhat expensive. The on-board tour office was frequently closed and this is an area that needs to be addressed.
Staff
We found all of the crew to be friendly and helpful. A strong contingent of Philippines who worked really hard. The staff at the Pursers Desk were more surley.
Children's Facilities	n/a
We don't have children and there didnt seem to be any on board anyway. There are some facilities for children but the Queen Vioctoria is more of an adults ship.
Onboard Activities
A very good selection of tings to do - formal and informal. The Theatre is outstanding.
Cabins
Very nice Balcony Cabins. Enough space given that it was only really used for sleeping in.
Overall Rating