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Slick, Stylish, Superb.
Reviewed By: Vickery, Colchester on 28th Aug 2008
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises	Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria	Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 46-55

Have returned from the Jewels of the Med. Queen Victoria Cruise. Our embarcation was slick to say the least and staff were friendly and welcoming. Our friends, who were sailing with us were very impressed. Our luggage arrived quickly, within about half an hour of boarding. We had an A4 balcony cabin which was delightful, very well appointed. Yes, the shower room is small but how long does anyone need to be in there? All aspects of the service from our point of view was excellent, room service was prompt and breakfast in bed was always on time. The service in the Brittania restaurant was excellent, we had wonderful waiting staff who could not do enough for us. If we wanted somthing not on the menu that was not a problem, if we wanted to mix and match that was also fine. We were truly sorry to say good bye to our waiters (Mary Rose, Hector and Jakub our wine waiter). The wine prices were very reasonable. We booked two excursions the basic one to Florence and the big Rome excursions. Our guide for Florence was clearly passionate about her city but she tended to talk to quickly which made it difficult to understand her. The Rome excursion was excellent. It included the Vatican, Sistene Chapel, lunch at the Brstol Hotel, and Ancient Rome. Our guide was excellent. Our main cause for complaint would be 1. short port stays especially in Corfu. some of the ports were a waste of time (Cannes and Messina). Cunard need to do their homework on what to do in the different ports. 2. Poor entertainment. The Royal Court theatre is beautiful but the Royal Court dancers lack variety in their routines. 3. Themed nights, did they happen? We packed for Masquerade, Ascot, Victoriana and Black and White themed nights but nothing was really made of these. The beautiful ballroom was never really very full. Cunard need to encourage more participation and make these nights a big thing, especially for those on the late dinner sitting. Also, some of the semi-formal nights were changed to smart casual. Not good for those who packed for five semi-formals as listed in the itinery. Finally tipping. Eleven dollars per. person per. day. That is fine but I would like to know how my money is allocated. Cunard say they have a complex system to distribute this pot of money! We asked a cabin steward if they got a share of this money and the answer is yes $2 dollars per. cabin per. day! (apparently). I think that if Cunard are going to debit sums from the onboard accounts for the purpose of tipping, they shoud be accountable. We actually calculated the amount that would have been debited and distributed it to the staff that had personally made a difference to us. Also, there is a 15% service charge on all alcoholic drinks. All in all a great holiday no hitches but Venice was a rip off, twenty two euros for two and a half pints of lager, no were to sit and just have a coffee. We are sure that Cunard will make efforts to iron out the teething problems in Queen Victoria's maiden year and on that note we are investgating the Southampton to Southampton round trip next year.
Quality of Food
Brittania Restaurant and occasionally the Lido.
Entertainment
The Royal Court Irish dance night.
Shore Excursions
Least favourite - Florence. Most favourate - Rome.
Staff
Mary Rose and Hector our waiters. They could not do enough for us. Always smiling and ready to share a joke. Jackub, our wine waiter, who was friendly, knowledgable and smart. Our cabin steward.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities

Cabins
yes
Overall Rating

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Question by Goucher, Sprotbrough (27 Oct 08 06:26) about this REVIEW.

Hi, you mention that the price of wine on the ship was reasonable, did the same apply to beer & spirits?

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Answer by vickery, Essex (06 Nov 08 22:13) to a QUESTION by Goucher (27 Oct 08 06:26)

Yes, the prices compared very favourably with pub prices. Sorry for not replying sooner but it was half-term. Enjoy your cruise

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Comment by Goucher, Doncaster (07 Nov 08 07:01) about an ANSWER by vickery (06 Nov 08 22:13)

Thanks for that, we don't sail until 20th April next year, can't wait. We've sailed Carnival twice from the U S but this no fly trip Southampton - Southampton really appeals. We love all aspects of cruising, especially the dressing up. Thanks again, cheers, Keith

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Question by stoneman, crawley (29 Aug 08 20:10) about this REVIEW.

hi we are gong on queen victoria in October we have never been on a cruise before and are worried about the dress code, will my husband be able to wear a black suit and black tie on formal nights. can you also explain the themed nights eg ascot what is this!!!! many thanks alison

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Answer by Wharton, Wynyard (08 Sep 08 17:15) to a QUESTION by stoneman (29 Aug 08 20:10)

Jackets are required every night in the restaurant, no tie on elegant casual nights. Suits and ties on semi-formal nights and either suits and ties or better still dinner suits and bow ties on formal nights. In my experience not too mant people bother dressing to a theme.

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Answer by vickery, Essex (31 Aug 08 20:44) to a QUESTION by stoneman (29 Aug 08 20:10)

Hi Alison, I think your husband can wear a tie but take a dickie bow just in case. Regarding Ascot, I took a fascinator but did not get to wear it. As I said in my review Cunard did not make enough of the themed nights so don't worry, just take your posh frocks and enjoy wearing them. Above all enjoy your cruise. Best wishes Margaret, Colchester.

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