Cruise Reviews

Land of the midnight Sun

Reviewed By: Broderick, Nottingham on 6th Sep 2008
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Norwegian Fjords Age: 46-55
We set off from Southampton on a grey July Day for the Norweigan Fjords. We were soon exploring the lovely Queen Victoria. This was our first time aboard and we were impressed by the spacious suite and excellent food and service in the Queens Grill. We had requested a table for 2 people and were not disappointed, although many other guests seemed to have heated excahnges with the Grill staff in order to secure the table of their desire. We felt a little embarrassed by the rudeness of some fellow guests in the way they treated the Cunard staff on that first day when they discovered that they were sharing a large table.. However, maybe Cunard do need to set up more tables for 2 people or at least be prepared to allocate tables at booking so that we all know exactly what we are agreeing to. I certainly would not pay such a high price for any other holiday and accept that I might be seated in a restaurant for 3 meals a day with ( the same )others when I would instead choose to spend our Silver Wedding Anniversary at a table for two. We are not anti social and enjoyed meeting many other people on board, arranging to join others for drinks etc.. As busy professionals it was a rare treat to be able to sit down together for 3 meals a day and talk! The service and attention to detail of the waiters, and Maitre'd was exemplary.
Overall we were most impressed with the standards on board QV, especially the Cunard Singers and dancers, and the activities. (including fencing which was fun). The magnificent scenery of Norway was enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious ship. We found that the balcony of our stern suite was the perfect place to enjoy the views.
We hope to enjoy the Baltic States next ( assuming we can secure another table for 2)
Quality of Food5
Queens Grill
Entertainment5
Cunard singers and dancers in Victoriana
Shore Excursions5
All shore excursion were good. The trip to the Husky pup farm was best
Staff5
Singer Soophia. We met her one day on a shore excursion where she was acting as a facilitator. She was helpful to all and always had a ready smile for everyone. Also had a super voice and stage prescence
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities5
Yes, all enjoyable from fencing to films, lectures and daily Catholic mass which was appreciated
Cabins4
yes
Overall Rating5
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Comment by Mills, Glasgow (11 Sep 08 20:27) about this REVIEW.
The general rule re allocaion of tables for 2 is that priority is given to early bookers in other words the earlier you book the cruise the better chance you have of a table of your choice
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Comment by Richard Okill, Lee on the Solent (07 Sep 08 16:08) about this REVIEW.
Interesting short review. I personally would never dream of having a table just for two, one of my cruising pleasures is for good social conversation and meeting intersting fellow cruisers. I would, however, particularly acknowledge, your right to a table for two, especially having paid for the Grills experience. Now for my little anecdote from my recent QM2 Princess Grill Trans Atlantic crossing. Not too far from our table for 6 was a row of 4 tables for two, with perhaps a gap of just over half a table width between each. Much to our tables amusement, all eight of smaller table occupants so enjoyed their combined company, that they held amazing conversations, all at raised levels in order to be heard the length of their row. The content of those conversations I am not at liberty to print, needless to say however, I guess should they return some day their seating preferences would be for larger tables. Enjoy the Baltic. Richard
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Comment by Cooke, Ashby (08 Sep 08 10:14) about a COMMENT by Richard Okill (07 Sep 08 16:08)
We had a similar experience this year. We enjoy company at dinner but usually eat breakfast and lunch in the buffet. This year we were seated at atable for six for dinner and as usual were a fairly mixed bunch ages between 30 something and 70 something (we are somewhere in the middle). The table next to our's was for two and was occupied by a very nice couple who spent most of their time talking to us. They had chosen a table for two - or he had - because on their last cruise they had a table for six and he was seated with five women. Poor chap or lucky chap depending on your point of view and the women in question! One evening he spent so much time talking to my husband his long suffering wife walked out on him. I'll bet they don't ask for a table for two again!
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Comment by Richard Okill, Lee on the Solent (09 Sep 08 10:41) about a COMMENT by Cooke (08 Sep 08 10:14)
Perhaps we should set up a site space for such anecdotes, would beat questions on 'how not to tip' and 'how long does it take to get to Gibraltar'. Nice hearing from you, happy cruising. Richard
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