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Crimean Coasts |
| Reviewed By: Clowes, Worlington on 3rd Oct 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria |
Sailed:
September,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 56-65 |
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Don't believe everything you read on the web! Earlier reports about the Queen Victoria had made us a little apprehensive, but from the time we arrived at Gatwick everything was beautifully organised - Titan offered a truly firstclass service, hot towels, sweets on take off etc.
Our stateroom on deck 6 (balcony) was of adequate size, lacking drawers initially, but these were installed during our voyage - Cunard are listening and responding. I would agree with others about the shower cubicles; as a size 12 I could cope with the cramped conditions but some fellow passengers might have faced a bigger challenge!
The itinery which included Odess and Yalta was innovative and the ship at capacity- so why are these popular destinations not going to be available in 2009? clearly there is a demand. The distance travelled meant that time in some ports was very restricted but one accepted that limitation from the outset. Perhaps an extension to 14 days might afford more time in
some locations.
Two things irritated me. One was the heavy "truckers cafe" china in use in both the Lido and Britannia restaurants, even the Cunard logo does not enhance the utilitarian look and feel. The second is that there was no free of charge pool or hot tub facility open for general use under cover. It rained for the first two days and was too cold and windy on several others for open air swimming, so if desperate it was necessary to pay a hefty sum for the small Hydrotherapy pool.
The ship is clean, quiet and comfortable. The food was excellent. Like everyone else I was impressed with the service provided by staff at all levels, but with the ship at capacity they were clearly under pressure and sometimes looked a little tired; though this did not diminish their smiles or unfailing politeness.
It was Yalta where we had the difficulties with the port authorities. Odessa was wonderful... the population came in large numbers to welcome the ship in, and before sailing we were throwing chocolates , slippers and postcards to those on the quayside. Odessa wants to build its' tourist trade, Yalta is more used to being a holiday destination and perhaps a little more cynical.
One last thing - as we sailed from Istanbul at 1.00pm the call to prayer was issuing from mosques throughout the city. It was the month a Ramadan - a very special time for many in this society.......and suddenly our speaker system was blaring out some pop song about Istanbul / Constantinople at full volume in opposition. Tacky? tasteless? insensitive? or just
plain undiplomatic?
P.S. In Pireaus take the free shuttle to the terminal entrance, buy a 1 euro travel ticket, take the bus to the metro and then the train into Athens. Reverse to return. Cost 2 Euros per person for the round trip. Ships bus return fare $30!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Brittania restaurant and Lido Buffet- food excellent | | Entertainment |  |
| Favourite was "Stroke of genuius", least favourite was the Anatolian dancers, Godd in parts was Victoriana | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff | |
| Cabin Steward- Always cheerful and polite, Restaurant waiting staff busy but attentive | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Varied activities to suit most tastes- Library very good | | Cabins |  |
| | Overall Rating | |
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