A Day on Cunard's Queen Victoria in December

Elegant, Calm, and Perfect for Those Who Value Space and Christmas Traditions

By Gilly Bachelor

Yesterday (4/12/25), I had the pleasure of spending the day onboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria before she set sail from Southampton for a 12‑night “Spain and Portugal” cruise. The ship was beautifully decorated for Christmas, with trees, twinkling lights, festive wreaths, and elegant seasonal touches throughout — instantly creating a warm, celebratory atmosphere. I was invited to explore the Grills suites, their most luxurious staterooms, which you can read about here. But before we get to the Grills, I wanted to focus on something equally important: what every guest experiences on board, whether they’re in a well-priced inside cabin or one of the top suites.

Southampton Departures — A Popular Choice

Many of my clients love Southampton departures particularly with P&O Cruises, as it’s convenient, familiar, and offers plenty of short- and long-haul itineraries. However, P&O’s newest ships have grown considerably in size, now carrying over 5,000 passengers, which some guests find overwhelming. For those looking for something more elegant, calm, and spacious, Cunard provides an excellent alternative for Southampton departures.

Size and Space — A Breath of Fresh Air at Sea

Unlike the growing “mega-ships” of P&O, Queen Victoria carries just 2,000 passengers, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:2.

Many clients tell me that the scale of the newest ships can feel too big, too busy, and too impersonal, which can take away from the simple pleasure of being at sea. Queen Victoria, by contrast, offers a calmer, more elevated experience, thoughtfully designed with plenty of space to move, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Stepping onboard in December, I immediately felt that sense of space. Wide corridors, elegantly appointed lounges, a warm colour palette, polished service, and festive decorations all contributed to the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere — even on turnaround day, when 2,000 guests were disembarking and another 2,000 arriving. Every crew member I passed greeted me with a smile and a cheery hello, and the ship never felt rushed or crowded.

It’s exactly the kind of atmosphere many clients tell me they miss, especially during the festive season.

Three Standout Spaces I Loved

1. The Two-Storey Library — A True Sanctuary

One of the spaces that left the biggest impression on me was the two-storey, wood-panelled library. It’s not just a room with books; it’s a destination in itself. A sweeping spiral staircase leads to the upper level, natural light floods in through large windows, and deep armchairs tucked into quiet corners invite you to linger with a novel or simply enjoy a moment of calm. During December, the library was dotted with subtle festive decorations, creating a cosy, inviting space perfect for a winter read. Spaces like this are increasingly rare on modern ships — and it’s something I truly appreciate.

2. The Queens Room — Simply Stunning

Another highlight is the Queens Room, the ship’s grand ballroom. You don’t need to dance to be impressed: soaring ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, a polished dance floor, and the occasional live orchestra create a cinematic atmosphere. Christmas decorations added an extra touch of magic, and afternoon tea here, served by white-gloved waiters, was truly unforgettable — a perfect festive treat!

3. The Promenade Deck — A Connection to the Sea

Modern ships often sacrifice promenade decks for extra cabins or indoor attractions, but Queen Victoria retains hers. The wraparound teak promenade allows for leisurely morning walks and uninterrupted views of the ocean, creating a real sense of connection to the sea, even during winter months.

Dining and Formality — Flexibility Without Compromise

Cunard is often associated with formal nights, and many guests genuinely love the sense of occasion. But it’s far from restrictive. If you prefer to keep it casual, The Lido self-service restaurant and The Golden Lion pub both offer included dining with no dress code, making them perfect alternatives on gala evenings.

For those who enjoy dressing up but don’t want to travel with a dinner suit, Cunard makes it easy — you can hire dinner suits on board. This removes the stress of packing and ensures formal evenings are genuinely enjoyable rather than a logistical headache.

I was also impressed by Cunard’s international passenger mix. Guests from around the world create a cosmopolitan, worldly feel, adding elegance to the experience without ever feeling stuffy or intimidating.