A Day on Board Queen Victoria

By Gilly Bachelor

As someone who specialises in luxury cruising, many of my clients spend their holidays with cruise lines including Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, and Explora Journeys, drawn to their intimate sizes, impeccable service, and exquisite dining. Recently, I had the privilege of being invited on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria, and it became immediately clear why this historic line deserves a place on every luxury cruiser’s radar.

Cunard has mastered the balance between space, luxury, and timeless elegance. While ultra-luxury ships often carry between 500 and 1,000 passengers, offering privacy and intimacy, Queen Victoria carries around 2,000 guests. Yet, its wide corridors, elegant lounges, and thoughtful design create an atmosphere of calm sophistication — a rare achievement for a ship of this scale.

Stepping Inside the Grills Suites

The Grills suites represent the pinnacle of Cunard luxury. I had the opportunity to explore them, and it was immediately clear why these suites are so coveted:

  • Spacious, beautifully furnished suites with separate living areas, luxurious bathrooms, and private balconies for uninterrupted sea views
  • Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Dining Room, a calm, refined retreat from the busier public areas
  • Priority embarkation and disembarkation, making the start and end of your cruise effortless
  • Dedicated concierge service to handle dining reservations, shore excursions, and any special requests

Grills passengers enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of their own areas, while still having full access to Queen Victoria’s iconic public spaces:

  • The two-storey library with quiet corners and large windows for reading or reflection
  • The Queens Room, Cunard’s grand ballroom, where soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers provide the perfect backdrop for afternoon tea or evening entertainment
  • Wraparound promenade deck for leisurely walks with panoramic ocean views
  • Lido Restaurant and Golden Lion Pub for casual dining
  • Spa, fitness centre, pools, shops, and lounges for a full luxury experience

This combination of privacy, space, and access creates a cruise experience that is indulgent, relaxing, and infinitely flexible.

Cunard’s Timeless Grandeur

Where ultra-luxury small ships excel in intimacy and tailored service, Cunard adds history, gravitas, and a sense of occasion. There’s a reason Cunard has carried generations of travellers across oceans for more than a century — it’s not just a cruise; it’s an experience steeped in heritage. Boarding Queen Victoria feels as special as afternoon tea at the Ritz or a journey on the Belmond Orient Express. There’s a subtle ceremony to life on board, from formal nights and perfectly presented dining to the gentle rhythm of life at sea.

Even for those accustomed to small-ship luxury, Cunard offers something different — the romance and prestige of an ocean liner, with all the comfort, service, and dining options they expect from ultra-luxury cruising.

Why Cunard is the Perfect Next Choice

For clients who love small ships for their intimacy but want to experience space, elegance, and timeless tradition, Cunard is a natural next step. Queen Victoria combines:

  • Luxury and elegance in every suite
  • Exclusive Grills areas for privacy and personalised service
  • Exceptional dining and attention to detail
  • Historic, world-famous ocean liner atmosphere

In short, Cunard allows you to enjoy all the luxury you love, while adding heritage, grandeur, and a sense of occasion that only a classic liner can provide. For anyone seeking the perfect blend of small-ship intimacy and historic elegance, Cunard should be next on your list.