Queen Victoria. Russian Rendezvous. July 18th REVIEW

First let me say this was an absolutely wonderful cruise from start to finish there are no complaints whatsoever. I'm thrilled you're all considering a Baltics Cruise in 2011 and you can count me IN!

Embarking
- Smooth, quick, efficient! I was on-board running around snapping photos within 45 minutes including dropping off my bags in my stateroom.

Queen Victoria at First Sight - She's different. She isn't QE2 and she isn't QM2, she is her own unique lady. Overall I would describe the ship as airy, comfortable and very easy to find your way around.

My Stateroom - Princess Grill, Category P3 located on Deck 5, Port side. Absolute perfection, a smooth ride, excellent cabin attendant and couldn't have asked for a better location.

Dining - Since I was in a Grill Stateroom, I was in the Princess Grill Dining room. Service was excellent. However, I did hear grumblings that the main dining was a bit off and service was slow. I know in other reviews there are often complaints about Cunard food quality. I continue to wonder what people are expecting or if I expect too little. I thought the food quality was very good and very consistent throughout the voyage. I realize food is subjective but, I never understood the complaints. True, on other voyages I have food arrive luke warm but, that was not the case this voyage. Every meal the hot food was hot and the cold food was cold. Perhaps Cunard is finally get that little glitch ironed out.

Dress Code - 5 formal nights, 6 semi-formal, and, 3 elegant casual. I won't go into details but, I saw some "interesting" outfits.

Lido/Buffet - I found the layout of Queen Victoria superior to Queen Mary 2. So many people get so confused on QM2 with it's design. While this option is never my favorite dining venue, the times I used it proved very worthwhile. I'd give the food a good to very good rating. I mainly used this option for breakfast and lunch on shore tour days.

Todd English - For some reason it was never busy. Why? I have no idea. The food was outstanding and the service top notch. Not one complaint from me!

Pool Burger Grille - It is what it is - hamburgers and such. Service was slow... Otherwise no complaints

Queen's Ball Room - Tea service is better on QV than QM2, at least that's my impression and of course, gentleman hosts were available for ladies who needed dance partners in the evenings

The Theater - Splurging for box seats for evening, I'm not sure I'd do it again. Seats everywhere else seemed to have just as good views. And, I really can't justify the extra charge. Entertainment was very good.

Casino - I went a few evenings, it was always pretty busy. Luck wasn't a lady for me... I'll leave it at that

Pool - no chair hogs in site! What a nice change from the mainstream cruise lines we've been on lately! And, yes, most days it was warm enough to use the pool.

BIG ISSUE: SMOKING! Cunard is cracking down. Very limited smoking spaces. I, for one, am very happy with the enforcing of the smoking rules. Again, some grumblings from others.

Shore Tours - Since this was the first time to the Baltics, most shore tours were through Cunard, but, we did stray off on our own a few times and, honestly saw more, spent less and had a much better time when we did. Oh how I long to return to Beligum for those french fries and chocolate However, hands down, Russia was by far the most interesting and fun port we visited. Even with two days in port, it wasn't enough time to see everything. The biggest surprise? Tallin, Estonia. I was amazed how Hi-Tech the whole city is and, everywhere you went you see signs that they offer WiFi

Complaints - Very few including having to come home. Virgin Atlantic lost one of my bags on the flight home but, within 48 hours they had located it and had it delivered to me. And, again, those who really didn't comply with the dress codes, however, it wasn't anything that was going to ruin the trip. I just don't understand some people's taste and/or judgment when it comes to clothing.

In Conclusion - I have to admit I do like Queen Victoria better than Queen Mary 2. And, I don't mean to take anything away from QV's big sister QM2 but, since QV is smaller, the level of service is better and more personal. I still love Cunard and, eagerly look forward to returning to QV, hopefully with my new friends from Cruise Freek Forums.

I'm working on getting more photos up for you all.

Here's the link to the photo album of what I have loaded so far:

https://cruisefreekforums.forumotion.com/gallery/Personal-album-of-Pam-M/Personal-album-of-Pam-M-cat_u347.htm

Pam,

Great review!! I loved the pictures. This is definately a cruise on my to do list!

Sounds like you had a good time! Thanks for the great review and photos!

Great review Pam! Thanks!