September 21, 2022 // By Lois Alter Mark
By Lois Alter Mark Travel Expert September 21, 2022
Queen Elizabeth with Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, onboard Queen Elizabeth in Southampton, England on October 4, 2010 during the ship's naming ceremony — Photo courtesy of Cunard
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth, admirers have been determined to ensure her majesty’s rich legacy lives on. For travelers, a sailing on Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth just may be the most fitting way to celebrate the life of the late monarch and immerse yourself in the storied history of both the woman and the ship.
The cruise line had a long-standing relationship with the queen, and the current Queen Elizabeth is actually the third Cunard ship named after her. It was launched in 2010 and, in keeping with the tradition of the first two ships, was christened by the real Queen Elizabeth herself.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, with its art deco décor and unparalleled air of elegance, is unlike any other ship from any other cruise line. Artist Isobel Peachey’s official portrait of the queen, commissioned by Cunard, takes pride of place in the Queens Room to remind guests of the ship's heritage.
In 2022 and 2023, Queen Elizabeth will be making rare, short sailings along the Pacific coast, giving cruisers an amazing opportunity to see this stunning area while also experiencing the historic ship. The itinerary, which goes from Vancouver to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Vancouver, includes just one port of call – San Francisco – to give you plenty of time to explore these not-to-be-missed onboard activities and spaces along with the three vibrant cities.
The library offers a huge selection of reading material — Photo courtesy of Cunard
The library on the Queen Elizabeth is a stunner, consisting of two stories of beautiful wooden bookcases filled with thousands of other stories. Whether you’re interested in the latest bestseller or trying to plan your next trip, you can borrow books to curl up with on sea days and just return them by the end of the cruise.
With more than 6,000 volumes, you can read up on the history of the ship or on the queen herself. In fact, there’s so much to read, you’ll be glad the ship only makes one stop.
The Aqua Therapy Centre is the place to relax — Photo courtesy of Cunard
Pro tip: As soon as you board the ship, head to the spa and buy a pass for the true oasis of the ship, the Aqua Therapy Centre. You should also treat yourself to a massage or facial – the therapists are top-notch – but the stellar thermal suite is the place you'll want to spend a couple of hours every day.
Although the highlight may be the hydrotherapy pool that seems to heal whatever’s ailing you, there are also Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms and sensory showers for total indulgence. The aptly named relaxation lounge features hot-tile loungers or you can opt for cushy lounge chairs by the pool.
These passes sell out quickly because the spa only offers a small number to prevent it from getting too crowded. Plus, the more days you buy at once, the greater the discount. It’s absolutely worth the price, and your time in the Aqua Therapy Centre will become something you look forward to each day.
The Golden Lion is an authentic British pub at sea — Photo courtesy of Cunard
No one does fish and chips like the Brits, and this cozy pub serves them up all day, along with mushy peas and a selection of other hearty offerings including cottage pie and steak and Guinness mushroom suet pudding.
Of course, they also feature an extensive menu of craft beers, lagers and ciders to get you ready for their special events, which include karaoke, darts and those British pub quiz nights you’ve always dreamed of participating in. You may want to study up on royal trivia to impress your new mates.
Start your gala evening with a cocktail at the Commodore Club — Photo courtesy of Cunard
Cunard is well known for its formal nights, which give guests an excuse to dress in their finest and spend the afternoon at the salon getting their hair and nails done.
Cruises of seven nights or more feature two different gala evening themes, which may be Black and White, Roaring 20s, Red and Gold or Masquerade. All require black-tie attire in public areas, transforming the already sophisticated ship into a scene worthy of old Hollywood glamour with men in tuxedos and women in ballgowns posing for formal photos – and, in a break from tradition, maybe even a selfie or two.
Afternoon tea is a sweet treat — Photo courtesy of Cunard
An English tradition you’ll want to continue at home, afternoon tea is served daily in the Queens Room. The atmosphere is elegant, featuring white tablecloths and fine bone China, and well-dressed waiters will tempt you with finger sandwiches, pastries and scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserves.
Choose from a variety of Twining teas – the Queen’s favorite was Earl Grey – and have a cuppa in her majesty’s memory. The tea is bottomless, and the waiters will happily refill your plate as often as you like. It’s all included in the price of your cruise. Just don’t raise your pinky; contrary to popular belief, that’s considered rude.
Cozy up with some hot chocolate at Cafe Carinthia — Photo courtesy of Lois Alter Mark
Filled with couches and comfy chairs, this homey space is great for hanging out with friends or just enjoying a little "me time."
Specialty coffees and teas are the stars of this art deco café and they come with your choice of complimentary pastries. An Illy-trained barista is always ready to make you hot or cold coffee drinks like espressos, cappuccinos and lattes, or you can opt for one of the signature pyramids from Tea Forte. The Tea Over Ice is super refreshing on a hot day and the hot chocolate, served in a personal-sized pot and accompanied by marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate shavings, is a rich delight any time.
Grand Suite Q1 is all about luxury — Photo courtesy of Cunard
For the ultimate in luxury, book a Queens Grill Suite, which is like a well-appointed Fifth Avenue apartment on the sea. It features a separate, wood-paneled living room and marble bathroom as well as tons of amenities including a complimentary bar.
Each suite affords you your own personal butler plus exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace and the Queens Grill restaurant – two intimate spaces with impeccable service.
Try Cunard's exclusive gin at Gin & Fizz — Photo courtesy of Cunard
This stylish midship bar is all about the gin and tonic – and, oh, what fun you’ll have experimenting with the various ways to enjoy it.
Let the expert bartenders help you choose from more than 40 premium gins, including one crafted exclusively for Cunard, as well as a variety of tonics for the perfect pre- or post-dinner cocktail. They’re served in gorgeous Copa de Balon glasses, which you’ll want to raise to toast your good fortune.
Take a dance lesson to move like a pro — Photo courtesy of Cunard
Don’t know a waltz from a fox trot? No worries. Cunard’s popular dance classes will prepare you for the cruise line’s gala evenings, so you don’t embarrass yourself.
Coupled instructors teach everything from ballroom to Latin and line dancing, and lessons are as much fun as they are educational. And if you don't have a partner, Cunard's dance hosts are available to help you show off your new moves.
Steakhouse at the Verandah is a cut above — Photo courtesy of Cunard
Yes, you’ll pay an additional fee to dine at this specialty restaurant but it’s so good, you’re likely to be tempted to go back a second time. And, if you go for lunch, feel free to pride yourself on your smart decision-making because it’s close to half the fee.
Whether you choose the buttery soft wagyu, the three-beef sampler for two or the signature Cunarder burger, you’ll immediately taste the quality. You can even add surf to your turf or indulge in a side like London Pride Beer tempura onion rings. Whatever you do, be sure to try the pull-apart bread, which is so delicious, you could easily fill up on it before you ever get your meal.
Lois Alter Mark is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer who also writes regularly for Forbes and Reader's Digest. She writes about everything from luxury cruises and spas to quirky restaurants and street art. A former New Yorker, Lois now lives in San Diego where she's turned into a weather wimp and is still searching for a good slice of pizza.
Read more about Lois Alter Mark here.
Connect with Lois via: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | LinkedIn
A division of USA TODAY · Copyright © 2022 www.10best.com. · All rights reserved.