It’s always a bonus when two worlds figuratively collide, isn’t it? Mummy Bird had always had a hankering to go on a cruise ship (Daddy Bird would rather have stuck hot pins in his eyes), and His Nibs and I have longed to see the Norwegian Fjords; perfect, then, that Cunard do a cruise on the Queen Anne ship to this very place! Quicker than you could holler ‘Michel Roux’ (whose menu was on-board, as was the man himself), we had booked the three of us on a week’s escapade with our lovely travel counsellor, Sally-Ann Lee at The Personal Travel Agents.
Fledge and The Beau loaded their cars up with our luggage, Mummy Bird’s wheelchair and stroller, and our bodies, and kindly took us to our pick-up point, Trowell Services. I have to say, the rendezvous went off without a hitch, and our driver, Jodie, transported us safely to the cruise terminal at Southampton. Due to Mummy’s limitations (and me thinking that we’d have to walk up an [at least!] 25% gradient to board the ship), we requested mobility assistance at check-in, and the Cunard team and border security couldn’t have been any better. Friendly and polite, but doing their job first-and-foremost, they soon got our bags scanned and bodies searched; then we were on our way through the very gentle gradient of the walk-way to board the Queen Anne.
At our muster point (where we’d been directed to go at check-in), we were having our passes scanned and being given directions to our staterooms. Upon arriving, our steward, Rafael, greeted us and took us through everything we needed to know initially, saying that our luggage would be arriving shortly and that he would go through things in more depth later – which he did, bless him. We were very happy to find that our rooms had an interconnecting door, which made helping Mummy so much easier.
After unpacking, and that all-important first brew, we freshened up and headed down for an early dinner: it had been a long day, and we were starving! The menu was incredible, and I’m pleased to report that every morsel tasted just as good. Mummy and I had the Brown Crab Panna Cotta to start, His Nibs the 3-Game Terrine; for mains we had the Pork Medallions, Salmon Fillet, and Poussin, and puddings consisted of Cherry Clafoutis x2 and Chocolate Delice. Petit Fours were Crystallised Ginger, Raspberry Meringue swirls, and Shortbread cubes. My beady eye spotted the Lobster (available at extra cost), so I am praying that that will be on the menu another evening!
We ended our evening with a couple of cheeky cocktails and then hit the hay for some much-needed Zzzz’s on what proved to be a sublimely comfy bed. I absolutely cannot stand being overly warm in bed, nothing keeps me awake more than a stuffy room; you can imagine, then, how happy I was to have air-con that actually does its job. I did wake in the early hours: at some point the air-con seemed to have switched off and it got too hot, but The Man soon switched it back on and harmony was restored...then our next adventure was going down for breakfast.
As well as seated, served restaurants, there are buffet-style venues such as the Artisans’ Foodhall, where some dishes are self-serve and others are served by chefs, but we went back to where we’d eaten the previous evening: The Britannia restaurant. Figuring that we would be eating heartily at Gala Evening, we opted for a single course at breakfast: Full Plates for Mummy and The Man (he added Corned Beef Hash and Sauteed Potatoes to his order), and Scrambled Eggs with Salmon and Chives for me. All of us also had toast and Marmalade on the side and, as with dinner the night before, all the food was delicious.
Having filled our tummies, we headed to the Mareel Spa to book treatments and then explored the ship in more detail. There’s certainly no shortage of activities on board; as well as the spa, there’s an outdoor pool, pickleball courts, quoits, kids clubs for younger members, and a swanky gym (with classes such as Pilates at an additional cost) for burning off those calories! We took advantage of the good weather and found some seats at the front of the ship to take in the calm seas and enjoy a hot drink. For lunch, we did go to the Artisans’ Foodhall, filling our bellies with tasty salads, cheese and meats, Salmon Bagels, and a Chicken Curry (complete with Mango Chutney and Poppadoms!). At this rate, I’m going to pop!!
Right, for your ease of reading (and possibly due to a bit of holiday laziness, ahem), I am going to give you a [very] abridged version of dining onboard the Cunard Queen Anne: every.single.morsel.has.been.outstanding – whatever the time of day!! We have especially enjoyed the Smorrebrod (open-faced Sandwiches, inspired by Denmark) in the Carinthia Lounge at lunch, and I had the Lobster and Steak combo for dinner one evening. Mummy was pleased with the dinner choices, even on Gala Nights. These nights are really just a chance to get on all your finery and for the chaps to channel their inner Bond and wear ‘Dickies (bow ties) and DJs’. In case you were curious, His Nibs scrubs up blooming well!
Of course, I couldn’t write a review without mentioning the iconic Afternoon Tea that Cunard is renowned for; if you only do one thing on-board, this has to be it! British Afternoon Tea is given the full-on glam treatment on the Queen Anne, each table being set with pristine white, draped cloths, bone-china teacups and saucers, and polished cutlery. Firstly, the event begins with ‘the parade’, where each member of the liveried serving team lines up and then proceeds to walk around the ballroom floor to applause before beginning to serve teas, coffee and those delicious finger sandwiches, filled mini rolls, Scones with Jam and Cream, and an assortment of tempting Sweets. Served daily between 3–4pm on our voyage, the menu changes slightly every day, but you are guaranteed a delightful gourmand journey whatever day you attend.
If I had any criticisms, there would be two things: given that the typical demographic is post-retirement age, the free-standing chairs in the lounges could do with being another 6” higher; and those lifts: I swear they play games with how long they can make you wait! Other than the ridiculously wide-ranging selection of things to eat, the one thing that absolutely makes a Cunard cruise is the staff; describing them as angels simply doesn’t do them justice. We have felt like royalty for the week, and it’s all down to their tireless dedication. Given that none of our group have cruised before (and the mobility limitations of Mummy), The Man and I were initially a bit reticent in leaving Mummy Bird ‘on her tod’. However, we were assured that the utmost care would be taken if she were to be left, so we ventured back into port towns in the afternoons, and Mummy was indeed attended to whenever she needed. Again, huge thanks to the team for this – you made her week wonderfully memorable.
Our rooms were furnished with everything we could have needed, and Mummy’s ‘accessible room’ had ample space for her to navigate it with her stroller, so she could be independent. The shower had a seat in it which allowed thorough bathing, and the toiletries were regularly restocked (God forbid should you see an emptying bottle, Rafael would throw himself overboard before that happened to any of ‘his’ guests!). Fluffy bathrobes and embroidered slippers got put to good use by us all and, when the time came for us to retire to our quarters, Rafael had turned the beds down and placed chocolates out because everyone needs a bedtime choccie, no? As with the toiletries, our hostess trays were kept fully laden, with every sort of tea and coffee (and biscuits) you could possibly wish for at your fingertips.
As well as fine dining and supping (sommelier Jephur will ensure you have a great drinking experience), there is an excellent range of on-board entertainment too; some are at additional cost, some are complimentary. His Nibs and I wandered off one evening to watch ‘Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)’, the Olivier Award-winning show that enjoyed success in London’s West End – even if theatre isn’t your usual bag, you HAVE to go and see this, it’s fantastic! Several times, we relaxed and sipped cocktails whilst listening to ‘Wave Duo’ whilst watching couples strut their ballroom stuff. Referencing ballroom dancing has jogged my memory to remind you that, when you’re all dolled-up in your finery, do allow the on-board photography team to capture the moment for you so that you can relive it forever, visually.
If quizzing floats your boat (no pun intended and, yes, I know QA is a ship!) then head over to the Golden Lion ‘pub’ this venue is where you can get your toes tapping to livelier music, too. Those of you who like a flutter, head over to the Casino; art buffs, check out the fine art gallery, and jewellery and watch fiends, head to the shops! His Nibs went down to the Mareel Spa for a massage, followed by Momma, who fancied a manicure. Water-babies of all ages can take a dip in the [aforementioned] pool, and there are hot-tubs to relax in as well. A range of deck games are there for you to enjoy, and golf nets help you keep your par level up if you play.
There is a perception that Cunard Cruising is only for the elite and that you won’t fit in – nothing could be further from reality. Granted, you can have accommodation that is reserved for the ‘Grills’ restaurants (or indulge in Omakase), but equally, there are restaurants that don’t require you to don formal wear, such as the Golden Lion and the Artisans’ Foodhall. We met a charming young couple with their adorable toddler son, and they had been a bit hesitant to dine in the Britannia restaurant for fear that too much disturbance would be caused. I thought that that was a sad reflection on British attitudes towards young diners, and certainly one that Cunard don’t align themselves with; high chairs are provided for smaller travellers, as well as a menu that appeals to this age. Their fears turned out to be unjustified, too, as their son was a total delight; in fact, all the children on board that we saw were fantastic. Hooray/Hurrah to all the parents and grandparents.
Our final day was another ‘sea day’ so we found a comfy spot and settled down to do ‘ordinary’ things: Mummy did her crossword puzzles, The Man edited the thousands of photos he’d snapped, and I flitted between reading my book and this, blogging. All the while, the ship’s company made sure that everyone had exactly what they wanted...as they had done all week! Alongside Rafael and Jephur, special mentions have to go to Lino, Lisandro, and ‘Little Miss Enjoy’ aka Euthymia (who kindly cut Mummy’s food up as she now struggles with this), and Rochal (a legend in the Chart Room and Carinthia Lounge). There are, of course others that I will no doubt have failed to mention, but they know who they are and what a difference they made to our family.
I know I shouldn’t wish time away, and really I’m not, but we’re already planning our next Cunard Cruise. Usually awarded to food venues and/or producers, Hot Wings are happily given to the Queen Anne.
