I recently had the pleasure of spending a long weekend aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne, and what a wonderful experience it was!
From the moment you step aboard, the ship makes an impression. Queen Anne beautifully combines Cunard’s signature Art Deco-inspired elegance with a more modern feel, creating a ship that feels both timeless and contemporary. There’s plenty of that classic Cunard glamour, but with a fresh, modern twist.
One of the highlights of my stay was the food. There was so much choice, with a fantastic range of dining options to suit every mood and appetite. From the sushi bar to the steak restaurant, Pavilion Grill to afternoon tea, there was always something tempting to try.
However, one of the biggest surprises was The Artisan Foodhall. Forget everything you think you know about a typical cruise ship buffet! This was something quite different.
The crew were on hand to serve you, and much of the food was prepared fresh in front of you. From stir-fries and noodles to fresh salads and baguettes, there was a real emphasis on freshly prepared food rather than simply having trays of dishes sitting under hot lamps.
It made the whole experience feel much more personal, and the variety meant there was always something new to discover.
The crew deserve a special mention, too. Throughout the ship, the service was attentive, friendly and welcoming. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble, and those little touches really helped make the weekend feel special.
Our balcony cabin was modern, stylish and comfortable, with a real sense of understated luxury. It was the perfect space to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring the ship, and the balcony was a lovely bonus, giving us our own little spot to enjoy the sea views and watch the world go by.
The cabin felt thoughtfully designed, combining contemporary styling with all the comforts you would want for a relaxing cruise. But for me, it was the little details that really made the difference.
The bathroom was honestly one of the nicest I've experienced on a cruise ship. It was modern, spacious and beautifully finished, with a proper shower and, best of all, no shower curtain in sight! It's amazing how much of a difference a well-designed bathroom can make to your overall cabin experience.
And then there were the dressing gowns! So soft and cosy that I genuinely found myself considering whether I could sneak one home in my suitcase. I resisted, of course… but only just! They were the sort of little luxury that made you want to get back to your cabin, put your feet up and relax.
The Pavilion Pool on Deck 9 was another favourite place onboard.
The whole area looked gorgeous, and the distinctive chequered floor gave the space a stylish, elevated feel. It had a real sense of occasion about it, making it somewhere I could happily have spent the entire day.
Whether you fancy relaxing by the pool, enjoying the atmosphere, enjoying a game of table tennis or simply finding a sunny spot to unwind, this area is definitely worth spending some time in.
If you like to keep active while on holiday, or simply fancy a little pampering, Queen Anne has some wonderful facilities to enjoy.
The gym was impressive, with plenty of modern, high-tech equipment to keep you moving, even on those sea days when you're spending more time onboard. Whether you want to fit in a full workout or just squeeze in a little exercise before heading off to enjoy the rest of the ship, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
The spa, meanwhile, had that luxurious, calming atmosphere you'd hope for, making it the perfect place to escape and indulge in a little relaxation. There were two different types of saunas, including a Himalayan salt sauna, offering something a little different from your usual spa experience.
For those looking to take their relaxation up a notch, there are also several packages available at an additional cost, giving you access to the thermal suites. It's a lovely option if you fancy dedicating some time to switching off and treating yourself during your cruise.
One detail I particularly liked was the convenience of the steam rooms, which are connected to the changing-room facilities. This means you can enjoy a steam after a workout or freshen up after a day exploring ashore, without needing to purchase one of the additional thermal suite packages.
I thought this was a great touch, as it gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the spa facilities as part of your normal onboard routine, without necessarily having to pay extra.
Whether you're someone who enjoys keeping up with your fitness routine at sea or prefers a little wellness and relaxation, Queen Anne offers a lovely balance of both. It's another example of how the ship caters to different tastes, giving you the choice to be as active or as indulgent as you like during your time onboard.
If I’m honest, the evening entertainment was not quite what I had expected from Cunard, and I mean that in the best possible way!
One of the highlights was the silent disco. It had everyone singing and dancing, and the fun continued well past midnight. With three different music channels to choose from, there was something for everyone: the hits of the 1950s and 1960s, the classics of the 1980s, and current music.
Watching everyone get involved, singing along and dancing away, was such good fun. It was a brilliant reminder that a Cunard cruise isn't just about elegant surroundings and refined dining; there's plenty of opportunity to let your hair down, too.
Another standout experience was an evening at the Bright Lights Society, where we enjoyed the immersive entertainment experience, Fizz.
I won't say too much because I really don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone planning to sail on Queen Anne. What I will say is that it was incredible!
It's one of those experiences that's best enjoyed without knowing too much beforehand, so if you're travelling aboard Queen Anne, I would absolutely recommend making time for it.
Trust me, it's a must-do!
Final Thoughts: Would I Sail on Queen Anne Again?
My long weekend aboard Queen Anne was a wonderful mix of modern luxury, excellent food, attentive service and entertainment that genuinely surprised me.
I loved the way the ship brought together Cunard's traditional elegance with contemporary touches, from the stylish balcony cabins and gorgeous pool area to the fantastic dining options and lively evenings.
What stood out most was the variety. You could spend your day relaxing in beautiful surroundings, enjoy freshly prepared food, and then find yourself singing and dancing well into the night.
Queen Anne offered much more than I had expected, and it was lovely to discover a slightly different side to the Cunard experience.
If you're considering a sailing on Queen Anne, I'd certainly recommend giving her a try. Just make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the food, explore the ship and experience the evening entertainment for yourself!
Dreaming of your own luxury Cunard cruise? Speak to Jessica at Miles Morgan Travel Gloucester, who will be delighted to help you plan your next unforgettable voyage with Cunard. Call her on 01452 345 623 or email gloucester@milesmorgantravel.co.uk
