Our Tour + Cruise consultants Kristy and Sarah had the opportunity to sail from Cairns to Brisbane on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth.
While the cruise line has a storied reputation, there were aspects of the journey that fell short of expectations, particularly for younger travellers or those seeking a more modern cruise experience.
Dining
The dining options on Queen Elizabeth presented a mixed bag. The buffet catered primarily to an older demographic, with limited variety and somewhat uninspired offerings. We found it to be where most people went for lunches. Unfortunately for breakfast at the Botanic restaurant it was disappointing, with dry, seemingly microwaved food and slow service. Similar at dinner time, the Britannia Restaurant left much to be desired, with subpar ingredients and presentation. However, we must say the steak on the last night was perfect. We opted to attend The Golden Lion pub for lunch one day and got a burger that was basic and lacked flavour. The atmosphere was authentic though, just like sitting in a small UK pub.
However, the Steakhouse stood out as a culinary highlight. It featured expertly cooked steaks with flavorful sauces and a smoked bread that was a real treat. Sarah really enjoyed the high-quality sides like triple-cooked chips and Kristy loved the extensive wine list that featured global selections. In the Steakhouse stood impressive desserts, including a noteworthy peanut butter toffee sundae [far more high end than other offerings around the ship].
Accommodation and Ship Conditions
The suite experience had some drawbacks, being more on the dated side. We stayed in the Category BE – Britannia Balcony Stateroom. We were thrilled to enjoy our own private terrace on the ship, but the deck furniture showed signs of rust and was uncomfortable. Inside the suite, the bedding was plush, however the air conditioning struggled with humidity control. We really loved that the cabin had a lot of wardrobe space which was great.
This paired with the waffle robes and slippers plus a small bar fridge made for a great experience. It’s probably good to note that bottled water was not included and cost $5 USD. It is also very hard to find water stations around the ship.
The ship itself appeared dated, with several concerning leaks observed throughout. The upcoming Queen Anne may offer a more modern experience and potentially attract a younger demographic with it’s diverse dining options.
Staff and Service
Despite Cunard’s reputation for “White Star Service,” the staff often seemed uninviting and service was frequently lacking. The advertised 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio was not apparent in the level of attention received.
Activities and Entertainment
Activities onboard seemed to be targeted for an older demographic but from the general consensus, travellers really loved it. For us, we enjoyed the karaoke nights, largely due to the group dynamics. The Ballroom dancing performances were impressive and great fun too. We found there to be interesting talks by guest speakers, including an ex-Australian cricketer and a true crime discussion- right up our alley! It’s good to note we felt we had limited free time to fully explore the ship’s offerings.
Additional Observations
- Essential Wi-Fi was unreliable and slow
- Pool water quality was questionable
- Spa facilities were limited in size
- Branding seems misleading, with marketing materials featuring a younger demographic not representative of the actual passenger mix
- Many amenities and services incurred additional charges, with pricing in USD
- Toiletries provided were of low quality
- The ship’s capacity of over 2000 passengers felt crowded, especially given the limited pool areas
Summary
In conclusion, while Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth may appeal to a specific demographic, particularly those over 75, it falls short in delivering the high-end experience its marketing suggests. The value proposition is questionable given the numerous extra charges and overall dated feel of the ship. However, for those seeking a traditional cruise experience with highlights like ballroom dancing and formal nights, it still hold appeal.
For more information about all our cruises, take a look at our deals page! Read our other reviews to know all about our experiences.
