7 Nights on Queen Anne - Is she ‘Cunard’ enough? Full experience review of Cunard Queen Anne. 

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At long last, it's great to finally get a full, and fully thorough review and tour of the Queen Anne. I do love how Cunard takes a typical cruise ship design and changes it up just enough to feel unique and distinctly Cunard. Like keeping a wrap-around promenade!? Yes! Victory. The awkward deck arrangements is a frustrating problem that has plagued quite a few modern cruise ships. It was so annoying on Discovery Princess as well. One thing I was spoiled by on the Discovery, though, was the Enclave. No bath in my own abode has ever been the same since. And it looks like the Queen Anne has something similar. I remember how crushed I was to have missed a day. I, too, wanted to get my money's worth...and the incredible experience overall. The interiors do look really beautiful, but if you told me this was a HAL or even a Celebrity ship, I would believe you. With a few major exceptions (like the pool and the staterooms and certain unique design elements). Even as far back as 1914! In the Shipbuilder (from 1914) for the Aquitania, I was shocked to read (in the most 1914 British tone possible) that the ship was going more for an old-school classic design reminiscent of interior design from even 100 years prior. Whaaa? Dang! So Cunard has ALWAYS been bringing-the-past-to-life minded. And I watch your video and write this out all while drinking coffee from an original 2003 tea cup from the QE2. Just......thought I'd throw that out there. Thought I'd IMMERSE myself in the beautiful 4K'd experience. This channel does HD right!

Thanks for a great review. We'll be on QM2 in less than a week. Looking to book QA for a British Isles cruise in 2026. Annetastic!

Great overview! Nice to see my little cameo there on the stage 😊

Great review thank you so much. Certainly the best I have seen. I do wonder if she will become a bit of a marmite ship for some Cunarders, but then again QE2 was nothing like previous Cunard Ships. She is certainly a beautiful ship and I’m looking forward to my cruise on her in August.

I'm Platinum on Cunard so have been on a few cruises and it is my favourite Cruiseline with Queen Victoria being my favourite ship. On QM2 in December we had hot and cold canapés with cocktails in the Commodore Club every evening and we had the regular Captain's cocktail party and the additional Officer's Cocktail party both held in the Queens Room , they were extremely generous with drinks. I also had the complimentary wine tasting. I really hope these features are continued on Queen Anne when we board August. From what I've seen so far I'm a little underwhelmed but I'm sure that will change when I board. Personally I think an $11 upcharge for a burger in the Golden Lion is outrageous, even if Michel Roux cooked it himself.🤣 As always a quality video and good to get your views.

Great video guys 🥂

Annetastic 😂❤ We are particularly excited to hear about additional food options in the Golden Lion pub, better packages, and no shower curtains. Yay! I'm looking forward to seeing your dining guide. Great overview. Thank you 😊

8.33 AEST Absolutely loved your videos, my mother was looking at travelling from Perth Australia to go on the Queen Anne. ANNETASTIC 🙂💕

The narrow outside promenade deck on Queen Anne is a real downer. As many of you know, on the other Cunard ships with its steamer chairs the promenade is a wide relaxing haven with unmatched sea views augmented by the sound of the ship's wake as it moves along. I'd love to know Cunard's thinking in basically discouraging it's use - except for walkers and joggers. At first I thought the lower positioning of the lifeboats allowed Cunard to avoid having to sell 'obstructed view' cabins, but, no, those are still there. So, I don't get the benefit from this change except to force people to use decks where drinks, etc. can be sold.

Lovely to see you having Tea with the Cruise Buoys! Lovely chappies. I agree with you on that Queen Room.😢

Was not sure at first about the presentation style but must admit a few mins in really warmed to you both. Many thanks for what you do, subscribed.

Thanks for the in depth review. Such a beautiful ship ❤ and the food looks great too.

A great insight into what looks a lovely new ship. Not so “Art Deco” as her sister ships which perhaps have a greater sense of “Grandeur” 🤔. Another one on the list to try sometime though! 🙏 COYY

Really good review, it looks lovely. The outside spaces look great. Thanks to you both. Ps ANNETASTIC. 😉❤️😂

Great video ... thanks for posting! A note about the word "homely" ... many Americans have a completely different conception of the word, as being unattractive in appearance. I know the British meaning is different, but just thought I'd let you know.

Thank you. Lovely ship!

I'm yet to go on the Queen Anne but watching the video I feel like they haven't made it distinguished enough. It just looks too similar to the Iona or Arvia by P&O. What I love about walking onto the old Cunard ships is that they instantly feel so different to other cruise lines and aesthetically they are different.

I saw this is an ANNETASTIC video and I love this video!!!!

I really like the murder mystery and live play entertainment options! I would definitely cruise on Cunard for these.

Annetastic! Wonderful! x

Is this the right place to enter your "Annetastic" contest? Came here after your livestream with Peter Bembridge today!!!

I loved this video!! Thank you!! Anntastic!! 😊

Queens grill suite over Christmas and New Year ,can't wait 😃

We are on the Queen Ann in about 17 days !! Joyce and Mick

Great video and overview of the new Queen! Just an aside, I'm always amused when Brits use the word "homely." I know you use it meaning "cozy" or "friendly" or "feels like home." But, in the US we use the word "homely" in the same way you would use the word "frumpy" or generally "unattractive." When we speak of something "cozy and warm" we use "homey." So, when it took me a second to realize you were complimenting, not degrading Cunard's smaller sister ships (lol). Always enjoy your content. Thanks for the video.

Excellent Review, we have just returned from Queen Mary 2 . What have they done to the Queens room? Shocking !

You guys are fantastic. Just bumped into this video on my home screen. What a great time that was. I'm a new fan.

As always, another fantastic video Richard & Helen. The chequered flooring in the pool area looks very special, and I love the sound of shaded sunbathing area at the top of the ship which is great for those of us who don’t want to fry themselves. It’s one of the things I miss about the older ships; plenty of room for proper sun loungers on the wraparound promenade desk. I’m really looking forward to your food video as well. Nobody does food reviews like you. 😊 ⭐️ Annetastic! ⭐️

Got 34 cruises under my belt- NCL, Royal Caribbean & MSC in Yacht Club . I have been on the Queen Mary 2 (2006 for my honeymoon to NYC) and we we're in bed by 10pm, because there was nobody up! So Queen Anne looks better.. We have also done Queen Elizabeth (2011 Netherlands) I think I might return to Cunard now it has updated! I'm considering booking Queen Anne for my 50th in 2026🎉❤ ! This was a Lovely video, thankyou. Filmed beautifully, yet ALSO well articulated..(unlike some other vloggers!)😮😉🤗.

Annetastic, your review of the new Cunard ship🎉 And the QA ist Annetastic😅

Great review..nice to see the entertainment options have widened and become more interesting. The ship is stunning if quite different from her older sisters. Sad to have to agree that the Queen's room does not seem as large and grand as on the other Queens, but functionality is still there I guess. Looking forward to our time on board her in the future!

Great review. We're currently on her second voyage (two weeks) and a couple of the things you said you didn't like don't seem to apply to us. First of all, there are still the traditional two dinner sittings at set times at set tables. We're on first sitting which has been moved from 6.30pm to the ludicrously-early time of 5.30pm. Second sitting is at the usual 8.30pm. Also, you mentioned the deck area reserved for Grills passengers which meant you couldn't get from one end of the ship to the other without having to go up and down decks. We have been able just to walk through the so-called Grills area without any problem, and most times there is hardly anyone from Grills there anyway. We do think, however, that the ship is more of a cross between Cunard and Celebrity, rather than a traditional Cunarder. As we love both cruise lines, then it suits us fine. We have had no issues at all on this cruise; entertainment, service and food have all been excellent.

Love your comments about dancing in the Queen's Room. We are one of those half a dozen couples who take over the dance floor (sorry). The large dance floors and every evening dancing is one of the things which attracts us to Cunard, but disappointed that they seem to have shrunk the dance floor on Queen Anne. I think we'll stick to QM2.

Very professional video,however it was like watching the Richard & Judy show on board on the Queen Anne including breaks for adverts. Still, lots of information and advice. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing, shared. Five Star Review... I. Said.

great video gang. Man, I HATE the shower curtain !! -Like a Father Ted caravan! Im gonna choose Anne over the others now ..FOR that alone!

Annetastic 🎉 Thanks for a great and informative review. We’re really excited for our July voyage now as first-time Cunarders. The info on the wellness cafe, soft drinks package, and entertainment were really helpful. Bring on the dining guide

We have just come off the QM2, we ate in the Kings Court in the evenings, even though we had a Britannia Dinning Room table booked for our voyage from New York to Southampton, 5th May to 12th May. We did eat in the Britannia on our first night, waited a long time, little food and cold and cramped seating for two.The Kings Court was our favourite, great food, hot and an excellent choice, and help yourself. The Chart Room was a favourite area for an evening drink, live music and great service. Weather wasn’t good so inside except brilliant brisk walks around the promenade deck. We also enjoyed the gym. Great staff even though as an ex seafarer of 36 years, the staff did 9 months on,and no paid leave when back in the Philippines, poor conditions for them. Great ship will be back on it in possibly 2026

Hello Rich and Helen. I have a rather specific question (which you may now know the answer to, but I'll give it a go) - Do the cabins on Anne have adjustable fan noise? Im currently on QM2, in a (restricted view) balcony cabin, and it's torture trying to sleep at night (Very very loud) - 3 nights in, and little sleep, which is causing me some issues. It's enough to put me off going on a ship again, so I wondered if any Cunard cabins are different. Id love it if they can switch it off and I just use the balcony door propped open for fresh air.

Apparently there's nothing stopping you walking through the Grills deck area, apart from being British and obeying rules! (Luckily we are going PG in 4 weeks time) Great review by the way

One of the best presentations on the Anne maiden voyage we’ve seen so far. Well done.

Wonderful Review. Thank you so much. When I saw the first (rendered) pictures of "Queen Anne" I was a litlle bit sceptical about her "aesthetics" (or the "large forehead" as you put it) ... but she seems to have evolved as a beautiful lady. I've always been a fan of the Cunard Queens, especially since my first "Transatlantic" from Hamburg to New York on the Queen Mary ... and Queen Anne makes me curious to come back. My favorite Queens Room is the one on the Queen Victoria, by the way ...

Great video once again guys. Keep cruising 🚢🚢🚢👍👍

Amusing and informative as always. If Anne has the same service we had on the other three Cunard Queens then we’re open to the new additions and experiences. Annetastic.

That looks like a Beautiful Ship.

Thank you so much for your detailed review , so worth watching.

Great review,we are sailing on Queen Anne in September, very much looking forward to it. Thank you.

Another great, in-depth review! Thanks guys.

this is by far the best review that fact you have been on 15 voyages i trust you more. i am joining Queen Anne in july and looking forward to it. i have been on Queen Elizabeth in 2021 wow what a trip i will never forget

I really like this format!

Great watch, thank you. Annetastic 😀

Loved this, it was like popping into your lounge for informal chat, loved it. Highlights more packages than Amazon van in traffic🤣 bearly any left and for that price I was not going to sleep, taking in a case of red bull 🤣 💯 agree on price of spa, nice but no wows. Agree on early closing of the bars. Call me a rebal but we always walked through at pace the grills terrace as gate is not locked, but yes is a flaw in the design. Afternoon tea on Cunard is simply the best! It was lovely to meet you both and look forward to the next time…

Excellent video, really helpful and looking forward to our cruise on Queen Anne in October.

Helen & Rich: so glad to have met you both in the Theater on the Maiden. I have subscribed to your channel now via my husband. From Rhonda, USA

Ooh just going to watch the rest of this on my TV! ANNETASTIC ❤

Highly enjoyable review Rich & Helen. The first laugh out out was your reference to a line launching a new ship every few months....(Viking!). TBH when I first saw photos of the finished interiors I wasn't impressed but your video makes me see Queen Anne in a different light. The only things I don't care for are the promenade deck not being open to sea views & wide enough for steamer chairs & the atrocious Queens Room! Cunard lost that opportunity not making the space larger & opulent. What limited seating there is looks down market & uncomfortable. Otherwise love the look of Commodore Club & the Chart room(two favorite rooms aboard Queen Mary 2). Props to Cunard for still having libraries. The much improved Golden Lion Pub will be absolutely delightful.

I’m excited to see for myself Lord willing, but I must say, from all the footage I’ve seen of the queens room, to me it seems as though they could add at least 10-15% more seating options than there currently are. There are large stretches of floor space totally bare which don’t appear to be walkways. As for grandeur, I do think a refit could address this quite effectively. Additional recess lighting, perhaps replacing the large orbs with cascading chandeliers, and a switch of furniture to something more similar to what they’ve gone with in the commodore club would go a long way. Frankly another spot that bewilders me is the cigar lounge. No matter the age bracket, anyone who looks forward to a cigar lounge would certainly not be expecting to find such modern and bare furniture as what they’ve gone with. Very strange. Warm hues and leather furniture can still look modern enough for the ship, perhaps they’ll make the switch if the room isn’t used frequently enough. Lovely video! 33:32

We were on the Maiden Voyage (and we are fellow Norfolkians 😉) too, and my summary of the Voyage is The Good, The Bad & The UGLY! Like yourselves, we enjoyed the alternative dining especially Tramonto as something completely new and still reasonably priced. We felt that Sir Samuel’s, whilst very good, lacked the refinement of The Veranda and I couldn’t see any justification for the 45% price increase compared to dining in the latter. The venue for Aranya was a marked improvement but we felt the menu was disappointing (and significantly more expensive) than Coriander- prepare to come away hungry if you make the mistake of ordering the spatchcock poussin. I loved the aft pool, great if you actually want to swim, both the theatre and the quality of the entertainment was significant improvement compared to recent Cunard offerings. The Queen’s Room is a massive disappointment, more akin to an airport departure lounge in ambience, the dance floor is too small and the seating is inadequate. We really missed the afternoon classical concert programme. “Freedom Dining” has been on all the Queens for well over 18 months, so this alone is not the reason for the appalling service in Britannia. We only ate there 3 times in the evening but also most mornings for breakfast, incredibly slow, lacking in the Cunard touches and our food was at best lukewarm, and often stone cold. The one day we ordered room service breakfast (in Lisbon, as we had an early excursion departure), it never arrived. I’m surprised you didn’t mention the mile long queues in the Purser’s Office, which is where I had to go to book our Britannia evening times as the App was not working for me🙄. I had a week pass to the Thermal Spa, which is a beautiful area, but they need more loungers than just the heated ones, those fill quickly and people do not budge off them as there is no where else to lie and read when in that area. We are back on QA in August but will be in Grills next time, so I am hoping things will have improved significantly since then. The Maiden was an Experience and I’m glad I did it, but when I went on board I thought I’d be completely won over by Queen Anne compared to her older sisters, but I am now glad that I am also back on Queen Mary straight after our next Queen Anne cruise. BTW, I did see you on board, but didn’t say hello this time as it was a bit Vlogger heavy, tbh! Not Fantastic but not a Flop either.

Tbh I am surprised given the price point of this line that there were any charges in places like the pub for any meal. A charge for a burger?? Ice cream at the pool? Seems a bit disappointing.

Great video! We are on QA for Christmas/New year trip with our senior parents.. we have been on Mary and Elizabeth and we loved Elizabeth as it felt intimate. I hope we go on QA with an open mind and enjoy it. Yes I agree the canapés were so special and sad to learn that they have gone during pre dinner drinks in the chart room and commodore club .. so many Cunard details have slowly been disappearing. Anyway I just want to say ANNETASTIC 😁👍🏻

Where you on the deck when the ship arrived in Lisbon? I flew my drone and photographed Queen Anne on arrival

A great critique. As always, well put together. - after over 30 cruises on Cunard, I'm not too convinced Queen Anne is for me - but being frank, perhaps Cunard no longer wants to retain their established guests. Much prefering to attract "new" holiday makers; rather than existing cruisers - similar to the attitude of P&O = thanks for the vlogs

Great video. Hubby noticed Captain Hudson taking tea with you.

Why do they put dirty cushions up against clean pillows ?

Some are saying the cabins are a fair bit smaller than on the other 3 Cunard Queens - the square footage is apparently less

I'm unclear why you'd say that Queen Anne is Cunard's largest ship. The QM2 is longer, wider and substantially heavier than Queen Anne. Yes, the newer ship can carry more passengers than QM2, but in a smaller space.

A very good review. As a cunarder I have a lot of concerns snout the new ship, especially as I've booked 2 cruises this year. Let's hope all well that ends well

So How does the gym rate in stars in Rich's guide to Gyms at Sea?

An excellent review but didn't give the main buffet area enough cover

The outdoor bars closing 6pm- hopefully Cunard will take everyones feedback onboard!❤

Hi guys its the avid Canadian cruiser once again here, great video on the Queen Anne, alas, that is a lot bigger than what i like for ocean cruising. I prefer smaller ships such as the Encore or the Ovation or even smaller river ships in Europe, Debating where to next for my 60 in September, have you tried the MSC Explora I yet? Have a great day you two and thanks for posting these wonderful videos

This is an annetastic review. The latest Cunarder will prove to be well liked even loved just as QE2 did then.

Must be difficult with such a high profile family to come in and try to meld new with old. Keeping some traditions but incorporating a modern twist to attract a more varied clientele. Overall Annetastic.

Looks nice ship , I’ve sailed on Victoria and booked a trans Atlantic trip on Queen Mary next year. Great review many thanks.

I was on the maiden voyage (I didn't see you guys). I have to agree that the first few days of service were a mess, but it sorted itself out. Overall, I think it's a good ship, and with a few tweaks, it'll become a favourite. I heard a rumour that 60% of the guests were diamond members.

Well I learnt a lot about the ship I didn’t find out when I was on her (same time as you) - you really have provided an in depth review. It was only my 2nd time on Cunard so - perhaps beneficially? - my experience wasn’t one of comparing to the other queens but more of ‘is this a ship I like?’ And it was a resounding YES. Cunard has to appeal to new audiences as the “Cunarders” literally are a dying breed and this fabulous entertainment and innovative areas, coupled with good selection of dining options and bars I think will do this.

She’s a beaaaauty I think she looks so cool 😎 🎉

When you are in the grills you do get the same seats and waiters which is great

Love your video. And you are right, the Queens Room isn't very perfect in any way. As ballroom dancer we miss a better floor but even with this smaller floor and shape we could bare, but the music was just so undancable. Really sad. Hopefully they improve with music choice as than ballroom dancers may be able to dance between the shows. And for you both, go on the floor and enjoy dancing, it doesn't has to be perfect as long as you enjoy your movements. I find it much nicer to dance on a floor where also "beginners" dare to come on the floor. But for sure we also enjoy when someone is watching us ;-)

Great video! It looks like a great ship; one I'd like to go on someday. Is the fabled Cunard formality still in evidence.? All lines are nickel and diming (Pence and Shilling?)after the covid pandemic. BTW, I grew up in Manchester, Ma. on Cape Ann, named after Queen Anne in the 1600's

You mostly compared QA to QE/QV, but not QM2. QM2 is much closer to QA in size and # of passengers than the smaller ships. Was there a reason not to do more comparisons to QM2? They would be very interesting to hear. In any event, it was nice to hear that you would book QA again. It must be ANNE-TASTIC!

Annetastic

Thanks for your honest review. Our favourite ship is Queen Elizabeth. We booked a trip on QA when she comes to Australia, but after seeing the interiors, we cancelled. It's far too modern for us and looks just like MSC or any other cruise line. The Art Deco decor of QV and QE was what made them very special I feel. I've seen a lot of comments saying the same thing. For anyone planning a trip on QA, your comment about the placement of the Grills terrace would be very helpful.

Thank you for presenting such an encouraging, refreshing and informative review of your Queen Anne experiences 👏👍. It's our turn to experience Queen Anne next Friday 7th June, your review has greatly stimulated our anticipation. 🌍🚢

The headline cruise fare is attractive but the drinks package always puts us off. And ultimately we like small ships c. 500 passengers so it’s a no from us

Hi Rich and Helen. Queen Anne gets different reviews, depending on the duo making the video, and the "Cunard" experienced cruiser, versus a mass market cruise "reviewer." Ben and David compared QA to a Disney ship. And you mentioned QA in comparison to Celebrity and Virgin Voyages. I'm still waiting on a few more reviewers to chime in. The whole Bru Ha Ha between the modernists and the traditionalists has been something I was waiting to see if it was warranted. Like you said, a "Maiden Voyage" is always at the mercy of flubs, issues, and working out the glitches in real time "With" passengers. I think the Queens Room is a deal breaker, yes?? They probably should have scrapped the second level and raised the ceiling, and made her stage and dance floor much larger. I enjoyed your review, actually I was looking forward to hearing what you had to say about QA.

A fascinating video. Very informative and well put together. I have to say though a cruise is my idea of a holiday from hell. Personally I prefer a relaxing break in my caravan. Thank you for sharing though.

For sure, she is "ANNETASTIC"

Churchill cigar lounge? A tradition on Cunard….

Out of interest - were you onboard as fee paying Guests = or subbed/complimentary of Cunard?

Other reviews say that there is fixed dining on one level and any time on the other

Great video. Your interaction is really cute. However, I think your headline on the video (What we LOVED and LOATHED) to be misleading. After seeing the entire video, there really wasn't anything you truly loathed. I was glad to see that, especially after being concerned about the video's headline.

Anne-fantastic

Just took my long awaited - long dreamed of first trans-Atlantic on QM2. May 23-30, 2024. The worst cruise of my life. No heat in my room. Given a blanket. Worst food. Low English comprehension among most staff. Staff overworked and very undertrained. Forget answering the question. The couldn't understand the basic question, "What is in this dish?". In the King's Court very often ingredients were left off labeling, only to be found in the mouth later. Outside the ship in the right rear it smelled like a urinal for the entire seven days. First night, ninety minute wait for a slice of chicken terrine. That's it. Left to get room service. I would suggest people look at Holland America Rotterdam. Cunard is trading on history. All these complaints added up to exactly no response. To be fair my room steward Nancy was excellent and the lectures were outstanding. Although the planetarium never worked.

The best way to know where you are and it works on 99% of ships. Look at two cabin doors next to each other, the lower number is towards the front, even numbers are on the port side while odd are on the starboard side. Sadly the first number or two numbers referred to the deck number, this no longer works on all ships.

I was not trying to hurt your feelings, Over all the shows were wonderful.

Favourite Queens room is on QM2...

shame it doesn't have a proper promenade

ANNETASTIC