Queen Elizabeth Inspection Tour
After completing check-in formalities. we were escorted aboard and our tour began. The tour started on deck two in the Queens room, a magnificent ballroom where artwork reflects the Royal theme of the ship and traditional afternoon tea is served by white gloved waiters. Next was the Golden Lion pub which serves a wide range of beers and wine and gastro style lunches such as steak and kidney pie and fish and chips. Across from the Golden Lion is the small Empire casino area, and further forward, in the bow of the ship we saw the Royal Court Theatre where you can enjoy musical productions and other entertainment in a theatre setting. The theatre spans three levels with private boxes on the upper level which are bookable for a small cover charge.
Moving up to deck three we saw the Royal Arcade with an excellent selection of shops and the splendid 6,000 book library and adjacent book shop. Also in this area are the Midships bar, Champagne bar, card room and internet centre.
Next we were shown a selection of the accommodations on offer.First we saw the fabulous, spacious and luxurious suites in the Queens Grill category with living area, dining area and private verandah and exclusive access to the Queens Grill restaurant, Grills lounge and terrace. The suites in the Princess Grill category are smaller but still superbly appointed with living area and private balcony and access to the Princess Grill restaurant and Grill lounge areas. Britannia Club balcony staterooms have a smaller living area and private balcony and access to the Britannia Club restaurant. The other options of Britannia balcony, oceanview and interior staterooms are similar in size and amenities and have access to the main Britannia restaurant with early or late dining choices.
Then we moved up to deck nine which has the Lido pool area at the rear of the ship with pool bar and grill and the Lido restaurant which provides buffet style dining throughout the day. In the evening is provides three separate dining options with Asado a South American style grill, Jasmine offering Asian cuisine and Aztec providing a Mexican theme. Forward of the Lido Restaurant is conservatory style Garden lounge, the Pavilion pool area and the Royal Spa and fitness centre which has an excellent range of facilities including a hair salon.
Up on deck ten there is the nautical themed Yacht Club with 270 degree views and compass shaped dance floor for dancing the night away. Forward of this is the Club style observation lounge the Commodore Club with luxurious leather arm chairs and a wide choice of Martinis and special cocktails. Also in this area is Churchill’s a small cigar lounge. Midships on this level are indoor and outdoor play zones for children and teenagers.
The beautiful Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants occupy deck eleven. The Queens Grill having the option of dining outdoors in a courtyard when the weather permits. There is also a luxurious Grills lounge offering spectacular views and a large terrace which also occupies space up on deck twelve.
Using lifts and the spectacular grand lobby staircase we travelled down to deck two for the Verandah restaurant an alternative dining option offering French cuisine where a small cover charge applies. Across from the Verandah is the Café Carinthia providing speciality teas, coffees and pastries.
To complete our experience we enjoyed a splendid three course lunch in the main Britannia restaurant which is a two tier dining room with grand staircase and large spectacular art deco chandeliers.
Cunard have sought to combine traditional and contemporary furnishings, fabrics, artwork and artefacts to provide elegance and luxury coupled with an exceptional level of service and a choice of accommodation and dining packages to suit differing preferences and budgets.
For a five star traditional British style cruise experience Queen Elizabeth ticks all the boxes.