This guide covers what Queen Victoria cruise ship feels like to sail on in practice, from the Grills and the dining rooms to the ballroom, deck plans, and the type of cruiser who will love her versus those who won’t.
Queen Victoria cruise ship is often cited as one of the most beautiful cruise ships in the world, and if you value traditional ocean-liner elegance over flashy theatrics, that reputation holds. She sits between Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic grandeur and Queen Elizabeth’s more relaxed pace, offering a mid-sized Cunard experience that leans heavily into formal nights, refined dining, and public rooms designed for lingering rather than rushing. If you want a ship that feels like a floating country house rather than a theme park, Queen Victoria delivers. If you’re after cutting-edge dining concepts, immersive tech, or a high-energy party vibe, you’ll find her a bit staid.
I sailed Queen Victoria twice, once on a Mediterranean run and once on a longer Atlantic crossing. Both times, the ship felt consistent: polished, dignified, and unapologetically traditional. The interiors lean art deco with plenty of teak, navy, and brass. The Grills suites and restaurants are where Cunard shows its best side. The ballroom, the Queens Room, is genuinely lovely. But the ship also shows her age in spots, and service can swing from impeccable to patchy depending on the sailing and crew rotation. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Ship Overview and Deck Plans
- Queen Victoria carries just over 2,000 passengers at full capacity, which makes her smaller than most modern mega-ships but large enough that you’ll notice crowds at embarkation, in the buffet at peak times, and around the main pool on sea days. She has 12 passenger decks, with the Grills suites concentrated on Deck 11 and a mix of balcony, oceanview, and inside cabins spread across Decks 6 to 10.
- The deck plans are straightforward: public rooms sit on Decks 2 and 3, dining venues span Decks 2, 6, and 11, and most accommodation sits in the middle of the ship. If you want to avoid foot traffic, pick a cabin mid-ship on Deck 7 or 8. If you want quick access to the Grills lounge and restaurant, book a Grills suite on Deck 11. The forward cabins on lower decks can feel the motion more noticeably on rough crossings, so keep that in mind if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Deck 11 is the dedicated Grills deck, with the Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants, the Grills lounge, and a small sun deck reserved for Grills guests. Deck 3 is where you’ll find the Queens Room, the Royal Court Theatre, and the library. Deck 2 houses the main Britannia restaurant, the chart room bar, and the Golden Lion pub. If you’re trying to visualise where things sit, think of the dining and entertainment as stacked vertically in the centre and aft, with the spa and gym tucked up on Deck 9 forward.
The Grills: What You’re Paying For
- The Grills are Cunard’s top tier, and if you can stretch the budget, they’re worth it. You get single-seating dining in the Queens Grill or Princess Grill, both of which are quieter, more refined, and notably better than the main Britannia restaurant. The menu is broader, the service is more attentive, and you can request dishes off-menu or adjust timings without fuss. The Grills lounge, exclusive to Grills guests, serves afternoon tea, canapĂ©s before dinner, and drinks throughout the day. It’s a genuinely lovely space, and it means you can avoid the busier public lounges entirely if you prefer.
- The Queens Grill suites are the largest and most expensive, with separate living areas, walk-in wardrobes, and marble bathrooms. Princess Grill suites are a step down in size but still spacious, with balconies and butler service. Both tiers get priority embarkation, complimentary pressing, and access to the Grills sun deck. If you’re sailing for more than a week, these perks add up. If you’re doing a short Mediterranean hop, you might not notice the difference enough to justify the cost.
- The Grills dining rooms themselves are elegant without being stuffy. Tables are well-spaced, the wine list is solid, and you’ll get white-glove service without the pomposity. I’ve had some of the best meals of any Cunard sailing in the Queens Grill, and I’ve also had evenings where the kitchen was clearly stretched. It’s not Michelin-level cooking, but it’s several notches above the main dining room.
| Aspect | Grills (Queens & Princess) | Britannia Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Dining style | Single-seating, flexible timing | Fixed or open seating, two sittings |
| Menu choice | Broader, with off-menu requests | Standard menu, less flexibility |
| Service | Attentive, personalised, butler-assisted | Professional but busier |
| Exclusive lounge | Yes, Grills lounge with drinks and canapés | No, use public lounges |
| Embarkation priority | Yes | No |
Dining Venues and Interior Design
- The Britannia restaurant is the main dining room, spread over two decks at the aft of the ship. It’s grand in scale, with sweeping staircases and a formal dress code on Gala nights. The food is reliable rather than memorable: think roast beef, Dover sole, and classic French techniques. The wine list is decent, and the sommeliers know their stuff. But the room is large, the tables are close together, and the two-sitting system means you’ll feel rushed on some evenings.
- If you’re sailing Britannia class, you’ll also have access to the Lido buffet on Deck 9, which serves breakfast, lunch, and casual dinners. It’s fine for a quick bite but gets crowded at peak times, and the food is standard cruise buffet fare. The Golden Lion pub on Deck 2 serves fish and chips, pies, and a decent pint, and it’s one of the better casual spots on the ship. The CafĂ© Carinthia on Deck 9 does good coffee and pastries, though it’s often busy mid-morning.
- The interiors throughout Queen Victoria lean art deco, with plenty of polished wood, brass fixtures, and nautical touches. The Queens Room is the standout: a proper ballroom with a sprung dance floor, live orchestra on formal nights, and afternoon tea every day. It’s the sort of space that feels genuinely special, and if you enjoy ballroom dancing or just want a beautiful room to sit in with a drink, it’s worth seeking out.
- The Royal Court Theatre is smaller than you’d find on a modern mega-ship, with tiered seating and decent sightlines. The shows are a mix of West End-style productions, guest entertainers, and classical recitals. The quality varies, but the theatre itself is comfortable and the acoustics are good. The library on Deck 3 is one of the best at sea, with a genuine collection of books, comfortable chairs, and a quiet atmosphere. If you want to escape the crowds, it’s a reliable refuge.
Cabins: What to Expect Across the Range
- Queen Victoria’s cabins are traditionally styled, with warm wood tones, understated fabrics, and sensible layouts. The Grills suites are genuinely spacious, with separate living areas, large balconies, and marble bathrooms. The balcony cabins in Britannia class are comfortable but not large, with enough room for two but no wasted space. The inside cabins are compact and fine for sleeping, though you’ll want to spend your days in the public rooms rather than cooped up inside.
- Storage is adequate across all categories, with good wardrobe space and drawers. The bathrooms in Britannia class are functional but small, with showers rather than tubs. Grills suites get bathtubs and more counter space. Soundproofing is reasonable but not perfect; you’ll hear some corridor noise and the occasional thud from neighbouring cabins, especially if you’re near the stairs or lifts.
- If you’re choosing a cabin, go for mid-ship on Decks 7 or 8 for the most stable ride and least foot traffic. Forward cabins on lower decks will feel more motion, and aft cabins near the dining room can be noisy during meal times. Balconies are worth it if you’re sailing the Mediterranean or on a longer voyage, but less essential on a short Northern Europe hop where weather may keep you indoors.
Cunard Queen Victoria Facilities: What’s Onboard
Queen Victoria’s facilities are traditional rather than extensive. You won’t find waterslides, surf simulators, or climbing walls. What you will find is a well-stocked library, a proper ballroom, a spa, a gym, and a handful of bars and lounges. If you’re after a more varied activity set, consider Queen Elizabeth cruise ship or what makes Cunard different from other lines in the broader fleet context.
- Royal Court Theatre: Tiered seating, West End-style shows, and guest performers
- Queens Room: Ballroom with live orchestra, afternoon tea, and dancing on formal nights
- Library: Two-deck space with a genuine book collection and comfortable seating
- Royal Spa and fitness centre: Deck 9 forward, with gym, thermal suite, and treatment rooms
- Pools: One main pool on Deck 9, one smaller aft pool, plus hot tubs
- Golden Lion pub: Traditional British pub with fish and chips and a good beer selection
- Chart Room bar: Classic cocktail bar with live piano music most evenings
- Commodore Club: Forward-facing observation lounge on Deck 10
- Casino: Small, traditional gaming room on Deck 2
The spa is operated by Canyon Ranch and offers the usual treatments, though prices are high and the thermal suite is small. The gym is adequate, with cardio machines, free weights, and a few classes. The pools are not large, and they’ll feel crowded on sea days in warm weather. If you’re after a serious swim or a quiet sunbathing spot, the Grills sun deck on Deck 11 is your best bet, though it’s only accessible if you’re in a Grills suite.
Onboard Experience: Entertainment, Enrichment, and Pace
- Queen Victoria’s entertainment leans traditional, with a focus on enrichment rather than high-energy shows. You’ll get guest speakers on history, art, and literature, classical recitals, ballroom dancing, and the occasional comedian or magician. The Royal Court Theatre hosts nightly productions, and the Queens Room has afternoon tea with live music daily. If you enjoy a more cerebral, slower-paced cruise, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. If you want Broadway-scale spectacles or immersive tech shows, you’ll be disappointed.
- Formal nights are a big part of the Cunard experience, and Queen Victoria takes them seriously. Expect black tie or dark suit for men, evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women, and a dress code that’s enforced in the main dining rooms and Queens Room. If you don’t want to dress up, you can always eat in the Lido buffet or skip the formal areas entirely, but you’ll miss some of the atmosphere.
- The enrichment programme is strong, with well-curated talks and classes. I’ve attended lectures on naval history, art history, and classical music, all delivered by knowledgeable speakers. The library runs book clubs, and there are often workshops on photography, writing, or painting. If you’re the type of cruiser who values learning and culture over casinos and poolside parties, Queen Victoria caters well to that.
Service: What You’ll Notice
Cunard’s service culture is built around white-glove professionalism, and when it’s good, it’s excellent. The dining room staff, in particular, are often friendly, attentive, and skilled. Cabin stewards are efficient, and the Grills butlers are genuinely helpful. But service quality can vary depending on the sailing, crew rotation, and passenger load. I’ve had voyages where everything felt seamless, and others where the crew seemed stretched thin and less attentive.
The tone is formal without being cold, and most staff are happy to accommodate requests if you ask politely. Tipping is expected and follows the standard Cunard model of a daily service charge added to your account. If you’re in a Grills suite, the butler service is a genuine perk and makes a noticeable difference to the experience.
Who Queen Victoria Suits (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Queen Victoria is ideal for you if you value traditional ocean-liner charm, formal dining, ballroom dancing, and a slower, more refined pace. If you’re over 50, enjoy dressing up for dinner, and prefer enrichment lectures to waterslides, you’ll feel at home. If you’re booking a Grills suite, you’ll get one of the best premium cruise experiences at sea.
She’s less suited to you if you want a modern, high-energy ship with cutting-edge dining, immersive entertainment, or lots of family-friendly activities. If you’re under 40 and prefer casual dining, late-night clubs, and a more relaxed dress code, you might find Queen Victoria a bit stuffy. If you’re comparing Cunard to other lines, Cunard versus Princess Cruises and Cunard versus P&O offer useful contrasts in style and target audience.
| You’ll Love Queen Victoria If You… | Look Elsewhere If You… |
|---|---|
| Value formal dining and ballroom dancing | Prefer casual, flexible dining and late-night clubs |
| Enjoy enrichment lectures and classical music | Want high-energy entertainment and immersive tech shows |
| Appreciate art deco interiors and traditional elegance | Prefer ultra-modern ship design and cutting-edge facilities |
| Are happy to dress up for Gala nights | Want a relaxed dress code throughout the ship |
| Can stretch to a Grills suite for the full experience | Are sailing Britannia class and want top-tier service |
Itineraries: What Queen Victoria Offers
- Queen Victoria spends winters homeported in Southampton, with a mix of Northern Europe, Canary Islands, and transatlantic crossings. From spring through summer, she moves to the Mediterranean, with port-rich itineraries covering Spain, Italy, France, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Cunard has emphasised Mediterranean sailings in recent years, with calls in Istanbul, Palma de Mallorca, and multiple overnight stays that let you explore ports after dark.
- If you’re sailing from the UK, the Southampton base is convenient and avoids the need for a positioning flight. If you’re after a longer voyage, Queen Victoria offers 14- to 35-night itineraries, including extended Caribbean runs and transatlantic crossings. The longer voyages suit the ship’s pace well, and you’ll get more value from the onboard facilities and enrichment programme if you’re at sea for multiple weeks.
- Cunard schedules formal nights roughly every third or fourth evening on longer sailings, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dress up and enjoy the Queens Room and Grills dining rooms at their best. If you’re doing a seven-night hop, you’ll typically get one or two formal nights, which is enough to get a feel for the atmosphere without dominating the cruise.
Practical Tips Before You Book
- Book a Grills suite if you can: The difference in dining, service, and exclusive spaces is substantial, and if you’re sailing for more than a week, the perks are worth the extra cost
- Choose mid-ship cabins on Decks 7 or 8: They’re quieter, more stable, and avoid the foot traffic of the public deck areas
- Pack for formal nights: Cunard takes dress codes seriously, and you’ll feel out of place if you turn up in smart-casual when everyone else is in black tie
- Use the library and Queens Room: They’re two of the best spaces on the ship and often quieter than the main lounges and bars
- Plan dining around port calls: On itineraries with evening port stays, you can eat ashore and skip the second sitting in the dining room
- Book spa treatments early: The spa is small, and popular slots fill up quickly on longer voyages
- Expect a traditional, slower pace: If you’re after a high-energy cruise, Queen Victoria isn’t it
Common Questions
Is Queen Victoria adults-only?
No, but the atmosphere and facilities skew heavily towards adults. You’ll see families during school holidays, but most passengers are over 50 and there are no dedicated children’s clubs or family-friendly entertainment.
What’s the difference between Queens Grill and Princess Grill?
Queens Grill suites are larger, more expensive, and dine in a separate restaurant. Princess Grill suites are smaller but still include butler service, single-seating dining, and access to the Grills lounge. Both tiers get priority embarkation and complimentary pressing.
How formal are the dress codes?
Very. Gala nights require black tie or dark suit for men, evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women. Smart attire is expected most other evenings. You can dine in the Lido buffet or cabin if you prefer not to dress up. If you’re packing for formal nights, a travel steamer is worth bringing to keep your evening wear looking crisp after unpacking.
Does Queen Victoria have a lido or buffet restaurant?
Yes, the Lido on Deck 9 serves breakfast, lunch, and casual dinners. It’s fine for a quick bite but gets crowded at peak times, and the food quality is a step down from the main dining rooms.
Can I request flexible dining times in Britannia restaurant?
You can book open seating, which gives you a window rather than a fixed time, but it’s less flexible than Grills dining. If you want full flexibility, book a Grills suite.
Is Queen Victoria refurbished or showing her age?
She’s well-maintained but hasn’t had a major refurbishment recently. Public rooms are elegant but some soft furnishings and carpets show wear. She feels traditional rather than tired, but newer ships in the fleet like Queen Anne have more contemporary finishes.
What’s the best cabin location for a smooth ride?
Mid-ship on Decks 7 or 8. Forward cabins on lower decks feel more motion, and aft cabins near the dining rooms can be noisy during meal service. For longer crossings where rough seas are more likely, compression socks can help with circulation during days when you’re spending more time in your cabin.
Why Trust About2Cruise
- I’m Jo, and I’ve sailed Queen Victoria twice, on Mediterranean and transatlantic itineraries, staying in both Britannia balcony cabins and a Princess Grill suite.
- This review is updated whenever Cunard announces refurbishments, itinerary changes, or service adjustments that affect the onboard experience.
- We don’t take payment from cruise lines or affiliate commissions that influence ship reviews, so you get the honest picture, not the sales pitch. Read more about our approach here.