We Paid £600 Per Night For This Maiden Cruise - Was It Worth It or Was It A Big Rip Off?

🚢 Our Queen Anne Maiden Cruise Series comes to an end as we cruise back to Southampton.
In this video we show you the iconic afternoon tea, gala night in the MDR and show you more of what it was really like on this maiden voyage on Queen Anne.
We also answer the questions - would we book a maiden cruise again, and will we cruise on Queen Anne again? ⚓️
💷 We paid £1661 per person for this 7 night maiden cruise on Queen Anne in a balcony cabin. This did not include drinks or speciality dining. With these included, this cruise cost just over £600 per night for the two of us.
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[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

For more videos about Queen Anne and cruising with Cunard, watch our playlist here - kzbin.info/aero/PL_6zC3nwhe72k4zpgrQTA_vcesDLX7keM&si=1eu_pfzRGYF72B4t

[@angelahorton5745]

We've paid £949 each for our balcony cabin on Queen Anne for our Norwegian Fjords cruise. It includes complimentary parking and $200 onboard spend so I think that's great value. I'm not expecting to be wowed by the ship but I'm excited about seeing the new features. Thanks for your honesty and your balanced approach.

[@tombrown8281]

And you will have to add a surcharge on Everything you Bye and I think a surcharge for Every day on the ship

[@angelahorton5745]

@@tombrown8281 We're not great drinkers so our onboard spend and shares will cover that, so just the gratuities to pay. We never book ship excursions as we love walking. I think we've got a great deal.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Angela! That's a much better price!

[@tombrown8281]

@@angelahorton5745 that’s great I understand where you are coming from and have a great time

[@pameladocherty7034]

Grand lobby is not a patch on the Queen Victoria

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Your not wrong ☹️

[@user-ro8dw8ms9n]

A very fair review Paul and carol , we sailed on the 14 night cruise which followed yours , the same niggles were very apparent and there was a lot of grumbling from the passengers we met .. it’s a fine ship and will only get better over time as the crew gets more experience.. It has a lot to offer ,particularly the fantastic outside areas , apart from the promenade deck obviously 😂…but the aft view on the promenade deck is the best I’ve seen.. We will probably go back on her , but not in the near future , we have a QV and a QM trip booked later in the year , so really looking forward to returning to them . Great vlogs , keep up the fine work

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You have perfectly summed up our feelings 😊😊

[@suave-rider]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel you didn't make it any better by wearing that old orange t shirt to high tea mate. You're a bloody disgrace. Clearly standards have slipped. Did you think you were on Carnival?

[@johnlunnun9769]

Think the the central atrium looks very dull and uninviting!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Agree it didn't impress us as much as we wanted it too!

[@johnlunnun9769]

I think the Queens room looks awful, those globe down lights make it look like retro 1930s American Diner! Yuk!

[@rob_lightbody]

Thank you for your QA video series, we've watched and enjoyed them all. Your comments seem very balanced. We don't understand the Queens Room being so small, it's the core of the Cunard product offering. Going along on gala night and having nowhere to sit is hopeless. The same goes for the promenade deck with no steamer chairs. When they were building QV, to a standard Vista design, they actually realised halfway through that they needed a big queens room, and started the build again with a stretch to accommodate it. They've saved money this time by just taking an off the shelf pinnacle design. We think the decor looks totally generic and doesn't seem to have any particular character to it. It's modern bland.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You’ll get no arguments from us Rob. So many things they could of done better 🤔

[@jorgschwantje1239]

... and keep in mind that the Anne is a much bigger ship then Victoria but in the videos she just feels smaller because all the important main areas appear quite tight. 🤷‍♂️

[@royferguson2297]

Cruised the World for 19 years as an engineer in the Merchant Navy, 76 Countries over 230 ports, lots of time in Port, five weeks in Montevideo, six weeks in Wellington, two weeks in Rio to name a few. Best trip was probably my first, U.K. - Europe - Pacific Islands - Rotterdam. And I got paid for it all 😊😊😊😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Fabulous! Bet you worked hard too!

[@chriswilliams6568]

Yes but you were not waited on, had the same facilities or the leisure time of a real cruise. Good that you went to lots of places though.

[@jappychap2003]

It seems to be a general rule - don't sail on a maiden voyage. I've seen and heard so many reports of problems.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We have done one before and never had as many issues. Certainly wouldn't book another!

[@keithhutchinson6756]

Just come off the 14 night around the British isle cruise,absolutely nothing to complain about ( maybe lack of hanging space).you take a chance picking any maiden cruise and as for the food it was very very good hot tasty and never a long wait..Hats off to all the crew who turned around the apparent disaster of the maiden voyage

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Glad they have turned it around as that wasn't our experience! How was your speciality restaurant experience?

[@keithhutchinson6756]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel we tried Aranya and thought it was nice nothing spectacular and with a limited choice,we had afternoon tea three times….and I would guess that any 5 star London hotel would not be better..

[@catherinehawkins1314]

Im not impressed with the Grand Atrium it looks small, however not done Cunard yet. I'm glad you enjoyed the cruise but yeah it certainly feels from your videos that it wasn't ready and that comes at a cost in many formats to them. Looking forward to Japan now 😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We did overall, we had fabulous company that certainly helps! Just editing Japan now, it is so good being back and remembering what a fantastic time we had!

[@toml1298]

Thanks very much for the comments,I thought I’d found a great deal with Fred Olsen,but when I looked closer it’s next month🤦I’m away in august,both companies now have their baltic cruises out for 2025 and whilst Olsen is a little cheaper and a junior suite,ail in all i think the Saga deal is actually better value for money and the pick up is a real deal breaker,thanks for your prompt reply.Ive now subscribed so I’ve got a lot of viewing to catch ups.Best wishes and happy cruising 🥂👍

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks for subscribing. Pick up and drop offs are deal breakers that is a great bonus!

[@bettycollins3960]

Thank goodness you finished on a positive! I am booked for next year and was getting worried. I prefer "smaller" ships and was a big fan of Cruise and Maritime, sailing a few times with them pre-Covid. I have now sailed on Ambassador's Ambition (although it should have been Ambience!) last December. And I am booked this December to endeavour to get on Ambience! I have just come back from Fred Olsen's Borealis and absolutely loved it - I will definitely go with Fred again. Cannot remember if you have sailed with Fred, will check back over your history. Anyway, thank you for yet another informative review and I shall look forward to my Queen Anne experience now that you have got them trained up ❤😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Don't worry sure all the service issues will be sorted by then. After just being on Aurora it has rekindled our love for smaller older ships too. We have cruised with Fred and will definitely be cruising with them in the future, we loved Braemar sadly no longer with the fleet. Would like to try Ambassador too!

[@iangill8984]

The video just about sums up cruising. I dont think it matters whether on a new ship or a shakedown cruise. You cannot expect everything to go smoothly. It all comes down to cost and expectations. What do you want and what do you expect to pay? Are you going for the ports or shipboard experience?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Why can’t you expect things to go smoothly, cruise lines are established professional companies, surely it’s their job to make things run like clockwork?

[@keith6400]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel Things often go wrong mainly the other passengers. I remember one cruise where a young lad announced sea sickness at the dining table and we all lost our original meals. I thought it was funny, the mother was distraught.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

@keith6400 Oh dear! 🙈

[@user-dw8ud2hw5d]

we are due on board in 40 days for a med cruise and hope the niggles have been sorted. My fav cunard remains QM2, where we had the pleasure of meeting you 2 last year. Cruising fo rme is about being on a moving ship. Much prefer a transatlantic crossing... than a cruise that stops along the way....

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks for coming to say hi on QM2! Hopefully by then the issues will be resolved. One of the most relaxing cruising experiences is a transatlantic, definitely would love to do another!

[@laurenloveslv655]

I really enjoyed this series and your very honest review. Ive only done river cruises and while they seem expensive at NZ$1000 per night, the Cunard cruises certainly are a next level again so you'd expect it to be pretty flawless. I guess the maiden voyage is a risk.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks for watching! It is a risk, one we don't think we will take again! Subsequent prices are better.

[@carolynalexander314]

Very interesting to see the ship and hear your thoughts. For me I feel rather underwhelmed by her, but maybe that's because I like the tradition and nostalgia of the other ships. Sad as I wanted to like her because of the portrait connection. The original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary were the first ships I ever went on. I understand the need to be competitive but I think with QA they are trying to be all things to all people. I definitely believe that one size does not fit all.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

You are absolutely right. Nothing impresses me on this ship. On Queen Victoria I was not able to close my mouth. 😮

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Feel exactly the same, we wanted to be like oh wow! sadly that didn't happen. However Queen Anne is a beautiful ship for a new generation so will be interesting to see what the future holds!

[@jorgschwantje1239]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel ... but don't forget: The new generation loves Bridgerton... so maybe the direction was not that intelligent.. lol

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

I think you provided a very fair summary. You may remember from my previous comments on this series that we were also on board this Maiden Voyage too, and like yourselves, I would hesitate to book another. This was exacerbated by the very strange decision by Cunard to assign the naming ceremony to a later cruise, and I think they made more of the naming ceremony cruise than the Maiden Voyage (but still charged a hefty premium for the nondescript Maiden). I slightly disagree with you, I think the ship was ready, but the crew were not. In my opinion, the new crew members should have been pre-trained over 1-2months on board the existing Queens, so that they were fully up to speed before joining Queen Anne. They could then have spent 4 weeks on board Queen Anne pre launch becoming familiar with the specifics of the new ship, whilst already being up to speed on Cunard service requirements. That would have eliminated almost all of the issues we experienced on the Maiden. As I have shared previously, we are back on board Queen Anne in August, and we disembark then board Queen Mary 2 days later. I sincerely hope we see significant improvements, although the disaster that is the Queen’s Room is beyond saving!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It was a strange decision with the naming ceremony. The ship wasn't ready because the staff weren't ready, and totally agree more training before the maiden was definitely needed. LOL yes the Queens Room will remain the same. Hopefully all service issues will be sorted by then, do let us know!

[@BreakingFreeWithPaulAndMarie]

Hi Paul & Carol, Just wanted to say that we are loving the channel. We both had a big chuckle at your Allo Allo reference Paul Lol, So funny. We don't comment much on video's but we can't believe how bad the service was especially on a maiden voyage, you'd think that Cunard would put the best on a maiden voyage but it sounds like they were all newbies. Again fantastic channel and we are really enjoying it. Keep up the great work. Love Paul & Marie xx

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Paul and Marie appreciate that! It sadly wasn't the best but sure in time the services will improve. Thanks for commenting on ours! Just checked your channel out and subscribed too.

[@BreakingFreeWithPaulAndMarie]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel OMG, thank you so much, we feel very honoured. We are in the very early stages of the channel and are still finding our feet with it, with regards to what sort of content to film and editing tricks but fingers crossed we will get better through time Lol. We started our KZbin journey with another channel (EmsDenUK) about what we do for a living and we both enjoyed doing it so much that we thought we would create a new channel about what we would really like to do Lol. Again thank you so much, so kind of you. P.S. We always say Right Then to each other as you are absolute legends. xx

[@rexbourne7635]

For a good hotel room in norfolk per night and enfield that is what you pay for a room for 2 per night with breakfast. So considering you get all meals on board included it is not too bad!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Wow Norfolk is expensive we got 3 nights in London for less than this!

[@lorrainereeves4466]

Overall I think the interior design is dark, dull and lacks lustre. It’s neither fish nor foul.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

LOL it doesn't have the wow factor!

[@irenedavo3768]

You Tube are unsubscribe me!

[@irenedavo3768]

Was Ronnie Scott a Boxer?

[@irenedavo3768]

What was Auction for?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No a Jazz Saxophonist

[@chriswilliams6568]

Thx for video. I just wondered how you could eat dinner at 17:30 hrs when you just had afternoon tea at 15:00 or 16:00 hrs. Glad you enjoyed it all. Looked good. Nice to see the Q. Anne, as we would never go on Cunard due to the far too dressy tradition. £300 each per nt pricing is ok for a balcony cabin. You are brave going on a maiden voyage, so much bad stuff can happen on those. Yours looked like most things were working well. Thx again. I liked the atrium. I love Art Deco, but not so much of it on this ship it seems. How are they in the Britannia Restaurant if someone, like me who is allergic to garlic and hates any spices. what were they bidding on?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Just worked out that way! They were bidding on the navigational map of the maiden cruise.

[@elsiehodges9415]

Great blog as usual but agree the ship looked disappointing. What a boring atrium and even though you had a decent sized balcony it also looked very closed in. Queen Anne doesn't inspire me to want to book.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks, Queen Anne certainly is not for everyone!

[@toml1298]

Hi,sorry to highjack this post.Going on our first cruise with Fred Olsen in August,I turn 70 next year and I’m looking at a saga 14 night Baltic cruise.I’m looking at top grade balcony cabin,any real differences in grades, and what deck would you recommend ? Absolutley loved your video on spirit of adventure your first suite,what kind of suite was it ,and is the extra money really worth it ?sorry so many questions and thanks for your time 👍

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We didn’t pay for the suite, we were upgraded at the last moment so can’t comment on value for money but there are no bad cabins on Saga so it’s what you feel you are willing to spend is the key.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

The Grand Lobby is very modern, but also cold. Nothing to keep me there.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes does seem sterile!

[@isabellawalker2789]

Can we see the full letter please? Keep up the great work. Thank you!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The letter was personal to everyone on the maiden voyage so do not think it is fair to share the whole letter. Thanks we will!

[@harveymuxlow1448]

Another great video, thanks to your video on saga we did a norwegian trip our first cruise Just booked 2 more and looking at the queen Anne glad we have , my views are its no better or maybe it suits us better? Saga will take some beating. Thanks ❤❤ Harvey

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Great to hear that, Saga is quality!

[@sailingfalcornwall1405]

The Grand Lobby seems to lack opulence. Great video, thanks for sharing. x

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes we thought that too!

[@michaelwhalen2469]

Another fun , entertaining and informative video !!👍 Thanks you two !! I’m booked on the Transatlantic Maiden Voyage in January 2025 ! Always wanted to experience one so••••I booked before seeing the actual interiors on yours and other online sites . I’m still going to go , but if I’d seen the interiors first , I wouldn’t have bothered !?!🤷‍♂️ Some rooms are nice ( Britannia Dining Room, Commodore Club, individual cabins and Grills Lounge) other rooms are well ••• cold , bland and unwelcoming! The Queens Room is too small and frankly ugly ! And I have a right to my opinions and preferences!! Been trolled and mocked on other websites for my comments! I don’t insult others for their opinions so•••don’t give me that guff ! That included a website person himself! That’s OK , I deleted all my comments and deleted his website altogether !😛Yah you can probably guess who it was ! Short , Smart Ass , Lush ! Anyway Sorry ! Had to get that out ! Carole you are the Pickle Ball champ of the world and yes , Cream First ! Jam Second ! Really 😂Cunard’s Afternoon Teas are the BEST ! I had the Baked Alaska with Morrell Cherries on QM2 last year! Wow Yummy ! And Pauly 🤔” So I took my big stick out to view the Grand Lobby “ 😮 !?!? I’ll thank you Pauly to keep your big stick to yourself !!🥴😂😂 Really !! Not on CUNARD Line you don’t!!🫢🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧. Cheers MikeW. 👍❤️. PS ••• Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will always be the ULTIMATE CUNARD SHIPS !! No other ships regardless of Cruise Line will ever come close to their elegance, beauty or majestic WOW! Factor!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Michael. LOL yes can guess who that is....sad that some people don't like it when you have a difference of opinion. Definitely agree the older Queens would be the ships we would go back on. Sure by January all will be sorted and you will have a good time!

[@barbara88-]

Thank you for your review of the QA Maiden Voyage! You are able to be positive which is good because I tend to focus on what needs to be done better and problems. Well done on the Trivia Quiz! The entertainment looked really good and fun! I liked the idea of the Afternoon Tea with a little dancing happening as it gave you some entertainment to watch while eating all the delicious foods. The selections of afternoon tea food looked good! I also loved your masks for the Masquerade Ball. Naughty Paul for snatching the bottle of wine but it was funny watching the lady looking around.....lol.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Barbara! Despite the issues there was a lot to be positive about too. LOL that was funny with the bottle!

[@marybalagia513]

In line 1 1/2 hours right now to board QM2 in NYC. Not even to security. Poorly staffed. Terrible boarding management and not even on the boat yet. Bad news.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Hope it improves!

[@michaelwhalen2469]

I feel your frustration and anger Mary !! When I disembarked my QM2 Transatlantic last September 2023 in NYC I waited in line for One 1/2 hours for a Taxi !?! What made it worse was the fact that passengers leaving the ship after us keep cutting to the front line !! When people angrily showed them were the end of the line was , they just ignored us and stayed put and hopped in the next taxi that arrived !?!? And the dock employees watched and didn’t seem to care one bit !! Some of them just laughed as really bad fights broke out ! I wrote a letter about all this , NEVER got a response back from Cunard !?! They apparently didn’t care . What a horrible way to end a vacation !! MikeW.

[@janemayhew1442]

Glad meals improved at last, food did look lovely. Still cant wait to get on board😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It did get a bit better!

[@Travel_Day_Dreams]

We're just 2 weeks away from our maiden Cunard cruise aboard Queen Anne, thanks so much for the insightful vlogs we're very excited to experience this historic line for the first time.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You are welcome!

[@ASCOT1111]

Jam first, no no no in Devon 🤣 For £600 a night would expect a proper soup spoon or was it just paulys camera angle? Keep up the quality informative videos. dissapointed though you never mentioned if they sold tea towels.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Didn’t spot any tea towels sorry, glad you enjoyed the videos. Maybe I’ve got some Cornish blood in me?🤣

[@jorgschwantje1239]

Comment on the "Grand" Lobby? Looks like a ZARA-Store or a village-mall. Not grand at all but Lobby. 🤷‍♂️

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

LOL! 😂

[@renatobernardin2183]

Glad the Merlot made an appearance which is my go to red and you got a refund for your Sir Samuels meal. An excellent vblog. I am on Queen Anne next year and I am sure the ship will be as good as the rest of the fleet by then. It is a shame about the size of the Queen's Room though (I don't dance but enjoy the atmosphere). Love the look of the food in the MDR. I did notice the LGBTQ+ social hour on the events programme which is something I would attend. The atrium looks very plain but I think classic. Price you paid is a bit steep compared with what I am paying for an almost exact itinerary (Vigo instead of La Coruna) for 7 nights in Britannia Club on a solo occupation. But I expect you paid for the maiden voyage experience (LOL)! Excellent series - well done!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Renato! Yes poor Tony he got his Merlot in the end! Agree time with sort a lot of these issues out. The Queens Room is too small to accommodate. LOL we did pay for the maiden cruise experience!

[@Carole617]

Another great vlog and love your honest opinion about the maiden voyage . I didn’t realise it was that much money ! 😯! Sorry it put you off doing another one x

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Carole! It was expensive but we live and learn!

[@Robby334]

How many days were you on the ship?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The maiden cruise was 7 days.

[@stalaxjunction4245]

Paul and Carole big thanks for this series of videos we have booked on Queen Anne next may our very first Cunard cruise. Loved the tour and all your tips. We are heading up from New Zealand I’m originally from Barking Essex anyway once again thanks.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You are very welcome, sure by then all will be smooth sailing! Oh wow how long have you been in NZ?

[@stalaxjunction4245]

Came out to NZ in 1972 with the family

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh brilliant! Definitely on our must visit list!

[@H-Travels]

Having watched your video and many others, we are not particularly impressed with the Queen Anne, and do not feel that it is worth the premium that is being charged. Cheers, J&D

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevenbennett3922]

An apology letter. Didn't reach us down on the lower decks. We are in Queen's Grill in October so we will see what has improved if anything. We are yet to receive the usual "Tell us how well we did" questionnaire. Perhaps the feedback was so bad they have not bothered. I do miss the days when you had them before you got off. Maiden voyages are meant to feel special and this one definitely did not. From what I saw from the naming ceremony they put more effort into that that then they did the maiden.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Totally agree about the questionnaire it should be done before you get off. The sail away was the only thing that made this special, which was a real shame and definitely more effort for the naming ceremony!

[@MarkMariesTravels]

So, how does that casino machine work again?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

LOL we need to cruise again together so we can show you!

[@clintontate5260]

Great series of videos. I'm glad things worked out with the staff. Some really nice food.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Clinton! Yes there are some great staff on board! 😀

[@JudithWright5]

Did you mean £600 pp pn ? I rather think per couple? We wouldn’t sail on a maiden but glad that it worked out for you in the end.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No that was per couple

[@lindsayweber6499]

Hi Paul and Carole, Right then… I bloody love your video reviews! Thank you so much. A bonus for me (living in NZ since 1982) is that your accents feel like home to me, as Im from Newent, nr Gloucester! Sometimes I watch when im feeling homesick 🤗 or missing family who still live there… anyway, hope to ca5ch you on a ship sometime x

[@queenbeekeeper]

Welcome to New Zealand!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Hopefully one day!

[@gillianmorris747]

Is Cunard a British company? If so why is everything in dollars?. Enjoyed videos of your maiden trip

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It’s owned by Carnival which is an American company but so is P&O and there prices are in sterling, so no idea really 🤔

[@rhondafair1412]

Going on Queen Anne next May. We are staying in London first. Can you please recommend a private transfer to the Southampton cruise port thanks so much

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes - our Patreons have used Twelve Transfers and have said they are very good - www.twelvetransfers.co.uk

[@rhondafair1412]

Thanks

[@craighwalsh]

it doesn't look like one that we would book for, and certainly not at that price.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The prices since the maiden are a little more palatable!

[@craighwalsh]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel hopefully the steak would be as well :-)

[@EvinMA]

$3000 auctioned for what?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The ship's maiden voyage map

[@FraserAtSea]

Really enjoying seeing more from this cruise! Can we pause and appreciate how many people were dancing during afternoon tea?! I haven't seen that many people dancing on any of my Cunard cruises - wow!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Fraser! Yes it was lovely to see at afternoon tea! 😍

[@Cinnamon52]

Brilliant observations and fun, as always

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Aw thanks , glad you enjoyed it.

[@kevinb7311]

did they have special QA tea towels?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Sadly not. Maybe we need to do some Paul and Carole tea towels, would you dry your plates with my face 🤣🤣

[@kevinb7311]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel hAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@marielco]

Thanks you Paul and Carole for a very interesting set of videos.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@mattsworldwide3154]

Very good video. And a honest review. Me and my wife always cruise with cunard and we will give it sometime before going on queen anne.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes wise move sure in time all the service issues will be resolved.

[@stevenvater2681]

Thank you both for a informative and balanced series of reports. I'll let you know shat I think when I sail on her in August. I've done 11 on QE and QV

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We are sure you will have a fabulous time.

[@BatMan-ii5zn]

I think I need Queen Anne for Afternoon tea - lovley. Nice to see Paul do Quiz night. Keep up the good videos.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks I do love a quiz 😊😊

[@richardg8651]

Love the video series and the ship looks exactly what Cunard needs to attract new cruisers. Maiden voyages are tricky and it may be unfair to demand a perfect experience . Your Sir Samuels experience was clearly poor but it was just a single meal which you were credited for.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Richard, Queen Anne will definitely attract new cruisers which is great. We were not expecting perfection we have done a maiden cruise before so understand that issues happen. Regardless of Sir Samuels, the poor staff were just up against it from the start and you could see and feel how fraught they were through out the ship. We just presumed Cunard would be more prepared but now know we wouldn't book another.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

What kind of new cruisers should they attract with this? The Cunard-Experience does not fit to the design anymore. It feels out of place. People that like this design book MSC or Holland America. It's cheaper and has more entertainment. 🤷‍♂️

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The entertainment wasn’t the issue and it’s certainly substantially better than any MSC offerings we’ve encountered. But HAL does have very good entertainment. But who Will Cunard attract is a very good question

[@jorgschwantje1239]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel Great discussion here, Pauly abd Carole! 😘

[@cruisecrazy7066]

What were people bidding on for $3,000 ??

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The maiden cruise navigational map!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel Thank you. I thought so.

[@xkr510]

Nothing about this cruise would entice me to return to Cunard. Thanks guys, you do a good job but it’s a no.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! We are looking forward to having an old queen experience again!

[@carmelshepherd6739]

This area reminds me off Iona i think QA is beautiful ❤

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It is a stunning ship!

[@kathrynrees6781]

I love afternoon tea but I would need to learn to dance! Lol

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No you only need to learn how to eat sandwiches and cake 🤣🤣

[@kathrynrees6781]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel I can do that quite well! 🤣🤣

[@user-ev2mm9mq6c]

Way to go Paulie Morgan and group on the Trivia tie breaker WIN. 🎉you make me Proud. Lol

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

A very misspent youth left me with very few qualifications but a good quiz knowledge 🤣🤣

[@yvonnemulvihill4456]

Thank you once again for an honest and entertaining review 🎉🎉

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You are welcome!

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

Thanks for keep'n it real Paul and Carol! Carol - your dinner selection - beef Wellington (?) baked Alaska; I'm there! Loved the footage of Pauly's big win! Thanks for sharing the joy. Subscribed.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks so much, and for subscribing!

[@NamyDoesCruising]

That afternoon tea 🤤🤤🤤

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It was great!

[@tombrown8281]

Thanks for your review I think Queen Elizabeth is much better great ship

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Queen Elizabeth is a fabulous ship!

[@brigidconroy2111]

Afternoon Tea my favorite words❤

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Ours too! 🤣🤣

[@johnlunnun9769]

But their Afternoon Tea is certainly no better than that offered on Saga ship, in fact I preferred Saga’s offerings!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Saga is definitely a tough act to follow 😊

[@brigidconroy2111]

Interesting might have to consider after TA on the QM2

[@flyte34]

It cant ever be great to be disappointed with a holiday. It is surprising given your experience with cruising, that a 'Maiden Voyage' was chosen? . They have a reputation for being problematic, in particular with some of the issues highlighted. Concerning the voyage fare paid ( excluding extras) ) for the 7 night itinerary it compares very favourably with a current 7 night voyage available in June this year. That is not to suggest that lacklustre service is acceptable but that a 'maiden voyage ' is priced accordingly. Having been invited to a pre cruise event by the line with access to take footage of various suites that is a hugely mutual beneficial situation. It appears the cruise sector is having a problematic time with recruitment,post pandemic and many experienced crew have not returned. All of us should perhaps keep in mind how challenging a customer service position can be..It is very unlikely that anyone ,first voyage out, is going to be polished and at ease in their role.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We have been on a previous maiden voyage on Marella Voyager and had a superb experience so presumed Cunard could deliver the same. Sadly they didn't. The prices we have seen for the equivalent cruise is far less than we paid. After both working in customer service in the past we understand it is not easy but are now over 3 years since cruising has returned post pandemic.

[@KirstyG64]

Pudding envy is the worst!😂

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

LOL! 🤣

[@warjakeboy]

the sad thing is the first voyage is the training voyage for the staff so they can get up to speed and it has always been that way sadly

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Not always often they have shake down cruises. The maiden cruise on Marella Voyager was very good.

[@minkeymoo188]

Paul the sound is a little off in your voiceovers.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks for the feedback, it sounded ok when we put it together?

[@malcolmlewis5370]

Mmm, pleased some issues got sorted. We are both wary of Maiden Voyages!..Yes, I think you were ripped off, but your choice

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yep never again!

[@timeout2770]

Good honest reviews.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelthompson6885]

Wow!! how overpriced was this cruise? Give me a cheap and cheerful Marella cruise every time and given the price of this one six Marella cruises.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

LOL we love Marella too, wish you could get 6 Marella Cruises for this price!

[@michaelthompson6885]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravelwe have only once ever paid over a thousand pound for a marella cruise and that was 17 nights re-positioning for 12 hundred quid, the cheapest we have had was 7 nights for just over 500 quid. Easy way to do it is through tui direct, no middle man just tell tui how much you want to pay and when a suitable cruise comes up they email, fair enough you may only get a couple of days notice but who cares when we are retired.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

@@michaelthompson6885 Yes late deals are fab when you can do it!

[@deborahhunt253]

Great review of the Queen Anne!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Cheers Debora 😊😊

[@ianwilliams5915]

Paul’s name is Paul not Pauly. As you can see it’s easy to criticise isn’t it.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It is easy! That's what I have called him for nearly 30 years....

[@ianwilliams5915]

Indeed. - appreciate your videos and effort you put in. Just something that you could possibly look at - the camera that you use distorts the video, just take a look at your previous video where some of the ship appears curved/warped where it should be straight. - just an observation.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

@@ianwilliams5915 For regular shots we use a Go pro but we use a insta 360 camera for some shots to intentionally get drone type shots that can be curved.

[@sherryleary7972]

It would be fun to cruise with you

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Sherry!

[@deidresmith2335]

You guys are great...a win at the pokies....such a great feeling...lol😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes a win always goes down well!

[@duncs233]

I don’t know why you’re moaning, it’s a maiden voyage. It is expected to be less than perfect.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

This was a little more than less than perfect. We have done a maiden cruise before and it was far superior to this.

[@barrylevers6636]

You should have known better than to go on a maiden voyage. Of course they are not going to to up to speed !!!!!!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We expected teething problems but not the amount of issues we had. We have done a maiden cruise before and it was far better than this.

[@lineapearce1865]

Excellent win 💰@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel👌🏻

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We didn’t break the bank but a win is a win

[@ronacosta2903]

Never book a maiden/shakedown cruise, pure and simple. @paulandcarolelovetotravel

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes we agree.

[@pipfield1901]

Really enjoyed this series, thank you!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Pip!