The QUEEN ANNE: Has Cunard Got this Right ...or Wrong!? Our Honest Opinion

[@Xavier7799]

"The world's best cruise reviewer ". Hands down.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's really kind of you to say, thank you so much

[@MichaelYates]

First class and spot on review here. Though Britannia is good now we had no problems. I have done a little tips and review video on my channel

[@ritzytravelguide]

@MichaelYates Thanks Michael

[@betsymeyers1976]

I love most of the ship and love that the buffet is mostly served. The mounds of food I have seen left on plates is so wasteful. I am a fan of art deco and thought the Grand Lobby and Queens Room were underwhelming. Thank you for this comprehensive review!

[@ritzytravelguide]

You're very welcome!

[@davidwhite303]

Interiors are mostly crass. Losing the Cunard uniqueness! Cunard it is NOT and I shall be going no where near! Such a disappointment!

[@Byron-g5l]

A fabulous cruise...and Cunard is wonderful...

[@joanfreestone1707]

Queen Elizabeth is our favourite ship. We love the Cunard traditional feel. We booked to go on Queen Anne but when we saw videos of on board, we cancelled our booking. It looks just like any other new ship. The people who said the Queens Room looks like a shopping centre are quite right and the lack of a proper promenade deck is terrible. Overall, it looks like a very badly designed ship. Thanks for a great review.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you Joan

[@mariasharp2334]

Totally agree. Love Elizabeth & Mary - and going on Victoria next year. Have already decided that Anne will be a no no. Promenade deck ❌️ Atrium ❌️ Queens Room ❌️ So what's the point ??? 😢

[@stevewilson6390]

Thanks for this, thorough and articulate. I do hope you managed to enjoy your cruise, many many hours involved in your filming never mind your editing and narration👍👏

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Steve, we did manage to enjoy our cruise, thanks so much for asking!

[@jorgschwantje1239]

@@stevewilson6390 I said to my wife the same: Bill is probably one of the hardest working vloger I know.

[@kimroberts2292]

We were on the same cruise. Totally agree with everything said. It's a beautiful ship , wouldn't say we wouldn't travel on her again but definitely prefer QV and QE. Booked QV for 2025 👍 Thank you for an unbiased view.

[@jackbrechwald8344]

Ugh! To the New Look. Reminds one of downtown Beijing or Shanghai. All cold metal, glass, and irritating flash. Give me the look of the bygone days of elegant, refined cruising-Give me the QM2.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Quite a lot of people feel the same!

[@TheTravelingHatter]

Agree 👍

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Doublely agree 👍

[@heidilevens6284]

Great honest and balanced review- thank you. Not sure I’d want to spend money on Queen Anne. Much prefer the old school style. Thanks again!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you for your thoughts

[@dancourt4792]

I absolutely loved your review of Queen Anne. My husband and I are Cunarders but as yet we haven't been on Queen Anne, our first cruise will be in December so I will leave judgment 'til then. I do think there will be a few things that I won't like because I am a traditionalist but I will keep an open mind. Looking forward to your next vlog. I have to say, your daughters ball gown was gorgeous, she looked lovely x

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, wishing you a lovely cruise in December. Please let us know afterwards, how it went. Our daughter was so nervous about wearing her gown. Thankfully she kept her nerve, and got several kind and reassuring comments.

[@joanne26]

My next door neighbour turned 60 in April and has semi retired from the NHS She only works 2 days a week now. The NHS pension scheme is a no brainer Her and hubby went for a cruise on the Queen Anne in August around Norway and the Fjords. They have never cruised before Loved it They are going to book a Caribbean one for 2025 👍 👍 👍 👍 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️❤️❤️

[@sallan29]

Great video and review, highly polished presentation as always. An honest and accurate assessment and i even noticed my wife and myself on two occasions in the background of your video clips. Excellent job and looking forward to seeing part 2.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much. I hope I caught your handsome side!

[@shingodzilla7855]

Nice balanced review. I liked that you spelled out what the Cunard experience is supposed to be also.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you

[@AndrewFitch-n4c]

Thanks Bill. As always, you brought a smile to our faces with your genial style and fair minded review. Looking forward to our Christmas voyage. 😊

[@ritzytravelguide]

Wishing you a fabulous cruise, it should look very festive!

[@isabellawalker2789]

Another masterpiece, thank you. So looking forward to the next video already! Looks like you’ve hit the nail on the head with the summary. Promenade deck which really doesn’t encourage promenading and a Queens Room lacking in the wow factor. Great to see your subscribers rapidly increasing as well.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Really kind of you. Thank you

[@cruisefraterpoultons]

Fantastic review, loved all the beautiful footage and visuals. We’ve cruised with many different cruise lines but not yet with Cunard but would really like to sail on this ship. I can understand why Cunard customers would dislike some of the features but for us it wins us over and makes us want to give Cunard a try. Thank you and we look forward to watching the rest of the series 👏

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello, so glad you enjoyed the guide. Yes, I would encourage you to try Cunard, it's a good product, and is almost unique in the Cruise industry

[@MERCEDESLIMBURG]

Great video quality and filming! Liked the structure, too.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you!

[@ianshorland982]

Outstanding content and presentation Bill, very polished and informative, thank you for posting, I can’t wait for future content, kindest regards to you and your family.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Ian. All the best to you and you family as well.

[@ElaineOwen-g7s]

Loved the video. You ought to be on tv. You are so much better than most tv presenters and your videos are so professional. Can’t wait to see your wife’s comments on the gym in the next episode.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Elaine!

[@Linda-w3o3s]

We went on the Queen Anne in August. We absolutely loved it. The 3 of us were in Princess grill and agree that the Princess grill restaurant is much nicer than the Queens! We don’t use the Queens room much in the evening as we don’t dance so it wasn’t an issue. We really liked the Bright Lights Society venue. We think this is our favourite Cunard ship and we have been sailing on Cunard ships for over 30 years!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there Linda, great to hear from you. Yes, agreed the Bright Lights Society is an absolute hoot! We've got more of it coming up in the 2nd Video.

[@wellardsmith3629]

I enjoyed evey part of this review. Thanks

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very kind of you to say, thank you

[@camcymf9887]

Great balanced review. We've just come back from a 19 day cruise to Croatia on the Queen Anne and we loved it (and have booked it again). We are new to Cunard and haven't experienced the other Queens however we thought the food, entertainment and the amazing number of spaces to sit and relax were incredible and far better than we had imagined (especially based on the reviews). The clientele were quite a bit older on our cruise and based on comments I overheard, the main gripes were the fact that it was different to the other Queens. I can understand that however each of the Queens are quite different and Cunard have just decided to go in a slightly different direction. I completely agree that it feels like they have different budgets for different areas and with a little bit extra they could replace the plain chrome / white finishes with some art deco or other panelling and give it the wow factor relatively easily. I did initially think that the Grills terrace was highly irritating as it did mean you needed to use the front lifts or the back lifts and go down in between (although only 2 flights to deck 9 so not too disruptive and good for burning calories). However actually, what it means is that Cunard have given both the front and the rear to all classes of passengers. On other cruise lines, the front or back is reserved for the Retreat / Suite guests and so if you are in a standard room you cannot enjoy those areas (for example, on Celebrity Apex, the front area is given to the gym and the Retreat rather than a public area like the Commodore Club (which is brilliant) and Sky Bar). We were on fixed dining in the Britannia restaurant and our food was really prompt and (surprisingly) every menu for the full 19 days was different. However I did hear anecdotally that the flexible dining wasn't quite as quick - which is probably the price you pay for flexibility as the process is not as regimented. You could also eat in the Golden Lion on our cruise up until 8pm and the Wellness Cafe was really popular, especially for lunch. Finally the Lounge Bar in the Grand Lobby was open but only until 1pm every day, so great for a morning coffee but after then you needed to go up one floor to the Chart Room / Carinthia Lounge for a drink - which was slightly odd, although the ground floor in the Grand Lobby ended up being one of my favourite places in the morning. We thought that Celebrity Apex was our favourite ship (having sailed with P&O, Princess and Celebrity on a few occasions) but actually its now joint with Queen Anne, but for very different reasons. There are a few things that could be improved and I'm sure Cunard will address matters in the future but actually, I feel rather bad for the bad press they are getting - which is why your balanced review is so welcome.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello, thank you so much for your very comprehensive and detailed comments about the Queen Anne. Well thought out and written. How lovely that you have booked another cruise with the QA. Croatia is always such a beautiful Cruise area, I'm sure you had a fabulous time there!

[@processserver8470]

Thank you Ritzy for your diligent attention to detail. Greetings from Greenwich London ⚓️⛵️ Cheers 🥂🍾👍✅

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello Greenwich. Cheers 🥂 back to you

[@lincolnroad3]

Nice production, great visuals. You all looked fabulous 👏👏👏

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much!

[@andreasrisi6478]

Good morning Mr and Mrs Ritzy , After having travelled Twice transatlantic on Queen Mary 2 which was an extraordinary experience. So we booked for next year on Queen Ann the British island cruise in May.We decided to choose an outside deluxe cabin with panoramic window and we were astonished that this room has a bathtub which is very rare in the Britannia class.A note about the noisy librarie. I guess Cunard should be able to install a antinoise floor.I like your positve thinking . Now I will show your movie to my wife so we can look forward to our next Cunard experience.A great thank you for your excellent documentaries. Best wishes from Switzerland Andreas Risi

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello Andreas, lovely to hear from you. Yes, what a luxury to have a bath tub in Britannia! Wishing you both a fantastic British Isles cruise next year!

[@jorgschwantje1239]

The Grand Lobby looks nice for a Plastic surgery clinic. But nothing Grand, no glamour, like every other new ship. Could be also the Explora II. The Queens Room could only called "Room" cos there is no royalty left. Looks like a London club. That said the Cunard Experience like waiters in white gloves, violins and big bands feels off in these rooms. Does not fit at all. And in front of what staircase you make your fotos on the 20s ball? In the clinic-atrium? Really? I still have no idea why this brand changes what it stands for in comon cruise-ship-design but thinks the Cunard-Experience still fits? 🤷‍♂️ What I like: The aft pool area looks very nice and the Commodore Club is quite nice too. Thanks Bill and family for this great video. 🎉❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Jorg, thanks very much for your detailed insights and thoughts. Great to hear from you. Yes, the Queen Anne is very different from ALL the other Queens. Some long term Cunard customers will find it quite a change. It's really going to be quite divisive.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

@@ritzytravelguide My first comment did not come through, I wrote everything again and now you have two of them.. 😅 I am a first time cruiser on Cunard and just booked Victoria because she different. Did not regret a single minute.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Victoria is a lovely ship!

[@bodyloverz30]

@@ritzytravelguide Other than the black paint job, you could put a Celebrity logo on this ship and no one would no the difference.

[@bodyloverz30]

@@ritzytravelguide Why can't Cunard build more classic Liners!

[@samandpat1]

Absolutely brilliant review, Norway is definitely going to be our first cruise. Looks stunning

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much! Part Two is now out, you can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqLcoJigaciXqMk

[@stevenvater8720]

Well I was on the Anne in August.... Almost everyone liked her but wouldn't come again, they'd ho on the other ships. Many of the main public areas fell well below standard, for instance, the seating in all public areas were not the same quality as on the other queens, in fact some was unacceptable and cheap especially in the(non) queens room. The view sighting in theatre a complete disaster, what the hell were they thinking??!!! Pavilion was incredibly noisy, with sunlounger shuffle a day and that bloody TV screen, .smelled like a sweaty gym changing room. On top of all this one engine failed and we missed cadiz!!... It's a new ship!! Bright lights was a fantastic success. You gave a really good review thank you

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Steven, thanks so much for your various insights. I think one of the really telling comments you made is: "Almost everyone liked her, but wouldn't come again, they'd go on the other ships." This is exactly what Cunard needs to be cautious of. Once the initial batch of 'curious onlookers' have come and gone, how much repeat/return business will the QA get? This is very much the telling question for me, and why I raised the question in the video: 'have they designed a ship for the ages, and is it the special one?'

[@stevenvater8720]

@@ritzytravelguide I only gave a cursory critique, I absolutely agree with almost everything you said. The other queens Victoria and Elizabeth "connect".. They achieve something other ships don't, it's a feeling of quality, familiarness, comfort, something that puts people at ease. I've spent many times pondering about what that special quality is, and it's along the lines of feng shiue. (don't laugh) what I noticed is there is a distinct lack of sharp edges, softly radiused curves everywhere. Extremely high quality seating, fixtures and fitting in all public spaces. The choice of carpet and colours also having a powerful effect in developing the ambience that is appreciated so much.The Anne is full of jarring geometric patterns. Also the flow of the ships is vastly superior to the Anne. I had extensive conversations with many other cunarders one gentleman made a good point, he said the building costs during covid forced cunard to skimp on quality, this made sense to me. Timing between courses in britannia was too long, we had most meals in buffet. Bit of a rant but had to get it off my chest. Very much looking forward to your next review, you the best out there

[@ritzytravelguide]

Feel very free to get it off your chest! It's great to get everyone's insights and perspectives!

[@jorgschwantje1239]

​​@@stevenvater8720 Agree with everything you said. I think I know exactly what you mean. The furniture is really highest quality. Even if these massive chairs bump, they don't look damaged, they look like an antique piece. I was very impressed on Victoria.

[@michaelwhalen2469]

First of all , thank you Bill for this expertly produced video !! Beautiful photography and informative narration !! Lots of hard work here , and the devotion shows . Second, I’ve been a fanatic Cunard fan ever since I was a child ! I’ve traveled on all of the other three Queens and madly love each !! Each has its own unique charm and character. Third , I’ve always dreamed of being aboard a Cunard Transatlantic Maiden Voyage. Well , over a year ago I booked passage for Queen Anne’s maiden transatlantic coming up this January-February 2025. After all , how often is there a Cunard Maiden ?? They are as rare as hens teeth, as my Grandmother use to say ! Well, since the many video tours of Anne ( including yours ) have come out on KZbin since May 2024 , I can only say that I’m completely shocked and disappointed in the ship’s interior designs !😳 !!! No Cunard charm , grace or wow factor !!! So Disappointing! I asked a fellow passenger that I met on an Alaskan Queen Elizabeth last month how she would describe the Anne’s interiors? She had been on one of Anne’s very first European Voyages . She did described it in three words, “ Cold , Sterile and Unwelcoming “ !!! Yes , the rooms decors scream “ mid century shopping mall “ The Queens Room is Pure Ugly !! Small and Claustrophobic. Don’t get me wrong Bill , I will still go on my Transatlantic Maiden Voyage and enjoy every minute of the experience. But after that I’m not ever going to set foot aboard the Queen Anne again !!! Afterwords it will be ONLY Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and the unique and grand Queen Mary 2 !! How could Cunard make such a unbelievable expensive huge MISTAKE ?!?!?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Michael, great to hear from you. I totally feel the disappointment, from your message. I wish you an enjoyable maiden crossing next year. As you say, they come about so rarely. I hope it's memorable for you. (Even if you are simultaneously plotting and booking your next QE sailing as you sit there!)

[@julietrik4873]

Love your daughter's gown. She looks lovely.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks so much 😊

[@GlobalAdventurer]

I'm glad I have several upcoming cruises on QM2, because i definitely wouldn't want to sail on this one. It's really unfortunate. Thanks for your review and I'm looking forward to the upcoming videos.

[@stevenvater8720]

Been on the Anne and as a cunarder myself the Anne is an awkward design ship with many schoolboy errors. It's not cunard it's celebrity

[@ritzytravelguide]

Many thanks

[@GlynisHearn-jf5yl]

Beautifully filmed, looking forward to your future reviews, we are on Queen Anne in October, thank you for your analysis 😀

[@ritzytravelguide]

Have a fabulous time in October!

[@keithwelch6025]

Thanks, a really useful insight given that we're sailing on her next month. Looking forward to the other videos. We have only done two cruises (QM2 and Victoria), so it'll be interesting to see the latest Cunard incarnation.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Have a great sailing next month. Let us know afterwards what you thought!

[@Eugenia-1982]

Almost a month since we cruised on Queen Anne and loved almost everything. Staff extremely friendly and helpful. Great food experience except for Tramonto. Despite being at capacity the ship never felt crowded. Easy to get off in port with no lines. Only flaw the promenade deck and Queen Rooms small, stacking chairs are shameful. The ship is beautiful look forward to another cruise on Queen Anne. Thank you the video shows off the ship well.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, thanks so much for your comments. We didn't try Tramonto. Was it not good?

[@Eugenia-1982]

Food and service at Tramonto not the best. All three courses were poor very bland and not creative. The dessert inedible. Re watched videos that reviewed Tramonto the same dish didn’t even look the same. We loved Sir Samuel’s. Had lunch as dinner reservations not available. Outstanding food and service. Unfortunately I’m a little picky about food and maybe more critical. We need to cruise again to try Golden Lion pub and Wellness Cafe.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@Eugenia-1982 Thank you for that. A few people have mentioned they didn't think Tramonto is a memorable experience

[@TheTravelingHatter]

My experience on Queen Anne was similar to yours except that I found the service on the Queen Anne to be lacking. The Grand Lobby wowed me at the start, and that was the last time i felt that way. I am cruising again on Cunard, but I will not cruise on the Queen Anne again. It was also abrupt going from the Queen Mary 2 and its classic style to the golden blandness of the Queen Anne

[@stevenvater8720]

@@TheTravelingHatter we were on queen Anne in August, yes it's all very nice and new but it isn't cunard. Having travelled on cunard many times I picked up the feeling the staff were not happy. Just a gut feeling, compared to the other queens. Maybe it takes time to build esprit de corps?

[@stevebass3992]

Great review. We have been sailing with Cunard for 25 years and been on all the ships. I agree with everything you say. Not our favourite ship of the fleet but I would certainly go on again. We just prefer the more traditional decor of the other three Queens but this one has the best outdoor deck spaces other than the promenade deck.

[@danncantley9755]

My experience on Queen Anne (14 day voyage and naming ceremony) has turned me off Cunard for good. They need to do a whole lot of fine-tuning to make this ship work.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

Come to the Victoria. It's great! Everything fits here.

[@danncantley9755]

@@jorgschwantje1239We are done with Cunard for good and now spending our money on other cruise lines, especially Viking.

[@FraserCampbellTravel]

Fantastic tour and review!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much

[@familyfrost1399]

Amazing review, top work, kudos ritzy

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much!

[@ndirangugichuki6260]

Very good review. Cunard are definitely going in a different direction to accommodate the " modern " cruise / liner type of passengers. We are really getting to the end of these type of experiences if I may say. I personally think that the really last of these nostalgic voyages are the ones that focus on the Arctic / Antarctic voyages ( yes I said voyages !! ) we are getting to an end of an era.

[@raventoocute3006]

I really enjoy all of your channels videos and its so awesome to see your channel's growth. I thoroughly look forward to seeing more of your videos👍🏾👍🏾⛴⛴🛳🛳🛥

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much 😊

[@jamesscott7862]

One of the best reviews I've ever seen. I'm going on Queen Anne in November. I really hope I will enjoy it but I suspect I will prefer the other ships especially Queen Mary 2 which is my favourite.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi James, what a lovely message to read. Thank you very much. Wishing you a great voyage in November, please do let us know afterwards how it went.

[@jamesscott7862]

@@ritzytravelguide Thanks for the kind words. I definitely will definitely reply back. I love Cunard but unless you travel on the ship you can't make a proper opinion even when reading reviews. I was at the Queen Anne christening event in Liverpool which was amazing to see.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Sadly we were overseas during the Christening and Naming Ceremony. I'm sure it was a great atmosphere in Liverpool

[@stevenvater8720]

@@jamesscott7862 if you are a regular cunarder it'll be hard to accept fully

[@silviaeastonborges5204]

It’s interesting how/why people insist on comparing the Queen Anne with her sisters…other cruise lines don’t get this scrutiny. I was in the Queen Anne May 10… and if for no other reason I’m glad I did it 14:48 to appreciate all that’s been written. BTW… the seats on the front ten rows, I believe they are not on flat ground but worse, front the front the rows descend making it impossible to see anything! (Unless you were in 14:48 tallest 2% of your class.

[@tamipaskins4849]

Omg first time I've seen your daughters' drop dead gorgeous! 👏

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's so kind of to say, thank you

[@sherwinmackintosh6540]

Can't wait to see the next videos!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you!

[@MG-xx5ph]

Great video. We are in Queens Grill next month, having booked when only deck plans were available. I knew then that the QG restaurant was an odd shape. In the flesh, it looks like a railway carriage. Hopefully we will get a window table, otherwise it's taking turns with my partner, looking at the wall.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, wishing you a great cruise next month. Yes, Queen's Grill is a bit like a railway carriage. Be sure to dream up weird, wonderful and amazing dishes for them to prepare for you! It's your opportunity to ask them to prepare anything!

[@petervogel8015]

People forget that The Queen Mary decor was revolutionary in its time. Prior to that, Cunard ships were very Edwardian. Art Deco was a new style in the 30’s.

[@gilbydog7350]

True, style does move with the ages. Possibly the Queen Anne is on the duller side though, something you could not have said of a previous Cunard Queen. Dull certainly saves on costs when fitting out, and improves the ship's resale value or versatility. That Grand Lobby could just about be in any line or band in the Carnival umbrella, once they take out the multi-level image of the ship in there.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@gilbydog7350 Yup, some of it is a bit plain. I do wonder whether they carved the ship up, and gave various sections to different design teams.

[@jetdriver]

I fully agree with your comments WRT to how certain spaces on the ship look and the functionality of her layout. That would drive me nuts I think. The Queens room especially looks like a low rent hotel ballroom. I love your reviews and while it might take multiple videos I love how thorough you are. Watching this you really get a feel for what to expect. And I have to say as an infrequent cruiser I would avoid Queen Anne. I don’t want to feel like I’ve compromised when I cruise and not only the look of those critical areas but the layout and long lines to dine would really aggravate me. Side note. Some time back you mentioned the benefits of holding Carnival Stock when cruising one of their lines. So I bought the requisite 100 shares and my investment is up 127%! So thanks!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, great to hear from you. So glad the Carnival stock is working out! Yes, it has done well the past year, and in the meantime giving good benefits.

[@abdvantage]

I absolutely love your vids/reviews!!! If I can give one constructive feedback it'll be to move to 4k vids to get sharper vids. This maxed at 1080.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, yes. It's something I may move to in the future. I take in 4k but edit and output at 1080. The working files are already huge!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I've been waiting for this. I don't know. I'm not a traditional Cunard cruiser to know what are their strong signatures. Yes, the Queens Room is smaller and less grand as the other ships. The thing is, there is still a large-ish dance floor. And being knowledgable of nice pianos, I appreciate it has a Yamaha SX grand in it, a finer piano than the usual CX. I like the Commodore room and bright lights society. My feeling is it looks like a HAL ship with different decor. Cruising is so much the ambiance the crew creates so the physical ship just needs the right venues to facilitate certain activities and then the crew and entertainment staff provides the real magic. I think a more updated style isn't a terrible idea however that doesn't mean all the new classes should abandon what Cunard is in some contemporary or trendy style. I'll read the comments with interest. Look forward to more.

[@tonymarshall4164]

Some dear friends of ours always cruise with Cunard, the McNarry’s. Barbara is the sister of the legendary footballer George Best, and were in fact on The Queen Anne for its maiden voyage. They were unfortunately underwhelmed.

[@keithnewton8981]

This is what qe2 was like when it started sailing it was very modern hip late 1960 early 70 chrome and curved white smooth surface and bright colours

[@MichaelYates]

You are spot on ! . I did like the ship but just thought it was a little over hyped. The Queens room was a little disapointing and storage tight. I have just done a review on my channel with some tips as well.

[@TheRavendearest]

A more “modern” ship for those who enjoy that look, a smart move by the company with so much competition in the industry. I for one prefer the retro, art deco look, the more classic sumptuous feel of leather and wood, something for everyone though is a good business move on their part.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, great to hear from you. I certainly agree that Carnival, and by extension Cunard need to keep the company solvent, and that they need to cast a wider net. The balancing act is now providing a varied offering, that gives choice and selection, yet keeps to the ethos of the company. When you book Cunard, you must feel you are getting it. But that Cunard offering could come in different shapes, sizes and flavours... as long as it's recognisably Cunard!

[@robp4682]

Thanks Bill - a very useful video

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very kind, thank you

[@francesguinta8614]

Way too many big television screens everywhere.

[@LeeDesignStudioYT]

I really love your videos! Your voice and the way everything is filmed feels like it belongs on the travel channel or a documentary film!

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's so nice of you to say, thank you!

[@LeeDesignStudioYT]

@@ritzytravelguide thank YOU!!! ♥

[@josephpiskac2781]

Beautiful ship with a marvelous presentation. Cunard did a great job though thinking back of my experience with the QM2 and QE3 I would also prefer to be on those ships. However I would book on the QAnn depending on the package. I am desposed to Social Security United States life and my Cunard days are not achievable at this time. Thanks again for a first class tour!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks very much. Yes, we too have a soft spot for the QM2 and Queen Elizabeth

[@markomarten]

I think of it as traditional values with a modern twist. It’s about 20 years since QM2 was launched and though this is not a replacement it does allow a bit more flexibility in the scheme of things. Queen Elizabeth and Victoria are both very similar but have their respective differences which makes them popular for a mixture of cruises. QM2 does get shunted around a bit and maybe Queen Anne will allow a bit flexibility in the schedule and capacity for longer cruises like the world cruise. I don’t know how suitable Queen Anne would be for doing the trans Atlantic sailing but I would guess she is equipped for most things and would be a good alternative if QM2 is not available. A new chapter is in the making it will be interesting to see how things evolve and what changes.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, thank you for your thoughts. Yes, the Queen Anne certainly provides diversity to the Cunard mix, which is no bad thing. Let's see how the cruising public takes to her. My gut reaction is they will make some tweaks in the first 12 months, like any cruise line would. They may reintroduce some traditional Cunard elements that aren't currently there, to keep all sides happy, but still retaining the more contemporary feel.

[@tomkent4656]

It has a 1930s vibe. I like it.

[@ritzytravelguide]

It is a little bit retro in various areas across the ship. We love the Pavilion Pool Area, the Games Room, Drawing Room, Commodore Club and Chart Room. They have a lovely atmosphere

[@jeremy1350]

Hi Bill, Yes, you are right. It is the battle between the traditionalists and the modernists. Bows and Arrows, you're supposed to shoot at the target and not each other !! I laughed out loud. The Queens Room, leaves much to be desired. I did not like it at all. Sitting in the library, and hear "Thundering Elephants from above" one might ponder Rudyard Kipling and maybe not pickle ball !!! Oh, the insanity.

[@chak06880]

If Cunard created another Art Deco/ British themed ship, people will complain that Cunard is not keeping up with the times. So Cunard makes make a more modern ship and people complain they are not keeping up tradition. Eventually, I can see Cunard swapping Queen Elizabeth back to the UK and homeporting QA in USA for Alaska and Caribbean voyages. Less trauma for the purists then…. In any case - another well produced video!

[@ritzytravelguide]

You might well be right on your analysis, and QA eventually spends a fair amount of time in international and North American markets

[@jorgschwantje1239]

Keeping up with what times? Nobody of the guests were alive in 1912 or 1929. That was always a historic style. Also in 2004, 2007 and 2010, when they launched the ships.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

I love the chess set at 27:00

[@ritzytravelguide]

The Drawing Room and Games Room are beautifully designed and decorated

[@brianpeterson5559]

They need more televisions

[@ritzytravelguide]

Do they?

[@lucysheppard]

I was on the queen anne going to Norway I thought the ship was fantastic And I didn't want to leave I was on it from 15th - 27th October

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, good to hear from you. It must have been a very similar itinerary to the one we were on, round the Fjords. Gorgeous scenery

[@lucysheppard]

@ritzytravelguide the waves was so high , and I did have the movement of the ship when I got home

[@ritzytravelguide]

@lucysheppard Swaying round your living room for days and days afterwards!

[@lucysheppard]

@ritzytravelguide yes, and when I was at work ( I work in a university called goldsmiths in new Cross)

[@carolyns99]

Not for me. My dream is to get on a Cunard cruise in the next few years - but it won't be on this. Rather go on Princess and get what you expect than go on Cunard for the elegance and ambience and get this - whatever-it-is. Not trying to rag on Princess either but, let's face it, most people want to go on Cunard for an experience and look that no-one else does. My heart actually dropped when I saw their first promotional videos when she was being built. Sadly it has now fully lived down to my expectations following the previews. This is the ship version of the entertainment industry's "update for a (largly illusory) modern audience". The reason that the Deco look is so popular is that it truly is one of the few design eras that has almost universal appeal. So many people love it that it is really hard to go wrong using it as a template. The lotus columns in the Britannia restaurant looked like someone started in the right place and then threw away the plans. Even the splashes of their traditional livery (like the stairs) look totally out of place amongst the visually underwhelming shopping mall chic of everything else. Having that ball court above the library is just insane and as for the senior-citz club look of the Queen's Room and the cheap and trashy bling of the Chart Room ... no thank you. And who designed that hideous mustard yellow cafeteria look for the Italian restaurant? 🤮 Maybe they will manage to find enough passengers who actually like the look, but I can't help feel there may be a fairly hasty decor overhaul over the next 5 years or so.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello, thank you so much for your comprehensive thoughts and observations. It will indeed be interesting to see how much revision there is over coming years, to return the Queen Anne nearer to the traditional art deco look.

[@carolyns99]

@@ritzytravelguide Yes, it will be interesting. Looking forward to seeing what you have to say about the cabins.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

Totally agree.

[@COLINJELY]

I have done one cruise on QE. Next week I board QM2

[@ritzytravelguide]

Have a fantastic voyage on QM2. Where are going? A transatlantic crossing?

[@COLINJELY]

@@ritzytravelguide Westbound Transatlantic via Le Harve

[@stuartlee6622]

I don't know. Maybe for me just a freighter sailing. Just to sit on the deck, with a book, looking out on the ocean.

[@martynmiller4247]

A quick re-badge when she fails as a Cunard ship... welcome to Holland America, Costa, P&O, et al. Wherever they need an additional vessel. Very clever to design her interior to be Meh... won't offend, and well suited for any other line. But not Cunard.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Stranger things do happen. Carnival often rebadges ships within its catalogue

[@thomasmilliken2256]

As a 'younger' person i liked it 😂

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks so much for writing in. I wonder if this will be a general trend. 'Younger' people prefer the Queen Anne, compared to the other Cunard ships.

[@steinwaldmadchen]

Also "younger" person I feel the ship looks great, though not all sites are well executed, notably the Queens room.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

My wife is 30. She hates it. 😅

[@TheNickVillarreal]

I know this is comparing Cunard to Cunard, but I am curious as to how this stacks up against the Holland America version of the Pinnacle Class. Given that both Cunard and Holland America are in the Premium cruise category, I would be fascinated to know what differences are present, and which one is a better value proposition

[@ritzytravelguide]

By coincidence we will have a video on EXACTLY this topic later this year! In November we are on Holland America's Rotterdam, which is Pinnacle class, just like the Queen Anne. The two ships SHARE so much DNA. The video will directly compare the 2 ships.

[@caseyley100]

How awesome to see the family! Your wife always looks lovely and has great style; your daughter is clearly following in her footsteps as that new ball gown is GORGEOUS and she looks stunning in it! I always enjoy your reviews and this one is no different. The Queen Anne is a beautiful ship but I'm just not convinced. I can't say I'd choose her over one of the other Queens. Looking forward to the forthcoming QA videos!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much for your lovely compliments about the family, very kind of you to say!

[@alexisleon23]

It seems I was right about 🛳 cruises.... It reminds me of a line of production in a factory...

[@kohl57]

Excellent and this regular Cunard passenger (since 1977) wouldn't touch QUEEN ANNE with a barge pole. A "Cunarder" for people who don't like Cunard and having nothing for those of us who do. Best booking incentive for real Cunarders: QM2, QV and QE.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you very much for your thoughts. The Queen Anne is certainly dividing opinion!

[@terrikatz4854]

Is the Anne seaworthy for ocean going voyages? In contrast to the QM2, cruise ships in general are cheaply made so ordinary open ocean conditions result in nauseating movement. I am desperate to get a review of how the Anne handles 12-15 foot seas and Beaufort 8-10 winds.

[@grahamdouglas1]

Is the non-Cunard look due to the fact that is only a modified Holland America ship. It looks like an office block on water like so many other newer Carnival brands ships.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, yes the last 3 Cunard ships have been shared across multiple other Carnival owned brands. Victoria and QE are Vista class and QA is Pinnacle. They share the ship hulls and superstructure. Particularly the Vista class, which is found amongst others on: Holland America, P&O, Costa and Carnival themselves. There is some ability to juggle the interior look and design and decor, but largely the layouts are similar. Hence the exteriors look very similar to each other. QA did add a partial extra deck on the top. We are cruising on HAL Rotterdam this November, which is Pinnacle Class and has a very similar DNA to QA. I will be making a video directly after that cruise, comparing Rotterdam vs QA

[@grahamdouglas1]

@@ritzytravelguide I’ve only been on QM2 and hated it, but QA looks to me like Miami, all glitz and no taste. I thought the Americans liked sailing in a ship that claimed to be British, despite being American owned and registered In Hamilton.

[@stevenvater8720]

​@@grahamdouglas1try the Victoria or Elizabeth, they're vastly superior

[@grahamdouglas1]

@@stevenvater8720 Thanks, but I’m happy on Azamara.

[@carolynrichardson4286]

Do you review the Britannia Club dining room? We are doing a 63day cruise from Hong Kong in 2026.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, we do feature it a little, in our upcoming Video Two

[@normanmeharry58]

Let's not get carried away. It's another big cruise ship... a posh Soweto at sea. Ive cruised with several cruise companies and found Cunard to be better than the others.

[@ServraghGiorsal]

From the first shots, i dont like it. But as im 78, and not likely to go there, im sure they don't care.. but i, too, am a traditionalist!😊😊

[@ritzytravelguide]

I think many are too!

[@christinelloyd-kg9ow]

Omg what were they thinking of !!

[@keithnewton8981]

Indian not a patch on p&o Indian restaurant which very nicely done and has its own kitchens on iona and azura

[@samruda23]

I think for anyone comparing Anne to the other Queens and looking for the same or similar type of aesthetic will be disappointed. I look at the Anne and see it as Cunard's pivot to Celebrity. And the pivot to Celebrity is both a demographic necessity and a financial necessity. Absent Grills/Britannia Club, Cunard just can't squeeze adequate incremental on-ship revenue growth from Mary, Elizabeth and Victoria. It's an older demographic and a mostly budget conscience one at that. Nothing wrong with that per se. It's been Cunard's bread and butter. Increasingly however, it's just not a financially robust. business model especially given Carnival Corp's debt over-hang. Anne represents Cunard's pivot away from the the ball room and tea scene to something a bit less formal and sedate in my humble opinion. And since Anne represents 25% of the fleet, Cunard can hedge its bet. But if successful, and I think she has a lot of upside, this is going to be Cunard's future direction I dare say. I was just on the Elizabeth and it was a "blah" experience. I was just also on Celebrity and the food, fitness, entertainment was substantially better (but not the cabin fit and finish on the older Celebrity Silhouette) that what you get on the non-Anne Queens. So in summary, the Cunard purists will mostly be disappointed. But that is kind of the point. Cunard is looking to pivot and that means it's pivoting to attract a different and broader demographic (perhaps trending a bit younger and also those who are prepared to fork out more on-board incremental spend for specialty dining and so forth). I am booked on Anne in January for two back to back segments. I am looking forward to it not being like the other Queens!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, many thanks for your thoughts and comments. Please do let us know what you think after you have been on your QA back to back in January

[@jasonhamilton7023]

Lots of contemporary embellishments, an interesting re-imagination of the Cunard brand and reasonably stylish but… plenty of other cruise lines offering all of the bling and baubles.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, that is very true, there are several other Cruise lines offering the "bling and the baubles." Has Cunard done enough to retain its own brand?

[@Curmudgeoned]

Great (partially) in-depth review. Disappointed you didn’t include a look around the casino.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Coming in part 2!

[@Curmudgeoned]

@@ritzytravelguide Great thanks. Apologies for the premature comment then. Looking forward to it.

[@Lena-yz9vt]

😮 I decided for Cunard because they offer my favorite route. The ship will be Queen Anne The Vacation refills the dream of my life. I will travel alone with my 6 years old son. Cunard talled me that the passangers build a mix of all ages. But after that video Im totaly sad because I guess we are totaly deplaced. 😢 What do you think?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Are you worried about the ship? Or you feel it would not be suitable for a 6 year old?

[@Lena-yz9vt]

​@@ritzytravelguide Thank you for your answer. I'm afraid it's not suitable for children and maybe not for me as a single mom. It's curious because Cunerd offers a Kids Club on bord. What do you think?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi. In answer to your two points : 1. There is a kids club, so your 6 year old son can definitely get involved with that. If you are worried there won't be many others his age to mix with, it is certainly true that Cunard has less kids than 'family orientated' cruise lines. Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian etc would certainly have more. Princess and Celebrity more also. Going during school vacation time would certainly get more kids aboard, than term time, if that's what you are trying to achieve. 2. Being a single mother, I would absolutely not worry about. Cruises have many singles aboard, and solo travellers. Cruise Lines put on many events and meetups to help singles to mingle and discover others.

[@Lena-yz9vt]

@@ritzytravelguide Thank you for your kind and helpful answer -and for your time! 🙏 💐

[@ritzytravelguide]

Very welcome!

[@keith6400]

Well, I have booked a transatlantic and it seems things have changed since 1964. Why do people want things to stay the same?

[@russellgray1426]

I know that the Britannia is posh when diners eat Satay with a knife and fork😜

[@ritzytravelguide]

🤣

[@stuartlee6622]

Do I still have to shlepp a tuxedo? Where does she go?

[@yurkshirelad]

I haven't been on a cruise but may do one day. This ship is way too garish and chintzy for me. It's not for me.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Perhaps one of the other Queens

[@yurkshirelad]

@@ritzytravelguide hopefully one day!

[@TheHendoncat]

I was on Queen Anne in may , the second cruise …I have to say the staff were very hit and miss , huge confusion as to what they were doing ..…breakfast was a rodeo of whether you would get what you ordered …you would never get the full expected experience…after 2 days , no grapefruit juice sir …no croissants on offer bar 2 mornings ….not a great ship …and it’s not a first world problem, it’s just what should be delivered consistently for the money that’s paid …you pay the same for bad service as you do for good .. Ps you just walk through the queens terrace …it’s allowed, and I wasn’t bothered about doing it …bad design . If I’d paid for Grills experience I would be less than happy … The front of ship where the smoking area is should have been the Grills area , but I’m glad it was left available for us lower class people , it’s a lovely spot … Good review by yourself , I think you’ve nailed it …it’s a new , tidy cruise ship , and I think that’s as far as it goes ….if you want Cunard experience go on the others as well will twice in the next 3 months ..

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there many thanks for your comments. As a side note: the entry to the Grills Terrace is now locked, behind a code. As we were not staying in Grills, I sought permission for entry, to take footage.

[@TheHendoncat]

@@ritzytravelguide I mentioned that to my wife and she did remark that maybe they have now introduced locks to it ….we then reviewed the video and saw the keypads …..it was open in May ….also those stateroom balconies you overlook from the buffet are all Princess grills cabins …again , I don’t think that’s an acceptable situation…multiple people viewing your time in your balcony .. lobed the review , best I’ve seen in its comprehensiveness.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Are you sure that you are not reviewing a Royal Caribbean ship?

[@ritzytravelguide]

🤣

[@robertjohannnewton7489]

Where could one smoke a cigar?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, there's the Churchill Cigar Lounge. We'll be showing that in Video Two

[@theodoremartine3414]

The Queen Anne is a twin - some interior decor aside - of Holland America Line's newest fleet members, the Pinnacle class ships. Even though I am a big fan of HAL, I will forever boycott their Pinnacles because of the way they ruined the promenade deck, such as this video so ably points out.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, that's absolutely correct, it is a Pinnacle ship. We're on the Holland America Rotterdam in November, which will be interesting, as it's an almost identical ship.

[@bodyloverz30]

@@ritzytravelguide Why is Cunard sharing ships with sister brands?

[@jorgschwantje1239]

​@@bodyloverz30 Probably just costs... 🤷‍♂️

[@KMA66]

@@ritzytravelguideehh

[@ritzytravelguide]

Both Cunard and Holland America are owned by Carnival Corporation. For the past 15 years they have been sharing ship hulls and superstructure. They then outfit them to their own wishes and wants. So the shell and layout are almost identical, and they then decorate and stylise them in their own way

[@davidc5191]

:W hat is vegan chocolate cake? 17:56 I didn't think normal chocolate cake had any meat in it.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Vegan, meaning no milk, butter, eggs, or by products from animals

[@paddycable1723]

It all looks rather tacky to me - I much prefer Queen Mary 2.

[@jabbathehut656]

Love your videos. That said, Cunard is definitely not for me. I stopped watching at the Gala night section. The formal aspect of this 100% puts me off ever sailing on Cunard. Cant think of anything worse than having to wear a suit, or worse, a penguin suit, whilst on holiday. (I only own one suit now, it makes an appearance for funerals) I am not one for traditions so dont understand the clamour for afternoon tea, and the silly clapping of the food coming in. Brilliant video though, as are all of your videos.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, many thanks for your kind words. Yes, Cunard is not for everyone!

[@keithnewton8981]

Got to say the food look no different that what you get in p&o main dinning room

[@Curmudgeoned]

Looks to me like this is Cunard’s attempt at going woke!

[@meduseld255]

We completely stopped your video at the "dice" pole dancy types in the Queens Room. Til Next video.

[@theapprentice2298]

its lost its way . People will vote with their wallet . What people loved was traditional Cunard , hertitage , style , grace. IMHO ,Now we have, well a copy of other ships . Not good !

[@ritzytravelguide]

I would tend to agree with you that people book Cunard... for Cunard. If they steer too far away from their history and heritage, they are in danger of losing their identity

[@jabbathehut656]

Myabe they have copied other ships, because frankly, other ships are better? The clientelle they traditionally had, always seemed to be the posh elderly, and we dont all get old and become posh. Some of us are getting old disgracefully, and are trying to saty as young as possible, so afternoon tea and ballroom dancing are something old people did when I was young. Now I am old, I still want to do what I did when I was young.

[@ritzytravelguide]

@jabbathehut656 🤣

[@Linda-w3o3s]

Brilliant comment. We totally agree!

[@pj7342]

Isn't it the carnival celebration with different decor?

[@davidcrawley7441]

We were on queen ann end of July and disliked nearly everything about it. We have cruised for many years and this is too American , too large and bad,y designed. We could go on and on but have now booked a smaller British ship for next year.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi David, thank you for your comments. Which ship have you booked for next year?

[@davidjames-maddaford4531]

I do not like this floating brick at all! I am a traditionalist, and no American, so I find this revolting