This Cunard Regular Puts Their Brand-New Ship To The Test

[@lescook9021]

Every so often I binge watch this gentleman's videos on cruising. Not exactly unusual, except that I don't take cruises and actually, after watching these videos, I'm not sure I want to. But for some reason, I find his videos interesting and his voice somehow calming.

[@wolfman6941]

My wife and I have absolutely no intention of ever going on a cruise, but we thoroughly enjoy watching Gary and other cruise vloggers video.

[@w1swh1]

Yes I agree😀

[@mehitabel6564]

absolutely agree with you. I keep watching hoping I'll find cruising appealing. Apart from a transatlantic crossing, they all look extremely unappealing even the so-called 'luxury' options, but I enjoy Gary's presentations.

[@w1swh1]

@@mehitabel6564 Yes I agree. Gary has the voice, tenor and speed for an enjoyable video, even if we don't like the subject matter. Making a good video is not that easy. I made a video myself on replacing my roof - nobody watches it☹

[@julieduree9210]

Cruising has never appealed to me for various reasons,but I enjoy hearing Gary talk about cruising.

[@aircal737]

You always do such fair and balanced reviews. We just love them and thank you.

[@scottread]

I think I'll stick with the art deco gorgeousness of QM2.

[@johnwinter6061]

QM2 was our worst cruise ever. It's a bad build too. Wonky sides. Hump in the main promenade because they made a mistake with the measurements of the engine below it! Shaver power point with no clearance. have to line up for cashing in your quiz prize points. Insulting staff who didn't know what they were talking about. I love art deco and baroque. But not at the expense of everything else.

[@sheilaathay2034]

I want the old fashioned. Polished wood,, crystal chandeliers,. Yes Agatha Christie for sure. And i want to dance with Inspector Poirot .And I'm not old❤🎉

[@bodyloverz30]

Start building more Classic Liners!

[@amyyates8273]

Me too! 😊

[@julieduree9210]

The new ships look plain and cheap looking.

[@elegant_travelling]

I’m sorry to say but this comes as a huge disappointment. Cunard seems to have completely lost its direction. People choose Cunard for the experience they offer, as one of the very vast companies that still captures the romantic idea of travel of days gone past. In my view this was a huge mistake. When QM2 retires it will truly be the end of an era.

[@EmmaMorgan09]

Queen Anne has a different target audience to the other three queens… she is more modern and personally I LOVE her!

[@laurencarrikerelonlaw7904]

Boomers, their target market, are dying out. They’re trying to expand their target market to attract the next generation. I think it’s beautiful and lighter! Come on, it’s not a tacky Carnival cruise. Get a grip.

[@julieduree9210]

@@EmmaMorgan09The old ships had the richness of their decor, the new is plain and rather cheap looking.

[@jencraw1924]

Tbf the QM2 is due for a “midlife” refurb in 2026 and is expected to run until 2046 so the day you are talking about is very far off and that’s if they don’t make another liner as honestly the gimmick of being the only running ocean liner in the world is a great line. Certainly I plan on doing a crossing at least once and I’m in my 30’s so definitely not cunard’s “normal” customer. Will probably wait a few years though for her refurb and for some of these (to be impolite) older clientele kick the bucket as from everything I’ve read and heard the current customer base can be very very rude and needy and who needs that on vacation.

[@sinestesiagaming]

Cunard have lost their direction and forgotten their heritage, at least shore side. You could very easily mistake photos of Queen Anne's interior as being from a multitude of other brands' ships, whereas the other 3 in Cunard's fleet are all almost instantly recognisable due to their subtle uniqueness in decor choices. This, coupled with their "dumbing down" of the evening dress code (which has upset many long-term staff members and passengers), makes it certainly look like they no longer want the traditionalists who choose Cunard for that little bit of "style and class", even if some of us are in middle-aged, or younger.

[@bodyloverz30]

Do they really think they can out do Celebrity, at being Celebrity?

[@silviaeaston]

See my write up above.... on 4:47min. you have this tall BIG man on not only an evening wear, but formal evening, with bermuda shorts on....!

[@Zombie-Tog]

This is so spot on Gary...gone is the Agatha Christie feel ...it's like any other vanilla cruise ship. No character ...almost like an upmarket P&O with furnishings that lack sumptuousness . That theatre is hideous ...think of the sense of occasion in the other Cunard ships have. Welcome to the world of generic, "safe" globalisation.

[@pxn748]

I agree they seem to be going away from their core demographic and trying to be like every other line, and chase the "younger" crowd. Just like my beloved Holland America which used to be quiet and elegant and for the older crowd, now they are being homogenized and turning into any other premium line.

[@a.e.7988]

Doesn't look vanilla, it looks chocolate.😂

[@PortsladeBySea]

It’s lost its sparkle and what made Cunard extra special 😢☹️🥴

[@AA-db9cb]

Yeah that's one ship I'm not setting a foot on. If I sail with Cunard, I want Art Deco. Art Deco looks more luxurious than contemporary.

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

I'd say your tastes are wonderful but, that said, ships are built to be filled and to maximize profits. Old school ways led to why Cunard sold itself to Carnival. It was slowly failing or, at very least, not living up to the financial expectations of the stockholders. In short, there are not enough of us old school types or we just do not travel enough to make our opinions relevant to the bottom line. In the end, a good bottom line means survival for a cruise line. Catering to a demographic that could never bring in enough passengers to fill four ships is financial suicide. Would certainly be nice, though. How about just one ship dedicated to us? Let the tasteless masses fill the other three. Seems a reasonable request. But it isn't going to happen any time soon. The trend is the other way now. Sadly for our group.

[@AA-db9cb]

​@@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm I'm 35. I think also it's an education issue as most people my age aren't aware of art deco, and actual quality for that matter, to look for it. Contemporary looks really cheap and disposable for me. I don't think they make enough effort to tell people what differentiates them from the rest of the market.

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

Good points. Thanks for your comments. Cruise lines make extensive investigations into how to draw more people to cruising and, of course, to them in particular. While not always right on their calls, these folks usually know their business and are worth the big bucks they garner. Problem is change is often occurring too fast for an industry to keep up with it and needed changes to older vessels to please different demographics is expensive and time consuming. Right now cruise lines, like the airline and many other industries crippled by COVID 19 losses, are trying to recover COVID 19 losses as soon as possible. Pricing can be a bit odd. Marketing is another challenge. I doubt if Cunard purposely markets to younger folks. Personally, I think many would love to see and travel on such vessels despite the much older folks they may see along with them. Might give them time to watch and figure out the geezers. With any luck, in a long lifetime, they will become the geezers. I had my first cruise when I was 42. It included getting an automobile back from Europe with me. Don't even knoe if that can be done today. That's how I justifies the cost. The car traveled with me for free (not in my tiny cabin, of course). Felt a little like an young outsider but found it fascinating. Been on over 40 cruises since then. Each offered added insights and made me want additional such experiences. To me, the ship is the destination. The shore excursions are just too short to offer in depth knowledge of anywhere. You promise yourself you will go back and expand upon that first short visit but seldom have, or make, the time to really do so. You learn being pampered is nice. I always recommend a Queen Mary 2 transatlantic voyage for the historic significance and that ship is the last ocean liner sailing. She is purpose-built to survive whatever the Atlantic can throw at her. Because of time zone issues, I'd recommend a westbound transit for newbies.

[@esseil]

Which begs the question: why own 19 (or however many) cruise lines if you want them all to be the same?

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

@@esseil The differences are becoming more subtle. Trying to please everyone. Got to fill the staterooms. Big holding companies just want them ALL to be profitable. Some get the high end crowd. Others go for premium servive. Some go rock bottom prices. Got to find one you like. As you get bored, you might stay under their MASSIVE UMBRELLA and change to other of their offerings and that still keeps your money with them. That's the bottom line. Keep YOUR cruiser on some cruise line you own. Sometimes they do believe we belong to them. They often know our tastes better than we do. And, if you migrate to the more pricey cruise lines as your financial situation improves, that is best of ALL.

[@ScottRae]

Having been on exactly 1 cruise, on Holland America Konningsdam, I was watching this and thinking "ooo recognise that, that looks familiar" Which strikes me as missing the point for Cunard.

[@monkeyb1820]

we did a princess ship (caribbean princess) that also had those annoying siteline issues. Iirc, in the second section, certain seats had good views and we made sure to sit in the latter seats. This is an important thing for everyone to observe early (maybe even during muster time on day 1).

[@TonyLon]

We've just returned from the QA trip after yours (down in the Med, where the sundecks were heavily used) and think you've given a very fair & balanced review of the new ship. A couple of observations: Most of the passengers seemed to be long term Cunarders (and also in the older age bracket. I'm early 60s and was definitely in the younger demographic on this cruise). I think the proof of the pudding will come in maybe 6 months time when Cunard will be hoping to attract new customers (either from other lines or new to cruising altogether) to fill the Winter & Spring sailings. Cunard have to tread a very fine line in offering the new innovations to attract those new customers (the Bright Lights cabaret venue and the Wellness café are two of the new features I think worked very well) but also keeping enough of the Cunard traditional things that are really their USP. For example the dressing up on the Formal evenings (and indeed the overall smartness of passengers on all the other evenings) is the one thing that separates Cunard from all the other lines and is widely appreciated by most of their clientele. Secondly. Even though I thought the decor & design in general was good,, I think that the overall passenger flow of the ship could have been better implemented. I know you were in Grills, but for us lowly Britannia passengers, getting from one end of the ship to the other on the upper decks (without sneaking through the Grill Terrace ) was a real trek (involving dropping down a couple of decks and coming back up). The cabins (and especially the bathrooms) are a step up from the other Queens, but as mentioned elsewhere, the wardrobe space has been decreased (and with no drawers except in the bedside cabinets) and why won't Cunard trust it's customers (who've paid thousands to sail) not to pinch the coat hangers! QM2 is still our favourite, but wouldn't dismiss another trip on Queen Anne if the itinerary (and price) was right.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and your thoughts and experience. Yes, but was very confusing people trying to find way around and get to places with the Grills deck blocking the way. I agree going to be interesting to see how this shakes up. I did hear a podcast interview with the Cunard sales person saying they are seeing a very high number of new to Cunard booking Queen Anne.... And will they want the Cunard experience or not!?

[@bodyloverz30]

@@tipsfortravellers I just asked, "how is this different than the P&O Flagship? The main atrium is the same!

[@dbirch001]

Gary - Another excellent video. I probably watch more of your videos than anyone else's -- so professional and balanced. I recently sailed on the Queen Anne from Southampton to Norway, my first cruise in 25 years. 7 days. Your general tips on packing, embarkation, cabins, etc. from other videos were super helpful, and your description of the Queen Anne is spot on. I will offer a different point of view on one point you make: I found the food in the specialty restaurants *significantly* better than the food in the main Britannia restaurant. I had dinner in the Britannia Dining Room twice, and found the food okay, maybe three stars, and the portions quite small, e.g. a small teacup of weak beef consomme for a starter was disappointing. I thought the food in all four of the specialty restaurants was absolutely four stars, and the portions more generous. The spicy scallop starter in Tramonto was one of the best scallop dishes I've ever had, and the lobster main in Aranya was spectacular. Just a matter of preferences I guess. Two positives I would add: the Cunard bathrobes are the most comfortable things I have ever worn. It's like they are made of clouds and unicorn fur. And the doughnuts at breakfast were heavenly, (but you have to know where to find them, as they are off to the side).

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

Thank you, Gary another outstanding video. I find it difficult to want to travel on Cunard. Number one not going go on a 3000 passenger vessel that calls itself “luxury” & charges premium prices, that’s just incongruous. Number two, I’m not at a fan of specialty dinning & regard it as a waste. Why should pay a “premium” then pay additional for dinner. I’ve always believed MDR food is delicious. I am aware lines including Silversea also have premium dinning. I do want to acknowledge how beautiful the ship Is, love the design. In summary I believe the cruise industry is undergoing monumental change. More and more small ship companies are sprouting up 😊. Atlas looks awesome. The newer smaller ships are for me. Mainstream lines are recruiting the budget travelers who wish to “pay as you go”, in my opinion (pay for gratuities, drinks, restaurants, wifi, excursions, on board activities). A couple will wind up paying an extra &1,000 for a week aboard these crowded ships.😮

[@bodyloverz30]

True Premium & Luxury Lines included all specialty dining.

[@Cruisinjules]

Thank you Gary. You really put it all in perspective. This helped me decide that if I sail on Cunard again, it will be on one of its older ships. There's nothing like the traditional outdoor promenade and having afternoon tea in the Queen's Room/ballroom. If the Queen Anne is an extended Holland America Pinnacle Class ship, I'd prefer to sail with HAL.

[@bodyloverz30]

Yes, I agree 100%!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Great to see this review Gary 🛳️

[@robertjones8856]

Going on our 1st cruise (Cunnard) in August, this channel has really helped. Theres so much i didn't know (and probably still dont🤭). We're excited and abit anxious on what it will be like. Thankyou Gary, see you in the next video. (Rob & Donna)

[@stevenvater8720]

Hope your cruise is not on the Anne....... Cos it ain't no cunard ship.

[@katcalico9142]

Oh no Gary! No one could possibly want to replace you! I wouldn’t do Cunard solo, but would consider going with my Mother if I can convince her. She is more of a Seabourn lady - I am still trying to convince her to try the Retreat on an Edge class ship. 😂

[@draconianfairy]

I think it about getting people to pay more for less. The quality of just about everything on Queen Anne was inferior

[@Mrpegs1]

I only go on Cunard going on The Queen Anne later this year hopefully we will enjoy it. Enjoyed listening to your thoughts

[@kaywhy245]

Avoid if you have ever been on the Victoria, Elizabeth or Mary. These are not teething problems.

[@chak06880]

I read through quite a few comments about Cunard in general and people have to get some facts straight: First, Carnival bought Cunard 25+ years ago! A generation! Carnival then plowed a ton of money to build the Queen Mary 2 to keep the only ocean liner at sea, and then built the very traditional Queen Victoria and Elizabeth cruise ships. Many hated all three ships when introduced and now all three are beloved. Bottom line is Carnival saved Cunard. Second, Cunard’s “class” system is not as over the top as suite passengers receive in MSC, Celebrity, or Norwegian. In fact, Gary has a recent excellent video showing how such a small part of the Cunard ships are taken up by Grills passengers vs other lines. And no Grills passenger is getting walked to the front of the theater line, probably booed and hissed by the others, as is on MSC. Also, there is no “Fourth Class”; that’s clickbait by other KZbinrs. Not sure what to make of QA, but look how different QE2 was when it was introduced in the late 1960’s compared to the traditional liners it replaced; it was like a hippie ocean liner. QE2 also is beloved ship. History shows that QA will be a bigger hit than many are thinking now.

[@a.e.7988]

I love the light contemporary decor!!❤

[@wwaxwork]

I find it interesting that they are trying to set themselves up as a luxury brand and then look just like all the cheaper lines now.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

Exactly my thoughts. We sail on Cunard now (Victoria) because she looks so grand and elegant and like the old ocean liners. Everything fits perfect. The waiter with the white gloves in the Queensroom. Perfect. On the contemporary Queen Anne the white gloves and the Big Band feel so out of place that it's kind of funny for me. I still don't know what they were thinking. If you are Cunard, you must impress with the ship and not let people think that MSC can do contemporary much better... 🤷‍♂️

[@dlgregory35]

Been a cheaper brabd ever since Carnival bought the line has gone downhill since that time.

[@geoff1201]

​@@dlgregory35Same with P&O, a great British company ruined by American dumbing down.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Maybe the cheaper lines are improving ?............

[@rob_lightbody]

Agreed. Its not luxury if the food is mediocre, and just about everything is extra cost. A recent trip on Silversea was a revelation for me. Cunard is bog-standard cruising. The fact that their dress codes are now falling too, is reinforcing that.

[@grantwaldo4217]

With what they've done, with the Queen's room, the Grande Atrium and the Royal Court theater. Well I will never sail on Queen Anne. You can dress them up, but you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear. When I go to a high-end steakhouse I expect tablecloths and not a linoleum table. I will stay with the other Queens

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good point on the tablecloths as the uncharge is quite high! I agree they missed on making those venues grand

[@corner559]

@@tipsfortravellers They missed on a lot more then just make those venues grand.

[@baysideharpy8350]

People who like Cunard’s “class” setup often lack much class themselves. And charging extra for drinks, tips, wifi etc in this price range is outrageous.

[@jencraw1924]

Tbh I don’t feel like there is much difference between Cunard and most other mega ship brands. They have an extra class squeezed in the middle and are more overt about it but in most ships you have the basic fare a suite fare and a ship within a ship or very exclusive class with spaces reserved for the upper classes only respectively. Cunard catches hate really because they are loud about separating you into classes which is weird of them 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think the rudeness though you sometimes catch have more to do with an older more entitled acting crowd that prefer Cunard. It’s especially apparent on reviews for QM2

[@marcusnz232]

We just spent a couple of weeks on her. We’ve sailed on Queen Mary and Queen Victoria. We disliked the environment on Anne finding it very unCunard. The central Pavilion pool area is noisy and unpleasant, the Grills location makes getting around the ship difficult unless you have Grills access. The venues are like corridors with no walls closing them off from the corridors. New cabins were lovely. However we will be avoiding her from now on in favour of the older ships. We even found the things we wanted to eat on the Room Service menus were extra costs as opposed to being included like normal. The buffet just didn’t work well at all - too crowded, not enough space to walk past the queues caused by waiting to be served etc. The lifts seemed slower and more crowded than the other ships too.

[@paolodechipiece1027]

Are you saying that all the room service items are now charged and no longer free or just the premium items?

[@marcusnz232]

@@paolodechipiece1027 On Mary, things like burgers etc are included. On Anne, they all extra cost items. There are some included items but I couldn’t work out why every ship but Anne is fully inclusive for room service.

[@paolodechipiece1027]

@@marcusnz232 thanks. Yes that makes no sense. All the other queens offer free room service except for premium food like steak. I was expecting QA would be the same......pity as we sometimes dine in cabin

[@angelahorton5745]

Brilliant review of Queen Anne. I was feeling rather underwhelmed after watching a few other videos but I feel you've explained it very well when you've likened Cunard to chartering a new ship whilst still running the Cunard schedule. I'm reassured and think I'm going to be ok when I embark in August for the Norwegian Fjords. I think Queen Victoria will always be my favourite ship.

[@petermcgrane2814]

Love your review & thank you. I want to travel on Queen Anne in the future as have cruised on QE & QV & love the Cunard experience & wanted to compare honestly, & this review is just what I needed to reassure me that, that would be a wise choice

[@sallyannc3176]

We're going on the Queen Anne then too - a bit nervous as we adore the Queen Elizabeth (similar to the Queen Victoria) and not loving this 'pimped up' modern look. That promenade deck is awful, what a shame! It seems like Cunard is now trying to compete with other cruise lines that are floating 'entertainment parks' raher than being ll about seeing places and beeing at sea. :(

[@colinsweetman6745]

We are due to board the Queen Anne in a week, so this was a very useful review. Thank you Gary - it continues to be an excellent channel.

[@honestly1012]

Thank you for this review. I've taken one trans-Atlantic crossing on QM2 and loved it. Now I'm scheduled for 82 days (partial world cruise) on Queen Anne. I wasn't sure I would like the modern look but it is attractive....maybe a little disappointing. Obviously, not that disappointing or I wouldn't be planning on spending almost 3 months aboard! What I'm especially glad to hear is that the Cunard program of activities is very much the same. I love ballroom dancing and dressing well!

[@BrianMcCune-zw1bw]

Agreed, it is not much of a Cunard ship, very little "wow" factor anywhere on board. It could be any one of dozens of other cruise ships, nothing much to differentiate from say, P&O. The Queens room in particular is very disappointing. The storage space in our balcony cabin was the worst we have ever had, very little space to even hang shirts without them dragging on the floor and the same for long dresses. Booked a QM2 cruise as soon as we got back.

[@FraserAtSea]

I really enjoyed this review, Gary - I’ve been a bit unsure if Queen Anne would be for me, but I reckon you’ve convinced me with this review. Thanks very much!

[@PuenteAJ]

V interesting and in depth review, thank you.

[@dalemcelhany4642]

Thank you for the thoughtful presentation. We are long time Cunard cruisers and appreciate the character and tradition of the Queen Mary 2. I'm sure many people will enjoy the more modern Queen Ann. It simply won't be us.

[@lineapearce1865]

Another informative video Gary! Being a HAL gal I can’t help but still see a “refabbed” HAL ship now branded Cunard.🤷🏼‍♀️

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Yes, it is indeed a tarted up HAL Pinnacle :-)

[@leochen887]

We're HAL Pinnacle Class Ship fans. So we probably would also enjoy Queen Anne. Thus we may well give it a go.

[@leochen887]

I did notice that most of Queen Anne's cabins on cruises for 2025 and 26 were already booked with only some inside cabins available. So there is a demand for this newest Cunard ship.

[@LOrealHardly]

Imagine Saving up to get on board and be "Fourth Class" passenger ? Even The Artful Dodger was Third Class...!

[@PleaseApplaud]

I have, and I truly didn't care, as it's not very noticeable beyond which restaurant you go to (which is exactly the same as on Celebrity, P&O, etc). The more luxury styling (and service) meant that being 4th class on Cunard felt like a step above regular class on other mainstream lines to me. But I wouldn't do it on this ship, because without the traditional styling, there doesn't seem so much difference for the extra money.

[@joanfreestone1707]

We had actually booked a cruise on Queen Anne from Sydney but when we saw pictures of the interior and that awful promenade deck, we cancelled. It looks nothing like a Cunard ship.

[@michaelwhalen2469]

I agree ! Canceled my 2025 booking after seeing what the interiors looked like !!😒🙄🥴 Doesn’t have the WOW Factor of QM2, QE and QV ‘s interiors ! Art Deco decor is so beautiful ! QA. Interiors look like a Las Vegas hotel from the 1960’s or 1970’s . Tacky !!

[@sallyannc3176]

The promenade deck is tragic - and what a mistake to make! The one on the Queen Elizabeth is beautiful - people go out on it in the evenings when they have their finery on as it's so elegant and right beside the ocean with terrific views for pictures. No one's going to do that on the Queen Anne.

[@joanfreestone1707]

@@sallyannc3176 That's so true. We have some lovely photos taken in the evenings on Queen Elizabeth's promenade deck.

[@PortsladeBySea]

Excellent vlog, as always Gary. I can’t say I’m impressed with this new ship. Its lost the classical Cunard look and appears dull and unloved. I guess it’s designed for the traditional older cruise passenger, but both swimming pool areas looked bright and modern 😢👵🛳️☹️

[@jfmezei]

My image of Cunard is that of luxury trans-atlantic ocean liners. Since carnoval has plenty of brands, it is interesting that they are extending Cunard to include "cruising" on a modern "vanilla" ship that just includes some of the true Cunard image. Curious to see how their marleting manages to keep the 2 different Cunards different.

[@HealthePlanet21]

I'm booked on Queen Victoria next month (Rome to Barcelona). I would have never considered Cunard without your informative reviews. Thanks so very much

[@tipsfortravellers]

Greta to hear that I have been able to help. The QV is a great ship I hope you have a brilliant time

[@TS-pq8km]

Not a cigar smoker but the comparison pictures of that space on this ship and others in the Cunard fleet sums up the differences. Queen Anne has been given the Ikea pine treatment. The carpets are bland. There appears to be little attempt to integrate the ship's main theme.. the surrounding ocean into the common space. The list goes on. Cunard need to think about their brand. Are they a water slide cruise line or a classic line. This looks like mediocrity going nowhere except at a very high price

[@youtubewatcher1135]

LOL I also think the furnishings look like cheap IKEA. Laminate and sharp corners. Not pretty at all.

[@timkellyD2R]

This concept of comparison is ingenious, Gary.

[@patriciaruth2894]

Thank you for your review! I love the traditional Cunard experience ❤

[@kaywhy245]

You will certainly not get the traditional Cunard experience. This ship damages Cunard's reputation. Americans will not return.

[@randijaffe-7665]

Great review!! Love your channel of truth!

[@knottyboy6086]

Does Cunard still have a pool on the lower decks?

[@billcook4768]

Nice ship. I don’t see it attracting mainstream (RCI/MSC/Carnival) cruisers like me. Might be an attractive option for HAL and Celebrity cruisers who don’t like the changes those lines are taking. Not sure if they can steal passengers from Viking, Seven Seas, etc.

[@alex9621]

I doubt it, Cunard is premium at best, surely not luxury like Viking or Regent

[@dlgregory35]

Cunard was never ever meant for mainstream passengers until Carnival bought the line.

[@ljacobs357]

@@alex9621 Viking is not a luxury cruise line.

[@xkr510]

Travelled on the QE2 trantlantic and encountered the class system first hand. On a walk around the ship we were yelled at and humiliated because we sat on the edge of a sun bed reserved for the grill passengers. This trip was for our 25th anniversary. Well that steward made it memorable and it was the unpleasant yelling at us that we now remember. Fortunately we found Seabourn and to my mind, it is far superior plus the small ships are way more personal. We will never set foot on a Cunard ship again, even if someone gave us the trip.

[@davidh9844]

OUCH!

[@youtubewatcher1135]

We have not yet experienced Cunard; however, I have seen many pictures and read a lot about the Queen Mary 2, and we are eager to experience this traditional liner on a transatlantic. If I were not booked into Grills class, I would not expect that I could use the Grills Terrace. It isn't even "fancy, " and the terrace is a small part of the ship. Grills passengers pay much more for their accommodations and expect to have space set aside and reserved just for them. I don't see that as a problem. If you had not tried to take space away from them by trespassing into that area, you would not have been chastised. If you can afford Seaboard, you could also afford Grills Class, but don't expect to get something for nothing.

[@TassieEV]

Unacceptable for staff to do that, doesn't matter who you were they approached it totally wrong. Hope you brought that up with their superiors at the time of the incident, very poor customer service.

[@Diana-007]

That’s awful, my goodness sounds like something out of the Titanic movie, civility costs nothing, surprised they didn’t want you to walk the plank 😂. Enjoy Seabourn Cunard don’t deserve your patronage steering or not!

[@annhenriques3520]

@@youtubewatcher1135they weren’t chastised, they were yelled at. Big difference, and very unprofessional.

[@RichardBriggs]

Having been on the 14 night Festival of Britain cruise I would echo everything said, good and bad, 100%. This is based upon 2xQueen Mary and 5xQueen Elizabeth. My two further comments would be, firstly, fundamental design. I am a keen photographer and get up for most sunrises. This means the ship is deserted and also perfect for internal shots. But after a few days I realised there was little 'wow factor'. 'Architecturally' the ship does not offer much over and above being functional. Compare with QM or QE which, even now, wow me time and time again. The second point is Cunard seems to have done away with the resident 'pop/rock group' since COVID. Sail Aways are sad affairs with perfectly good musicians playing on the Panorama deck. No, not 'perfectly good' but brilliant. However, being a good musician does not make you a performer. They need to get a covers band on board for people to let their hair down to.

[@calumshaw]

Thanks Gary, she actually looks a tad disappointing. By removing the unique "Art Deco" theme Cunard seems to be matching the competition rather than setting herself apart. It's a shame though.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes I agree. It made them look and feel distinctive and to have gone so far into more generic modern / contemporary like everyone else is a clear but charge choice I feel too

[@johnt8636]

Halifax class. Cool! Yes I live in Halifax. (Nova Scotia, Canada) Cunard was born here in 1787.

[@chocoholic832]

We're visiting the east coast of Canada in September & will be visiting Halifax. Looking forward to it. Will be with p&0 though

[@michaelwhalen2469]

Another Entertaining and Informative Video !👍 Thank You Gary ! Always enjoy your content!! I’m a admittedly fanatic Cunard Fan ! I’m booked for the Transatlantic Maiden Voyage on Queen Anne January 2025 ! A Cunard Transatlantic maiden voyage has always been on my bucket list since I was a small boy ! I love the three other Cunard Queens. Each for various different reasons, but one thing they all have in common is their WOW! Factor! Each room you enter takes me back to the Golden Age of ocean travel! The 1910’s thru the 1970’s ! Visions of Mauretania, Titanic, Queen Mary, Normandie, Queen Elizabeth and the QE2 dance in my head and heart ! To me , there is nothing like a Transatlantic voyage on an Ocean Liner !! I’m still going to take that 2025 Queen Anne voyage.And I know I will throughly enjoy it! But I’m sorry Gary , I must admit that I came very close to cancelling the trip after seeing the photos and videos of Queen Anne’s interiors. For me , the Wow Factor just isn’t there ! The Queens Room is too small, not enough seating, low ceilings and funny shaped dance floor ? And it’s frankly just down right ugly !!! Compare side by side photos of the Veranda Grill Room on the other three ships to the Sir Samuel’s and the other new specialty restaurants on Anne ?!? No table cloths, really Cunard? But you want me to pay extra money for a room that looks like an onshore cafeteria??? Compare ( as you did Gary ) the Churchill Cigar Lounge on the other three to the unbelievably plain room on Anne !? The promenade deck is too narrow, no deckchairs and the usual beautiful views blocked by low hanging lifeboats !? No Gary , I’ve already decided that I’ll only be taking ONE and only One voyage on Queen Anne !!😒👎🙄. And after that, it’s back to the lovely QM2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria!! Big mistake Cunard !! The Newer Generation cruisers , if they really want dull and uninspiring in their lives, can have Queen Anne !! I’ll definitely pass !!👎👋

[@KenGoesCruising]

We loved the outside spaces at the aft and now and the entertainment was great just a shame about the food service and quality

[@noelreynolds4861]

How are the facilities regarding mobility challenges?

[@julieh3553]

A most informative video, Gary. Hubby and I have always been interested in Cunard, but have never gone on her ships. Queen Anne looks like an interesting choice for us (especially having just sailed HAL's Rotterdam🙂)

[@brucemurray2520]

Great video. Lots of good information.

[@suave-rider]

Correct me if I'm wrong. The ceilings are very ow which means tall people will feel very claustrophobic. Look at 4:38 to 5:00

[@accyste72]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to trying her out in October.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@ecthelion1735]

I think the designers and cruise companies might be surprised to learn how many younger people yearn for the old-fashioned. I want art deco above all.

[@travelblade2k]

Me too. Like in the Bioshock games. 😍

[@anneraso5621]

Thanks for your in depth analysis of this trip. Dying to go on this ship and went to the launch party months ago at Cipriani in NYC's Financial District. I know you think that someone's first Cunard experience should be on QM2 and Queen Anne does not come to NYC, so I will be taking your advice. Some great deals are coming up this summer on the QM2 route from Brooklyn to Southampton to Hamburg.

[@kaywhy245]

You have ever been on the Elizabeth, Victoria or Elizabeth avoid, avoid.

[@sallyannc3176]

@@kaywhy245 Been on the Queen Elizabeth twice in past year - beautiful ship.

[@kaywhy245]

@@sallyannc3176 I was so dismayed by the Anne, that we are now forced to travel on , my response may have been misleading. Just avoid the Queen Anne if you can.

[@kaywhy245]

@@sallyannc3176 I was so dismayed by the Anne, that we are forced to travel on, my reply to you may have been misleading. Avoid the Anne if you can. The Captain's receptions have to be held around one of the pools. I do not know how no guest fell in, how many people had a seat or saw or heard the captain and what they do in winter. We certainly did not hear or see the captain. We are not pub goers but ended up in the pub as the best venue on the ship.

[@salfordiandy4987]

Another superb video as ever Gary. Thanks so much. I’m just back from a Celebrity Cruise and their shows are visually spectacular but actually have no story and are very random. It’s great to see that Cunard are attempting shows like Brief Encounter. Agree about the Britannia Restaurant. It’s too simplistic, it needs a wow factor. Hopefully it will get a bit of reworking during the ships first major dry dock stay in 10 years or so.

[@james-p]

This was very helpful - thank you!

[@sussexflyer6156]

Thanks for the video Gary. During Winter 2024, I treated myself to 109 days world cruising on Queen Victoria. Cunard is no longer offering a FOUR-STAR service; it is nearer to 2-Star !!! I most certainly will not waste my money on Cunard in future.

[@peggyfritschle4848]

This ship looks beautiful to me! Thanks, Gary, really like your videos👍🏼🤠🦋

[@miguelteixeira2267]

Hi Gary, thanks a lot for your reviews. 4 fast questions if you can help out: 1- Does it still use the normal ID card to purchase things on board and use on the cabin access? 2 - Do they keep that daily “cinema movie” on theatre? 3 - Do they use the new external movie screen on the pool for movie cinema? 4 - Is it possible to have access to one daily program? Thanks for your amazing channel :)

[@RiverDanube]

Lovely review. You focus on the different classes for passengers, which I hardly noticed on the QMII. What I did notice, was the distinction between nationality and job roles which I found distasteful.

[@Smokeyham]

Most cruise lines try to hire staff working in the same department from one nation. If nothing else this gives them a common language as they work together.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Interesting video. A murder-mystery: like that innovation. Cunard: still the line I'm most likely to take my first cruise on.

[@alexlanning712]

The trouble is, they pack in ten times the number of passengers in ships that are only three times the size of a 1930's Liner

[@juliemcmeekin2095]

glad to have watched but not for us will stick with royal and celebrity as we like a bit of life on board we are in our seventies and have never ballroom danced in our lives all the people our age when growing up never either so why do they now no not for us. thanks keep them coming.

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

Thanks for your comparisons of others in the Cunard fleet! Will go to your other QA reviews. Curious if lack of ocean views on QA promenade same as HAL pinnacle class? Maybe other outside areas make up for this.

[@Honolulu-Blue]

I have a question about Queen Anne - are some of the muster stations actually on the promenade deck? I've taken several cruises in the past on older ships where the muster stations were by the lifeboats. That seems to have gone out of fashion as most newer ships have moved the stations inside.

[@philharry7213]

I love your videos, very informative and interesting.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you like them!

[@IsaacNYC212]

5:35 I appreciate that the Queen Anne has better sight-lines, even from the back. One thing that really annoyed me about the Queen Mary was that if you arrived late to a performance, the only remaining seats had poor sight-lines due to the columns. 13:05 I personally prefer the staff serving the food. I've seen some pretty grouse things at traditional self-serve buffets -- passengers touching food with their bare hands and putting the item back, so for sanitation purposes. I hope they keep it staff served. 15:35 The lady in the background was very intrigued with what you were doing. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Overall, in my opinion, the Queen Anne is Cunard's attempt at attracting a more diverse and younger crowd. The decor reflects this shift. With plenty of ship options now available, Cunard caters to a broad range of passengers. If you're not a fan of the Queen Anne, there are other Cunard ships to choose from. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@owensmith7530]

But there won't be other Cunard ships to choose from in future because in 10 to 20 years they will all have been replaced by something like this monstrosity.

[@ReubenCornell]

Just enjoyed a trip on this ship. Would agree with most of your points. Bright Lights Society club / cabaret venue has one major issue, that the ceiling is way too low for dancing. Several tall passengers were touching the ceiling and one actually broke some of the bulbs on the ceiling with her flailing arms. This is definitely going to cause some injuries.

[@silviaeaston]

There is indeed a gone/broken glass lamp= light in the queen's room.... could someone on here take a picture of the bare light bulb?

[@ReubenCornell]

​@@silviaeastonI wasn't talking about the Queen's Room, but the Bright Lights Society. There is a whole strip of lighting that's broken as a result of a passenger's flailing hands.

[@jorgschwantje1239]

I would never sail on Anne. If you were before on Victoria it feels like a downgrade from the Ritz to a 4 star hotel. So disappointing interior. No wow-effect at all.

[@middleagedcouchpotato677]

I find your intro interesting because you say they are skewing younger. Just watched another review saying it felt very much like it was programmed and made for older people. I guess they’re not hitting either target.

[@joeMcnamara-u9j]

The Kinnard ship looks beautiful. However, like some other viewers, it’s a type of cruising that is completely different from the one that I look for I feel in particular that the class system on the ship would be something that would be very disagreeable to me. I would never pick a ship based on the cigar lounge, library or card room, I do suppose it’s a big hit with ballroom dancers, however

[@WomanRoaring]

i've never been on a cruise and i probably won't any time soon but i enjoy your videos. when i finally get to go on a cruise i'll know what to expect and i won't be surprised by not being prepared for something. the love boat (tv show) didn't prepare me for todays cruise lines lol

[@TheHendoncat]

Had the pleasure of having a chat with yourself Gary in the queens room one afternoon while afternoon tea was being served , and really enjoyed listening to your take on the new ship …this video is a wonderful appraisal of the ship and the experiences that it has to offer . I was very much on the fence about 5he ship for the first 4 or 5 days , but once you get to know it you realise how many really great places there are onboard to do as you wish , day or night …it’s a real slow burner . We are booked on QV and QM later in the year , but we will return to Queen Anne at some time in the future . It’s only going to improve as the staff , some of whom were new to working on ships , gel and get the experience they need which will make a huge difference to the enjoyment which the ship has to offer . Happy cruising Gary .

[@BoninBrighton]

I’m glad you said it’s a slow burner- perhaps its complexity adds longer interest further passengers? I hope so as we plan to book a cruise due to Southampton being so close to us. We’ve only been on QM2 to date…

[@TheHendoncat]

@@BoninBrighton I think it’s a totally different experience to QM2 , but that applies to all other ships … it’s a nice contemporary ship ,with a nod to the QE2 in some areas what with its modernist styling … there were a lot of folk cribbing about it when we were on it , but I think in good weather the outside areas will come into themselves as great retreats . It’s worth a go , particularly for people with an open mindset … which unfortunately some of the “cunarders” don’t possess ..have fun

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to have met you on board. Thanks for watching and the thoughts !

[@kjh789az]

This is a comprehensive, comparative review of QA which only Gary, with his extensive cruising experience could provide. Thanks, Gary. The only aspect I'm left wondering about is the financial pressure on Cunard created by launching such a large ship (in Cunard terms) in 2024. The entertainment seems similar to that of QM2, but without the innovative planetarium - although this has been out of service for far too long.

[@paulj4228]

We would love to go on a canard ship but our points don't transfer from Holland America and I believe and there seem to be very expensive1 Plus they don't sell very many trips from America like Miami fort Lauderdale New York or any of those other places.

[@anneraso5621]

There seem to be enough Queen Mary 2 trips from Brooklyn.

[@PleaseApplaud]

I don't know if they're aiming for a younger crowd, but at the whopping age of 35, I absolutely hate this. I have cruised with Cunard about 4-5 times, and their ships really feel special. Their USP was that they were a bit more formal and everything seemed more traditional/"old-fashioned". If they have a modern interior with modern stylings instead of the classic/art-deco styling, there's not much difference from certain other lines that I could travel with for less money. We have normally only gone with them for specific special occasions, because the styling makes them feel extra-special, and worth paying more sometimes. If they get rid of the classic style, there's no point spending the extra money, from our perspective.

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

I'm with you! I sail Cunard because I'm looking for a travel experience that connects me to the golden age of the great ocean liners.

[@missysmith6299]

Thanks Gary, I’ll stick with Oceania. Smaller ships, fantastic food!

[@andreejor]

What a romantic place to name a class of ships, Halifax.😉

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good point!!!

[@MichaelYates]

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.

[@SusanP-d4h]

I have never sailed on a Cunard ship and this one would definitely be off my list. I thought much of the decor looked cheesy The chairs and tables at many of the venues you showed looked uncomfortable and very plain. I do hope to try Cunard but it will not be on this ship

[@A_Renaissance_Man]

In some of your video shots, I see you have a remote control in your hand. What remote camera do you use when you use the camera to record a video selfie?

[@fp30e]

Thank you for a great video, The best video so far on the new Queen Anne. The theatre does look like a cinema. Do they have a cinema screening in the theatre in the afternoons?

[@Boertje247]

Gary, I always enjoy your videos. I understand loyalty to a brand, as I am loyal to Holland America. I’ve sailed on several other lines, but HAL suits me to a ‘T’. I do NOT want to “hit the Lido Deck for the limbo contest” (Carnival), the nickel and dime-ing common on Royal Caribbean, etc. This new Cunard ship doesn’t look luxurious, or inviting. The food doesn’t look special either. I love getting a full tea in the library of the HAL ships, their enrichment presentations, cooking classes, and many great music venues. I think the Cunard might be ok for a transatlantic voyage, but then again, for the difference in cost, I’d rather stay a HAL gal!

[@rob_lightbody]

I love your videos Garry, have known about you since QE2's days! Do you ever travel in bog-standard Britiannia category like the vast majority of mere mortals have to do? Lots of reports recently that it can be pretty mediocre, especially on the food and service front, and especially with Anne and Mary.

[@gabrielleparis3532]

Rob, I sailed the Cunard Transatlantic in Britannia class and I loved the people I met and the experience. I would never do Grill even if I can afford it. Long live Britannia Class on Cunard!

[@knottyboy6086]

II loved qe2. a shame they retired it,

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Seniors ate being phased out by cruise liners. Young people can drink hard and the profit margins are huge on drink packages. Just water down the drinks and make more money. Plus, the amusement park rides for the kids brings in more money. The younger crowd might have higher disposable income to many, not all, many seniors being more asset rich and cash poor metaphor. So it makes marketing sense.

[@samruda23]

Really good perspectives. In my view, Queen Anne is Cunard's pivot toward Celebrity. I have explained in other posts that I believe this is a financial decision driven by increasing on board incremental revenue opportunities. Where fewer opportunities exist for incremental on board revenue like the Queen's Room, Churchill's etc, Cunard has diminished the venue and this includes Britannia MDR. I see a brand in search of itself. I found the world cruise on the QM2 more like a geriatric ward: a T/A crossing a bit more fun and will try Anne in January. But I stumbled onto Celebrity to attend a wedding and found it superior in almost every way except for 2 things: MDR experience was drab and the cabin fit and finish (Silhouette) was poor. But food, gym, spa, activities, music were massively superior and this is comparing Britannia to Aqua Class which were almost identical on a price per day basis. Cunard seems to be drifting. Pun intended.

[@FreedomtToReason]

Since I am a HAL fan, I am not sure how I feel to see a pinnacle class ship fluffed up and called Cunard. I guess I feel proud to have a favorite line that is so good that Cunard just agreed and copied the ship. Imitation is the best form of flattery and all that.

[@jamesdulany2176]

For a ship called Queen Anne, I would have gone with Tudor style architecture or something more popular when she reigned.

[@tpiety]

Queen Anne wasn’t a Tudor.

[@jamesdulany2176]

@@tpiety Fair. Perhaps style it like St. James Palace or Holyrood

[@rsnc23]

​@@jamesdulany2176 You should open a book and read it. Queen Anne reigned much later in history than what you are thinking.

[@mpb3481]

@@jamesdulany2176Queen Anne reigned from 1702-1714 (early 18th century) and if you did any research you’d know there’s actually such a thing as the Queen Anne style which refers either to the English Baroque look of her time or its revival in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. Both your examples are Tudor era. St. James Palace was built in the 1530s (Henry VIII) while Holyrood Palace went up even earlier by about 25 years (James IV of Scotland who married Henry VII’s daughter Margaret).

[@autobotdiva9268]

no solo cabin!? if they had ships in florida that did 3-4 nights i would hop on in a minute. i run sooooo much, busy busy and sometimes this style of ship will slow you down. just to be taken care of with matching ambiance is much needed

[@ChristinePugh-us1we]

I’m booked in Queen Anne in June, ‘25 and really looking forward to it but find it disappointing to hear there are no solo cabins. Since losing my husband a few months ago, I now realise what a ripoff supplement charge we solo travellers have to pay. Why should I have to pay a big chunk of another person’s cruise experience!! Rant over😡 Nevertheless, I’m looking forward 😊

[@TheHattie10]

Do you have to book the brights light society before you board?

[@WiredForFlight]

After watching Ben and Dave’s video about their disjointed experience on Cunard I wonder if the best staff got moved to this ship and why you did not have issues with the quality of the staff.

[@silviaeaston]

OMG.... on 4:47 min. you show THE big man (tall & big) who wore during nights (even "formal nights") the very bermuda shorts shown on here! (GAG) I even told on him to a crew member, about him being way underdressed for evening wear, much less for formal night, and I was told that Cunard crew couldn't tell anyone what to wear!

[@adlam97531]

I saw another KZbin review which was less than complementary about the speciality restaurants and I think the fact you cancelled going to the rest of them was a wise choice

[@udubeats4543]

I was entirely let down by the decor of this ship. In the Queen's grill restaurant I not only found it disappointing but downright ugly. I paid a large premium to dine in Queen's grill, the restaurant should be the most beautiful on the ship.