Are standards slipping on Queen Victoria?

Queen Victoria, Cunard’s second largest liner carrying 2014 passengers has been a huge success since she first set sail nine years ago but if recent reviews are anything to go by is Queen Victoria struggling to keep up to her reputation.

As an agent it is in an important part of my job to contact customers on their return to find out how their cruise went and from talking to many passengers who have recently returned this summer it seems all is possibly not as great as once was. Of course everyone has their own opinion when it comes to cruising and I can only write about my customers experiences great or not but I was wondering if these are isolated incidents and your feedback will be very much welcomed.

So what have my customers had to say

DINING – Staff shortages on board is quite apparent and no more so than at dinner, even waiting staff have been complaining about the lack of staff on board and quite obviously they are overworked and stressed to the point they have apparently been told they no longer are allowed to talk to customers as they are too busy. They now have double the tables to look after and are running around like headless chickens. Is this impacting on the general ambiance in the dining room. It seems so for some guests.

“The evening dinner I thought was not as good as our last cruise with Cunard on the Elizabeth in 2014.The steak option was tough on three occasions.The desserts were nothing but mediocre to be kind” was one review.

ENTERTAINMENT – Again the feedback hasn’t been great regarding entertainment on board in the theatre, only one proper show a week and the rest of the week filled with repetitive singers and comedians with not much choice . It seems to be a united front regarding the Golden Lion and many customers loving the entertainment and fun element in here. Karaoke apparently goes down a storm but disappointed to find entertainment does finish too early on board. I have to admit personally I love the atmosphere in the Golden Lion and when on Queen Mary spent many nights in there catching up with friends and the music was great.

“Entertainment we thought was patchy, theatre had a four male singing act first week who did two shows followed by a very similar four men singing act the second week.The English style pub the Golden Lion,was at its fullest during quiz time.The main entertainer being a pianist/singer. Who played to an almost empty room most nights.They did fill the place one night when they had a jazz night,perhaps the message should have been conveyed back to the entertainment manager to have more of this type of entertainment in the pub.The Corinthian lounge featured a string quartet on several occasions but was poorly attended..The Royal Theatre ballroom had a good house band with an American male singer who seemed to be well received.Dancing definitely is at hit with the Cunard clientele.” was another review.

As I have said at the start everyone has different expectations and it is easy to compare to other cruises you have been on and not every cruiseline is for everyone. I have only sailed on Queen Mary and I personally love this ship, but I care about my job and my customers thoughts and opinions are always very much appreciated. I have passengers on Queen Victoria at the moment who sail on her three times a year so I very much welcome their thoughts once they disembark.

Please do let me know what you think and if you have recently disembarked on Queen Victoria was she was a great experience for you?

I have added a link for the latest reviews from our website so if you are about to set sail on soon then please read on and see what other passengers have to say. I only hope this is just a blip as Cunard in my opinion are a great cruiseline to travel with.

Queen Victoria Latest Reviews

Cheers Holly