TYPE OF SHIPS: Large, traditional ship; deluxe megaship.
TYPE OF CRUISES: Wide range of destinations and durations, from warm-weather vacations to transatlantic spring-to-fall service for affluent, demanding travelers; distinctively British pedigree.
CRUISE LINE’S STRENGTHS
• name recognition
• distinctive ships
• itineraries
• accommodations and service
• single cabins on older ship
CRUISE LINE’S SHORTCOMINGS
• mixed products on ships
STANDARD FEATURES
Officers - British and international.
Staff - British and international.
Dining facilities - QM2, Queen Victoria, Todd English restaurant, 4 dining rooms, pub, and a Lido-style King’s Court with an Asian section, one featuring Italian specialities plus the carvery, salads, and such. QM2, Britannia Club.
Special diets - Diabetic, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-salt, and vegetarian.
Room service - 24-hour room service.
Dress code - Formal/informal, for dining, depending on evening.
Cabin amenities - Radio, direct-dial telephone, 20-channel television with CNN. Bathroom with tub and shower in suites. Refrigerator, walk-in closet, TV/VCR, bathrobes, hair dryer, safe, fruit baskets, nightly turndown service,and verandas.
Electrical outlets - 220/110 AC.
Wheelchair access - QM2, 30 cabins; Queen Victoria, 20 cabins.
Recreation and entertainment - Casino, cabaret, revues. enrichment seminars, guest lectures. Lounges, bars, disco, bingo, dance lessons, gentlemen hosts, computer learning center, planetarium (QM2).
Sports and other activities - Indoor/outdoor pools, deck sports, putting and driving net, jogging track, paddle tennis, table tennis.
Beauty and fitness - Spa, fitness center, gym,barber/beauty salon, exercise class.
Other facilities - Cinema/theatre, launderette, laundry/dry cleaning service, library, bookshop, shops, hospital. QE2, tuxedo rental shop, foreign exchange, Harrods, florist, boardroom, synagogue. QM2, Hermes, Chopard, kennels.
Children’s facilities - Teen center, video, supervised children’s playrooms, nursery, British nannies, baby-sitting; special children’s evening meal served daily in the Lido at 5:30 p.m.
Theme cruises - None.
Copyright 2007 by Kay Showker, The Unnoficial Guide to Cruises 10th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, reproduced with permission
Unofficial Guide © 2009
