Cunard 2020 is going public tomorrow… Can you plan that far ahead?

Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria?

I have worked on both QM2, QV and have been lucky enough, in my role on both these ships, to have the freedom to use the public areas. I love what Cunard are all about, the elegance, sophistication, and choice of entertainment on board.

Although the modern world does exist on the ships with Wi-Fi as a service that you can benefit from, for an extra charge. The Planetarium (only one at sea) on Queen Mary 2. Connexions where you can take a lesson on how to improve your silver surfing IT skills or just let the family know how much you are enjoying yourself. Cunard at the same time, is also like stepping back in time and being entertained, the way things used to be. With Big Bands in the Queens Room and Ballroom dancing offered most days with dance hosts available for those without a partner to dance with.

I lived on the best food for 2 years while working. I ate the same as the passengers in the restaurants and it is tough, not to over indulge. I miss my weekly duck, the steaks, and even the burgers that were served. I looked forward to the fish served on both ships, it was always amazing with red snapper, lobster and the fish and chips still in my memory as favourites. Cunard also cater for anyone with dietary requirements so well. Just let us know when you book and we will notify the ship of any special requests.

If you have over indulged, then you may head to the gym, you may see the hotel manager amongst other crew in the evenings also using the gym on the ship. I was surprised how popular the gym and Canyon ranch spa were on Cunard ships with people living longer and trying hard to eat sensibly and exercise. Especially on sea days, when we as crew, were not allowed, until the gym closed to the public. You can watch a movie while cycling or running and I loved that part of being able to multi task in free time.

Photo, not official gym kit and just for fun! Sorry Callum, Sonja and Lucy.

There is also the option of watching a movie in Illuminations during the evenings too. We had actors and directors on the ship who would also do talks about the filming of the movie or some of their best memories and some name dropping too. I saw some of the latest releases in Illuminations and loved the option of sitting in a cinema at sea during my evening free time.

I knew several of the musicians on both ships and it was great seeing them perform, Classical, Jazz, Rock and some Pop. Cunard have some of the best performers at sea and many famous guest acts like Sting and James Taylor who is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is a five-time Grammy Award winner and we were lucky to have him agree to crew coming to listen to his sound check. That was so popular and the customers were jealous.

Band night in the crew bar with John on the drums.

Any Cunard experience is a special one and I hope this has given you a little insight. If you cut me in half I have Cunard written down the middle. I am happy to share my experience of the ships with customers looking at Cunard for the first time or returning Cunarders. My direct line is 0333 300 2480 Adrian Partridge.