Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth was one of the most beloved queens of all time, so it only made sense for British line Cunard to name a ship after her. Queen Elizabeth launched in 2010 and brings all the class and elegance that Elizabeth II displayed during her reign from 1952 to 2022. This ship focuses on beautiful itineraries through highly sought-after destinations such as the Panama Canal and Alaska, while also offering plenty of sailings in the Caribbean. Let us take a look at what makes this ship shine and where it falls short in our review.

What we like about Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth is for those who want to travel out of Miami and feel as if they are being transported a hundred years into the past, to a more refined era of cruising. There are no waterparks, waterslides, or unusual entertainment options on board, as Queen Elizabeth is more about enjoying the views, taking part in the daily Afternoon Tea, admiring the elegant Art Deco interiors, the two-story library with more than 6,000 items, and the Queens Room with its gorgeous glittering chandeliers. Queen Elizabeth is a ship that does not call itself ultra-luxurious, but it offers a premium and elegant atmosphere, often compared to what you find on Holland America and Celebrity Cruises.

Queen Elizabeth, unlike other ships such as Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, focuses heavily on the Americas, so it is good that it has some special amenities for these sunny - or chilly, if you are heading to Alaska - itineraries. One good surprise is the Games Deck, an exclusive space that not only offers gorgeous panoramic views of the ocean but also features some really fun games. You can try your swing at golf nets, play giant chess, paddle tennis, and more. An indoor space like this, filled with games, is a great addition to a ship mostly focused on Alaska and the Caribbean and gives guests something new to try with Cunard.

The Garden Lounge is another beautiful, exclusive spot on Queen Elizabeth. This spacious indoor area features panoramic windows, making it a favorite venue for guests admiring the icy glaciers of Alaska or crossing the Panama Canal. Resembling a resplendent conservatory, the lounge is filled with natural daylight and offers a perfect setting to enjoy breakfast, sip a drink, or partake in the daily Afternoon Tea. Whether you're looking to relax, read a book, or savor your favorite beverage, this is one of the best venues onboard.

What we don’t like about Queen Elizabeth

Although service is usually great and what you expect from a cruise line like Cunard, Queen Elizabeth has generated the most forum posts and articles about inconsistent service across different itineraries. 

Some guests say that everything went smoothly, but a quick look at Reddit and Cruise Critic shows that a few were unhappy with the staff. Some reported that drinks took a while to arrive, or that a bartender might be yelling at crewmates in front of guests, or that staff were bickering at the spa. When you are traveling on a luxurious cruise and want to relax, the last thing you want is staff who seem inattentive, and this does appear to happen on some rare sailings.

Conclusion

Queen Elizabeth might be the most casual of Cunard’s ships, thanks to its itineraries and some of the venues onboard. Still, it carries some of that distinguished British vibe, with its Art Deco interiors and the daily Afternoon Tea. If you want to visit some of the most beautiful places in America with a teacup in hand, this is definitely a good option.