I'm a Cunard loyalist, so it pains me to write this, but the nickel and diming is getting to me. Not able to make tea and have a cookie in the cabin any more! This is the last of many cost-cutting efforts I've noticed over the past years. In any event, the staff and service is excellent and I'm still planning on the world cruise on Queen Victoria in 2027. What I really wanted to post is a photo of my obstructed balcony cabin because before I booked I couldn't find any. The obstruction didn't bother me since it was mostly either too hot or too cold to sit on the balcony. Also there was an unobstructed area on the left side that had a good view of the water, so I sat on that side. All in all, since this type balcony is less expensive, and I travel solo so I'm already paying a premium, I'm OK with it.

Well decorated ship with pleasant and competent crew. Service very good overall. Quality of food was mostly good, sometimes gourmet, and a few times not so good. Our waiters (Reggie and Kris) were always attentive and the sommelier always checked in with our table early to see if we needed anything. Entertainment was diverse. Plenty of activities to choose from. Mid-day concert such including a harpist and separately, a pianist were classy and a nice break after lunch. As usual, evening shows were hit or miss. Some were quite good. Many had sound issues though, whereby the featured performer would be drowned out by backup instruments to the point where I had trouble actually hearing the featured musician. I was interested to see how the passengers dressed in the evenings during this Panama (hot) cruise and noticed many gowns and tuxes on formal nights and an overall higher dress standard observed by most passengers even on non-formal nights ("smart attire). I had an outside cabin on Deck 1. It was a decent size with a large window, king size bed, end tables, and a couch and desk/chair. I was very satisfied with it. There WAS a bit of thumping in the evening coming through the ceiling from the Queens Room above, but not too bothersome since it was limited and I was mostly out of the cabin in the evening when it mostly would start. The lectures were mostly good. I always appreciate the effort Cunard puts into having them and it's a nice option to be able to go listen to a topic of interest. The speaker on upcoming ports (Harry) was very good. There was a cigar lounge on Deck 10 that was classy and a great spot for passenger camaraderie. Churchill's is a big reason why I choose Cunard over competitors. Enjoyed the library and managed to read a 525 page book while on board, lounging around on a deck chair outside or a comfortable chair in one of the lounges. The cruise wasn't perfect, but then, when are they ever? I had a very good time though on a classy ship with a great itinerary and pleasant crew.

Queen Elizabeth Caribbean Cruise Review (12 Nights) My personal experience | Bracco Cruise & Travel, Hi, I’m Lisa—and I just sailed on the Queen Elizabeth for a 12-night Caribbean voyage… and this one felt different in the best way. This isn’t a loud, high-energy cruise. It’s slower, more intentional, and honestly… a little magical if you appreciate the details. My Cabin: Room (Midship Balcony) I loved this location. Midship made everything easy to get to, and the motion was minimal. The balcony was my favorite part—fresh air, quiet mornings, and just watching the ocean roll by. Inside, the room was thoughtfully designed: Luggage fits right under the bed (huge win), 2 hidden drawers at the foot of the bed. Great closet space (bring packing cubes!) The bed? So comfortable. One of those “sleep better than at home” situations. The bathroom is your typical cruise-style compact space with a shower curtain, but it’s clean, well-kept, and very functional. Good storage under the sink and along the sides, Plenty of space for your daily essentials and Everything stayed organized and easy to use. What really made the cabin experience stand out, though, was the service. Our steward, Berlin, was absolutely amazing. She attended to the room at least twice a day, and every time we came back, it looked refreshed and perfect. Little touches—like chocolates on the bed each evening—made it feel extra special. Let’s Talk Food: One of my favorite little luxuries… Breakfast in bed is FREE (part of room service all day). And here’s the secret: you can write in what you want—even if it’s not listed. I asked for oatmeal with raisins, picked my exact delivery time (not the 30-min windows) … and it showed up perfectly every time. That kind of attention to detail? You feel it. Main Dining Room: consistently delicious—we were never disappointed Buffet: surprisingly good with gluten-free, vegetarian, and even British favorites Afternoon Tea (3 PM in the Queens Room): This is a MUST. Finger sandwiches, scones, sweets… all served with white-glove service. It feels like stepping into another era. Evenings Onboard: Entertainment That Really Stood Out. One of the most memorable parts of this sailing was Come From Away. It tells the story of 6,579 stranded passengers diverted to a small town in Newfoundland, Canada, in the wake of September 11 attacks. The show runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission, and it was simply amazing—performed in the Royal Court Theatre. Truly one of the best shows I’ve seen at sea. Beyond the theater, there was so much to enjoy: Gala evenings where everyone dresses up and gathers in the Queens Room: Live music, dancing, and such a fun, elegant atmosphere Dance classes (ballroom, line dancing, salsa), Trivia games and social activities, Solo traveler meet-ups and Enrichment lectures: We especially loved the lectures by Dr. Chris Drake, who gave multiple insightful talks on Caribbean destinations—adding so much more meaning to the ports we visited. Spa Time (Worth Every Minute) :I did the spa package ($169): 50-min massage, Mini facial, scalp massage, Foot/ankle scrub and Eye treatment. Also tried the 2-hour thermal suite pass ($50)—beautiful space… honestly just wish I had more time. Who This Cruise Is For: The crowd definitely trends older, with a lot of British and Canadian guests—which we actually really enjoyed. There is a kids club onboard, but this isn’t a kid-focused cruise. It’s more: Couples, Professionals, Travelers who want a refined, relaxed experience The Overall Feel: This cruise is about slowing down. Morning coffee on your balcony. Afternoon tea. Dressing up just because. Listening to live music instead of rushing to the next thing. Everything winds down by midnight… and honestly, I didn’t miss the late-night chaos. My Personal Tips: Write in custom room service requests—they’ll make it happen, Do Afternoon Tea at least once, Midship balcony = perfect choice, Bring packing cubes + magnetic hooks, Book spa early Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for something elegant, peaceful, and a little more meaningful than the typical Caribbean cruise… this is it. It’s not for everyone—but for the right traveler, it’s unforgettable.