Discover a cruise experience that takes luxury at sea to new heights
The impressively big (and impossibly luxurious) ship is my home-away-from-home for the next week as she leisurely makes her way around the British Isles. Not only am I lucky enough to be on board, but I also find myself travelling in luxuriant style in one of Cunard's famed Queens Grill suites.
After boarding earlier this morning – where a fellow passenger embodied the welcoming atmosphere when he called out 'welcome aboard Queen Anne!' – I was whisked up to my suite where my dedicated butler, Ben, greeted me. 'I'm here to make your stay perfect,' he told me as he showed me around. And I believe him.
Home sweet home
Seeing a Cunard Queens Grill suite for the first time is an unforgettable experience. It was hard to know where to look first – at the stylish blue and pastel accented decor, the sumptuously soft striped carpet or the marbled counter tops of the spacious bathroom? Or perhaps the king-size bed, or the huge balcony awaiting through double doors?
The welcome chocolates and champagne on ice were certainly hard to miss – as was the mini bar area, where Ben explained I could order two complimentary bottles of my choice to enjoy during my stay. I went for Cunard's rosé label and the special Queen Anne edition gin, perfect for pre-dinner G&Ts on my balcony.
Despite seriously overpacking, the huge double wardrobes allow ample room to unpack (something that the Queens Grill butlers can also help with). I opt for a delicious lunch in the comfort of my own suite, which sees Ben lay a beautiful spread of maple caramelised brussel sprouts and grilled seabream atop a white tablecloth and silverware, before I make my way up to the exclusive Grills Terrace to soak up the view from the whirlpool. It seemed only right to accompany the moment with a glass of bubbly.
Speciality dining
That evening, as I sip a G&T on my balcony surrounded by a sparkling sea, a soft knock at the door announces Ben delivering my nightly pre-dinner canapes – moreish goat cheese and carmelised onion tartlets today – alongside some freshly sliced lemon slices.
'I thought you might enjoy them with your gin,' he says as he places the lemon down. It's small, thoughtful details like this that epitomise Cunard's White Star Service.
I make my way up to the luxurious Queens Grill Restaurant, where Ilven, the maitre d', greets me warmly. I'm shown to the table that will be reserved for me the whole trip as a Queens Grill guest. The restaurant is a sight in itself: beautifully detailed decor with soft hues of blue and pastel, twinkling chandeliers and pristine table settings. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant give it an unparalleled view of the glistening waves.
Fellow Queens Grill guests, Bob and Glenys Latham, are equally enchanted. They always pick Cunard, they tell me, and have even brought a slice of the Cunard experience back home with them: 'We have a little aperitif and canapes at home in the evenings now,' Glenys says. 'It's just a lovely tradition.'
As I discover, the Queens Grill menu changes daily, but never fails to impress. My first meal starts with salmon gravadlax before I tuck into Lyburn Old Winchester gnocchi with a sage and walnut crumb. Dining while looking out onto the great horizons as Queen Anne steadily cuts through the water is an experience I'll never forget.
Relax in luxury
I wake to the view of waves rolling gently past my window before heading up to the Queens Grill restaurant for a decadent breakfast. Made-to-order omelettes, full English, pastries, eggs royale, freshly cooked pancakes – whatever you can think of, they've got it.
It's the perfect start to set me up for the ultimate day of relaxation at Queen Anne's Mareel Spa, beginning with a Fire and Ice manicure (I'd run out of time to get my nails done before the voyage but thankfully the wonderful spa manager slots me in straight away). It's certainly an upgrade from my typical nail salon: after my colour is applied, Marie gives me an exfoliating hand and arm massage before applying a cooling gel and wrapping them in hot towels. Then I'm left to admire the best manicure I've ever had.
Next, a massage. My therapist takes time to understand any specific aches, pains or problems I have and it really shows – the treatment feels like it was made for me. I can feel tension melting away from each muscle group as I sink into a daze of relaxed bliss. Afterwards, I glide into the thermal spa to let the full effects of the massage settle. Lying on one of the heated stone loungers set around the Jacuzzi pool, I doze into a peaceful state of tranquility. It's a steady state of bliss that continues back in the luxurious privacy of the Queens Grill suite, where dinner is served, extending the feeling of relaxation deep into the evening aboard Queen Anne.
Spoilt for choice
Sea days on Queen Anne mean a world of possibilities: sipping morning coffee overlooking the Irish mountains and brilliant blue sea; breakfast on my private balcony; a spot of reading by the Pavilion pool; a sauna that gets my skin glowing; and almost certainly an indulgent afternoon tea in the Princess Grill Restaurant.
But there are also port days, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a destination's culture before returning to their luxurious sanctuary back on board Queen Anne. I join a brilliant river cruise along Dublin's River Liffey, which gives me insight into the city's history, culture and heart. Back on board, I return to an immaculate suite (thanks, Ben).
I have just enough time to savour the canapes he's delivered before heading out for dinner at the speciality Indian restaurant, Aranya. It's busy, and with the excitement of Dublin I didn't book ahead, but with the help of the concierge service, I'm welcomed warmly and led to a table. Soon, I'm tucking into a delicious starter of soft shell crab and popadoms, followed by an incredible vegetable biryani plus daal and naan for the table.
After dinner, I head to the Queens Room to watch Irish musician Tara Howley. She deftly swaps between fiddle, whistle, uilleann pipes and vocals in a showstopping celebration of Irish music that brings the twinkling lights of Dublin fading on the horizon right back into the room.
Unparalleled luxury
From my first moment on board, it was clear that this voyage would be an oceanic experience unlike any other. Waking to a new view every day, surrounded by breathtaking vistas and sparkling seas is, in itself, an incredible trip. But when you add to that Cunard's impeccable White Star Service, delicious dining options that take you around the world, a world-class spa and salon, and your own personal butler, the trip reaches new – and unbeatable – heights.
My last morning on board Queen Anne sees us gliding round the tip of Land's End. I'm treated to breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline – indelibly intertwined with maritime history and tradition – and can make out the thin line of Wolf Rock Lighthouse as well as the white ship masts marking Penzance's harbour.
After breakfast – a freshly made omelette, buttermilk pancakes and berry compote – I relax on the Grills Terrace, soaking up the sun, sea air and tranquil luxury that Cunard delivers in abundance. I've stood on the Cornish shores looking out at the boundless sea and silhouetted ships many times; I never imagined I would be lounging on Queen Anne's exclusive terrace, a mimosa in hand, gazing back from the other side.
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