A voyage aboard one of Cunard’s three great Queens is still very much a British experience, I found, despite the fact that the iconic British company has long been owned by the Carnival Corporation. I enjoyed a traditional British tea at 4 pm in the Queens Room, watched the Wimbledon tennis and the Europa Cup soccer matches in the Golden Lion pub with a pint of Boddington’s to hand while munching on a very British plate of fish and chips. I checked out the merchandise on sale in the Harrods store in the Royal Arcade and admired the portrait of the Queen specially commissioned for the ship’s 2010 christening. And always I was surrounded by a bewildering number of local British accents, from Scots and Welsh to Geordies from the north east of England, Scouses from Liverpool and the soft burr of West Country folk; of 2008 guests on board, an overwhelming 1,693 were British, only 19 were Canadian and another 24 nationalities were represented. The ship itself is a true beauty with handsome marble and wood finish touches everywhere, elegant, high-ceiling public rooms and a great deal of well chosen artwork including a large and clever 18-ft tall marquetry centerpiece for the threedeck lobby’s grand staircase, a lovely interpretation of an ocean liner created by David Linley, nephew of Queen Elizabeth. Cunard’s ships have always had a style uniquely their own and this impressive addition to the fleet is no exception. Although similar in construction and appearance to sister- ship Queen Victoria – but considerably smaller than Queen Mary 2 – new features have been included that were popular on the original Cunard Queens, such as The Verandah restaurant, reminiscent of the old Verandah Grill which was often rated the finest ship’s restaurant of all. It can still contend for that title, in my opinion. The menu is priced à la carte but I elected for the menu degustation. It cost $35US per person and it was a dining experience unlike anything I had previously enjoyed on a cruise. Nine courses, no less, although each was a small ‘tasting’ portion. Each was sublime. No need to eat for another 24 hours after chomping my way into a blissful coma on the executive chef’s fanciful creations. Cunard still operates a class system of sorts although they are no longer alone as there are now other lines that reserve sections of their ships for premium guests. Guests traveling in the Queens Grill or Princess Grill suites have their own restaurants, more intimate than the main Britannia dining room and with access to a private lounge and sun deck with upgraded sun loungers. The nightly menus offered half a dozen appetizers and soups, a choice of salads, at least half a dozen main courses and a range of desserts. Both grills also had an à la carte menu with many more choices. Along with added space and features in their suites, Grill guests enjoy a superior cuisine and Cunard’s renowned White Star Service. In the Princess Grill my wife A VOYAGE ABOARD ONE OF CUNARD’S THREE GREAT QUEENS IS STILL VERY MUCH A BRITISH EXPERIENCE. Above: Afternoon tea in the Queens Room. CRUISE HOLIDAYS 29