As this was a special birthday treat for my partner I booked a Queens Grill suite as a surprise, as the little touches make a big difference.
We normally travel Princess Grill so have a an expectation on what to expect from the Grill suites.
The check in was a complete shambles, arriving around 11:45 we were shown the priority queue where we waited and waited.
The other check in was by this time in full swing people checked in on the way to the lounge.
We waited and waited, eventually we were allowed to check in, once completed we joined the very large queue for the x-ray machines.
By the time we got through the x-ray people were boarding the ship, we were told to wait I explained we had a priority pass and so was allowed to join the ship.
The suite was excellent light, airy and a good size no sooner had we entered than the cabin steward (butler) arrived showing us how everything worked etc.
The level of attention to detail did not falter throughout the whole cruise.
We asked for coffee to be left in the room at night so when we got back from the show it was there waiting for us, excellent.
The suite itself was well appointed plenty of draws and hanging space cases went under the bed suit carriers in the wardrobe.
That is when we got the cases; we did not receive them until 5pm cutting it fine to get ready for dinner.
The bathroom had both a bath and walk in shower with a separate hand basin, always plenty of hot water and well stocked with toiletries.
The staff on the deck we were situated (7) were always pleasant and had a good morning when passing, the steward making a point of stopping and talking to us wherever we were.
Given this the rest of the ship seemed flat, no atmosphere there just seemed to be something missing when compared to our other Cunard experiences.
The choice of entertainment was not as varied as we are used to if you like piano recitals you would have loved this cruise.
The female singer was very good along with the classical guitarist the rest of the entertainment was not inspiring.
The juggler and David Copperfield had the same material as when we previously saw them.
The talks on Bletchley house was good we walked out of the other guests talk first time we have done this.
One of the joys of Grill dining is the fact you are allocated a table and that is yours for the duration of the cruise and you have open dining (dine at any time).
We had an issue with the dining which I am talking to Cunard about.
The food was good; good choice and portions for me were a very good size.
What was noticeable was when we started with Cunard the cheese board was a 5th course now it is a dessert.
The Islands themselves were a complete surprise surpassing our expectations, very pretty and green.
We used trips arranged by Cunard yes you pay over the odds but we have good experiences so feel no need to change.
We have visited Madera and Lisbon previously both of which have changed a lot.
In conclusion we had an OK holiday but for the money paid we should have had a WOW holiday, I first wrote a report on Cunard many years ago where I said people will always go back to where they get value for money, would I cruise Cunard again maybe, Would I cruise QE again no!
