Christmas Market Cruise

It was our first time with Cunard and a winter cruise(and mums first ever cruise) we went with the Children on a pre Xmas break. We have sailed with 3 other companies previously (Royal Caribbean, P&O & Princess) and I have to say all have their pros and cons. All I would say is that the Queen Victoria and her staff are 5*, the service was impeccable! The Christmas markets made us feel very excited and was lovely to see snow, but not to have the worry of driving in it! She has a very intimate feel on-board and the art decco wooden panelling is beautiful as is the ballroom. There is nothing stuffy or snobby about the fellow cruisers (which we did expect)felt totally relaxed. The theatre and shows were fantastic-the best we have seen! Personally it is the little extras that did it for me, Wedgwood mugs, Waterford crystal glasses, branded hot chocolate, horlics, speciality teas in the buffet area (also fruit juices available all day long). Our daughter felt ill on the first formal evening with sea sickness, mum was overwhelmed by how helpful and concerned the staff were. They offered to send my meal up to our stateroom as we left after the first course, leaving mum and our son in the dining room. (My only negative is that the evening meals although lovely were not as A’la Carte as some of our previous cruises – but still to a good standard). The galley tour was the best out of all the ships, more going on behind the scenes and extremely informative! Our children are 11 & 10 and they said that the kids club was the best they had ever experienced and couldn’t wait to return to every day! They also thought the self service ice-cream machine was fab! We will definitely sail with Cunard again! Ps Mum is a converted cruiser and is already looking to book another – which is amazing to say that she is a caravanner and loves her freedom!!!!!