In the past we would always rate Cunard a 5 star experience but this time things were a little different.
Being our first time on the new ship Queen Anne expectations were high and we all couldn’t wait to get aboard but very soon one or two things in the design just did not seem to be quite right and not up to the usual standard expected on a Cunard ship.
We were in cabin 1120, ocean view, deck 1 and it was spaceous, comfortable, had excellent facilities and kept in tip top condition by a very good stewardess, but the downside was it was rather noisey at night due to the engines.
Our travelling companions were up on deck 11 in a balcony cabin and were not impressed with the dire lack of wardrobe space and it soon became obvious that this poor design was talked about alot among other passengers.
Little things like the lack of quality carpet underlay and the bland decoration of fixtures and fittings just do not seem right either, but maybe that’s just down to the designers trying to give the Anne a ‘modern’ look? Adding a $190 per person gratuity charge ON TOP of a 15% service charge on purchases is taking the you know what.
If Cunard want their passengers to subsidise their wage bill then why not just hide it in the cruise cost, at least that would cut down the queues at the services desk.
On a brighter note the crew and the service they provide are absolutely first class and always delivered with a smile.
Also the speciality restaurants offer some amazing food and are well worth a visit.
Although our initial impressions of the Anne were a little unenthusiastic have booked to travel on her again in 25 and have selected a cruise to book in 26.