Queen Anne - Short cruise

Having experienced a 4-night cruise to Rotterdam on-board Cunard’s flagship - the gorgeous Queen Anne, I wanted to share just a few photos and memories of the wonderful time I had. I found Queen Anne to be reassuringly Cunard with a modern twist. The last time I sailed with Cunard was on-board Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 – a truly memorable transatlantic voyage. Boarding Queen Anne felt like I was stepping on-board an icon but without going back in time. With a fabulous Spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and Wellness Studio, water-colour, archery and fencing classes, paddle tennis, line dancing, karaoke and silent discos and eclectic entertainment from the Bright Lights Society - Queen Anne is not all diamonds and tiaras! She offers a wide choice of alternative dining in the contemporary Mediterranean, Japanese and Indian speciality restaurants, a deli experience in the Artisans’ food hall and healthy dining in the Wellness Café and don’t forget those unique cocktail menus in the Chart Room and Commodore Club. But of course, it would not be a Cunard experience without the famous afternoon teas, string quartets and dance classes in the Queens Room, Cunard Insights talks in the Theatre and white gloved waiters and gala dinners in the main dining rooms. There is something for everyone on-board Queen Anne!

What did my day at sea on board Queen Anne look like? Took a dip in the pool before enjoying a healthy breakfast bowl with a ginger and cayenne pepper shot (it certainly blew the cobwebs away!) - a truly refreshing experience! Popped to the Carinthia Lounge for a cappuccino - oh and a slice of banana pecan bread – for research purposes of course! Onto the Royal Court Theatre for a talk on ‘How to get away with murder’ followed by a conversation with Rory Bremner (hilariously nostalgic!). Quick salsa dancing class before a deli lunch in the Artisans’ Foodhall and then a pub quiz (yes – we won!) in the Red Lion pub! Walked around the Promenade Deck before taking a sunset stretch class in the Wellness Studio – a tranquil space, fresh air and sea views on the top deck. Quick shower and change for dinner in the stunning Britannia Restaurant before another hilarious set from the comedian – cried with laughter! Then a signature cocktail in the Commodore Club before falling into bed! Never a dull moment on-board the Queen Anne but of course you can choose to do as much or as little as you want!

An afternoon in Rotterdam - Although it was hard to leave the Queen Anne, even for just a few hours, I did enjoy the walk into Rotterdam to look at the Kubuswoningen (cube houses) and the Markthal (for cannoli!) before walking back along the canals to the Ship.

Queen Anne is a destination in herself and I would urge anyone to experience a cruise on-board – short or long!