Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria, completed in 2007, is a virtual sister ship to the Queen Elizabeth. Expect a stately, grand design: Her interiors pay homage to prewar ocean liners, with prolific uses of marble, wood, wrought iron, and brass. Queen Victoria sails European itineraries from Southampton, England, and the Mediterranean.
Evenings Out: The ballroom comes alive each night, with dancing to a live orchestra. Expect theme nights, such as a black-and-white ball, Ascot night, or big band, when the ship’s orchestras play together.
Golden Lion Pub: The traditional English pub offers favorite pub grub dishes such as cottage pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and ploughman’s lunch. There's also musical entertainment, singalongs, and hugely popular, twice-daily quizzes.
Proper Afternoon Tea: Every afternoon, tea service begins with a choice of teas, followed by crustless sandwiches, fresh cakes, and sinful scones slathered with clotted cream. It's a memorable experience; musicians strum in the background.
Cunard’s Captains: The ships' captains tend to have a real presence, far more than on other lines. They host special gatherings, share interesting maritime trivia during the noontime announcements, and invite guests to the master’s table.
Adults 40 and Up: The ship is based in England and the Mediterranean, and attracts an older crowd made up mostly of couples.
About the Other Passengers: Sailing with an overwhelmingly British clientele may be a significant plus for some cruisers, but a negative for others.
