On Sunday 9 December 2007, Bolsover Cruise Club was invited to attend an annual UK Cruise Awards evening held on board Cunard’s new £300 million cruise ship, Queen Victoria, where we were thrilled to once again receive top honours for our contribution of sales and professionalism in 2007. The event, hosted by Carnival UK and attended by over 655 of Britain’s top cruise travel agents, saw us crowned with the esteemed title of ‘Top UK Independent Agent’ for both P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises for our 21st consecutive year. Reservations Manager, Michelle Gannon, took to the stage in Queen Victoria’s Royal Court Theatre to receive the awards, presented by Giles Hawke, Head of Sales at Complete Cruise Solution.

The event, held in her home port of Southampton, was an ideal opportunity for staff to satisfy their curiosity and experience first-hand the glamour of Queen Victoria ahead of her Maiden Voyage departing Tuesday 11 December. During the overnight stay we were able to tour the ship at our leisure, and we learned that although she is smaller than the 150,000 tonnes Queen Mary 2, at 90,000 tonnes and with 16 decks of pure elegance, Queen Victoria is certainly Cunard’s most luxurious ship.

We entered the ship at the three-tiered Grand Lobby where a harpist was playing, and immediately noticed the magnificent staircase and artwork. As we walked around the ship the elaborate furnishings created a gracious atmosphere, and we visited Cunardia – the first museum at sea housing maritime memorabilia. On further inspection we came across the impressive library, housing over 6000 titles, and it’s inviting décor of warm mahogany and the ornate spiral staircase and leather sofas were certainly appealing.

Walking outdoors onto 10,000 square feet of glorious open deck, there was a choice of two swimming pools, and a Sports deck offering traditional Ocean Liner games from shuffleboard to quoits. The Winter Garden is a grand conservatory filled with greenery, and has a retractable glass roof so it is a light and relaxing place, which can be enjoyed in all weather. With Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodation, guests have exclusive access to The Grills Lounge, The Grills Upper Terrace offering superb sea views, and also out into the private retreat of The Courtyard. Here you can enjoy a liberating feast al fresco, or take afternoon tea and scones in its tranquil surroundings.  

The staterooms were equally as elegant, with comfortable beds, bathrobes and slippers, ample wardrobe space and satellite TV showing films and music. We were allocated A5 grade balcony staterooms on decks 5, 6 and 7, each boasting superb views. We were able to view some of the Queens Grill Grand and Master Suites, which at approximately 1918 – 2131 sq ft provided very spacious surroundings, along with Butler and Concierge service, a bar stocked with spirits, wines and soft drinks, personalised stationary and a full bathroom with bath and shower. In addition to these guests occupying Queens Grill accommodation also receive daily fresh fruit, fresh flowers, pre-dinner canapes, and can enjoy in-suite dining from the Queens Grill menu. The Princess Grill Suites ranged between 335 – 513 sq ft in size, and offered similar features to the Queens Grill accommodation but without the fresh flowers and in-suite bar.  

Once dressed for dinner we were treated to a drinks reception in the exquisite Queens Room, where you could appreciate an ambience reminiscent of that enjoyed by Queen Victoria in her much loved home, Osborne House. This is also where waiters orchestrate a sublime white gloved serving of afternoon tea. Cantilevered balconies, ornate frescos and backlit glass panels rising to the height of two decks provide the perfect backdrop for Captain’s cocktail parties and themed balls. Here Queen Victoria’s Captain, Paul Wright welcomed us all before we moved into the magnificent two-tiered Britannia Restaurant on Decks 2 and 3. With its eye-catching artwork and truly tantalising cuisine, the Britannia restaurant is just one of several delightful dining experiences on board Queen Victoria.

Our delicious five-course meal was followed by a few drinks in one of the many bars. There was a vast choice of evening venues, from the Champagne bar to Churchill’s cigar lounge, or the Empire Casino to the Golden Lion pub, with its impressive beer and cider selections complementing tasty gastro pub-style menus in this authentic and traditional Cunard venue. We also experienced the grand auditorium of the Royal Court Theatre - a stylish West-End-style venue which is the first Theatre at sea with Private boxes. Later in the evening we visited Hemispheres, a contemporary night-club on deck 10 which sits beneath a splendid glass-domed roof. In this stunning venue we were entertained with a live band and music until the early hours. 

We believe that Queen Victoria is a classic ocean liner with traditional British Camaraderie and the conventional essence of a cruise, together with all modern luxury facilities, which will become a firm favourite amongst many of our Cruise Club members.

The Naming Ceremony
Following the Cunard tradition of inviting royalty to officially name their new ship, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall was the guest of honour on Monday 10 December, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, along with over 2,000 VIP guests from around the globe. To mark the prestigious occasion there was a Victorian-era-themed street fair with waterside entertainment and a dramatic fireworks display. 

Take a look at the photo gallery of our visit on board Queen Victoria by clicking here.

For further information regarding Cunard Line, visit www.cunard.co.uk.