THE ROYAL TREATMENT
A mini-cruise on the Queen Elizabeth is like stepping into another world, one full of luxury, elegant dining options, lavish décor ... and divine afternoon tea.
Ahhh ... once again, I have fallen madly under the spell of those dainty cucumber sandwiches and a plump fruit scone with a dollop of jam and lashings of Devonshire clotted cream.
I was determined to just have a cup of steaming hot tea in the elegant Queens Room, on the stately Queen Elizabeth, but willpower failed.
There’s something delightfully decadent about enjoying tea poured into a fine bone China cup and presented with tasty treats by white-gloved waiters, while a talented quartet plays classical music in the background. It’s one of the many highlights and traditions of the Cunard luxury liners that I experience on a three-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane.
Queen Elizabeth, the second youngest in the Cunard fleet, is set to be joined by the new Queen Anne in May, which has cruise devotees excited. It’s a little like stepping into another world aboard this ship, which is known for its Hollywood glamour with polished wood panelling, sparkling chandeliers, sleek marble floors, art deco elegance and a very grand staircase – where selfies are popular.
The 12-deck ship accommodates 2,080 passengers and is home to 10 restaurants and cafés, a ballroom, three-deck theatre with seating for 800 guests, an arcade of designer shops, the Mareel spa, massage rooms, saunas and an aqua therapy zone. There’s also a casino, golf simulator, nightclub, cinema, basketball court, croquet area and a two-storey library.
The consumption statistics are staggering – for a two-week cruise, the tea drunk would fill an Olympicsized swimming pool with 70,000 cups sipped and 11,200 scones nibbled, while 150 chefs work hard to keep all fed.
With just three days to discover the delights of Queen Elizabeth, I drag myself out of bed early from my Britannia Verandah Stateroom, where I am well looked after by my room steward.
I love sitting on the verandah and looking out to sea, forever hopeful a whale will pop into view. My suite is spacious with a lounge area and ensuite with amenities from Penhaligon’s. Twice around the promenade deck is 1,240 metres, so if I jog two kilometres, maybe I might work off a little of the scone in question. There’s also a well-patronised gym but I prefer the fresh air and people-watching outside.
One of my favourite haunts is the beautiful library filled with 7,000 books, which is one of the largest collections at sea. On longer cruises book clubs are organised by the ship’s librarian, but I am content curled up in a brown leather chair reading a new novel, for a few hours.
DINE LIKE A QUEEN
Dining is an adventure on Queen Elizabeth and the Golden Lion Pub is a favourite for a traditional pub meal and great music.
For dinner, it’s the elegant Britannia Restaurant with its five-course menu. I dine on Chicken and Leek Terrine, Rainbow Trout Fillet Amandine and Vanilla Cheesecake Amaretto Crumb and Poached Strawberries. Next morning I return for breakfast, bypassing the buffet and enjoy avocado on toast, while Cunard’s Get Up and Go Signature Plate with Bacon, Cumberland Sausage, Hash Brown, Black Pudding, Grilled Tomato and Sautéed Mushrooms with Fried or Scrambled Eggs is a popular choice. But it’s the specialty restaurant, Steakhouse at the Verandah, that shines in service and menu.
Shows, lectures and dances – where dance ambassadors invite you for a twirl are other highlights.
All too soon we are disembarking in Brisbane, but the mini-cruise has been a great taste of a Cunard adventure ... and I won’t ever forget those afternoon teas. cunard.com