Cunard’s Queen Anne: A Thoughtful Review of Tradition, Luxury, and Modern Change
We were fortunate to join the Queen Anne for the first segment of her inaugural world cruise — a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York. Over nine days at sea, we explored nearly every aspect of Cunard’s newest vessel, from the staterooms and restaurants to the lounges, entertainment, and overall ambiance. What we discovered was a ship that is both proud of its lineage and determined to embrace modern cruising — with varying degrees of success.
A Modern Turn That Divides Loyalists
For “Cunarders” — the loyal base of repeat cruisers — Queen Anne represents a significant shift in tone and style. Unlike Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, which lean heavily into the classic transatlantic liner aesthetic, Queen Anne is unmistakably contemporary. Sleek interiors, minimalist decor, and subtle nods to art deco define the design language.
This new direction is polarizing. Some applaud Cunard for evolving with the times, but others argue the brand is losing its identity by adopting a more generic, mass-market appeal. As one of the largest ships in Cunard’s history, accommodating around 3,000 guests, Queen Anne undoubtedly reflects a pivot toward broader appeal.
But despite its size, we were pleasantly surprised by how spacious and calm the ship felt throughout the voyage. The flow of foot traffic was smooth, and we never once felt crowded or overwhelmed by the number of passengers onboard — a credit to its thoughtful layout and architectural planning.
Service: Polite but Detached
Cunard is known for service, but on Queen Anne, something felt off. The crew were professional and courteous, but interactions lacked the warmth and attentiveness of previous voyages. Whether this is due to growing pains, understaffing, or simply a shift in training, it was noticeable.
Staterooms: Beautiful but Light on Storage
Our cabin was well-appointed and stylish, with premium finishes and artful design details. Paper-cutting artwork above the bed added a personal touch, and the adjustable flat-screen TV was a clever convenience.
Soundproofing was excellent — we heard little to nothing from neighboring cabins or common areas. Movement was minimal once we left some huge swells from Southampton.
But while the room was comfortable, storage was lacking. Drawer and closet space was insufficient for a nine-day cruise, let alone the longer itineraries Queen Anne is built for. It’s a design flaw that could become frustrating on extended voyages.
We’re often asked about the outlets in staterooms. The Queen Anne has multiple US outlets & UK outlets with a single EU style power outlet at the vanity. Bring a plug converter to make the most use of all of the outlets.
Dining: Expansive Options, Uneven Execution
Cunard has traditionally placed great emphasis on dining — and on Queen Anne, the options have expanded significantly. The ship features a variety of venues, both included and specialty, but the overall experience felt inconsistent.
Dining on Queen Anne is a mix of included and extra-fee venues spread across 14 decks. The experience spans from elegant fine dining to casual buffets and specialty cuisine — with some genuine highlights and a few disappointments.
Included Dining
- Britannia Restaurant: This main dining room is the default for most passengers. The ambiance is classically elegant, and the service (outside of peak times) is generally strong. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of food on most nights, although inconsistency in pacing and communication occasionally disrupted the experience. Still, given the ship’s size, the execution was better than expected.
- Britannia Club: For guests in Britannia Club cabins, this restaurant offers a quieter, more refined experience with a broader à la carte menu and walk-in dining. Reviews are consistently positive, particularly regarding service.
- Princess Grill & Queens Grill: These exclusive venues for suite guests elevate the dining experience with dedicated staff, enhanced menus, and a serene setting. The Queens Grill, in particular, is exceptional — a fine-dining experience on par with five-star restaurants on land.
- Complimentary Casual Options: Artisans’ Food Hall (the ship’s buffet), the Pavilion Grill, and the Wellness Café provide relaxed alternatives. The buffet was clean and well-staffed but repetitive. Breakfast in particular never varied, and even lunch options began to feel predictable after a few days.
- Golden Lion Pub: Still one of our favorites for traditional pub food (fish & chips), but it was offputting to find up-charge menu items in the pub now. They weren’t even interesting food choices, so why Cunard has added additional pay items in the pub is confusing.
Specialty Restaurants (Extra Cost)
Dining in Queen Anne’s premium venues adds variety — and cost. Meals range from $18 to $58 per person, and while these prices can feel steep, the quality of food and service often justifies the expense.
- Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse: A well-executed steakhouse concept offering dry-aged beef and an impressive wine list. Lunch ($31.50) and dinner ($58.50) are priced slightly higher if booked onboard. While good, the pricing left some guests questioning value — especially for lunch.
- Aji Wa: This Asian-fusion restaurant was one of our favorites, offering fresh takes on sushi, ramen, and tempura in a stylish, intimate setting.
- Aranya: A contemporary Indian venue tucked into a corner of the buffet that was truly unimpressive with its attempt at authenticity and confusing flavors. It was one of the strangest restaurants among Cunard’s newer culinary offerings.
- Tramonto: Mediterranean-inspired dining in a romantic setting. The ambiance alone makes it worth considering for a special night.
Though these venues are optional, Cunard has introduced more fee-based experiences than ever before — even the Golden Lion Pub now features upcharges. While this is increasingly common in the industry, Cunard’s pricing model could benefit from more transparency.
Signature Experience: Afternoon Tea
Served daily at 3 p.m. in the Queens Room, Cunard’s afternoon tea remains one of the highlights of any voyage. White-gloved service, delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas are offered in a regal atmosphere. This tradition is still going strong — and, thankfully, included in the fare.
While we were happy to see this experience being well received by guests, it just didn’t feel the same as on the Queen Mary 2. The afternoon tea was held in an open spaces surrounded by shops rather than a more intimate and formal ballroom like on the QM2.
Entertainment: Classy but Lacking Spark
Queen Anne focuses on classical and cultural programming — think string quartets, pianists, and West End-style shows. The Royal Court Theatre, seating 825, hosts musical performances, Royal Shakespeare Company collaborations, and comedy acts.
While the quality of performance was solid, the schedule lacked variety. Gala nights, once a hallmark of Cunard grandeur, now feel underwhelming. One such evening came and went with no special menu, themed cocktails, or unique programming. For a brand built on tradition, this was a noticeable miss.
Other spaces like the Commodore Club, Bright Lights Society, and Chart Room offer live music in beautiful settings, while the Drawing Room and Games Room provide quiet alternatives with books, puzzles, and board games.
Pools and Spa: Serene Spaces With a Few Limitations
Queen Anne offers a variety of poolside and wellness spaces designed for relaxation, though the execution is somewhat mixed depending on timing and location.
Main Pool Area
The Pavilion, the ship’s primary pool area located midship on Deck 9, is visually striking. It features a retractable glass roof that allows for swimming in all weather conditions — a necessary addition for transatlantic crossings. The pool is flanked by comfortable loungers and a small bar, making it a pleasant daytime retreat. That said, during our voyage, access was frequently limited due to private functions, with the pool closing as early as 3:30 p.m. on multiple evenings. This was frustrating for guests hoping to unwind with a late afternoon swim or cocktail.
Adults-Only Retreat
The Panorama Pool, located aft on the same deck, is a quieter option and reserved for adults. It features whirlpools, shaded seating areas, and some of the best sea views onboard. This area maintained a more tranquil atmosphere and was less prone to crowding or closures.
The Mareel Spa and Wellness Centre
The Mareel Spa is a standout facility. Located on Deck 5 forward, it offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps using sustainable, ocean-inspired products. The spa itself is modern, tastefully decorated, and includes a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, and relaxation room. Treatment prices are on the higher end, but the quality of service and ambiance justifies the cost for those looking to indulge.
There’s also a well-equipped fitness centre adjacent to the spa with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and ocean-facing treadmills. We found the gym spacious and clean, with enough gear to support serious workouts even during peak hours.
Our Thoughts on the Wellness Facilities
Queen Anne’s wellness offerings are robust and reflect Cunard’s commitment to passenger comfort. However, the frequent closure of public pool areas for private events may be disappointing to guests expecting all-day access. The spa, on the other hand, exceeds expectations in terms of design and service, offering a much-needed sanctuary at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions / Queen Anne
Q: What dining options are available on Queen Anne, and how does the class system work?
A: Dining access depends on your stateroom category. Britannia guests dine in the main Britannia Restaurant. Britannia Club guests have access to their own dedicated restaurant. Suite guests dine in the Princess Grill or Queens Grill. In addition to these, guests can dine freely at venues like Artisans’ Food Hall, Pavilion Grill, and Wellness Café. Specialty restaurants like Sir Samuel’s, Aji Wa, Aranya, and Tramonto are available for an additional fee. Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room is included and a must-do.
Q: What are some of the entertainment options on Queen Anne?
A: Queen Anne’s entertainment spans several venues. The Royal Court Theatre hosts large-scale performances, while the Commodore Club and Chart Room offer live music in elegant settings. For a more intimate experience, check out the Bright Lights Society. Casual entertainment includes daily lectures, trivia games, and performances in the Grand Lobby.
Q: What facilities are available in the cabins?
A: Staterooms are well-designed with spacious layouts, swivel-mounted TVs, and beautiful art. Bathrooms are generously sized. Storage is a bit limited, however. Cabins are quiet, and movement is minimal thanks to excellent engineering. Daily turndown service includes chocolates and thoughtful touches for a restful stay.
Final Thoughts: A Ship Caught Between Two Worlds
Queen Anne is undeniably beautiful and ambitious. It introduces a range of new concepts to Cunard’s fleet while preserving key traditions like afternoon tea and formal dress codes. Her strongest features — elegant public spaces, attentive service, and quality dining — shine through.
However, there’s still work to do. Communication needs improving, specialty dining pricing should be clarified, and entertainment programming could be more robust. For loyal Cunarders, the ship may feel like a departure. For first-time guests, it may lack some of the spark they expect from a premium line.
But Queen Anne isn’t just a ship — she’s a statement of where Cunard wants to go next. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned seafarer, you’ll likely find something on board that resonates. For all its flaws, Queen Anne still manages to deliver moments of magic at sea — and with time, she may fully earn her place as a beloved member of the fleet.
