Queen Elizabeth Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Just back from 17 nights first time on this ship but have travelled with Cunard previously on QM2 transatlantics.
Amazing boarding experience no waiting at all we were in our cabin within 20 minutes from leaving the car.
First thing that struck us about Elizabeth was the ceilings were lower & consequently fewer steps between each deck which meant we were less exhausted on arriving in the Lido buffet on the first few days than is typical when arriving in Kings Court! Over all the layout of the ship was easy to understand and finding ones way around was easy.
Cabin Review
Balcony
We knew this cabin was next to a "blank space" so had some concerns especially having read other comments about ice machines. However while 4180 may be the better choice in as much there is just open space next to it we didn't find the occasional noise from next door to be a problem. The ice machine cranked up around 5/6am but you were only aware of it if you were already awake it wasn't enough to wake you and occasionally when we came back at night you could occasionally here movement but my husband gets irritated easily by noise and it only made him comment to me on one occasion so it really isn't a problem. Its also nice that you have the extra unused balcony next to you only a twist away.
Port Reviews
Taormina (Messina)
The archeological dig wasn't brilliant but did have some interest for us. The rest of it was just a little seaside town. Husband was getting a cold so it wasn't the best day to form an opinion
Venice
We feared it would be horribly crowded but as we weren't fussed about seeing inside any building we hada very enjoyable time wandering the streets and browsing the shops. Managed not to get lost. Was very hot.
Sibenik
Didn't know what we might find here but it was a delightful stop. An approach through islands. Beautiful clear waters and the old town a stunning maze of steep stepped alleyways.
Dubrovnik
Very impressive walls round the old town but very touristy & crowded. Lots of evidence of post war regeneration.
Sardinia
Visited the botanic gardens, they had some nice shade. Explored by ourselves and felt there was a lot of graffiti.
Gibraltar
Only a short stop and weather was cloudy so not worth going up top as views would be limited. It was also a Jewish bank holiday so not all shops open so just walked into the town & picked up gifts to bring back.from those that were.
Valencia
We didn't have a map which meant it was hard to make the most of the stop. Eventually we found a tourist information place & began to explore with more purpose. It was quite a long way from the ship to the shuttle drop in Valencia though I think with more planning the walk through the gardens would have been quite doable just the port itself that might be a problem.