Queen Elizabeth Photo Review - Deck Tours - Menus - Drinks Lists - Programs

[megacruiser]

Thanks to all for their feedback. I have heavy work commitments right now but expect to resume my review during this coming week.

 

Regards

megacruiser

[Jules.]

Oh, how I miss this lovely ship *sigh*

I've just got back from a Royal Cariibbean cruise and the experience almost put me off cruising for life but your photos and review are making me feel happy again :)

[Host Hattie]

Oh, how I miss this lovely ship *sigh*

I've just got back from a Royal Cariibbean cruise and the experience almost put me off cruising for life but your photos and review are making me feel happy again :)

 

Really ? I wondered how you'd got on, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it.

 

Lovely photos, we were on QE just over a year ago & really enjoyed it.

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

Another day at sea before arriving in Crete and I arose early enough to watch the sunrise. An early morning swimmer had secured exclusive use of the Pavilion Pool. The woman in these photos actually spoke to me later in the cruise. I had been unaware that she had spotted me on several occasions, prowling the decks with camera in hand. I explained I intended to submit a review of the cruise and she seemed quite happy that she might appear in it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from a few like us who had things to be done, Queen Elizabeth could not otherwise be described an early-morning ship; no hordes of passengers reserving deck chairs for later use...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I liked that there was sufficient space for the number of passengers...

 

[megacruiser]

Another thing I really liked was that for the first few days, the Pavilion Pool deck was not polluted by pointless background music. This has become a big bugbear of mine in recent years. Celebrity is now one of the worst offenders and in spite of widespread negative feedback from its fare-paying passengers, the corporate big shots think they know better; and what’s worse is that the music played is mostly inappropriate and jarring. The serenity on Queen Elizabeth was destined not to last; but at least when the music did start it was tolerable in content, and at a volume that was not overwhelmingly distracting.

 

Today would be the ideal time to explore the ship in more detail. The giant chessboard seemed more of a novelty than something that was actually used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

A leisurely breakfast was taken in the Britannia restaurant; and a half-hearted attempt was made to “go light”.

 

 

 

 

 

The intriguing “fruit kebab” with waffles oversold itself; to me the word kebab implies grilling or roasting and the end result should be something cooked and hot. In fact it was merely four pieces of raw fruit impaled on a wooden skewer... Hopefully the healthiness of the fruit content completely cancelled out the wickedness of the waffles and the rest of the breakfast. Well, at least the “maple syrup” was sugar-free. My self-delusional health kick continued with Eggs Benedict; something I had convinced myself was infinitely wiser than "the full-English".

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

A Galley Tour was advertised today. A good number of passengers met in the Dining Room where introductions were made to the chef and various other kitchen and dining personnel. This tour was a bit weird. We were separated into groups and escorted one at a time into the galley. Either I went wrong somewhere or the tour was not well conducted. Rather than moving from section to section with a guide explaining the various processes, we seemed to be left just to wander on our own; before I knew it I ended up in The Verandah restaurant. From entering to leaving took no more than about five minutes. I would describe it more as a “walk-through” than a proper tour...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

Lido Buffet Lunch Menu...

 

 

 

 

Britannia Lunch Menu...

 

 

 

 

The Britannia lunch menu today was not quite so appealing. This seemed an ideal opportunity to try out the Fish and Chips served in the Golden Lion pub; something that I had often enjoyed on QM2 more than 10 years ago on her first ever Eastbound Transatlantic crossing: Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, via Barbados and Dakar...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately the batter was slightly soggy and certainly not as crisp as it should have been. This often occurs when the fat used for deep-frying is not hot enough. It's a shame really because the actual texture and flavour of the cod was excellent and it was not at all obvious that it had been previously frozen; I assume it must have been, since sourcing fresh cod would be a major challenge during Queen Elizabeth’s Mediterranean season. The mushy peas that more-often-than-not remain largely uneaten were some of the best I have ever tasted. They actually had a nice texture and very good flavour; I suspect some sort of unspecified secret ingredient had been added...

[megacruiser]

 

 

After the essential afternoon nap, time to try out the coffee at Cafe Carinthia. I had hesitated after a dreadful experience at Sir Samuel’s last year on QM2. I now think this was a one off fluke because the coffee this time was well up to expectations. Accompanying complimentary snacks are served and vary by time of day.

 

 

 

Then a stroll around the open decks...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

Adjacent to the aft pool on Deck 9, alternative dining is offered al fresco at the Lido Grill, weather permitting. Tables are nicely set and a $10 charge applies...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

We went along to Cunard World Club reception in the Queens Room and enjoyed complimentary wine and canapés.

 

 

 

 

Amanda the Entertainment Director with her back to camera...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

The dress code tonight was Formal. There is a notice outside the Britannia Dining Room explaining the code applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

There was a Masquerade Ball in the Queens Room...

 

 

 

 

Tonight’s show combined the ships singers and dancers with The Patriot Girls, a trio of ex West End leading ladies, a fact that was very well publicised and which frankly left me feeling rather short changed. They were fine and the audience seemed to enjoy the flag waiving and on-stage interaction between the glamorous girls and willing male participants. I just expected better vocal performances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next time, Day 5 - Heraklion, Crete...

[megacruiser]

Oops, forgot the dinner Buffet Menu...

 

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[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

This was my first visit to Heraklion in Crete. The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus that departs from the cruise terminal every 20 minutes seemed like a good way to get a feel of the area; and it was only 15 Euros. Alighted at the entrance to Knossos but decided against going in due to the queues; and quite frankly, having visited Pompeii and Ephesus, it seemed unlikely that this would be a must-do experience for me. Caught the next bus to the final stopping point on its route, which is located in the centre of Heraklion and within walkable distance of the ship. There is a pleasant square here with cafes aplenty and shopping all around... An ideal spot to relax and enjoy an al fresco coffee with free Wi-Fi to boot.

 

 

 

A few snaps before returning to the ship...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

Big Band night brought both orchestras together with a total of 19 musicians combining to make a superb musical backing for the four resident singers. The show once again delivered a wide variety of well-known and popular songs; this amalgamation of two orchestras with soloist musicians to assemble one big band is something that in my view makes Cunard rather special... I don’t ever recall seeing such a big band on any other cruise line, including themed big-band cruises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Vikstar]

I am thoroughly enjoying this review! Sorry if this has been previously mentioned, however I was wondering what model camera you used? Your pictures are stunning.

[megacruiser]

I am thoroughly enjoying this review! Sorry if this has been previously mentioned, however I was wondering what model camera you used? Your pictures are stunning.

 

Many thanks for your feedback... It really helps to keep me motivated.:)

 

My main camera used for 90% of the shots is the Fuji x100, fixed lens camera. I also have a Nikon D5200 with a zoom and a wide-angle lens which is bulky. I much prefer the Fuji but it takes a bit of getting used to and I have to manually focus all the time with it. So not what I would call a "point and shoot" camera.

 

Regards

megacruiser

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

As someone who takes organised shore excursions only in exceptional circumstances, Rhodes is one of my top ten favourite ports. As the ship docks close to the centre of this beautiful old town it is easy to wander around and explore on foot. It is has real charm and character and many ancient ruins can be freely viewed as you explore. It is one of those ports that you never tire of visiting because there are always new things to discover the further you venture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]