Good Morning Everyone from Venice.
Today’s blog is a little different. There will be none of the usual sections (they will be back in another blog later this evening) because I am dedicating this blog to a very special lady.
Yesterday, (Tuesday August 21) Heidi and I were privileged to be taken on a tour of Cunard’s new ship, Queen Victoria.
We were accompanied by Cunard’s Vice President of Newbuildings Stuart Hawkins who had been sailing on the Emerald Princess which was docked with us in Venice. Once at the Fincantieri Shipyard we were met by three very important gentlemen, Paolo Capobianco who is the Shipyard Director, Pierluigi Punter who is the Fincantieri Project Manager and, from Carnival Corporation, our own Project Manager, Giovanni Esposito.
Heidi and I had not been back to the shipyard since February when we spent one month there preparing the Carnival Freedom so it was sort of like a “homecoming” for us. Disembarking the water taxi right under the bow of the Queen Victoria was simply breathtaking. The last time I had seen her was six months ago and already I could tell how far along the work had progressed.
First impressions are for me and many others so very important and the first impression of seeing the Queen Victoria was ……well, let’s just say this. There is no need for her to have the word Cunard on her bow or anywhere else. You don’t need to be in the business we are in to know that this is a Cunard ship……..you just know………..some sixth sense tells you that those lines, those colours, (and, yes, we are spelling that the British way ) means it can only be a Cunard ship.
The Queen Victoria is due to enter service in December so there is still lots of work to be done. There is no furniture, no art, no Captain, no crew onboard. The lounges are not finished yet, the library has no books in it…..but you know what, it did not matter. The ship was alive……………I cannot explain it, I had not felt this on any of the many ships I had delivered as a Cruise Director.
At this point you are probably thinking………OK, John’s smoked a palm tree….what the heck is he talking about? The answer is, I don’t know…….there was just something that, even in its yet-to-be-completed state, the ship had a heart and a soul. You could see, imagine and feel what she would be like once at sea…………was she alive or did I have water on the brain from my Turkish bath experience ?
I am not a travel writer and in the weeks and months to come, the brilliant minds of the press will write their newspaper, magazine and Internet articles for all to read but if you will, please allow me to describe some of the features that will, I know, make this ship incomparable.
Where to start………well, first off let me say the ship’s architect has created a vessel that feels open and airy (is that a word?)
The public spaces are designed in such a way that you really feel that you must be on a ship twice the size and the 2,014 lucky guests who will cruise on her will, I am positive, never feel that there are indeed that many people on board.
The signature public room is the Queens Room, which even in the incomplete stage that it is currently in, I could already feel that this room was something special. We stood on the Promenade looking down on the dance floor and you could imagine the orchestra playing, the well dressed Cunarders dancing before returning to their martini’s and gin and tonics and I could imagine Heidi and I sitting at one of the tables, me with my diet coke and Heidi begging me to dance. In the afternoon’s they will serve the great British tradition of Tea Time.
In the U.K. everything stops for tea……..it does not matter – 3 pm is tea time and no matter what you are doing you must drink tea……..it’s the law. So, again my imagination was in overdrive and I could see the white-gloved waiters serving the Earl Grey from the finest Royal Dolton and Wedgwood china and the look of horror and the ship’s alarm sounding, security rushing in because someone had dared to order Iced Tea!
The Queens Room will be the heartbeat of the vessel and standing there you know without a doubt, you are on a Cunard ship. Here is a photo of the Queens Room. Forget about the wires and the construction and think of the orchestra playing your favorite love song as you dance before dinner……………this will be one very extraordinary room.
Talking of dining……………well, the three dining rooms continue the Cunard tradition of your assigned dining room being decided upon by the cabin you reserve. However, personally, I could see little difference between the Princess Grill & the Britannia Restaurant; they were both amazing and oozed elegance and class. The Queens Grill has amazing views with floor-to-ceiling windows to watch the ocean go by while enjoying the finest food and service afloat.
The main dining room, the Britannia Restaurant will be dominated by a huge globe which sits behind the Captain’s table. Again, a sense of nostalgia washed over me as I imagined the Commodore and his special guests discussing their cruising experience, I could feel the air of quality and luxury in the food and the service and I could picture Heidi and I sitting at our corner table, me in the doghouse because I spilt gravy down my shirt.
I really could sense that the dining experience would be, regardless of what dining room you were assigned, something that would uphold and exceed the high standards associated with the Cunard brand.
Then from five-star we move to well, unlimited stars as we mention the specialty restaurant with the menu designed and created by celebrity Chef Todd English. How wonderful that in order to enjoy a culinary journey like this you don’t need to go to Massachusetts, you just walk out of your cabin and there you are. Walking around the restaurant where the lush linens and fine silverware will very soon be laid out I could imagine the diners trying to decide if they should have the Pan Roasted Rib Eye with Gorgonzola or the Baked Whole Bass with Apple and fennel…………….and I could see Heidi getting embarrassed for asking the waiter if the fish comes with chips.
Oh, yes, just to the side of the Queens Grill, there is an outside dining area called The Courtyard which is an area where, weather permitting guests can dine under the stars. Now, we Brits still find the idea of eating outside a little……..well…………not proper………but I think if this area is marketed correctly the Europeans, The North Americans and eventually us Brits will enjoy. Imagine, sitting under the stars being served fine food and wine. I am sure, many guests will take this option and I am even more certain that many guests will ask for their coffee and after dinner drinks to be served in the Courtyard. I can imagine Heidi and I sitting under the stars drinking our espressos and discussing the joys of life, cruising, marriage and why I left my underwear on the bathroom floor again. I do urge the management to really utilize this area as it is something that could be very unique. This might be a great area where, after dinner has been completed smoking is allowed……………especially cigars…………under the stars……WOW !
Talking of smoking, most of the vessel will be non-smoking with the exception of one or two areas which include the Cigar Bar. This area is smaller than I imagined but as trends go, I guess cigar smoking may not be as popular as it was during the late nineties. Now, here is an interesting thought. Smoking is banned in public places in the U.K. Does this mean that once in U.K. waters there will be a smoking ban on the entire ship? Anyway, regardless the cigar bar will be a place where I would probably enjoy a cigar more than anywhere.
Talking of public areas we have yet to mention the Veuve-Clicquot champagne bar, the British pub The Golden Lion, and a host of other areas that seem so wide and spacious. I could just imagine these areas full of handsome and beautiful people, laughing, dancing, drinking and enjoying all that this ship has to offer……….and me, Heidi on my arm which is covering the gravy stain on my shirt having the time of our lives.
We saw two or three of the different categories of cabins. None had furniture but all yet again felt rich and comfortable even with bare walls and wires hanging from the ceiling. We did see one of the Mega Suites………….”.bloody hell”……….I said as I walked in. These are huge and again, the professional writers will give you the facts and figures on square meters and comforts etc…..but you do not need to be a travel writer to know that these cabins are the be all and end all of cruise ship luxury. There is even a bathtub by a floor to ceiling window…….what a view……especially if you take a bath while you are docked in port. The cabins are truly gorgeous and regardless of what you choose I am in no doubt that you will feel at home or in my case…..someone else’s home as the mega suite is bigger than my apartment. We couldn’t see the cabin where Heidi and I will be staying when we cruise as they had not put the hammocks up yet.
In my job as a Cruise Director I spend the majority of my shipboard life in two places, the theatre and the bathroom. Let’s talk about the first one. The main lounge/theatre on the Queen Victoria is called the Royal Court Theatre and is something quite extraordinary. It is a cross between London’s Royal Albert Hall and La Scala in Milan. For the first-ever time this theatre will have private boxes which offer total luxury while enjoying shows, lectures and performances. The seating reminded me of an old-fashioned Cinema with deep and wide flip up chairs made from the finest velvet. I do not know who the Cruise Director will be on the Queen Victoria but he or she will be so lucky to walk out on stage and soak up the atmosphere that this unique theatre will surely provide. I can imagine the audience, sitting in luxury in their deep cushioned chairs, the guests in their royal boxes enjoying the Cruise Director and Heidi and I on the very back row……………..Heidi telling me to be quiet when I say “That’s my joke” every time the Cruise Director says something funny.
The Library is pure English (not the chef) but in origin. Two levels connected by a wooden circular staircase crafted in the finest woods, its dovetails the signature of a master craftsman. The card room will I am sure be very popular as no doubt will be the Empire Casino, the shopping arcade, the sports deck, the paddle tennis court, The Winter Garden which is designed like a typical English conservatory and of course the Cunard Royal Spa which features pampering that can only be found on a ship like this. They even have something called “A Gym” but I didn’t get to see that as the elevator that goes there was broken!
I could go on and on but alas I must stop. It is hard to know what else to say. The ship already has a feel, a, I don’t know…….a something………which maybe the professional writers will word properly. All I know is this. There are some things that make me proud to be British…………..The Royal Family (most of them), Aston Martin, the Pomp and Circumstance of our traditions, The Beatles, Fish and Chips and today I walked off the ship humming Rule Britannia because Cunard continues to be a talisman of everything that was and continues to be Cunard.
Heidi and I are going to book the cruise from Southampton to the Christmas markets leaving Southampton on December 14 and maybe we will see a few other bloggers there as well.
I work for Carnival Cruise Lines and I am proud of our ships beyond all measure…………but this is something different, something unique and if I were you and if you can, I would be calling my travel agent or Cunard and booking a cruise now. This is a chance for North America to sample the best of British and quite frankly the best of cruising.
I am in no doubt that this ship will become………………………………….. historic.
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Here is a selection of photos. I apologize for the quality of some as the ship was under working conditions and light was not always available.
1. The Royal Court Theatre and the great people of Fincantieri and Cunard who took us around (Note the boxes above)
2. One of the Public rooms which will become the Champagne Bar
3. The Queens Grill
4. The Famous Cunard Smoke Stack
5. The Open Decks
6. Giovanni finds me funny……..Stuart………..thinks “who is this guy?”
7. Hard at work on one of the swimming pools.
8. The Winter Garden. A conservatory with a retractable roof
9. The floor of the Winter garden….uncovered!
10. The Spa Hydro something or other pool
11. Part of the Living area of one of the very impressive suites
12. Take a bath by your ocean view window
13. The stair case leading to the Grand Lobby, what a feeling this area already has……I think I saw Leonardo De Crappyo !
14. The Queens Room. Sorry for the quality but there was a blackout test during our tour. This room has an amazing feel to it already.
15. Another view of the private boxes in the Royal Court Theatre………Queen Victoria herself would have been amused.
16. Here she is
17. The Queen
18. God Bless Her
19. That’s me on the left, holding my trousers up because I forgot to put a belt on.
20. Finally, the three sisters. Cunard, Princess and Carnival
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
How in the world do you “forget” to put on a belt ?
Oops.
An article on Costa Maya and what seems to be a picture of the pier.
http://www.poresto.net/content/view/13417/1/
What an amazing entry.
John, this could be one of your best blogs yet.
I’m already jealous and wishing i could be on this ship. The pictures and your stories just get me excited in anticipation.
Well done. It looks like she will be quite a ship.
Thank you for this entry. Its times like these that make me appreciate coming to this site daily (sometimes multiple times per day).
You rock!
David
Hi John,
What an awesome review of the Queen Victoria. I just spent a couple of nights on the “Queen”…..Queen Mary at Long Beach pier. How things change through the years. It certainly would be a wonderful cruise aboard the Queen Victoria..hopefully someday.
Again another review of a super CD. I have seen Mark Price a couple of times in my cruising. He is great and a really great CD. Thank you for the info on Corey Schmidt. He was wonderful and we loved the bird shows. Maybe I will catch him in Tahoe next summer. I am excited about the Freedom….Only 44 days till we are there!! There is a group of 22 of us and we all are counting the days till time to go. Take care and my best to Heidi…
John, thanks for the glimpse into the evolution of the Queen Victoria. She surely will be a magnificent and traditional addition to the Cunard fleet.
Your description conjured up images of days long gone with properly dressed guests, totally impeccable service and luxury unsurpassed.
What a lovely vessel she will be, glorious, just glorious.
Your insights into the ship added considerable depth to the description available on the Cunard web site.
Thanks once again.
Greg
WOW!
Thanks for the photos! When we were in Venice on the Liberty a year ago tomorrow, you pointed out the stack of the Freedom off in the distance in the shipyard. Who knew then we would be on her the following year. Now we strive for the Queen !!
Kathy and Paul
I didn’t have anything to say, I just wanted to beat ‘Big Ed’ to the comments.
WOW, WOW, WOW! Thanks for this “behind the scenes” look at this amazing ship being built. Your descriptions made her come alive. Thanks John for another fun adventure.
I’ve been reading your blog since conception. It’s been great and it feels like I have not missed the fun of cruising (you entertaining geneous) even though I’m not onboard. The last three Carnival Cruises for some strange circumstace I’ve had the enjoyment of having the number one entertaining cruise director on the seas (yes as you guessed it, it
was you). The first cruise that I met with you was on my divorse party cuise on the Immagination Nov. 1994, then on my honeymoon with my new wife Cindy, May 1998 on the Destiney. The funny thing about that cruise was Cindy and I were walking near the piano bar when this fit english gentleman spoke up and said “I know you.” With the thousands of people that you meet year to year that really impressed me. Cindy was impressed too. The third cruise was on the Glory (hurricane cruise). I had taken a group of 18 friends and unfortnately our cruise was only 4 days instead of 7 due to hurricane Gene, Sept 2004. Sixteen were first time cruisers and we were all staying in Cape Canaveral when we heard of the hurricane and I moved everyone to Miami to be south of the eye. Needless to say everyone had a wonderfull and safe time in Miami and a none forgetable cruise. It sure was unusual to have sailed on such a great ship with a 50% load. This week on the Freedom is a co-worker of mine and his family. Grace and Chris (Grace has been bloging with you?) Her parents are cellebrating their 50th. Did Chris bring you a dozen of Tim’s for you?. I told him that you really enjoy those Canadian made doughnuts and that he should on his way to the airport pick up a dozen. If he did not please razz him about it.
Regards Myron and Cindy
John, you said “Oh, yes, just to the side of the Queens Grill, there is an outside dining area called The Courtyard which is an area where, weather permitting guests can dine under the stars”. That sounds so beautiful BUT for the weather to be warm enough for dinner outside it would have to be a summer cruise. Since it’s a summer cruise the sun don’t set till around 9:30. So maybe instead of stars you will only see the sunset. Unless you are having a real late night dinner. John for dinner tonight go up to the Lido deck buffet. Then take it out on the open pool deck and enjoy your meal in the fresh air and watch the sunset. OH OH here comes somebody “Mr CD why is the pool slide not open all the time” “Mr CD there are kids in MY whirlpool” ” Mr CD I just saw some awful people kissing on the big screen” and oh yes “Mr.CD must you smoke that cigar over here I smell it way over on the no smoking side of the deck” “On second thought go down to the crew dinning room where you belong” That’s right you will not even be allowed on that outside dining area off the Queens Grill because you will be sailing steerage and the Queens Grill is just for those in the very top category. Maybe they will let you bus dishes up there. Now that is why I always cruise CARNIVAL. Everybody is treated equal.
“BIG” ED
Thank you John you made me feel like I was touring the ship by your side. What I would give to have a long hot soak in that tub. It would feel like a little bit of heaven. Thanks for taking me along.
I went to several more stores today. NO jelly beans. I am afraid you might have to go cold turkey. Ration what you have.
Jo
Hello John,
Sounds like you and heidi had a wonderful time, and must say mate you 2 are much deserving of a little away time from all the hectiness!!
Anyways john couple questions first off i used the new link for supperclub reservations like a week and half ago and haven’t gotten confrimation back??Was for your sailing on 12/1/07, but in a way happy it didn’t cause i was curious if you could tell me the formal nights for our Freedom 7 day eastern sailing 12/1/07?
As i don’t want to schedule supper club same night as formal/captains party…
Thanks John
See you in 100 days,16 hours,26mins,10 secs
Matt
The Queen Victoria is gorgeous!
John,
Thanks for the pics. It’s fantastic to see a ship under construction. Now if only I can get onboard to see the finished product. Reading the description and looking at the pics was like being along with you.
Scott
She is quite beautiful! I forwarded a link to my stepmom so she can see it. She’s been on the QEII
Thank you for sharing your tour of the Queen Victoria, it is amazing. I agree with you that they are amazing ocean liners, by the way if you are on the QM2 and you call it a ship you will be corrected to the fact that it is a ocean liner not a ship. I must say I have enjoyed every cruise that I have been on on Carnival (4) but there is is nothing like cruising on the Cunard line. I have cruised 2 times on the QM2, Eastern Carribean and a Translantic. I did stay in the Queens Grill balcony room and Princess Grill balcony room, which are very spacious (bathrooms are huge). The service is amazing and everyone that works there is so very nice. I was very impressed with the whole experience and would highly recomend that if you can go on one of the Cunard cruises to do so. They aren’t as expensive as may think they are, especially if you have sailed on Carnival. I was always amazed that you didn’t think that there were many people even on board. One thing I thought was really nice is that if you told your waiter that you would like to say have potato and leek soup for dinner the next night the chef would make it for you, by the way the food is very good. The room service menu is very good also, you can order from the menu of the dinning room that you are asigned to also. The whole experience is worth it because they make you feel very special and that they are extremly happy that you are there. There is one thing they are missing and that is a fantastic cruise director like yourself. I thought that you did a wonderful job of describing her, it is just the way I felt when I was on the QM2.
John,
My job takes me on the road often..after a long day of “working on site” you cannot know the pleasure of coming back to my lonely hotel room and reading your blog. It goes perfect with a diet coke and choclate!
Love the pics of the Queen…sure hope I can get to sail on her one day…maybe when I retire.
By the way, from your last blog, about the video games, parents should check out what games are in there before they let their children play…that’s what I used to do with my boys. And the game with goals and a disk…air hockey…one of my favorites.
149 days, 23 hours and 2 minutes until the bloggers cruise…but who’s counting?
Elaine
To a great day in Venice –
After today’s entry you no longer get to say that you’re not a travel writer. I can see that ship now – you made her accessible. I have a picture of her in my mind now… you did that.
I know you’re a Carnival man, but the Queen Victoria would be lucky to have you – she almost has to be led by an Englishman, don’t you think?
Can’t wait for Tea Time!
-Nancy
Hello John,
Thanks for the info on Amsterdam. We actually stayed at the Hotel d L’Europe in 1984, the last (and only other) time we were in Amsterdam. It was really nice but it’s a little too pricey because of the current exchange rate but we’ll check out the other two.
I forgot to ask another question this time about London. We will be taking the express train from Gatwick to Victoria station (I think that’s where it goes.). Is that area a good one to stay in? We would like something close to the train station since we will also be taking the train to Dover but still want to be able to walk to some of the different sites. What is your suggestion for a good area? We could just change trains at Victoria and go to a different area.
Thank you for the blog on the new Cunard ship. It sounds wonderful. I’m glad you and Heidi will get to sail on her. That should be a great experience.
About Mr. Pac Man. It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor their child, and not the cruise line or any other venue. This applies to video games, reading material, TV, or any other activities. Unfortunately, in today’s society it’s much easier to blame someone else instead of taking personal responsibility. Since you haven’t had any other complaints I wouldn’t worry about it.
Thanks again,
Linda and George
ANY BLOGGER out there going on the CARNIVAL VICTORY Precious Moments cruise Sept.9th. I will pay for the limited edition cruise only piece if you can get it for me. Let me know just post a comment on my blog anyplace and I will get your e-mail address and get back to you. Just click on my name on top of my comment to go to my blog. Anybody working the Victory this goes for you also.
“BIG” ED
Hello John & Heidi,
We have finally returned home from our memorable summer touring Europe.
We all just wanted to say thank-you to both of you for spoiling us throughout our cruise of the Grand Med!! The notes, gifts, and laughter were all heartfelt and our kids had a blast, laughing with you, at you, ( specially the skit with Mary) and doing a little bit of flirting with Heidi-as Trevor ( The best of the Johsnton 4) will tell you!
To all of those who are thinking about the Grand Med cruise-it is simply the best way to see Europe! Having self-toured both before and after the cruise-including renting a car in Italy-yikes!! we all feel that the wonderful fun-filled relaxed atmosphere of Carnival was a highlight of our trip. The excursions are so worth it- no need to worry about transportation, getting back to the ship, or trying to figure out where all these wonderful landmarks are. When you book an excursion, you learn so much from the guides about the culture, architecture, the history.
The cruise was a highlight for our kids, they loved all the people they met from all over the world and within days off disembarking our daughter saw all the cruise photos on Facebook while we were in Paris!!
Heidi did an amazing job organizing all the excursions in the morning-always with a smile and a Hello for our family! We loved her and Carnival did an amazing job tendering our whole cruise with no waits!
Our son Trevor is already looking towards next summer and the Splendour!! I can see him becoming a cruise director as he has the same hilarious personality as you John!
Thanks again and could we have asked for better weather? Not a day of clouds or rain! Go Carnival Go!
Personally, I’d save up for a cruise on the Queen Victoria just to experience tea time!
Here’s a photo of one of my favorite tea time experiences, taken my last trip to London. It was at the Orangery, located on the grounds of Kensington Palace…and this is how I imagine it would be on the QV:
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a355/terri910/teatime.jpg[/IMG]
(I hope I put in the correct info there, so you can view the photo)
One of Terri910’s definitions of heaven: fresh scones with Devonshire clotted cream and jam!
Terri
Hi John, WOW! What a wonderful blog today, the way you described it I could envision a cruise on the titanic (before it sunk of cause) where everyone was dressed in their finery, eating dinner, having a drink, dancing, and smoking a cigar! When you and Heidi take this cruise in December please take lots of pictures so we can then see the “after” to go along with the “before” pictures. Now, for Big ED, since you have so much “PULL” at Carnival, why don’t you call corporate to get that Precious Moment figurine for your wife! So, without a belt your pants fall huh John? That can only mean one thing, they are too big on you! So, the carb diet must be working! Good JOB! Say hi to Heidi for me, and tell her all her blog buddies want a blog from her real soon, and add some pictures of you 2 when you were dating ok? God Bless, Linda & Mike P.S. 87 days till our November cruise! Hurray!
What a wonderful post today John!
Your writing was so descriptive I felt as though I were touring the ship with you as my guide. All I can say is “Beautiful ship and beautiful writing!”
By the way…. Your Jelly Bean diet is working! You look wonderful! I will be mailing more on Friday.
Barb
Hello john and Heidi,
It was really nice to see this beautiful vessel in the developmental stages. It is always fascinating to me to see the behind the scenes photos of a ship under construction. I also enjoyed the photos of the new Splendor being constructed. They are truly amazing pieces of technology. Funny, looking at the photos of the Queen Victoria, I get the feeling that Joe Farcus was not called in to design the public rooms!
John, I have an MP3 file of the brilliant British band 10CC’s single “From Rochdale to Ocho Rios,” that my wife and I have been dancing to ever since booking the Blogger’s Cruise. I am a huge fan of British pop and 10CC is one of my favorite vintage British pop bands. I would like to send you the MP3 file. How can I do that?
Your friends, Lance & Ilda.
Hi again John!
Thought you might want to get a hold of Mr. French for this one:
Aug. 27 – Set your clock – two moons
Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.
John,
Why the disclaimer? Especially about the jelly beans?
Hi John & Heidi,
That was an amazing description of the Queen Victoria John. The way you write is wonderful and along with the great pictures you really bring the ship to life for us. I would think it would be hard to descripe since it isn’t finished but in great John form you found the words to do it. Bravo!
Mary
PS I like my tea strong like you do…..sorry Heidi.
John,
Your description of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, had me picturing dancing and eating and doing all the things you had mentioned. Thank you so much for a great description of this marvel. I was in awe when I seen the pictures which, I am sure, does not even do justice to the feeling of being there.
This blog thingy was one of your best and thank you so very much for sharing your experience with all of us.
I wanted to ask you if you could do an interview with the CD on the Carnival Sensation. The interviews with all the different people in the cruise industry is a very nice touch. A “behind the scenes” so to speak. Thank you again!
Shel
Hi John… it’s Helen F’s sister here again.
I just wanted to say how wonderful your account of the QV is… written like a true professional. I’m booked to take the 2008 world cruise on her… solo… God forbid!!! I’ve been filled with anxiety about this cruise, but your descriptions have allowed a bit of excitementment to finally creep in – thank you.
Shame you and Heidi are on the QV in December and not a month later… we could have met up and I might have been encouraged to bring along my tenor horn to prompt some memories (just kidding… I’ve not played the thing for 20+ years now – I did a big time rebellion thing!!!).
John and Davina came over a couple of weeks ago and said that they had heard from ‘inside sources’ about my last comment on your blog, referring to Hel. Small world!!! Hel is on hols at the moment, but I’ll be sure to get her to read your excellent QV review.
All the best
Karen (aka Kazzie)
Good morning Master John,
How exciting for you and Heidi to be on the Queen Victoria. What a thrill and honor that must have been. She looks beautiful, even unfinished. I closed my eyes and starting picturing what you were describing. (Kind of difficult to read and close my eyes at the same time!). I can understand how proud you must be feeling. Well done and enjoy your Xmas cruise on her. That’s my birthday, so I will definitely be thinking of you on her.
Great interview with Mark Price. He is really funny. He was my CD on either the Imagination or the Triumph in 2003 (can’t remember which one – I’ll have to look at my old Capers). But I do remember the “Big Boy Chair”. Good luck to him.
I’ll write more later, because today is the 20th anniversary of my first Cruise. I want to tell you about it plus how things have changed over the years.
Regards for now,
Carol
John:
What a great blog about Victoria! I felt like I was there with you. Too bad I cannot make it on Cunnard ship as I would have to rob a bank first or win a lotto. But she is really beautiful. So I guess this was your secret project in Venice. Bravo!
I hope Heidi and you have a grrrrreat Thursday!
Wow! An amazing blog about an extraordinary ship. A dream come true. Unfortunately for me, that dream will have to wait until I retire. Until then, I will dream of the ocean view outside my window, as I am soaking in the tub after a long day of shopping. Aaahhhh…
Well…I see I chose the wrong combination! *L*
Let’s see if this works well enough to whet your English appetite, John!
Hi John,
What a great blog this was! The way you described the ship made me feel like i was there. In my eyes you have got a real talent when it comes to writing. In the future you should release a book and describe your journey to becomeing the number 1 cruise director. It would be a definite best seller.
By the way i got my GCSE results today (23rd August) and i got 7 A* and 3 A’s. All i need now is a cruise to celebrate!
I am off on holiday to Italy tommorrow and next Thursaday i am in sorrento and the Carnival Freedom is in Naples. I am going to be so gutted when i see the ship from a distance and be so jealous of those lucky people who are onboard.
Anyway, bye for now and hope to see you soon.
All the best to you and heidi
from WILL
John,
Don’t know you have the time. Great job on the Queen. Sure is a beauty.
Bill
John,
Thanks for the preview of the Queen Victoria & Happy 20th Anniversary. See you and Heidi on the September 10th sailing.
Cheers,
Peter
Do you or your staff read web sites like cruise critic or cruise forum? It seems like it runs hot and cold. I get the impression some people are upset that if you give them $10.00 they wanted $11.00. Question. Are there any validity to their comments and are these addressed to the ship staff? 54 days and counting. Anniversery “and” retirement!
A truly Noble ship! already looks beautiful, true to the name Cunard!
Maybe someday…. a long time from now……
Can’t wait to see the pictures of when it is done!!
Hi again John,
I just saw the article on Costa Maya and the damage. That’s one place I still want to get to. I saw it from my balcony on the Valor when we couldn’t dock and it really was inviting. Hopefully, it won’t be the 6-months they predict to repair everything.
How are you and Heidi doing? It looks like the Jelly bean diet is working. Maybe you can patent it and make a whole lot of money, retire, and cruise on Cunard, Princess, Seaborn, etc. whenever you want.
Like I said, this is the 20th anniversary of my first cruise, so (WARNING) I’m going to bore you with lots of details.
My 1st cruise was on the Jubilee. I was just so overwhelmed when I saw her. I thought she was huge at 47,000 tons. Compared to the Freedom & Liberty, she was just a little baby, but back then she was one of the larger ships. And I liked the way she looked – all white and sleek, not like a couple of ships from they who shall not be named. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive & took a dramamine when I got on board. Never took one again!
Things have changed a lot since then. Checking in was not automated. There were alphabetized rows for new passengers to stand in line. Visitors were allowed on board before we sailed. My sister and her family, her in-laws and some friends of ours came on board to wish me “Bon Voyage”. I still have that “Welcome Aboard” photo of the 12 of us in my living room. My girlfriend and I had a great dining room table group, Six of us hung out together every night. I’m still friends with one of these women today. And it was the dining room for breakfast, lunch & dinner for all of us – there was no alternative buffet or 24-hour pizza. But we had great meals and a great time (and I worked off every one of those calories by running up and down the stairs instead of taking the elevators and by going to the disco every night).
Another change is that during formal nights, there were plastic leis and other decorations and balloons on the tables and we were all served champagne. There was the parade of Baked Alaska and Flaming Cherries Jubilee. I don’t see that anymore. We loved the disco and the window seats outside on the promenade deck. Today there are a lot of chairs and tables – but then it was just the window with great views. The Lip Synch contest was held in the Disco late night. Real lip synching where guests chose their own performances – not everyone doing the same song.
But other than that (and maybe no more Male Nightie contests), it is still the best vacation I could ever want to have. It’s still that same great service & exceptional shows (& CDs) and just good old lot of fun. (Do I hear Fun Ship?). And if anybody is still hesitant about taking a cruise, send them to me.
OK, now that I have bored everyone, I’ll stop. But I have a joke:
Two men are out ice fishing at their favorite fishing hole, just fishing quietly and drinking beer.
Almost silently, so as not to scare the fish, Mel says, “I think I’m Going to divorce my wife – she hasn’t spoken to me in over 2 months.”
Earl continues slowly sipping his beer, then thoughtfully says, “You Better think it over – women like that are hard to find.”
Happy Thursday John & Heidi,
Regards,
Carol
terri910,
BLOGGERS
This is the photo terr910 is trying to show us;
i15.photobucket.com/albums/a355/terri910/teatime.jpg
“BIG” ED
Ugh….I can never remember which sort of link I’m supposed to use.
One more try, for tea time!
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a355/terri910/teatime.jpg
[...] Here’s another up-date on the QV’s progress. John provides a lovely review… the excitement is building : An Afternoon with the Queen John Heald’s Blog [...]
My husband and I eloped on the QE-2 10 years ago. We just returned to America from Southampton on the QM-2 as we celebrated our 10th anniversary with our two children (yes, we renewed our vows onboard). I don’t think we’ll wait another 10 years to experience the new ship!
I just love the Cunard level of service-elegant and first class all the way. Please forgive the crude American expression to follow…”Cunard service ROCKS!” (I know…I know..tacky American, but I think it gets the point across.
wonderful story John. As a former employee of Cunard in New York I am proud to see the new Queen. She is truly a wonderful ship.
Hi John, Hope you have a nice weekend, will miss your blog this weekend. It will be busy for us the next 2 weekends. Next weekend (Labor Day weekend) we will be baptizing Joshua, he is going to be 2 mos. old on Sept. 6th, and we will baptize him at our Catholic church on Sept. 2nd, I am going to be the Godmother, and my son will be the Godfather. His brother Jacob just started Kindegarten this week and loves it! It has been so hot and humid in Florida lately. Too bad at Costa Maya, Mike and I LOVE that port. I hope it is rebuilt quickly. Please post some pictures of Heidi too, ok? Love all the pictures! Would love to see some of you both together from the earlier days of your courtship, also ask Heidi to blog again soon, we all miss her! How is she, and what has she been up to lately? Again, hope your weekend is fun, and uneventful in the “Pestering Guest Dept. (aka PGD)! HA! Linda & Mike (the handyman)
Dear John,
Will be an honour for us in Southamerica to represent so huge creation, Congratulations!
Fanny Mislej
MundoCruceros, Santiago Chile
John! Your number one in the ship entertainment proffession. Recall the waneda Banger skit. lolol
Thanks for the information. My friend and I are booked on a 14-day Northern Europe cruise in July 2008. Should be a wonderful experience. We’ve been on the QE2 & QM2 and we’re looking forward to the Queen Victoria…the best of the best!
Very impressive photos! Obviously there is still much to be done by for completion by December.
I’m looking forward to inspecting the Queen Victoria next year on the inaugural world cruise when she stops in San Francisco.
Why would the Queen Victoria be built in Italy? instead of the UK?
My daughter and I took the new Queen Mary to Southampton its first year afloat and now you tease us with another grand ship. My husband and took the QE 2 (not proper) from Fort Lauderdale, thru the Panama Canal to L.A. several years ago. Now I am 83 and have had to give up some travel but after reading about your visit to the new Queen Victoria I have to rethink what I can do and can’t do! But thanks for the bird’s eye view! You have whetted a lot of appetites! Heidi, don’t give up on him. The New Gal may teach him some new ways of keeping the gravy off the shirt!
Hi John,
My family and I were on the inaugaral cruise of the Carnival Liberty to the Mediterranean, where you were our Cruise Director. What a fabulous time we had there, and what wonderful memories we have to reflect on for our lifetime! My husband and I were actually reading about a World Cruise, and the Queen Victoria when this email appeared …and we were dreaming about our continued adventures at Sea. We are cruise fanatics, so it was fabulous to have this first glimpse of the ship,which we had been looking through the brochure to find.
We are hoping to realize our dream of a World cruise when we retire…and will be cruising on shorter itineraries until that time.
Thanks for satisfying our curiosity with pictures of what is currently completed on the construction of this ship!
Thank you, John, for the great description of the Queen Victoria. This is my first opportunity to ready your blog, courtesy of the link in the email from Cunard. When you sail on her in December please see the exhibit on the history of Cunard, as I am told it will contain wedding photos of my mother who was a War Bride who sailed on the first Queen Mary in 1946 from Southampton to Halifax – Olive Cochrane. She is also a part of the War Bride panel on the Queen Mary II – the first photo and the letter she wrote my father on D-Day the background. My first and only cruise was the South Pacific in 1979 on the original Pacific Princess, “The Love Boat” until we sailed Carnival this past January on “The Glory”. My husband & I will be on the Emerald Princess Jan 08, so found it interesting that your ship, the Queen Victoria, and the Emerald Princess were side by side. Hopefully, we will get to cruise on both Queens while the exhibits are still showing. I hope I will have the opportunity to be on a cruise when you are Cruise Director – you sound great. It was the cruise staff of the Pacific Princess who made that cruise so memorable it kept me dreaming for the 25+ years it took to get to cruise again. Thank you for sharing. Michelle
Mr. Heald,
I write not as one who effortlessly casts out comments of past and future travels to grand worldly and exotic locations, reaching for calculators in order to tabulate the numerous luxury cruises to far away places and who idly compare the Cunard cruise liners to “other worldwind tours” they may have taken. No, Mr. Heald, I read your blog and scan the Cunard brochures as a third class citizen. I see the pictures you post and those the Cunard line places on the website from an income based government housing project.
Cunard was always a dream for me. I close my eyes and dream of the day I could afford to be considered a first or second class citizen. Someone who was worth enough to walk the decks of such magnificent ships and to travel the world with old world charm. To be surrounded by decades of history and a part of the intellectually and monetarily privileged few.
Remember, Mr. Heald, your words and pictures affect more than those who simply can relate in monetary terms. Thank you for bringing news of yet another cruise liner to keep some dreams alive.
Loved the preview…I am booked on the QV for her maiden WORLD along with several friends with whom I share a total devotion to CUNARD. Many many trips ( cruises, WORLDs,crossings) on the QE2 as well as the Maiden voyages ( 2 mos.) of the QM2 along with all of her firsts and now for the QV. I was honored as well to visit the QM2 whilst in drydock at ALSTROM in France in Sept.03 and recall the same photo op as you have presented; wires, covers, workmen all about but yet there she was in all her nascent grandeur.
Thank-you both for the preview and happy sailing in December. And I too was humming Rule Britannia all the while…as we did on Jan.12,2004 as we sailed from Southampton amidst fireworks, confetti and streamers as we made our way down the Solent.
Just returned two weeks ago from the eastbound transatlantic crossing of the QM2. It was without a doubt the most exquisite six days ever imagined on the water. The entertainment was spectacular. Our waiter, Antonio and our steward, Dante were fabulous and made the voyage so comfortable and and consistantly lovely. I spoke with many people who had cruised consistantly and they all said that this was the best voyage yet. …..Looking forward to the Queen Victory and the next spectacular option at sea.
I come from a family that is “Cunard-loyal,” my father and grandfather were travel agents who represented Cunard from the 1920’s until Dad retired in 1970. Dad was privileged, somewhat later in her maiden year, to get a special tour of Queen Mary I and his photos, memorabilia and comments from the time mirror yours. He loved the ship and was pleased to see Cunard sailing such a wonderful ship.
However, I wonder how he might react to Queen Victoria? She seem SO BIG no matter that you say people won’t feel crowded. That many people on one ship cause many cruise-related problems in ports and at embarkation and disembarkation. I hope she will be the only one to arrive at her destination port because getting over 2,000 people united with their luggage and connecting transport is a major problem.
Why not some lovely Cunard smaller ships?
John: This was AWESOME! I first traveled on Cunard’s Queen of Bermuda” in 1963 (age 13) which was a converted “troop ship” from WWII. We, my parents and two siblings, had a “suite” with a working fireplace, paneled walls, and luxurious baths. Our steward vacuumed up the pistachio shells from our “Bon Voyage” party, he did not know what these were, but he introduced and made us faithful friends of “Andy Capp.”
I have cruised with many companies but my husband and I will take our first Carnival trip in Jan. 2008.
Continued success and DO ENJOY! Maybe we can dream about the Victoria.
Thanks John for the great description of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria. I can hardly wait to see her for myself. We are booked on 2 segments of her World Cruise, Singapore to Southampton next March. It will be a wonderful experience. I think her size is just right, smaller than Queen Mary 2 which we were on in May 2004. We have done 29 cruises so far, and have never encountered problems connecting with luggage or transport.
I would really love to have an adventure aboard “THE QUEEN”
My husband died 17 months ago and I would like to start enjoying life again on your GRAND SHIP…
T
Nice Blog! It’s Royal Doulton (with a ‘u’) by the way. Well, you did ask if ‘airy’ was a word – and it is. Loved the descriptions of the rooms etc. I am fascinated by the library’s spiral staircase. I wonder if it’s reminiscent of the legendary one in New Mexico. The ship sounds amazing. I can’t wait to travel on this one. God bless all who sail in her!
[...] An Afternoon with the Queen Good Morning Everyone from Venice. Today’s blog is a little different. There will be none of the usual sections […] [...]
Wow….now I am especially excited about the Queen Victoria. I made reservations on December 15, 2003 while on the QE2 for the Maiden Voyage of the QV. (I was on the Maiden voyage of the QM2). Then they sold the original vessel supposed to be the QV. (I have a brochure for the “original” QV, which I understand is rare!) So, FINALLY, we will be onboard in December. I will have the pleasure of being on both the Christmas Market Maiden voyage and the second voyage South immediately following…spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve onboard. While the anticipation has been growing, your article really has me even more excited….something I didn;t think possible. THANKS!
Thanks for sharing your Queen Victoria experience! My husband and I can’t wait for the maiden voyage departing Southampton January 6 and arriving Cunard’s new terminal at Redhook in NYC January 13.
We sailed on the Queen Mary 2 maiden voyage in April 2004 departing New York to Southampton.
In April of 1972 we sailed on the QE2 eastound from NYC. Two days out we found ourselves in the midst of a rouge hurricane with winds over 100 miles an hour. For a few days Captain Mortimer Horher (sp?) kept the good ship on a “hove to” course headed to North Africa. I forget how many degrees we were away from capsize. From a Sunday to Sunday we limped into Southampton. The original plan was to go to a port in France, but the QE2 had a date in dry dock after the winter’s cruising. Really there was no panic and folks kept cool heads and spirits.
Perhaps we’ll still be sailing when another Cunard ship makes a debut!
Laurie & Gil Ysais, Arlington, Virginia
the Queen Victoria looks as if it will rule the
7 sea’s just as the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth did when I was a bellboy in the 1950’s
A great blog ,only when I sailed afternoon tea was at
4 pm- 5pm?
good sailingto you
Geo.Mitchell
Was your spelling of Leonardo’s last name deliberate?
I have always been fascinated by passengers ships,
and more so of Cruise Liners. I stared in awe at the passengers and tourists embarking and disembarking. Always said to myself, one day I will sail on the “QUEEN MARY”. Regretfully I never did, nor did I sail on a Cunard Line ship.
I believe I am among the few Passenger Operation Manager still alive from the era of the “QUEEN MARY”, and maybe the only one not to be invited for a passage across the Atlantic on Cunard.
Congratulations “QUEEN VICTORIA”!!!!
I loved your description of the newest Cunard Queen. I felt like I was with you as you talked about each room.
Just one negative comment for you, sorry. Please be careful of your use of pronouns. There were at least three “Heidi and I” sentences which should have been “Heidi and me”. When in doubt, take off the “Heidi and” and see which pronoun fits.
Thanks again for your wonderful commentary.
What’s the size of the dance floor in feet ?
What’s the approximate size of the dance floor in feet ?
A friend just told me about your BlogSite. Thx for the detailed info on QV. We feel the QM2 is not “too large” and the Grill accommodations were excellent. We tried to book the QV for 2008 but, alas, too late. 2009, for sure. Do you have an e-mailing list? If so, please include me and thanks, again for a great site.
Lance
Thank you for the writing titled:
“Afternoon with the Queen”.
It makes our booking on the Queen Victoria in January from LA to Sydney
more exciting.
Peter
Good grief! Even though true, was it necessary for Ms. Ayres to air her superior knowledge of pronouns, not!
Excellent video. We have sailed on the QM2, but are anxiously awaiting the Queen Victoria later this year. Perhaps when she sails to the U.S. She appears to become a beautiful ship.
By the way, my husband has written four books on cruising. We have sailed 82 times on 47 different ships. As you can see we really enjoy cruising…
We have sailed on the QM2 and liked it very much, but the Queen Victoria is becoming a extremely beautiful ship. When she comes out later this year and sails to the U.S. we would love to see her.
My husband is an author and has writte four books on cruising. We have sailed 82 times on 47 different ships. We are “Elite” on Princess and are sailing on the Diamond in March to the Hawii Islands. Cunard has out-done themselves with the new ship. As you can see we love to cruise.
To. Mr. John Heald,
Thank you for all the information on the Queen Victoria Magnificent Liner. I came over on the Queen Mary in 1948, after coming out of the RAF
I did a commercial on the old troop ship. I am now 85. May I be a little pretentious and say.Would it not be wonderful for the Cunard Line to give an old
Englishman and his wife, two complimentary tickets on the”Queen Victoria’s maiden voyage.
I wish the Cunard Line my congraulations on the
magnificent Queen Victoria and its future trips.
Sincerely,
Alfred White
heartfeltcongratulations
I will sing Rule Britannia with you.
my husband and i will sail on the maiden voyage. just yesterday someone from cunard confirmed that QVwill sail from southampton on december 10. you said it will sail on december 14. please let me know which date is correct. thanks.
You were kind enough to go to all the trouble to spell colour with a ‘u’ but left it out of Royal Dolton which is correctly spelled ‘Doulton.’
Love to have your job.
Cheers
John,
Many thanks for your information on the Queen Victoria.
My husband-to-be and I will be honeymooning on the Sydney to Singapose leg, and I can’t tell you how excited I am after reading your blog. This will be my first cruise. As my grandfather always said, “Go big or stay home.”
I am most appreciative!
Looks like a remake of the “TITANIC” I heard
Cunard was planning it for quite some time.
Al
PLEASE break the 2009 world cruise into smaller
segments so my wife and I can sail thru the Panama Canal
[...] http://johnheald.wordpress.com/2007/08/22/an-afternoon-with-the-queen/ [...]
john- she looks lovely but at half the price of the QM2 and a much lower passenger space ratio I will have to see her finished to be as impressed. time will tell. jim
Hi John,
I’m very new to this blogging thing so please bear with me. I have been enjoying your writings as well as the comments and replys from your fans. I have a question and didn’t really know how to go about e-mailing you to get an answer, so I thought I’d try this. I “know” you from a Freedom sailing in Feb. 2006. Remember “You Screw” and the girl in the Mary skit who got you on the floor of the stage and rode you? (you lost your shoe) That was one of the highlights of my trip. Anyway, my question is, how do I find out who the Captain is on what ship and when he is sailing? There are a couple of Carnival Captain’s I really enjoyed sailing with and one I couldn’t stand and I’d really like to book another cruise with the ones I liked. It’s a given that I’d always like to sail with you, do you always come with the same Captain? (Other than Heidi of course)
Thanks,
Julie
Dear Heidi and John,
I will write more another time but please check out your info regarding Mars. Check this website:
http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp
Then you can decide if you want to alert others.
Laura
Dear Heidi and John,
We will be sailing with you on Oct. 4th and looking forward to it tremendously. This will be our 2nd Carnival cruise. For our first, we were on the Fascination for 3 nights to see if we like cruising — and we loved it!
I would like to make 8:00 PM reservations for us and our friends Bill and Bonnie Fox for the Supper Club. I don’t want it on the same night as the Formal Nights. I would prefer it to be on Oct. 12th as this is Paul’s 70th birthday. (I was 13 when I met him when I “crashed” his 17th; we’ve been married 47 years!) I see the 12th is a day at sea so I am not sure if that is also a formal night. I hope you can help.
I was so delighted to see that Carnival is taking an active role in fighting Cancer. Please sign Paul and I up for your walk on the Freedom! Paul is an eleven year prostate cancer survivor. We take a very active role in raising funds for cancer research and education by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life — an 18 hour event (though we are usually up 36 hours from start to finish). This year our 15 member team – Team Zuper Zatz – raised more than $42,000! (You do get a yearly PSA and Heidi a PAP test and Mammography, don’t you?) It was with early detection that Paul’s cancer was diagnosed and successfully treated.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog (the only one I have ever read). You have enlightened me and brought tears to my eyes both with some of your hilarious anecdotes and also some very moving stories.
We happily anticipate meeting you both in person.
Laura and Paul Zatz
John, an incredible look at the next Queen. As “Godfather” for the “other Freedom” my wife and I had the opportunity of Seeing the Liberty of the Seas at about the same stage. It is an incredible feeling seeing the birth of such large ‘living” things. I am yet to sail on my first Queen. I was thinking it would be the QM2, but after this it may be the QV!
Our first Carnival Cruise is just 3 days away. Marietta and myself are looking forward to have a first hand experience of a Carnival Ship. This will be our fourth cruise and our second in the Meditteranean. Some of the cities we will be visiting are however new to us. Hope that we will be enjoying this cruise more than the three previous excellent cruises, because this is Carnival and it should be unique. See you all on Wednesday.
Ray
I think the exterior of the Queen Victoria looks like all of the “Vista” series Holland America ships – such as the Oosterdam, Zuiderdam and Westerdam – sorry — not very Regal.
I am so excited while I read John blog. I can’t wait to cruise with Queen Victoria. My husband and I are schedule to cruise on Queen Elizabeth 2 next year. We enjoyed our cruise with Queen Mary 2 this year. I am wondering what are the difference between these three ships beside their sizes.
Our travel agent e-mailed us your blog site and it is great.! We will be traveling on the Queen from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney, Australia this coming Jan/Feb. It has been 44 years since I sailed on my first cruise and it was a Cunard ship (Queen of Bermuda). This Queen looks spectacular. Thanks you for the preview.
Thanks you so much for the wonderful update. My husabnd and I are booked to sale on the Dec. 17 inaugral cruise from Southampton. We are so excited we can’t wait. We did the QEII cruise from LA to Chile, last year and it was fabulous. Besides the magnificent vessel, we have to praise the amazing crew who made the whole trip.
Can’t wait till December. We will be celebrating my husband 70″the birthday and also our 47th wedding anniversary on board.
Wow, we are one lucky couple.
See you on board.
Santa Barbara Babe
Hi John,
Call him what you will but suffice to say Leonardo and “Titanic” helped revitalize the mystique and adventure of luxury cruising, won’t you agree?
Great pics and thanks for sharing with us!
John,
It is great to see some photos of the new ship and hear your impressions. I recently posted an article about Queen Victoria based upon my interviews with Cunard people focusing on why they built this ship and the background behind it. http://www.beyondships.com/QV-Buildingupontradition.html
Thank you so much John for sharing such wonderful photographs. Bring on Christmas/New Year 2008/2009. It will be awesome.
Shellie
xx
John;
great comments john. now I must sail this ship.
note: so far john, the highlight of my cruises was my twelve day sailing on the Liberty october 22, 2006 from rome. Will never forget the image of that black woman romping all over you??? it still makes smile just thinking about. hope to meet you on one of my next trip. you are a great hospitality manager. good work.
What a thrill to see Queen Victoria. John: it is a good thing you didn’t tell us where you were going when we docked in Venice. I am sure many passengers (myself included) would have loved to have gone on your tour.
Prior to sailing on Carnival Freedom (cruise ending Aug. 29), I tried very hard to find construction pictures of it. I found a few but they were a year old – from Feb. 2006. I was able to read lots about the Fincantieri Shipyard etc. and other vessels they have built. Thanks for making pictures of Splendour and Queen Victoria so available. I find it so fascinating.
SewingNut
I cannot wait to sail on her!
Good Morning John
I enjoyed your personal tour of the Queen Victoria, my partner and I have been booked to sail on her inagural world cruise departing from New York on Jan 13th 08 and disembarking in Los Angles. Having already sailed with with Cunard on the Queen Elizabeth 2 I know that sevvice and the embience is going to be extra special and give me lifetime memories. When onbaord we plan to then book our trans atlantic voyage on the Queen Mary 2 from NY to Southhampton. Please keep us upto date on all the information you can regarding Queen Victoria.
Cheers Edward