As the water taxi drew nearer to the shipyard just outside Venice, that feeling of excitement I felt last time I visited Her Royal Highness returned and the hairs on my arms stood to attention like the guards outside Buckingham Palace.
What is it about this ship?
We were met by our guides, the director of the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Mr. Capobianco, and Carnival Corporation’s vice president of shipbuilding, the larger-than-life Giovanni Esposito.
It had been two months since I last visited the Queen Victoria and I wondered how far things had progressed. We walked up the gangway and even though the ship is still being completed and the crew is not yet on board, that special feeling that only a liner like this can provide returned to me. As we began our tour, one thing became evident straight away and that was how proud these young men and women from Fincantieri were in being part of building this regal liner.
As I watched them work it seemed that they were taking that extra care in everything they did and it was as though they knew they were building a little piece of history.
The ship has come a long way since my last visit and although the artwork, furniture and various dressings have yet to be installed, the ship already feels like she desperately wants her guests to come on board so that she can entertain them as only a Cunard liner can.
The last time I was onboard, one of the overriding memories was of what I still think will be the heartbeat of the ship and that is the Queen’s Room. Even two months ago with very little work completed I already knew that this would be the focal point of not just this ship but quite simply the most important and spoke about public room on any cruise ship or liner in the world.
Having seen it now and even though it is still not completed, I have never been more certain about anything in my life…………except, I want an Aston Martin.
The Queen’s Room was already alive two months ago and that life has been enhanced by the two magnificent chandeliers which now hang gracefully from the ceiling. These two centerpieces spread light across the dance floor which will soon be full of couples celebrating their own lives as they experience this astonishing and breathtaking room. The carpet which would not have looked out of place in the Queen’s own residence at Windsor Castle was ready to be laid, the artists were discussing with the builders where their years of hard work would be displayed and as our guides allowed us to wonder the room, I once again felt so proud to be experiencing the birth of this Royal Legend. The Queen’s Room will be used for many signature events including the traditional afternoon tea served by the Cunard staff complete with white gloves and that famous Cunard smile.
We then went on to the forward part of the vessel where you will find the stunning Royal Theatre. The private boxes are now complete and the red velvet chairs oozed pure luxury. This theatre will be home to the finest entertainment Cunard has ever offered which will include the continuation of their Insights Lecture Programme. This series will allow Queen Victoria’s guests to watch and listen to stars of stage and screen as well as people who have accomplished so much in their lives.
These entertainers and famous personalities will, I am sure, be intimidated by this imperious theatre as it is a place like no other and standing there, I had to remind myself that I was on a liner and not in the Royal Albert Hall in London.
I must say, as I stood there, I felt a slight tingle of jealousy that I would not have a chance to perform or to work in this one of a kind room. I wish the Cruise Director, whoever he or she may be, all the luck in the world and I am sure they realize how fortunate they are. If not, please e-mail me and I will be there before you know it.
If and when I am lucky enough to ever sail on the Queen Victoria, one of my first stops will be to reserve a table at the Courtyard. This is the outdoor dining area adjacent to the Queen’s Grille and is surely the most incredible Al Fresco dining experience available on the Seven Seas. Guests will enjoy the finest food in a most romantic and secluded atmosphere and as you sip on a glass of the finest Bordeaux and ponder your choices from the menu the stars will twinkle and you will realize just how lucky you are to be enjoying this incomparable dining experience.
On the nights you are not dining under the stars guests will experience the famous Princess and Queen’s Grilles. These areas are beginning to take shape and the views from both these restaurants are some of the best on the ship. These two areas typify just what Cunard is all about and though I know I am repeating myself, they are areas which make you say: “Ah yes, this must be Cunard.”
We were shown two of the cabins, including the mega suite. I am not blessed with the words to describe this amazing palace at sea and I am sure for most of us, my description and the following photos will be as close as we ever get to seeing it. It is vast, so vast in fact that it has a dressing room, a spectacular bedroom, a huge sitting room and a balcony that seems endless. It is the perfect place to lose your wife. Of course, the main feature of this cabin has to be the bath tub which is the size of other ships’ swimming pools and it sat there in front of the floor to ceiling window, begging for a Cleopatra to bath in there.
We also saw a mini suite which, I am sorry to say, is not described correctly. I have seen “mini,” I have tried to sit in a mini and let me tell you, there is nothing “mini” about this room.
All the cabins are decorated simply yet there is no doubting you are experiencing the words “ultra luxury.”
I am going to use a word now which I apologize to all who speak the Queen’s English perfectly. I am sorry but I cannot think of a better word to describe how I felt when I saw the library………..that word is “gobsmacked”.
This word originates from my home county of Essex and is used when you see something you are in awe of and something so astonishing that your mouth hangs open and words elude you. A spiral staircase covering two decks guides you to a choice of 6,000 books. Its ceiling has backlit glass which is designed after a ceiling in the first Caronia.
6,000 books. What an amazing choice and this library will set a new standard which I doubt anyone else will ever surpass.
I wonder if I published a book of blogs it would be 6,001.
We visited many of the other areas of the vessel all of which are progressing and are taking on their own personalities.
These include the spa which features a thermal suite and luxurious treatment rooms. We walked through the vast public spaces and visited the Commodore Club, the Cigar Bar, the Champagne Bar, the Casino and the Golden Lion Pub I could not help but think, once again, that this ship was surely about to become historic.
Talking of history, Cunard has a glowing history of its own and as the Queen Victoria sets sail she will become part of that history and will envelope much of Cunard’s past in the Cunardia Room. This is the on-board museum which will house memorabilia from the world’s most famous passenger liner company and will be a place where past meets present.
Like many of you, I was under the impression that the Queen Victorian will sail next year from Southampton and mainly carry out transatlantic duties. However, I was so excited to hear that Cunard will allow Her Majesty to spend some time in the Mediterranean. From the beginning of August till the end of November 2008 she will offer 12 night voyages including ports in the Western, Central and Eastern Mediterranean and will even travel through the Black Sea. I am told that this is the first time Cunard has based a ship in the Mediterranean since the late 1990’s.
Having sailed the Mediterranean myself for the last three years I can only imagine what that experience would be like.
Imagine, spending the day ashore exploring Piazza San Marco and the magic of Venice, returning to your suite, dancing before dinner in the Queen’s Room and following your dinner under the stars in the Courtyard restaurant you take a seat in your private box in the Royal Theatre and listen and enjoy the experiences of some of the world’s most famous personalities.
Imagine, returning from a day in the enchanted city of Rome. Feeling rejuvenated and blessed to have seen the Vatican and the wonders of the Coliseum. Once on board your luxurious home on the seas, you take the one you love for a glass of something special at the Champagne bar before reminiscing on the day’s events while dining at the Todd English Restaurant.
Imagine, having seen the Acropolis in Athens and once back on board you enjoy a walk around the Cunard museum before dining in one of the signature Grille rooms returning for some night music and dancing to the sounds of the Queen’s Room big band.
Imagine, a day at sea where the only decision you have to make is what luxurious treatment you deserve to have at the spa or which of the 6,000 books you will read.
Imagine, enjoying the service that can only be found on a Cunard ship as you sail to the next exciting destination that Europe has to offer.
Most importantly, imagine, the sense of fulfillment you will experience when, as with all Cunard ships, the crowds gather every time you sail into and out of a port and you realize you are part of ocean liner folklore.
You know what………..stop imagining. Call your Travel Agent, call Cunard and experience for yourself European cruising like no other.
Many people have lists of things to do and see in their lifetime and for anyone who loves the ocean and the great industry that is cruising then on top of that list surely must be a Cunard Experience.
The ship’s crew will arrive shortly, the artwork and furniture will be put into place and in early December Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall will name this vessel Queen Victoria and a new and exciting chapter of Cunard’s history will begin.
I hope you can all be part of it…………..you deserve it.
One more thing. As we headed home, I took one last look at the Queen Victoria and it seemed that she had an extra glow about her. It seemed that she knew something we didn’t, she looked ……………….happy and content.
Maybe she knew already that she was about to get a new sister with the announcement of the new Queen Elizabeth. She will be complete in 2010 and Mary, Victoria and Elizabeth will, without doubt, rule the waves.
1. The Queen’s Room
2. The Cunard Crest
3. The bathtub in one of the Mega Suites
4 & 5. The Grand Lobby staircase
6. The Royal Theatre
7. The Library
8. A beautiful mosaic in the Spa
9. The Queen Victoria
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother, Tales from the Ship
John,
As much as I love Carnival, that is what a true ship should look like, wow. Great job my friend
Kevin
Stunning… there is no other word to describe that incredible vessel… Stunning.
How fortunate you must feel to have been granted an audience with the Queen, despite her not being quite ready for the general public.
The Royal Theatre and the Library, John… the LIBRARY!!! I’ve not seen anything that wonderful, on land or sea in many years. Once again, stunning.
That ship exudes grace, poise and elegance all the while being somewhat muscular and proudly capable.
These new pictures beg my question again… how can the incredible artisans who are bringing life to Victoria ever surpass this achievement?
Thank you for another glimpse into the Cunard legend, my friend. Magnificent.
Regards,
Greg
John, I can tell right now this post will not be e-mailed by CUNARD to it’s family of past cruisers like your last one. I’m sure it will not meet their standards for an e-mail. John this revue of their ship is to good for an e-mail. John this post will be used in their brochure for the Queen Victoria. John I was there with you. I can see the Queen Victoria right in front of me. I your words I think Leasa will even see the Queen Victoria.
John you keep this up and your going to lose your job as cruise director. Your going to find yourself working at your computer at home doing the narration of all CARNIVAL corporation brochures. Great job John. I think I even got paint on my shirt when I bumped into that wall while on the Queen Victoria with you.
“BIG” ED
What can one possibly say after viewing such a beauty in the making! Thank you John for the wonderful, enchanting way that you have described her and what you saw!!! The pictures I’m sure don’t do her justice, but they are wonderful. What a great experience for you to witness history in the making! John, can you please give all of us an update on Alan. Have his horrible headaches subsided? We are all so concerned about him and his well-being as he is part of our huge family, thanks to you. Wow, I know that you and Heidi are counting down the days until your vacation just like we cruisers do before our trips! Only a few more blogs left before you go. We will all be waiting anxiously to hear from you and Heidi whenever you see fit to send either blogs or podcasts our way. You have us all so spoiled! I know there are many besides myself who check the blog several times a day to see if there are any new messages from you. You have enlivened all our lives and brought tears and laughter to all of us through your writings, and we THANK YOU! Big hugs to you and Heidi.
Gobsmacked and drooling, yearning for tea in the afternoon! When I grow up I am going to book this beautiful woman! Only thing to make her perfect would be you as the cruise directer! I can see you working on her!
Yours,
Kathie
ahhh she is a beauty all right mate. and from the sound of this post, you shall soon be on her. just sayin’…
and we’ll see you in three days!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Wow, what a beautiful ship. I was able to see a whole episode on the Travel Channel 2 days ago about this vessel, the sea trials, the Azipods (spelling??), etc. It is quite an amazing ship. We may have to someday try her out, sorry to say John, but I’ll be sure to eat some of her good food in the name of you. ‘Spotted Dick for everyone!’
Matt
Good Morning John and Heidi,
What an incredible ship! Someday, Someday…..I am amazed with all the new ships being build but the Cunard line just seems to add magic.
Hope all is well with you and by the way have you received my package? Hope you and Heidi enjoy them.
Let Alan know that I think of him often and pray that he will have a complete and speedy recovery. I have a BFF that I have been friends with since High School (just after the earth’s crust hardened) and I know how I would feel if she were ill. My thoughts and prayers are also with you too.
Take care and see you soon
Joan
Hello John,
I have some follow up news about my last post with a possible cruise on the Freedom….
…the 8 day inaugural Splendor sailing looked wonderful, I wanted to go to London AND Italty so it worked wonderfully!Will you be the director on this ship at this time? (I hope so…)
The Queen Victoria looks absolutely beautiful. Pure elegance. I decided that people who complain to you about stuff that is out of your control should have a punishment…give them not hot water. A cool shower should cool their temper.
Hope all is well on the beautiful Carnival Freedom!
-Nico R
The pictures of theQueen Victoria are great. The Red Sox won the first game of the ALCS. You and Heidi get a lot of rest on your holidays. See you in Jan. Carl
http://www.travelserver.net/travelpage/ubb-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=009930
John,
Continue to wish you and Heidi the best in your daily journeys. Maria abd I just recently completed a teaser cruise on the Carnival Sensation from Port Canaveral to Nassau. It was a surprise from Maria for our 26th year wedding anniverseray. However, I had already reserved our 15 December cruise on the Freedom awhile back and enjoy reading comments on your blog. We are very excited about the upcoming cruise and hope to meet you and Heidi, that is if you will be sailing that week. Cruise date 15 – 22 December out of Miami and our cabin I believe is 6344. See you in a couple months.
Luis & Maria Torres
Tampa, Florida
Hi John…
The ship sounds WONDERFUL!!! One day I would love to sail with Cunard, but for right now Carnival is our first choice. We in fact, just booked our next cruise on the Victory for this comming March. I was wondering what advice you might have with respect to kid friendly excursions on the Eastern Caribbean route? I just re-read your interview with Malcolm and I see that most of the tours he mentions are for adults or older children…mine are only 2 and 4 years old though. Any adivce?
John,
Wow! That’s quite a ship and I’m glad you got to see it and glad you shared your experience and photos of the ship. The suites sound amazing; I don’t think I’ll be traveling in one of those anytime soon, but one can dream.
I think I’ve seen some land based libraries that had fewer books than this one.
Life is settling down here on the home front a bit. Take care.
John – Great blog today. Your description of the Queen Victoria was fantastic. Many of us can only dream of ever setting foot on her decks, Thankyou for letting us see her beauty through your eyes.
I am sure your words will help Cunard’s booking of this gem. You may want to consider commissions
Melanie
Beautiful is all I can say about Queen Victoria, but now back to reality, most Americans and I think I can speak for 90 % of your bloggers, could NEVER afford such a luxury, most of us work very hard to make the money it takes to go on a Carnival cruise, and we are happy indeed to do that. Sounds like you will be one of a few to actually have this luxury in our circle of friends, and I do believe that someday you will make that trip a reality for you and Heidi! All, I can say is when that time comes, take lots of pictures and post them on this blog so we can all see you relaxing in luxury! HA! HA! Have a nice weekend, Your friends, Mike and Linda
Dear John,
I travel on my own, but I am never alone on Carnival Cruise Lines! I find Carnival to be fun, safe, and economical.
I always meet many nice, fellow travelers while dining, on shore excursions, and around the fun ship. The crew and staff have been outstandingly friendly, nice, and helpful.
It is so very nice to have the same clean stateroom and bathroom to come back to every day. As a woman traveling on my own, I certainly appreciate not having to lug my luggage from place to place.
Carnival takes my luggage from me at the airport, delievers it to my stateroom, and then picks it up at my stateroom door just before, sadly, my cruise ends.
It is impossible to beat Carnival’s low prices. The fact that the stateroom, meals, entertainment, travel from port to port, and most activities are included in the one low price is truly remarkable. Being able to pay for almost everything, including my shore excursions, in advance, means that I know exactly what I have spent. I do not have to worry about spending too much, running out of money, or carrying around too much money.
Carnival is truly two vacations in one. The fun ships have such a wide variety of staterooms, food, entertainment, and activities that there is always something for everyone. Being able travel during the sleeping hours or having a fun day at sea sure beats traveling in a cramp seat. Then there all the wonderful ports that are visited. Carnival offers a wide variety of shore excursions. I always take a Carnival shore excursion in each and every port knowing that I will both have a wonderful time and that I will be safe.
As you may have guessed, I have been on a number of Carnival cruises. I was especially delighted to travel on Carnival Liberty to the Western Mediterranean and on Carnival Freedom to the Eastern Mediterranean. I do not think that I ever would have made it to Europe without Carnival.
I hope that Carnival does for Northern Europe what it did for the Mediterranean. I am so very pleased that Carnival is going to The Baltic next year. I hope that it will become a permenant part of Carnival’s itinerary. I, also, hope that a permenant roundtrip London to the British Isles and Ireland with an overnight in London be made a permenant part of Carnival’s itinerary.
Carnival Dream will set sail in Fall 2009. Any chance of a blowout fall cruise(s) to include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallin, Gdansk, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Wales, Dublin, Belfast, somewhere in Scotland so that I can visit Nessie and others can golf, an overnight in London, and a Transatlantic cruise with stops in Reykjavik, Greenland, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and drop me off in New York City?
Hello John and Heidi,
Just got back in town and have almost caught up with the blog.
I hope Alan is feeling much better and like all the others, am eagerly awaiting an update.
Great interview with Roberto, many thanks to Roberto for helping us get our blog fix. It truly is an addiction.
Nanette, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Only 196 days until we get to hear your voice.
I would like to hear more about the affordable cabins for singles paying double!
Your Blog is over the top for Cunarders, we expect the best but do not gloat about it when we get it.
Apparently we need to be booking the mega suites. That bathroom is amazing compared to the normal stateroom!
John,
You really should be a travel writer, you have a gift with words.
John
My wife Doris and I have experienced one of the best vacations of our lives because of you and your wonderful staff. To highlight just a few, Gary is just wonderful and by your suggestion I did let him know how I felt with added comments from you. Jami is soo cute and very freindly towards ALL the passengers, She helped our travelling freinds with the loan of a camera charger without any thought for herself. Last , but not at all least, Ron in the piano bar. A consumate entertainer with style and personality and he remembered my name!! We have cruised Carnival before and will do so again, Hopefully with you and Heidi but if not then I hope with Gary as cruise director, as we both agree, he has all the tools and talent.
John, I just saw on the Princess web site that you can pre-book your Spa appointments like I suggested for the Freedom back in April in this blog and mine .
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2007/04/13/open-letter-to-carnival-and-the-stiener-org/
But it looks like on the Bloggers cruise Mrs. Big Ed will still have to book them through you as you promissed. Is the coming to the Freedom soon?
“BIG” ED
Good Sunday morning Mr. Heald. The photo of this amazing ship just mesmerizes me. I’m not British but I can see how proud you are of this beautiful Queen Victoria. I have a question for you. When you leave for your vacation and to spend some time with Alan, will we still be able to converse with you on your blog? I would feel down if I wasn’t able to still be able read your words and converse back to you. I know Alan is first and formost in your mind and getting your rest is also important. Enjoy your Sunday if you can. Ciao Mr. Heald.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
WOW
that says it all
just WOW
want that tub……
Good morning John & Heidi,
John, I am awestruck by that review of the Queen. That was the most brilliant, inspiring piece of writing – if that doesn’t sell space on the Queen Victoria, nothing will. It should become Cunard’s cover piece for their brochure, or at least worthy of a whole page in the newspapers’ travel sections.
And thank you for adding “gobsmacked” to my vocabulary.
Hugs,
Carol
Hello Everyone:
Wow! What a vessel.
Amazing to see how far it has come along over the past couple of months.
Those chandeliers are gorgeous and I am jealous of those who get to enjoy the ship so soon.
Wonderful description John. I felt like i was standing right there with you as you inspected it.
Thanks again,
David
I remember your blog in Aug. after you visited Queen Victoria. Of course, I am bitter I didn’t get to go then. You were so excited in Aug. about seeing this ship I didn’t think it was possible to get more excited about a ship – but you managed it. Your descriptions of this ship sound just incredible. This is going to be quite the experience for all her future guests… I am sad it will likely never be me.
SewingNut