For the first time in 15 years, Cunard has launched a new ocean liner. Here are four key things everyone should know about Queen Anne.
Southampton, England
1. This is Cunard's biggest ship.
She's different from all the others - not just because Queen Anne carries a whopping 2,996 passengers (300 more than Queen Mary 2). Rather, Cunard traded its familiar art deco interiors for a more thoroughly modern aesthetic. This is most noticeable in the Queens Room, the two-story ballroom and epicenter of social life on every Cunard ship, where the dance floor shrank and the seating got cozier. Also new: a totally revamped spa (fantastic thermal room), an archery range (reserve well in advance!) and a retractable roof over the The Pavilion pool. While I find it all quite beautiful, a longtime Cunard devotee told me, "Our kids will love it. But my husband and I left our hearts on Victoria." Fair enough.
Brittania Room
2. Guests are sorted into social classes.
In keeping with Cunard's very British tradition, Queen Anne sorts passengers into a social hierarchy based on cabin classes - which, in turn, dictates dining-room assignments. The Queens Grill suites (highest caste) are huge and lovely. The Britannia rooms (lowest) are nicely appointed but tiny. The Grills (Cunard-speak for guests in the top-tier cabins) also cut the line at embarkation and disembarkation and gain early access to excursion bookings - significant perks for a ship with nearly 3,000 passengers.
Brittania Room
Queens Grill Grill's Bar Beef Wellington at Queens Grill Lemon meringue tart at Queens Grill
3. Regardless of status, you will eat very well.
The poshest among us dine at Queens Grill, a gorgeous, hushed and intimate restaurant that wouldn't look out of place in a Mayfair hotel. Servers deftly fillet Dover sole and Atlantic turbot tableside. Duck a l'orange gets flambeed. The next rung of privilege dines at Princess Grill - slightly less formal but still ritzy. These two restaurants share a private bar and lounge that most guests will never see.The masses take their meals at either Britannia Club (chic and restaurant-like) or the sprawling, two-story Britannia Restaurant, the beating heart of the ship. On formal nights, even guests at this most common stratum are treated to the same outstanding beef Wellington that's served to the Grills.
Of the alternative dining venues, Sir Samuel's (steak) and Aji Wa (Japanese) are both new for Cunard - and very good. But don't underestimate Aranya, an Indian bolt-hole that serves meticulous four-course tasting menus.
There is also, of course, the all-day buffet, which they no longer refer to as a "buffet," but rather the Artisans' Foodhall. Bring stretchy pants and be on the lookout for the lunch when they serve leg of lamb - and the views from this perch are unbeatable.
Intimate Sky Bar on deck 14
4. The best-kept secret on board is...
Hardly anyone seems to have discovered the diminutive Sky Bar on deck 14. It takes some effort to find this all-access alfresco charmer. Accessible only via the forwardmost elevators, it's not on any of the ship's well-trodden paths. Merely eight barstools and a handful of half-moon divans make this the quietest (even on sea days) and most intimate cocktail bar on the ship - and the views from this perch are unbeatable.