Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. And they did, those Cunard Cruise lovers who have sailed on the Queen Mary, Elizabeth, Victoria and Anne were returning to the flock along with first timers, like myself, to be spoilt, cossetted and pampered over Christmas and New Year.
I arrived at the Southampton dock with two suitcases containing a glitz and glamour wardrobe with accessories most fitting for the Cunard reputation. But frazzled from travelling and weary from work and everyday pressures, I hardly look the part.
Thank you! The welcome was immediate and warmly ceremonial: a mince pie and mulled wine were presented by a smartly uniformed bellhop who might have stepped straight out of Cunard’s storied past. The decks draped in tinsel and lights, 71 Christmas trees glittered with baubles aplenty in central locations of the guest areas and, it seemed, around every corner, even miniature trees added festive cheer in every guestroom, how thoughtful. There was even a gingerbread model village scene complete with a toy train chugging around to add another interpretation of the season.
Christmas can be an emotional challenge for many, whether through the loss of a partner, a break up, or simply being on your own. This was a cruise where accessibility quietly shaped the rhythm of life onboard, from mobility-challenged guests to one traveller accompanied by an assistance dog. I met a high number of solo cruisers of every type: one escaping home with a Shirley Valentine spirit, another marking the visit to Madeira with a private ritual of tea at Reid’s Hotel in memory of her grandfather who died suddenly there while dancing the Congo during the war, while other Cunard loyalists were clocking up yet another voyage. There were multi-generational families too. A mother and daughter giggling over cocktails and guest watching, a son accompanying his 90-year-old mother, families making the most of the children’s facilities to steal a little time for themselves. It was an international ship, guests from 39 countries, though the British were very much in the majority.
A cruise offers a particular kind of festive freedom. You can be around people without obligation, choosing how much, or how little, you wish to take part. A high staff to guest ratio ensured attentive service, while organised social gatherings ranged from Christmas cocktails for the Women’s Institute, LGBTQ+, Rotary groups and Young Adults, to sea day pursuits including bridge, whist and watercolour classes. Or you could simply practise for a cut-throat darts competition or try your luck at bingo in the Golden Lion pub. There were fascinating talks from guest speakers, Michael Kushner, on spies and double agents and Robin Cousins on his skating medals.
It’s a rather a unique sight to see the Captain sitting by a Christmas tree in the lobby reading a story to children but it was Christmas. Christmas Eve brought carol services, singers decorating the spiral staircase, carol sheets handed out for a singalong, fake snow falling and mince pies on trays culminating in midnight mass services and then returning to find a surprise gift from Cunard in the room – a bespoke hand crated bauble designed to reflect Cunard’s heritage, how thoughtful. And then it was Christmas day. I took a stretch class and a circuit in the fitness room in readiness for the food intake throughout the day. It was all happening. First a Santa’s grotto, mini market, festive snacks, then the six-course Christmas Lunch, turkey and plum pudding, of course, (no dishes to clean), plus a live screening of The Kings Speech in the theatre. A Christmas day far different from the usual.
The various excursions reminded us that cruises were voyages to various destinations, time away from festivities. They didn’t disappoint. Ankles clacking in rhythm to wrists curling, I was in a bar, front seat, in Cadiz, transfixed to a flamenco dance, a sangria in hand. A visit to Madeira saw me in a 4 by 4 jeep tour leading to a mystical forest, a moonscape of ash geysers within a national park of lava fields in Lanzarote. In Las Palmas I strolled around the Botanical Garden while in Fuerteventura I made a face mask treatment during an Aloe Vera Workshop. The final destination was Lisbon, where I toured this hilly capital city in a tuk tuk, stopping for a delicious Pastel de Nata and then a coach trip to the pretty medieval walled town of Obidos.
As the year came to an end, the celebrations hyped up, no silent night here. In store was a special New Year’s Eve gala dinner with top hats and tiaras on the table enlaced with an excitable atmosphere. Around the ship were quizzes and melodies, gameshows, and jazz, a DJ and live performances before the confetti and Captain’s maritime tradition of a New Year. Champagne corks popping, the music volume heightened and a special late buffet to see in 2026, this was Cunard’s party night at sea while a huge firework display illuminated the sky above us and Lisbon.
Blending the classic and the contemporary, Queen Anne looks to the future, her design a modern interpretation inspired by the past. Guestrooms are tasteful and well considered with interactive TVs, reliable Wi Fi as well as Penhaligon’s and Elemis toiletries, a subtle nod to patriotic favourites and heritage English brands. The Commodore Club delivers sweeping panoramic views, while the elegant, book-lined library invites a quiet retreat. For deeper relaxation, the Mareel Spa offers thermal facilities and a menu of treatments. At the ship’s heart is the Grand Lobby, with Afternoon Tea served in the Queens Room, naturally, and live music drifting through the lounges, from rock and folk to mellow, easy-listening sets. And not forgetting the specialty dining options such as Sir Samuels for a juicy steak and Aji Wa for the sushi and sashimi or the highly recommend “Lunch and Learn” experience.
Queen Anne’s festive decks perfectly showcased Cunard’s White Star Service, harking back to the Golden Age of the great transatlantic liners. It was the sense of occasion, impeccable service, and timeless tradition that will draw me back again, suitcase packed with glamour and a touch of old-world sparkle. Truly, there was no better time of year to cruise, a welcome escape from turkey trimmings and holiday chaos, wrapped in twinkling lights and seasonal cheer.
