This Cunard Regular Puts Their Brand-New Ship To The Test (Podcast #496)

·20 min·2 clips

A Cunard regular with 210 nights at sea tests whether their new ship Queen Anne is designed to replace loyal passengers.

Host Gary Bembridge opens by establishing his credentials as a Cunard regular with extensive experience across their fleet. He poses the central question of whether Queen Anne represents a reinvention aimed at new, younger passengers or maintains appeal for loyal customers. Bembridge immediately answers that Queen Anne is not a total reinvention, with venues, programs, and vibe remaining recognizably Cunard. The ship is based on Holland America's Pinnacle class with a 23-meter addition, making it traditional in layout compared to competitors like Celebrity's Edge class. Upon boarding, Bembridge notes the dramatic shift from Cunard's signature dark Art Deco decor to a contemporary style that resembles other modern cruise lines, crediting creative director Adam Tiani. Despite the visual change, all iconic Cunard venues are present: Grand Lobby, Queen's Room, Golden Lion Pub, Commodore Club, Carinthia Lounge, Chart Room Bar, Churchill's Cigar Lounge, Royal Court Theatre, Library, and promenade deck. He details each venue's characteristics, noting some are less dramatic than on other ships. The episode explains Cunard's class-based dining system with four restaurant tiers tied to cabin categories, using an airline analogy. Bembridge observes Queen Anne has significantly increased premium cabin capacity in Britannia Club and Princess Grill categories. He discusses upmarket shops in the Grand Lobby featuring luxury items. The review covers additions like the Bright Lights Society cabaret venue that becomes a nightclub, hosting interactive shows. Wellness features include an expanded spa and fitness center on deck one, plus wellness cafes and studios. Despite carrying 3,000 passengers, Bembridge notes the ship feels uncrowded due to dispersed venues. He critiques the increased focus on specialty dining with four added-cost restaurants, finding them unnecessary given the quality of included dining. The buffet is renamed Artisan Food Hall but remains similar to previous versions. Pool areas are more themed, with the Pavilion pool having a retractable roof. Bembridge mentions practical features like free guest laundry rooms and cabin improvements, particularly in bathrooms. He describes wayfinding aids like color-coded lift areas. The program analysis reveals minimal changes: dress codes, afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, themed balls, and enrichment lectures remain standard. Theatre shows attempt updates but stay traditional. Bembridge interviews first-time Cunard passengers from Celebrity who were disappointed by the traditional program despite liking the modern ship. He concludes Queen Anne is designed for current Cunard travelers, particularly those switching from Queen Victoria for no-fly itineraries, not as a brand reinvention.

As heard by us

A longtime Cunard regular weighs whether Queen Anne keeps the line's identity while opening a more contemporary door for first-timers.

Gary Bembridge treats Queen Anne as a continuity check for Cunard rather than a simple ship tour. After long familiarity with the line, he finds that the venues, onboard rhythm, program, and overall mood still read as Cunard, even as the ship leans more contemporary.

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Why you'd press play

Wondering whether Queen Anne is a fresh Cunard experience or a newer route into the familiar? Gary Bembridge boards after 23 Cunard cruises and 14 nights on Queen Anne, then gives you the seasoned verdict.

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