queen elizabeth cruise ship princess grill

• Cunard Line

Princess Grill

By Minnie29 , August 9, 2021 in Cunard Line

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It’s our first time in Princess Grill on the beautiful Queen Elizabeth in just over a week.

Super excited and would love any comments from Grills experts.  what should we expect and what are the moments we should not miss.

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The Grills dining is on it's own level and there is the Grills Lounge between the QG and the PG at the front of the deck. There is also a sun deck reserved for the Grills Passengers.

In the lounge there will be a concierge who can help with details like booking a box in the theatre for special performances (not all are special- and on those days it is first come, first served). 

Other than that, other parts of the ship are open to all. Enjoy your voyage. 

The Princess Grill mini-suites are a notable step-up from Britannia and we really like having the extra space.   

Dining in the Grill is likely to be a real highlight - there is an excellent a la carte menu alongside the daily menu for dinner and for all meals you will have food prepared in the Grills galley. Experience varies a little in how much off-menu ordering is permitted these days in PG but my advice would be that if there is something particular you’d like for a meal, asking in advance will do no harm at all. On our past trips the staff in the Grills have bent over backwards to make us feel pampered.   

The afternoon tea offering in the Grills is a definite improvement on Britannia, even though we like that very much. 

Having experienced Grill in the past it is a wonderful chance to enjoy their cuisine and talents.

When we do sailing Grill, we switch off the a la carte menu from the daily menu every other day to vary our selections.

While away it great to be pampered. Wine and Dined..

Thank you for your comments.  We have been considering the coffee drinks package but are wondering if we need it in Princess Grill?

I understand there is coffee etc in the Grills lounge and the coffee maker in the cabin.  I love a latte so just want to check that I can request one in the Grills restaurant etc?

The coffee in the Grills lounge is inclusive.

What we particularly enjoyed was being able to have lunch in the restaurant on boarding day and trust this will still be the case: gets the voyage off to a civilised start. However, I think I might have read that this may be changed for the “Staycation” cruises. I do hope not! 🤞

Is there anyone reading this who knows?

Host Hattie

If the weather is nice enough try the courtyard for lunch one day (at least).

If the weather is warm, the Upper Terrace is a lovely spot, and periodically they bring you up snacks, ice cream at 3pm for instance, just in case you are weak from hunger between meals.

21 hours ago, LadyL1 said: The coffee in the Grills lounge is inclusive. What we particularly enjoyed was being able to have lunch in the restaurant on boarding day and trust this will still be the case: gets the voyage off to a civilised start. However, I think I might have read that this may be changed for the “Staycation” cruises. I do hope not! 🤞 Is there anyone reading this who knows?

I'll let you know on the 13th August  as I'm in the Grills.  However, as I understand it from the latest E mail I've recently received , it appears only the service of 'Afternoon Tea' will be served  'in all categories throughout the day' from 1pm . I expect this is to accommodate all guests due to the 'social distance staggering' of embarkation during the day. ?

Reminds me of the days of the old QE2.  Afternoon Tea was always the first meal of the day on embarkation for all categories . 

Thanks that would be lovely if you can let me know.  I can have a decent breakfast at our hotel if that is the case.  waiting to try the Grills afternoon tea though 😀

david,Mississauga

The only aspect of Princess Grill on the QE that I'm not pleased with is the staterooms. The equivalent on the QM2 are large rectangular rooms with a large balcony. On the QE (and QV) the rooms are long and narrow. The wardrobe is in an alcove but there is no door unlike on the QM2 where it is an enclosed space. Your guests will see all your hanging clothes as they enter. The balcony is absurdly small for premium accomodation.

What makes PG appealing to us is the restaurant, the Grills lounge and the considerable outdoor space.  We find these to be superior to the facilities on the QM2.  We have booked PG for Alaska next June which will be our second time in PG on this ship.  

I completely agree. The cabins on QM2 are much nicer. But swings and roundabouts.

Of course Grill suites might be nicer on QM2 compared to QM2 but you also have to take in the price as more often than not they are dearer on QM2 than they are on QV/QE and the menu is better on QM2. Also we found the drinks and wine to be dearer. 

Princess Grill is the sweet spot for us on Cunard.  We get more space, access to the great Grills Lounge, but don't have to pay the huge price of QG.  We do prefer PG on the QM2 because of the larger room size, but the Grills Lounges on QE & QV are more pleasant.  And we drink lots of coffee in the Grills Lounge, all included.  Feel free to ask for some off-menu food items.  We've had good Indian meals prepared for us off-menu in PG.  But note that your special requests might not be met.

• 2 weeks later...

On 8/9/2021 at 11:15 PM, LadyL1 said: The coffee in the Grills lounge is inclusive. What we particularly enjoyed was being able to have lunch in the restaurant on boarding day and trust this will still be the case: gets the voyage off to a civilised start. However, I think I might have read that this may be changed for the “Staycation” cruises. I do hope not! 🤞 Is there anyone reading this who knows?

As promised, I can confirm that on embarkation day a substantial Afternoon Tea was served ( rather than lunch) 'in all categories' from 1pm - 4.30pm

This is to accommodate all guests due to the staggering of embarkation throughout the day .

There is no muster drill, however , after watching the drill on the TV one needs to familiarise them self with their muster station and have their key card swiped.

All the above is only temporary during the present climate. 

14 hours ago, Bell Boy said: As promised, I can confirm that on embarkation day a substantial Afternoon Tea was served ( rather than lunch) 'in all categories' from 1pm - 4.30pm This is to accommodate all guests due to the staggering of embarkation throughout the day . There is no muster drill, however , after watching the drill on the TV one needs to familiarise them self with their muster station and have their key card swiped.   All the above is only temporary during the present climate. 

Thank you so much for remembering my query re lunch on embarkation day. 

Joining QE next week will seem like an adventure after waiting so long to be aboard again!

On 8/11/2021 at 10:07 AM, david,Mississauga said: The only aspect of Princess Grill on the QE that I'm not pleased with is the staterooms. The equivalent on the QM2 are large rectangular rooms with a large balcony. On the QE (and QV) the rooms are long and narrow. The wardrobe is in an alcove but there is no door unlike on the QM2 where it is an enclosed space. Your guests will see all your hanging clothes as they enter. The balcony is absurdly small for premium accomodation.   What makes PG appealing to us is the restaurant, the Grills lounge and the considerable outdoor space.  We find these to be superior to the facilities on the QM2.  We have booked PG for Alaska next June which will be our second time in PG on this ship.  

Basically, they are very similar to minisuites on Princess.

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• Cunard Line

Princess Grill

By Minnie29 , August 9, 2021 in Cunard Line

Recommended Posts

It’s our first time in Princess Grill on the beautiful Queen Elizabeth in just over a week.

Super excited and would love any comments from Grills experts.  what should we expect and what are the moments we should not miss.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

The Grills dining is on it's own level and there is the Grills Lounge between the QG and the PG at the front of the deck. There is also a sun deck reserved for the Grills Passengers.

In the lounge there will be a concierge who can help with details like booking a box in the theatre for special performances (not all are special- and on those days it is first come, first served). 

Other than that, other parts of the ship are open to all. Enjoy your voyage. 

The Princess Grill mini-suites are a notable step-up from Britannia and we really like having the extra space.   

Dining in the Grill is likely to be a real highlight - there is an excellent a la carte menu alongside the daily menu for dinner and for all meals you will have food prepared in the Grills galley. Experience varies a little in how much off-menu ordering is permitted these days in PG but my advice would be that if there is something particular you’d like for a meal, asking in advance will do no harm at all. On our past trips the staff in the Grills have bent over backwards to make us feel pampered.   

The afternoon tea offering in the Grills is a definite improvement on Britannia, even though we like that very much. 

Having experienced Grill in the past it is a wonderful chance to enjoy their cuisine and talents.

When we do sailing Grill, we switch off the a la carte menu from the daily menu every other day to vary our selections.

While away it great to be pampered. Wine and Dined..

Thank you for your comments.  We have been considering the coffee drinks package but are wondering if we need it in Princess Grill?

I understand there is coffee etc in the Grills lounge and the coffee maker in the cabin.  I love a latte so just want to check that I can request one in the Grills restaurant etc?

The coffee in the Grills lounge is inclusive.

What we particularly enjoyed was being able to have lunch in the restaurant on boarding day and trust this will still be the case: gets the voyage off to a civilised start. However, I think I might have read that this may be changed for the “Staycation” cruises. I do hope not! 🤞

Is there anyone reading this who knows?

Host Hattie

If the weather is nice enough try the courtyard for lunch one day (at least).

If the weather is warm, the Upper Terrace is a lovely spot, and periodically they bring you up snacks, ice cream at 3pm for instance, just in case you are weak from hunger between meals.

21 hours ago, LadyL1 said: The coffee in the Grills lounge is inclusive. What we particularly enjoyed was being able to have lunch in the restaurant on boarding day and trust this will still be the case: gets the voyage off to a civilised start. However, I think I might have read that this may be changed for the “Staycation” cruises. I do hope not! 🤞 Is there anyone reading this who knows?

I'll let you know on the 13th August  as I'm in the Grills.  However, as I understand it from the latest E mail I've recently received , it appears only the service of 'Afternoon Tea' will be served  'in all categories throughout the day' from 1pm . I expect this is to accommodate all guests due to the 'social distance staggering' of embarkation during the day. ?

Reminds me of the days of the old QE2.  Afternoon Tea was always the first meal of the day on embarkation for all categories . 

Thanks that would be lovely if you can let me know.  I can have a decent breakfast at our hotel if that is the case.  waiting to try the Grills afternoon tea though 😀

david,Mississauga

The only aspect of Princess Grill on the QE that I'm not pleased with is the staterooms. The equivalent on the QM2 are large rectangular rooms with a large balcony. On the QE (and QV) the rooms are long and narrow. The wardrobe is in an alcove but there is no door unlike on the QM2 where it is an enclosed space. Your guests will see all your hanging clothes as they enter. The balcony is absurdly small for premium accomodation.

What makes PG appealing to us is the restaurant, the Grills lounge and the considerable outdoor space.  We find these to be superior to the facilities on the QM2.  We have booked PG for Alaska next June which will be our second time in PG on this ship.  

I completely agree. The cabins on QM2 are much nicer. But swings and roundabouts.

Of course Grill suites might be nicer on QM2 compared to QM2 but you also have to take in the price as more often than not they are dearer on QM2 than they are on QV/QE and the menu is better on QM2. Also we found the drinks and wine to be dearer. 

Princess Grill is the sweet spot for us on Cunard.  We get more space, access to the great Grills Lounge, but don't have to pay the huge price of QG.  We do prefer PG on the QM2 because of the larger room size, but the Grills Lounges on QE & QV are more pleasant.  And we drink lots of coffee in the Grills Lounge, all included.  Feel free to ask for some off-menu food items.  We've had good Indian meals prepared for us off-menu in PG.  But note that your special requests might not be met.

• 2 weeks later...

On 8/9/2021 at 11:15 PM, LadyL1 said: The coffee in the Grills lounge is inclusive. What we particularly enjoyed was being able to have lunch in the restaurant on boarding day and trust this will still be the case: gets the voyage off to a civilised start. However, I think I might have read that this may be changed for the “Staycation” cruises. I do hope not! 🤞 Is there anyone reading this who knows?

As promised, I can confirm that on embarkation day a substantial Afternoon Tea was served ( rather than lunch) 'in all categories' from 1pm - 4.30pm

This is to accommodate all guests due to the staggering of embarkation throughout the day .

There is no muster drill, however , after watching the drill on the TV one needs to familiarise them self with their muster station and have their key card swiped.

All the above is only temporary during the present climate. 

14 hours ago, Bell Boy said: As promised, I can confirm that on embarkation day a substantial Afternoon Tea was served ( rather than lunch) 'in all categories' from 1pm - 4.30pm This is to accommodate all guests due to the staggering of embarkation throughout the day . There is no muster drill, however , after watching the drill on the TV one needs to familiarise them self with their muster station and have their key card swiped.   All the above is only temporary during the present climate. 

Thank you so much for remembering my query re lunch on embarkation day. 

Joining QE next week will seem like an adventure after waiting so long to be aboard again!

On 8/11/2021 at 10:07 AM, david,Mississauga said: The only aspect of Princess Grill on the QE that I'm not pleased with is the staterooms. The equivalent on the QM2 are large rectangular rooms with a large balcony. On the QE (and QV) the rooms are long and narrow. The wardrobe is in an alcove but there is no door unlike on the QM2 where it is an enclosed space. Your guests will see all your hanging clothes as they enter. The balcony is absurdly small for premium accomodation.   What makes PG appealing to us is the restaurant, the Grills lounge and the considerable outdoor space.  We find these to be superior to the facilities on the QM2.  We have booked PG for Alaska next June which will be our second time in PG on this ship.  

Basically, they are very similar to minisuites on Princess.

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Queen Elizabeth Princess Grill Pictures

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This page shows actual pictures for Queen Elizabeth Princess Grill. Most of our pictures are contributed by actual cruisers. You will find that all the Queen Elizabeth Princess Grill pictures on this page also posted directly onto our deck plans near the actual location the photo was taken. You can browse the pictures here or you can click on them as you are viewing the Queen Elizabeth deck plans. For deck plan viewing click on the ship button above or scroll down to view the pictures on this page.

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Princess grill.

Princess Grill The Princess Grill is available to passengers staying in P category accommodation.

• Number of pictures: 26

Princess Grill pictures

Princess Grill Location

Queen Elizabeth Princess Grill is located on Deck 11 (deck). We have provided the deck plan image for your reference.

• Links to Public Areas on Queen Elizabeth
• Click Here to go back to SHIP PICS page
• Admirals Lounge  -Deck 10 (10 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Art Gallery  -Deck 3 (13 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Britannia Club  -Deck 2 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Britannia Restaurant  -Deck 2 (29 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Britannia Restaurant  -Deck 3 (29 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Cafe Carinthia  -Deck 2 (17 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Card Room  -Deck 3 (7 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Churchills Cigar Lounge  -Deck 10 (9 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Commodore Club  -Deck 10 (21 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Connexions  -Deck 3 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Cunard Place  -Deck 2 (2 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Cunarders Gallery  -Deck 3 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Deck 10  -Deck 10 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Empire Casino  -Deck 2 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Exterior Promenade  -Deck 3 (22 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Fitness Center  -Deck 9 (24 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Games Deck  -Deck 11 (36 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Grand Lobby  -Deck 1 (35 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Grand Lobby  -Deck 2 (35 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Grand Lobby  -Deck 3 (35 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Images  -Deck 3 (13 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Internet Centre  -Deck 1 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Laundrette  -Deck 7 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Library  -Deck 2 (34 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Library  -Deck 3 (34 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Lido Pool  -Deck 9 (19 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Lido Pool Grill  -Deck 9 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Lido Restaurant  -Deck 9 (48 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Midships Bar  -Deck 3 (4 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Pavlion Pool  -Deck 9 (19 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Princess Grill  -Deck 11 (26 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Queens Arcade  -Deck 2 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Queens Grill  -Deck 11 (26 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Queens Room  -Deck 2 (31 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Queens Room  -Deck 3 (31 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Royal Court Theater  -Deck 1 (23 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Royal Court Theater  -Deck 2 (23 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Royal Court Theater  -Deck 3 (23 pictures in photo gallery.)
• Royal Spa  -Deck 9 (42 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Courtyard  -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Garden Lounge  -Deck 9 (19 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Golden Lion  -Deck 2 (20 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Grills Lounge  -Deck 11 (15 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Play Zone  -Deck 10 (4 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Royal Arcade  -Deck 3 (34 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Terrace  -Deck 11 (22 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Terrace  -Deck 12 (22 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Verandah Restaurant  -Deck 2 (22 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Yacht Club  -Deck 10 (20 pictures in photo gallery.)
• The Zone  -Deck 10 (4 pictures in photo gallery.)

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Traveling in Queens Grill on Cunard – What Do You Get for Your Money?

In 17 voyages with Cunard, we have never booked in the Queens Grill category of accommodations. On our March 20th Queen Mary 2 Westbound crossing I was determined to learn how it’s different from sailing in Britannia grade. The Purser’s Office was able to unlock an empty cabin so I could look around. Cunard also arranged a meeting with Nicolas Oldroyd, the Operational Executive Chef on Queen Mary 2.

What Does It Cost?

Many people want to start with the bottom line. According to the Cunard website, if you book an inside cabin in Britannia grade on the August 5th Eastbound 7-night Transatlantic Crossing, the cost before taxes is $ 1,339 per person. If you book at the entry level in the Queens Grill category, the price is $ 7,179 per person. The difference is about five times the fare.

Comparing an inside cabin to a suite might not be an apples-to-apples comparison. If you book a balcony cabin in Britannia grade, the fares start at $ 2,089 per person. Now the difference is 3.43 times the fare.

The Ship Structure and Grill Experience

When I spoke with the Executive Chef, he mentioned they are feeding about 400 people total in the Queens Grill and Princess Grill categories. If the Queen Mary 2 carries 2,691 guests in total, that represents just under 15% of the ship’s capacity.

The Grill accommodations and dining experience can be described as a “ship within a ship.” The Queens Grill and Princess Grill categories have larger staterooms (suites) spread around several decks, separate dining rooms, their own cocktail lounge and private deck space for Grill category passengers.

You might think this sounds elitist, but the cabins are distributed throughout the ship, not grouped together. The clues you are in Queens Grill territory are the elegant wall sconces and the doorbells! FYI: The Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth were built later and designed differently. They have a couple of dedicated top decks for Grill cabins.

Grill passengers have the run of the ship while Britannia category passengers can be everywhere except the Grill restaurants, Grill Lounge, Concierge Lounge and the private deck space for Grill passengers. The bottom line is Grill level passengers can have privacy and exclusivity unless they choose otherwise.

This article will focus on the Queens Grill, but there is also a similar category called Princess Grill. They have their own Princess Grill dining room.  Cunard has also developed another (small) category, Britannia Club, which has its own dining room yet is part of the 87% of the ship that is Britannia class. Only Queens Grill is the focus of this article.

From this point we will look at three aspects of the Queens Grill experience. Assume you get other obvious perks like a dedicated boarding channel and priority when disembarking for tours and departure.

Category #1 – Accommodations

Although we could talk precise dimensions, here’s an easier way to talk about stateroom size. Imagine the Queen Mary 2 was built of Lego blocks. A Britannia grade outside cabin is about 240-260 square feet. More important, the balcony has two glass panels. Princess Grill cabins have three glass panels on the balcony. Queens Grill cabins have four glass panels (or more.) Roughly speaking, this means a Princess Grill cabin is about 360 square feet and a Queens Grill cabin starts at 500 square feet.

What does “starts at” mean? The Queens Grill has 5 cabin categories. Q5 is the entry level. Q1 and Q2 are obviously larger and priced accordingly. As an FYI, the Princess Grill category only has two Tiers, P1 and P2.

The Queens Grill cabins are similar to a fair-sized luxury studio apartment. The main room has a bedroom area off to one side and a living room on the other. A sofa sits at the foot of the bed defining the areas. There is a corner bar area with glass fronted cabinets for wine glass storage and an Illy coffee maker sitting on the counter. There is a freestanding oval desk and a large wall mounted flatscreen TV. The main area is conned to your front foot by a hallway with a hall table, complete with an orchid.

Your deck space is large. You have wicker (plastic) recliners along with a table between the two chairs. The table is actually a storage box for the comfy cushions. Here’s the part I considered really great: Just inside the door was storage with comfy looking wool blankets for sitting outside when the weather is chilly!

I was very interested in storage space. The Queens Grill cabins (Princess Grill too) have walk in “L” shaped closets! There is abundant storage!

Bathrooms were another feature I wanted to check out. The bathrooms are much larger than those in Britannia grade. I’m estimating they are about 5×9 feet of well used space. There’s a bathtub with whirlpool jets (Princess Grill has tubs too, but no jets.)  Both tubs have showers. The Queens Grill bathrooms partition off the toilet. The towels look different, so I’m guessing they are a step up from those in my Britannia bathroom. The Queens Grill cabins have a vanity seating area with a large mirror near the bathroom.

Category #2 – Dining

The Queens Grill (and Princess Grill) have their own dedicated dining room. A cynic might say: “the food all comes out of the same one big kitchen.”  They would be wrong. The Queen Mary 2 has several kitchens including one dedicated for the Grill dining rooms.

I had my own preconceptions about the menus. I assumed the Grill menus focused on a core of selections similar to those I am seeing in the Britannia dining room, but with the addition of extra a la carte options I’m not seeing on Deck 2. That’s kind of correct. They do get extra options. I was given menu samples and saw Chateaubriand, Dover Sole and lobster thermidor, for example.

The Urban Legend about Queen Grill dining is you can play “stump the chef” and make requests for dishes not on the menu. I knew that was ridiculous because the logistics of letting a couple of hundred people choose whatever they wanted would be impossible. I was wrong.

One of the signatures of Queens Grill dining is how the maître d’ circulates around the dining room, asking each diner if they have special requests. They take notes and the next day, your wish comes true. This must be a logistical challenge, but they pull it off!

All cabins about the Queen Mary 2 have an excellent room service menu, but in Queens Grill, you can order from the dinner menu and have your mean served in your stateroom! It offers both flexibility and privacy.

Although this is obvious, unlike the traditional first and second seating dining on ships, in Princess and Queens Grill, you dine when you choose, like on land when you make sinner reservations.

Category #3 – Your Butler

Although the tour of the empty Q5 Queens Grill cabin was conducted by the butler, I haven’t interviewed anyone on their role. I’m making a certain number of assumptions and connecting the dots.

• Butler as intermediary. Think of them as your PA or personal assistant. They interact with the ship’s personnel on your behalf, making dinner reservations, booking your spa appointments, delivering party invitations, organizing your cabin party or booking your shore excursions. Maybe you want to dine in your stateroom. I’ve heard you can even shop in your stateroom because they will arrange the jeweler or other shop personnel to come to you.
• Butler as perk master. In Queens Grill accommodations, you get lots of surprises. They will print personalized stationery for you? (Handy for notifying people about your party.) They will stock the cabin bar with your favorite brand of spirits. They will deliver daily canapes around 5:00 PM. Put another way, you don’t need to ask.
• Butler as problem solver. You forgot if you left your scarf in the theater. You can’t sign onto the internet.
• Butler as butler. I assume they unpack your luggage and store your cases. They handle laundry pickups and drop-offs. Getting shoes shined. Not having had a butler in real life, I don’t know the full range. I have watched Downton Abbey, so I’m learning.

Who Should Travel in Queens Grill?

The first thing that comes to mind seems obvious. If you are on the Forbes 400 list, this is probably an obvious choice. However, let’s be more practical.

• You are celebrating a lifetime event. It’s your 25th wedding anniversary. You want to create an experience you will remember forever.
• It’s a great idea for a honeymoon. You don’t need to be celebrating your 25th anniversary. You could be celebrating last week’s wedding.
• It’s on your bucket list. Personally, I prefer talking about “Things we want to do during out lifetime.” This is an experience you have always promised yourself.
• Your children ask: What do you want for your birthday? You have sacrificed to raise three successful children with great careers. They want to thank you.
• You are the child who wants to thank their parents. See above.
• You value your privacy. You want to experience a Cunard voyage, but have reasons you don’t want to mingle. You might be a celebrity.
• You want to experience the best Cunard has to offer. Cunard’s “product” is excellent. Personally, I think the transatlantic crossing is their signature voyage. Traveling in Queens Grill allows them to show you the best they can do.
• You have abundant retirement savings. I think many of the people who choose to travel in Queens Grill do it simply because they can afford it. It doesn’t need to be retirement savings. You might have had a good year in the stock market.

In my / our case, I think we fit into category #3!

Photos courtesy Bryce Sanders

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Queen Mary 2  voyages here

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1 thought on “Traveling in Queens Grill on Cunard – What Do You Get for Your Money?”

Spot on. Queens Grill is lovely experience. Have “accessible “ cabin which eliminates bar and walk in closet. Floor space instead. Dining room experience lovely. Britannia dining room – spectacular. Also know that dinner is dressy, even on non formal nights.

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Review: Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship

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Queen Elizabeth cruise ship facts

• 2,081 guests
• 2010 launched
• 2018 refurbished

The MS Queen Elizabeth is a large cruise ship that embraces Cunard's British heritage. This Queen Elizabeth review explains what makes it unique.

In this review

• Our review ratings
• Queen Elizabeth deck plan
• About Queen Elizabeth
• Food on Queen Elizabeth
• Accommodation onboard  
• Queen Elizabeth nightlife
• Fitness on board
• Onboard activities
• What’s included on Queen Elizabeth
• Queen Elizabeth dress code
• Fellow guests
• Review conclusion

This review of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship explains the pros and cons of a cruise vacation on board. It rates the restaurants and bars, as well as the nightlife. There are also video tours and insiders tips to help make the most of your time on board.

• British traditions like champagne afternoon tea.
• Ballroom dancing and fencing
• Great art deco vibe.
• No beverages included.
• Service can be patchy.

The Queen Elizabeth deck plan is mostly easy to get around. There are a total of 12 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 12.

• Reception : Deck 1
• Accommodation : Decks 1 to 8
• Main dining room : Deck 2
• Theatre : Deck 2
• Observation lounge : Deck 10

It is worth noting the lowest deck is -3 (a crew deck).

Queen Elizabeth is a Vista-class cruise ship in the Cunard fleet. She was built in Italy and debuted in October 2010. Queen Elizabeth is 289 m. / 964 ft. long with room for 2,081 guests. That’s almost the same as her sister-cruise ship Queen Victoria, but somewhat less than the famous ocean liner Queen Mary 2. Interestingly, because Queen Elizabeth is not a true ocean liner the bow has extra steel plating so it can cope with rough ocean crossings.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship had a major refurbishment in November 2018. During that time the Royal Spa got an extensive renovation. Also the Royal Arcade and Golden Lion Pub had a spruce up, while elsewhere on the vessel the decor was updated to make it “more British”.  

On Queen Elizabeth there are four different classes of service:

• Britannia Club.
• Princess Grill.
• Queens Grill.

These can be likened to economy, premium economy, business and first class. It’s worth noting that Princess and Queens Grill guests have exclusive access to certain areas of the cruise ship.  

The food on Queen Elizabeth can be outstanding, but that depends on where you choose to eat. There is a buffet and a pub, as well as cafes and fine dining restaurants.  My Queen Elizabeth review rates them all.  Most guests choose one of the restaurants for dinner, however some of these are reserved for Club or Grills guests only.

The Britannia Restaurant is the biggest dining venue and is where Britannia-class guests eat. It is a multi-level restaurant serving tempting dishes like Alpine Pepper-crusted Goose Breast, Rack of Lamb and Pan Fried Sea Trout. It has a busy atmosphere and sometimes the service can be patchy.  

Britannia Club guests can eat in a more intimate venue called the Britannia Club Restaurant . The service is better, but the menu is almost identical.

Princess Grill guests dine in their own elegant restaurant which has a more de luxe menu. While Queens Grill guests dine in the most exclusive venue, the Queen’s Grill Restaurant . As a matter of fact it serves some of the best food at sea, like White Sturgeon Caviar and Duck L Orange. Queens Grill guests can even order off-menu.

The Steakhouse At The Verandah is a specialty restaurant on Queen Elizabeth. It’s a glamorous, upmarket venue with a fascinating heritage, but the menu is a bit unadventurous with options that include a burger and seafood platter. That said, it’s a great dining alternative and is open to everyone, but it costs extra:

• Lunch: US$25 per person.
• Dinner: US$39 per person.

The Lido Restaurant on deck 9 is a sprawling buffet venue which is especially popular at lunch time (the self service buffet my be subject to COVID-restrictions when cruising resumes in 2021). In the evenings part of it becomes an alternative dining venue with waiter-service and a theme which rotates between pan-Asian (Bamboo), Indian (Coriander), Mexican (Aztec) and pizza (La Piazza). Check the Daily Programme newsletter for details. It’s worth noting that dining at Bamboo, Coriander, Aztec or La Piazza cost extra:

• Dinner: US$19.50 per person.

There is also the poolside  Lido Grill which serves burgers and hotdogs.  Cafe Carinthia has a tempting array of sweet treats and the conservatory-styled Garden Lounge offers drinks and snacks.

In addition there is the Golden Lion Pub  which is a relaxed, English-style venue where you can enjoy a quiet ale, or authentic pub food like fish & chips. In the evening there is an entertaining band.

The guest rooms on Queen Elizabeth are comfortable and practical. They range from Inside and Balcony Staterooms to spacious Grills suites , some of which have separate bedrooms. The guest rooms are spread across the entire length of the cruise ship.

When it comes to nightlife Queen Elizabeth has something for everyone. There is the Yacht Club disco, or the more intimate Commodore Club. A string quartet play in the Midships Bar and there is dancing in the Queens Room.

The Royal Court theatre has spectacular shows as well as entertainment by guest artists. Indeed, the standard of the performances is generally very good.

Queen Elizabeth has a great range of wellness options. There are two pools and a gym as well as Zumba, yoga and pilates classes. There is also bowls and golf on the open air decks. The onboard spa offers a range of relaxing treatments, as well as an Aqua Therapy Centre which has a hydrotherapy pool, aromatic steam room and sauna.

All the usual shipboard activities are available on Queen Elizabeth including bridge, trivia, shuffleboard and lectures from expert speakers. However, as my  Queen Elizabeth review explains  there are some more unusual activities too, like fencing and ballroom dancing classes.

There are also Watercolour Art Classes (US$35) and galley tours (usually once per voyage), as well as get-togethers for solo cruisers and friends of Dorothy.

In addition, Queen Elizabeth has a library and a shopping arcade, as well as dedicated spaces for kids and teens.

Your cruise fare on Queen Elizabeth generally only includes accommodation, meals and entertainment. Almost everything else comes at an additional cost.

Beverages are not included in your cruise fare – not even water. So I recommend purchasing a Stateroom Water Package. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages are also available.

Cunard cruise fares do not include gratuities. So a service charge of 15% will be added to the cost of individual beverage purchases, while a 12.5% gratuity will be added to the cost of spa and salon treatments.

It’s also worth noting that there is a daily “Hotel and Dining” charge of US$11.50 per person per day for Britannia Staterooms and US$13.50 per person per day for Grill Suites. This charge will be added to your account at the end of the cruise.

Dining in specialty restaurants also comes at an additional cost.

On the up-side, free self service laundry facilities are available. Also, in some ports there are transfers to and from downtown.  

During the day you can dress as you please, but in the evening the Queen Elizabeth dress code is more traditional. Indeed, from 5:45pm the dress code will be either Smart Attire or Formal in bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. This will be advertised in the Daily Programme newsletter.

Smart Attire

• For women this includes casual dresses, jumpsuits and informal evening-wear.
• Men should wear slacks. Jackets are optional.

On Gala Evenings the Queen Elizabeth dress code is formal.

• Women should wear a cocktail dress, smart trouser suit or formal separates.
• Men should wear a dinner jacket, tuxedo or dark suit with either a tie or bow tie.

There are usually two or three Gala Evenings for every seven days on board.

The Queen Elizabeth attracts a loyal following of return passengers as well as first time cruisers.  

There is usually a mix of family groups and older couples on board. Indeed, during my Queen Elizabeth review sailing the guests ranged in age from teenagers to those over 80-years old.

Most guests generally come from the U.S.A, U.K, Australia and Canada.

It’s also worth noting that like all the Cunard cruise ships, Queen Elizabeth gay-friendly.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship embraces its British heritage. Indeed, traditions like afternoon tea and gin & tonic are a real treat. The West End-style shows are a great drawcard too.

The restaurants on Queen Elizabeth are generally good and it’s worth noting that the first class Queen’s Grill Restaurant is outstanding. Indeed, I rate it as one of the best restaurants at sea.

During my voyage some areas on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship felt crowded on sea days – in particular the pools and Cafe Carinthia. Also, during my review voyage I noted that service can be patchy, particularly in the busy dining venues.

Cruisers should also remember that Queen Elizabeth does not have the inclusions of some other premium cruise lines.

Read the accommodation section of my Queen Elizabeth review by clicking the button below.

The author sailed as a guest of Cunard .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Queen Elizabeth Rooms

Queen elizabeth dining, queen elizabeth nightlife, queen elizabeth wellness.

We have been on all the Cunard ships and we find little to fault. My only objection is that Cunard is now American owned and sees itself as serving the USA and Far East markets before the UK. That is globalisation and it’s the same with major companies and football teams but things might change !! We like the crew, the organisation abd the people on board and the whole ship experience and as such, are frightening to try any other cruise line and can’t see ourselves going elsewhere.

I have sailed on QE four times now and find there it to be a most pleasant ship. Those who do not enjoy dressing and a relaxed environment should perhaps look outside Cunard.

I have cruised several times before but our first Cunard cruise is in January. I find that the Cunard website is not especially informative and thank you for such comprehensive information as to what we can expect, what is an additional cost etc :)

Dear Leanne

Thank you for your kind words and I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

I will be cruising with the Queen Elizabeth later in the year. This will be my first cruise with Cunard. I’m just wondering, does everyone dress up for the gala nights?

Dear Therese

On my various Cunard sailings the gala nights were always very popular. And yes, most guests did dress up for the occasion.

I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Kind regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

I better get some frocks then :-)

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Queen Elizabeth cabins and suites

Queen elizabeth staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Queen Elizabeth cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Cunard en-suite amenities and services.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Grand Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Queen Elizabeth's Grand Suites are named after former Cunard Commodores (captains):

• "The Charles Suite" (6202, portside), "The Illingworth Suite" (6213, starboard) - James Charles, Cyril Illingworth
• "The Roston Suite" (7150, portside), "The Bisset Suite" (7177, starboard) - Arthur Roston, James Bisset

Master Suite

Queen Elizabeth's Master Suites are named after former Cunard Commodores (captains): 

• "The Thompson Suite" (7070, portside), "The Britten Suite" (7091, starboard) - Ivan Thomson, Edgar Britten

Penthouse Suite

Queen suite, princess suite, britannia club balcony cabin, britannia balcony cabin, britannia oceanview cabin, brittania deluxe inside cabin, britannia inside cabin, studio single cabins, queen elizabeth cabins review.

Of all MS Queen Elizabeth staterooms (1043), 71% are Balcony, 86% Outside, 7% Interior. Wheelchair-accessible are 20. The ship has no connecting rooms. The number of cabin categories is 34.

Follows the review of Cunard Queen Elizabeth staterooms as furniture, amenities and included (complimentary) services.

All Queen Elizabeth cabins and Suites have king beds (convertible to 2 twins/lower beds), smart HDTV (satellite television, infotainment system, Internet, on-demand-movies), DVD player, board games, PC gaming console, direct dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), mini-refrigerator, tea-coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, bathrobes-slippers, pillow chocolate, fruits (upon request), 24-hour room service, nightly turn-down service, onboard newspaper (daily), power sockets (3-pin/220V, and 2-pin/110V).

Perks offered complimentary for all grades Suites include Grill-passengers exclusive venues (restaurant, concierge-served bar lounge, sundeck/terrace), 24-hour butler service, priority services (check-in, luggage delivery, debarkation, tendering), shoeshine, in-cabin dining (Afternoon Tea, Canapes), welcome gifts (fruits, flowers, Champagne), complimentary mini-bar drinks, luxury bedding sets, pillow menu, Cunard-logoed stationery, luxury bath products.

All grades Suite accommodations have floor-ceiling sliding doors, large-size bedroom (king bed /convertible), bathroom (separate whirlpool bathtub, shower), living area (sofa, table, chairs, bar). In addition, Grand Suites (Q1) have a dining room, and Master Suites (Q2) have a dining area. Both categories have a dressing room with a walk-in closet. Princess Suites and Queens Suites have a convertible king bed, large living area (sofa, table, bar), dressing room/walk-in closet, bathroom (whirlpool bathtub, shower).

Britannia Balcony have a sitting area (sofa, table), bathroom (shower). Britannia Oceanview have one Picture Window. Balcony categories CA and CB, and Oceanview categories FA-FB-FC are cabins with obstructed views (due to lifeboats). Some Oceanview cabins additionally have an upper/bunk bed (Pullman) for 3rd person.

Queen Elizabeth single cabins (added on Deck 2 during drydock 2014 refurbishment) are designed specifically for solo travellers. Each of these accommodations (8 outside and 1 inside) can be booked with single-occupancy rates. The ship's single staterooms are furnished with oversized single beds (width 4 ft / 120 cm), en suite bathroom (WC-shower), wardrobe (2-door, with 3 drawers). Single Outside are with a large picture window.

Queen Elizabeth cabin and suite plans are property of Cunard . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Ship Review: Queen Anne

When you first catch a glimpse of Queen Anne , her Cunard livery immediately grabs your attention — and sets expectations. But the introduction of the 114,188-grt Pinnacle-class ship has seen many aspects of the Cunard experience reimagined. 

Porthole contributor Chris Frame traveled aboard Queen Anne as a guest lecturer during her maiden voyage, May 3-10, 2024. Though not a fare-paying passenger, Chris has cruised extensively on every Cunard Queen since QE2 , and is well placed to notice different, and familiar, experiences aboard the new ship. 

Step Aboard

The style of the ship’s interior is contemporary, with subtle nods to Cunarders of the past. Embarking travelers first notice this in Queen Anne’s three-deck-high Grand Lobby.

A curved staircase descends from Deck 3 to Deck 1 and has a metallic finish with glass balustrades. The staircase is backed by an interpretation of the Italian-built-ship’s heritage, with a lenticular artwork depicting scenes of passengers at sea, a stylized ocean liner, and Venetian canals. 

Grand Lobby | Photo: Cunard

The circular aspect of the lobby is present in many of the spaces on board and reminded me of the interior design of QE2 . Open wells and curved staircases are used throughout the vessel, providing connection between the various passenger decks. 

Be Entertained 

Queen Anne’s Royal Court Theatre is a familiar Cunard venue. This 825-seat theater is home to the ship’s Insights lecture program, which I participated in. In the evenings, it hosts production shows and variety acts. New on the agenda is the ship’s adaptation of Brief Encounter . The set design is superb, with the use of lighting and projection adding a sense of wonder to the visual display. 

I really enjoyed Noir , which is performed in the newly established Bright Lights Society. Noir performers are “in character” from the very moment you enter the venue, and there is an element of audience participation. But attendees of a shy nature need not worry, as the cast discreetly check who is (and isn’t) willing to jump up on stage before the show begins.  

The Mareel Spa was another of my favorites. The circular hydro-pool is the main attraction, and while it doesn’t eclipse the outstanding hydro-pool (of Canyon Ranch origins) on QM2 , the pool is a step above the facility on board Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria .  

The spa is complemented by a gymnasium complete with weight room, cardio zone, and spinning bikes, while the Wellness Studio on Deck 11 (which is a new venue) is home to morning yoga, stretch classes, and other wellness activities throughout the voyage.

The Wellness Café, located one deck below, offers healthy meals, with a largely plant-based menu. Nearby seating overlooks the Pavilion, which is covered with a curved retractable roof.

Queen Anne | Photo: Christopher Ison/Cunard

The Pavilion, in addition to featuring a pool, three whirlpools, a takeaway grill, Gelateria, and a bar, is also a vibrant and welcoming entertainment venue. The indoor-outdoor aspect of this space made it very popular, and it was used to host cocktail parties including the Cunard World Club party. 

Dining Revitalized 

Princess Grill | Photo: Christopher Ison/Cunard

As with all Cunard Queens, cabin choice will dictate which main dining venue to attend. Queens Grill and Princess Grill are the top restaurants on board. Both restaurants offer single-seating dining and are accessed through the private Grills Lounge. 

Queen Anne features a sizable Britannia Club Restaurant, which hugs the Deck 2 level of the Grand Lobby. But the largest restaurant on board is the spectacular Britannia Restaurant. Occupying the aft of Deck 2 and Deck 3, there are three seating options — early, late (with a designated table and the same table companions), or open dining (where you eat at a time of your choice). 

The restaurant is contemporary in design, yet offers some nods to Cunard’s past, with a small spiral staircase that would feel at home on board QE2 , and etched acrylic panels representing ancient mythology, said to be inspired by artworks on board RMS Queen Mary (1936). 

Queen Anne introduces several new dining concepts for Cunard. Tramonto and Aranya offer Mediterranean and Indian menus respectively. Aji Wa on Deck 10 has a Japanese-inspired menu, while Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse replaces Cunard’s traditional Verandah venue, and is open for lunch and dinner … with my favorite menu option here the sherry trifle, YUM! 

There are many other familiar spaces aboard Queen Anne , from the vibrant Chart Room Bar and expanded Golden Lion pub to the forward-facing Commodore Club high atop the ship.  

Queen Anne ’s Queens Room ballroom is perhaps the most controversial space on board. Some love it, some hate it for its modern design. A stark contrast to all the Queens Rooms’ that came before it, the room features a curved dance floor and large overhead well, providing seating on both Deck 2 and Deck 3. 

Boutiques surround the upper level of the Queens Room. While Queen Anne does feature the traditional Cunard library, there is no book shop on board, to the dismay of Cunard traditionalists. 

Accommodation

Queen Anne introduces improvements in accommodation, with bathrooms across Britannia and Club Balcony grades the most impressive enhancement. They feature tiled walls, adjustable shower heads, stylized vanity, and shower doors; there are no nasty shower curtains here! 

All cabins feature high-quality interior fit-outs with textured wall dressings, stylized mirrors, artwork in each room, and Art Deco-inspired side lamps. The ship also introduces an interactive television system. Cabins are serviced twice daily, and my cabin attendant Simba was excellent. 

Since entering service, Queen Anne’s Britannia and Club Balcony rooms have received some criticism for a perceived lack of clothes-storage space. This was not an issue for my 7-day cruise, though the lack of drawer storage may prove challenging for longer voyages. 

What’s Next 

Queen Anne | Photo: Christopher Ison

As Cunard approaches its 185th anniversary next year, Queen Anne helps the line cement its place in the cruise market. The ship boldly provides a refreshed take on the experience, which although different is by no means unfamiliar. 

And while some regular travelers may choose to return to one of the other Queens, Queen Anne is sure to attract a new generation of Cunard traveler as she sails the world’s oceans for decades to come. I for one am very much looking forward to returning! 

By Chris Frame

Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine

Now in its 25th year, Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine is published bi-monthly and available worldwide through digital subscription. It offers the latest news in cruise and travel, with in-depth features on voyages, new ships, the best destinations, readers' picks, onboard cuisine, entertainment, and more!

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Sydney to Tasmania Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise with Champagne Breakfast & Sofitel Sydney Stay

Sail south on a whirlwind Tasman adventure, starting with one night of glamour at five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on 4 January 2025. Your cruise aboard the luxurious Queen Elizabeth then departs 5 January 2025, giving you five leisurely nights to soak up Cunard’s regal and refined signature style.

Your elegant journey takes you to Australia’s southernmost reaches, where you’ll have a full day in charming Hobart and scenic views as you sail past Great Oyster Bay, home to the unspoiled expanses of Freycinet National Park’s flora and the diverse fauna that thrives in the clear waters that frame it.

Onboard, gourmet dining and top-quality entertainment await, whether you’re in the mood for the Royal Court Theatre’s West End-calibre productions or ballroom dancing in the magnificent Queens Room. Return to Sydney’s bustling metropolis wholly fulfilled by the Island State’s wild wonders and your time amid Queen Elizabeth’s Art Deco elegance.

Admire the ship’s evocative touches, like sparkling chandeliers in the dining rooms and a Games Deck for croquet and other amiable pursuits. Plus, as a Luxury Escapes customer, you’ll be treated to an exclusive, indulgent breakfast one morning of your choice – start the day with a premium spread of lobster benedict, smoked salmon with caviar and buttermilk pancakes with berry compote, delivered to your stateroom with Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne.

Your journey takes you to: Sydney – Hobart – Great Oyster Bay (scenic cruising) – Sydney.

Princess Grill Suite Upgrade: Make your home on the high seas when you upgrade to the expansive Princess Grill Suite with a lounge area, a private furnished balcony and access to the exclusive Princess Grill restaurant.

Queens Grill Suite Upgrade: Enjoy all of the added bonuses of the Princess Grill plus concierge and butler service, welcome Champagne and chocolates, nightly pre-dinner canapes and a complimentary minibar, restocked daily with spirits, wine and soft drinks.