Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port.
It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux.
The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England. In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast.
Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port.
Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars.
Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast.
Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium.
We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre. Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere.
It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world.
Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory.
Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church.
Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters.
It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one.
Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination.
There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene.
It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms.
With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe.
Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age.
This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh.
Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings.
And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner.
Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation.
They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St.
Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence.
The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.
Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
Day 3
30 December 2024
Zeebrugge
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In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast. Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port. Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars. Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast. Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium. We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre.
Day 4
31 December 2024
Amsterdam
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Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.
Day 5
1 January 2025
Amsterdam
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Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.
Day 6
2 January 2025
Southampton
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Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
Queen Victoria will delight you with her special appeal, where elegance and unique features combine seamlessly with outstanding hospitality. You’ll discover an extraordinary way to see the world.
Take a voyage on Queen Victoria and you’ll soon discover why she’s established herself as a favourite among many of our guests. You’ll find her unique atmosphere and warmth encourages a sense of escapism. This special appeal has recently been elevated still further with the introduction of an expanded sun deck and Britannia Club dining, as well as a newly enhanced Chart Room and Winter Garden. These new levels of refinement combine perfectly to offer you an extraordinary base for your holiday.
Queen Victoria Facilities
Dining
Queen Victoria maintains Cunard's proud culinary traditions, with three main restaurants and the elegant new Verandah Restaurant. All offering delicious menus created by Cunard’s Global Culinary Ambassador, Jean-Marie Zimmermann.
There's also a host of alternative dining options from the relaxed Lido Buffet and Golden Lion Pub, through to a variety of tempting global cuisines.
Entertainment
Queen Victoria provides you with a wealth of engaging experiences to keep you entertained day and night. From the glamorous Royal Night Balls, to the excitement of the Empire Casino, there's something to keep everyone happy.
Enrichment
Enrichment programs and lectures on contemporary and classical subjects are popular features on Cunard cruises. Queen Victoria covers a wide range of activities from ballroom dancing to computing lessons.
Health & Fitness
The ship features a fantastic array of health and fitness facilities for passengers that wish to stay active or relax and be pampered. These include, a spa, a fitness centre, a games deck, sports courts and much more.
From comfortable inside staterooms, to a lavish Queens Grill Duplex, complete with expansive balcony and private butler service - Queen Victoria provides something to suit every taste and budget.
Queen Grill Suites - All grades of Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites received an interior refresh during Queen Victoria’s refit, to maximise space while ensuring unsurpassed levels of elegance and comfort. In the Grand Suites, a clever configuration of furniture maximise the comfort and spacious appeal of this accommodation, creating an even more desirable sanctuary or space to entertain.
Britannia Club - The introduction of 43 new Britannia Club staterooms in prime locations on decks seven and eight feature all the hallmarks of Cunard style and comfort. Britannia Club is enhanced with premium balconies, a nine-pillow concierge menu and the freedom to dine whenever you choose between 6.30pm and 9.00pm in the new Britannia Club restaurant. This restaurant is located on deck two.
Britannia Staterooms - All Britannia staterooms feature newly designed carpets and soft furnishings, taking inspiration from Cunard’s heritage and bold colour palettes. For extra comfort, tea and coffee making facilities and new flat screen HD televisions are available in all staterooms.
Queens Grill Grand Duplex
Savour over a thousand square feet of indoor and outdoor space in Queen Elizabeth’s most exclusive suite.
The Queens Grill Grand Suite includes:
King-sized bed with sumptuous linens and seven-pillow concierge menu.
Twin marble bathrooms and dressing area.
Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries, velour robes and slippers.
A lounge area with interactive TV, a selection of books and iPad on request.
Fresh fruit, delivered to your suite daily.
A workspace with a set of personalised stationery.
Dedicated entertaining area with room to host guests.
Complimentary stocked bar and illy coffee machine.
An expansive private deck.
Champagne and chocolates in your suite on arrival.
Pre-dinner canapés and freedom dining in the Queens Grill restaurant.
The option to dine in-suite from the Queens Grill menu.
A personal butler and concierge for the duration of your stay.
Priority embarkation, disembarkation and tender services.
Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge, Grills Terrace and The Courtyard.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Queens Grill Master Suite
Indulge in the privacy of your own expansive deck and an exquisite marble bathroom.
Each Queens Grill Master Suite includes:
King-sized bed with sumptuous linens and seven-pillow concierge menu.
Marble bathroom with bath and shower and separate dressing area.
Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries, velour robes and slippers.
A lounge area with satellite TV and a selection of books.
Fresh fruit, delivered to your suite daily.
A writing desk with a set of personalised stationery.
Complimentary stocked bar and illy coffee machine.
Champagne and chocolates in your suite, on arrival.
Pre-dinner canapés and freedom dining in the Queens Grill restaurant.
The option to dine in-suite from the Queens Grill menu.
A personal butler and concierge for the duration of your stay.
Priority embarkation, disembarkation and tender services.
Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Queens Grill Penthouse
Stay in an enviable Midships position and savour freedom dining in the Queens Grill restaurant.
Each Queens Grill Penthouse includes:
King-sized bed with sumptuous linens and seven-pillow concierge menu.
Bathroom with bath and shower and separate dressing area.
Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries, velour robes and slippers.
Fresh fruit, delivered to your suite daily.
Champagne and chocolates in your suite, on arrival.
A writing desk with a set of personalised stationery.
A lounge area with satellite TV and a selection of books.
Complimentary stocked bar and illy coffee machine.
Pre-dinner canapés and freedom dining in the Queens Grill restaurant.
The option to dine in-suite from the Queens Grill menu.
A personal butler and concierge for the duration of your stay.
Priority embarkation, disembarkation and tender services.
A spacious private balcony in an enviable Midships position.
Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Queens Grill Queens Suite
Indulge in a fully stocked bar, your own private butler and a spacious on board suite.
Each Queens Grill Suite includes:
King-sized bed with sumptuous linens and seven-pillow concierge menu.
Bathroom with bath and shower and separate dressing area.
Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries, velour robes and slippers.
Fresh fruit, delivered to your suite daily.
Champagne and chocolates in your suite, on arrival.
A writing desk with a set of personalised stationery.
A lounge area with satellite TV and a selection of books.
Complimentary stocked bar and illy coffee machine.
Pre-dinner canapés and freedom dining in the Queens Grill restaurant.
The option to dine in-suite from the Queens Grill menu.
A personal butler and concierge for the duration of your stay.
Priority embarkation and disembarkation.
Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Princess Suite
Take your meals in the Princess Grill restaurant and enjoy Illy coffee in your suite.
Each Princess Grill Suite includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with personalised stationery.
Satellite TV, illy coffee machine, atlas and a mini-bar.
Bathroom with bath and shower.
Complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Velour robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
A selection of fresh fruit, delivered daily.
Sparkling wine and chocolates to welcome you on board.
Your own Grills Concierge for the duration of your stay.
A spacious private balcony with table and chairs to relax in.
A seven-pillow concierge menu.
Freedom dining in the Princess Grill restaurant.
Optional in-room dining from the Princess Grill menu.
Exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Club Balcony
Take your pick from a seven-pillow concierge menu while enjoying freedom dining on board.
Each Britannia Club Balcony stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
A spacious balcony overlooking the ocean with table and chairs to relax in.
A seven-pillow concierge menu.
Freedom dining in the Britannia Club restaurant.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Balcony
Drink in the outside air with your own private balcony adjoined to your Britannia Stateroom.
Each Britannia Balcony stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
A spacious balcony overlooking the ocean with table and chairs to relax in.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Oceanview
Awaken each day to glorious natural daylight and a window overlooking the ocean.
Each Britannia Oceanview stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
A window offering an ocean view.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Standard Inside
Savour a sumptuous king-sized bed and a bottle of sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Each Britannia Standard Inside stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Deluxe Inside
Enjoy more space to relax coupled with thoughtful touches to enhance you time on board.
Each Britannia Deluxe Inside stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Single Inside
Relax in a spacious single room enhanced with a wealth of stylish touches.
Each Britannia Single Inside stateroom includes:
A generous width single bed and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Single Oceanview
Savour natural daylight, a sumptuous single bed and wonderful ocean views.
Each Britannia Oceanview Single stateroom includes:
A single bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
A window offering an ocean view.
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Balcony (partially obstructed view)
Enjoy the option to relax in the fresh sea air from the comfort of your own private balcony.
Each Britannia Balcony (partially obstructed view) stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
A private balcony with space to relax (partially obstructed view).
24 hour room service.
Hairdryer & safe.
Britannia Oceanview (obstructed view)
Welcome in an invigorating burst of natural daylight each morning of your voyage.
Each Britannia Oceanview (obstructed view) stateroom includes:
A king-sized bed, lounge area and desk with stationery.
Satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a mini-bar.
An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries.
Complimentary robe and slippers for everyone in your party.
Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow.
Sparkling wine to welcome you on board.
Your own stateroom steward for the duration of your stay.
A window offering a slightly obscured outside view.