The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.
Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads.
It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new.
Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls.
At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars.
Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan.
Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul.
With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps.
It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it. Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days.
The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest.
Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating.
Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands.
The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter.
Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture.
Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved.
Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law.
Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all.
After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land.
At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews.
Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network.
Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess.
In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open.
In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low.
In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta.
By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested.
At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up.
The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene.
Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can.
Ready to dive in?
Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Day 2
7 October 2025
Cruising by Dardanelles
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The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Day 3
8 October 2025
Mykonos
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Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
Day 4
9 October 2025
Athens
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Day 5
10 October 2025
Katakolon
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Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there.
Day 8
13 October 2025
Barcelona
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The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
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.