We have just completed a 27 day cruise from Los Angeles to Barcelona on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.
She is a lovely, comfortable ship with ample deck space for sunbathing and simply lounging.
COVID became an issue very quickly on this ship even though we were required to present proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test within 48 hours of departure.
During the journey, more and more passengers came down with COVID and were quarantined to their cabin for as much as 12 or 13 days until they could have two consecutive negative COVID tests.
It got worse after Fort Lauderdale, when a large number of passengers got off and new ones got on.
I believe some passengers were contracting COVID during the flight to their embarkation city and then infecting other passengers after boarding.
The port we were most looking forward to, Bermuda, canceled our visit due to COVID issues.
Passengers were required to wear masks the entire 27 days anytime they were in the interior of the ship, which was uncomfortable and annoying…especially in the theatre.
We have always loved Cunard for its luxury, great entertainment, and outstanding cuisine.
Unfortunately, the overall experience was somewhat diminished as Cunard was obviously trying to cut expenses as well as charging higher prices for drinks and service charges.
However, I would like to sing the praises of the staff of the Queen Elizabeth.
The service was impeccable, as usual.
The stewards and stewardesses as well as the serving staff in the restaurants and bars were very friendly, personable, and efficient.
This made our journey much more enjoyable.
The food was, for the most part, nearly as good as on prior voyages…but not quite.
I’m sure COVID is responsible for most of what was not up to the usual Cunard standards and that things will get back to normal one day.
