Day five aboard Queen Elizabeth, and it’s a sea day as we head toward Mahogany Bay, Roatán, Honduras, which replaced Montego Bay, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa left Jamaica in pretty rough shape.
Now, sea days can go one of two ways: either you’re the type who does every trivia contest, lecture, and dance class, or you’re like me – content to do nothing. And to be honest, here on the Queen Elizabeth the days are not packed with a lot of activites, so if you’re expecting non-stop entertainment and fun things to do on a sea day, the best you’re going to come up with is chilling on a lounge chair by the pool.
Come From Away On Queen Elizabeth
However, the big event today wasn’t about bingo or ballroom lessons. It was about the day’s main event in the Royal Court Theatre: the stage production of Come From Away.
They put on two performances – one in the afternoon and one in the evening – and this isn’t your standard cruise ship variety show that wraps up in 45 minutes. This was an hour and forty minutes long, no intermission, and based on the true story of 6,579 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, when U.S. airspace shut down after 9/11. The people of this small Canadian town opened their doors to thousands of stranded travelers, proving there’s still a little humanity left in the world. The show’s a huge hit on Broadway and London’s West End, so having it performed onboard is a pretty big deal.
Unfortunately, both showtimes conflicted with things I already had planned, so I didn’t get to see it. (Because, of course, the one showtime I actually wanted to join was at the same time as a paid event I signed up for earlier in the cruise.) But I spoke with several cruisers who went, and the verdict was unanimous – it’s a must-see.
So while I didn’t get to catch Come From Away myself, it sounds like Cunard really nailed this one. Maybe they’ll do an encore later in the voyage – preferably one that doesn’t overlap with something else on the schedule.
Yesterday, I promised I’d dive into the different dining options aboard Queen Elizabeth – and don’t worry, that’s coming up. But first, let’s talk about something far more important than food: drinking.
Queen Elizabeth has a solid lineup of bars scattered around the ship, and while most offer the same selection of beer, wine, and spirits, a few have their own unique vibe. The Golden Lion Pub, for instance, is a traditional British pub serving up pints of draught Guinness and plates of fish and chips – something British ship must have.
Then there’s the Commodore Club – the ship’s classy, quiet spot at the very front of Deck 10 where you can sip a martini while listening to live piano music. It’s easily one of my favorite post-dinner hangouts.
Gin Journey Masterclass on Queen Elizabeth
Midship, though, is home to Gin & Fizz, Queen Elizabeth’s dedicated gin bar. This is also where I spent my afternoon for something called the Gin Journey Masterclass, which sounded educational enough to justify day drinking. For $45, you get a 90-minute session hosted by two of the ship’s bartenders who take you on a “journey” through the fascinating history of gin. In reality, it’s a perfectly civilized excuse to taste six different gins, talk about them like you know what you’re doing, and walk out a little buzzed while pretending you learned something profound about botanicals.
The class started with a rundown of gin’s history and its many styles before we got to the main event – the tasting. Six gins were poured in front of us, and with each one, we did the obligatory swirl, sniff, and sip routine. We discussed what we smelled and tasted (“notes of citrus,” “a touch of spice,” “juniper punch in the face”), then moved on to the next. Four of the gins were Cunard’s own Four Queens Gins – each named after one of their ships, with distinct flavor profiles – and the other two were handpicked by the bartenders.
After the tasting, we got to make what Cunard calls the “Perfect Serve,” which is just a fancy way of saying “gin and tonic.” You choose your gin (either one you tasted or anything from behind the bar), pair it with a Fever-Tree tonic selected to complement it, and then go wild with garnishes – juniper berries, dehydrated fruit, star anise, you name it. Once everyone finished their creations, we sampled each other’s concoctions and voted on the favorite. I didn’t win, but let’s just say mine disappeared the fastest.
The drinks were paired with a small selection of tapas – probably to prevent us from toppling over after the sixth sample – and when it wrapped up, each participant received a gift box with miniature bottles of Cunard’s house gin (distilled by Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh) and a 10% off coupon for any bottles purchased onboard.
It was a fun, well-done event, and by the end, everyone left with a little more gin knowledge and a lot more gin in their bloodstream. Between the “educational” stuff, the tasting, and the generous pours, it was 90 minutes well spent – and let’s be honest, any afternoon spent learning through drinking gets an A+ from me.
Dining on Queen Elizabeth
When it comes to dining aboard Queen Elizabeth, the options may not be as overwhelming as some of the mega-ships out there – but that’s part of her charm. With just around 2,000 passengers, this isn’t a floating food court situation. Instead, you’ll find a handful of venues that focus on quality over quantity, with a few special experiences sprinkled in for good measure.
The main dining venue is the Britannia Restaurant, a beautiful two-story dining room that looks like something straight out of the golden age of ocean travel. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers both traditional early and late seatings, as well as an open dining option for those who prefer to show up whenever hunger strikes. Guests booked in Britannia Club staterooms get their own smaller, more private dining room – essentially the same menu, but with a quieter, more exclusive feel. At the top of the ladder, those staying in the Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites have their own dedicated restaurants that take the white-glove experience up another notch.
Beyond the main dining rooms, Queen Elizabeth has one true specialty restaurant: The Steakhouse at The Verandah. This place is exactly what you’d expect from a Cunard steakhouse – dark woods, crisp linens, and food that’s all about indulgence. For $65 per person, it’s open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with occasional lunch seatings on select days.
Queen Elizabeth also has a lineup of “pop-up” dining experiences, which take over a section of the Lido Buffet a few nights per cruise. These temporary restaurants each showcase a different theme and cuisine, and they’ve quickly become a hit with passengers who want something different without going full white-tablecloth.
Karibe, new for the ship’s inaugural Caribbean season, is a $35-per-person pop-up that celebrates the flavors of the islands with dishes influenced by Creole, Latin, and coastal Caribbean cuisines. Think jerk spices, tropical fruits, and bright, bold flavors. I wrote about my experience at Karibe in yesterday’s report.
La Piazza ($35 per person) takes you to Italy for an evening, featuring dishes that highlight the regional specialties and ingredients of the Italian mainland and islands. From handmade pasta to rich sauces and rustic desserts, it’s everything you’d expect from a classic Italian trattoria at sea. You can read about my dinner there in the day 2 report.
Then there’s Bamboo, also priced at $35 per person, offering flavors inspired by East and Southeast Asia. It’s a great change of pace for anyone who wants something a little lighter (and a little more adventurous) after a few nights of traditional fare.
For casual eats, the Lido Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, along with a late-night snack service for those who get hangry after a show or a few too many martinis. And let’s not forget the Golden Lion Pub, which offers classic British pub fare. You can grab lunch or dinner here, with a mix of complimentary items and a few à la carte options.
Speaking of food, I did visit the Steakhouse at The Verandah for dinner tonight – but before we get into that, let’s talk about the evening’s World Club Reception, Cunard’s loyalty party for repeat guests…
Cunard World Club Reception
Since I’ve sailed on Queen Mary several times, I’m already part of the Cunard World Club, which is Cunard’s version of a frequent flyer program. You’re automatically enrolled after your first sailing, so there’s no form to fill out or enrollment desk to visit. Once you’ve crossed the gangway once, you’re in. From there, you work your way up through four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each one comes with their own unique perks.
As a Gold-level member, I get a few nice benefits like a $45 onboard Wi-Fi credit, priority check-in, invitations to the exclusive cocktail reception, and more, There’s also a dedicated World Club representative onboard who handles everything from booking future cruises to explaining how many more nights at sea you need before moving up a level. Once you hit Platinum or Diamond, you start getting things like complimentary laundry service, discounts on specialty dining, and even priority embarkation and disembarkation – very handy when the cruise ends and 2,000 people suddenly remember they all have flights at 10 a.m.
Earlier this week, an invitation arrived for the World Club Members’ Reception, held tonight in the Queen’s Room – Cunard’s stunning ballroom. If you read my reports from Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady last week, you’ll remember that their loyalty “celebration” was a complete circus: hundreds of people jammed into a small space with no bartenders, no order, and no sense of occasion. It was like a cocktail party planned by someone who’s never thrown a cocktail party.
Cunard, on the other hand, knows how to do it right. They closed off the second-floor entrance to the Queen’s Room and began letting guests in promptly at 7 p.m. Upon presenting our invitation at the door, we were offered our choice of cocktail – wine, champagne, a cosmo, or a non-alcoholic option – and personally greeted by Captain Stephen Howarth and his senior officers. White-gloved servers floated through the crowd offering trays of champagne and canapes as a live band played. The whole thing oozed class.
Adding to the atmosphere, tonight was also the second Gala Night of the voyage, with a theme of White & Black. That meant everyone showed up dressed to the nines – tuxedos, floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, the works. And just like the first Gala Night, Cunard makes it clear that if you plan on eating in any of the ship’s restaurants, you’re expected to be in full formal attire. No tux, no entry – unless you’d rather dine at the Lido buffet.
There were over 300 returning guests onboard for this sailing, but the Queen’s Room had plenty of space for everyone. The cruise director welcomed us and introduced the captain, who gave a short but gracious speech about Cunard’s long history and how loyal guests like us are the backbone of the brand. Then the onboard World Club representative took the mic to recognize the guests with the most sailing days – a middle-aged couple who’ve logged an impressive 550 days at sea on Cunard ships.
The entire event lasted about an hour, wrapping up just in time for dinner. It was classy, well-executed, and exactly what a loyalty reception should be. Compared to Virgin’s chaotic drink stampede, this was pure refinement – Cunard style. Everyone left feeling appreciated and maybe a little buzzed.
Dinner at The Steakhouse at The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth
Tonight’s dinner was in The Steakhouse at The Verandah, Cunard’s signature specialty restaurant – and easily one of the priciest steakhouses at sea at $65 per person. That price covers a three-course meal (starter, entrée, and dessert), but if you’re feeling extra indulgent – or just hungry – you can tack on extras: $15 for another appetizer, $35 for an additional entrée ($5 if you’re going vegetarian, which I assure you I wasn’t), and $6 for dessert number two.
I had an 8 p.m. reservation, and when I arrived, the place was practically deserted. I’m convinced that 95 percent of passengers on this ship eat dinner at 5:30 sharp and are in bed by the time the rest of us are ordering cocktails. The restaurant itself is elegant and understated, with dark wood tones, white seats and tablecloths, and just enough lighting to read the menu without needing to activate the flashlight on your phone.
My server came over to introduce herself, hand me the menu, and summon the sommelier for my drink order. Within minutes, a basket of warm Parker House rolls appeared along with a finger bowl, which always feels fancy even though I never quite know what to do with it.
For my starter, I went with the Beef Tartare, served with sourdough toast. It normally comes topped with an egg yolk, but I opted out of that particular adventure (those that know me, know my thoughts on eggs). The tartare itself was spot-on -fresh, well-seasoned, and paired perfectly with the crunchy toast.
For the main course, I splurged on a $15 upcharge for the 10-ounce Wagyu New York Strip, cooked medium-rare. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender with that perfect marbling that makes Wagyu such a standout. For sides, I went with beer-battered onion rings (crispy, golden perfection) and broccolini.
When it came time for dessert, I went classic with the New York Cheesecake – rich, creamy, and the kind of dessert that makes you forget how full you already are.
Service throughout the evening was fantastic. The pacing was just right – not rushed, not dragging – and my server checked in often enough to make sure everything was perfect without hovering.
All in all, The Steakhouse at The Verandah is not cheap, but the quality, presentation, and service make it well worth it – especially if you’re looking for something a little more refined than what’s being served in the main dining room. Just maybe don’t show up at 8 p.m. expecting a lively crowd… because you’ll probably have the place to yourself.
We’re currently making our way toward Roatán, Honduras, where Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Fun fact – we actually made it off the coast of Roatán about 14 hours early, so the ship’s been doing slow, lazy circles all day, basically burning time until morning. It’s like when you get to a restaurant before it opens and just sit in the parking lot pretending you’re not really that hungry
So for now, we’re just out here “at sea,” technically, watching the same horizon we’ll still be watching tomorrow morning. More on Roatán, the port, and what’s in store once we dock – in tomorrow’s report. Thanks for following along!
Daily Schedule
