Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut: March 2026

Queen Elizabeth – A Cut Above

Every great cruise begins long before you step onto the gangway. Ours started with a practical decision that made all the difference: a pre-cruise stay at the newly refurbished La Quinta Inn & Suites Miami Airport West by Wyndham. The hotel allowed us to park our car safely for the full twelve days of our voyage. One comfortable night’s sleep, a reliable shuttle to the port the next morning, and the reassurance that our vehicle would be waiting exactly where we left it upon return. Logistics handled. Stress eliminated. We arrived at the terminal already in vacation mode.

Then came that first sight of Queen Elizabeth, one of the most graceful ships sailing under the Cunard Line flag today. Her dark hull, crisp white superstructure, and perfectly balanced proportions evoke the golden age of ocean travel. She is not flashy. She is not oversized. She is poised and dignified. Boarding feels less like entering a floating resort and more like stepping into a grand hotel at sea.

We had booked a balcony cabin, elegantly decorated with refined artwork and royal-blue accents. A chilled bottle of champagne and a bouquet welcomed us as first-time Cunard guests — a thoughtful touch from Hotel General Manager James C. Cusick that immediately set the tone. Our cabin steward, Abraham, cared for us attentively throughout the voyage, ensuring every detail was perfectly in place.

I especially adored the little teapot in our cabin, which allowed me to brew a proper cup of Twinings English Breakfast Tea — those familiar red tea bags — first thing each morning. Breakfast via room service was included, making those early sea-day moments on the balcony feel wonderfully indulgent.

Next door, romance was unfolding. The cabin beside ours was occupied by Leon and Francesca Kostalas, who would be married the following day by Captain Aureliano Mazella. Originally from the UK and now living in Australia, they had met while working aboard Queen Elizabeth — she as a nurse, Leon as an engineer. It felt only fitting that they would return to the ship where their love story began to exchange vows. Surrounded by twenty-one family members and friends, they celebrated a beautiful ceremony at sea — a reminder that ships carry not just passengers, but life’s most meaningful milestones.

A Ship That Honors Tradition: Queen Elizabeth does not chase trends. She leans confidently into legacy. From the soaring Grand Lobby with its sweeping staircase to the rich woods, polished metals, art deco accents, and maritime artwork, the interiors reflect Cunard’s storied transatlantic heritage. There is a quiet confidence in the design — an understanding that elegance never goes out of style.

Days at sea unfold with pleasing structure…enrichment lectures, quiet hours in a beautifully stocked library, chamber music drifting through lounges, ballroom dance lessons, and the ritual of Cunard’s orchestrated Afternoon Tea. White-gloved servers present trays of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, and pastries, accompanied by live music. It is not merely tea; it is ceremony.

To my husband Marcus’s delight, there is even an indoor golf practice range on board. Yet what impressed him most were the small operational details. Elevators were consistently prompt and never crowded — something we have not always experienced on other lines. The same efficiency extended to port days. There were no bottlenecks of passengers rushing to disembark. Even on a sold-out sailing, the atmosphere felt composed and civilized.

Evenings transform the ship entirely. Gala nights invite formal attire and a certain flourish. The Britannia Restaurant becomes a stage for multi-course dining served with polished precision. We were fortunate to be cared for by our gracious waitress Lhea, along with her assistant Adi and sommelier Polka. Once they learned our preferences, service felt personal and intuitive — attentive without ever being intrusive.

Wellness at Sea: While Cunard is synonymous with tradition, Queen Elizabeth reflects a contemporary shift toward wellness-focused dining. The onboard Wellness Café — currently featured on Queen Elizabeth and fleet mate Queen Anne — represents a thoughtful evolution.

Here, vibrant salads topped with grilled salmon or chicken, creamy hummus, colorful grain bowls, fresh fruit plates, and nutrient-packed smoothies feel more spa café than cruise buffet. Presentation is meticulous. Chef de Partie Ramchandra’s dishes were as visually appealing as they were satisfying. Cunard clearly understands that modern travelers seek balance — indulgence paired with lighter, health-conscious options.

Dining…Holland America and Cunard Compared: For those familiar with Holland America Line, another Carnival Corporation brand, culinary distinctions become apparent.

Holland America impresses with daily fresh fish selections — a nod to its Dutch maritime heritage — and menus that feel more globally inspired. HAL’s Lido Market stands out for its diversity and elevated approach to casual dining. We continue to love Tamarind, their specialty Asian restaurant, which remains a highlight of any HAL voyage.

Cunard’s cuisine, while elegant and beautifully executed, leans distinctly British. Classic roasts, traditional sauces, and UK favorites appear frequently. On our sold-out voyage, roughly one-third of guests were British, making the emphasis understandable, though the flavor profile can feel less internationally varied at times. Cunard introduces variety through rotating pop-up specialty restaurants.

Both lines deliver polished service and high culinary standards. Cunard distinguishes itself through ceremony and ritual, while Holland America feels slightly more globally diverse and relaxed in its gastronomic style. The choice ultimately depends on whether one prefers culinary tradition or broader international influence.

Entertainment That Moves the Heart: Midway through the voyage, we experienced the onboard production of Come From Away. The one-act musical tells the true story of the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes carrying approximately 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly diverted there. What unfolds is a story of extraordinary kindness, resilience, and shared humanity.

The award-winning production left us in tears more than once. Its powerful storytelling, remarkable cast, and deeply human message resonated in a way few performances ever have at sea. Sitting in the Royal Court Theatre aboard Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by equally moved guests, was unforgettable — easily the most powerful production we have experienced on a ship.

Equally compelling was a Cunard Insights lecture by forensic investigator Norma A. Hollander-Lee. Her behind-the-scenes look at real criminal investigations — where the smallest detail can alter the course of a case — was both educational and riveting. Cunard’s enrichment programming continues to set the line apart, appealing to guests who seek intellectual engagement alongside leisure.

Caribbean Highlights: This twelve-night Caribbean itinerary delivered beauty at every turn. After two glorious sea days exploring the ship, we docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Familiar with the port, we wandered independently through colorful streets, soaking in the vibrant energy and colonial charm.

In St. John’s, Antigua, our excursion guide Alexis and driver — who introduced himself as herbalist Marlon Brando — shared insights into the island’s history and natural remedies. We lunched at Ffryes Tiki Bar & Grill just steps from the beach. A live band played beneath the palms, and one of the owners took the microphone with undeniable star power — think Tina Turner.

Saint Lucia offered one of the Caribbean’s most iconic vistas. The Pitons rose dramatically from the sea, framed by lush hills and brilliant blue skies. It was one of those rare “right here, right now” moments you wish you could bottle.

Barbados revealed rugged beauty at Bathsheba Beach on the island’s east coast. Massive coral boulders rise from the Atlantic as windswept palms lean toward crashing waves. Wild, cinematic, unforgettable — as was our knowledgeable guide, Corey.

In Sint Maarten, a relaxed “Sights, Shopping and Sand” tour blended panoramic viewpoints, colorful shops, lunch, and time to sink our toes into powdery sand beside turquoise water.

Tortola delivered adventure at The Baths. Wearing water shoes, we followed our guide Chantay through towering granite boulders sculpted by centuries of tide and weather. Narrow passages, rope assists, wooden ladders, and crystal-clear pools reflecting golden light off cave walls created an experience that felt part obstacle course, part natural cathedral.

Culinary Leadership: One special highlight was meeting Executive Chef James Abhilash in the atrium before dinner. As Executive Chef, he oversees the ship’s entire culinary vision — from menu development to kitchen operations and team coordination.

Alongside him stood Chef de Cuisine Ramasamy P. Meeting the leadership behind the scenes deepened our appreciation for every beautifully plated dish — especially at the Asian-inspired Bamboo pop-up restaurant led by Chef Ramasamy, where flavors were vibrant and presentation impeccable.

Masquerade and Farewell: As the voyage drew to a close, the final Gala Evening arrived with its Masquerade theme. Dressing for dinner, watching fellow guests embrace the occasion, and stepping into a chandelier-lit dining room glowing with anticipation reinforced the ceremonial rhythm of life aboard a Cunard Queen.

Disembarkation in Miami was seamless. Within an hour we were reunited with our car, exactly where we had left it nearly two weeks earlier. Suitcases in the trunk and sea days already softening into memory, we began the drive home grateful for that simple pre-cruise decision that had framed the journey so smoothly from beginning to end.

Until next month from another interesting location.

              ~ Yours in travel, with Love, Ingrid