We had a fabulous time on the Queen Elizabeth in January. It was 4 nights which was a perfect length for us with Amelia (16 months), who has just completed her second cruise. We pulled up in Southampton and they took the luggage and the car which was fantastic. Everything was so efficient and smooth. The ship was out of this world and we were greeted with a harpist. The cabin was absolutely amazing – we have only ever had an inside cabin before so we were wowed by the balcony and champagne in the room. I would say the staff onboard were just brilliant and couldn’t do enough. They were much nicer than staff on the Royal Caribbean and P&O ships. We got on very well with our Head Waiter and Wine Man (sorry I don’t know what they’re called). I would also say the food was a lot nicer than on the other ships we have been on.

We enjoyed our day in Hamburg. There were plenty of coaches to take everybody in and we had a nice time wondering around the shops and grabbing a coffee.

The three sea days we had onboard were lovely. Amelia was very well behaved (luckily!) However Sean and my opinions on the ship differed a lot. I loved the chilled and relaxing environment. We were able to chill out in the coffee lounges. I absolutely loved the cream teas at 3pm where they served us in the Queens Room wearing white gloves. I loved listening to the pianists, violinists and harpists. I loved the slow pace and what with having a manic time at home –I really felt relaxed and I think the break did me the world of good! I even treated myself to the ‘5 steps to heaven’ in the Spa which was amazing and something I never get the chance to do at home.

However, I think Sean got a little bored and prefers more going on so he would go back to Royal Caribbean. He did love the dance show in the theatre and did go for a drink in the pub but felt it could have benefited from a comedian or something a little younger in the evenings. There was ball dancing in the evening which I did enjoy watching. I guess the ship is aimed at older people and that’s fair enough – it’s something I see myself doing again with maybe my Mum. But Sean would like a bit more going on.

We took Amelia to the kids club and we thought that was really good and the staff were great! I would say the majority of the ship were in their 60’s and 90% of them loved Amelia and commented on how lovely she was etc.. but we did have a few grumpy people that weren't so nice and we did have a couple of unpleasant comments and snobby looks if we sat too close to them. We did just ignore this and we know you can get that wherever you go on holiday.

I loved the ship and I would go again but I don’t think it would be with Sean. I think for a family Royal Caribbean is probably best but I know you don’t get the same level of class.

It was a fantastic deal and I personally absolutely loved it.