cunard 7 day cruises

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Cunard Review

Wednesday, July 10th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Best for British-style luxury sailing worldwide
• Three ships in the fleet (with another debuting in 2024)
• Guests of all ages permitted (not an 18+ cruise line)
• Most dining is included (The Golden Lion gastro-pub is extra)
• Recommended gratuities ($14.50 or $16.50 per person, per night) not included in fare

Cunard is a British cruise line with a rich history and tradition, dating back to 1840. It is known for its luxurious ships, outstanding service, and elegant formal evenings. Cunard operates three ocean liners, the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, which offer a wide range of itineraries around the world.

Think British and formal

The Queen Mary 2 is Cunard's flagship and the only ocean liner in the world that regularly makes transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. It is a grand and stately ship that harks back to the golden age of ocean travel, with elegant public areas, formal dining rooms, and spacious cabins. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, art classes, and lectures by well-known experts.

More relaxed experience on the smaller ships

The Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are both smaller than the Queen Mary 2 but still offer a luxurious cruising experience. These ships have a more contemporary design and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, but still retain the high standards of service and cuisine that Cunard is known for. They offer a range of itineraries, from short breaks to longer voyages to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean.

Spring break cruises are available - just not in the Caribbean

Because of what Cunard does and doesn't specialize in, it was to be expected that there wouldn't be any March sailings in the Caribbean (which is what we used as a comparison point across cruise lines): they're just not operating in that part of the world at that time. Of course not: why would a cruise line with British heritage have anything to do with spring break timing in the US?! But, if you're trying to line up an amazing trip over that holiday, Cunard can be found going from Sydney to Hong Kong (16 nights), Sydney to Singapore (22 nights), Sydney to Cape Town (39 nights), or taking "short break" trips in Australia, from Hong Kong to Singapore, you get the idea.

Pack your tux or gown

One of the unique features of Cunard is its formal evenings, which are a throwback to the grandeur of the early days of ocean travel. On these evenings, guests are expected to dress up in their finest attire, with men wearing tuxedos or suits and women donning elegant gowns. The formal evenings include a special dinner, dancing, and live entertainment, and are a highlight of the Cunard experience.

Cunard is also known for its exceptional dining options. Each ship offers a range of restaurants, from traditional formal dining rooms to more casual eateries. Most dining choices are included in your fare, but the gastro-pub options at The Golden Lion will incur an extra cost. The cuisine is inspired by the destinations visited on the itinerary, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Cunard also offers a famous afternoon tea service, which is a nod to the line's British heritage.

Luxury but not all-inclusive

Cunard is a luxury cruise line, but it's not all-inclusive. You'll have to pay for any shore excursions you choose, and your gratuities ($14.50 per person per night for Britannia and Britannia Club staterooms, $16.50 per person per night for Queens and Princess Grill suites) will be automatically added to your account. WiFi is another extra that you'll pay for, unless you reach Gold, Platinum, or Diamond World Club "frequent sailor" benefits - or if you're taking one of Cunard's exceptional World Voyages (think sailings of at least 16 nights, and ones that go up to 100+ nights and visit ports in all four continents).

Not adults-only

Also, don't expect your Cunard cruise to be child-free. Children are welcome on Cunard, and there are clubs for those young cruisers with age-specific activities offered day and night.

Wonderful cruise line but not a match for many US-based guests

For US-based vacationers looking to cruise in exotic locations around the world and have a fancy onboard experience, Cunard could be worth looking at - especially for those who love all things British and having a daily afternoon tea would be the epitome of excellence. On the other hand, if you want easy-peasy departures from US ports year-round, Cunard won't fit the bill.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Cunard: up to $250 Onboard Credit for Military

Cunard Alaska cruises from $749*

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4 Ships in the Cunard fleet

Ship:  .

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Queen Elizabeth Overview

A cruise on the Queen Elizabeth , one of Cunard’s three ocean liners, is a chance to step back into the glamorous hey-day of cruising. Passengers can delight in the fabulously British touches of afternoon tea, a game of croquet and a formal royal ball. Queen Elizabeth also has lots of modern features, including a state-of-the-art Computer Centre, relaxing whirlpools and karaoke, for some fun at night. Cunard is also known for its cuisine - we recommend the Lobster Newberg at the Queens Grille and the decadent Cambridge Burnt Cream Tart at the Britannia Restaurant.

• Passenger Capacity: 2,081 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2010
• Last Refurbished:  2023

• The Queens Room The full history and grandeur of the Britain’s aristocracy comes alive on Cunard’s ocean liners. To really immerse yourself in the culture, you must have Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Here you will be served tea along with cucumber sandwiches and scones, all while an orchestra plays. The Queens Room is also where the Royal Nights Themed Ball takes places.  

• Royal Spa Unwind completely at the Royal Spa on your next journey. The facility offers a chance to rejuvenate in the soothing waters of the Hydrotherapy Pool at the Royal Bath House. Renew your skin with a facial and revive your romance with a couple’s massage or body wrap. The spa is also home to the Queen Elizabeth’s fitness programs and salon services.  

• The Royal Court Theatre The Royal Court Theatre is home to the Queen Elizabeth Theater Company, known for their imaginative musicals and stirring production of Shakespeare classics. Some times this gorgeous theater with balcony seating doubles as a movie theater, showing recent hits and classic favorites.  

Queen Elizabeth Cruise Destinations

Cunard Line is famous for its transatlantic sailings, but they offer an impressive set of destinations and some fantastic itineraries all over the world. Visit four continents and hundreds of ports-of-call ranging from Tortola, British Virgin Islands to Tallinn, Estonia. Whether it be a historically enriching cruise to Northern Europe, or a tropical Hawaiian vacation, one of Cunard’s three regal ships will proudly be your vessel. 

Adventure is right around the corner with a Cunard Line cruise to Alaska. 

Delight in the historic treasures and scenic pleasures of the Far East on a cruise through Asia aboard Cunard Line’s world-famous ocean liners.

Immerse yourself in the delightful cultures and exotic locales of Australasia with a Cunard Line voyage to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Eastern Caribbean

Live the island life with Cunard in the Eastern Caribbean, where the sun is always shining. 

South Pacific / Tahiti

Inspire yourself with adventure, grand Sydney attractions, and vibrant marine environments on a cruise to Australasia and the Pacific Islands.

Transatlantic

Enjoy the excellent experience that is a vacation away from the everyday, sailing across the Atlantic and stopping at intriguing ports—try a transatlantic cruise.

Transpacific

Sail to the marvels of the Pacific aboard a marvel of your own with Cunard Line’s exquisite fleet of luxury ocean liners.

U. S. Pacific Coast

Explore some of the most iconic cities in the United States on a Cunard Line cruise to the US Pacific Coast. 

Western Caribbean

Enjoy the allure of a classic cruising experience when sailing with Cunard in the tropical waters of the Eastern Caribbean.

Queen Elizabeth Departure Ports

Traveling across the pond, there’s no cruise line better than Cunard, with more than 150 years of history, this brand makes routine cruises from Southampton to New York City and vice versa. However, they offer more than just transatlantic sailings. You can sail around the world with Cunard from Tokyo to Athens to San Francisco. Call The Cruise Web for a great offer on a Cunard cruise.

Darwin, Australia

Darwin is one of the northernmost cities in Australia, offering visitors a beautiful welcome to the great outdoors of Australia.

Melbourne, Australia

Soak up the culture and relaxed environment of Melbourne as you take in the live music, sip some perfect coffee and explore all that this unique city has to offer.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Yokohama, Japan

See Japanese history in person as you discover Yokohama, Japan’s biggest port city, where the country was first opened to outside trade after more than 200 years of seclusion.

Fremantle, Australia

Beautiful beaches mixed with alternative art and music fill the Western Australia port city of Fremantle.

Queen Elizabeth Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, queen elizabeth staterooms.

Balcony (BA)

Enjoy the view from your private balcony and the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed stateroom. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bc), balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf).

Balcony (CA)

Balcony (cb).

Balcony (A1)

Your Britannia Club Balcony stateroom offers the luxury of inside space and a stunning view from your private balcony. You will also dine in the intimate Britannia Club Restaurant, offering you the freedom to choose when you eat each evening. The Britannia Club Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony

Balcony (A2)

Inside (LC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Inside staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (GA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Deluxe Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (GB)

Inside (gc).

Inside (IA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Standard Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (ID)

Inside (ie), inside (if).

Oceanview (FB)

Gaze upon an ever changing seascape from your large window, which offers an abundance of natural light in your spacious stateroom. The Britannia Oceanview staterooms have two beds, a living area and a shower.

Oceanview (FC)

Oceanview (EB)

Oceanview (ec), oceanview (ef).

Oceanview (KC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

As our guest in a abluxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Master Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Grand Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Penthouse Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Queens Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Princess Grill Suite is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Luxurious features such as a private balcony, separate seating area and a spacious bedroom make your Princess Grill Suite the ideal home from home. You also enjoy access to the Grills Lounge, Grills Terrace and renowned Princess Grill restaurant. The Princess Suites have two beds, a bath with shower along with a living area and balcony.

Photo Gallery for Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship

Get a glimpse at the regal atmosphere that awaits you on a Cunard Cruise among one of their three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in this photo gallery. 

Queen Elizabeth

Princess Grill

Top 10 Queen Elizabeth Cruises

• Queen Elizabeth 11 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 9 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Aug 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 38 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 28 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 3 NIGHT U. S. Pacific Coast CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 25 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From San Francisco, California (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 23 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From San Francisco, California (Sep 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 20 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Melbourne, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 30 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024)
• Queen Elizabeth 18 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024)

Learn More About Cunard

Accessibility

Learn about Cunard Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities.

Savor variety of dining options aboard Cunard Line cruises, including the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia restaurant, Queens Room, Todd English, Kings Court, Golden Lion Pub and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Cunard Line's onboard entertainment, including live music, the Royal Court Theatre, Commodore Club entertainment, Royal Night Theme Balls, Queens Room dancing, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Participate in Cunard Line's onboard activities, including Cunard Insights lectures, Book Clubs, computer lab, duty-free shopping, sports courts, art galleries, dance classes, afternoon tea, deck games, golf simulators and more.

Service & Awards

Learn about Cunard Line's famous White Star Service and extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Cunard Line's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Cunard Line's pools, the Royal Spa and Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where spa treatments range from relaxing massages to Ayurvedic experiences.

Special Events

Learn about Cunard Line's special cruises with exclusive speakers, activities and shore excursions, including Wine Lecture and Tasting voyages.

Explore Cunard Line's luxurious staterooms, including Queen and Princess Grill Suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms - each beautifully appointed in Cunard's classic style.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Cunard Line. Cunard's youth programs are for ages 2 - 17, including the Play Zone (ages 2-7), Kids Zone (ages 8-12) and Teen Zone (ages 13-17).

Cruise Type

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QE Alaska Review From A First Time Cunard Cruiser

By ceilidh1 , August 9, 2023 in Cunard Line

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" Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone in the community. We'd like to encourage your to submit your review for publication to Cruise Critic as well. "

ceilidh1 was awarded the badge 'Great Review'

I recently sailed on the QE, roundtrip Vancouver-Alaska, and figured I would share some thoughts. Ordinarily, I do live reviews from the ship, but the wifi was SO bad that it had to wait until I got home! As a first time Cunard cruiser, I was quite anxious and not sure what to expect - hoping this will be helpful for other first timers!

While I have never sailed Cunard before, I am a seasoned cruiser with well over 40 cruises under my belt - almost half of which were to Alaska. The reason being - I live within walking distance of the port in Vancouver, so anything that I can do without flying is a win! I primarily sail Princess, but also enjoy NCL and my new favorite Virgin Voyages. Usually, I sail with my kids but this time it was just myself and BFF.

I did a lot of research and video watching to prepare for this sailing, since I really had no idea what to expect. I'm not one for dressing up and I was very worried about having to dress for dinner each night. Luckily, my thoughts on what it mean to "dress for dinner" were way over the top - no, you don't need a full on ballgown each night! We had two gala nights - Ice White and Masquerade - so I treated myself to a nice white dress and a cute black dress and accessories. The other nights, we just dressed in either a cocktail type dress or nice pants and blouse.

I typically like to buy a drink package, simply because I don't want to worry about having a bill when I disembark. Sadly, Cunard priced me out of this - $70USD per day and both guests had to buy. That's $1400USD for drinks. Nope. We ended up deciding to just pay-as-you-go and it was definitely the right choice.

We did purchase the thermal suite for both sea days. The way it is set up online is that you choose a day and a 2-hour time slot. This is not the way it works once you board - the booking is actually for the entire day, rather than two hours, and it was much more to purchase on the ship than to purchase ahead of time. This worked out in our favour!

We also did the two Lido specialty dining, which we pre-purchased online for $25USD per person. I believe it was more to purchase once on the ship. 

We did not book excursions since we had both been to Alaska many times and planned on either just walking around town or enjoying the empty ship. Given that we had pretty crummy weather all trip, this turned out to be the right choice!

Embarkation

Anyone that has ever sailed from Vancouver will know what a gong show this port can be. I used to work shoreside at the port, so know the process like the back of my hand. I still hate it. We were fortunate that there were only two ships in for our embarkation - Disney and QE. We were assigned a 2pm check in time, but decided to arrive around noon (having worked there for so long I know that it's better to arrive right around boarding time). As is the usual process at Canada Place, we dropped our bags at the terminal level, took the escalator up to street level for check in, took the escalator back down to terminal level for security and US CBP, and then boarded the ship. It really is an awkward process! There was a line for check in, but it seemed to move quickly and we were headed back down to a much longer line for security. Once again, if you have sailed from Vancouver, you will know that to go through security and US CBP it's every man (or woman) for themselves. All passengers, regardless of ship or status, go through the exact same lines. It was pretty easy to tell who were on Cunard and who were on Disney - lots of frazzled parents, kids melting down, and the vacation hasn't even started. I'm always amazed at the security points when, after standing in line for half an hour, the person in front of me suddenly realises (or not) that they need to empty their pockets. Then the line gets held up even more as we wait for that person to either proceed through the metal detector with their cell phone, money, and keys in their pocket or hold up everyone behind as one by one they empty every pocket they have. Despite the line, we were still in good spirits and got through in around half an hour. Next up is US CBP - they have the same machines they use at the airport but if you aren't travelling on US or Canadian passports, you have to line up to see an officer. That line was pretty significant, but we got through to the machines quickly, punched in all the details and were on our way. This is where the ships branch off - Disney went to the left and Cunard to the right. The ship had just started boarding at this point and the rep asked if we were priority - nope. We were told to take a seat. There were a bunch of empty rows (I assume folks who had been sitting there had been called to board) and then 5 or 6 rows with people sitting in them. We asked the rep where we should sit and my BFF jokingly said "Can we sit in the first row" - to which the rep said, "Of course!". Huh? Well, we sat there and then were told to come on aboard...but all the other rows were still sitting and waiting. Confused? Us, too! From arrival to stepping foot on the ship was one hour and fifteen minutes. Not the best but definitely not the worst at this port!

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First Impressions

From the first step onto that red carpet, seeing the staff decked out in their cute red outfits and hats I knew this ship would be classy. I was right! The ship was stunning. So tasteful and elegant. I loved the fresh flowers, the art, the decor, and the feeling that you were on a traditional ocean liner as opposed to an amusement park at sea (I'm looking at you RCCL)!

We were delighted to find our cabin was available to us to drop our bags, so that was our first stop. We had an oceanview on deck one. I was initially concerned that this would be a problem as it seemed so low and it was midship next to guest services. The opposite was true! The cabin was so convenient for everything and so quiet. We felt no movement and it was a great set up. I loved the fact there was a sofa in the room!

3rdGenCunarder

Thanks for your thoughts on embarkation. Gong show? I had a different name for it a year ago when, on top of the other stages, we had ArriveCAN and proof of covid test to show! Even without those extras, I always feel like a rat in a maze embarking in Vancouver. 

But once you're on the ship, QE is worth it! She is elegant, although I wish Cunard would get over the feather arrangements. 

After dropping our bags and checking into the muster station, we headed off in search of lunch. I was hoping to find the pub open, or at least a dining room, but it seemed the only option was the buffet. And, like all buffets on embarkation day, it was madness! The food looked great but was lukewarm at best. There were no tables and, if one was vacated, there were no staff to clear them. We ended up standing next to a newly vacated table, with plates in hand, for a good 5-10 minutes hoping that someone would come clear away the remains from the last guests. No one did. In the end, I ended up holding our plates of food while BFF cleared the table and walked the dirty dishes up to the counter. Only then did someone approach and wipe down the table. Not a great first impression, especially after we had been so wowed up to this point! Not surprisingly, no one came to ask if we wanted drinks, so BFF headed off the the drink dispenser and came back with...pineapple juice!? Huh? No lemonade, out of cranberry juice, so pineapple it was. Not that I have anything against pineapple - just seemed kind of random. 

By the time we were done eating and exploring, it was around 4:30pm and time for sailaway...or so we thought. We found a place at the aft of the ship (this quickly became our favorite hangout) and settled in to watch the sailaway. My kiddos texted while we were there to say they were coming down to wave us off (we literally live a 7 minute walk from the port). It was so nice to see them and say a final goodbye...except we didn't actually go anywhere. We sat. And sat. And waved. And waved, Then it became awkward, and the kids wanted dinner so they left. We didn't. I'm not sure what the hold up was but we didn't end up leaving until close to 6pm, by which time we had headed in to find dinner!

Apologies for the upside down pictures....

Food is obviously subjective and, after the first not-very-impressive, impression at the buffet you might think I'm here to say the food was awful. Not at all. Hands down, this was the best cruise line food I have ever had - and I've been on my fair share of cruises. The buffet is never my favorite place, but the buffet on QE had some great options - afternoon tea was outstanding, as was the pizza station. I didn't love breakfast, simply because it never changed. The sushi station was wonderful. The food in the dining rooms was consistently great, and don't even get me started on the pub lunch - awesome! We did the Lido specialty - Frontier and Coriander - and loved both. So good and so worth the upcharge. We also enjoyed some good food on deck at the Lido Grill and had some nice pastries at Cafe Corinthia. The room service menu was outstanding - and complimentary. Honestly, I would have been happy to just to have every meal off there! The only problem we had was deciding where to eat as we didn't want to miss anything! I really can't say a bad thing about the food on this ship.

Service in the dining rooms was hit and miss - it often took forever to get drinks (if you were even lucky enough to have a drink server come over). Which leads me to another observation - as two females, we found that we were largely ignored in terms of drink service. It started out amusing but by day three I was mad! We would sit in a lounge and get completely ignored, while a male/female couple would sit on the next table and get approached immediately. In the dining room, I asked our waiter and the food server to send over someone to take a drink order - never came. Is this normal? It became kind of embarrassing having to constantly flag down someone to get us drinks - I felt like they thought I had a drinking problem. The only place this wasn't an issue was in the pub, so we spent much of our time in there!

Pictures of some of the amazing food we had

Entertainment

Like food, I feel that entertainment is somewhat subjective. While I appreciated the pure talent of every entertainer on this ship, the offerings were just not my style. That's not to say they weren't excellent. I just don't want to listen to classical music, pianists, violinists, or harpists every night and I don't have any interest in ballroom dancing, so I felt like I was always wondering what to do. Luckily for me, the pub and the Garden Cafe had the Irish Duo Cula each night and they were fantastic! Have I mentioned how much I loved the pub? I should also say that the production shows we watched were excellent and I really enjoyed them. However, overall, the lack of things that I, personally, am interested in would likely make me think twice about cruising on Cunard again - this trip was great in that it served its purpose of me just relaxing and doing nothing. Most trips I like to go-go-go and experience everything. I didn't feel as if there was enough for me to experience.

Ports on this ship were the usual Alaska ones - Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. We had been to all multiple times so just roamed around. In Alaska we went to our fave places - The Asylum and Jellyfish Donuts, in Skagway we got caught in a torrential downpour, in Juneau we just walked through town, and in Sitka we went to our fave thriftstore. We got closer to the glaciers in Glacier Bay than I have been in many years, so that was pretty cool! I feel guilty being so ambivalent about ports that many experience as a "once in a lifetime" thing - I really am spoiled. Also of note is that we saw whales from the ship several times, many eagles, otters, and a bear off in the distance. Once again, I am spoiled - these sightings are a daily occurrence where I live...

Oops I forgot Victoria! We stayed on the ship!

As mentioned previously, drink service was a bone of contention throughout the cruise. I have never had such an issue getting a drink before - and it's not even as if I had the drink package, so Cunard actually lost money with me!

For the most part, service on this ship was good - I was actually expecting a little more, given what I had read beforehand. Staff definitely did not fall over themselves or go above and beyond (there were a few exceptions to this) and I did find myself faced with the word "no" several times. I was shocked to witness a waiter tell guests in the Commodore Club that they couldn't eat their food from the buffet in there (glacier day and everyone had staked out tables there), I was shocked to hear a bartender in Cafe Corinthia tell a guest that she could not take her pastries up to her room, and I was shocked to be told by guest services that the crappy wifi we had purchased was "out of their control" (by far the worst wifi we have had on any ship). Now, there were exceptions - two staff from the Bookstore giftshop were wonderful, a waitstaff in the pub became a firm friend, the host at Britannia was fantastic, and waitstaff we had in Lido alternative dining were excellent. Our cabin steward was also great!

28 minutes ago, ceilidh1 said:

Menu looks fantastic, but no fish and chips?

Disembarkation

The worst day ever is when you get the info telling you that you have to leave! We received the usual Canada customs forms prior to arriving in Victoria. I was also surprised at a blurb from Cunard informing guests that they could not leave the ship in Victoria as embarking in one Canadian port and disembarking in another violated the PVSA. I'm pretty sure that isn't true - this is an American law, no? We were given the option to walk off with our bags, or do the usual route of putting them out the night before. We chose the latter as we had nowhere to be and planned on taking our time. We ended up with a disembarkation time of 10:00am - perfect. We had a leisurely breakfast in the dining room and were pleasantly surprised with the lack of people around the ship - disembarkation morning is usually survival of the fittest and involves hurdling over luggage and pushing through people waiting in the hallways. None of that on this ship. We heard disembarkation groups getting called as we were eating and then it seemed to stop. Around 9:30, we gathered our stuff and headed down to the gangway - we asked what colour they were calling and were told everyone could get off. So off we got. Bags were right where they should be, and I was home by 10:15! Easy peasy.

5 minutes ago, NE John said: Menu looks fantastic, but no fish and chips?

That's dinner -fish and chips was only lunch!

As mentioned previously, we had pre-purchased thermal suite passes. This worked out well as, not only did we save a fair amount of money, but we had access for the entire day rather than just 2 hours as we thought. The spa was nice but very small - only 6 heated stone loungers (and they weren't that hot), two steam rooms, a sauna that was out of order (but there was a working one in the change room), and the hydrotherapy pool. I was most looking forward to the pool, but it turned out to be like a warm bath. There were no jets other than the huge firehose type ones that knocked you off your feet, and it was really dark in there. The stone loungers had a great view but needed to be hotter. The steam rooms were nice, as was the sauna in the change room. It should be noted that anyone can use this sauna, as well as the showers in the change room - you didn't need to pay for the spa to do so.

Final Thoughts

We had a great time on this ship and really enjoyed the elegant, traditional feel of it. I'm not sure I'm quite the typical demographic that Cunard is designed for - I somewhat missed the cheesy, tacky gameshows and I prefer disco to ballroom. As someone that typically sails with kids, I can't say I would rush to take them on this line - they would LOVE the food, but not sure there would be enough to keep them entertained. For a girls/adults trip it was perfect!

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10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Posted: July 10, 2024 | Last updated: July 10, 2024

Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and beautiful hotels can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Explore Silversea Cruises

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

Explore Crystal

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Explore Seabourn Cruises

Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all.

Explore Cunard Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when booking a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a prime pick. The all-inclusive cruise line crafts a new definition of the category with complimentary roundtrip airfare, free unlimited shore excursions, include 2- to 3-night land programs, on-the-house bar and lounge experiences, and more.

The six-fleet cruise line is also known for its gorgeous interiors, complete with modern aesthetics, Art Deco embellishments, stunning chandeliers, and more. When traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, guests can traverse the seven seas, with destinations in Africa and Arabia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean and more. And if you don’t want to pick a single destination, there’s always the option to book a grand voyage or world cruise, which can last up to 168 days and cost upwards of $100,000.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Expert guide: Cunard drinks package and price lists (updated 2022)

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Learn about the Cunard drinks packages and prices, including non-alcoholic options, drinks by the glass and packages for bottles of wine.

In this article

• About Cunard drinks packages
• Stateroom Water Package – US$19.50 for 6 litres
• Soft Drinks package – US$10.00 per person per day
• Premium Non-Alcoholic Package – US$29 per person per day
• Beers, Wines & Spirits Package – US$69 per person per day
• Wine By The Bottle packages
• The fine print on Cunard drinks packages
• Cunard beverage package conclusions

Cunard beverage packages enable you to get drinks on board without having to pay for them individually. Indeed, because drinks are not included in the cruise fare a drinks package can represent good value for money. There are four Cunard beverage packages inlcuding:

Cunard have a range of beverage packages. These include water and soft drink packages as well as other packages that let you order beer, wine and spirits by the glass. In addition, there are wine by the bottle packages.

Guests staying in Queens Grill category rooms have a complimentary in-suite mini-bar stocked with free water, soda and two bottles of spirits. Jason Kerr – Managing Editor

Stateroom Water Package – US$19.50 for 6 litres

The Stateroom Water Package is the most basic Cunard beverage package. It includes six 1-litre bottles of water, delivered to your stateroom. Alternatively, you can buy single bottles for US$3.90 each.

It’s important to note that this package does not include gratuities, so a 15% service charge will be added.

Soft Drinks package – US$10.00 per person per day

The Soft Drinks Package includes unlimited draught soft drinks (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, R Whites Lemonade, Britvic Indian Tonic Water, Soda Water), selected long-life fruit juices, squash and cordials.

You can only drink items from the Soft Drinks Package in the bars, service areas and dining venues.

It’s worth noting that this package doesn’t include items from your stateroom mini-bar, bottled water or canned/bottled soft drinks and juices. It also excludes alcoholic beverages, mocktails, smoothies and specialty coffees and teas.

Each guest older than 3-years of age in the same stateroom must buy the package, or one of the other Cunard beverage packages. Sharing is not allowed. The price of the Soft Drinks Package includes a 15% gratuity.

Premium Non-Alcoholic Package – US$29 per person per day

In addition, there is a 20% discount off the price of non-alcoholic drinks that are excluded from the package.

It’s worth noting that the package does not include large bottles of water (750ml, 1ltr and 1.5ltr), freshly squeezed juices or drinks from the stateroom mini-bar.

Each guest staying in the same stateroom must buy the package. However, the cost of the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package is inclusive of a 15% gratuity.

Beers, Wines & Spirits Package – US$69 per person per day

The Beers, Wines & Spirits Package is the only Cunard drinks package that includes alcoholic beverages by the glass. However, not all drinks are included. For instance, champagne is not included in the package. This is because only drinks priced at US$12 or less are covered. Here is an example of the current Cunard dinks price list:

• Budweiser – US$6.80
• Prosecco – US$8
• Margarita – US$12
• Aperol Spritz – US$12
• Glass of champagne – US$16
• Kir Royal – US$17

That said, a good range of beers, spirits, liqueurs, cocktails and wines are included. Also included are soft drinks, juices, mocktails and small bottles of mineral water, as well as specialty coffees and teas. While drinks priced over US$12 are not included, the package offers a 20% discount on beverages priced over US$12.

It’s worth noting that you can only drink items from the package in the bars, service areas and dining venues.

The package does not include large bottles of water (750ml, 1ltr and 1.5ltr), freshly squeezed deluxe juices, smoothies and any items from the stateroom mini-bar.

The price of the package includes a 15% gratuity. All adults staying in the same stateroom must purchase the package.

In addition to the range of Cunard beverage packages, there are also two different Wine By The Bottle packages.

The Captain’s Collection

The Captain’s Collection offers some of the most popular wines on the Cunard fleet, selected for their positive reviews from Cunard guests. It offers savings of up to 20% off regular wine list prices.

There are usually at least six white and six red wines in the Captain’s Collection, as well as an Italian Prosecco and a sweet wine.

6 Bottles: US$310.

12 Bottles: US$590.

At the time of writing, some of the wines included were: Château La Fleur des Graves Blanc (France), Assyrtiko/Malagousia Sillogi White (Greece), Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Berton Vineyard (Australia), Valpolicella Classico Superiore (Italy).

The Commodore’s Collection

The Commodore’s Collection has been curated by Cunard’s wine experts to represent the finest examples of the most popular styles. Indeed, the wines represent a highly regarded and diverse collection from all over the World.

There are generally six or more white and red wines in the Commodore’s Collection, as well as two sparkling wines (not champagne), a rosé and a sweet wine.

The Commodore’s Collection offers savings of up to 35% off regular wine list prices.

6 Bottles: US$395.

12 Bottles: US$725.

At the time of writing, some of the wines included were: Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV (New Zealand), Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc (France), Whispering Angel Rosé (France), La Grola Allegrini (Italy), Sandeman 10 Year Tawny (Portugal).

Insider’s tip: Cunard have an extremely large wine list. Indeed, it is like a wine bible with some exceptional vintages and great value end of bin offers. On the other hand, the Wine By The Bottle packages have a somewhat limited selection. So you might like to check the onboard wine list before deciding if this package is right for you.

It’s important to note that Cunard drinks packages are only available on voyages of 5-nights or more.

Also, you must purchase your drinks package within the first two days of your voyage and that package must be for all the remaining days of your voyage (excluding disembarkation day).

Drinks are not included in a Cunard cruise fare, so buying then individually can be expensive. That makes a Cunard beverage package a cost effective alternative.

However, it’s worth remembering that beverage packages do not cover all drinks available on board. In fact, many of the signature cocktails in venues like the Commodore’s Club are priced over US$12 and so not included.

In addition, it is important to remember that you can only buy a drinks package within the first two days of your voyage. It’s also worth noting that there is generally no discount for buying Cunard beverage packages in advance of your cruise.

For more information visit the Cunard website .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

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61 comments.

Can a regular bottle of white wine which usually sells for $15-$21on land be substituted for the champaign that we get upon boarding in our cabin?

Thank you for your question. Champagne is the only wine offered on embarkation: A half bottle in Britannia Staterooms, and a full bottle in Grills Suites.

I hope this helps.

Regards Jason Kerr Managing editor

Can I purchase my drinks package now .? Voyage ref M 204D. Booking ref. 2C3MCN. Sails 01-02-22. IanHeseltine

Question: Are we really not allowed to take a drink with us, to a lounge chair or another deck, for example?

Thanks for the exceptional information in this article/review.

Would I be able to make coffee in my room and put it in my flask to enjoy on the deck? Also would I be able to fill my reusable water bottle at the buffet to enjoy on the exercise deck area/paddle tennis?

Thank you for your question. In principle I can’t imagine that would present an issue. Although refilling a water bottle at the buffet might be frowned upon in these COVID times.

You must be looking forward to cruising once again!

Regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

Can you use the $69 package in the main dining room for wine by the glass?

Thanks for your question. Yes, you can get wine by the glass in the main dining room as part of the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package.

Can we share one drinks package between two of us in the same cabin on queen Elizabeth many thanks

Dear Gerald

Thank you for your question. The answer is no, you may not share a drinks package between people. Even if they are in the same cabin. Indeed, each person must have their own drinks package in the same cabin.

Within the drinks package, for example could one have 3 or 4 beers and a glass or two of wine over the course of a day?

Yes, if you purchase the Beers, Wines & Spirits Package that should be fine.

Hi Jason, my wife and I are due to join a Cunard cruise, on the Queen Elizabeth, in March. We will be in a Queens Grill Q4 Penthouse suite, and are wondering exactly what the complimentary in suite mini bar package actually includes? The Cunard website is not very clear, but note that 2 bottles of spirits seem to be included, but what about wine (apart from the bottle of Champagne on arrival)? Can one of the bottles of spirit be replaced by wine, and would this be replenished when finished? Cunard should be clearer about their included Queens Grill in suite drinks package!

In my experience Cunard are quite strict on this. When I stayed in the Queens Grill it was 2 complimentary bottles of spirits (choosen from a list supplied by your butler), as well as the complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival. Of course, this is in addition to the complimentary non-alcoholic offering.

However, some cruisers have told me that on longer voyages they have had their spirits replenished.

As for swapping out a bottle of spirits for wine, you might have to simply ask your butler. Certainly, it’s not ‘in the rules’, but they might be happy to oblige.

I hope this helps. And enjoy your Queens Grill experience, especially the exceptional dining in the Queens Restaurant.

Hi Jason, Many thanks for this response. As my wife does not drink spirits, we will see whether the Butler will oblige us by swapping a spirit for wine!

Kind regards

Technically, Champagne (as defined by the French) is only provided upon embarkation in Queens Grill staterooms. Other classes get sparkling wine instead.

Hi Jason, we are going on a 13 day cruise on the Queen Elizabeth in April, regarding Alcohol and what I can take on board will we be allowed to take non alcoholic Gordon’s Gin as I have a medication that bars Alcohol. The NHS has advised me I can drink this with no problems as it is classed as a soft drink as it is ZERO % ALCOHOL. Many Thanks Terry

Hi Terrence

In my experience you should not have a problem taking a bottle non-alcoholic beverage on board.

Cunard wine list plus prices, please. Can’t find it anywhere.

Hi , what a great Article . We are planning on getting the 69$ package does each coffee count as one of the 15 drinks allowed , I do like my coffee

I believe it is 15 ALCOHOLIC drinks per 24 hours, unlimited coffee etc.

I cannot find anywhere a price list for bottles of wine, only per glass . My cruise on QM2 September 4 2022. I find this unacceptable. Just keep seeing packages! Please answer ASAP!

Dear Josephine,

Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Cunard Line so do not have a price list for their bottles of wine. I suggest you contact Cunard directly to request a price list for bottled wines available on board.

What I enjoy with Cunard and P&O is you are allowed to to your favourite spirit onboard along with cans of coke etc.

Please can you advise if Cunard (QM2) offers an alcoholic stateroom drinks package, ie a bottle of spirit with mixers? Thank you.

Dear Mrs. Preston

According to Cunard you can only drink items from the alcohol package in the bars, service areas and dining venues. They do not have a stateroom alcohol package.

Are you saying that you are allowed to bring a bottle of alcohol and can cokes on board?

I only want one drink with each evening meal. Can I just pay for that drink each night or do I have to buy the alcohol package???

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can order wine by the glass. It is usually priced from USD8 to USD15 per glass. Ordering wine by the glass means you will not require a beverage package.

Hi there, If I bought the drinks package on day 2 of a 7 night voyage, would I get charged the drinks package for all 7 days? And if so, do they discard all of the drinks you have bought in the first 2 days and write them off via the drinks package? Or do you get charged for the drinks you bought over the first 2 days ad then get charged 5 days of drinks package? I hope this makes sense. Many thanks, Anne

Thanks for your question.

You should ideally purchase the package on day one, before buying any drinks. Drink purchased before getting the package can not be removed from your bill in lieu of the package. So, if you purchase the package on day 2 it would be charged for all the remaining days of the cruise (excluding disembarkation day). In other words, you would not be charged for a 7 day package, just 5 days.

It can be somewhat confusing, but I hope this helps.

Kind regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

Hi. I was wondering how much a glass or can of Coca-Cola is on board the Queen Elizabeth.

Thanks for your question. A 330ml can of Coca-Cola costs USD 3.80.

Hi. I am going on a 5 night cruise early 2022, staying in Australian waters. I read wine packages are only offered on five night plus cruises. If I decide to purchase a drinks package on day 2 will I only pay for 4? I also read where I can take a bottle of wine with me on board. If I drink it in my room do I get charged the corkage fee. Also is it a bottle of wine per person.? Can I take my own soft drink on board? Thank you for your helpful advice.

Thanks for your question. The rule for drinks packages can be confusing. That said, a drinks package is only offered on voyages of 5 nights or more, and is available for purchase only during the first 2 days of the voyage i.e. Embarkation day and the day after. The drinks package must be purchased for all remaining days of the voyage. So if you purchase your package on day 2, you only pay for the remaining nights of your voyage.

Guests may bring one bottle of wine on board at embarkation. It is my understanding that this can be consumed in your stateroom corckage free. However, if you take it to a dining venue corkage will be applied.

You may take soft drinks on board within reasonable limits. Which I always assume means a bottle or two, but not a case full.

I hope this helps in your planning.

Hi, l have been told by my travel agent that they do happy hour on the QE2. Is this correct?

Thank you for your question, it is a good one. I’ve check through the Cunard Daily Programme newsletters from my most recent QE voyage (Feb 2020), but alas there was no advertised happy hour. That said, things might have changed with QEs post-pandemic return to service.

Hi, my wife and I are on QE in a Queens Grill suite around NZ in January. Regarding the mini-bar. I believe we get 2 bottles of wine or spirits included. Are these replenished as with other mini bar items?

That is a good question. In my experience it depends on the duration of your voyage. I’ve sailed short (4 day) voyages in Queens Grill and the mini-bar was not replenished. On the other hand, during longer voyages it has been refreshed. I recommend checking with you butler when you get on board.

Is it expected that you will leave a tip for the butler or the Maitre d’ in the restaurant? It seems that most things say inclusive of 15% service, and my husband therefore says not. However my sister, who is a regular traveller says yes.

Thanks Jason, we’re on a 13 day cruise so fingers crossed. Regards, Dave.

Please could you tell me what currency I need onboard queen mary 2

Most cruise lines, including Cunard, charge in USD. Purchases are typically charged to your shipboard account and settled at the end of your voyage either by credit card or in cash.

What happens to the open bottle of spirit as part of the complimentary bar in the queens grill do you get charged if removed on disembarkation

The bottles of spirits are yours to do with as you please. You may take them ashore on disembarkation either opened or unopened.

We are on a cruise on Queen Elizabeth in January. I do not drink alcohol, but my husband does. I note that if one person in the cabin purchases a drink package, then we would be other be required to. Can we purchase an alcohol package and a non alcohol package or is ‘mix and match’ not permitted? Thanks.

In my experience you will have to purchase the same drinks package.

Regatds Jason Kerr Managing Editor

CUNARD have advised that each passenger may take 1 bottle of alcohol onboard each port visited by the passenger. What I find as an unethical policy by CUNARD is that CUNARD will charge the full package price for each passenger in the same cabin and that means, seeing that I am a non-drinker, it ends up costing my wife who enjoys a drink at dinner time US$140/day which I believe is a very expensive drink package. However as I understand that balcony cabins have a mini bar fridge in the room my dear wife will have to enjoy her glass of wine in her room and at the dinner table as wine can be ordered by the glass. Another gripe I have with CUNARD is that they charge a 25% surcharge when upgrading from an inside cabin to a balcony cabin.

Thank you for all the information – so helpful. In the drinks package can I buy a double gin and tonic? I also like one as a night cap in bed. Does the queens grill mini bar have tonic water in it to mix with the gin that we would choose as our free bottles of spirits. Can you order more bottles for your room and pay for it? Sorry for all the questions .

So long as the price for the double G&T was under the per drink price limit the answer would be yes. Unfortunately you’ll need to wait until you get on board, but I’d be interested to hear from you on that.

Also, yes in my experience there is tonic water in the Queens Grill mini bar. If it’s missing, just ask your butler.

Whether or not the spirits in your suite are replaced mid-voyage is a moot point. In my experience, the answer is no. However, other cruisers have told me their spirits were replaced. Again, I would simply ask your partner to replace as necessary.

I hope this helps

Jason Kerr Managing Editor

Can you get cider in place of beer on a package as I am coeliac.

Hello. I’m sailing on Queen Victoria in Aug for a week. I used to go on the wonderful QE2 many times with my Dad, who passed away recently. He went so often the waiters called him by his first name. I cannot drink alcohol. I really like the non alcoholic,beers, wines gin zero etc so firstly do you stock these in the bars and restaurants please. Secondly if I was to get a drinks package which would these drinks come under as they are non alcoholic. Finally what can I bring onboard for example bottle non alcoholic wine , nonsecco or Gordon’s % gin . Thank you .

Thanks for visiting The Luxury Crusie Review. We are travel journalists who independently review Cunard cruise ships.

In our experiece the options are limited insofar as non-alcohol wines and gin are concerned. Indeed, we can see none on the beverage menu.

That said, they do have a small selection of non-alcoholic beers like Beck’s Blue, San Miguel Alcohol Free and Ghost Ship. Also, Cunard do offer a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails including a Virgin Mary, Rumless Mojito and Atlantic Mist made with ginger beer.

As far as we can see there is no restriction on bringing non-alcoholic beverages on board. So you may be able to bring non-alcoholic wines on with you. However, I’d recommend ringing the Cunard Call Centre in you region to confirm this before sailing.

I hope this helps in your travel planning.

Hello, we are sailing on Queen Elizabeth, and have purchased the drinks package. I can see that there are a quite a few cocktails at $12.30. Would these be included in the drinks package.?

Thank you for your question. The Cunard beer, wine and spirits drinks package only covers drinks costing USD12 or less. So cocktails priced at USD12.30 are not included in the package.

I hope you have a great cruise.

Hi I am booked on Victoria, next year (yeah i’m getting ahead, but I’m excited) could you advise what brand of Gin’s you include in the package, and what brand of tonic, also is Campari included in the package?

Thanks for your message. Firstly, please be clear that we are an indipendent media organisation reviewing and providing advice on luxury cruise ships. So specific questions should be directed to Cunard. That said, Cunard have partnered with Pickering’s Gin. One oz measures cost between USD7-8 so are covered by the “Beers, Wines & Spirits Package”. Campari is priced under USD12 so also included in the package.

Tonics include Cunard Small Batch, Double Dutch, Fentimans, 1724 Tonic Water and Fever-Free Indian.

Hi Jason Firstly, thank you for these great reviews and insights. We are embarking on our first QM2 in a Queen’s Grill suite crossing next week, and we were hoping you might be able to answer a couple of questions (not about drinks, we have decided to buy a package and play it by ear!). 1. Are binoculars provided or should we take our own? 2. Is afternoon tea included or is this additional charge? 3. Are there any other restaurants included or is there additional charge for all of them? 4. Would you recommend the early disembarkation option when docking in NY? Thanks in advance

Dear Lenore

Thank you for your question and your kind words. I’m sure you will enjoy your Queen’s Grill experience – I know I always have.

In my expereince there are no binoculars in the suites, so you might like to bring your own. On the other hand, your butler can serve afternoon tea in-suite.

Dining in the Queen’s Grill restaurant is included in your Queen’s Grill cruise fare. It’s is among the very best restaurants at sea. You can even order off-menu, just be sure to let the maître d know a day in advance. However, dining in speciality venues (Steakhouse at the Verandah) is not included and will cost extra.

As for diembarkation; this will depend on your preference. However, it is worth noting that Curnad do not offer in-suite breakfast on disembarkation day. Also, you must vacate your suite by 8:00am. If you indend disembarking later you may use the Grill’s lounge while you wait.

I hope this helps in your cruise planing.

Regarding wine bottles at the restaurant, Queens Grill specifically will they save it for the next meal? My wife drinks little and I dont drink a bottle at once. I know Crystal does.

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News | World

Modi tells Putin 'murder of innocent children heart-wrenching' on visit to Moscow day after Ukraine strikes

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told Vladimir Putin of his heartbreak at the death of children a day after lethal strikes on Ukraine including on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

The pointed remark on Tuesday by the visiting Indian leader was seen as an implicit rebuke to Putin, who moments earlier had welcomed him to the Kremlin.

Ukraine says it has recovered fragments of a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile at the children's hospital, which was hit on Monday during a wave of Russian attacks that killed at least 41 Ukrainians across the country. At least four children were reported to be among the dead in the strikes.

Moscow claims without evidence that it was a Ukrainian anti-missile system that struck the hospital.

Speaking during a visit to Moscow, Mr Modi said: “Whether it is war, conflict or a terrorist attack, any person who believes in humanity, is pained when there is loss of lives.

"But even in that, when innocent children are killed, the heart bleeds and that pain is very terrifying."

PM Modi, sitting alongside Putin, said: “If innocent children are murdered, if innocent children die, it is heartbreaking.”

While Mr Modi has appeared to criticise aspects of the war in Ukraine, he has not condemned the invasion.

India has become a close partner to Russia , buying record amounts of discounted Russian oil amid Western sanctions on Moscow.

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Putin, speaking before Modi, said their two countries enjoyed a "particularly privileged strategic partnership" and thanked him for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the war.

"I thank you for the attention you are paying to the most acute problems including trying to find ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, above all by peaceful means, of course," he said.

Modi responded: "As a friend, I have always said that peace is necessary for our future generations. 

“Solutions are not possible on the battleground. Amidst guns, bullets and bombs, peace talks cannot be successful. We have to find the path to peace only through talks."

The timing of the Ukrainian hospital attack was embarrassing for Mr Modi as he began his two-day visit on Monday.

As the Indian leader shared an image hugging Putin on social media platform X, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was a "huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day".

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Russia pledges to discharge Indians fighting for Moscow in Ukraine, New Delhi says

By Helen Regan, CNN

(CNN) — Russia has promised to discharge Indian nationals who were “misled” into joining its army to fight in Ukraine, India’s foreign secretary said Tuesday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “strongly raised the issue of early discharge” to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his two-day trip to Moscow this week, stressing the need to bring all Indians home “as early as possible,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra told reporters in a news briefing.

“The Russian side promised the early discharge of all Indian nationals from the service of the Russian army,” he said.

Moscow has not commented on the agreement, but New Delhi has been pushing for the release of its nationals from the Russian army for months, telling CNN in April that it was a “top priority.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs previously told CNN it has been in continuous contact with Russian authorities to secure their release.

By some estimates, Russia has been sending thousands of foreign men to fight in Ukraine since Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of its southwestern neighbor in February 2022.

Many of them are young men from South Asia, enticed by the prospect of steady employment and higher salaries in Russia. In Nepal, prominent opposition lawmaker and former foreign minister Bimala Rai Paudyal told parliament earlier this year that between  14,000 and 15,000 Nepalis were fighting on the front lines , citing testimony from men returning from Ukraine.

The Russian government last year announced a lucrative package for foreign fighters to join the country’s military, including a monthly salary of at least $2,000 and a fast track to Russian citizenship – but the Kremlin has not said how many foreigners it has recruited under the plan.

In early March, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had busted major human trafficking networks that were duping men into Russian military jobs, with 35 such cases identified.

“The trafficked Indian Nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their wishes,” the CBI statement said.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kwatra said he does know the precise number of Indians recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, but anticipates it is between 35 and 50 people.

Of those, 10 Indian nationals have already returned to India, he said.

“Now, the two sides will work on it and see how expeditiously we can get them back into the country,” Kwatra said.

India has no law preventing its citizens from serving in a foreign state’s military.

One family from the southern Indian city of Hyderabad recently told CNN they spent two months trying to find out what happened to their brother after he traveled to Russia on the promise of job opportunities.

Imran Mohammad said an employment agency had enticed his brother Asfan Mohammed with an offer for helper and security jobs in the Russian army, saying he could get a Russian passport and national card within a year.

Instead, Asfan was sent to the battlefield in Ukraine and was killed in combat.

“These brokers duped the boys and put their lives in danger,” Imran said, referring to Asfan and other Indians sent to war.

In neighboring Nepal, lawmakers have called on the Russian authorities to provide figures for its nationals fighting in Ukraine.

Several returned Nepali fighters who spoke with CNN earlier this year blamed Russia for using them as cannon fodder in the war.

“It’s the Nepalis and other foreign fighters that are actually fighting in the front of war zones. The Russians position themselves a few hundred meters back as support,” said Suman Tamang, after he returned from Russia.

The Nepalis who fought for Russia said they had received only brief training before being sent into combat.

Ramchandra Khadka, who returned to Nepal after suffering injuries in Ukraine, told CNN that after only two weeks of training, he was sent to the front lines in Bakhmut – a town in eastern Ukraine that saw some of the heaviest fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces – with a gun and a basic kit.

“I didn’t join the Russian military for pleasure. I didn’t have any job opportunities in Nepal. But in hindsight, it wasn’t the right decision,” Khadka said. “We didn’t realize we would be sent to the front lines that quickly and how horrible the situation would be.”

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

CNN’s Brad Lendon, Vedika Sud, Sugam Pokharel, Matthew Chance, Mihir Melwani, and journalist Nishant Khanal contributed reporting.

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Ozy Media founder engaged in 'massive fraud,' prosecutor says as fraud trial closes

Ozy Media co-founder Carlos Watson lied to investors about the defunct startup's revenue to hide its crippling debt, a federal prosecutor told jurors on Wednesday during closing arguments in the former cable news anchor's fraud trial.

Russia Talks up Business With India as Modi Visits Moscow

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit the Atom pavilion at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh) in Moscow, Russia July 9, 2024. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia and India agreed to increase cooperation in sectors ranging from nuclear power to shipbuilding and discussed how to fix payments problems as their leaders met in Moscow on Tuesday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Moscow and met Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event that also saw state-owned Russian enterprises announce deals and tout plans for projects involving India.

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said it was discussing building six more nuclear power units in India; the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) inked pharma, shipbuilding and education agreements; and Russia's second-largest bank spoke of efforts to ease payment flows as trade between the two nations increases.

Under a barrage of Western sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has pivoted away from European countries to what it calls "friendly" nations such as India and China to diversify and reorient trade flows.

Putin, joining Russian businesses in the charm offensive, bestowed on Modi the Order of St Andrew, Russia's highest honour.

Construction of the first two units of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, which uses Soviet-designed VVER-1000 reactors, began nearly two decades ago in the southern state of Tamil Nadu as part of a project signed by both countries.

Rosatom said new areas of cooperation were being discussed - the construction of six more high-power units of Russian design at a new site and some Russian-designed small nuclear power plants.

Rosatom and Indian partners were also discussing developing the transit potential of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which runs from Murmansk near Russia's border with Norway eastwards to the Bering Strait near Alaska, particularly concerning supplies of Russian oil, coal and liquefied natural gas, Rosatom said.

Russia hopes the NSR will transport 150 million metric tons in 2030, up from 80 million tons this year.

SHIPBUILDING, PHARMA, PAYMENTS

The RDIF and India's Enso Group agreed on a partnership for joint investments worth up to 20 billion roubles ($227 million) in infrastructure development for shipbuilding, Russian agencies reported.

Many Russian companies see huge potential in India, RDIF chief Kirill Dmitriev told reporters on the sidelines of the Putin-Modi meeting. Other deals in education and pharma were agreed, he said.

A major stumbling block to trade has been payment flows. VTB Bank CEO Andrei Kostin said there was constructive dialogue on the issue but acknowledged lingering problems.

"There are, of course, problems linked to sanctions, there are problems related to the incomplete convertibility of the rupee, there are problems related to ... a wide range of trade and economic relations, there is unbalanced trade," Kostin told reporters.

($1 = 88.2455 roubles)

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, Dmitry Antonov, Anastasia Lyrchikova in Moscow and Alexander Marrow in London; additional reporting by Anastasia Teterevleva; Editing by Mark Potter)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: Russia , India , Asia , international trade , Europe

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Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he’s also keeping his options open

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, on June 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Feb. 2, 2024, Russian troops load an Iskander missile onto a mobile launcher during drills at an undisclosed location in Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - A Russian Air Force MiG-31K jet carries a high-precision hypersonic aero-ballistic missile Kh-47M2 Kinzhal during the Victory Day military parade to celebrate 73 years since the end of WWII and the defeat of Nazi Germany, in Moscow, on May 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday, July 1, 2024, Russian soldiers fire from the BM-21 “Grad” self-propelled 122mm multiple rocket launcher in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, background right, attend a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Moscow, on June 22, 2024. (Sergei Guneyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on April 14, 2023, a Russian nuclear submarine sails off to take part in the Pacific Fleet drills near Vladivostok, Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on June 11, 2024, navy personnel take part in drills on board of the Kazan nuclear submarine en route to Cuba. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service photo via AP, File)

FILE - Soldiers stand next to a Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missile parked along Tverskaya street prior to a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, on Thursday, May 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry on May 21, 2024, Russian air force crew work at an undisclosed location in Russia on a Tu-22M3 bomber for a training mission as part of military drills with tactical nuclear weapons. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on June 12, 2024, Russian military personnel load a cruise missile on board a warship during military drills with tactical nuclear weapons. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on June 13, 2024, Belarusian soldiers operate an Iskander ballistic missile launcher during joint Russian and Belarusian drills with tactical nuclear weapons. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on March 1, 2024, a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired from a launch pad in northwestern Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on June 12, 2024, Lt. Gen. Igor Kolesnikov, head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s department in charge of nuclear weapons, makes a statement about the joint Russian and Belarusian tactical nuclear weapons drills while standing in front of a Belarusian ground attack jet. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un exchange documents during a signing ceremony of the new partnership in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024. (Kristina Kormilitsyna, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

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The message to NATO from President Vladimir Putin was simple and stark: Don’t go too far in providing military support for Ukraine, or you’ll risk a conflict with Russia that could quickly turn nuclear.

As the war in Ukraine turns slowly in Moscow’s favor , Putin declared he doesn’t need nuclear weapons to achieve his goals. But he also says it’s wrong for the West to assume that Russia will never use them.

“It mustn’t be treated in a light, superficial way,” Putin said in June, reaffirming that Russia’s nuclear doctrine calls for using atomic weapons if it perceives a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Moscow’s nuclear messaging — coming as NATO allies move to shore up exhausted and outgunned Ukrainian forces — heralds what could become the most dangerous phase in the war.

Drills, threats and signals

Moscow has carried out drills with its tactical — or battlefield — nuclear weapons in southern Russia and with ally Belarus, where some were deployed in 2023. Russian Defense Ministry videos showed Iskander missile launchers, nuclear-capable warplanes and sea-launched missiles.

The Kremlin described the exercises as a response to the West pondering the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine and allowing Kyiv to use longer-range weapons for limited strikes on Russian territory.

“Reliance on nuclear threats and signals is an enduring trend in Russia’s activities amid the war in Ukraine ,” said Heather Williams, senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Russian leadership may be assuming it has more at stake in Ukraine than NATO, and nuclear threats are one means of signaling its commitment to winning the war in the hopes of scaring off Western intervention.”

Ever since launching the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion, Putin has repeatedly referred to Russia’s nuclear might to discourage Western intervention. The United States and NATO criticized the nuclear saber-rattling but said they haven’t seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture warranting a response.

After early setbacks in Ukraine, Putin said Moscow was prepared to use “all means” to protect Russian territory, fueling fears he could turn to tactical nuclear weapons to halt Kyiv’s advances. Putin later toned down his rhetoric after Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive didn’t achieve its goals .

Amid Russia’s recent military successes, Putin said Moscow doesn’t need nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. Simultaneously, however, he warned that Kyiv’s strikes on Russian soil with Western-supplied longer-range weapons would mark a major escalation because they would involve Western intelligence and military personnel — something the West denies.

“Representatives of NATO members, particularly in small countries of Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with,” he said, adding they could be mistaken to rely on U.S. protection if Russia strikes them.

“The constant escalation could lead to grave consequences,” he said. “If those grave consequences come to Europe, how will the U.S. act in view of our parity in strategic weapons? Hard to say. Do they want a global conflict?”

Aiming the ‘nuclear pistol’

In May, Russian radar facilities were attacked by Ukrainian drones. One damaged a radar in the southern Krasnodar region, according to satellite images. Another targeted a similar facility in the southern Urals, about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) east of the border.

Both are part of Russia’s early warning system to spot intercontinental ballistic missile launches thousands of kilometers (miles) away. Moscow and Washington rely on such systems to track each other’s launches.

Along with earlier Ukrainian raids on Russian nuclear-capable bomber bases, the radar strikes could qualify as triggers for atomic-weapons use under Moscow’s nuclear doctrine. Russian hawks urged the Kremlin to respond forcefully.

At a June forum in St. Petersburg, Kremlin-connected foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov urged Putin to “aim a nuclear pistol at our Western adversaries” to achieve victory in Ukraine.

Putin responded cautiously, saying he saw no security threats that warranted using Russia’s nuclear arsenal . At the same time, he indicated Moscow was pondering changes in its nuclear doctrine.

Amending the nuclear doctrine

Since the war began, hawks have urged a revision of the doctrine, which says Moscow could use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear strike or an attack with conventional weapons that threatens “the very existence” of the Russian state. Some of them argue the threshold is too high, leaving the West with the impression that the Kremlin won’t ever touch its nuclear arsenal.

Foreign affairs analyst Dmitri Trenin of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, a Moscow think tank advising the Kremlin, urged modifying the doctrine to declare that Russia could use nuclear weapons first when “the core national interests are at stake,” like in Ukraine.

“It’s important to persuade the ruling elites in the U.S. and in the West as a whole that they won’t be able to stay comfortable and fully protected after provoking conflict with Russia,” Trenin said.

Climbing the ‘ladder of escalation’

With the West allowing Ukraine to hit Russian territory, Putin threatened to respond by providing weapons to Western adversaries worldwide. He underscored the message in June by signing a mutual defense pact with North Korea , signaling Moscow could start arms deliveries to Pyongyang.

He also declared that Moscow would start producing intermediate-range missiles banned under a Cold War-era pact that Washington and Moscow scrapped in 2019. The Kremlin wouldn’t say where Moscow could deploy the new weapons that were prohibited by the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which outlawed ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,410 miles).

Such nuclear-capable missiles are seen as particularly destabilizing because they can reach targets faster than ICBMs, leaving practically no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear war over a false launch warning.

Hawks urged Putin to move quickly up a “ladder of escalation” to push the West to back off.

The exercise with battlefield nuclear weapons was one such move, Trenin said, while another could be an atomic test on Russia’s Arctic Novaya Zemlya archipelago. Putin has left the door open for resuming such tests, which are banned under a global pact that Russia has signed, although he noted “there is no need for that yet.”

Some Russian military experts said Moscow could declare a no-fly zone over the Black Sea to curb U.S. intelligence flights that help Ukraine strike targets in Russia. In late June, the Defense Ministry threatened to take unspecified measures against U.S. drones there.

Trenin and other experts said possible escalatory moves could include cyberattacks on U.S. and European infrastructure, conventional strikes on Western troops if any go to Ukraine, and attacks on military supply hubs for Kyiv on the territory of NATO members. U.S. military bases also could be targeted, they said.

At the top of the ladder, Russia could threaten nuclear strikes on NATO targets in Europe to “sober up the enemy and force it into the talks,” Trenin suggested.

“Active nuclear deterrence means the possibility of using nuclear weapons first in the ongoing conflict — not necessarily on the battlefield and not on the territory of Ukraine,” he said. “The enemy must have no doubt: Russia won’t allow itself to be defeated or blocked from achieving its declared goals by keeping nuclear weapons out of the conflict.”

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation . The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Russian attack in Ukraine kills 41, missiles hit Kyiv's main children's hospital

Russian attacks have killed thousands of civilians in ukariaine since it launched its invasion in february 2022, though moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure..

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• Russian forces rained missiles down on cities across Ukraine
• Attack hit a main children's hospital in Kyiv
• At least 41, including children, killed

Russia blasted the main children's hospital in Kyiv with a missile in broad daylight on Monday and rained missiles down on other cities across Ukraine, killing at least 41 civilians in the deadliest wave of air strikes for months.

Parents holding babies walked in the street outside the hospital, dazed and sobbing after the rare daylight aerial attack. Windows had been smashed and panels ripped off, and hundreds of Kyiv residents were helping to clear debris.

"It was scary. I couldn't breathe, I was trying to cover (my baby). I was trying to cover him with this cloth so that he could breathe," Svitlana Kravchenko, 33, told Reuters.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who stopped in Poland before heading off to Washington for a NATO summit, put the death toll at 37, including three children. More than 170 were injured.

But tallies of casualties from the sites of attacks in different regions totalled at least 41.

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Zelenskiy said more than 100 buildings had been damaged, including the children's hospital and a maternity centre in Kyiv, children's nurseries and a business centre and homes.

"The Russian terrorists must answer for this," he wrote. "Being concerned does not stop terror. Condolences are not a weapon."

The Interior Ministry said there had also been damage in the central cities of Kryvyi Rih and Dnipro and two eastern cities.

The government proclaimed a day of mourning on Tuesday for one of the worst air attacks of the war, which it said demonstrated that Ukraine urgently needed an upgrade of its air defences from its Western allies.

Air defences shot down 30 of 38 missiles, the air force said.

An online video obtained by Reuters showed a missile falling towards the children's hospital followed by a large explosion. The location of the video was verified from visible landmarks.

The Security Service of Ukraine identified the missile as an Kh-101 cruise missile.

DAMAGE ACROSS THE CAPITAL

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack was one of the largest of the war, causing damage in seven city districts. The Health Minister said five units of the children's hospital were damaged and children were evacuated to other facilities.

Eleven were confirmed dead in the Dnipropetrovsk region and 68 were wounded, regional officials said. Three people were killed in the eastern town of Pokrovsk where missiles hit an industrial facility, the governor said.

Zelenskiy, addressing a news conference in Warsaw alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, called on Kyiv's Western allies to give a firm response to the attack.

"We will retaliate against these people, we will deliver a powerful response from our side to Russia, for sure. The question to our partners is: can they respond?" Zelenskiy said.

The attack came a day before leaders of NATO countries were due to begin a three-day summit, with the war in Ukraine one of the focuses.

U.S. President Joe Biden said that Moscow's deadly missile strikes in Ukraine, including on the children's hospital in Kyiv, were "a horrific reminder of Russia's brutality".

In a statement released by the White House, Biden added that Washington and its NATO allies would be announcing new measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defences.

Diplomats said the United Nations Security Council would meet on Tuesday at the request of Britain, France, Ecuador, Slovenia and the United States.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker T¼rk, deplored the attacks, saying: "Among the victims were Ukraine's sickest children."

Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had launched strikes on defence industry targets and aviation bases.

Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, although its attacks have killed thousands of civilians since it launched its invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine's Prosecutor General said he discussed the attacks with International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan, adding that his office would be sharing evidence with the ICC.

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said Ukraine still lacked enough air defences and urged Kyiv's allies to supply more systems promptly to protect cities from Russian attacks.

Air Force representative Colonel Yuri Ignat said it became more difficult to repel Russian attacks as Moscow's forces kept enhancing their bombardment tactics.

"Enemy missiles are equipped with additional means, including radar and thermal traps," Ignat wrote on Facebook.

The missiles flew at extremely low altitudes during Monday's attacks, he said.

DTEK, the largest private power producer, said three electricity substations and networks had been damaged in Kyiv.

The power system has already sustained so much damage from targeted Russian air strikes that began in March that electricity cuts have become widespread. Published By: Ajmal Published On: Jul 9, 2024

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