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Excursion costs Cunard Queen Victoria

By H926PDC , July 26, 2023 in Cunard Line

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Hi I’m new to cruising and looking at booking our first Mediterranean cruise for September 2024.  Could member’s give me a rough idea of cost of shore excursions?

I appreciate this will vary from port to port, but I’m just trying to get an idea of costs.   

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How long is a bit of string?

There are many types of tours ranging from low price walking ones to full day with lunch.

It very much depends on the activities.

However, Cunard is not cheap, only convenient.

What are your ports of call? If we know this, then we might be able to give you specific advice.

1 hour ago, H926PDC said: Hi I’m new to cruising and looking at booking our first Mediterranean cruise for September 2024.  Could member’s give me a rough idea of cost of shore excursions? I appreciate this will vary from port to port, but I’m just trying to get an idea of costs.    Thanks Gary

Welcome to CC

@BigMac1953  has given excellent advice.  Just post ports/places of interest and CC will give ideas of Cunard prices, also independent operations, CC members organised and DIY.  

Price range indication (personal experience) $60 - $200 pp

When booked and the shore excursions are posted, you will be able to view the complete details of each excursion in your booking in My Cunard with your booking number.

Will tell you the name, time of day, length of tour, cost pp and description of tour sights and locations. Also the stress level the tour may effect some disabilities of passengers. 

If wish, you can before boarding purchase tour with a personal credit card. 

1 hour ago, BigMac1953 said: How long is a bit of string?   There are many types of tours ranging from low price walking ones to full day with lunch.   It very much depends on the activities.   However, Cunard is not cheap, only convenient.   What are your ports of call? If we know this, then we might be able to give you specific advice.

Expected ports of call are Rome (Civitavecchia) Cephalonia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Trieste, Zadar, Split, Valletta, Palma and Barcelona 

If you plan on visiting Rome, I would certainly recommend using Cunard tour. My experience is long queues for everything which the Cunard tour guides, yes there are usually 2, will manage to bypass.

If visiting Barcelona do it yourself and buy HOHO tickets and you will see many sites quite cheaply.

Cunard trips are quite expensive, so you can sometimes do better by yourself.

Rome: Cunard trips are slow, expensive and too rigid. Have a look at  https://www.discoveryguidedtours.com/  the boss is Gilberto Stanzioni who is fluent English. They can cater for 2 - 8 in cars or Viano. They'll put togather a day that you decide and organise tickets etc.. Used them 3 times and so have other friends. Ideal number is 6 people. On one occasion, there was a massive traffic jam and the Cunard trips were stuck for hours. We just nipped around the back streets and saw everything that we wanted. Put it on Roll Call and see if anyone wants to team up. That's what we did and it worked great.

Dubrovnik: Walk the wall and visit some bars and restaurants.

Trieste: Venice is less than an hour by train. Check Trenitalia.com for times and prices. In Venice. Gondolas are not cheap and you only go round a block. Best just walk the city.

Barcelona: You can get a HoHo bus near the docks (as suggested), but stick to the tourist areas and don't take valuables.

Palma: We walked it.

Can't comment on the rest.

We'll be back around the Med in 2025 on QM2, and be doing some of the ports again.

Host Hattie

There is a usually a good selection of excursions in ports. Hopefully someone with a current booking can give you some idea of costs. 

If you join your roll call you might find people to share tours.

Otherwise there is lots of information about private tours in our Ports of Call boards.

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/forum/472-mediterranean-eastern-western/

As you mentioned that you’re a first time cruiser, maybe you want to use Cunard excursions (at least for Rome) as the ship will wait for you if there are delays getting back to the ship. We almost missed the QE in Greece because we took public transportation and the schedule was totally different than what was printed.  Civitavecchia is a long way from Rome with traffic so I wouldn’t chance taking a third party tour for that port. 

I beg to differ!

I would certainly NOT take a Cunard trip in Rome. The private tour that I described can be cheaper and more reliable (if there are 6 of you) and I've recommended a well known and reputable company that specialises in exactly this type of excursion. Neither I nor anyone we know has ever been let down by this company.

You will also see a lot more and won't have to wait on a queue of old ladies when you make a pit stop.

2 minutes ago, BigMac1953 said: I beg to differ!   I would certainly NOT take a Cunard trip in Rome. The private tour that I described can be cheaper and more reliable (if there are 6 of you) and I've recommended a well known and reputable company that specialises in exactly this type of excursion. Neither I nor anyone we know has ever been let down by this company.   You will also see a lot more and won't have to wait on a queue of old ladies when you make a pit stop.

You’re probably right but as OP is a rookie cruiser, there may be a level of comfort if not worrying about missing the boat. But you’re right about costs and ease of movement.  I believe the real issue is any attempt in “doing” Rome in a few hours on any cruise ship excursion. Lots of transport hassle to see an incredible city that really needs days to enjoy.  See if there is a trip offered to Ostia Antica, the port of the Roman Empire. You’ll get a flavor of Rome in a “bite-sized” tour without the throngs of crowds. Check it out if available on your cruise.  Save Rome for a multi day trip. 

Interestingly I have found shore excursions over the years to be much more costly on Celebrity and NCL than Cunard.

For our upcoming British Isles on QV they were typically around $79 per.

I did book Belfast and Cobh independently for a bit less as the Cunard tours didn’t appeal, the other advantage as has been stated is smaller groups.

45 minutes ago, foodsvcmgr said: Interestingly I have found shore excursions over the years to be much more costly on Celebrity and NCL than Cunard. For our upcoming British Isles on QV they were typically around $79 per. I did book Belfast and Cobh independently for a bit less as the Cunard tours didn’t appeal, the other advantage as has been stated is smaller groups.

We are first time cruisers with Cunard, having had previous cruises with Celebrity. I agree with you that Celebrity tours are much more expensive than Cunard. We have booked to go to the Canaries this time and tours range from £40 to £180. 

WoorimBeachLady

I think in most of the places you are thinking about a tour is not necessary.  We would just take the shuttle bus to town then wander round.

Solent Richard

16 hours ago, H926PDC said: Expected ports of call are Rome (Civitavecchia) Cephalonia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Trieste, Zadar, Split, Valletta, Palma and Barcelona 

Good morning @H926PDC . Unless you have serious mobility issues there are a number of ports there that can easily be done without booking excursions. Take Zadar for instance...

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2023/01/27/one-way-to-do-zadar-croatia/

A recent addition to my cruise blog port visit section. Just click on the above link.

26 minutes ago, exlondoner said: I think in most of the places you are thinking about a tour is not necessary.  We would just take the shuttle bus to town then wander round.

Alas I've never been one to just wander. When not partaking in a planned excursion I must have a plan in order to get the best out of places. 

For example, for Zadar (see link above) I had a plan...

16 hours ago, BigMac1953 said: Cunard trips are quite expensive, so you can sometimes do better by yourself.   Rome: Cunard trips are slow, expensive and too rigid. Have a look at  https://www.discoveryguidedtours.com/  the boss is Gilberto Stanzioni who is fluent English. They can cater for 2 - 8 in cars or Viano. They'll put togather a day that you decide and organise tickets etc.. Used them 3 times and so have other friends. Ideal number is 6 people. On one occasion, there was a massive traffic jam and the Cunard trips were stuck for hours. We just nipped around the back streets and saw everything that we wanted. Put it on Roll Call and see if anyone wants to team up. That's what we did and it worked great.   Dubrovnik: Walk the wall and visit some bars and restaurants.   Trieste: Venice is less than an hour by train. Check Trenitalia.com for times and prices. In Venice. Gondolas are not cheap and you only go round a block. Best just walk the city.   Barcelona: You can get a HoHo bus near the docks (as suggested), but stick to the tourist areas and don't take valuables.   Palma: We walked it.   Can't comment on the rest.   We'll be back around the Med in 2025 on QM2, and be doing some of the ports again.   Have fun!  

Yep, that's exactly what I'd do - and did a little bit more....

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/05/one-way-to-do-dubrovnik/

39 minutes ago, Solent Richard said: Alas I've never been one to just wander. When not partaking in a planned excursion I must have a plan in order to get the best out of places.    For example, for Zadar (see link above) I had a plan...      

Your loss, at any rate in terms of relaxation. For it is a holiday not a military exercise. I would wander off the ship, with a map, and probably see most of the same things. I must say I should certainly like to visit Zadar.

48 minutes ago, Solent Richard said:   Dubrovnik: Walk the wall and visit some bars and restaurants.   Yep, that's exactly what I'd do - and did a little bit more....   https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/05/one-way-to-do-dubrovnik/     *******      

Thank you. Interesting blog too 👍

23 hours ago, H926PDC said: Hi I’m new to cruising and looking at booking our first Mediterranean cruise for September 2024.  Could member’s give me a rough idea of cost of shore excursions? I appreciate this will vary from port to port, but I’m just trying to get an idea of costs.    Thanks Gary

If this helps to give a flavour of pricing, two examples of Cunard tours on the present QV cruise.

If it helps we tend to work out the cruise port location and if buses ran by Cunard (often are).... and use this to decide on if to take a tour in first place.    As an example - Lisbon IMHO you don't need a tour, as we found a drop off by bus with a map and a leisurely 3-5 hour stroll back to ship was enough to see all we wanted to see.

But same was true of the cruise we got off last week on Victoria to Norway -> we found Olden benefited from a tour, so we did use that (Glacier troll car), however at all the other stops we either used a local hop on hop us trolley thing or bus at *under* 30% of the cost of the cunard tours which done much the same or just walked when it made sense, and the payment place was usually right outside the entrance to the ports secure area, so in a way, as convienient as paying on board.    We beat the Cunard bus to the funicular at Bergen too, so avoided all the queues and people by being there near opening time (though we walked that with a map, and just paid contactless on arrival at the funicular).   That was a 7 day cruise with 4 stops, and we only purchased a Cunard tour on one, which is about our "average" historically.

We used to worry about getting back to ship when we were new cruisers, but we now usually plan to leave ship on arrival (ideally 8 or 9am) and get back for lunch ~ 1pm as a target, usually 3-4 hours ahead of ship leaving.   (we plan our itinary to match).   My wife sometimes goes back out for shopping afterwards.

On 7/26/2023 at 1:30 PM, H926PDC said: Hi I’m new to cruising and looking at booking our first Mediterranean cruise for September 2024.  Could member’s give me a rough idea of cost of shore excursions? I appreciate this will vary from port to port, but I’m just trying to get an idea of costs.    Thanks Gary

Haven't read all of the replies, so apologies if this has been said, but I thought I give you  my opinion ... 

We are not completely new to cruising, last was in 2010 and all the cruises before that, my husband was the one who was amazing at managing all our bookings, our daughter was very young and we always had a good time, unfortunately my husband has dementia and does not live with us now, so I my daughter and I booked directly with Cunard, on the phone, a West Med cruise that sails this September.

Like someone well said before, the shore tours go from around US$60 (the prices are on United States Dollars), to 200, depending on the experience, some include wine tasting, others a full lunch experience, all depends where and what you are doing, In our itinerary,  the most expensive I saw was a $250, but our itinerary is a bit different to yours.

The one thing that made us book with Cunard, even though they are a bit (in some cases a lot) more expensive than if we went out on our own or took a non Cunard tour, is that if anything at all happens with the NON Cunard tour, traffic that delays yours bus return, anything at all that can delay your return to the ship, they won't wait for you.

If anything at all happens, but you are on a bus that is a Cunard shore tour, you are 100% sure you will be back on your cabin and carry on with your fabulous cruising experience.

With us, there is also the fact that I am mobility impaired and need a wheelchair for long distances, this makes us even more weary to do anything that wont guarantee our return to the ship. 

Hope you have a great time!

Thank you for your advice Mrs Peel. I hope you and your daughter have a fabulous time, and best wishes regarding your husband 

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Queens Grill on Queen Victoria

By beckslpool , June 19, 2023 in Cunard Line

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So I’m looking at booking my parents a cruise for their 25th wedding anniversary, as it’s going to be a present from myself, my siblings and my grandparents we have been looking at a Queens Grill Suite.  We’ve picked Queen Victoria as that is my mum’s name so we thought they would be a nice touch.

I’ve been the one charged with finding everything out before we make a booking and I have read all the Cunard stuff on the website detailing Queens Grill but I am looking for some real life experiences and opinions.

So let me know your opinions if you have been in Queens Grill, what exactly you get for your money etc

i look forward to hearing from you

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Host Hattie

This recent thread might help 

I think it is lovely. Depending on what the weather is the Grills Terrace and Courtyard are a boon. The Staff are lovely, the cabins are large. If there is anything you want that you haven’t got, the will try and bring it. I highly recommend it.

This is my review of our last cruise. Some it of it is very specific to my experience which you can ignore,  it it gives a general idea.

I was unfortunately quarantined with Covid for the middle six days of this cruise, and therefore had not intended to write a review, because my impressions would be at best partial. Nonetheless I am doing so because my perceptions are at variance with some of the more negative comments in other reviews, and I felt there should be some balance.

So, the good points.  

Firstly, universally, the Staff were wonderful, including when I was quarantined. They could not have been more helpful, efficient, and kind. They certainly never seemed rushed. Secondly, the ship seemed very well cared for, both in terms of constant routine maintenance, and in terms of constant cleaning. Thirdly, in the Queens Grill, the quality and preparation of the food seemed excellent, and, when I was eating in the restaurant, it always arrived at the appropriate temperature. On some days the QG menu of the day (different from and rarely as attractive as the Britannia) was less than enticing or badly planned, but there was always the à la carte or going off menu. Fourth, there was an impressive lecture programme for so port intensive a cruise, and I very much enjoyed Mr. Flounders’ thoughts on the history of Cunard. Finally, our cabin was large, comfortable, and well provided, though I had to request a number of things, like bar soap and shower cap. The bed was extremely comfortable. All this was very fortunate, as it turned out.

Less good things.

I think seven planned ports in twelve days is too many. Even more so, when four of those were to be tender ports. In the event this was reduced to six and three.  

The passenger information on the TV was pathetic, particularly compared to that on QM2.

My husband did not have Covid, as shown by daily testing, and did not have to quarantine at all, having the freedom of the ship and to go ashore, but was not allowed to eat in the restaurants. Nobody has been able to explain to us the logic behind this.

It is hard to think of many more criticisms. Oh yes, the bath does not have a light over it, making reading a chore.  

Staffordshirecruiser

Hi, I had a lovely time in Queens Grill in December last year, it was very special, for context we were celebrating it being 35 years to the day since we had previously sailed with Cunard, we even had the Grills Menu to show them.  I liked it very much, but some people may prefer something less traditional.  If you have a specific questions I would be happy to help.  

beckslpool Wonderful gesture from you and the  family. Lucky parents. 🙂

You've had two mini reviews and an offer of help. Ask away and I'm sure you'll get some help.

I'm biased as we consider Victoria our home from home, but she really is a lovely ship and the staff, marvellous.

A wee story that might be relevant: 

Some years ago, when our two children were at (private) schools, where the fees were extortionate, we sacrificed big holidays to pay the fees.

My parents insisted that we go on holiday with them on several occasions. To Orlando. To Lago Maggiore. And for the third time my father decided we should all return to the Italian lakes. As, once again, he was proposing that we all went to a rather up market hotel at his expense, I declined the generous offer. We were returning from watching a football match.

My father was quite indignant. He told me in no uncertain terms, that it was his money and that he could spend it how he pleased and that anyway, he did not know how many holidays he had left and that was what he wanted to do.

I arrived home and explained this to my wife and asked her how do you answer that?

So, we went back to Italy for two weeks and had a marvelous time.

A couple of years later, our two left school and wanted to go on holiday by themselves.

For the first time, we had the oppertinity of going on holiday by ourselves.

The QE2 had been on my bucket list, so I booked it. My wife was horrified. She told me that she didn't have any clothes to wear. She did. We went.

Out TA advised us to book a P1. We really enjoyed it and subsequently booked a QG trip for the following year. Our worst mistake. It's been QG ever since. My bank manager is convinced we're buying the ship.

Scroll forward to autumn 2008.

I asked my mother what she would like for Christmas. Jokingly. she replied that she would like something expensive. I had a plan.

A few weeks later, I asked again and this time she asked if I could paint a watercolour. I agreed.

I got out my paints and found an interesting picture on the internet of the Queen Victoria with the QE2 in the background. I sketched it then painted it. It was then framed.

My parents were due at our house early on Christmas morning. Around 8:00am in fact.

At lunchtime on Christmas eve, out daughter phoned from Edinburgh, where she attended the university. She was about to return home. She told us that her German penpal, Linda was in Edinburgh working, along with her friend Alice and that they did not have enough money to get back to Nurenburg, so could they please come and have Christmas with us.

Okay, we said.

But there's just one problem. Oh? Linda  is a vegetarian.

My wife had to dash to the shops, buy two more presents and a basket full of vegetables.

Christmas morning, we were all up and ready well before 8:00am.

We did the prezzy thing when my parents arrived.

I primed the kids that if there was mention of a DVD they must all demand to see it immediately.

The last present was ours to my parents and my mother opened it.

It was my framed watercolour. I had attached the DVD to the back and if played, it would show how near my painting was to the real thing.

The kids all shouted that we should play the DVD

My mother took out the DVD, but it was wrapped in a sheet of paper.

She asked what it was and I told her to read it.

Certain bits were yellow highlighted.

"It states booking" form she said. "Read on" I told her. "But that's our names" she said.

"You're going on a two week cruise around the Mediteranean"

From under the sofa, I produced the Cunard brochure and showed my parents all the different categories. She thought they all looked great. I explained that they were not going in any of these (so far). "You're going Queens Grill with us".

We did. It was a great holiday.

It was my Dad's last.

What you get for the money in QG is a feeling of being pampered, and respected, and deserving of the best possible service.  That, plus the variety of activities a bigger ship can offer.  

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Explore ideas, tips guide and info Una Lianne

Cunard Queen Victoria Cruises 2024

Cunard Queen Victoria Cruises 2024 . We strive not to be beaten on price! Repositioning cruises 7 huge benefits youtube, see all available cruises for 2024.

Queen victoria world cruises 2024. Below is queen victoria’s complete 2023 cruise calendar consisting of 103 cruises.

The Second Largest Cruise Liner, Queen Victoria Welcomes Over 2,000 Guests Onboard To Set Sail To Exciting Destinations Across The World Including The Us, Australia And Voyages Closer To Home Departing From Southampton.

Delight in fresh fish, tapas, and sherry in cadiz and pretty beaches in.

2024 &Amp; 2025 Schedule (With Prices) On Cruise Critic.

Discover the world from southampton to the west coast of america where you can delight in the landscapes of california before setting your eyes.

The 2024 Programme Equates To More.

Images references :, news.paxeditions.com pax cunard's queen elizabeth returns with mediterranean..

Queen victoria cruises 2024 / 2025 by cunard the cruise line, scheduled to enter the fleet on may 3, queen anne’s maiden season.

You’ll Discover An Extraordinary Way To See The.

Repositioning cruises 7 huge benefits youtube, see all available cruises for 2024.

We Found You 179 Cruise S.

Cunard Reveals Details of 2024 Familiarization Trips

• April 14, 2024

Cunard announced its 2024 lineup of travel agent familiarization (fam) trips, including four departures sailing roundtrip from Southampton.

Taking place from August to November, the fam trips are four-night sailings, with 20 trade partners on each. Agents will stay in Balcony staterooms or Princess Grill Suites, and be treated to drink receptions, training sessions, a specialty dining experience and shore excursions.  Additionally, Wi-Fi will be provided and hotel and dining service charges covered.

Tom Mahoney, director of UK sales at Cunard, said: “These familiarisation trips will provide invaluable insights into the incredible Cunard experience and what makes us truly unique. We appreciate how important it is for agents to get onboard, and with this announcement and our comprehensive ship visit program, we want to demonstrate an unprecedented commitment to our trade partners.”

The fam trips include:

• August 28 – onboard the Queen Anne, sailing to Rotterdam
• September 11 – onboard the Queen Mary 2, sailing to Zeebrugge
• October 13 – onboard the Queen Mary 2, sailing to Hamburg
• November 15 – onboard the Queen Victoria, sailing to Amsterdam

Agents can register via Shine Rewards Club, except for the September 11 voyage which is invite only.

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