Elite Traveler July-August 2018

Queens Grill Grand Suite QUEEN VICTORIA , CUNARD Step back in time aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria , where the formality and elegance of a bygone era is embraced. From the white-gloved crew that greets you upon arrival to your tuxedo-clad personal butler, you’ll be immersed in the charm of old-fashioned travel. And with two to five formal nights per sailing, you’ll certainly have the opportunity to delight in the genteel atmosphere, and wear your most glittering gowns. Ensuring she remained fit to host a queen, Queen Victoria underwent a $40m partial refurbishment in 2017 to enhance the ship’s most beloved areas, including the stunning three-story Grand Lobby, enlarging the aft lido sundeck for both alfresco dining and sunning, and updating the suites. A new addition is the Chart Room, a maritime-inspired lounge during the day and bar at night. The cocktails bear the names of zodiac signs and stars that sailors historically used to navigate at night. The Grand Suites are richly appointed, with touches of purple, the color of royalty, sprinkled throughout, and a timeless design that references Cunard’s transatlantic heritage. Walls are paneled with high-gloss wood, mirrors and Art Deco–inspired fabric panels. Rock-crystal chandeliers, touches of gold and a full marble bathroom add additional glamour. Curl up in a cozy chair near the window or outside on a sun lounger with a book from the specially curated library, which features destination-led books, novels and beautiful photography tomes. For effortless entertaining, there’s a stately dining room and butler’s pantry, as well as a wraparound balcony for pre-dinner cocktails. Incredible itinerary Explore the Baltic Sea during its most beautiful time of year, before the tourists arrive en masse but when the sun still sets after dinner. Departing in May from Southampton, England aboard the Baltic Explorer cruise, you’ll crisscross Scandinavia and spend two nights in one of the world’s most beautiful cities: St Petersburg. Special amenities Butler service, champagne on arrival, complimentary bar stocked to your preferences, exclusive Queens Grill lounge and terrace, reserved table at Queens Grill restaurant, pre-dinner canapés, priority boarding, embarkation, disembarkation and tender services, personalized stationery and atlas Size 1,436 sq ft Rate $26,359 per person based on double occupancy for 16 nights, cunard.com