Take a Comprehensive Tour of the Queen Elizabeth

While enjoying the last bit of my journey currently onboard the Queen Elizabeth, I present to you a complete ship tour.

The ship was built in 2010 and ordered as a replacement for the QE2 which had been retired in 2008. You can read more about the 2010 built Queen Elizabeth in our complete history post. She’s the second Queen Elizabeth in the Cunard fleet with the original one sailing with Britain’s flagship line from 1939–1968. The original Queen Elizabeth, designated RMS Queen Elizabeth, was the largest passenger ship at 83,673gt, even after she was scrapped in 1972, finally being surpassed in 1996.

This new Queen Elizabeth, designated MS Queen Elizabeth, while not the largest ship, was the second largest Cunard vessel ever built at 90,901gt. (The largest is of course the Queen Mary 2).

Lets take our first look at a ‘Cunarder’ and see exactly how they honor tradition while offering a very luxurious holiday.

As always we first start out with the obligatory random photos on the tour. And a special note here. Unlike many of the other ships I’ve been on, all the stairwell artwork are maritime paintings centered around historic Cunarders. (To be fair Holland America does that too a bit.) It was hard to pick just a few to showcase here but if I had to narrow it down:

Stairwell art:

Random elevator lobby and carpet:

Random Elevator lobby:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW QUEEN ELIZABETH’S DECK PLANS

Deck 01

Deck 01 is the bottom-most regularly accessible deck on the ship. At the very front is the stage and lower entrance to the three-deck tall Royal Court Theatre.

Just behind that are a series of inside and outside staterooms. After there, you are at the bottom deck of the Grand Lobby. It’s here where you’ll find the purser’s desk and the shore excursion office.

There’s a grand piano at the base of the grand staircase.

As all great transatlantic liners had, you’ll find quite the striking staircase here along with a large carved wooden mural of the ship. This carving alone uses nine different types of wood from maple to walnut. Probably the ideal place onboard for a photo opportunity.

The rest of the deck contains a few outside staterooms.

Deck 02

At the very front of deck 02 is the main entrance to the Royal Court Theatre.

Walking past that you’re at the casino and find yet another sweeping staircase. This one is equipped with a clock. This also makes for a great photo opportunity.

To the starboard side, there is the trademark Golden Lion pub. A classic onboard Cunard ships.

They even feature Cunard’s exclusive beers on tap.

Walking past that you are at the Queen Room. Used for ballroom dances, afternoon tea, and special events, it spans two decks and runs the full width of the ship.

Of course, a mural of Her Majesty is proudly hung in the area to watch over.

Just past that is Cunard Place. A grand collection of historical artifacts from the Queen Elizabeth. Most of these are off of the Queen Elizabeth 2 where they had been on display on the heritage walk onboard.

Past that you emerge at the second deck of the Grand Lobby.

Now let’s talk about the Library onboard. Spanning two decks, the wood-paneled library features not only an impressive collection of diverse, multi-lingual works, it features an entire case on maritime history and an entire shelf dedicated to Cunard books.

Next to the library, but still surrounding the Grand Lobby is the Verandah Restaurant, a specialty seafood and steakhouse.

Opposite that is the Cafe Carinthia, named after the 1955 liner RMS Carinthia. (in fact, it’s where this review is currently being written)

Just past that is the Britannia Club. One of the several main dining venues for those in a dedicated class of cabins. This unique dining feature only found on Cunarders deserves a post of its own.

At the very back of the vessel is the Britannia Restaurant. The lower level is for those who don’t have an assigned dining time.

Deck 03

Deck 03 features a wrap-around promenade that allows you to have that classic Steamer Chair by the ocean experience. You truly feel like you’re on a classic liner, especially when wrapped in a wool blanket whilst reading a book from the onboard library.

Indoors, at the very front is the balcony level of the Royal Theatre along with some private booths. (I counted 12 of them)

Walking past that you’re at the upper deck of the forward, smaller staircase. It’s here that the Royal Arcade (shopping area) that surrounds the area.

Walking past that you have the opening for the Queen’s room below along with some seating in that balcony area.

Walking through that you have the Art Gallery onboard.

Past that you’re at the top deck of the Grand Lobby.

Also here on the Port Side is the upper level of the Library.

Past that on the port side is the Alcove area and card room. The alcove currently has two very large puzzles there for passengers to take a stab at.

Opposite that is the Midships Bar. This is also referred to as Gin & Fizz and features an impressive menu of all sorts of Gin and Tonics.

Past that on the starboard side is the Photo gallery.

At the very end of the deck is the second deck of the Britannia Restaurant. This is for those with a fixed dining time.

Deck 04

Deck 04 is all cabins.

Deck 05

Deck 05 is also all cabins but I wanted to highlight the forward observation deck. Normally reserved only for crew, it’s opened on special occasions for passage through the Panama Canal or glacier viewing up in Alaska.

Deck 06, 07, & 08

Decks 06, 07, and 08 are all cabins. Note that from the exterior, as well as the deck plans, it appears the front are open decks, but sadly they are not. There are crew-only signs and reinforced watertight doors leading out to that area.

Deck 09

At the very front of Deck 09 is the Spa and fitness center.

Also found here is the Hydropool.

Walking through that is the main pool area with a large, deep swimming pool and two hot tubs.

Past that is the Garden Lounge. Inspired by the like of a winder garden on the classic ocean liners, here you’ll find a light, bright, airy lounge with plants and wicker furniture.

Insider tip; on both port and starboard at the entrance to the Garden Lounge are these seats with a nice view that stands out over the side of the ship allowing you to view forward.

Past that you’re at the Lido restaurant. A similar buffet is on either side and at night, they convert the aft end to a rotating themed specialty restaurant.

At the end of the deck is the aft Lido Pool along with the Lido Grill and Bar.

Deck 10

Deck 10 featured the forward-looking Commodore Club with 270-degree views out over the bow. It’s one of my top places onboard the ship.

At the entrance to the Commodore’s Club there’s these hallways that displays an impressive number of commemorative plaques celebrating the vessels inaugural call at ports.

Past that on the starboard side, is a smaller private room that’s an extension of the Commodore’s club.

Behind that is Churchill’s Cigar Lounge.

Past that is the Yacht Club lounge.

Walking outside now, you’re at the deck that surrounds the pool.

Past that you’re back inside and it’s the children’s area and the teens club.

Walking past that you walk around the ship’s funnel. Here’s a great spot if you want to align your selfie with the trademark funnel or the ship’s name.

At the very back is a sun deck that overlooks the pool area below.

Deck 11

Deck 11 is split into forward and aft areas. The forward area is a covered games deck. They have croquet, bocce, and a pickleball court. It’s also a good alternative if you want to be somewhat outside and have a forward-looking view when coming into port.