tour of queen victoria

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Queen Victoria. All passenger area video tour.

When the hull was laid for the Cunard Queen Victoria, the fourth Vista Class ship, named partly because of the extensive use of glass in the superstructure, ideas were still being developed at Cunard. The first three ships in the class were the 2002: MS  Zuiderdam ,  2003: MS  Oosterdam,  2004: MS  Westerdam. The hull destined to be Queen Victoria became the adult-only Arcadia. The ship we know now as Queen Victoria waited till 2007 to be the sixth ship in this now hybrid Vista/Spirit class, with an extra passenger deck.

• 0:00 – Cunard Queen Victoria
• 0:19 – Atrium
• 0:51 – Theatre
• 1:25 – Tea & Cakes
• 2:05 – Chart Room
• 2:28 – Gin Bar
• 2:40 – Art Gallery & Shops
• 2:53 – Golden Lion Pub
• 3:04 – Britannia Restaurant
• 3:34 – Verandah Restaurant & Lido
• 4:16 – Galley Tour
• 7:13 – Queens Grill to Library
• 7:40 – Card Room
• 7:50 – Sports Deck
• 8:00 – Children’s area
• 8:22 – Ship Aft
• 8:36 – Commodore Club
• 9:00 – Spa & Gym
• 9:10 – Launderette
• 9:21 – Commodore Lounge + Yacht Club
• 9:46 – Stateroom tour

It was followed by MS  Eurodam, Costa Luminous,  MS  Queen Elizabeth,  MS  Nieuw Amsterdam and the   2010 Costa Deliziosa. These ships are similar to the Spirit Class ships that Carnival operates and the Radiance Class ships Royal Caribbean operates as well as the Coral Princess and Island Princess  Panamax ships operated by Princess Cruises . This, therefore, is a well-established designed and very popular ship. Cunard ships have many distinctive features, the main major design one being the second balcony over the Queen’s Room, ballroom. The Victoria has also just had the circular Hemisphere Lounge at the front just behind the Commodore club, re-designed and fitted as the Yacht Club, doubling as a disco come live soul band at night, and a meet the guests and celebrities during the day. It is now one of the most popular rooms on the ship which is often standing or dancing room only. It is said this design was chosen because the old design of the first Queen Mary 2 was so expensive to dock.

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The Queen Victoria holds 2,081 guests over 12 passenger decks and has about 900 crew, whereas the hull that was to be and is now the Arcadia holds 2300 guests on 11 passenger decks. The Vista design has a high percentage of ocean view staterooms, and a high percentage of those have verandahs. But, the difference is in the service that is on offer, especially if you are in the select Queen’s Grill or Princess Grill suites as passengers are separated by stateroom class. Stateroom grades Q1 to Q7 are allowed to dine at Queens Grill, Staterooms grades P1 to P4 are assigned to Princess Grill. The Grill passengers also have their own lounge. There are 18 classes of stateroom, the standard is a 240-470-sq.foot balcony room. Standard balcony, non-balcony and inside cabins bear a remarkable similarity to the P&O cabins, compare the films. Cunard basic Stateroom v Azura Basic Cabin . These cabins are assigned a table in ‘set-dining’ in the Britannia Restaurant. The Britannia is one of the focus areas for the refit due 5 May to 4 June, so maybe they will modernise to one floor being free dining as they have now done on similar size P&O ships. Breakfast and lunch are free-dining so there is a chance to meet even more guests then. 

The Winter Garden has a glass roof and is warmer. The ship has a classic dark wood style, adorned with old Hollywood pictures, many from trips on ships owned by the group. The Library has a wonderful wooden spiral staircase joining its two-deck-6,000-book facility and large paperback swap area. Ask those who know best, those who cruise and are on our hosted Cunard Cruise community and chat Facebook page . Click the picture.

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The first daily ship’s paper will welcome you onboard and probably tell you that in 1839, Samuel Cunard (from Nova Scotia) was awarded the first British trans-Atlantic steamship mail contract. Take the paper with you around the ship as there are so many gatherings in different areas it is good to familiarise yourself with them and the ship.

Our STATEROOM blog with video is here

• Golden Lion Pub. (Limited lunch menu, pub grub, included in your package)
• Verandah Restaurant (off the Atrium, French speciality restaurant at surcharge)
• Britannia Restaurant (1351-seat, 2-level Dining Room; set dining)
• Lido Restaurant (450-seat buffet-style restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch)
• Lido Coriander/Prime/Bamboo (a section of the Buffet turns into an Indian/Steak & Seafood/Asian Restaurant, just as the Beach House does on P&O. Premium is payable. alternates between the three)
• Winter Gardens Lounge (supper club/formal dining venue; features gourmet food and Afternoon Champagne Tea)
• Queens Grill Restaurant (142-seat, exclusive for Queen’s Grill Suite guests)
• Princess Grill Restaurant (132-seat, exclusive for Princess Grill Suite guests, Grills normally have the same menu)
• The Courtyard Restaurant (40-seat; serves Grills staterooms guests only).

NEW YORK LIBRARY   GRAND CENTRAL STATION   NEW YORK BIG BUS TOUR – RED   NEW YORK BIG BUS TOUR – BLUE   NEW YORK BIG BUS TOUR – PURPLE    NEW YORK ELLIS ISLAND     NEW YORK CENTRAL PARK     STATUE OF LIBERTY TOUR   NEW YORK – JUMPING OFF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY   BROOKLYN CRUISE TERMINAL ACCESS   ROCKEFELLER CENTER   SAIL UNDER UP RIVER & UNDER HUDSON BRIDGE   EMPIRE STATE BLGD @ NIGHT

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DRESS CODE: Evenings on board a Cunard Queen exude a sense of occasion, but they’re also as relaxed as you want them to be. There’s no need to dress up to the nines each night if you don’t want to, and you’ll find many areas on board where casual dress is welcome.” 

The majority of guests travelling with Cunard embrace the chance to switch to smart attire by night. This doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to wear a gown or dinner jacket each evening. Smart attire simply means a dress shirt and trousers / a skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress. Essentially, choose something along the same vein as you’d wear to a stylish restaurant or the theatre on a special occasion.

At least twice on each seven-night voyage, there is a Gala Evening. They do ask that guests observe a black-tie dress code. Many guests choose to sail with Cunard specifically because they look forward to these events.

SMOKING: For the safety and comfort of our guests, smoking (including electronic alternatives) is not permitted within the terminal or on board the ship. Although we have designated areas of the open deck on each ship where smoking is permitted, during the tour we ask guests to refrain from smoking as the ship may be refuelling whilst in port. Check your contract (booking terms).

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Queen Victoria

Cruise line Cunard

• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Southampton (England)
• Trieste (Italy)
• Istanbul (Turkey, Galataport)

Queen Victoria current position

Queen Victoria current location is at South Africa (coordinates -33.90997 S / 18.42621 E) cruising en route to Cape Town. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria current cruise is 112 days, round-trip Full World Voyage , themed as "Easter". The itinerary starts on 09 Jan, 2024 and ends on 30 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Queen Victoria

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Queen Victoria Itineraries

Queen victoria review, review of queen victoria.

The 2007-built MS Queen Victoria cruise ship is of the same design as MS Queen Elizabeth (2010) and has as fleetmates the Cunard liners RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004) and the fleet's newest boat (2024-built) Queen Anne .

The vessel (IMO number 9320556) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310624000) and registered in Hamilton .

History - construction and ownership

Cunard Line is a British-American cruise brand, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Cunard is headquartered in Southampton (England UK) and is among the world's oldest passenger shipping companies . In 2015, Cunard Line celebrated its 175th anniversary.

The 2074-passenger ship Queen Victoria joined Cunard's fleet in December 2007. The vessel is of the same design as Vista-class Carnival ships but is slightly longer. It is the smallest Cunard ship. Vessel's construction started on May 12, 2006, and was launched on January 15, 2007 (float-out).

Onboard facilities include 7 restaurants and 13 bars, ballroom, show theatre, 3 swimming pools. The bow has heavier steel plating to be able to do Transatlantic crossings. Queen Elizabeth has almost the same design as the fleet-mate Queen Victoria (Vista-class modified) - though QM2 cost about USD 300,000 per berth. What distinguishes both Cunard liners is the more angled stern, compared to the vertical QE. Victoria also lacks covered games deck (present on Elizabeth).

During ship's 2017 drydock refurbishment (May 5 - June 4, done by Fincantieri in Palermo Sicily Italy ), ship's passenger capacity was increased (from 2410 to 2489) by adding a whole new aft deck section to the vessel. Read more in the "wiki" section below.

Decks and Cabins

Cunard Queen Victoria staterooms (1037 total) include 126 Suites, 591 Balcony, 147 Oceanview and 138 Inside cabins, in all 9 types and 34 categories. The ship has 20 wheelchair-accessible and 9 studios (single-occupancy cabins). The largest are the Grand Suites (2130 ft2 / 198 m2 plus 970 ft2 / 90 m2 terrace).

Cabin types include Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia, Suites (Grand, Master, Penthouse, Queens, Princess), Standard Balcony staterooms, Outside and Interior (no-windows). Most cabins (Britannia Balcony) are sized 190-420 ft2 / 18-39 m2, with cabin balconies sized 70 ft2 / 7 m2.

The boat has 12 decks (all passenger-accessible) of which 7 are with cabins. Of all staterooms, 86% are outside, with 71% of them with step-out balconies.

The public rooms are located on lower-level decks- Decks 2 and 3. Unlike Queen Mary 2, no central circulation access can be seen on Queen Victoria- the main corridors are on the port side. The ship has a similar staircase to the grand lobby as on Queen Mary. Deck 1 (the lowest passenger deck), holds the lowest levels of the 3-storrey Lobby and Royal Court Theatre. The mid-level of Royal Court Theatre, Golden Lion Pub, casino (fairly large, no smoking), Queen’s Room, Chart Room bar (adjacent to Britannia Restaurant, excellent for a quiet drink before dinner), Todd English restaurant and lower levels of the Britannia Restaurant and the library, are on Deck 2. On Deck 3 are the top levels of the Royal Court Theatre, Midships Lounge, Royal Arcade and the upper level of the library. Decks above contain passenger cabins. The Health Club and spa, Lido Restaurant, Winter Garden lounge and two outdoor pools are on Deck 9. The Commodore Club (a large observation lounge, with ocean views and late-night room for interactive entertainment), Hemispheres nightclub and Churchill Lounge (which is for smokers) are on Deck 10. The Princess and Queen’s Grill with their lounge and open courtyard, are on Deck 11.

Theoretically, MS Queen Victoria is a classless ship, but passengers are actually separated (like on all Cunard liners) as their onboard dining locations are according to their cabin's category/cruise fares paid. Britannia Restaurant is for regular cabins, Princess Grill - for junior suites, and the Queen’s Grill is for deluxe suites. All the other public rooms are free to be used by all passengers. The so-called Grill Passengers (dining in Queen’s and Princess Grill) have two private areas on Decks 10 and 11- Grills Terraces.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Three main dining venues are available on QV. Passengers who occupy the most expensive cabins (grades Q1 to Q7) are allowed to dine at Queens Grill. The other luxurious accommodations (grades P1 to P4) are assigned to Princess Grill. For those who booked from inside staterooms to cabins with balconies, the dining space is Britannia Grill. It is a traditional ship restaurant which along with the Grills is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Britannia is set-seating for dinner (from 6,00p.m. to 8,30p.m.) and open-seating for lunch and breakfast. It is Cunard’s tradition, passengers who dine at the Grills have assigned tables for dinner, lunch, breakfast and can also dine during restaurants’ opening hours at any time.

Britannia Restaurant, located in the stern of Queen Victoria, has windows on the lower level which offer a nice sea view, on the upper level you will see the promenade deck. A good choice of options is available for each meal (for dinner in particular). The spa menu has a lighter option for each meal. The alternative restaurant as on Queen Mary 2, is Todd English. Lunch involves a cover charge of $20 per person and is served from midday until 2,00p.m. The dinner service fee is $30, available from 6,00p.m. until 9,30p.m. Book a table in advance- it is worth every cent. Food is great, service- attentive. The Lido is ship’s buffet area (but the least successful dining venue). With its perfect panoramic views, it offers 450 indoor and outdoor seating and standard self-serve buffet. Dinner is served there for passengers who need a casual alternative to the main dining (from 6,00p.m. to 11,00p.m. with waiter service). Available snack service through wee hours. In-cabin food service on QV is available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. The menu depends on whether you travel in Britannia (with limited number choices) or Grill accommodations. Continental breakfast could also be served to your cabin with a good choice of options. The pride of Cunard Line is the Afternoon Tea - a ceremony, performed from 3 pm until 4:30 pm every day in Grills Lounge and Queens Room. Waiters with white gloves serve tea from a big table in the center of the room, then serve scones with jam and sandwiches.

A variety of delicious dishes from fine ingredients is the reason why Cunard cuisine is respected. In the Queens Grill, you may enjoy intimate dining and choose between 142-seats if you are among the passengers in suites and top accommodation grades, or Princess Grill with 132 seats if you are in middle-class accommodation grades. Traditional pub food is served in the Golden Lion Pub. Another alternative dining spot is the Todd English Restaurant, with its classic English dining salon and Mediterranean cuisine served.

When you book you may request a sitting. The Britannia restaurant has two for dinner - at 6 p.m. and at 8.30 p.m. Princess Grill and Queens Grill do not have sittings - when they are open, you can dine any time you choose. A note for confirmation sitting and table number will be left in your stateroom when you board. Lunch and breakfast do not require allocated tables or sittings.

During the day, passengers definitely tend towards country club casual dress code. At night, even when it isn't a formal-designated evening, people dress anyway. There are three dress codes in the main restaurants after 6 p.m. each evening - which one applies each night you will be told in pre-voyage documentation and daily program in your stateroom: Formal (men - dinner jacket with a black tie or dark business suit; women- evening dress); Semi-formal (men- jacket and a tie; women - cocktail dress/trouser suit); Elegant casual (men - a jacket, tie is optional; women - skirt, dress or trousers). Shorts and T-shirts or shorts are not permitted!

Follows the complete list of Queen Victoria restaurants and food bars.

• Todd English Restaurant (Lunch and Dinner only specialty restaurant at surcharge PP, reservations-only)
• Verandah Restaurant (French specialty restaurant at a surcharge)
• Britannia Restaurant (1351-seat, 2-level Dining Room; serves open-seating Breakfast and Lunch. Dinners are waiter-served, with 2 assigned sittings at 6 or 8:30 p.m.)
• Lido Restaurant (450-seat buffet-style restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch; In two of its sections are offered itinerary-inspired dishes for dinner)
• Winter Garden Lounge (supper club/formal dining venue; features gourmet food and Afternoon Champagne Tea)
• Queens Grill Restaurant (142-seat, for Queens Grill Suite guests; with regular and an “a la carte” menu)
• Princess Grill Restaurant (132-seat, Princess Grill Suite guests only; open-sitting, with the same menu as at the Queens Grill)
• The Courtyard Restaurant (40-seat; serves Grills staterooms guests only).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Queen Victoria is a true Cunarder, flauntingly upholding their famous inheritance and traditions. With gorgeous marbles, woods, plush carpets, rich fabrics, and soft furniture, this cruise liner merely exudes elegance. The vessel's many diversions and distractions assure you are as thoroughly entertained and completely relaxed as you could wish to be, with all the majestic, stupendous magnificence people could imagine from a luxurious Cunard ocean liner, combined with an airy, modern atmosphere. As cruisers embark, they find the dramatic 3-tier Grand Lobby, with its superb staircase and eye-catching artwork that offer an exclusive taste of life.

The principal venues for onboard entertainment are the Queens Room and the Royal Court Theatre. The Royal Court Theatre, which is three-deck-high, is in traditional style with red velvet and has the design of a classic opera house. It is the venue for lectures, concerts and large-screen movies, too. The featured twenty private boxes can be booked for shows at $50 per couple. This includes champagne and finger sandwiches and bubbly in the box. Maybe the most beautiful public room on board QV is the Queens Room on Deck 2- the setting for cocktails, balls, concerts, dance classes, and afternoon tea. Cafe Carinthia, the Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar and the Chart Room Bar, all on the starboard side of Deck 2, attract passengers with warm, brown and yellow colors. Just aft of the theatre is located a bar. Commodore Club observation lounge is situated on Deck 10 with huge wall-to-ceiling windows. Next door is the small Churchill’s Cigar Lounge for smoke and drink with friends. The Hemispheres night club on Deck 10 is best for those who want to go on the ballroom dancing when finished in Queens Room. Passengers may attend Cunard Book Club literary discussions which are led by the librarian. On selected voyages on board come members of Royal Astronomical Society to teach about space and lead star-gazing nights. QV offers computer learning programs in the Apple Learning Centre. Courses in Apple iStudy on iMac computers teach basic computer skills, movie making, photo editing, new technology as Facebook and iPads.

Live jazz is played in some of the lounges and bars. There are also bands and solo entertainers onboard. In the Queens Room, Big Band nights are held. A glass-roof Winter Garden lounge and two-story library with spiral staircase add to ship's beauty. The Library is two-deck-high with 6,000-book facility and two librarians. You could also buy maritime-related books from a separate bookshop, as well as maps and stationery. The Pavilion Pool is a high-volume disco and nightclub.

The Royal Spa and Fitness Centre of Cunard offers stunning ocean views, relaxation places, wonderfully appointed healing rooms and relaxing therapies, as well as a scenic glass-encased Fitness Centre. The Royal Health Club and Spa includes a beauty salon, a gymnasium with ocean view and aerobics area, Thermal Area- steam rooms and sauna, body treatment rooms, relaxation area, rasul chamber for Hammam-style steam and mud bathing.

Queen Victoria is not a ship that specially caters to families with children. But if you decide to take your children, they must be at least two years old for the itineraries of 2012, to be able to participate in nursery programs without your supervision. On Deck 10 you can find children’s playroom with lots of toys, and The Zone, which is specially designed for teenagers with computer games. Both rooms feature enough outdoor deck space.

Cunard cruise ship weddings, ceremonies, and onboard parties could be held in some of the QV's lounges. There is no onboard chapel on the QV ship.

Follows the complete list of Queen Victoria lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Royal Court Theatre (830-seat, 3-deck, with a giant movie screen; hosts high-tech visual programs, grand musical productions, and shows, as well as theatrical spectacles, performances by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
• iStudy (Cunard ConneXions; separate meeting rooms featuring Internet computers); Internet Centre
• Grand Lobby Atrium (with a grand piano, grand sweeping staircase, interior glass-wall lifts)
• Golden Lion Pub (116-seat traditional British pub bar; features a large selection of the UK and international beers, large-size TVs, live entertainment, small dance floor)
• Casino (222-seat, 6000 ft2 / 610 m2; with 115 slots and 11 gambling tables, served by Casino Bar)
• Queens Arcade (quiet area for relaxation with panoramic views)
• Cunardia (nautically themed museum); Cunardia gallery; Clarendon Fine Art gallery; Images Gallery (photo gallery)
• Cunard ConneXions (a complex of 3 rooms which host onboard events)
• Chart Room (cocktail bar with live jazz)
• Queens Room (2-level formal dancing ballroom; hosts evening dancing parties and daily dance lessons)
• Veuve Cliquot (Champagne Bar); Cafe Carinthia (patisserie, specialty teas and coffees bar); Midships Bar & Lounge
• Royal Arcade (boutique shops, top name brands)
• The Alcove (a quiet room with a big jigsaw puzzle); Card Room
• Royal Spa & Fitness Centre (size 20000 ft2 / 1860 m2, 2-level; with a Spa, Thalassotherapy Pool, Thermal Suite, Finnish and Herbal Saunas, Treatment Rooms, Relaxation Lounge, Aromatic Steam Room, Beauty Salon)
• Fitness Centre (Gym Room and Weights area; with exercise bikes, Elliptical machines, treadmills, steppers, rowing machines, yoga mats; has Aerobics Room for classes)
• The Library (with a large book selection - over 6000 volumes); The Book Shop
• Pavilion Pool (with 2 Whirlpools and poolside Bar); Lido Pool (with 2 Whirlpools, Bar and Grill)
• Commodore Club (indoor observation lounge with panoramic windows and live piano music)
• Admiral’s Lounge (premium liquors)
• Churchill’s Cigar Lounge (smokers room with a selection of fine liquors and cigars)
• Hemispheres (glass-domed observation lounge, doubles as disco nightclub)
• The PlayZone (indoor/outdoor kids area for children 7+ yo); The Zone (for children 8 to 12 yo); Teen Zone (teenagers club area)
• Games Deck (glass-domed; with tennis court, shuffleboard, croquet, quoits, giant chess, golf simulators, first time at sea complimentary fencing lessons)
• The Terrace (private outdoor area, Grill passengers only); The Grills Lounge (Grill Suites guests only).

Itineraries

Queen Victoria itinerary program is based on a “World Cruise”, roundtrip from Southampton UK , plus one-way itinerary segments, offered by Cunard each year. QV also sails in Europe (Canaries, Mediterranean and UK mini cruises), leaving from Southampton.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Cunard paused MS Queen Victoria for 2+ years (March 2020 through June 2022), and scheduled the ship's restart for June 5th.

Queen Victoria - user reviews and comments

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Other Cunard cruise ships

• Queen Elizabeth
• Queen Mary 2

Queen Victoria Wiki

Queen Victoria is Cunard Line's 2nd new liner by year built, with its "Cunard Queens" sisterships Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Mary 2 . By the Spirit-Class design, the Cunard Victoria ship is similar to the liners Arcadia (P&O UK), Princess' Coral and Island , and Costa's Luminosa and Deliziosa . Carnival Corporation ordered this vessel for Holland America Line , but before the construction was completed it was re-assigned to Cunard Line.

This Cunard liner was named after Queen Victoria (1819-1901, the Empress of India). The ship's godmother is Camilla Parker (Duchess of Cornwall). Fun fact about the naming ceremony is that the champagne bottle thrown at the hull didn't break, which is generally considered a very bad omen. However, another bottle was thrown just seconds later and the second time everything was successful. Fortunately, no serious accidents have been reported on the cruise ship, so far. The maiden voyage was along Northern Europe (10-day itinerary December 11-21).

Unlike traditional Cunard liners, Queen Victoria is not an ocean liner (based on propulsion system and hull design). The vessel has a reinforced bow and higher freeboard to handle North Atlantic Ocean's weather extremes. The ship has the very first true theatre at sea (with private boxes) and the largest ballroom (Queen Victoria At Sea).

On December 15, 2010, Cunard's first female captain - Inger Olsen (born on Faroe islands) - took command of the cruise ship. In October 2011, the vessel changed its registry/flagstate  from the UK to Bermuda, which allows cruise wedding ceremonies to be held on the ship. The word "Southampton" on the stern was replaced with "Hamilton".

Operated each year and starting in January, Queen Victoria World Cruise deals are among the industry's most anticipated. Compared to other companies, Cunard's world voyages offer affordable prices and visit popular destinations and big seaport cities around the world.

Prices started from GBP 14000 / ~USD 18200 / ~EUR 15400 per person (Britannia Inside stateroom at double occupancy).

MS Queen Victoria refurbishments review

Queen Victoria's drydocking in 2022 (May 2-19) was at Harland & Wolff shipyard (in Belfast, Northern Ireland ). In 2023, the vessel was drydocked (at Navantia Cadiz) for general maintenance.

During drydock refurbishment 2017 (May 5 through June 4, done by Fincantieri in Palermo Sicily Italy ) were installed additional 43x Britannia Club staterooms, as well as single-occupancy cabins. According to Cunard Line, the decision was based on passenger demand.

• A total of 18 balcony cabins plus 15 inside cabins were added on decks 6, 7, 8, 9. The new interior staterooms were added in the aft deck sections of decks 5, 6, 7, 8.
• 5 new Penthouse Suites were also added.
• The total number of staterooms was increased from 1004 to 1037,
• These deck plan changes also reflected on the ship's max passenger capacity, which was increased from 2410 to 2489.
• Refits and enhancements were also done to several of the ship's most popular public spaces (including Lido Sun Deck, Winter Garden, Britannia Club Restaurant). All staterooms were upgraded with large flat TVs plus tea-coffee making facilities.

The 2017 refurbishment cost Cunard ~GBP 30 million (USD 40M). The increased passenger capacity was accomplished by adding to the ship a whole new aft deck section.

The boat's drydock in 2015 (December 2014 - January 2015) resulted in no major deckplan changes, excepting the new single cabins added on deck 2. The drydocking was at Bohm+Voss Shipyard ( Hamburg Germany ) and included mainly maintenance works on the hull and propulsion (Azipods bearings changing). Drydock works were done by almost 2000 people working on the ship (~600,000 man-hours). The refit (as upgrades and renovations) featured:

• a total of 9 single cabins (8 Oceanview, 1 Interior) were added on deck 2 (portside) taking some space from the casino.
• over 20,000 m2 of new carpeting (in all public spaces) along with updating the wall paneling
• 3100 new mattresses (in all cruise cabins and suites) along with new sheets and towels
• tea/coffee pantries were installed at the Britannia dining room
• floor renovation in the ballroom Queen's Room
• More awnings were added on Lido Deck 9 (around the pools), increasing the shaded seating/relaxation areas.

Cunard World Cruise 2022 (Queen Victoria)

Cunard's World Voyage 2022 on Queen Victoria was a 108-day roundtrip from UK (Southampton) also bookable as a 97-day itinerary (Fort Lauderdale to Southampton) and features a Panama Canal transition . The world cruise 2022 (January 10 through April 29) visits 30 ports, 19 UNESCO Sites and offers overnights in the port cities Sydney NSW, San Francisco, Cape Town South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong. Visited destinations include Bermuda, USA (Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Honolulu), Caribbean (Aruba, Panama), Costa Rica, Mexico, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns), Papua New Guinea, Philippines, China (Hong Kong), Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, Spain-Canaries (Tenerife).

Queen Victoria World Cruise 2022 is bookable either as a full voyage (108-night) or in 6 shorter segments (Fort Lauderdale-Southampton, Singapore-Southampton, Cape Town-Southampton, Southampton-San Francisco, Southampton-Sydney Australia, Sydney-Hong Kong).

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QVB HISTORY TOUR

Experience over a century of history.

The QVB History Tour takes you on a journey to uncover a story of resilience, culture, and progress as you explore one of Sydney's most iconic historical buildings. Built in 1898 as a monument to the long reigning monarch, you will learn about the Queen Victoria Building's creation, near destruction and modern way preservation from our expert guides.

On this 45 min walking tour, you will discover elaborate Romanesque architectural features including glorious stained glass windows, magnificent atriums, and the mighty centre dome, whilst exploring the inside and outside of the building as you visit the ground floor through to level two of the Queen Victoria Building.

Session Dates and Times

* The tour is 45 minutes in duration

Monday: 12:00pm

Tuesday: 12:00pm

Wednesday: 12:00pm

Thursday: 12:00pm & 2:00pm

Friday: 12:00pm

Saturday: 12:00pm & 2:00pm

Sunday: 12:00pm

The tour meeting point is at the Concierge Desk, located on the Ground Floor.

Ticket Pricing and Service Conditions

Tickets are $25 per person and bookings must be made online by a person above the age of 18 years. Price includes GST.

Children 0 to 12 years are free of charge and need to be accompanied by a paying adult.

Please note that each tour will run with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 15 people.

Private tours and group tours are available on request.

Book your QVB History Tour

Frequently asked questions, do you accommodate group bookings.

You are welcome to book up to 15 tickets per tour session. Group bookings for more than 15 people are available upon request.

IS THE TOUR ACCESSIBLE BY WHEELCHAIR?

Yes, the QVB History Tour is accessible by wheelchair. Contact the Guest Experience team via email [email protected]

WHERE DOES THE TOUR DEPART FROM?

QVB, 455 George St Sydney NSW 2000. Meet at the Concierge Desk on Ground Floor to commence the tour. The tour will take you to the Ground Floor, Level 1 and Level 2 of the QVB. Please note the QVB History Tour does not take you into hidden parts or hidden access of the building.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your tour session time.

WHERE CAN I PARK?

You are welcome to park at the QVB Car Park located at 111 York Street Sydney. Take the Car Park elevator up to Ground Floor and meet at the Concierge Desk near the George St entrance.

Special parking offers are available – to book head to:

https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/book-a-bay

Click here to view the car park map.

WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE MY BOOKING?

We understand that some customers may wish to change their session time to a different day/time after booking.

1 . You may request to cancel your booking by contacting us on the details below. If you request to cancel your booking 48 hours or more before your session time a full refund will be provided to the credit card that you used to make your booking.

2 . If you fail to attend your session time or request to cancel your booking less than 48 hours before your session time, no refund will be provided. However, if you believe there are exceptional circumstances, please contact us using the details above. In such circumstances, we may choose (in our absolute discretion) to offer you a refund.

3 . You may request to reschedule your booking by contacting us using the details above. If you request to reschedule your booking 48 hours or more before your session time, you can reschedule to another available date or time, at no cost.

4 . If you request to reschedule your booking less than 48 hours before your session time, your request will be refused, unless there are exceptional circumstances (which will be determined in our absolute discretion).

5 . We reserve the right to re-schedule session times if necessary due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If we need to reschedule a session time, we will if practical notify you of the new session time 48 hours or more before your original session time. If you cannot attend the new session time, a full refund will be provided. We are not responsible for any other costs you might incur relating to the rescheduling of session times.

Contact the Guest Experience team via email [email protected] if you need to reschedule or cancel your booking.

WHAT IF I AM LATE AND MISS MY TOUR?

Unfortunately, if you missed your tour there is no guarantee that we can fit you into another tour. There are no refunds for missed sessions.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS POLICY?

. You may request to reschedule your booking by contacting us using the details above. If you request to reschedule your booking 48 hours or more before your session time, you can reschedule to another available date or time, at no cost.

Please contact the Guest Experience team via email [email protected] if you need to reschedule or cancel your booking.

WHAT ARE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE TOUR?

You can view the full Service Conditions here.

If you have any questions about the tour, please contact the Guest Experience team at [email protected]  or call 02 9265 6800.

Quick Links

Vicinity centres, opening hours, sign up to the qvb, stay connected.

• 455 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
• Call (02) 9265 6800
• Get directions via Google

Cruise ship virual tour of Queen Victoria

In 2007 Pan 3Sixty were commissioned to produce a 360° virtual tour of the Cunard’s latest Queen, MS Queen Victoria.

With the virtual tour set to go live on the day of Queen Victoria’s maiden voyage, we photographed the ship whilst she was still under construction in Italy and at sea bound for Southampton. In addition to overcoming the technical challenges of photographing with models in a demanding environment, we worked round the clock to capture each location when it looked its best, not matter what hour of the day or night. A digital darkroom was set up on board so that panorama processing and retouching work could start immediately, and also enable the client to work closely with us in the post production stage to make sure the panoramas looked just the way they wanted.

We created forty 360° panoramas of the highest standard to convey the true feeling of luxury found on the ship. From the spectacular Grand Lobby rising over three decks to the luxurious Staterooms, from dining to relaxation, from fitness to entertainment, all aspects of the ship were carefully considered, skillfully photographed and incorporated into the virtual tour in time for the deadline.

The Queen Victoria virtual tour was an overwhelming success on its launch, receiving 90,000 unique visits in the three months alone, rising to just under 200,000 in the first six months. It set new standard for cruise ship virtual tours and differentiated Cunard from the competition by enabling their customers to get a real feeling for the ship prior to making a booking.

Following on from the success of the Queen Victoria virtual tour, Pan 3Sixty were commissioned again the following year to create a new virtual tour for Cunard’s flag ship, Queen Mary 2.

Cruise ship virtual tours

RMS Queen Mary 2

MS Island Sky

Are you interested in a cruise ship 360 virtual tour?

We’d love to hear from you. Please call us on  0845 644 3605  to discuss your requirements or arrange a meeting. Alternatively, you can fill out the short form on our  contact page  to tell us about your ideas.

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About Pan 3Sixty

Pan 3Sixty is a specialist photographic company producing high quality 360° virtual tours, gigapixel panoramas and panoramic photography.

Since early 1999 we have had the pleasure to work for a wide variety of clients, creating 360° virtual tours to meet a diverse range of requirements. To mention a few, commissions have taken us from the ‘Top of Europe’ at Jungfraujoch in Switzerland to the depths of First World War tunnels cut into the Somme battlefields, from the heat and the noise of the pits at the British Grand Prix to the tranquil grounds of the Henry Moore Foundation, onto the bow of Queen Mary 2 sailing into New York, into the cockpit of an Avro Lancaster, up Tower Bridge, down a mining school in Cornwall.

Whatever your project, we’d love to hear from you. We are always happy to explore new ideas and advise on how to create a 360° virtual tour that will work for you.

Pan 3Sixty Limited Nether Street Widford Hertfordshire SG12 8TJ

tel: +44 (0) 845 644 3605

You can also fill out the short form on our contact page  to tell us about your ideas.

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Queen Victoria Tour - London

• London Tours
• Culture & Theme Based Tours
• Local Culture & Education Tours
• Queen Victoria Tour
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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 2 Hrs 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Departure Details : Kensington Church Ct, Kensington, London W8 4SP, UK
• Return Details : The Mall, St. James's, London, UK
• Cancellation Policy : For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

This tour provides you the experience to discover what made Queen Victoria one of Britain's most fascinating monarchs. You will pass iconic London landmarks and beautiful parks, while your expert guide teaches you about the fascinating life of Queen Victoria . The tour was designed using Victoria 's own diaries, so you can learn about her in her own words. This is an experience you do not want to miss. We also provide each guest with a radio receiver so you can clearly hear your guide, which allows you the freedom to take photos and not strain to hear what is being said.

Know More about this tour

Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX England Learn about Victoria's childhood and the Kensington System. Duration: 5 minutes Stop At: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH England As we stroll through the beautiful park you will learn about Victoria and Albert Duration: 10 minutes Stop At: Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP England The Great Exhibition and the age of enlightenment. Duration: 5 minutes Stop At: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road South Kensington, London SW7 5BD England The development of the Age of Enlightenment gave way to large public interest in the sciences. Duration: 5 minutes Pass By: V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL England See the beauty of the V&A and how it came to be located in South Kensington Stop At: Buckingham Palace, Spur Road, London SW1A 1AA England See where Queen Victoria spent her life ruling over Great Britain. Duration: 5 minutes Stop At: Albert Memorial, Princes Gate Kensington Gore, London W8 England Why did Victoria erect this huge tribute to Prince Albert, and what do those symbols on the memorial mean? Take the tour and find out. Duration: 5 minutes Pass By: St. James's, St. James's, London, England Discover the beauty of another of London's Royal Parks.

• Radio receivers to clearly hear your guide
• Entry/Admission - Kensington Palace
• Entry/Admission - Royal Albert Hall
• Entry/Admission - Buckingham Palace

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Not wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate

Must be able to walk for two hours.

This experience requires good weather. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

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Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

• Local guide
• Generous tastings
• Queen Victoria Market shopping bag
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Market Espresso & Trolley Hire, Queen Victoria Market, 513 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Please meet out the front of Mary Martin Bookshop, corner String Bean Alley and Queen Street.
• Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• Tour meeting point: Outside Mary Martin Bookshop, corner Queen Street & String Bean Alley
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Queen Victoria Market

Similar experiences

• StueyM1 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles much improved This place has definitely improved since covid - I didn’t enjoy it much on our last trip, but a few years later and I felt it has become what it once was. I notice there is some further refurbishment/construction occurring so looking forward to another visit one day soon. My daughter certainly enjoyed all the Taylor swift knock off shirts and tops :P Read more Written April 6, 2024
• 854DP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles One of the best markets this side of the planet!! Fantastic place to go and visit. It’s vast and open most days of the week although it’s bigger at the weekend. Whether it’s bakery, fish, meat or fresh vegetables you want this place is them all. Lots of amazing produce to sample and buy- perfect for an unusual ingredient or picnic treat. Then outside is the clothes, shoes, crafts, bags, games & books to browse through, this is not a small market on any day of the week so allow a good few hours to go hunting. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• helenandrew2017 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Greek Walking Tour Fantastic tour guide and amazing tastings. We had a wonderful morning walking around the busy Queen Vic Market in fabulous Melbourne - a City we live in and love! Thanks Irene and thanks QVM for a great experience. We learn something new every time we participate in one of the experiences. Read more Written March 10, 2024
• smiler1956 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Shopping Visited with my wife. daughter and her partner. A very large and varied market from souvenirs, fruit and veg, clothing and local crafts, with plenty of eateries. A really great place to visit with plenty to see. The buildings history and architecture is also really interesting. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• PUMBRIDGE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must for visitors Must-see market that covers acres of north Melbourne with busy, vibrant fish, meat, produce and general stores. Have fresh shucked oysters, admire the spring onions or simply saunter about Read more Written February 24, 2024
• Jettwix 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Lots to see Nice place to wander around. We were leaving the next day otherwise I would have bought some cheeses and dips that looked so good. Can easily spend a couple of hours here. Read more Written February 16, 2024
• murtyc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Bazaar I walked to this lovely bazaar from my hotel in the central business district of Melbourne. This is a vast collection of tiny shops, selling everything from Australian leather goods to iPhone accessories. I couldn’t resist buying several things here - a leather belt, quite unique greeting cards, and an old-fashioned telescope. There are also a large fresh produce market as well as restaurants (where I had lunch after some strenuous shopping). A lot of fun, just like Khan Khalili Market in Cairo - you never know what you’ll stumble upon. Don’t miss it if you have a couple of hours to spare. Read more Written February 14, 2024
• DJ j 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it AGAIN After a gap of 20- years I revisited Victoria market, a lot is the same but so much has changed As far as the indoor shops/pitches they remain ye Olde world highly polished businesses with meat,fish, cheese, bread tea, coffee and many speciality food businesses on show. In the open market spaces where a range of market stalls selling everything imaginable from low end tourist souvenirs to hand crafted ok weather goods and a plethora of Chinese made and knock off clothing and electronics there has been a huge change in look and experience in post covid environment. From in excess of 700 stalls to slightly more than 300 (these change depending on the day and time of market) will see your choices change. Wednesday evening primarily food related and Friday day time showing the best variety we witnessed. All in all an enjoyable experience and undercover environment allows "most weather" suitable experience Read more Written February 9, 2024
• GDay1044 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Worthy of a visit This is on the list of must do's - we freelanced and came from south bank by taxi which dropped us at the back of the market although an easy and at no cost you can visit here using the free trams that stop outside the main entrance - the general market was not that intersting although the row of food trucks offered a number international food choices - however the meat, fish and veggies hall was great to visit - the choice Melbourners have of fresh food is amazing - lucky them! - we had an excellent 'truck' meal in the open area outside and a free ride back to our hotel. Read more Written January 15, 2024
• MSchuhenM 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Discover the Charm of Melbourne's Iconic Victoria Market Victoria Market in Melbourne is a bustling and vibrant hub that offers a delightful mix of fresh produce, local goods, and cultural experiences. The market, also known as Queen Victoria Market, is a historic landmark and one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors can explore a wide array of stalls, from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal crafts and unique souvenirs. The diverse range of food options is a highlight, with various international cuisines available. The lively atmosphere and friendly vendors add to the overall charm of the market. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a shopper looking for unique finds, or someone interested in the local culture, Victoria Market has something for everyone. It's a must-visit destination in Melbourne, offering a sensory delight and a glimpse into the city's vibrant spirit. Read more Written January 13, 2024
• Samantha S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The very best of Queen Vic Market! I LOVE markets and have visited them in every possible city thus far. Queen Victoria is indeed a great market, huge and full of all manner of goods. AND. The place I returned to three times is Ripe Cheese, a fine cheese and charcuterie shop run by friendly Hakim and his most excellent staff of professionals. The selection of all Australian cheese and meats is astounding. Not only are they delicious but often works of art, as in the truffle and squid ink sausage by Damon Porter. I had to post an image on Insta as the insanely thin and delicate slices were like a kaleidoscope! Yummy. My husband and I were here remotely working and spending $100 at the market afforded us five incredible meals at our apartment. So, we ate like movie stars on a pittance. If there is one thing at Queen Vic, it must be a stop at Ripe Cheese. LOVE! Read more Written January 8, 2024
• Callum-Douglas1995 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and free activity combined with shopping Really enjoyed wandering this market browsing all kinds of wares. Large marketplace under cover, bonus also combined with fruit and vege stands. Read more Written January 2, 2024
• LeeLee883 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Great if you like shopping or go hungry We took a wander around here early evening before Christmas, it had not long opened so it didn't have much atmosphere yet. Lots of stalls selling homemade style gifts and then the other side various food vendors, with some live music playing in the middle. Our the back had more food vendors and some great looking comfy beanbags to enjoy the last of the summer heat and food on. Read more Written December 31, 2023
• jeanboz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A delicious brunch at QVM My wife and I just loved this tour around the market. Irene was a terrific guide who shared all sorts of details on history of the market and many of the shop owners with whom she obviously knew very well. We tried so many delicious samples of seafood/meats (shrimp, awesome oysters, kangaroo, chicken and various cured meats) cheeses, pastries, chocolate and wine that we were glad not to have eaten breakfast and we weren’t hungry for hours after. The cloth bags we got came in very handy as we stayed for some shopping and found very nice sweaters for only $13 US. Read more Written December 16, 2023
• flo220 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Fun market Fun market to visit. Souvenirs (good prices on those), fruit, vegetables, meat etc. Close to the CBD and big. Read more Written December 7, 2023

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour provided by Queen Victoria Market

Welcome to Balmoral Castle & Estate

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.

Spring Opening

Until 3rd May so you can enjoy a relaxed walk in the grounds, view the exterior of the Castle and also have an opportunity to visit the Mews Gift Shop and Cafe. As admission is free of charge there is no requirement to book tickets to visit and the grounds, Mews Shop and Cafe will be open from 1000 until 1700, with last recommended admission at 1600.

Summer Opening

This year the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral will open to the Public on a daily basis from Saturday 4th May until Sunday 11th August and you can now book your tickets online. 

We are pleased to announce an exciting range of options for visiting Balmoral, including afternoon tea, an expedition tour or a private tour with our experienced guides that takes you through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.

Castle Internal Guided Tours

For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides.   This historical journey takes you through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.

These exclusive tours will be available from 1st July until 4th August and are restricted to 10 people per tour.

Expedition Tours

Holiday Cottages

Afternoon Tea

You can make your visit to Balmoral extra special by including a delicious afternoon tea. Relax in our recently renovated restaurant and savour a selection of delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes. We offer classic, vegetarian or gluten free versions and on the day you can choose to upgrade to the sparkling option, if you wish.

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The Royal Family

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Virtual Tour of Queen Victoria’s Osborne House Europe Art Local Interviews Armchair Travel Virtual Tours Virtual Tour of Queen Victoria’s Osborne House Armchair Travel , Art , Europe , Local Interviews , Virtual Tours Virtual Tour of Queen Victoria’s Osborne House

• December 14, 2022

Osborne House tells the story of love, dedication and resilience from the perspective of Britain’s second-longest-reigning monarch. Located on the Isle of Wight, about 90 miles southeast of London, Osborne House was built by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and used as a private family retreat from court life. Since its creation between 1845 and 1851, this richly decorated seaside estate remains largely intact, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the royal couple’s personal lives, interests and art collection. From the children’s nursery to the bedroom where Queen Victoria died in 1901, each room shares a bit of Britain’s royal past. Uncover the secrets on a virtual tour of Queen Victoria’s Osborne House with help from Michael Hunter, curator at English Heritage .

What do you think attracted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the Isle of Wight?

The quiet and privacy of the Isle of Wight attracted Victoria and Albert. It was away from the official worries and cares of state that they had to deal with in London or Windsor. It was another world, somewhere apart. The development of the railways in the mid-nineteenth century meant that they could get to the island from London in about 4 hours. The use of their own private train and yacht did help to shorten the journey time … no boarding a public ferry for them!

Detail of Portrait of Queen Victoria on Papier Mâché Face Screen, 1840. Courtesy of Birmingham Museums Trust.

What makes Osborne House unique compared to other royal residences in the UK?

Osborne is unique as a royal residence because it was created from scratch by Victoria and Albert. It was the first home they made together, when they were both in their mid-twenties, already with a young, growing family. Victoria and Albert spent around 4 months a year at Osborne and it is a monument to their love, taste as collectors and a vibrant insight into their lives.

Courtesy of English Heritage

Can you describe Osborne House and its size?

Osborne was designed by Prince Albert and built by Thomas Cubitt. It is in the Italianate style and with its terraced, formal gardens, it takes advantage of a spectacular setting, overlooking the Solent. It has around 250 rooms and has four distinct, though connected, parts; the Pavilion in which Victoria and Albert had their own rooms; the Household Wing used by the member of the royal household who travelled with Victoria and Albert; the Main Wing where the royal children had their rooms; and the Durbar Wing which was a late addition to the house which was built to provide a large entertaining space. The outside of the house has two distinct towers, very much as one would see in any old public square in Italy, one for the clock and one for flying the royal standard. The Osborne estate was around 2,500 acres – it is now around 600 acres after parts of the estate were sold after Victoria’s death.

How much time did Queen Victoria and her family spend at Osborne House?

Queen Victoria and her family spent around 4 months of each year at Osborne. They always celebrated their birthdays at Osborne and after Prince Albert’s death in 1861, Victoria always went to Osborne for Christmas.

Can you describe design trends that influenced the style and evolution of Osborne House?

The Italianate style of architecture – a style inspired by the architecture of the classical world – was popular in the mid-nineteenth century and this was Albert’s choice.

Can you describe a few major changes made to Osborne House during Queen Victoria’s lifetime?

The most noticeable change was the addition of the Durbar Wing in the 1890s. This was built to provide Queen Victoria with a large dining/entertaining space as well as an apartment for her daughter Princess Beatrice, her husband and children. The size of the estate and the number of buildings (farm buildings, servants’ cottages, etc.) increased during Victoria’s time.

What is your favorite room at Osborne House? And, why?

My favourite room is the Queen’s Sitting Room with its floor to ceiling windows that open out onto a balcony where there are spectacular views across the terraced gardens, down to the private beach and over the Solent towards Portsmouth. It is quite a thought that in this modest room Queen Victoria and her ministers controlled a mighty empire.

How did Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children prefer to pass the time at Osborne House?

The royal family preferred to spend as much of their time out of doors in the fresh air. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert swam off their private beach (Queen Victoria using her bathing machine which can still be seen on the beach today) and all their children were taught to swim in a large floating bath that Prince Albert designed. They walked and rode a lot around the estate and went on excursions on the water around the island on their yachts. Queen Victoria did a lot of painting in watercolours in the gardens and around Osborne, many of which are still in the Royal Collection.

What is your favorite piece of artwork on display at Osborne House? And, why?

My favourite art work is a life-size marble statue by J. Edgar Boehm of “Noble”, one of Queen Victoria’s favourite collie dogs. The sculpture was done when the dog was 14 years old and it sits in the Grand Corridor alongside many sculptures in the classical style. The fact that it is so prominently displayed shows Victoria’s great love of her pets. She commissioned many images of them, just as many in fact as she did of her family. A bronze cast of the marble sculpture at Osborne was put over Noble’s grave at Balmoral, Victoria’s home in Scotland.

Are there any items on display that offer clues about the royal couple’s relationship and/or parenting style?

By all accounts Victoria and Albert had a passionate relationship and many of the artworks at Osborne have an erotic charge. For example, the large painting by France Xaver Winterhalter that Victoria gave Albert as a birthday present one year shows an abundance of naked female flesh … and it hangs directly opposite their writing desks in Victoria’s sitting room. The bronze statue of Andromeda that stands in the middle of a fountain in the garden shows a beautiful young girl, in a very sensual pose, chained to a rock waiting to be rescued by Perseus. The statue was bought by Victoria and Albert at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and placed at Osborne soon afterward. Queen Victoria has a bad reputation as a mother but the fact that the nurseries at Osborne are immediately above her own rooms indicates that she wanted to have the children close by rather than pushed off into a completely separate part of the house. Although the children were in the care of staff nevertheless she and Prince Albert were able to see as much of their children when at Osborne as possible.

What might surprise visitors about Osborne House?

Visitors might be surprised by the intimate, family feeling that Osborne still has. The rooms are comparatively modest by royal standards. Unlike other residences associated with Victoria and Albert that are open, Osborne is the one that gives an intimate glimpse into their lives.

Have there been any recent updates to the visitor experience at Osborne House?

The most recent major addition to the visitor experience was the opening a few years ago of the private beach. There is also a recent exhibition about Victoria and Albert’s birthdays at Osborne and the gifts they gave to each other, many of which can be seen in the house.

Visitor Information Click here for more information.

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