SISTERS NOT TWINS: Which Ship is Best? Cunard's Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth Compared!
November 17, 2025
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They look almost identical on the outside, sharing the same Vista-class heritage, but when you step inside Cunard's Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, the differences are profound.
I’m Chris Frame, the maritime historian, and in this video, we look at five key differences that make these two majestic queens unique, from the moment you step into the Grand Lobby right up to the Sports Deck.
Design Showdown: Victorian Dark Woods vs. Art Deco Light Palettes
The Crown: Open-air Sports Deck vs. Shaded Croquet Lawn
Dining Style: Why the Britannia Restaurants feel completely different
Subtle Identifier: How to tell the ships apart just by looking at the bridge windows
Which Cunard Queen is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
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Images of QV at sea: The Ship's Photographer - Cunard Line
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Cunard Queen Victoria Facts
Queen Victoria was the first purpose-built cruise ship for Cunard since the Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess entered service in the 1970s. Queen Victoria is based on the Vista-Class design; however alterations were made to the ship that led to her being larger than many of the existing Vista-Class ships. Here are her general statistics and other technical information.
Queen Victoria Facts & Information:
Name: Queen Victoria.
Gross Tonnage: 90,000 GT.
Length: 964.5 feet / 294 metres.
Beam: 106 feet / 32.3 metres.
Draft: 25.9 feet / 7.9 metres.
Height: 179 feet / 54.5 metres.
Passengers: 2,014.
Number of Decks: 12.
Staterooms: 1,007.
Keel Laid: May 12, 2006.
Floated Out: January 2007.
Entered Service: December 2007.
Port of Registry: Hamilton (2011 – ) Southampton (2007 – 2011).
Callsign: ZCEF3 (2011 – ) GBQV (2007 – 2011).
Building Cost: €390 million.
Builder: Fincantieri.
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Facts & Information:
Since her introduction into Cunard service in 2010, Queen Elizabeth has become a popular member of the Cunard fleet. Here are her general statistics to help give you an idea of the ship’s size and characteristics.
QE General Statistics:
Name: Queen Elizabeth.
Gross Tonnage: 90,400 GT.
Length: 965 feet / 294 metres.
Beam: 106 feet / 32.3 metres.
Draft: 26 feet / 8 metres.
Passenger Cabins: 1046.
Passengers: 2,092.
Number of Decks: 12.
Space Ratio: 43.
Entered Service: October 2010.
Registered Port: Hamilton (2011 – ) Southampton (2010 – 2011).
Callsign: ZCEF2 (2011 -) GBTT (2010 – 2011).
Building Cost: €390 million.
Builder: Fincantieri.
Tags: #Cunard #QueenVictoria #QueenElizabeth #QM2 #QE2 #Cunardline #cruisenews #cruiseship