My First Greek Island Cruise: What Nobody Tells You About Queen Victoria

I booked my first cruise on the Queen Victoria almost on a whim. My best friend Sarah had been raving about Cunard for years, showing me photos of elegant dining rooms and white-glove service, and I finally decided to stop making excuses and actually do it. When I saw the 10-day Greek islands itinerary, something just clicked. I'd always dreamed of seeing Santorini and Mykonos, and here was a way to do it without the stress of ferrying between hotels. Seemed simple enough. Spoiler alert: it was anything but what I expected, and I mean that in the absolute best way. The first thing that hits you when you board the Queen Victoria is the sense of arriving at a floating palace. I'm not exaggerating—the atrium soars multiple decks above you, with a grand staircase that makes you feel like you're in a period drama. My cabin steward, Miguel, met me with a genuine smile and actually seemed happy to help me navigate my suite. I had upgraded slightly for this trip, and my cabin was small but perfectly appointed, with porthole windows that I'd open obsessively throughout the voyage just to breathe in that salt air. The Queen Victoria feels intimate compared to the mega-ships I'd read about o…