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Going on a cruise has never massively appealed to me, but I might have changed my mind after a trip on board Cunard's Queen Anne. I was lucky enough to be taken around Cunard's
newest ship as she was berthed in Liverpool this week to mark an important anniversary for the cruise line. The ship made her way into Liverpool later than expected on Monday. Inclement
weather meant her midday arrival was delayed to after 5pm as she arrived on the waterfront just before Liverpool FC's open-top bus Premier League parade drove down The Strand. Queen
Anne, which was dedicated to Liverpool at her naming ceremony on the banks of the Mersey last year, returned to the city on a cruise of the British Isles. Her latest visit also marked the
start of celebrations across the Cunard fleet to mark this year’s 185th anniversary of the line's first transatlantic crossing, which left Liverpool in 1840. Those celebrations were
largely postponed due to a major incident on Water Street on Monday night. A total of 79 pedestrians, ranging from four children aged as young as nine to a 78-year-old casualty, were injured
after being struck by a Ford Galaxy on the city centre street shortly after 6pm, with 50 requiring hospital treatment. A moment of reflection was held on board the ship on Tuesday as
Princess Anne, who had earlier been given a tour of the newest ship in the luxury line's fleet, stood next to Cunard president Katie McAlister and Liverpool City Council chief executive
Andrew Lewis as they gave speeches offering their support for those affected by the incident. Ms McAlister said: "Today was intended to be a moment of celebration for Cunard's
185th anniversary, but instead it's really a moment of solidarity with the city after the events of last night. Our thoughts, of course, are with all of those affected and the entire
community at this time." Later on Tuesday, the ECHO was given an exclusive tour of Queen Anne before she departed the city at 11.45pm. It was an intriguing chance to look at life on
board the opulent liner. As I walked down from our Old Hall Street office towards the Mersey, the first thing that I noticed was the sheer size of the ship. She is 322.5 metres long (around
three football pitches) and towers 64 metres above the water. She looked very much in place next to the Three Graces. Once I made myself on board, I found myself in a labyrinth of art deco
luxury as I was given a look around the many amenities available to passengers. There is so much on board - it is a lot more than just a floating hotel. I was taken around the many swimming
pools - the Pavilion looked like a great place to lose an afternoon, but I was particularly taken by the Panorama Pool Club on the top deck. With a bar next to the pool and plenty of sun
loungers, it looked amazing if it wasn't a drizzly Mersey Tuesday afternoon. If I were on a cruise in warmer climes with the shining down, I'm not sure I'd ever leave the pool
club. It made me want to book a trip as soon as possible. But, for me, one of the cornerstones of any holiday is food and drink. Fortunately, Queen Anne is not found wanting in that
department. She has a total of 15 dining options and I was taken to two of the main restaurants - Britannia and Britannia Club. Both had a real sense of roaring '20s glamour to them and
would make for a very pleasant way to start the evening. We also stopped at Tramonto, one of the many alternative restaurants, which would be the ideal spot for lunch as you breeze through
the Mediterranean. But later on the tour I found what I think would become my natural homes if I were on a Cunard cruise during a rainy British summer. I'd be more than happy enjoying a
few drinks at the inviting on-board pub The Golden Lion or living out my James Bond dreams at the casino and its accompanying 1840 bar. The pub felt as authentic as such a venue could and I
was very tempted by a pint of Cunard Gold while I was there. I could also very easily picture myself at the 1840 bar, trying my best not to look like a fool with a martini before putting my
poker face to the test. The tour around the ship also took in the huge Royal Court theatre and the grand atriums - both of which truly hammer home the scale of the ship. It is quite the
vessel. I've never been that tempted by a cruise but the luxury of Queen Anne's stylings, combined with the endless restaurants and bars on board could convince me. I don't
think a week spent among the many trappings of a Cunard ship wouldn't get boring. The tour concluded with a stop at the wellness and beauty areas. They also looked perfectly nice, if
that's your sort of thing. But it isn't really mine. So if I ever sail to the Caribbean on a Cunard, you'll find me at the pool club before chancing my arm at the roulette
table.