All of the enthusiasm for this ship amuses me.
When she and her sister came into service it was widely reported that these would be the last cruise ships ever to be built. Then there were those who lamented that what a pity it was that these would be the final cruise ships, these cheap-looking flimsy vessels, not worthy of carrying the colours of Cunard Line.
It was said the walls were so thin between each cabin that if you slammed your dresser drawers shut the drawers in the next door cabin would fly open. Or, you could hear the person next door brushing her hair.
Yes, now this ship looks almost elegant, well she would if you compare her against the likes of Ventura et al, it's all relative isn't it? But believe me when she and her sister entered service, with her hideous black, pink and purple décor, they were not looked apon fondly. It was remarkable that they managed to acquire quite a following during their days under the Cunard flag (though if you worked for Trafalgar House, the owners of Cunard, you could get a hugely discounted cruise on either ship.) My partner worked for the company at the time but we looked down our noses at both Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess. I don't regret that but I'm pleased to see that despite it all the former Cunard Princess defied all her critics (me included) and sails on. Long may she do so.

There certainly was a shipshapelyness to these classics as opposed to the modern megaboxes, howevever they had none of the amenities that todays cruise passenger demands! mrdot.