This post is sponsored by CubicFun.

While not technically a jigsaw puzzle, Queen Anne’s Revenge (Blackbeard’s ship) is a 3D puzzle/model. It was unbelievably challenging for me (being new to this type of puzzling), but I’m super proud that hubby and I were able to complete it together, and my son is thrilled that he’s going to be able to keep it in his room. It was fun, sometimes frustrating, but completely worth it – it’s GORGEOUS!

CubicFun contacted me asking if I’d be interested in reviewing one of their 3D puzzles, and I was more than happy to give it a try. I love all things “puzzle”! I’ve completed puzzle balls, but this would be my first 3D puzzle that wasn’t an orb. I probably should have chosen one that was a little easier on the difficulty scale, like a building, skyline, or even one of their smaller ships; but the pirate ship just spoke to me when I saw it. It’s the one that looked like the most fun to me – good thing it was! They have many 3D puzzles in their catalog, from very easy to very complex. Click the link above to see their store at Amazon and all the puzzles they carry. (CubicFun is a Chinese company specializing in 3D puzzles)

Since this puzzle has only 340 pieces, I assumed it would be no problem at all to assemble it – I was very wrong. Apparently the puzzle I chose was an 8 on the complexity scale. Oh my. My frustrations with this puzzle had nothing to do with it’s quality, only with my brain and my ability to understand and process the instructions (new meds had me feeling fuzzy and unable to think until I got used to the side effects). The quality of the pieces is excellent, most especially the quality of the sails; they’re some sort paper, but softer and much sturdier. The pieces themselves are made of EPS foam board (no tools are required) , and are much stronger than I thought they would be. From my novice standpoint, the quality is excellent.

Hubby suggested that the tabs be a bit longer (in places where it wouldn’t affect the aesthetics), and my suggestion is to be a little more clear about the order of the assembly. Of course, I am new to models and their instructions and chose one of much higher difficulty; perhaps if I’d assembled more of them and was more up to the task it wouldn’t have been so frustrating for me.

This ship is one of their LED enhanced puzzles; it’s beautiful in the light and breathtaking in the dark! I kept turning the lights on and off once I finished to take in the effect – I’m so in love with this ship and so proud that I got it done! (with a little help from the hubby) It’s harder to capture the effect well in a picture, but I did my best…

The little details are amazing, with even the smallest pieces being accurate; the decorative accents make for a lovely finished image. Check out the front and back of the ship…

It also comes with a stand and nameplate that you build for it, they both make it seem even more beautiful and authentic in my opinion…

And what self-respecting pirate ship would be complete without a Jolly Roger? It’s one of my favorite parts of this puzzle/model. There are also lighted stairs, cannons in each of the gun ports on the sides, and even a tiny little bench near the helm for weary pirates to rest their tired feet when they’re steering the ship!

The puzzle also came with a gift of a small 3D puzzle of the Empire State Building. Look for that post in the next couple of weeks!

This puzzle was complex, interesting, frustrating, and engaging; and I couldn’t be happier with the results. If you’re a fan of models or 3D puzzles, and you’re a little more experienced with them than I am and think you’re up to the challenge – Queen Anne’s Revenge is definitely recommended.

Are ye brave enough? Arrr! ☠💀☠

Details:

• Title:                  Queen Anne’s Revenge (Blackbeard’s Ship)
• Artist:                N/A
• Brand:               CubicFun
• Piece count:     340 pieces
• Size:                  Approx. 27 x 25 in. (68 x 64 cm)
• Purchased:      N/A, sent for review

Quality:

• Board:               Excellent
• Cutting:             Excellent, easy to detach without breaking or bending
• Image:               Excellent
• Box:                   Very good, quite sturdy
• Fit:                     Very good
• Puzzle Dust:     N/A
• Piece cut:          N/A
• Piece shapes:   N/A
• Finish:               N/A

Overall Rating:      Excellent, highly recommended

I received this product at no cost in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are truthful and 100% my own.