A wonderful way to cross the Atlantic

This was our first crossing on QM2. We were curious about the experience, as we travel to Europe once or twice a year, and DH does not really enjoy air travel. We booked a wheelchair-accessible Princess Grill Suite (book early, as there are precious few of them). From the moment we arrived at the port in Brooklyn, we were assisted with our suitcases, helped with check-in, and escorted onto the ship by a gentleman who pushed my wheelchair while DH pulled his carry-on. We were in our cabin (which was ready) and meeting our cabin steward in no time. Then it was off to the Princess Grill for lunch. We were taken to our table, which became our table for the rest of the voyage. That first lunch was a delicious affair, and the staff at PG were kind and attentive throughout. It set the tone for what we were to expect at every meal we had at PG: excellent food, beautifully presented by attentive staff. Our cabin, a PG suite (a junior suite) was comfortable and traditionally appointed (no bling, just traditionalized and blue decor) with a King-sized bed, a desk, a coffee table and love seat, a large closet (not walk-in), a large balcony, and a large, accessible bathroom. It was cleaned each morning with turndown service each evening. One of the unique perks of the suite was bespoke stationery, and I have to say I love this. Aside from meals in PG, we also had afternoon tea a few times, which was pretty good. I had my hair done at the spa (it's a long crossing) and found their services to be consistently good. There is a huge library to be explored, interesting lectures on a variety of topics each day, even art classes. You will not find yourself bored During your crossing. And the service is, to use the Goldilocks term, just right. Staff members are available, not intrusive. Disembarkation in Hamburg was easy (though not painless -- we knew we would miss QM2!). Those of us needing assistance were asked to meet in a certain area of the ship. We were taken off the ship, then met by Hamburg port staff who helped us with luggage, etc. All in all, a wonderful way to get to/from Europe, and we have already booked our next passage.

Once in a lifetime and everything I dreamed

I've been lurking for a little while, seeing the good and bad, and I thought I'd share my experience (which I realise is not the experience of everyone). My friends very generously paid for me to do the transatlantic crossing on QM2 to New York, spend some time in America, and then do the return transatlantic a few weeks later. I am intensely grateful to this, as I could never have even slightly afforded this sort of holiday (or any sort of holiday, I'm 38 and haven't been away before this since I was a teenager on family holidays). Even for how 'affordable', relatively speaking, cruising could be, it's still something far out of my price range. I had no idea what to really expect, never having been on a cruise before and never having even really heard of Cunard before everything was booked. Let me tell you now, it was the most magical experience of my life, and I will always remember and cherish it. I felt like some kind of secret royalty sitting at such a beautiful restaurant with white linens and amazing food, with other lovely people dressed in smart clothes. The food was divine! I tried so many things new to me (and quite a lot I had no idea what I was ordering before it came, due to an unfamiliar name), and devoured it all. The presentation was gorgeous, the staff amazing, and the atmosphere wonderful. The décor on the ship made me feel like I ought to tiptoe around in case I spoiled how beautiful it was, and I can't even explain how lovely all the live musicians were. I had no idea the pool wasn't heated until I jumped in and got a lovely cold surprise, but what a stunning place to swim! The promenade deck, the outside spaces, all so gorgeous. My cabin was a basic inside, and it was perfect. I got a little giddy every time I came back from the evening activities and found it all turned down with chocolates and the next programme! I am a rabid quiz enthusiast, and I cannot even explain how delightful it was to find teammates and pit our wits for stickers in the Carinthia. I was even talked into karaoke one night by a pair of older ladies I met (I was dreadful and fled the room immediately afterwards)! I walked through the ship all the time with a beaming smile, saying hello to everyone (apologies if I annoyed anyone). I'll never be able to do something like that again. I'm on the poverty line and my budget for days out is more a free picnic in the local park, than a world-renowned cruise. But I'll remember every single moment for the rest of my life. And if I ever win the lottery, you better believe I'll be right back on board that gorgeous ship. Maybe things have declined recently as some people have said, I have nothing to compare it to as I've never done it before, but for me it was everything magical. I wish you all such happiness in your time aboard, whether you're a first and only timer like me, or someone doing their thousandth cruise.

Super staff and sailing fun

Hello! I have also just returned from my first Cunard cruise and totally enjoyed my time aboard the Queen Mary to Norway from Southampton and back. The Queen Mary is an elegant ocean liner, sophisticated and opulent. The cabin was spacious with amazing facilities and luxurious bathroom toiletries. We opted for a sheltered balcony on deck 5 which was fantastic. The staff truly are amazing and go above and beyond. So many to mention from the room stewards to the waiters and waitresses. Everybody worked so hard to make the cruise such an enjoyable experience. The service was fantastic. We are in the Britannia restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Trying to recall the female Head Waitress at the Britannia restaurant - it began with an A... any help gratefully received... thank you in advance :-) If you are on the next cruise, perhaps you’ll know? Wishing all those on board an amazing experience with memories to treasure.

The only ocean liner

As an American, nothing fully prepares you; life onboard is very different. Fellow passengers are mostly older, well-dressed, and very polite and considerate. No foul language at all, no yelling, no behavior or provocative dress that you would wish you could un-see. Ballroom dancing is a major draw, couples who dance gracefully, stunning gowns, with only one who resembled a sausage bursting out of a much too short casing. Surprises: Boarding took 1 1/2 hours. Dining room options are very old-school continental, Galantine and Ballotine and many other culinary terms to learn about. Flavors are not overpowering, wine helped. The North Atlantic is a very cold place to be in March, icicles formed. The cabin creaked constantly, affecting sleep till I got used to it. The ship rolled a lot. Disco Inferno in the nightclub was random pop music, not even close to being an inferno. There was a volunteer passenger choir that rehearsed all week and sounded fantastic. Disembarkation isn't too early, you can have a proper, relaxed breakfast. There is tea-making paraphernalia in your cabin, storing it in the closet top shelf freed up counter space. Room service breakfast is complimentary, your morning coffee magically appears. In closing, if your ancestors came across for a free and better life, or if your great-grandparents ever travelled abroad before air travel, here's the closest thing. Service was outstanding and I felt very pampered.