I Love This Ship!

This was my first Cunard cruise. I've previously sailed on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Holland America and Azamara. Last year, we sent our two daughters on this Independence Day cruise, and they enjoyed the Cunard experience so much, they wanted to come back this year with me and my husband. After taking this cruise, it would be difficult to go on a Royal Caribbean ship again. The QM2 is all class and elegance! There are no towel animals, no hairy chest competition, no singing and dancing waiters. This is chocolates on your pillow at night, bathrobes and slippers in your closet, fascinating lectures, a harpist or a string quartet playing in the bars, ballroom dancing, formal nights, and napkins with silverware waiting for you at your table at the buffet! However, despite the upscale vibe, there is something for everyone. We enjoyed dancing to the party band Clique every night and listening to the great DJ at the G32 disco. The ship itself is a destination; just walking on the decks and sitting on a wooden deck chair watching the sea and the fog was a pleasure. The ship is like a museum, filled with "exhibits" relating to the Cunard Line's rich history. Embarkation was easy. We took the NYC Ferry from Wall St. to Red Hook, and the ship is a short walk away. We saw other passengers doing this, too. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal was not well air conditioned the day we boarded. They also make you fill out a customs form while standing in line. Also, even though we provided photos for our online check-in, they had no record of them and we had to have our pictures taken at the terminal. Our oceanview cabin on Deck 5 was small but comfortable, with ample storage and cozy bed linens. This ship offers turn down service in the evening -- something you don't get on other lines. Dining in the Britannia Restaurant was an elegant experience. Our waiters, Luis and Reggie, took very good care of us. The food was delicious and portion sizes were perfect. The desserts were incredible! We also enjoyed a very tasty pub lunch in the Golden Lion. The buffet? I found it confusing, being that there are two buffet areas. I also thought that the buffet selection was smaller than on other ships. In addition, it was sometimes difficult to get a worker to clean and turn over the table-- but the best thing about the buffet was free sushi! The bars serve delicious and creative cocktails. The well-stocked library is not to be missed! Also, remember to make a trip to see the captain and his staff on the bridge. There is a window you can look through to see everything and Captain Hashmi will give you a wave! The entertainment was excellent. We saw 3 specialty acts -- Elenka Cello (she played the electric cello), a Carole King tribute group called You've Got a Friend, and comedian/musician Tom Franek. But the two production shows featuring the singers and dancers were among the best I've ever seen! These performers are incredibly talented and their shows are not to be missed! Our entertainment director, Amanda Reid, was just lovely and welcoming. Because this was a special 4th of July cruise, we were treated to a deck party in Boston where we could view the fireworks. They had loads of American food favorites and a huge screen on which they showed the Boston Pops concert. The QM2's "White Star Service" is first class! However, as on other cruise lines, it's a little harder to break the ice and get to know the crew members better (maybe because we are chatty Americans?). But by the end of the cruise, we got to know everyone better, and we left as friends. Disembarkation was super-easy. We got off the ship and easily found our color-coded luggage. Final thoughts: I've read comments from previous Cunard cruisers who complain that the QM2 is not what she used to be. I am enthralled by this ship, its beauty, its history and its service ... and I can't wait to return!

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.