We have just returned from a 6 day cruise to the Norway Fiords aboard the QM2 and found the experience to be totally outstanding. The main difference to this cruise, as to others we have been on such as the Oriana and CostaAtlantica, is that the QM2 is an ocean liner, with its attendant style and ethos, whereas the latter ships are purely cruise ships.
We arrived at Southampton at the prescribed time and our luggage was taken from us. We went through a really efficient boarding procedure and were on board within ten minutes and to our amazement found our luggage already in our suite.
We were booked in Queens Grill accommodation and went immediately for lunch, which was the first of a number of truly wonderful dining experiences. One could choose from the table d'hote or a la carte menu - the latter featuring caviar, smoked salmon, escargot, dover sole, chateaubriand etc - the former featuring an excellent choice of starters, entrees and desserts. The wine list was extensive and reasonable - at the first lunch I chose a 2003 Muscadet sur lie to accompany my smoked salmon and dover sole and this was 20 dollars for the bottle. The waiters and sommeliers were outstanding and truly professional throughout the cruise.