Queen Mary 2 (QM2) Review
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I booked back-to-back transatlantic voyages, leaving on the Queen Mary 2 from Brooklyn on January 3 and returning to New York on the Queen Elizabeth on January 10, the day of my arrival in Southampton. The first half of my trip was great, but I chalk that up to a great table in the evening, late seating. We closed the Britannia most evenings. The staff was very tolerant and we were never once asked to leave. The crossing was quite rough both coming and going, but very noticeable on the Queen Elizabeth, while tolerable on the Queen Mary. I wouldn't again cross the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth in the winter but I hope to repeat my trip on the Queen Mary 2 next January. For women, probably best to leave those very high heels at home, at least in winter crossings.
Cabins: Balcony cabinets on both trips were very similar, although the bathroom on the Queen Elizabeth is a bit smaller than on the QM2. I had no problems with either--it is a ship after all. Beds were extremely comfortable and surprisingly for me, I slept better than I do at home and with no hip pain when I woke in the morning. Again, the cabin size was adequate for one and would be for two as well. Plenty of closet space. I did have an unpleasant smell in the QE2 bathroom for a few days, about which I did not complain. Still it was unpleasant.
I had two unpleasant events on the Queen Mary 2: (1) was charged for a bottle of wine that I had not ordered. I did get it straightened out, but found it uncomfortable having to protest a charge. I couldn't find the wine steward my last night to give him his tip and considering the overcharge not too concerned about not finding him. (2) was also charged for drinks from the refrigerator on the Mary (I don't drink water or soda and removed nothing from the refrigerator--actually left a can of seltzer that I brought with me from New York), which charge was also amended in my favor but it took almost a week. I would suggest that you check what is in the refrigerator at the beginning of your trip with your steward to be sure there are no misunderstandings later.
Cabin Review
One complaint. I received a notice in my mailbox that the balcony would be scraped and painted in December and since it was January I paid no mind. Walked into my cabin the next day and found men painting my balcony. The smell permeated the room for a full day. But aside from this complaint, I liked the room. I was by myself but I'm quite sure it would have been adequate for two people. Lots of closet space. Sheltered balcony, which is great in the winter. Perhaps in summer, or better weather, it would be less desirable.