Review of Transatlantic Voyage aboard RMS Queen Mary 2 May 2005

My wife and I have previously cruised with HAL (Maasdam,Veendam & Prinsendam,) Celebrity (Mercury), Radisson Seven Seas (Seven Seas Voyager) and Cunard (QE2). In May 2004, following a trip to America, we decided to take the easy way home aboard the QM2.

Embarkation. We drove from Washington DC to New York as Amtrak refused to accept our large case. Luckily we had been warned about their policy and upon checking in Washington, they refused the case but gave us a full refund. Hertz to the rescue! It took about 4 hours to drive to New York and stress levels were high by the time we reached the pier. The pier was dirty and unwelcoming and the atmosphere, as at most embarkations was one of disorganisation. There were a large number of badly dressed Cunard personnel directing operations and we were processed fairly quickly by the dour check in staff. We had upgraded our booking and Cunard had not issued tickets for the new cabin so there was confusion, albeit quickly resolved. It took about 20 minutes from arrival at the pier until embarkation. Read more