My wife and I have sailed on Cunard before, the QE2, as well as several other lines. The "Splendours of the Fall," cruise met our expectations. The embarkation went smoothly, as did the disembarkation when we returned to New York. One problem during disembarkation was that passengers did not follow the rules, namely the color of their luggage tags determined the time for their disembarkation. It was the passengers themselves that caused what delays there were for others.
The service from beginning to end was excellent, far better than Holland America, for example. We live in Connecticut, and have seen shows in New York frequently, and were pleased with the quality of the entertainment on the QM2. We attended the entertainment in the Royal Court Theater every night, and there were waiters throughout the auditorium for anyone who wanted a drink. The lectures were excellent, and the selections of topics were superb, typical of an English intellectual experience. We have lived in London, and visit there frequently. Our table for eight included a psychiatrist and his wife, a couple from New Mexico, and two from England. We enjoyed their company, and made friends.
We were not impressed with the food in the King's Court, but it is for quick meals, not a place for elaborate dining. The Chart Room combo, the Mark Hodgson Trio, were technically skilled, and as fine a combo as you will find anywhere. They were joined by Doug Cameron, the fantastic violinist, and the place rocked. We do not buy tours, but make arrangements ourselves when we cruise. Cunard offered a variety, but St. John and Portland were all but fogged in.