A transatlantic voyage has been sold to us all on the basis that it is a grand experience. Well, on the QM2, it is and it isn't. Boarding at New York is something of a let down. I expected something more than what is effectively a large shed with a slab of concrete next to it. Where were all the waving crowds and streamers we've all seen? My partner was in her wheelchair, and access is not easy. The ramps have raised joined plates and little lip to aid getting over. Granted, we had not paid full tilt and thus we were assigned a stateroom on Deck 4 and midships. Now here is the first thing Cunard don't mention. The vibration midships is horrendous. My partner suffers from MS. If Cunard are going to send out medical questionnaires, I fully expect them to have an understanding of the condition upon reply. Thus, in my partner's case, the lesions on the brain associated with MS were nicely being vibrated against her skull, triggering an episode there and then. To their credit, the Pursers office (not for the only time on the trip, kudos to them) sorted the situation as fast as possible and moved us up a deck and forward. So my advice is try and get a forward cabin. At least that way, your teeth will stay in your head.

Dining. The Britannia Grill. God help you if you are, like me, a non-meat eater. I phrase it that way as I am not fond of vegetables, so if you want a vegetarian option that does not include rabbit food or lasagne, be prepared to go hungry. Also be prepared for a table than can be vibrating heavily underfoot turning your stomach into a blender and snotty waiters getting upset that you don't wish to eat from the menu. Again, to the credit of the maitre'd, he was superb in trying to sort our table problem, but the whole experience meant we gave up eating there and opted for the Kings Court instead.

Now, again, this is a problem if you are a vegetarian. Yes, you can get pizza. Yes, you can get salad. Yes, you can usually get some sort of potato product. But that is not what you came on board the QM2 for. There were days when I existed on bread rolls and nuts as the choice was meat, meat, and more meat. Something simple like a hot cheese and onion pie would have sufficed. The Kings Court needs to put on a simple vegetarian option alongside other food. On the plus side, once warned, you can take your fill at breakfast of hash browns, toast, beans and suchlike. Read more