This 21-day New York  Norway  New York voyage was my fifth on the Queen Mary 2. The elegant ocean liner experience is a high priority for me and I had voluminously posted my opinions regarding the new ''loosened up'' dress code in the Cunard forum. My previous reviews had gushed so many superlatives that CC members there regarded me as a ''Cunard Cheerleader''. Well, there was good and bad with the bad being a huge disappointment that kept me from booking another voyage on board. (This review will also explain why my ratings for this voyage are so skewed.)

First the good. We had a special sail away that took us up and close to the Statue of Liberty as it was the liner's 200th Atlantic Crossing. The Catholic Chaplaincy has also been restored on QM2. (Chaplains also serve the crew who can be away from home up to nine months at a time.) My Princess Grill stateroom was mid ship, very comfortable and had plenty of storage space. Insights Speakers, except for one shameless and boring self-promoter, were good to excellent.

I dined in the PG where the service was excellent especially when our table was served by Andrea. I had requested a table for six and was seated with one other solo and two couples. Stanley Williams is a very attentive Ma'tre D'who spends a lot of time supervising his restaurant. (I've seen other Ma'tre D's just sit at their kiosk.) Food was also excellent and going off menu was no problem provided the request was made by lunch time. A table mate requested an American breakfast regional specialty and the staff found an online recipe and prepared it. There were only two so-so meals where the meat was dry or tough. Read more