We just completed our first transatlantic cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2. We selected the Queens Grill. We were Q5. We can’t imagine going any other way in the future. We think we would rather save up and go once in QG rather than go twice in Britannia.

Due to a major northeaster storm and the coldest temperatures experienced in years, the boarding process was delayed and disorganized. A surprise health inspection by the USDA that delayed embarkation didn’t help matters either. Much of the responsibility for the disorganization belongs to the New York Port Authorities and not Cunard Line. The QM2 came into the port hours early ahead of the worst of the storm and was in position to accept us. However, the customs authorities and port officials were battling with horrible weather conditions and were delaying disembarkation. This sequence delayed boarding by quite a few hours, caused a huge traffic jam and we were all held in the boarding facility for a number of hours. Rather than departing at 5 in the afternoon as planned, sailing was delayed until midnight in order to accommodate late arriving passengers. The Commodore was forced by regulations to perform muster drills late into the night. I know many passengers were disturbed by the late night activity. But, it couldn’t be helped. We went to bed and missed going under the Verrazano Bridge.

The crossing was generally calm with only one bad day. Some days the sun was shining and everyone was walking the promenade getting exercise. Read more