This was our first time on any Cunard ship, and it did not disappoint. My review is likely aimed more at those who have never sailed Cunard, for you experienced ones out there probably know everything I am going to write! My husband (65) and I (62) are avid cruisers and active travelers. We drove from Maryland to the port, dropping $46 in tolls going and $22 returning! Parking is available at the pier: $23/first day, $20/day after that. I explored other options. Flying and the train would have cost more, the closest hotel would not allow us to keep our car there, and a rental car (one way) was exorbitant with drop-off fees. The positive of having our car there? No waiting for a taxi or spending 2-3 hours at the airport.
The QM2 is a gorgeous ship, beautifully decorated with fresh flowers everywhere and the largest dance floor (I am told) on the seas. It needs to be because it is the only dancing venue. The service everywhere was impeccable. Our ocean-view room, 6047, was the largest we’ve ever had and included a couch, table, chair, and still plenty of room to walk. While the room has plenty of storage, we wished for hooks on the wall for coats or robes. The bedding was nice, bed was comfortable, and the pillows were great. If you want a sheet in addition to the duvet, I am sure that is possible. I meant to request one and then never did. Our room and hallway were very quiet; we honestly never even heard the adjoining room’s toilet! While many of these boards have complained about the champagne, I was impressed with the (small) bottle iced and waiting for us in our room. Even little things already started to add up, making Cunard a step above. We’ve had robes on other cruise lines, but these are much thicker, and we had slippers as well. Towels are thicker, and the shower not only has a liner but a cloth curtain, too. The toiletries are of noticeable quality. Cotton balls and Q-tips were provided. Instead of asking for a newspaper at the front desk, it was delivered to every room each evening.
If you enjoy evening entertainment, get to the theater early, for seats filled up 45 minutes early, and posts obstruct many views. The entertainment was varied, but shows here were not much different from other cruise lines: the expected singer/dancer shows (average quality), a comedian (hilarious), and various musical artists. The latter were quite talented, especially the Opera Boys, probably the best singing act we’ve seen on any ship. Some shows were out of the normal cruise offerings: the aerialists were amazing, actors from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art performed an abbreviated Merchant of Venice one day, scenes from 1,001 Arabian Nights one evening, offered story telling classes and read bedtime and/or ghost stories several evenings; and the planetarium was spectacular! It operated on sea days only. The shows “sell out” quickly, so be in line by 9am for tickets. But don’t despair. The shows, on our sailing, were repeated the next day, and when we ended the cruise with three sea days, the same show was shown each day.
Our ocean-view room, 6047, was the largest we’ve ever had and included a couch, table, chair, and still plenty of room to walk. While the room has plenty of storage, we wished for hooks on the wall for coats or robes. The bedding was nice, bed was comfortable, and the pillows were great. If you want a sheet in addition to the duvet, I am sure that is possible. I meant to request one and then never did. Our room and hallway were very quiet; we honestly never even heard the adjoining room’s toilet! While many of these boards have complained about the champagne, I was impressed with the (small) bottle iced and waiting for us in our room. Even little things already started to add up, making Cunard a step above. We’ve had robes on other cruise lines, but these are much thicker, and we had slippers as well. Towels are thicker, and the shower not only has a liner but a cloth curtain, too. The toiletries are of noticeable quality. Cotton balls and Q-tips were provided. Instead of asking for a newspaper at the front desk, it was delivered to every room each evening.