Despite the niggling criticisms, the Queen Mary 2 remains much the same as it was when we first cruised over seven years ago - a damned fine ship, with a great crew providing five-star service. Yes, I am sure a case can be made out for a drop in standards (whatever that means) and there's no doubt that things aren't what they used to be. But I'll bet at Cunard board meetings members bemoan the fact that passengers aren't what they used to be! But both sides must accept that things change (well most things - just not Apassionata). Foremost in most cruisers' minds is food. So for what it's worth here's my take.

Britannia Restaurant. Food is of excellent quality, service is generally great but as always the food is never quite hot enough. We felt a strange switch had taken place in the main course with the meat/fish increasing in size and the vegetables decreasing.

Kings Court. Unlike many of our fellow cruisers we thought the Kings Court offered a varied and imaginative alternative to the Britannia. In short, we like the Kings Court even though it can resemble a canteen buffet It is not impossible, even at peak times, to find a quiet corner for breakfast or lunch. For the more discerning diner, the Chefs Galley is as good as it gets with fresh juices at breakfast and a host of healthy options. And tne piece de resistance for lunchtime has got to be the Golden Lion - pub grub as it should be served - two of us shared a ploughmans but could not finish it. Just a few of ther ingredients - slices and slices of dry ham, large slab of cheese, pot of pate, half an iceberg lettuce and so on. Read more