Queen Mary 2 (QM2) Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We were on the same cruise as Stu and Karl and indeed were their table companions. Whilst I agree with much that they said I think that the food was better than they imply, we found that there was always a reasonable choice of dishes and with the exception of one dessert really enjoyed all the meals and felt they compared well with the best restaurants around where we live, Surrey and the Scottish Highlands. Room service and food in the Sir Samuel coffee bar were also excellent and the afternoon tea was a highlight of our trip on several days.
We also found the lectures excellent especially the Broadway producer, Nigel West, Robin Oakley and the US General. We were somewhat underwhelmed with the entertainment and felt that this was the weakest part of the whole week, though this is possibly a matter of personal taste. Although I found the classical guitarist excellent and also enjoyed the jazz in the chart room and the string quartet. The 3D film of Madam Butterfly was also superb.
We had also booked late in June and also got an upgrade from an inside guarantee to an outside ocean view room 4011. It was excellent and spacious and we had none of the smell or shower problems encountered by Stu and Karl.
Cabin Review
Oceanview
An excellent cabin for a transatlantic crossing. More roomy than a balcony room and very quiet. Bathroom small but good storage and a very spacious wardrobe, comfy sofa and a couple of chairs. Our only criticism was that the room was so spacious that we could not lie in bed and watch TV as we were too far away from the screen!
Room service quick and excellent. Room stewardess, Donna was lovely and very efficient.
Port Reviews
Halifax
I had arranged our own tour with Brian's Transport in Halifax. this was an inspired choice and enabled us to see everything that we wanted, Peggy's Cove, The Titanic graveyard and the city of Halifax. Much easier and for us more convenient than taking an organised excursion.
Southampton
I know Southampton well, my husband found it easy to park in the short stay car park to collect us and all our luggage.
New York (Manhattan)
I had lived in New York many years ago and have visited many times so know the city well. We arranged our own stay in a favourite hotel and revisited favourite museums and went shopping. Getting to the port was easy with a car from our hotel and embarkation was incredibly quick and easy.