Embarking RMS QM2 in Southampton on December 3 for the 12-night cruise to the Canaries, this trip sets a record in my cruising life of 20-plus years in that I spent 32 nights in a single ship during 2015. The last trip was in January Southampton to Dubai and I was somewhat surprised that some restaurant staff greeted me for a 'welcome back', unusual for a ship this capacity while usual on Silversea and SeaDream.

Travelling Britannia this time (last time in Princess Grill), the embarkation was satisfactory and it took about just one hour for me to reach my cabin, wherein I was surprised that the luggage had already arrived. The cabin was clean and comfortable, of decent size with a large balcony.

The first 4 nights were sea days including 2 formal nights and on QM2 it was always a dressed up occasion for dinner everyday because it would be either formal or informal and no casual (jacket required as well) though you can opt dressing casual eating buffer dinners. Britannia Restaurant was comfortable and classy for a restaurant this big and service was good. The food could not compare with Princess Grill which offered an alternative always-available menu for choices but was good for a big ship, probably best of any big ship in a non-premium cabin. Read more