Queen Mary 2 (QM2) Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,328 reviews

Cunardia-the Gem of the Ocean

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Queen Mary 2 (QM2)
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Ryancoke
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Oct 2009
Cabin: Balcony, sheltered

This was our second time on QM2 (the previous being a crossing) and we circled Great Britain as part of the ship's fifth anniversary celebrations. We took the train from London, cheaper and less hassle than the Cunard coach we used for the same trip last year. We met a nice newlywed couple who were also QM2 bound at this time. Funny, we didn't see them for the rest of the trip. They kept to their room a lot. Seasick, I presume. Embarkation had improved as well. We entered the new terminal after leaving our checked luggage with staff, took a lettered card, sat down and visited with other passengers. In little time at all we were whisked through and on board. Maybe 4 hours after leaving London, but I was relaxed enough not to keep track. Rather uncharacteristic for me.

Cunard sells a soft drink card which I find great value (you break out on it at 2/day) so I bought one in the Golden Lion pub, then I explored to find those areas I never got to last year and of course counted the life boats. Several were missing but some were cruising about so no problem. Last year The Count caused a bit of consternation 'til I figured out those barrels on deck 7 held inflatables. A quick bite to eat was enjoyed in the King's Court, QM2's central quick dining offering on deck 7. It is buffet style for breakfast and lunch comprising 4 different sections, then for dinner 3 of these are designated theme restaurants, while one remains buffet. One stays open late. It seems 24 hours something nice is available. Not often you come across a buffet serving up beef Wellington as I found later on in the trip.

The luggage had arrived by the time we got back to our room so unpacking was next and checking to make sure the TV still had that great institution available in the US that our government in Canada did not yet trust us to watch: Fox News. I must say my wife didn't share the extent of my enthusiasm. She likes it but not starting at 5 am. Our room was a sheltered balcony chosen because we want a view, air and the sounds plus I would be a bit claustrophobic in a D class. Even the atrium view room our kids had last time was a bit confining for me. Also inside rooms (if theirs was representative) have the water supply pipes above them and this caused some noise that our outside room avoided. We were on deck 5 with staterooms on decks both below and above to minimise noise. And slightly aft of center for a smooth ride. And about 3 doors away from egress to staircase C so it would be handy but without too much commotion. Also C delivers one directly to the action on deck 7's King's Court so it's handy to bring something back to the room. Our idea of the perfect location.

Cabin Review

Balcony, sheltered

Cabin BC
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