After more than 40 cruises on 7 different lines we wanted to try the upscale service on Cunard since folks we met highly regarded it. This was an economical way to try it especially since we love sea days and many ports are a bore for us. Everything lived up to or exceeded our expectations. Our penthouse room was the largest we ever have had. My wife had a walk-in closet with a drawer unit; my closets and drawers were along the hallway to the door. Dining at an assigned table for two with no set time and congenial neighbors at adjacent tables was extremely pleasant. Our assigned servers quickly learned our preferences. I restrict my salt so we were given copies of the next day's menu at dinner and we could select entrée items which would be prepared to my restriction next day.

The lecture and music programs were first-rate (at least for us) and were very well attended, so lots of passengers agreed. There was the usual very good orchestra and a string quartet, and a harpist and a concert pianist and a baritone opera singer and a soprano. The two theatres were busy most of the time.

We took along reading materials and "busy work" and didn't touch either there was so much going on. All age groups were represented, even some very small children. This is a very big ship with 2600 passengers but with so many very tastefully decorated public spaces it never feels crowded. Even for disembarkation there was ample seating for everyone. Read more