Had a lovely voyage from Southampton to New York in November 2009 on the QM2...

Virgin cruiser but worked in hotels for years, so I'm somewhat jaded in terms of expectations for five (six or seven) star accommodations. I tried not to let that get to me especially since yes, Virginia, we ARE on the North Atlantic...

Check-in was painfully slow - at least 2 hours in the Southampton terminal. Once processed, however, it was quick to board and get settled. Category purchased was A3 - balcony. Stateroom assigned was 8112, and although it is not list as obstructed, it had a massive lifeboat to the immediate right of the balcony, meaning my right view was indeed obstructed. No matter, though, as the sunny port side was gorgeous for the voyage and I just looked...to the left. Read more