All ship shape

Transatlantic in November, from Southampton to NY and back. Return leg coincided with Literature Festival at sea, which made the ship much busier and removed many of the more usual enhancement events including the Planetarium.

Mostly a good experience - food, entertainment, service, ship, stateroom, embarkation, library, bars, afternoon tea etc all of a very high standard. Staff almost always friendly and helpful. Very comfy beds.

Some niggles - drinks choice is good but expensive, then add 15% service. Gratuities per person per day added over and above (but you can ask on board to remove them). Spa pleasant but expensive and could do with a refresh decoratively in the main pool area.

Queen`s room dancing on some nights marred by a frankly rotten male lead singer in the otherwise good band.

Dress code is enforced, so take your jacket/tie/tux. Food and service in main restaurant (Britannia) is excellent - tried upgrading once but did not feel it was necessary.

Gale force winds will make the ship rock a bit - but usually copes well with the swell.

Had a great trip, and highly recommend the ship if you like sea days, a bit of formality, and don`t mind paying a little extra for drinks. Would definitely sail on QM2 again, in preference to the other 7 mainstream cruise lines that we have tried.

Comfy beds. Spacious due to being at end of balcony run - so balcony space included. Large window - only four cabins in a row like this before they become portholes and less spacious.