Sailing from Southampton was excellent. The Ocean Terminal is slick and well organised from dropping off the car and luggage. Cunard operated excellent check in system - no huge queues. Given a alphabetical card ie a-z on arrival at the terminal door, we sat in comfort until our letter was called. About 20 people called at a time. We checked in, photos taken and credit card swiped and given cruise card incorporating cabin key. Then through security - no queues and straight onto the ship - cabin ready although we were early about 1 pm. Lunch being served on board. A little tip - there are free magazines ie The Lady, Hampshire Life in the terminal for you to take on board.
Luggage had arrived by the time we had had lunch - all unpacked and ready to cruise long before lifeboat drill. Sailed on time - disappointed no band (Cunard could learn from P&O)
First time on QM2 - booked cruise as much for ship as destination. We are Gold Cunard World Club members however.
For a basic inside cabin it was good. This is a quiet location because there is a little corridor of only 3 inside cabins amidst expensive balcony suites. This cabin is 2 doors from laundrette. The shower is larger than those on Princess ships and the bathroom storage is very good. There is plenty of wardrobe space and cabin has tv and fridge. Guests get a bathrobe and slippers and nice toiletries. Excellent cabin steward