We had received so much fabulous and glossy advertising about the Cunard fleet following our initial enquiry regarding such a special celebration for us in 2012. We were invited to 'sample' QM2 on a 3 day 2 night sail to Cherbourg.Our 13 year old daughter was to join us too. Our expectations were high and the advertising justified our thoughts and hopes too. Seeing QM2 docked at Southampton was awesome! She deserves her reputation for her looks - we were excited at what may lay ahead on board.
Due to Cunard very kindly upgrading our stateroom and now having no appropriate pre-printed luggage labels, we enquired at The Luggage Label Desk in the terminal for a couple of spare luggage labels. The man on duty wouldn't let me have two labels stating that Cunard are "...cutting back..." which then meant we had to make do with our scrappy photocopies! It was to be the beginning of a very underwhelming experience from a customer service perspective and was the eventual deal breaker for our notable special occasion.
We boarded the beautiful QM2 but no-one smiled, greeted us or made eye contact despite my daughter and I positively commenting regarding the attire of the two red clothed bell boys. We all felt the signage onboard was a little complex and we saw many passengers continually darting from side to side and looking puzzled trying to locate the correct direction for their rooms, us included. The first smile and greeting came from our room valet - all credit to him! Upon entering the main restaurant for our 1830 sitting, the Head waiter checked our details but didn't welcome us, again no smile or positive contact. Our wine waiter exuded an unfortunate "chippy" attitude which made the three of us feel uncomfortable. We observed and heard several angry exchanges at the waiter's station. Our daughter was left out with regard to her drink request until we reminded the waiter and we had to ask for further drinks despite our glasses being empty. My husband and daughter were served before me at the table which was astonishing!
Very small cabin for three of us. Sofa bed converted to third bed but huge loss of valuable space when made up - couldn't open vanity drawers, balcony door or fridge as bed in the way. A ceiling drop down bed is far better for all concerned.
Step up and into bathroom could be cumbersome in the middle of the night!!! Good job that we weren't larger framed people as there would be serious difficulties in using the facilities.
Carpet felt very thin underfoot - could feel very firm metal(?)base underneath.
Windows/door onto balcony smeary/grimey - surely these should be in the cleaning shedule?