Suite

Cunard Line

Luxury Cruises

Family Cruises

Gay & Lesbian Cruises

Romantic Cruises

Singles Cruises

Cruises for the Disabled

Senior Cruises

Fitness Cruises

Gourmet Food Cruises

Dubai

Southampton

Singapore

Hong Kong

New York (Manhattan)

Auckland

Santiago (Valparaiso)

Cape Town

Shanghai

Transatlantic

U.S.A.

Europe - All

Europe - British Isles & Western

Caribbean - All

Canada & New England

Caribbean - Eastern

Caribbean - Southern

Baltic Sea

Germany

Europe River

Bahamas

USVI

Norway

Belgium

Rhine River

France

Seine River

Caribbean - Western

Mexico - All

Mediterranean

Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Europe - Western Mediterranean

Australia & New Zealand

Cruise to Nowhere

Panama Canal & Central America

World Cruise

Middle East

Egypt

Israel

Nile River

Average

Excellent

Queen Mary 2 (QM2)

Riga

This was our first time aboard the QM2 or any other Cunard ship, but we are very seasoned cruisers in other  cruise lines.

We were really excited in anticipation of our crossing and the next 17 days aboard the QM2, since the second leg of our cruise was the beginning of thieir World Cruise which normally shows the cruise lines best efforts since the world cruise caters to seasoned and most likely repeat customers.

We were in a Queens Grill suite Q5 which placed us almost at the top of the accommodations list.

Embarkation went seeemless since indeed there was a line for the Queen’s Grill suites and in no time we were aboard.  We had seen videos and pictures of similar cabins to ours but still it was not like walking in.  The suite was much smaller than what we were used and it had less amenities.  The bathroom only had one sink, no separate shower, no separate commode area. Closet and storage spaces were adequate.

Our luggage arrive ñd increadible promptly after we checked which impressed us.

Shortly after checking in the butler speared and gave us a Craps course on the suite and told us that we could order up to bottles of liquor complimentary but anything else would have a charge.  This is not what we are used to since the cruise lines we were used to travel we could order as many different kind of liquor that we wanted and they were provided.

We were excited about sailing out of NY harbor, although we have done is before, it’s always exciting sailing past the Satutye of Liberty.  We were a couple of hours late leaving because of minor problems.

We had a liquor package that allows to get any free drink that we wanted as long at it did not cost more than US$12 each.  We ordered our first drink and promptly found out that the drinks were based on one ounce of the liquor, the bar tender measured the actual ounce.  Have you a a “one ounce” drink lately?  The bartenders do knit know what free pouring means.  We learned fast that we had to tell the bartenders that we were in the under $12 drink program and if you asked them for a two ounce drink or larger, we could get it but the bartender would have to ring it as you had multiple single drinks that felt into the less than $12 pricing.  Also you had to give your cruise card every time you order a drink and you have to sign a receipt every time. Total pain in the rear.  We are used to travel in cruise lines were all drinks are inclusive so we never had to signed for anything other than when we boarded and registered our credit card for incidentals.

In order to get a “decent” or “normal” glass of wine at dinner or lunch your sommelier has to charge you to single glasses since one ounce of wine doesn’t go very far.

Another thing we did not like were the assigned tables.  We sat in the same table for 26 days, breakfast, lunch or dinner as long as we are in the Queen’s Grill. There cannot be any expontinuity even if you meet new people during the voyage who are in the same Queen Grill category since it’s almost impossible to orchestrate the one time dinner without a major reassignment.

On the very positive side the food in the Grill was outstanding and the maitre d’ came over at lunch time to find out if we wanted anything special, not in the menu, for dinner.  We order caviar, beef Wellington, crepe Suzette’s, etc.  All beautifully cooked and most of the special dishes prepared at the table including flambé at table side.

We tried eating in other Venus but they were ver hective specially the huge King’s Court were there are all sorts of buffers but you had to fight other people to reach the buffet table or if you wanted an omelet or poached eggs you had to stand on a cue.

The QM2 is two ships in one the Grills passenger and the rest of the passengers. Keep in mind that one can cross the Atlantic for less than $2,000 per person and you have the ability to have 6 or 7 meals a day plus all the shows, lectures, etc.  

We found out the hard way when we went to popular-we’ll-known lectures and/or featured entertainer that we could not wait till the last minute since people start curing up long before the starting time and we were in standing room.

I could go on but I think you can get the drift of my experience.  We were extremely disappointed with the QM2 experience.  We had dreams of great ocean liners experienced that we have seen in the movies but it was really no very pleasant experience.  QM2 allure, reputation and lore is bigger than the actual experience. We would not go back aboard this ship again, but if I were forced to go back I would take a crossing and that’s it. In our 26 nights aboard we noticed that the crossing lecturer, entertainers, etc. where global in orientation once we left Southampton to Dubai the lectures, entertainers etc, were very British-centered and you had to be able to understand their accents in many cases.

Lot of hype before boarding Bryan different aboard

Cruise to St. Thomas, Curacao & Panama - January 3-15, 2006 
QM2 is truly a magnificent, elegant ship....from the moment we stepped on board it was like living a dream. A dream come true! 
After checking out our cabin (roomy, comfortable, quiet) while enjoying some complementary champagne we could not wait to explore the ship. What would be the next surprise around the corner? 
She is huge, lots of room to roam and explore. Youre never crowded or feel rushed anywhere on the ship. Plenty to do or nothing at all-always your choice. We managed to explore every inch of the ship-what an adventure! 
The lounges, Todd English, Queens Ballroom, G32 Disco, Royal Court Theatre, Planetarium, and Britannia Restaurant all had a chic 1920s feel of elegance. Beautiful velvet couches, satin curtains, deco wall sconces, chandeliers, fresh gorgeous flower arrangements everywhere added to the ambiance of the ship. Dressing for formal nights was exciting! 
Plenty to do every day.....classes, lectures, art auctions, dance classes, spa, Tai Chi classes, trivia quizzes, exercise room, extensive library, movies, planetarium shows. 
At night, theatre, dance, music shows, comedy, ballroom dancing, disco dancing, Karaoke, jazz, piano solos, classical quartet, the cruise band Xtasea. It was very satisfying to do something different every night and to have so many choices. 
One of my favorite places was walking the length of the promenade deck (3 times around equal 1.1 mile) The sea, sky, clouds, sunsets, and several double rainbows were a glorious site to see. 
One of the most memorable things on board was the Maritime Quest Exhibition. This consisted of panels and graphics all over the ship that told the history of the Cunard lines, the people that worked on them, the celebrities that traveled aboard, their stories, photos, diaries, facts. 
The dinners in the Britannia Restaurant were delightful, exquisitely presented and delicious. We had two excellent waiters, Anthony and Romeo who helped make our dinners a special time. We really enjoying sharing dinnertime with our table mates, Karen & Peter, and Chris and Chris. We had the best time with these folks, laughing, telling stories and lingering after dinner. 
The shows were very entertaining, well paced and professional. The singers and dancers were fabulous and put all their energy into their roles. They were all so passionate about their craft. Costumes, music, lights and staging were all a feast for the eyes. 
We met interesting people from all over the world. The staff we met were the best, very hard working and eager to make our trip a happy one. Our room steward Abraham always had a kind word and a smile for us, and did a great job. 
The Black & White Ball, Captains Reception, Pirates Ball, and Sail Away Parties were all lots of fun! Champagne, dancing, laughter, I can really get used to this! 
Ports of Call..... St Thomas - Visited beautiful Magens Bay Beach, strolled the seashore........ 
Curacao - Gorgeous - visited Haito Caves, tour of the island - music in the square, inspiring lights and colors of this picturesque island. 
Panama - Magnificent - walk the rainforest, see the sloths, monkeys, flowers, visit the Panama Canal. 
Costa Rica - Could not dock - sea was too unstable for tenders to launch. (Maybe this port will be in our future - another time and another place.) 
Were dreaming of the next journey...with lots of joyous memories of this QM2 adventure. Gifts of the Journey..... 
The first glimpse of the QM2 from the port in NYC 
Twinkling lights in NYC horizon as QM2 starts on her journey 
Exploring the ship....whats around the next corner? 
Sail away party with band Xtasea 
Surprise double rainbow 
Bright turquoise Caribbean Sea 
Morning greeting by a giant sea turtle 
Cocktails on the beach at Magens Bay 
Getting a glimpse of the puppies on board 
Full moon shimmering on the waves on Friday 13th 
Sunsets on the back deck 
DJ Alex always playing our dance requests 
Dancing and dancing in Q32 
Watching the graceful dancers in the Queens Ballroom 
Formal tea and treats 
Lights at night at Curacao 
Surprise of reaching the ocean on our Panama rainforest hike 
Quiet time in the Winter Garden by the waterfall 
Meticulous service and friendliness of our waiters - Anthony & Romeo 
Delicious dinners every night in the Britannia Restaurant 
Enjoying our time with our table mates - Karen & Peter and Chris & Chris 
Quiet time watching the waves by Canyon Ranch 
Fresh exotic fruit......everyday 
Meeting the wonderful crew members from all over the world 
Gorgeous fresh flowers everywhere 
Dreamy clouds seen from Promenade deck 7 
Laughing and smiling a lot 
Savoring an afternoon Pina Colada 
Admiration for all the people who took part in planning, designing, and building the ship 
Always being able to find a quiet spot to relax 
Admiring the art work on the stairs and public rooms 
The sleekness and sophistication of the Commodore Club 
Walking and walking Deck 7 - feeling so alive 
Magical night at Todd English 
Watching the ocean dance from the many port-holes on ship 
The wall sconces making beautiful designs on the wall 
The velvet couches in the Royal Court Theatre 
Enjoying the jazz trio 
The camaraderie in the Lions Pub 
Enjoying the talented singers and dancers so passionate about their craft 
Babies Liam and Corner smiling 
Admiring the elegant Vogue Lady 
Little kids splashing in the pool 
Listening to all the languages spoken on board 
Feeling the summer sun on a January day 
Beauty of Tai Chi class Elegant vibe of the Chart Room 
Watching the beautiful dancers and colorful costumes in the Panama terminal 
Watching the men host dancers having a ball on the dance floor 
Dreamy afternoon naps 
Comforting sound of the waves from the balcony 
Enjoying the classical quartet 
Keeping all these fabulous memories alive 
Feeling so appreciative of being able to be on this journey 
Making plans to do this again......soon. 

Filters

1-2 of 2