Although very experienced travellers (88 and 80) we had never done a cruise so decided on a 10 day one on the QM2 from Shanghai to Hong Kong via Japan and South Korea. Embarkation was efficient and we were on board early enough to have a snack and a coffee in the impressive Carinthia Lounge before returning to our cabin (Cunard prefer to call it a stateroom but that I think is pretentious). Our three suitcases had been delivered and we spent the afternoon unpacking and stowing. The king size bed (an excellent sleeper with fine Egyptian cotton sheets) took up most of the available room bur we were impressed with the amount of hanging and drawer space. Empty cases under the bed. A two seater divan, small desk and a large wall mounted TV (Sky News UK, BBC World, ABC Australia included) completed the living area. Small attached bathroom with tight but very good shower). Balcony which got little use because of the winter temperatures. Eating of course was one of the priorities and we had requested a table for 6 and the second sitting starting at 8.30 pm in the main Britannia restaurant which was later than we would have liked but preferable to the early 6 pm one. We were fortunate in having at our table two couples travelling together from the UK who made us very welcome. Entertaining company. Overall we found the food in the Britannia of a high standard, not gourmet but very acceptable. Plenty of choice and although some servings were small a request for a repeat or something additional was always quickly met agreeably. As good as we expected and we're experienced foodies. Although I knew from my research wine prices were high this didn't stop us having our usual two glasses of red with dinner plus for me, as a treat, a brandy or a port to finish. It has to be said however that Cunard give the impression of gouging in the way they price their wines. They are outrageous. A x5 mark up on retail prices seems to be the base line. A huge wine list, one of the most comprehensive I've seen, 98% priced beyond what I was prepared to pay. Very good table service from waiters who stayed with us and got to know our likes and dislikes. Most days we had breakfast in the Britannia and liked the way the maitre d would ask each morning 'alone or interesting people?'. Provided we weren't near the closing time we opted for the interesting people and on virtually all occasions joined people, mainly from the UK, which resulted in good lively conversation. We ate lightly for lunch and on two occasions for dinner, in the Kings Court buffet which we found of a very high standard. Plenty of choice but more informal, less comfortable seating. The entertainment in the Royal Court Theatre varied from outstanding (most nights) to so-so on a couple of occasions. Quality beyond expectations. The lectures too were first class especially one by the designer of the ship itself (brilliant). Gym, library, Golden Lion pub (excellent cod and chips for lunch), Commodore Club, the Chart Room, The Carinthia Lounge (excellent sherries. and Spanish wines by the glass in the evening for a pr-dinner drink), all good. The one disappointment was the white glove Afternoon Tea service in the Queens Room, a poor presentation. We joined the QM2 to spend on our time on her so we stayed on board at the three ports of call. The weather was poor and we preferred the comforts of a relatively empty ship. Tipping: we paid the US$11.50 per day as recommended plus small cash amounts to our dinner waiters, wine waiter and cabin attendant. Despite giving high marks for our ten day experience the cruise ended on a bad note with both my wife and I coming. down with a dose of the Cunard cough which developed into serious chest infections. Not Cunard's fault but not surprising considering the number of passengers who were coughing and sneezing. Just the luck of the draw. At least the steps to prevent the spread of nanovirus worked with no outbreaks recorded. Would we do it again? No. We had a great time but we didn't catch the cruise bug. Very glad we did it and highly recommend the QM2 experience. But please do your homework first and don't have unrealistic expectations. Oh and don't hesitate to take a couple of bottles of your favourite wine aboard to have in the cabin or at the table (US$ 20 per bottle corkage, a big saving). There was no check on embarkation. Good travelling with good luck. Read Less

We booked a 50 day cruise with Cunard Queen Mary 2 primarily to visit Petra, Rome plus about 20 other countries. The cruise departed Feb 23 from Shanghai to April 14 in South Hampton. While boarding in Shanghai, I was bumped by a luggage handler and my knee was scratched. The scratch became infected by Feb 27 and I had to take antibiotics for the whole cruise, so we never saw any of the sights we intended. After the cruise, we submitted our claim to a Cunard cruise claims adjuster because I needed to continue antibiotics April 15 to June 12. The Cunard claim adjuster gave us a runaround and distorted facts to avoid paying any fair compensation. I wrote the President of Cunard asking to be treated fairly in compensation, and were emailed in return indicating since we purchased our cruise in the USA he could do nothing! I wondered why they are marketing in the USA if they cannot treat folks that book in the USA fairly in compensation. I must say the Cunard medical staff is excellent, but their onboard antibiotic selection is limited. The exercise facilities are limited for a person with a knee infection caused by Cunard. The pools are beautiful and clean, but someone with a leg infection can not use the pools or hot tubs. From the stern from the 11th floor or above, one can see 3 pools on 3 different levels. Dining room food is limited quality but good variety; and deserts are for a European palate. With my leg infection we were forced to do things we normally would not do, viz. painting, read and gamble. The casino has really nice folks working there and the odds aren't bad as my wife and I bot one several times. The art classes or lessons was a fantastic experience. On level 2 at the pursers desk or level 3 at the shops the central foyer is a classic 0 the flowers display is the nicest we have ever seen on any ship. Read Less

We travelled in QM2 for a short 10-day leg of the ship's current world cruise, taking advantage of a generous sale that had been advertised. In short, the experience was everything we expected, and more. Every aspect of the ship's service was of a very high standard. Crew members, waiters and cabin stewards quickly got to know our preferences and routines, and provided personalised service to match. Our balcony cabin was about the usual size for a cruise ship cabin of that standard, but was well designed and comfortable. Despite some review suggesting otherwise, we found the quality of the food in all locations to be excellent. The main dining room (Britannia) provided a varied menu of high-quality dishes. The buffet (King's Court) had a good variety of excellent food, and we were especially impressed with the 'alternative dining option', "Bamboo", which is well-worth the additional charge. We also dined at The Veranda Restaurant, for one meal. While this was also exceptional, we doubted whether it was really worth paying the significant surcharge for this restaurant, given the quality of food and service at the other locations. A very full program of entertainment and 'enrichment' options was offered. There was certainly something for everyone. However, we found that some shows in the main theatre were a little lacking. Indeed, for some reason, the ship's own company of singers and dancers presented the same show just three nights apart. Surely they must have more than one show in their repertoire! One big plus for QM2 is its size. This allows for generous and numerous public spaces. Unlike other ships of a similar size that take up to 4000+ passengers, QM2 accommodates only about 2500 passengers. This means that bars, restaurants, lounges and theatres are never crowded. You can always find a quite place to sit and read, or enjoy the company of others. Read Less

The whole cruise was great, although weather not perfect but that is no ones fault, our only complaints were the cost of the alcohol on board, wine is extortionate so hardly anyone on our table of 8 purchased wine at dinner, in 22 nights we bought 3 bottles of wine, The only other minor complaint was the lack of choice at dinner in the Britannia Restaurant, too many vegetarian options on not enough meat or fish dishes. The Kings Court buffet restaurant offered the best food we have ever experienced on a cruise but we do not like eating dinner in a buffet, or any other meal really but on this ship we did eat there more often because the choice of food was amazing. Our embarkation in Cape Town was chaotic to say the least as the computers were not working but we did not have to wait too long to enter the lounge where we had to wait to board but others had waited more that an hour or so to do so. We definitely think the Queen Mary is the best ship we have ever been on, before we have cruised with P & O and Holland America, the level of service and attention to detail was very good. Read Less