Queen Mary 2 Reviews

This was my very first cruise so I picked a 4 day trip. I am so glad I did as I did not enjoy it. I have to say the staff and food were excellent but the prices charged are extortionate and everywhere was so busy all the time. The entertainment was very good except for the staff show which was not very spectacular at all. After speaking to other guests it became apparent that QM2 is not that great in comparison to other cruise lines. It is very elegant and traditional but needs an update in the near future. The cleanliness and hygiene were of the highest standards but the whole feel of the ship is dated. The other major gripe is the queuing to get on and off when along side. One day there was only one person checking the ID's of passengers disembarking and that took about half an hour to get off the ship. On our return there was again one person and one gangway when at least four coaches returned together. The trip did not live up to expectation at all and I had been looking forward to trying a cruise for so long.

My wife and I did the summer transatlantic crossing to NYC, Halifax and back on the QM2. We had excellent weather from start to finish and this isn't always the case crossing the Atlantic. The brochures pile on the quality of service and food a bit thickly, but it compares very well with the best of Fred Olsen. What you do get is a grand ocean liner which, as the Captain will point out, is not the same as a cruise ship. This was a voyage we have wanted to do for a few years and we were very glad we eventually did. Check in was a doddle, easy and quick and an hour earlier than our ticket said it would be. Our deck 5 inside cabin was more than adequate and deck 5 was generally nice and quiet. More than enough lifts to take you wherever you needed to go with only minimal amount of time spent waiting. There are special themed nights to join in, when you get to put that extra shine on your shoes and the ladies show off their diamonds. Evening entertainment was varied from west end style show music to a very good and clean American comedian. Allocated seating is used in the restaurant with excellent food and service, tuxedo's or dark suits for the lads and dressy-up dresses for the ladies required here. 8 to a table, we sat with Americans mainly and a couple of English lads, so there was some interesting conversations. You can eat for 24 hrs in the deck 7 self service hall and you don't even have to wear a shirt if that's your thing. Although why you would make a trip like this and not bother to get a decent set of clothes is something I don't understand? Why wear the scruff you wear for the other 320 days of the year on a ship like this? There is limited time in NYC (a 10 hour turn round) so coach excursions are really required to see Manhattan. If you are on a budget then excursions are an expensive extra you have to factor into the voyage cost. The ship docks in Brooklyn over the river, all the advice we got was not to try it on your own as you may not find a cab to return to the ship on time. The ship arrives in NY in darkness in the early hours and it's just getting light when it eventually ties up. Halifax was a really nice place, open spaces and a quiet contrast after NY. Once again a limited time in port so we used the Big Pink Bus to see the city. Six days at sea both ways means plenty of time to explore the ship or relax. If you are on budget, if you can wait 'til 8 or 10 weeks before the off you could end up with a really good deal which won't break the bank. One downside is the 15% tax on drinks and other bits and don't forget the gratuities cost at the end of the trip (although you can negotiate these lower). If you enjoy cruising then this is a voyage you should really consider, it's an experience that won't be forgotten in a hurry.

I was very tired and very burnt out and this holiday was just what I needed. This was a transatlantic to New York. Perfect crew, service, entertainment and weather was fantastic,  couldn't have wished for more. Crossing was full but managed to find some piece and quiet. Best cocktails ever!

We sailed from New York to Southampton. This wasour first cruise and it was fabulous. The service is second to none, everyone is so helpful and friendly. We are hooked and can't wait to return to the Queen Mary for another cruise. Could not find anything to complain about, fantastic food and the itinerary of things to do is tremendous.

Everything we hoped for and more. We got upgraded to a suite which was a lovely suprise and meant we got priority boarding, 4 hours earlier than we would have had.

One word "AMAZING ".

This is a fantastic ship, every comfort catered for. The food is very good and nicely presented. Can highly recommend.

I must say that this was not my first cruise. Because the Cunard line is advertised as the ultimate cruising experience, I was very disappointed. Firstly, you are given complementary wine but if you do not drink, they do not care. Not even a bottle of water to replace the wine. I was informed that customer care would get in touch - they did not. Secondly, although they had the information that some of my party of 6 were vegans, they did not have any yoghurts on any of the days for us. On the first day's breakfast, I was left for over 1 hour for yoghurt. In the end I left. No one informed me that they did not have any - I found out on the second day when I again asked for yoghurt. I regret paying the gratuities. We did tip our cabin staff who was excellent. If you drink and not a vegetarian then you will feel differently. This was my 2 guests' first experience and they had an enjoyable experience (they are not vegetarians).

Decided to book a 4 day cruise on the Queen Mary 2 to Hamburg as a 'taster' to see whether it would be for us. The outside cabin with balcony was compact but well appointed. The service overall was 5 star. I couldn't fault the service in any way. Hamburg too was an interesting city to visit. Most of the passengers were German or German /Americans and a delight they were too. The problem now is that I have a taste for cruising.

We sailed from New York to Southampton on the QE2 in June 2014. What an absolutely fabulous experience after having had an excellent stay in New York. There is nothing that could be faulted,  everything was superb and we look forward to travelling on her again hopefully next year.