My first impressions of the Queen!

As you know in December myself and my colleagues spent 3 nights on board the Queen Mary 2. Now this was my first cruise with Cunard and like everyone does before they try a cruise line for the very first time I had my expectations of what it was going to be like. I expected a very formal atmosphere on board.  and if I’m honest thought it might not be my kind of cruise atmosphere . I also expected great food and service and a beautiful ship! So what was it really like?

Personally I loved the ship, I loved the feel of the ship as you stepped on board, I loved the look of the ship, so elegant and historical and grand. So yes it is safe to say I was impressed with the QM2 and with Cunard.

Queen Mary 2 is very elegant and the decor perfect for the Cunard flagship. All very traditional I felt and so much history on board everywhere you looked. Like someone said to me on board, you really have to walk around and really  look to take it all in rather than just strolling past it. Cunard is a cruise line steeped in history and on QM2 it really comes to life.

The atmosphere on board was great, it was very relaxed, a real mix of passengers I think mainly owing to the fact it was a short 3 night cruise attracting a much wider type of cruise passenger. I loved the fact that everyone dressed up in the evening and made an effort, I think it goes towards making your cruise feel all that more special. In the evening the casual evenings were more formal than casual, the men wearing a jacket and all the ladies dressed up. If you are looking for a cruise where dressing up isn’t part of it then Cunard isn’t for you.

The food was fantastic on board, so much choice on the menu and delicious meals with great service. Every evening I enjoyed a delicious starter, and main and of course I always left room for my desert. The best meal I had was an amazing steak, I am a steak lover and this was cooked to perfection and so soft it melted in my mouth! One thing I would mention if you are ordering wine at the table by the glass to check with the waiter which wine they are going to serve you. I noticed a big difference in the cost of a glass of white wine, and quickly learnt to specify which wine I wanted otherwise I was served with a very expensive glass! Very nice but not so nice on my bill!

The dining room as you can see is very grand, just what I would have expected on board the Qm2, and a lovely atmosphere surrounding you. Dining is an important part of your Cunard experience and I have been asked in the past if it feels like there is a class system in place, mainly due to the fact that Princess & Queens passengers dine in their own restaurant. I can honestly say it is something that you don’t notice at all, infact had I not known about this then I would have been none the wiser on the cruise.

The Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea,  was a place on the ship I was keen to see. During the day it is  a relaxing lounge area , also used for cocktail parties, and afternoon tea. In the evening it’s transformed into the famous dance floor with guests able to enjoy ball room dancing to live music.

Other hot spots in the evening,  alongside of course the Royal Court Theatre, are the Golden Lion pub, a favourite place of mine, a very relaxed “pub” atmosphere, and there was even Karaoke on board , something I wasn’t really expecting. G32  is the night club where we danced til the early hours, again not what I expected to be doing on the QM2 but it just shows that even the most formal cruises can still be lively in the evening. The first champagne bar at sea, Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, is a popular choice and glasses of champagne start at around $15.

Queen Mary 2 has so much to offer, whether it be the Planetarium, the 8000 book Library on board, the Winter Garden, the Commodore Club, the Canyon Ranch Spa….I could go on. If you  think you may like to cruise on board the Qm2 and would like more information I would love to hear from you.

Give me a call on 0330 303 8201 or email me at [email protected]

Thanks Abbi