Fit for the Queen?

I have just returned from 3 nights on the Queen Mary 2 with cruise.co Christmas conference and have to say it is probably the most exercise I have done in the last year!

If you have ever sailed on this magnificent ocean liner than you may know what I am talking about.

The longest corridor in the cruise world? And this is only half way down!

The length of the Queen Mary 2 is 345 meters, that is longer than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  Our cabin was 5004 and that nearly is as far forward as possible, the restaurants, bars and disco are mid to aft on the ship so we certainly worked all those calories consumed by food and wine back off again at the end of the evening when getting back to our cabin! The public areas such as the corridors and walkways around the ship do offer great space for those needing assistance getting around the ship. But I would say, if you are one whom is not as mobile as others than I would always suggest a mid ship location on this ship so that you are not too far from some of the main areas of the ship.

The ship, even though 10 years old is still beautiful. The cabins are a great size and the interior just what I expected all around the ship. There are not as many facilities in the way I am used to on a more modern ship and in some way I liked that. This Queen has certainly kept her reputation of being a traditional ocean liner and although does not have exhausting activities on board such as a rip cord or flow rider, there are some really beautiful areas such as the library, the Spa & gym and the top deck for games. This is the ideal ship to really enjoy relaxing and appreciating your surroundings.

The Theatre, Casino and Queens Room for live band music and dancing.

The magnificent library, Churchill’s cigar room, the Winter Garden and the Planetarium (the only one at sea)

Commodores Club, the Atlantic Room to play games and some of the various pool areas on board.

The Gym, Spa and Beauty salon.

As this was not a full cruise, just a 3 night mini cruise, there was no ‘formal’ evening on board, however we chose as a company to hold a formal evening but on all evenings aboard most of the other passengers all dressed up too. It was great, Cunard has that character that you want to dress up even if it is not required.  However, I did notice that the dress policy for ‘informal’ dress that men do still require a jacket for the main dining room. Most of the gentlemen on board did adhere to this and it certainly made a change from Hawaiian shirts that some seem to think they can get away with on other cruise liners!

The food was OK, I wasn’t blown away by the food but was happy with what I received. There was a great choice on the menu, even a selected healthy offering designed by the Canyon Spa if you are trying to watch your figure. The buffet was spread out in such a way that I sometimes forgot where a bouts we was sitting as it did not flow very well. Again food good and plenty of choice. The waiting staff in the main dining room was very courteous and professional. I did hear complaints about the time having to wait to be served a drink in some of the bar areas and the nightclub though. I personally was served straight away on all occasions when at the bar, but have to admit it was a very busy cruise and lots of the guests where in the Christmas Party spirits.

I would love to cruise again on the Queen Mary 2 and next time I hope to try the Transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton (after I have shopped till I’ve dropped of course) but I will make sure next time I am in a mid ship location!

Thank you cruise.co and Cunard for a fantastic weekend and the chance to experience this beautiful, iconic ship.

Dawn

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