My Royal Encounter

Queen Mary II

Well as I have mentioned before I went on Queen Mary in December. This is the first time I have travelled on a Cunard Ship and I was interested to see what they were like.  We get mixed reactions from Customers. The main concern I hear is that people think there is some sort of class system on-board and think they will be stuffy and make them feel uncomfortable.

Well I am here to dispel this myth.

When we boarded the staff were very pleasant and courteous. I met my cabin steward as I went down to the cabin as he knocked and introduced himself making me feel at ease and offering to assist with anything I may need.  The bottle of champagne on ice in the room was also a welcome surprise.

Before dinner I went for a walk around the ship to familiarise myself with the layout and what was on offer.  The Christmas decorations were tasteful and very festive.

The décor was as you would imagine very opulent. I had a peak at the Princess Grill dining room and as I wandered around I passed many passengers all of whom were pleasant and said good afternoon.  It was all very civilised really.

I managed to catch the end of the Fireworks as we left port, a traditional touch that I really like. A really good send off.

In the evening I went into Dinner with high hopes and was not disappointed. In fact each night the service and choice on the menu was varied and good. The food itself did not disappoint. The portions were just right not over facing and very tasty indeed.  The wines served with each meal were also very palatable as I do like a good quality wine and am quite discerning. Here are just some of the delights I got to sample.

As I was working and had meetings to go to I did not get to catch a full show although I did pop in after Dinner one evening to see the last minutes and the entertainment was very good. The dancing in the ballroom was always a popular draw on a night and it was interesting to see the paid partners working the dance floor making sure all those who wanted a dance got an opportunity. A lovely touch I thought.

The Nightclub it has to be said was also very popular with guests of all ages strutting their stuff on the dance floor so it does not pay to have pre-conceptions about who travels on these ships.

The buffet restaurant was very nice with plenty of choice. I tried the main restaurant at breakfast and the buffet, on a different day of course!  That way I could get a feel for both. Both were equally popular and did not disappoint.

I also enjoyed my jaunt into Bruges as the Christmas market was on and it really helped get me in the Christmas Spirit. Literally with all that Gluehwein on offer! Plus the Coffee shop was divine.

So if you are wanting a traditional feel to your cruise in excellent surroundings with great food and superb service then Why not try a Royal Encounter of your own or let me know what you think if you have been on this ship.

For more information Cunard. CUNARD INFORMATION AND DEALS