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Queen Mary 2 Atlantic crossing 16 May East-West |
| Reviewed By: B., Settle on 30th May 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises |
Times cruised before: 0 |
| Cruise Ship: Queen Mary 2 |
Sailed:
May,
2008 |
| Destination: North America |
Age: 56-65 |
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We had never been on any ship larger than the ferry from Hull to Zeebrugger and this was to be the holiday of a lifetime. We booked Queens Grill, Q5 (upgraded by Cruise.com from Q7).
When we arrived at the Southampton terminal at 12.20 (priority embarkation from 12 noon for Grill passengers) we were directed to a separate queue for the Grill passengers and were processed very quickly. We were directed to our cabin and our luggage arrived simultaneously. Our cabin was wonderful, port side near the bows (regretted the forward position later!) We decided to go for lunch immediately as we had left home early and were hungry. As we were preparing to leave our cabin, our Butler arrived to show us around. He was charming and helpful throughout our voyage, as was his assistant. We found our cabin spacious and very well equipped; my husband particularly enjoyed the spa bath. The bed was so comfortable and our Butler had procured a neck pillow for me for our first night - a choice of two styles.
The weather was perfect for the first 3 days but got a bit rougher on the Monday and we missed lunch. Our Butler advised us to go to the centre of the ship in the Grand Lobby; this we did and it worked! We could feel no motion at all there - unfortunately there was no room to sit, so we sat in the Casino and sipped Ginger Ale, another recommendation from our Butler, who also brought some to our cabin.
The service in the restaurant was impeccable and every single person who came into contact with us there knew our names - this was so impressive! How do they do it?
The entertainment, particularly the lectures, was excellent. At lunch on our embarkation day, I was given an excellent tip by a seasoned traveller at the next table; go to the Library early for the best titles. This I did and got out a new book by my favourite author, which lasted me throughout the voyage. You are allowed two books at a time.
On arrival at New York, it is essential that you are up by 4.30 am to see the entry into New York; this is not a hardship as the clocks have been going back an hour for the each of last 5 nights. Watch the funnel just scrape through the bridge and see how the massive QM2 turns in her own length - quite amazing. Then you will really enjoy your breakfast!
The food in the Queens grill was excellent throughout the voyage - how they manage to cook 10,000 meals every day to such a standard is amazing. The consommees were particularly good. There was always sufficient choice to find something which suited us. My only gripe for the whole voyage: the breakfast toast was tough!
Disembarkation was really well organised and we found our luggage easily. There was a bit of a queue for immigration but only about 10 minutes. We went by bus to Grand Central, which was next door to our hotel, the Grand Hyatt, so very convenient. We had booked the hotel independently, on-line, and this proved far cheaper than either Cunard or the travel agent could offer. At check-in, we were upgraded to a de-luxe room as we were checking in so early. We were able to lodge our cases for free until we took up our room.
We spent three nights in New York before flying home (Cunard package). I just wish the flight had been longer so that I could have had more sleep!
To the QM2 - well done everyone!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| We ate only in the Queens Grill, apart from one breakfast in our suite (excellent)and coffees around the ship. | | Entertainment |  |
| Ted Stoll was superb | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff | |
| All of them were superb, especially for remembering our names, even on the first day when we encountered them unexpectedly | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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