Queen Mary II

An Historic Journey

It’s always been an ambition of mine to sail across the Atlantic, so when I was offered the opportunity to cross the pond on the Queen Mary 2 I leapt at it.

Queen Mary 2 - Transatlantic Cruise

I had stayed over night on her the night prior to the naming ceremony in Southampton so I was not over awed by her size and décor but to the initiated she is indeed a most well appointed ship. The food especially was excellent. Not only was the quality fantastic but so was the choice and the variety.

Service overall was also excellent .Prices on board are in US dollars, and do not include gratuities of 15%. There is also a daily service charge added on to your bill too which on our cruise was $11.00 per day per person (about £5.80).

Food is included in the fare, for a celebration or other occasion I would thoroughly recommend this venue as the service and quality of food rise to new levels seldom seen. There is an additional charge here – but well worth it!

As usual now all health spa treatments attract additional costs, as does the golf simulator, but there are many other diversions for the passenger that are free of additional charge. There is a Planetarium for example to enjoy or what about a series of lectures by Oxford lecturers. I attended one such on Stonehenge and very interesting it was too. The presence of RADA also enables the would be thespian to try out their talents, or just to watch the actors in action in a series of short plays. There are dance classes of all types and even computer lessons available. Internet facilities also exist at additional charge and in our cabin we also had use of e-mail facilities at an additional charge of $1.50 to send or receive e-mail.

Usually, on this cruise there are three formal nights, black tie affairs offering opportunities for the ladies to don their gowns and show off their bijoux; one informal - cocktail dresses and the like for the ladies and suit / jacket and tie for gentlemen, and two casual nights, namely the first and last nights. Dress here is “golf” club type attire but please note, no jeans or shorts are permitted in the restaurants in the evening, and all eating areas throughout the ship are non-smoking. Dining is in two sittings for evening meal 18.30 and 20.30. Most passengers will dine in the Britannia restaurant which disguises its size by being divided up on 3 levels giving the impression of intimacy. The Queens Grill is reserved for those passengers in the suites and min suites. For those not wishing to seek alternative dining there is also as mentioned, Todd English’s restaurant or five other alternatives menus in the Kings Court, again attracting a service charge. Food though can be taken 24 hours per day somewhere and an extensive room service menu is also offered free of charge, which is unusual. I tried breakfast in bed one day. My partner had the full English option, whilst I plumped for the healthy fruit and cereal alternative.

QM2 also has a covered pool area – essential for Trans Atlantic crossings and a large casino offering the usual games of chance with daily competitions for those interested in just a little flutter every now and then.

Films are rotated on a regular basis available in your cabin and some live sporting action is also provided courtesy of satellite TV.

There is a large selection of bars throughout the ship, offering a choice of convivial conversation from the Golden Lion pub – also the venue for quizzes and some Karaoke, right up to the Commodore Club forward on deck 9, where you will also find Churchill’s cigar lounge.

Lastly and by no means least there is plenty going on for children too. The Zone and Play Zone cater for children up to teenage years with a professionally organised activity programme and pool facility.

In short the only excuse for getting “bored” is ones own laziness brought about by the calm relaxed atmosphere that the ship evokes.

To sum up, the QM2, in my opinion, is a ship which would suit singles, couples and families of all ages, looking perhaps for an alternative way to cross the Atlantic, or a way of celebrating that special occasion. In either case, programme and pool facility

Whilst most of the passengers were, to be honest, of retirement age, they were also a lively bunch, looking for and having a good time. I came across several honeymoon couples and several families with children all of whom enjoyed their cruise despite the sometimes rough weather.

QM2 TransAtlantic is not so much a cruise, but an historic journey, embracing the opulence portrayed in the film Titanic and following in the footsteps of Columbus, and all those who have travelled before, earning their right to wear the mark of this achievement, the anchor tattoo.

Helen Wheatley

Travel Counsellors

Tel: 01491 614524

Helen.wheatley@travelcounsellors.com

www.travelcounsellors.com/helen.wheatley

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