Public Areas & Facilities

After being built on land, Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship, was "launched" into the water in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch. Two years later, the ship entered service with a mini-cruise to the Canary Islands, followed by her first transatlantic crossing to New York. In subsequent years, she's served as ocean liner, cruise liner, and even troop ship during the Falkland Islands Campaign of 1982. From J.R. Ewing (actor Larry Hagman) to President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Queen Elizabeth 2's diverse past passenger list reads like a who's who of heads of state, royalty, celebrities, and just plain folks.

Often compared to a city at sea, Queen Elizabeth 2 has onboard "neighborhoods" -- she was constructed as a two-class liner -- and, like any city, she has undergone some urban renewal over the decades. Only a vestige of those multiple-class days remain in the form of dining room assignments, which are still made according to the category of accommodations selected. The only area off-limits to everyone but Grill-class passengers is the Queens Grill Lounge.

Restaurants

Queen Elizabeth 2 offers dining arrangements that correspond to accommodation categories: Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia Grill, and Caronia Restaurant all have a single assigned dinner seating, while Mauretania Restaurant, which serves the most passengers, has two assigned dinner seatings; breakfast and lunch are open seating. The Lido Restaurant is the more casual buffet alternative; the Pavilion serves burgers and hot dogs poolside; and pub fare is available in the Golden Lion Pub. Afternoon tea is offered in the Queens Room, and room service is available around the clock.

What Works & What Doesn't

It's a thrill to walk the passageways and stroll along the promenade of such a historic vessel. Queen Elizabeth 2 is one of the world's most glamorous and formal ships in service today. On the other hand, the QE2 retains a certain level of class separation. Relatively seamless and unspoken, it's nevertheless present due to the dining arrangements. Proving that old isn't always classic, QE2 has undergone so many makeovers through the years that her interiors are presently superior to the original, somewhat plastic, 1960s designs. Her décor has evolved into a more traditional and warmer look with richer woods and fabrics. With the majority of staterooms outside, it's possible to book accommodations with an ocean view without breaking the budget.

Accommodations

Layout: Most staterooms are relatively spacious, but some inside cabins are quite small, especially those designated as Inside Singles, which measure a scant 87 square feet. As on older ships, not all accommodations within each category have identical furniture placement, and amenities can vary. Outside cabins comprise 70% of all accommodations, but only a handful in top categories have private balconies. For these reasons, cabins should be selected carefully; fortunately, the ship's deck plan is very detailed.

Amenities: All Mauretania staterooms, whether inside or outside, feature ample storage, hair dryers, personal safes, TVs, and full bathrooms with shower and/or bathtub. Similarly furnished and slightly larger, Caronia accommodations are all outside; some of these have small sitting areas. Princess and Britannia Grill accommodations include Deluxe and Ultra Deluxe outside staterooms with sitting areas, walk-in closets and bathrobes provided for use during the cruise.

Suites: Queens Grill accommodations, which range from Ultra Deluxe staterooms to Grand Suites, have a sitting area, refrigerator, personalized stationary, and bathrobes provided for use during the cruise; some have a VCR and private balcony. In addition, Queens Grill guests are greeted upon arrival with a bottle of bon voyage champagne and have a bar stocked with select spirits or wine and soft drinks. Fresh fruit and evening canapés are delivered daily. QE2's Queens Grill suites are some of the plushest at sea and include Penthouse Service with a butler or maid and room service meals are prepared by Queens Grill chefs.

Good to Know: For solo travelers, 118 cabins are available for single occupancy. Eight staterooms are wheelchair accessible.

Category	Size (square feet)
Grand Suite	1,184
Suites	575-777
Duplex Suites/Deluxe Outside	241-355
Outside	121-195
Inside	115-121

Favorites

Best Place to Use Binoculars: We like a seat at the Sun Deck Bar for an unobstructed view of the horizon.

Best Splurge: A Q-grade stateroom is worth the big bucks to dine in the Queens Grill, where selections include à la carte menu items, caviar is complimentary, and special requests are honored whenever possible.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: We like the Yacht Club for its proximity to one of the aft decks, where we can see the ship's wake sparkle in the moonlight.

Trivia Tip: You might think someone who witnessed the sinking of an ocean liner from a lifeboat in the North Atlantic would never want to embark on another ship, but Milvina Dean did. Ms. Dean, a Titanic survivor, sailed on Queen Elizabeth 2.

Best Added Value: Parents love the no-charge evening babysitting service as much as their children enjoy the Children's Playroom.