QUEEN MARY 2 HONEST OPINION PLEASE
 

Hi,
I am looking to surprise my husband with a surprise trip on the QM2 for a Christmas gift. The cruise would be a "July 4th" cruise. Destinations include NYC, Boston, Bar Harbor, ME and Halifax. We have never been on a cruise before, but both enjoy LUXURY travel. I am wondering how luxury the QM2 is. We love Ritz Carlton and St. Regis resorts. How does the QM2 compare? What are meals like? What rooms are best to book? Is $2,000 a person too much for 5 days?? Any honest opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also, any information on finding deals for QM2 would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

What type of accommodations are they offering at $2,000 each? What amenities are included?

I'm hoping for that price you have a suite with open bar. ((b))

jallard.....It appears that spending 2K pp would NOT get you out of the Britannia Restaurant, I would opt for just the standard Oceanview cabin.The website is a bit confusing for that particular voyage.But if it were me, I would definitely NOT want to spend double that just to get into Princess Grill.It couldnt in my way of thinking be worth that much more.But thats just me.Enjoy!

We're scheduled on the QM2 transatlantic next month so can't address the ship particularly at this point. However, with over 2000 passengers I doubt you'd find a true "luxury" experience. We've done the QE2 transatlantic in Mauretania class(Britannia class on QM)and while it was nice I didn't consider it "luxury". Smaller lines like Clipper Cruises (part of Intrav in St Louis) do cruises like you describe. We were on the Clipper Adventurer for a Baltic cruise and enjoyed it immensely.(sp?)Clipper ships carry slightly over 100 passengers and while the facilties are not "luxurious" the atmosphere and service are. Also one is free to enjoy the social and travel aspects of the cruise without "formal" nites and all that rot. Of course, if you enjoy dressing and all that you might want to look into Silversea or Seabourne. Friends say they are truly luxurious.

I don't know how "luxury" it truly is, but I heard from several passengers in a shared port that it was overpriced and as close to being at a funeral as any experience they've had. This is the truth, I swear. They said they'd never seen so many wheelchairs.

LLindaC, I would tend to agree with your friend, based solely on the post "QMII Transatlantic Observations"!

jallard,

Just noticed your post. I am not familiar with the QM2 so I can't comment on it. However, I am very familiar with Radisson Seven Seas. They are considered a luxury cruise line. Their 2 largest ships are 700 passengers and the food and service are excellent. Very high class operation with huge cabins - all suites and all balconies.

Some other "luxury" lines are Silverseas, Seabourne, Oceania, SeaDream. Have you looked into any of these at all? Maybe you could just to see if they offer more of what you may be looking for. Smaller ships, excellent food and service. I am only listing these to assist you in your search for your cruise.

Good luck with your decision!!

Ginny

I hate to burst your bubble but QM2 is not a luxury line. If you're used to the Ritz and St. Regis, I think you may want to look at some other lines probably Radisson or Silverseas which would be a better fit. A wonderful idea to surprise your husband with a cruise....just make sure you're on the right line and ship or you may be disappointed. Definitely chose a ship with fewer passengers if you want to be pampered. Also, for a summer cruise you'll want to have a balcony. Good luck.

The Britannia Restaurant is very luxe...if you really do not want to spend the extra for the Grill Class.

Cunard has really clamped down on their extras.....ship is spendy. Have fun and know that you will still enjoy being on a very elegant ship.

Transatlantic crossings from Southampton to NYC area tend to attract more smokers. If this is a problem, pack a portable air cleaner for your cabin if you do not have a balcony/verandah suite. Not to alarm you but more Europeans travel on these crossings and tend to smoke more.

We were on the QM2 two years ago this week in an inside cabin and it was one of the best experiences we've had on a cruise and we've cruised often. It's a wonderful ship, everything about it is top of the line, no matter what cabin you are in. We never felt lower class. Enjoy. We are planning on going again real soon.

I'm surprised a couple of the somewhat negative comments about the QM2. Perhaps the word "luxury" varies, depending on one's own definition. I would consider the QM2 a luxury ship. We sailed on her to the Caribbean in a roomy balcony cabin and were totally satisfied in every way. Someone mentioned that she carries 2000+ passengers, but this is a *very* large ship. So we never felt crowded or cramped in any way, even when visiting the the Canyon Ranch spa, which is not a large facility. We had breakfast served in our cabin every morning and had cabin service at other times of the day as well. Our order arrived precisely when and as asked for, the food was hot, and there was no charge for this service, except for the tip. Also, since I prefer low salt/low fat foods, our maitre'd presented tomorrow's menus, so that I could have my meals prepared to order. Since this is not a budget ship, one would expect that the passengers would be somewhat older with more expendable incomes. Still, we saw more baby strollers than wheelchairs. There were a lot of families with children taking their meals in the food court, which, as far as we could tell, was open most of the time. I can't comment on the smoking issue. Our cabin didn't smell of tobacco at all. I would definitely recommend this ship to anyone who's interested in sea travel, whether cruising or transAtlantic crossing. If the higher priced cabins are a bit too expensive, I'd even be willing to book an inside cabin, something I'd never consider on many other cruise ships. The QM2 is a ship worth sailing at least once in your life.

I think the reason my comments may appear nagative towards QM2 is that I have had more than 20 crossings with Cunard. My opinion perhaps is flavored with the wonderful memories aboard the QE2 and the old Cunard manner.

They do not take care of their past passengers, it is as if you are cattle in a herd. Yes the new ship is beautiful but behind the facade you notice the plastic stir sticks in the buffet, poor ventilation system, no perks for Platinum members.....cheap.

They are the only game in town for those of us who do not fly...and they know it.