Recently, Charlotte spent 7-nights onboard Cunard’s Iconic Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner. This beautiful ship is now more enticing than ever before and opens up so many different experiences and opportunities for guests who sail on her.
The ship underwent a massive £90-million refurbishment in 2016 and you can see this within the refreshed decor and updated public spaces such as the Grand Lobby and Kings Court Buffet. However, the ship still offers timeless decor and public spaces which transform you back in time.
Without fail, Queen Mary 2 and the other Cunard ships can attract customers repeatedly who want to experience the truly unforgettable White Star service.
Cunard proudly has a higher percentage of crew to passengers compared to most of the modern cruise lines and the White Star service onboard makes Cunard’s ships so special.
How Was The Embarkation Process?
The embarkation process went very smoothly when we checked in online, we were given our boarding time on our boarding pass which was 13:45 pm and most people get different times so that the queues don’t become overwhelming, and it is much more manageable this way. We got the train from London Waterloo to Southampton and then took a short taxi to the cruise terminal.
When we first got to Mayflower Terminal in Southampton, we dropped our bags off, there are multiple numbered bag drop stations at the terminal, but it doesn’t matter which one you drop your suitcases and bags off at as they all do the same thing.
Always print out and attach your luggage labels before you leave home when departing on a cruise from Southampton or any other UK port because it is a lot easier and saves time when you get to the port as your suitcases will be ready to go.
Once we had dropped our bags at one of the luggage drop-off points we were told to get into the check-in/boarding queue which when we got there started from outside the door of the terminal.
Although the queue was long it went down quicker than expected and it wasn’t overwhelmingly long due to the staggered boarding times. Where possible only arrive and get into the boarding queue at the time that your boarding pass shows because if you turn up a lot earlier than your boarding pass states you may be refused to join the queue until your designated time slot.
During our time waiting in the queue, we made some furry friends who were also waiting to board Queen Mary 2 and begin their adventures in the Kennels onboard!
No testing was required, and the process was very organised and efficient with clear guidelines of where to be at all times, the terminal staff were also nearby to help as well. Once we got to the front of the queue and checked in, we were able to board straight away.
When we boarded the ship, we walked straight into the central atrium and were greeted by smiley crew members wearing the iconic Cunard White Star uniforms with red outfits and hats (Bell Boy uniform) and white gloves.
What was the accommodation like on Queen Mary 2?
I was staying in a Sheltered Balcony cabin on Queen Mary 2 which was located on deck 4 Aft of the ship, cabin number 4196. The cabin was well furnished with light woods and Beige, Navy Blue and Yellow colours centred throughout the room.
As soon as I arrived in my room my cabin steward knocked on my door to introduce himself and ask if I needed anything which I felt was very efficient and showed how great the service is already after being onboard for 15 minutes.
This level of service carried on throughout the entire cruise as he assisted with all requests that I had and every evening I came back to a lovely nightly turndown with a pillow chocolate and the daily planner for the next day waiting for me.
The room featured the comfiest King-Sized bed I have ever slept on with the plumpest pillows and the bed covers were such great quality, the bed was the highlight of this room for me.
Other than the large King-sized bed there was also a spacious lounge area with a sofa and coffee table plus there was a spacious sheltered balcony as well which was great for those rainy days. The room also offered an ensuite bathroom with a shower, a desk, a chair, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
The lounge area and sheltered balcony can be perfect areas to host pre-dinner drinks or to just lounge around in during the afternoon and watch the world go by. The lounge area really splits the room in half in a good way as it turns the whole room into a multi-purpose venue.
The Sheltered Balcony cabin comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar and so much storage so it is a perfect room for 2 people or more. Some people may be sceptical about how much natural light you will get in a Sheltered balcony cabin but surprisingly there was so much natural light shining through the cabin all day every day and allows a chance for you to savour the ocean breeze.
I also found that with the shelter when I opened the balcony door for some air, it never got too breezy and let just the right amount of breeze in. The staterooms and suites are beautifully appointed, offering a range of accommodation options, from comfortable inside cabins to lavish, expansive suites with private balconies and exclusive amenities.
What was Queen Mary 2 like in general?
Queen Mary 2 offers a taste of what passengers would have experienced during the golden age of ocean liner travel and that Cunard carried on after the Titanic days.
The ship’s interior is a tribute to timeless elegance and luxury mixed with modern amenities, featuring opulent public spaces adorned with rich wood panelling, grand staircases, and exquisite art deco elements.
Being onboard Queen Mary 2 is an experience like no other. From the moment I stepped foot onboard, I was in awe of the sheer luxury and elegance. I found that all venues were used for multi-purpose activities and they were all transformed magnificently for different activities that were going on including the Masquerade ball and Gala evenings.
This iconic ship is built to sail the open seas and cut through the mighty Atlantic with ease, Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true ocean liner and Cunard’s flagship, has elegance and scale like no other.
Taking over from Titanic’s White Star Line, Cunard was the first and most efficient line to get their boat the Carpathia to the Titanic. Knowing that the Queen Mary 2 has been constructed to be a true Transatlantic Ocean liner gave it a different feel to any other ship that I have ever been on before.
The ship has a length of approximately 1,132 feet (345 meters) and a gross tonnage of over 148,000. Queen Mary 2 can accommodate around 2,600 passengers and boasts a crew of approximately 1,300, in terms of staff-to-guest ratio for every 3 guests there is 1 staff member to ensure exceptional service and attention to detail during every voyage.
Nestled within her graceful lines are fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools including an indoor one with a retractable roof, deck sports, a golf simulator, a full-sized theatre, the ‘Royal Court Theatre’, a casino, the luxurious Mareel Spa, a cinema, a full-scale planetarium, and the largest ballroom dance floor at sea, the ‘Queens Room’.
The restaurants offer a diverse range of culinary delights, satisfying everyone’s taste and the quality of food was impeccable in all food venues. I found that there were acres of deck space and a traditional promenade deck that circumnavigates the ship.
Throughout my journey, the staff’s attentive and courteous service made me feel like royalty, and they anticipated my every need. Attending captivating shows at the Royal Court Theatre and indulging in afternoon tea three times at the elegant Queens Room afternoon tea added to the sense of refined living that you feel when onboard Queen Mary 2.
Beyond the opulence, there were enriching activities and workshops that provided a perfect balance of relaxation and stimulation.
Not to mention the inspiring Insight speakers that did different talks throughout the voyage on different topics, from Insight talks about Concorde to talks about U-boats in World War 1 there was something that would inspire everyone.
Highlights of my trip
I took part in some extra activities onboard which might not usually be thought about when sailing onboard Queen Mary 2. These activities included a trip to the Aqua Therapy Centre in the Spa, Cocktail Masterclass, Wine tasting and an immersive theatre experience called The West.
The Cocktail Masterclass
During my time onboard I attended the Commodore Club Signature Cocktails Masterclass where I discovered the creative secrets to Queen Mary 2’s expertly handcrafted cocktails.
I learnt all about the spirits and fresh ingredients that the expert mixologists use to make them in the Commodore Club on deck 9. I also learnt about the principles of cocktail making and about the history of Queen Mary 2’s Commodore Club classic cocktails that returning guests know and love.
The mixologists really knew their stuff and said that creating cocktails is an art which was true in the way that they did it. We made 7 cocktails each which we watched them make from scratch and they explained all the ingredients that were going into them and why they used certain ingredients for certain drinks.
The first cocktail that they made costed $25.00 on the drinks menu so this Cocktail Masterclass was very worth the extra spend of around $35.00.
Mareel Spa Aqua Therapy Access Pass
I also decided to try the Mareel Spa Aqua Therapy Centre Day pass out which allowed me two hours in the thermal suite onboard Queen Mary 2.
This costs an additional $35.00, you can book the pass online before your voyage using My Cunard, then choose your desired two-hour slot once onboard.
The hydrotherapy pool was a delightful oasis, allowing guests to unwind and soothe their muscles.
The Aqua Therapy was a haven of relaxation and includes different types of saunas, steam rooms, aromatic rooms, whirlpools, and heated loungers.
Wine Tasting
We had wine tasting one afternoon which also comes at an extra cost but if you like your wine, cheese, and bread it is well worth it. The wine tasting took place in the Britannia restaurant where we got to try out 4 different wines, two red and two white along with different cheeses and some bread.
There was a different wine connoisseur at each wine station who talked us through the wine, where it comes from and how to smell and taste it properly. This was a great experience especially if you are a wine lover yourself.
The West – Immersive Theatre Experience
We were lucky enough to experience the brand new ‘The West’ Immersive Theatre experience onboard Queen Mary 2 which is performed by COLAB Theatre. The West is a free roam Immersive Theatre experience that invites you to step foot into a real Western experience.
As you are greeted by the actors in their cow-boy costumes they will split the crowd into three groups and you will be taken off into a room which is dressed up to look the part and you have to eventually solve the mystery of the storyline.
You can become a gun-slinging outlaw, or a law-abiding marshal and the decision is all in your hands as you build up your town and battle for control.
Turn your hand to classic cowboy tricks to earn your keep; gamble, prospect for gold, catch bandits, rob a bank, and play to win. But beware, as there will be a traitor among you.
I had a fantastic time during this performance and enjoyed helping to solve the mysteries and the actors really make it a great experience as they come to life.
What was the food like onboard?
Onboard, passengers have access to a variety of world-class dining venues, including fine dining restaurants with gourmet cuisine, casual eateries, and speciality restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences.
I got to try out most of the dining areas and restaurants which all offered such high-quality food and had so many delicious options to choose from. From the Britannia main dining restaurant to speciality dining in the two main speciality dining restaurants to the Kings Court dining hall which had sushi on offer for lunch every day which was a dream for me.
Britannia Main Dining Restaurant
When I stepped into the Britannia restaurant, I was quite shocked at how grand it really was with three tiers, lavish table wear, sparkling chandeliers, and grandeur decor on the walls it feels like you’re stepping back in time.
The Britannia was a world of refined elegance and culinary delights, the attentive staff warmly greeted us and escorted us to our table.
The menu offered a delightful array of options, from classic dishes to contemporary creations, each beautifully presented. Throughout the voyage, I relished the opportunity to savour exquisite meals, carefully prepared by skilled chefs using the finest ingredients.
The changing dinner menu had lots to offer every evening for both meat lovers and vegetarians which was great to see being a veggie myself. In fact, there were multiple occasions where I could not decide what to have for my main, so the waiter was more than happy to bring me two mains to try! Likewise, if there isn’t something you fancy on the menu you can always ask for something and they are more than happy to make it for you.
The impeccable service and attention to detail made every dining experience truly memorable, and the ambience of the Britannia restaurant enhanced the sense of indulgence and sophistication. Dining at the Britannia was one of my favourite places to dine on Queen Mary 2.
The Verandah – Speciality Dining Restaurant
I tried out the Verandah which is the Speciality Steakhouse onboard for lunch one day and it was truly delicious. I recommend when onboard Queen Mary 2 to try the Verandah for lunch or dinner at some point as even though it costs extra it is well worth the spend if you are a foodie or if you love your steak.
Everyone’s meal had exquisite flavours and artful presentations when they came out. The restaurant’s elegant decor, with its soft lighting and sophisticated ambience, set the stage for a memorable dining experience.
There were lots of gourmet French-inspired dishes to choose from, but the main speciality was the meat and fish on offer, you even get a box of steak knives presented to you at the table for you to choose between before your meal arrived, from heavy knives to light knives to different coloured woods to different blades.
It was evident that the chefs’ culinary expertise was truly exceptional, as every dish was a symphony of taste and texture. You get a starter, main and dessert all chosen from a menu, I had Goats Cheese & Beetroot for my starter along with the most amazing, sweet Brioche bread that the waiters bring to the table to start with. Then I had one of the burgers on offer which had halloumi, lettuce, and tomato in it as well as a Beyond Burger vegan patty.
With each main you can choose from lots of sides and sauces; you can even have one of each if you wish! This is then followed by a dessert chosen from the menu, I chose the Wild Strawberry Pavlova which was the best dessert I have ever had it was filled with fresh cream and strawberries as well as strawberry Popping Boba balls. I would recommend that you go here feeling hungry as you will need lots of room to fit everything in!
The Kings Court Dining Hall
The King’s Court buffet is the best buffet that I have experienced at sea with sushi and sashimi for lunch every day as well as a pizza bar and a fast-food station plus a carvery, noodle bars and salad bars galore there was something for absolutely everyone.
Not only was there so much choice for breakfast lunches and dinners the quality and freshness of the food was fantastic and was constantly being replenished.
For Breakfast, there were full English stations for both vegetarians and meat eaters as well as a continental station and a sweet breakfast station including freshly baked French toast, waffles, pancakes, fruits and pastries plus so much more.
Kings Court buffet served breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and midnight snacks until 12:30 am every day.
Bamboo Speciality Dining
Bamboo offers Pan-Asian cuisine drawing on the influences of Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and China. Capture the spirit of Asia with the tantalising dishes, inspired by the many flavours of each region.
Bamboo, the second speciality dining restaurant that we tried did not disappoint. The food was truly delicious with a very large Bento Box served for the starter which had 5 different sections with a small portion of 5 different Asian-style dishes in each and a delicious dipping sauce in the middle of the box.
The main course that I chose was Miso glazed crispy tofu with stir-fried lotus root which was delightful. For dessert, we all got the same which was the Trio of desserts including Diced Mango sticky rice, green tea sponge cake and Kalamansi Lime and Chocolate Ganache.
Queens Room Afternoon Tea
One of the standout features of QM2 for me was its impressive multi-purpose Queen’s Room, where afternoon tea is served daily, allowing passengers to partake in a quintessentially British tradition while surrounded by an aura of elegance and sophistication.
There is nothing better than listening to the Harmony String Trio whilst being served the most delightful cakes, warm scones, and finger sandwiches.
This was not just afternoon tea it was a complete dining experience as well as fantastic entertainment all in one hence why I went to this three times during my Transatlantic cruise!
Other Dining Venues I enjoyed
There was also the Corinthia Lounge and Sir Samuels which served light savoury snacks, tapas-style plates, pastries, and delicious cakes throughout the day.
The Golden Lion pub served lunch daily from 12-14:30 pm with a menu of pies, ploughman’s platter and the famous fish and chips as well as some delicious desserts including Sticky Toffee pudding.
Finally, the 24/7 complimentary room service was delicious at all times of the day and included a breakfast menu, brunch menu, lunch menu, dinner menu and late-night bites menu!
What was the entertainment like onboard Queen Mary 2?
Queen Mary 2 hosts a range of activities and entertainment options, such as theatre performances, live music, dance classes, enrichment lectures, and interactive workshops, catering to a wide array of interests.
During my voyage onboard Queen Mary 2, I was captivated by the array of entertainment options offered. Each day brought a delightful assortment of activities to choose from all fitted into a daily planner with so many things going on it was hard to make a choice!
The Royal Court Theatre hosted dazzling Broadway-style musicals and enthralling theatrical performances that left me feeling inspired after each one. I experienced the magic of the Illusions Planetarium, where I immersed myself in mesmerizing 3D shows about the mysteries of the universe.
The live music throughout the ship was a constant delight, with the melodies of classical ensembles in the Grand Lobby to the lively beats of jazz bands in the lounges and the late-night DJ in G32.
There were two professional dance teachers onboard who taught one different ballroom or Latin dance class each day for people to learn in advance of the evening ballroom dancing sessions in the Queens Room.
I took part in three dance classes which included, Samba, Cha Cha Cha and the slow Waltz. There was also Line dancing and Zumba which all took place during the day in the Queens Room.
The Illuminations Planetarium is both used as a Planetarium and a cinema where there was a different film (the latest films) being played on the big screen in here every day twice a day, so if you fancy a movie night whilst onboard this is the place to go. As well as the enriching lectures by esteemed guest speakers opened people’s minds to fascinating subjects, leaving them eager to explore more.
The art exhibitions and workshops including a watercolour art class taking place every day with a professional art teacher and provided a creative outlet, allowing people to appreciate talented artists and try their hand at artistic expression.
The nightclub, bars and Queens Room were a fantastic way to end the day, savouring the vibrant atmosphere and dancing the night away. The entertainment onboard Queen Mary 2 truly exceeded my expectations, ensuring that my journey was not only luxurious but also enriching and unforgettable.
What were the Swimming Pool & Fitness facilities like?
During my voyage on Queen Mary 2, I was incredibly impressed by the exceptional Swimming Pools and fitness facilities offered onboard.
The fitness classes, such as Pilates and Yoga as well as HIIT workouts led by expert instructors, were engaging and helped people stay active during the journey. I also enjoyed jogging on the ship’s track and taking part in friendly shuffleboard matches when the weather allowed.
There is also a gym onboard which has all the cardio and weight training machines as well as free weights required for a good workout.
The swimming pools, both indoor (with a retractable roof) and outdoor, offered a refreshing escape, and I often found myself enjoying a leisurely swim as well as relaxing in the hot tubs by the swimming pools when the weather wasn’t great.
The spa and fitness facilities onboard Queen Mary 2 were truly exceptional, and they add a significant level of well-being to any voyage.
Tips for someone looking to cruise on Queen Mary 2?
Book any speciality dining, drinks packages or spa treatments beforehand to avoid disappointment when you get on board as these places get booked up quickly and to have the opportunity for more choice it is better to pre-book.
If there is a popular film or planetarium show, then get there at least 10-15 minutes early so that you are guaranteed a good seat. You don’t need to book main dining restaurants as you will be allocated a first or second seating for dinner, whatever one you request at the time of booking.
If you prefer freedom dining, you are also able to do this in the main dining restaurants if you request it in advance.
In addition to its regular transatlantic crossings, Queen Mary 2 also embarks on various cruise itineraries, visiting destinations all around the world.
Whether crossing the Atlantic or exploring exotic locales, a journey onboard Queen Mary 2 promises an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, blending the nostalgia of classic ocean travel with the amenities and comforts of the modern era.
The value for money and the quality of service, food, activities, and everything else that you get onboard a Cunard ship is amazing so don’t hesitate to book a Cunard voyage!
Final thoughts on Queen Mary 2?
If I can sum Cunard up in one way it would be that every customer who sails onboard Queen Mary 2 and in fact, any Cunard ship will feel special when onboard as well as leading up to their voyage, you will be inspired whilst onboard by so many different activities and insight speakers, finally you will enjoy the sense of freedom that Cunard and the staff onboard make you feel when onboard one of their ships.