Impressions of the New QM2

The QM2 as art My daughter, Alana, and I were privileged to be included on an invitation-only two-night cruise on the QM2 in April. It was a two-night cruise to nowhere.

What is impressive about the ship is the number of activities offered. On a trans-Atlantic journey one could keep busy the whole six days. Computer classes, language classes, treatments in the Canyon Ranch spa, exercise classes, RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) presentations are available. Then there are lectures given by representatives of Oxford. Musts are going to a presentation in Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea, and shows in the very up-to-the-minute theatre.

Walking the teak promenade deck could really take care of one’s exercise for the day. One round is a 1/3 of a mile. Like traditional liners, the QM2 has an abundant supply of deck chairs.

Dining is another activity that can take up lots of the day and night with all kinds of choices. Every one on our sailing was in the Brittania Restaurant, which has two seatings. Because the restaurant is actually on three levels, it doesn’t seem as if it holds 1300 at one seating. The company touts the fact that passengers can make a grand entrance, which is just what I didn’t want to do. However, it is not necessary. Being a number of new crew members arrived with us (and many had not worked on board a ship before), service was mixed. What could you expect?

For those in the suites there are the Queens and Princess Grills. What surprised me was that they look almost identical unlike on the QE2, where they are very distinct. There are subtle differences such as gold accents for the tables in the Queens Grill and silver in the Princess Grill. Also, unlike the QE2, they are located near each other. The Queens Grill, which is the larger dining room, does have its own lounge, which is not very attractive, for pre-meal drinks. It also has a small, designated outdoor area.

Everyone wants to have at least once chance to dine in the eponymous Todd English restaurant. We were delighted to meet Todd, recently voted one of the most handsome men in the U.S. However, I was surprised when he couldn’t answer the question about if there was a charge for his restaurant. There is. The additional cost is $20.00 for lunch and $30.00 for dinner.

Martha Nell and her daughter on the QM2 with NYC as a backdrop Then there is the very large Kings Court, which is divided into sections so, like the Britannia, it belies how many people it holds. In the evening it is made into four restaurants: Lotus, La Piazza, The Carvery and the Chef’s Galley. There is a supplemental fee of $35 for the Chef’s Galley but here you get to watch the chef prepare the meal in front of you. The very attractive Winter Garden is where proper English tea is served every afternoon and the Golden Lion serves pub food.

We were in one of the premium balcony cabins. However, a number of these cabins have what I consider a flaw. In the ’05 brochure Cunard describes them as “premium balcony (in hull).” This is a rightful description, which was not in the ’04 brochures. The balcony is actually part of the steel hull with a window cut into the hull. If you are sitting on your balcony or in your cabin, you can only see the sky; you have to stand to see the sea or land. Other premium balconies have obstructed views because of the placement of the lifeboats. The minimum cabin for a proper balcony is in the deluxe category.

There is surely something for everyone on this the largest ship built—so far. Try it for a trans-Atlantic voyage so you can enjoy all aspects of it.

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To read up on special offerings Travel Advisors has coming up on the QM2, click here.

Taha'a Pearl Beach Resort

“It's a very special place. The Taha'a Pearl Beach Resort is a real gem. It's the closest to a five-star facility we visited and head and shoulders above the other Pearl Beach resorts we visited and heard about. It's very secluded, so there's not a lot to do outside of the resort, but Bora Bora is only 20 miles away. Taha'a would be a great first stop for honeymooners before moving on to Bora Bora, which was my favorite island.”

M.W., Jacksonville, FL