Wedding Anniversary On QM2

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• Location: New York
• Holiday Type: Cruises

• by: tjeyre
• on: Thu 24 May 2012

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For a special wedding anniversary present for my wife, I booked our "dream" holiday - crossing the Atlantic on the Grand Ocean Liner that is the QM2. It was everything we could have hoped for and whilst browsing recent deals I was so shocked to see the same trip for a third of the price we paid last year that I felt I had no choice but to book it again.

This was a "late deal" price on the lowest cabin grade but we found ourselves in a D4 (inside) cabin instead of a D8 which is the category we had booked. I would like to point out that having not stopped in an inside cabin before, we weren't sure whether or not this might take the shine off of our trip - NOT AT ALL! Do not be afraid to book an inside cabin on the QM2 because they are more than spacious enough for you to sleep, freshen up, change and simply relax.

Traversing the North Atlantic is about as relaxing as it gets - especially since it can get a little "choppy" yet on board the QM2 this fact goes unnoticed (unless you look out of the window!). Not being technically minded, I know nothing of the workings of this vessel's stabilizers so suffice it to say they do an absolutely fabulous job - forget about tea cups rattling, bread rolls falling off the table and staggering from side-to-side on deck, this just does not happen on QM2.

People wonder if being "couped up in the same place" for six days is boring - No! QM2 has so many attractions (a casino, British pub, Planetarium, spa, countless pools and Jaccuzis, lectures, presentations, games, bingo, deck activities, musicians) that six days almost seems not long enough.

The menu in the Britannia restaurant is first class, as are those who are serving it. The four dining options in the Kings Court offer a fantastically diverse buffet selection during the day and turn into intimate 'A la Carte' restaurants at night time, offering cooked-to-order foods that can only be described as 'to die for'. The Chef's Galley even gives the lucky few who have booked the opportuntity to watch the chefs prepare and cook their order (and explaining the process) from the comfort of their dining table!

Afternoon tea is also fantastic. In the majestic Queens Room, a string quartet plays while what can only be described as a swarm of white-gloved, white-blazered bees fly around the room continuously replenishing your cup with hot tea and your plate with assorted finger sandwiches and "mini" cakes. And don't forget the (still-warm) scones with a side of jam & whipped cream.

Go to the Golden Lion for fish, chips and mushy peas or a Ploughman's Lunch. Take on your fellow passengers whilst you eat with one of the many quizzes that the staff deliver throughout the day.

At night, beyond the culinary experience, the bars take on a completely different feel - my favourite place is the dimly lit Chart Room which showcases a "Jazz Trio" who play gently as you chat and stare out across the ocean. Perhaps the Champagne Bar is more to your liking or the super-relaxed Commodore Club with its Martini inspired menu and accomplished pianist.

I can't say enough good things about Cunard and the QM2 and I would recommend both to all. Don't be afraid of so many sea days - it gives you time to make full use of the facilities that you have paid for.

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