I was so excited to be offered a 4 night cruise on Queen Mary 2. I have never been onboard a Cunard cruise before but have sold lots of customers over my 27 years in travel. I have always sold Queen Mary 2, as a traditional luxury cruise line and wanted to see if my preconception’s were correct.
After a lovely leisurely drive down to Southampton enjoying the striking autumn colours, I could not get over how smooth the check in was. I pulled up right in front of the beautiful Queen Mary 2, with her famous red funnels, she is very striking. After a member of staff checked my car over, I was free to drop my bag off and straight to check in. The whole process took under 10 minutes, what a relaxing start to your holiday.
After finding my cabin 5101, which was a sheltered Balcony on deck 5 mid ship, I met my cabin steward who went through my cabin with me. I then went for a look around this fantastic ship, I ended up in the Golden Lion pub which was a real social hub on the ship. Other guests were tucking into the most amazing Fish & Chips. It had a real feel of a traditional British pub.
I went back to my cabin and enjoyed a glass of wine and got ready for dinner. I actually wore a dress on the first night that my sisters mother in law made in 1946. My fellow passengers commented on my stunning vintage dress, which looked it had been made especially made for my trip but is actually 40 years old. I had dinner on my first night in The Grand Britannia Restaurant, a choice of 5 courses there really is something for everyone, if you did not find something to take your fancy you can also ask them for an alternative option.
Queen Mary is a true icon and the only cruise liner at sea, I must admit that I did not realise that we had started sailing. My only other cruise was in the Caribbean and I was a little concerned about my sea legs sailing from Southampton to Hamburg, in October. I had nothing to worry about, and she is so smooth that I kept waking on my first night thinking we had stopped.
My first morning I treated myself to breakfast in my cabin, you just need to remember to put your order out before 1 am the night before. It was a lovely treat, sat in my bed in my robe looking out at sea. Also, the beds maybe one of this most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.
On my cruise, we had two days at sea, and the weather was very kind with glorious blue skies. I really enjoyed walking around the deck and enjoying the autumn sunshine, cruising is such a sociable holiday, sat up on deck you could always find someone to talk to. On board our cruise, we had actor James Nesbitt (Cold Feet) who was onboard to do a talk on his life and being an actor. This took place in the Royal Court Theatre. It was his first time on a cruise and having worked in the theatre, he could not get over the fact how beautiful the theatre was and it was on a cruise ship.
For days at sea there is plenty to keep you entertained, I really enjoyed Illuminations which is the largest planetarium at sea and I learned lots about the solar system. Afternoon tea in the Queens Room is a must, sandwich's, cakes and scones served to you by waiters all in their whites is a stunning sight. During the day they also have fencing in the Queens Rooms, or even line dancing and salsa lessons. Then at night, the main focal point is the famous ballroom, where they are male chaperons to dance with the ladies that may not have a dance partner.
When we arrived in Hamburg, the process of getting off the ship was just as well organised as getting on in Southampton. Shuttle buses were queuing up to take us into Hamburg which was just 20 minutes away. In Hamburg I went on a river cruise and we sailed right next to Queen Mary 2 with the national anthem playing which was very special moment.
On my last night I ate in the Steakhouse at The Verandah, which was the highlight of the cruise the ribeye and prawns were some of the best I have ever had. After dinner on my last evening, I enjoyed a band in the G32 night club followed by some dancing to the resident DJ. On the night before you disembark, they ask you to put your suitcase outside your cabin, and they will take your case off the ship. After having a lovely relaxing breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant, it was time to disembark the Queen Mary2. Again, the whole process was very well organised.
I loved my time on the Queen Mary 2 and hope maybe one day I may get to experience one of the other Queens. I would recommend a cruise with Cunard, and if you would like any advice on a future cruise, please pop into the Wells branch to see me.
