It all began at London Heathrow on the 25th April. Many of us from different walks of life were meeting to join Cunard onboard the classic Queen Mary 2 in Lisbon, travelling back to Southampton.
In Lisbon, we were greeted by music and red carnations to celebrate the Portuguese ‘Dia da Liberdade’, or otherwise known as Freedom Day. This day falls on the 25th April every year and commemorates the Carnation Revolution that occurred on that day in 1974.
The Cunard coach transfer took us the short drive to the port in Lisbon, where we were met by the very attentive check in staff to assist us onboarding Queen Mary 2. This process was very swift and efficient. With the cabin key card quickly received, off I went.
As I embarked on the ship on Level 3, I was straightaway in awe of just how superior she is inside and out. The elegance was flowing from front to back.
I stayed in a Brittania Balcony Cabin. It was located on the 5th floor which was a great location in my opinion. The cabin was very spacious for two, with amble wardrobe storage and even more storage under the bed. The bathrooms come equipped with the Penhaligon range which are simply amazing and very high quality of a product. I found the 5th floor was great to have a balcony on as all you see is sea, sea, and more sea.
Night one, we had a few free hours until we were all gathering on The Terrace bar, ready to sail away. The sun was beaming, the wine was flowing, and it was overall a great way to start the cruise. The Captain went over the tannoy and gave a very interesting speech about the Portuguese Dia da Liberdade, which I thought was a nice touch to end the sail away.
We ate in The Britannia on night one and it was gorgeous. The five course evening menu changes daily and features a tempting array of British and regional cuisine. You can indulge in all 5 courses or just have 1. It really is your decision. Handy tip, if you haven’t booked your table, you can join a virtual line through the ‘My Voyage’ app and know how many people are waiting to be served in front of you. Today had been a long day with travelling, but that didn’t stop us having a quick peak into G32, The Queen Mary 2’s nightclub. This vibrant nightclub, found only on Queen Mary 2, will give you the chance to let your hair down in a party atmosphere.
Day 2 began with breakfast in The Kings Court. This restaurant is a buffet style, bringing you a mix of classic continental options, from your full English breakfast to buttermilk pancakes.
The day was ours, so where was our first stop…The Mareel Spa. I was offered a complimentary skin analysis. Very clever equipment. It was a quick photo of my face, and they were able to view my skin in 6 different ways. I left feeling a bit more educated on how to look after my skin type.
After a bit of time relaxing in one of the many spaces on QM2 where you can enjoy the view and a good book, off to lunch I went. I was pleasantly surprised with the options. From Welsh lamb, seafood salad, noodles, sushi or even good old pub grub in the Golden Lion. There is literally something for all taste preferences.
The rest of the day flew by with so much to do. You could take part in a spot of bingo or even an ad hoc class in fencing. Something for everyone and all ages, literally.
Night two was the gala evening of a masquerade ball. It was so much fun, once again the food was a highlight (and plenty of variety for all dietary requirements) and the staff were on top form, getting involved with all the fun.
When on board QM2, it is a MUST to experience the afternoon tea. The staff are smartly dressed in their all-white attires, tables laid out immaculately and the sweet and savoury options that come around are very decadent. It takes place in the Queens Room, which is very fitting for the afternoon tea, topped off with a musician playing in the background.
I spent 3 nights and 4 days on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and one valuable lesson I learnt, is that on this prestigious named ship, it welcomes all ages with arms wide open. I highly recommend this cruise to all demographics and whether you have cruised before or are new to cruising. There isn’t anything to not like!
Queen Mary 2 – 10/10!
If you would like to know more about my time on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, or if you’re interested in experiencing this ship yourself, please get in contact at [email protected] or call into the shop in Abergavenny.
