Queen Mary 2

On January 23, 2008 I had the opportunity to sail on the Super liner Queen Mary 2 for a 10 night Caribbean Cruise, sailing from Brooklyn New York to Road Town Tortola, St.Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, returning back to Brooklyn. I wanted to do this sailing because of the history that Queen Mary 2 has behind her. Being a native of Los Angeles, I have been on the original QM, located in Long Beach, several times. I could not wait to board just to visit the largest library on the sea ( 8000 books), to experience Illuminations ( the only Planetarium at sea),and the Aqua Therapy Centre (WOW!) located within the Canyon Ranch Spa. Beautifully decorated in slick woods...... with a museum... Maritime Quest on board showing the true history of the Queens. I loved viewing the awesome photos of past guests dating back to the 1800's. You can listen to informative information with details ranging from celebrities and great men and women that sailed in the early days. I attended a couple of the ballroom dance classes, taught in the Grand Queen's Ballroom........ very popular, very crowded, but excellent in learning those dances such as the swing and tango. Boy did I ever swing! Private dance lessons can be arranged if needed. The G32, (a 2 level dancing venue) Queen Mary 2's disco was also nicely decorated. Smoker's could smoke upstairs with non-smoker's downstairs Vibz the Caribbean band and a DJ entertained guests to the wee hours of the morning with a variety of music themes such as Motown and Country nights....I partied for sure. There is so much to do on board from an entire deck (Deck 7) for just food service, to the sail away parties with live music and plenty of space on deck to take in the breathless views of the Caribbean Islands. During the day the King's court is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a midnight buffet that offers more than just a burger and fries. At night you can experience separate restaurants such as the La Piazza (Italian) or the Lotus(Asian) to the Chef's Galley that offers a unique dining experience. You choose what "meal theme" you would like from French to steaks, and Top Chefs will come in, allowing you to view the preparation your dinner, serving you right there in the "food theatre" Reservations must be made . If not enough guests are signed up for this display, you are subject to cancellation for that night. Staff will contact you to re-schedule though which is proof that Cunard does honor their "white-glove service" One day we had lunch in the Golden Lion Pub that offered the best fish and chips that I have eaten. Other British dishes are available...all of this at no additional costs. At night I listened while the other guests had sing-along and karaoke themes nights. They really enjoyed themselves, more Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin requests than Michael Jackson or Cion. Todd English is the Queen's specialty restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine from the renowned Todd English, a celebrity chef. There was so much to do on board. On about my fifth day on board I had to just relax because we had done so much from touring the HUGE ship, to attending classes ranging from computer lessons to guest speakers, to art auctions ( lowest bid was 10.00 Can you believe that?), to eating and eating and more eating. The entertainment shows were great compared to some other cruise lines (but not all) Some nights you would see a show and other nights there might be a UK performer that was flown in for a performance. I always like to make all of night performances....it just goes with cruising I guess. That or my love for Simon of the American Idol I loved the Aqua Therapy Centre. This Centre consists of a thermal pool to die for, sauna and stream rooms, and other therapy sensations. At 40.00 dollars a day you can just relax away from all the hustle and bustle of deciding where you want to eat. QM2 staffers say that we have to eat at least every 15 minutes while on board, and I must say that I definitely got my weight on while cruising. With any spa treatment the Aqua Therapy Centre is complimentary for one day. Special pricing available for more days I must say that this ship is definitely "elegance" to say the least. Most passengers were seniors, coming from the UK or Wales. With over 2000 passengers on board, there were to my understanding only 47 Americans on board. and to my amazement 19 children that I never saw. The Zone/Play Zone with certified British nannies is 100% secure. I could not tour the inside, however I was able to "peek" inside and yes it was also well appointed. Not your Disney or RCCL, but entertaining for young kids. I never saw children and families gathered out on the pool decks. I don't know where they were, however crowded pools areas full of children was not happening on this peculiar sailing..That goes to show just how parents enjoyed the Play Zone Last but not least.the staterooms. QM2 offers several different categories from a Grand Duplex to a standard inside stateroom. If booked within the Queen's Grill, the Princess Grill, or the Britannia Club, guests have their own dining and pool lounging areas that are off limits to other guests. The QM2 definitely has apartments and duplexes on board. now that's a lot of square footage. e, myself I had a Atrium view in category D1. My stateroom was comfortable. The atrium does have a window, however the only thing that we could see outside was the guest rooms on our opposite side.There is a mini-frig in the room. No bathtubs, great bath amenities, flat screen television, and daily bathrobes and slippers (slippers are yours to keep, however there is a charge for more pairs) lots of storage space, and a in room safe. In ending this I probably have not gotten to half of my experiences on board. I still would opt to take my 15 year old on another cruise line that is geared more to families I am proud to say that I have indeed sailed on the GREAT QUEEN MARY 2. Now I too, am part of history! 100 years from now you just may see my picture on their walls Sandra Weaver

Sandra WeaverSenior Travel Consultant