QM2, perhaps no longer fit for a Queen.. Review

[Ray66]

According to page 16 of the August 2014 edition of the Cunarder magazine, Jacqui Hodgson retired the previous month after 36 years service.

[Solent Richard]

Birthday cakes and singing waiters at the table was stopped well over a year ago. If you want a cake you have to pay $35 and order in advance. A Birthday card still arrives . I know this for sure as I have my birthday on board each year. :)

However, if you want the Hotel Manager or any officer to attend a private party you are throwing, you can invite them along and they will join you. I have my party in the Admiral lounge on QE each year and I am not bothered about a cake as we always shared it amongst people at our table, or other tables. Most of these people you have never seen before. Much better to arrange your own party and invite people and friends who you enjoy.

 

There speaks Aphrodite. Well said MaggieMou.

[Solent Richard]

I must say, as I move along the OPs review, that when I was billeted in a Queen Mary 2 Q5 Suite it was on 9 Deck...

 

 

The wifi was as good as I have experienced on any ship.

 

And of course, you are only a stones throw from your Concierge Lounge.

Edited March 5, 2015 by Solent Richard

[maggiemou]

Melb1988.

I have another comment I would like to add to your review which is to do with your age. You mention you are young.

Maybe you find Cunard QM2 is full of older people because you have taken world cruise segments.

World cruises and world cruise segment do attract older people as they are more often than not the ones who have the time and the money to do world cruises or even segments.

I am a world cruiser and I did the full world cruise on QM2 in 2012 when you joined her in Fremantle.

Now noting what I said above I now am going to point out what happened on that segment from Freo. Some of the passengers were young 30 some things They came on for what many called a booze cruise. Three days and they were off the ship in Adelaide. I found the passengers from Australia changed the dynamics of the world cruise. They livened it up! They were younger as they were on mini cruises. On and off within a few days. Adelaide to Melbourne etc. They kept the casino running non stop 24/7 and the ship took more money around OZ then any other time we were told by the Purser. I love cruising with Australians by the way, they are fun people.;)

There were some young people on that full world cruise also, the youngest been twin girls aged 6 years who did the full 109 days.

Maybe Melb1988 ,you should try QE or QV and do a cruise that attracts younger passengers such as the cruises around the Mediterranean I know it is a long way for you to travel .Or maybe try a world sector around the Caribbean or the Pacific ocean Hawaii etc as I find you get younger passengers on board these cruises. Thank you for writing your review.

[outlawuk]

Is this a sad case of an 'Acid Queen'? I really do not want to be, or appear, discourteous - but I read the initial post in this thread in utter disbelief. Was it a troll, I wondered? Evidently not. I feel having read the review once more that I must leap to the defence of the crew on QM2. I went on a 3 night mini-cruise on QV last Summer, then spent 21 nights from Southampton to Dubai (first sector of world cruise 2015) in 2015. This was our first ever real cruise experience. My partner and I were in an inside cabin on deck 6. We got it for an almost obscenely cheap price I think and although there was some noise above us (from Kings Court crew area) I'm not going to complain. One thing I did see on the ship however was frankly too many people, who really should know better, walking about with facial expressions like they were chewing on broken glass. Quite a few of them seemed to regard the crew as little better than serfs. Shame on them. Honestly, with an attitude like that I think they got the response they deserved. I however went with an open mind and a pleasant attitude and can honestly say that every crew member we encountered was almost magnificent. They came and chatted with us, smiles, courtesies, drinks offered, more chatting with us, more drinks offered. Even the (sunglasses wearing) security officers at the entry/exit were smiles and friendly to us. I have never been so well treated in my life. The experience was so good that I will never forget it. I'm late 40's and my partner early 50's, so we were somewhat younger than most. The only (almost) insult was when a passenger in the theatre asked if we were crew! Hah!! She muttered something about younger people not being able to afford world cruises - it makes me smile even now to think of this. Actually, on reflection, I encountered quite a few discourteous passengers. But...the food in Kings Court was pleasant and mostly good, the staff there incredibly efficient. I really just wonder if the original poster was on some parallel universe, or perhaps chewing glass all the time! I do not mean this as an insult. Further, I'd add that IT'S A SHIP! If you want the sea totally engineered out of the equation, why not travel with some ghastly other company. I saw constant re-painting, constant cleaning.... . The stinging criticism of the Entertainment Director is wholly unjustified. I could go on and on.... but I will leave it there. I hope that readers will see a different perspective. Is this a case of bad Karma or 'attitude'. My lack-of-attitude was, I feel, repaid in spades! I will definitely be traveling on QM2 again, if I can save the many required pennies to do it that is.

The photos is of me, to show that I was actually on the ship.

Dominic (and Mike)

[axelskater]

I'm sorry the voyage wasn't the experience you had hoped for - especially if an upgrade to a Q5 didn't do it.

 

A couple of comments on two things you pointed out. Carnival has owned Cunard since 1998. There certainly would not have been a QM2 without their financial capital. A table mate who said he was on the QE2 when the announcement came said the crew was elated. Carnival at least was interested in running ships while Trafalgar House had become such a huge conglomerate they didn't have focus on the business. Today, there would be no ocean liner in service had Cunard not been bought.

 

You also mentioned the lack of a evening or desert buffet. I never remember this in QM2, and since the MLC2600 labor rules have taken effect starting in 2013 it is a challenge to put these on. (A couple of years ago somebody here reported on a Midnight Chocolate Buffet on the QE and the passenger behavior was a disgrace.)

 

As for the birthday not being acknowledged, there's no excuse for that since a DOB has to be in the system.

 

I cannot disagree that the condition of QM2 isn't what it was in 2004. The blame is constant downward price pressure. You would not have gotten a substantial upgrade had those Q5s been sold at the original going rate. Passengers accepted slower speeds in compensation for lower prices and Cunard is giving it to them. When I commented in another thread that yes, I would pay a higher fare to have a 6 day rather than 7 or 8 day Atlantic crossing I was admonished, "Take a plane if you are in that much of a hurry." Some regular posters here proudly proclaim themselves as "frugal fare hunters" and searchers of "smoking hot deals". Luxury service and amenities and discounted fares don't co-exist for very long.

 

So in summary, there are not enough passengers willing to pay the prices that would sustain the levels of service and speed that many remember fondly of the QE2.

 

:):):)

I know there are issues but I can't help it. I see QM2 and Cunard through rose colored glasses. I wish the frugal fare hunters would go away.

[axelskater]

If Cunard acknowledged my birthday at dinner, I would be a "chewing glass" person as another poster mentioned, for that little bit of time!

And I am not much older than the OP. Some people like it, some don't!

 

Usually I walk around QM2 like this :D

[eatsallinsects]

Outlawuk, Thank You, for your comments.

My son, daughter and I are trying to decide which of 3 trips to take this year on the QM2 and I was about to tell them: forget it after reading the long "rant" by the OP!

My daughter and I have been sailing (not "cruising") on Cunard since 1993 and have taken my son with us on the QE and QV but I wanted him to experience the QM2.

Think we shall keep our original plans in place>

[Solent Richard]

Melb1988.

I have another comment I would like to add to your review which is to do with your age. You mention you are young.

Maybe you find Cunard QM2 is full of older people because you have taken world cruise segments.

World cruises and world cruise segment do attract older people as they are more often than not the ones who have the time and the money to do world cruises or even segments.

I am a world cruiser and I did the full world cruise on QM2 in 2012 when you joined her in Fremantle.

Now noting what I said above I now am going to point out what happened on that segment from Freo. Some of the passengers were young 30 some things They came on for what many called a booze cruise. Three days and they were off the ship in Adelaide. I found the passengers from Australia changed the dynamics of the world cruise. They livened it up! They were younger as they were on mini cruises. On and off within a few days. Adelaide to Melbourne etc. They kept the casino running non stop 24/7 and the ship took more money around OZ then any other time we were told by the Purser. I love cruising with Australians by the way, they are fun people.;)

There were some young people on that full world cruise also, the youngest been twin girls aged 6 years who did the full 109 days.

Maybe Melb1988 ,you should try QE or QV and do a cruise that attracts younger passengers such as the cruises around the Mediterranean I know it is a long way for you to travel .Or maybe try a world sector around the Caribbean or the Pacific ocean Hawaii etc as I find you get younger passengers on board these cruises. Thank you for writing your review.

 

Similar story from me MM when we sailed from Los Angeles in 2009 heading for Sydney.

 

Roughly 800 British passengers disembarked having sailed with us all the way around South America.

 

 

Some 800 Australians embarked. It wasn't such long segment but, while the ages were all similar, there was more life onboard.

 

The big difference though was that there were no moaners.

[Liberal_Baggie]

Queen Victoria was swapped with QM2 for refurbishment before the world cruises.I guess that the share owners demand a return and couldn't justify having Two ships out of revenue earning in the same year. The original poster is correct to point out the obvious problems in lack of maintainance and poor quality of the ships hull paint wise.Fading orange tenders as well. He was a bit over the top about Paul the entertainment manager,maybe Cunard should rotate that position a bit more however. I wont be going back on QM2 until after the next refit and to be honest this year (as its in a bad shape) is the one to give QM2 a miss.No point in defending QM2 it needs a massive amount of money invested in it.

[balf]

:):):)

I know there are issues but I can't help it. I see QM2 and Cunard through rose colored glasses. I wish the frugal fare hunters would go away.

 

But the previous poster wrote this and loved the ship and the staff and obviously had a fine cruise and at a fine price. What's not to like?

 

"We got it for an almost obscenely cheap price"

 

David.

[seacruise9]

Hi,

 

Thanks for posting your detailed review. Like you, I am a big ocean liner fan and collect memorabilia from the great liners. I started traveling aboard ships at a young age and sailed on the QE2 seven times (between 1984 and 2005). In addition, I have sailed aboard the QM2 four times (2004, 2006, 2009 and 2014). I also have cruised aboard the Queen Elizabeth (in 2012) and the excellent Sagafjord and Vistafjord back in the 1990s. Besides Cunard, I have cruised multiple times with Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Although I have an extensive cruise background, I am not terribly old (turned 50 last year).

 

I had a wonderful time on my most recent sailing on the QM2 (a seven-day crossing in November 2014). I traveled solo in a balcony stateroom on Deck 6. Although I admit that the ship needs to be refurbished, I greatly enjoyed myself and did not notice anything too egregious. I did the extensive behind-the-scenes tour and thought the ship was in decent shape. Perhaps my standards are too low, but I loved my crossing on the QM2 last year.

 

Chuck

[Jim Avery]

Queen Victoria was swapped with QM2 for refurbishment before the world cruises.I guess that the share owners demand a return and couldn't justify having Two ships out of revenue earning in the same year. The original poster is correct to point out the obvious problems in lack of maintainance and poor quality of the ships hull paint wise.Fading orange tenders as well. He was a bit over the top about Paul the entertainment manager,maybe Cunard should rotate that position a bit more however. I wont be going back on QM2 until after the next refit and to be honest this year (as its in a bad shape) is the one to give QM2 a miss.No point in defending QM2 it needs a massive amount of money invested in it.

 

Recent exterior photos of QM2 show a condition not much different from recent exterior photos of QE2......Not sure what to make of this other than I doubt QM2 will equal miles sailed or years of service of her predecessor, given current maintenance levels. Sad to see the Flagship needing so much attention.

[melb1988]

Thanks for the replies everyone, and again apologies for my review being so long!!

 

Very interesting findings re the so called 'hotel manager' but then again I'm not suprised as the way she was acting was not what I would consider a person worthy of such a role! She's obviousl just said it to try back up her argument. Regardless of who she is, it wasn't right.

 

I've noticed a few replies imply that perhaps the negative points I pointed out weren't negative at all and that I am just one of those negative people who can't be pleased... For starters we received many comments from other guests on how delightful we were as fellow passangers, how up beat and happy we were. We even engaged in conversation about those other passangers who seem to be negative their whole voyage.. Why even bother going on holiday if you can't enjoy yourself? I cannot stress enough that that is not the case with us! I know the type of passanger that is being referred to and that is not who I am. Working in customer service myself, I understand how it feels to be mistreated by people who have nothing better to do than make your life difficult when you're working. I am not one of those people. We enjoyed our cruise and we're happy onboard, as I mentioned the issues I pointed out weren't the type that destroy holidays they were simply issues that I felt needed to be pointed out to those who may be interested in this forum! Being an experienced cruiser and also a ship buff, I believe I know what is considered right and wrong in regards to how a ship is presented, maintained and run by its crew. Some things were right! Some things were wrong and something's were terribly wrong. My issue is that what was wrong were things that you would not expect from Cunard which makes it all the more irritating! Simple things such as maintanance should be a top priority on any line let alone the Cunard line. Obviously I understand business in the modern world and it all relates back to budgets and profits etc but when you consider that Cunard still insist on charging almost double that of other cruise lines, how can they justify those fares when they are not presenting a product any better and in some cases worse than the competition?

The topic of speed was mentioned, I too am happy for the ship to run at a slower speed for the sake of reducing cost of fares, but if the current fares are supposedly reduced, I'd hate to see what they would be if the ship was running at higher speeds! On average when I browse Cunard fares, starting prices are usually double of what princess or Royal Caribbean charge for the same trip. The ships of those lines wouldn't run at a much different speed to the QM2 and furthermore on my last trips on Royal Caribbean and Princess I as a paying customer (who paid significantly less than my recent Cunard fare) was presented with better maintaned ships (even though they were older than the QM2) so I struggle to see the justification.

 

I Love the Cunard line, I have outlined that. For example the negatives I saw onboard still didn't stop me from Purchasing $350 worth of items from the book shop onboard but I am also not blinded by the name and am willing to sit back and say it's ok for them to take loyal passangers for a bit of a joke and somehow justify that the product is so amazing that we should be charged higher fares to travel with them over other lines, because the QM2 that I've just experienced is simply not up to scratch as far as a premium ship.

If we as loyal Cunarders don't speak up, Carnival will continue cutting budgets for Cunard and I don't want that to happen. I want the line to remain premium and somewhat exclusive but don't treat us like fools and claim its premium, charge us premium prices but present is with a non premium product... I think we here are all smarter than that and frankly deserve better than that.

 

I'm glad to hear QE/QV are in a better state, this gives me hope! But one must question why the flag ship has been allowed to get the way it is. When was the last time the CEO actually toured the ship!? Surely he would be un happy with its state.

[axelskater]

But the previous poster wrote this and loved the ship and the staff and obviously had a fine cruise and at a fine price. What's not to like?

 

"We got it for an almost obscenely cheap price"

 

David.

 

Correction: I wish the complaining frugal fare hunters would go away :p

[BlueRiband]

Correction: I wish the complaining frugal fare hunters would go away :p

 

And I wish all those who are happy with longer and longer transatlantic crossings would instead just take a cruise! Go spend 10-14 days floating between some ports if that's what makes you happy.:p I'd rather experience QM2 doing what she was built to do - charging through the North Atlantic.

[Salacia]

:):):)

I know there are issues but I can't help it. I see QM2 and Cunard through rose colored glasses. I wish the frugal fare hunters would go away.

 

H axelskater. Be careful what you wish for: if 'frugal fare hunters' go away, who will fill empty cabins? No ship can sail for too long with empty cabins. From what I've read on this forum, there are many loyal Cunard passengers who avail themselves of special sales which allows them to take several cruises each year (especially solo passengers who pay a high premium).

 

Rose colored glasses create an illusion. Reality bites, but it is what it is. -Salacia

[brigittetom]

And I wish all those who are happy with longer and longer transatlantic crossings would instead just take a cruise! Go spend 10-14 days floating between some ports if that's what makes you happy.:p I'd rather experience QM2 doing what she was built to do - charging through the North Atlantic.

 

 

That's rather harsh. I enjoy the longer crossings because I enjoy my days on the QM2 in the middle of the Atantic. I didn't make the decisions......I just paid my fare to be on board. I think it's odd to blame passengers with different opinions for Cunards policies.

Edited March 6, 2015 by brigittetom

[tv24]

Thanks for the review. It is indeed quite impressively long, so I skimmed. I have to say that those who anticipate that Cunard and the QMII experience will be luxury are sadly misled by the advertisements and hype. I have decided to focus on the things I love about the QMII (the design of the public rooms, the adequate quality of the food in Britannia, the great pop-up restos at night in Kings Court, the sometimes high quality entertainment and lectures, the good prices on the crossings) and to avoid/ignore the horrible things that don't work (Kings Court, Kings Court, Kings Court). It's not luxury, don't pretend it is. Make the best of it, relax and enjoy, and then life will be good. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

[melb1988]

I was just looking at some photos of QE in Sydney from the other day, she looks just as new as she did the Queen named her! She's sparkling!

What's the latest theory on when we think the QM2 is to be dry docked? Or do we actually have confirmation now? I remember a few possible dates were being thrown around on these forums before I left to meet up with her.

In the perfect world, I'd love to see ships dry docked annually! (Never going to happen these days but one can still dream)

[Solent Richard]

Thanks for the replies everyone, and again apologies for my review being so long!!

 

Very interesting findings re the so called 'hotel manager' but then again I'm not suprised as the way she was acting was not what I would consider a person worthy of such a role! She's obviousl just said it to try back up her argument. Regardless of who she is, it wasn't right.

 

I've noticed a few replies imply that perhaps the negative points I pointed out weren't negative at all and that I am just one of those negative people who can't be pleased... For starters we received many comments from other guests on how delightful we were as fellow passangers, how up beat and happy we were. We even engaged in conversation about those other passangers who seem to be negative their whole voyage.. Why even bother going on holiday if you can't enjoy yourself? I cannot stress enough that that is not the case with us! I know the type of passanger that is being referred to and that is not who I am. Working in customer service myself, I understand how it feels to be mistreated by people who have nothing better to do than make your life difficult when you're working. I am not one of those people. We enjoyed our cruise and we're happy onboard, as I mentioned the issues I pointed out weren't the type that destroy holidays they were simply issues that I felt needed to be pointed out to those who may be interested in this forum! Being an experienced cruiser and also a ship buff, I believe I know what is considered right and wrong in regards to how a ship is presented, maintained and run by its crew. Some things were right! Some things were wrong and something's were terribly wrong. My issue is that what was wrong were things that you would not expect from Cunard which makes it all the more irritating! Simple things such as maintanance should be a top priority on any line let alone the Cunard line. Obviously I understand business in the modern world and it all relates back to budgets and profits etc but when you consider that Cunard still insist on charging almost double that of other cruise lines, how can they justify those fares when they are not presenting a product any better and in some cases worse than the competition?

The topic of speed was mentioned, I too am happy for the ship to run at a slower speed for the sake of reducing cost of fares, but if the current fares are supposedly reduced, I'd hate to see what they would be if the ship was running at higher speeds! On average when I browse Cunard fares, starting prices are usually double of what princess or Royal Caribbean charge for the same trip. The ships of those lines wouldn't run at a much different speed to the QM2 and furthermore on my last trips on Royal Caribbean and Princess I as a paying customer (who paid significantly less than my recent Cunard fare) was presented with better maintaned ships (even though they were older than the QM2) so I struggle to see the justification.

 

I Love the Cunard line, I have outlined that. For example the negatives I saw onboard still didn't stop me from Purchasing $350 worth of items from the book shop onboard but I am also not blinded by the name and am willing to sit back and say it's ok for them to take loyal passangers for a bit of a joke and somehow justify that the product is so amazing that we should be charged higher fares to travel with them over other lines, because the QM2 that I've just experienced is simply not up to scratch as far as a premium ship.

If we as loyal Cunarders don't speak up, Carnival will continue cutting budgets for Cunard and I don't want that to happen. I want the line to remain premium and somewhat exclusive but don't treat us like fools and claim its premium, charge us premium prices but present is with a non premium product... I think we here are all smarter than that and frankly deserve better than that.

 

I'm glad to hear QE/QV are in a better state, this gives me hope! But one must question why the flag ship has been allowed to get the way it is. When was the last time the CEO actually toured the ship!? Surely he would be un happy with its state.

 

Good morning Mel B.

 

Thank you for returning with this second personal Cunard prognosis.

 

Alas the underlying theme that greets me again is one of cost and, quite frankly, I just glaze over.

 

May I respectfully suggest that any comparison, no matter how tentative, between Royal Caribbean and Cunard denudes all argument of all credibility.

 

http://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/17/independence-of-the-seas-the-nation-of-why-not-queue/

[Solent Richard]

I was just looking at some photos of QE in Sydney from the other day, she looks just as new as she did the Queen named her! She's sparkling!

What's the latest theory on when we think the QM2 is to be dry docked? Or do we actually have confirmation now? I remember a few possible dates were being thrown around on these forums before I left to meet up with her.

In the perfect world, I'd love to see ships dry docked annually! (Never going to happen these days but one can still dream)

 

To the best of my knowledge QM2 had a mini-refit in Autumn 2011. I reported on it on my blog on completion of a Christmas and new Year cruise onboard her...

 

http://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/25/queen-mary-2-caribbean-christmas/

 

"The areas that had undergone the scheduled refit , (I would prefer the word ‘refurbish’) included her staterooms, clubs, restaurants, bars and play areas. It effectively refreshed and enhanced those areas ensuring the continuation of the Queen Mary 2’s elegant and stylish image.

 

The refurbishment replaced the equivalent of 10 football fields of carpet and 18 miles of fabric (according to Cunard) while the oceanliner’s 1,310 staterooms and suites were redecorated with new carpeting, curtains, bedspreads and furniture".

 

That, if my calculations can be relied upon, is 3 years and 4 months past.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Solent Richard

[melb1988]

Good morning Mel B.

 

Thank you for returning with this second personal Cunard prognosis.

 

Alas the underlying theme that greets me again is one of cost and, quite frankly, I just glaze over.

 

May I respectfully suggest that any comparison, no matter how tentative, between Royal Caribbean and Cunard denudes all argument of all credibility.

 

http://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/17/independence-of-the-seas-the-nation-of-why-not-queue/

 

Why can't Royal Caribbean be compared with Cunard in refrence to how they maintain their fleet? If you feel it's a bit below you feel free to replace Royal Caribbean with any other Line you wish, chances are that line would also present their flag ship in a much better way than Cunard. I was simply using Royal Caribbean and Princess as refrence.

As pointed out, major Cunard fan here, of all Cunard ships, throughout history... But even I will not blatantly lie and say the QM2 is in good condition when it is not just to protect their reputation.... Why? Because the current state of the QM2 is not the Cunard I know and love. I don't want to see them go down this path.

I must admit it is funny to see someone take a shot at Royal Caribbean when the last Royal Caribbean ship I went on was the nearly 20 year old Rhapsody Of The Seas and that was in better condition than Cunards flagship.. Tell me 8 years ago that I would be saying that and I wouldn't believe you.. Well here we are, in reality!

[melb1988]

To the best of my knowledge QM2 had a mini-refit in Autumn 2011. I reported on it on my blog on completion of a Christmas and new Year cruise onboard her...

 

http://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/25/queen-mary-2-caribbean-christmas/

 

"The areas that had undergone the scheduled refit , (I would prefer the word ‘refurbish’) included her staterooms, clubs, restaurants, bars and play areas. It effectively refreshed and enhanced those areas ensuring the continuation of the Queen Mary 2’s elegant and stylish image.

 

The refurbishment replaced the equivalent of 10 football fields of carpet and 18 miles of fabric (according to Cunard) while the oceanliner’s 1,310 staterooms and suites were redecorated with new carpeting, curtains, bedspreads and furniture".

 

That, if my calculations can be relied upon, is 3 years and 4 months past.

 

Correct!

 

But my question is when's the next one? as it is desperately needed..

I'm fearing that someone may be electrocuted by the water that drips from the ceiling down into the wall mounted lights along deck 9 corridor or someone may break a leg in one of these many random pot holes that seem to have been an issue both before and after the 2011 refit..

Or what about the replacement of those old and outdated couches in the britannia staterooms that Shanks felt the need to state 'these will be replaced very soon as we didn't have enough time to do it during the refit' a few days after the refit was completed? Still waiting...

[Yoshikitty]

We've been on QM2 last November and we can agree on her need of some new paint and some substancial refurbishing.

 

We noticed it - but then moved on and enjoyed our crossing to a very high degree.

 

So, we can understand the majority of the points from the op here - there are some points which are absolutely valid. Some other points such as the opinion about the entertainment director are depending on personal taste.

 

What we really can't agree with is the judgement on the food in KC.

It was our fourth crossing - on the previous ones, we exclusively dined in Britannia and Todd English.

 

But in Novemember we both have been surprised how good the food there was!

Particularly the less crowded section in the rear (don't recall the name...) has a phantastic selection of food during most of the day - always fresh and well prepared. Just as an example the cheese selection (on a little cart) in the evening was very good.

 

We skipped dinner in Britannia twice - we could not imagine this on our previous crossings.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Yoshikitty