How Can You Possibly Not Love This Ship?
Queen Mary 2 Cruise Review to Caribbean
19 Night Caribbean (New York To Southampton)
Sail date: November 26, 2016
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 5121
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
It's not a cruise ship... it's an ocean liner. It's the only one of its kind.
Similarly-sized cruise ships (RC, Norwegian) take about 3800-4100 passengers. The QM2 takes 2700, and there are 1300 crew, a ratio of nearly 2:1. All that should tell you something.
You are shrouded in luxury from start to finish. Options for having more raucous fun range from the dance club and the pub, the latter of which is rife with trivia, bar games, and karaoke nights. There's a small Casino, three major pools, one of which is indoor, endless bars, food outlets, and entertainment that includes a FREAKIN' PLANETARIUM. Only one at sea!
I mention all that stuff first because everyone seems to think Cunard is all about quilting parties and ballroom dancing. Yeah, there's plenty of that too, but it is NOT the only outlet for fun on the ship. We are a mid-30's married couple, we are by no means wealthy, and we absolutely love Cunard. 3QUEENS4LYF!
Upselling is minimal on Cunard, and I think that's important. The main restaurant, Britannia, is amazing - there's no real need to go to any of the alternative dining options, although a very reasonable $17.50/person will get you an alternative if you must. Filet, leg of lamb, lobster tail, veal confit, beef Wellington... just a few examples of the dishes we enjoyed. And the menu is COMPLETELY different every night. Chefs work hard here.
The buffet, the most casual option, is spectacular as far as buffets go. I'd say the food from the buffet on Cunard is better than ANY food on an ordinary ship. Fine cheeses, sushi/sashimi, prime rib, Indian food, seafood... it's not replicated anywhere else on ships at the same price point.
12 nights, no flight necessary, an inside stateroom on the cheap, and an unforgettable vacation. Best Caribbean vacation I've ever been on by a mile.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Bring a suit. A tux would be better. You'll need it.
Ports of call
Tortola, British Virgin Islands