Disappointed

Highlight of the cruise was QM2's first ever rescue at sea - and a man was saved!

Great job by Captain Wells and his staff - especially the 3 who were hoisted into the rough seas in the rescue craft.   The presentation to guests in the theatre the day after was THE BEST "entertainment" of the cruise.  

The rest of the cruise - a huge disappointment because we believed all the hype of QM2s marketing.  We truly expected a unique experience of a "crossing" vs a repositioning cruise.

-a "luxury ocean liner" - Celebrity's "cruise ships" are nicer.  the grand lobby - nothing special at all AND the carpet was disgustedly stained!   

-"largest library at sea" was impressive with # of volumes ... but not with chairs to sit, read, and relax - though every lounge had more than enough!   

-"only planetarium at sea" - a ceiling dome with short film projected on it. 150 seats to a 2600 passengers count.   shows at 1:30, 2, 2:30pm, and you had to line up for tickets at 9am.  

-daily movies shown in Illuminations were at 5pm and 7pm.  impossible to go to movie and dinner if you dined at 6pm!

the biggest disappointment - the staff.  aside from a handful of OUTSTANDING ones, the rest seemed indifferent, with short and curt answers.   we had a fantastic cabin steward and waiter.  customer service at pursers office - very polite and smiles, but we had to do all the follow up to get resolution to our very legitimate issues.   sometimes "so sorry" just doesn't solve the problem.  i am still following up with CUNARD on one unresolved issue.

do listen to previous guest comments - stay away from steaks and beef.  food overall was good, but again, comparing to Celebrity, BLAH!!!

With all that said, the weather was not cooperative and the gale winds and cold temps kept passengers indoors on 12 of the 16 days.  the swells from the storm had many passengers (and staff!) seasick one day ... but can't blame weather on CUNARD.  but we did miss laying out poolside with a good book in the sunshine.  

final word - it was an experience for us to cross the Atlantic on the infamous QM2, and we will remember it with mixed feelings.