Perhaps you’re wondering whether you’ll enjoy life at sea, whether you’ll feel confined on board, or if cruising is really as relaxing as everyone says.
After experiencing Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, I can see why so many guests fall in love with cruising after their first voyage. Here’s everything first-time cruisers need to know.
What Makes Queen Mary 2 Different?
Unlike many modern cruise ships that focus on waterslides and attractions, Queen Mary 2 offers a sophisticated experience centred around relaxation, exceptional service, enrichment programmes and timeless elegance.
What I didn’t realise is that QM2 only exists because of the movie Titanic. Yep – the one with Kate and Leo. The success of the film led to her being created, as the world needed its ocean liner, and you can see in the staircases and public areas the inspiration from the movie brought to life.
As this is an Ocean liner and not a cruise ship – there is a difference, but that’s beyond the scope of this blog – Queen Mary 2 is more stable than lots of ships, and she is designed to travel at speed across the Atlantic Ocean. She is famous for the Transatlantic crossing, completing that journey from England to New York.
She is not flashy or in-your-face; expect elegance and understated glamour. I am so curious as to how she will look after her half-year refit. I asked several times for some insider info, but they kept quiet about the whole thing. However, if the Queen Anne upgrade is anything to go by, I know that the Queen Mary 2 will be beautiful when complete.
Will I Get Seasick?
This is a common concern for first-time cruisers. Something that was on my mind too, but in all honesty I was not seasick. Did I feel the ship moving? Absolutely. The very worst I experienced was the Dover Strait, and turning around because we could not dock in Bruges as planned.
I did not feel ill, but I did not enjoy the sensation of the swaying. I am told you were only feeling it because the ship had to go slowly at 10 knots to waste some time. There were issues with industrial action in Bruges, and we were unsure if we would be able to port there, so things slowed down. When it became clear we would not be able to stop there, we had to turn around and head back down towards Le Havre, but we would be too early, so we had to keep it slow.
Once we were on schedule, the ship sped back up to the normal 20 knots, and I didn’t notice a thing. Some people said they did not notice it at all. But being mid-ship can make a difference. My stay was in a sheltered cabin on deck 4 (cabin 4180) towards the back of the ship (the aft). It is important to say that the Queen Mary 2 is designed for ocean crossings; she is designed to tackle the Atlantic Ocean where it would be full steam ahead.
What Can I Do On Board Queen Mary 2?
Honestly, at the top of this list is to join the afternoon tea. Imagine Beauty and the Beast and a parade of teapots and platters. It is a spectacle, and unlike any afternoon tea I have experienced. I shan’t say anymore and ruin it for you, but just go – thank me later.
The Planetarium
This is the place to go for inspiring talks by guest speakers on board; you can watch a film or enjoy a performance. A schedule is available as soon as you are on board via the My Voyage browser page – it isn’t an app you have to download. You will also get a printed schedule left at your stateroom.
The Library
This is the largest library at sea. 30,000 books, I believe. But it is a gorgeous spot to watch the waves, read in peace or crack on with a crossword.
The Theatre
There is live entertainment on board, and what I saw was good. It was high-end, and not just on-board entertainment staff. I managed to watch a show by the Chernov Brothers – Circus Dance Show. It was a great evening.
Spa and Wellness.
Cunard has a real emphasis on wellness and enrichment. I enjoyed a couple of hours in the spa. I highly recommend the herbal sauna. The jet pool was a bit vigorous- don’t get me wrong, those jets were good for the old muscles, but have your wits about you when you get in – they are powerful! There is yoga and stretching; you can spend time with a personal trainer. There are even juices and healthy smoothie options in the bar.
Is Queen Mary 2 Too Formal?
I thought it would be stuffy and that I wouldn’t be posh enough! I was wrong. It is a far more casual experience than I thought. With the exception of the gala night, which, in all honesty, was a wonderful reason to get properly dressed up. You won’t need a suitcase full of ball gowns, but why not have the experience of being dressed up, fully grasping the spirit of those wonderful evenings! Go dance in the ballroom, and spend an evening with like-minded people.
Why Families, Couples and Solo Travellers Love It
Couples will be able to hide away in some of the quiet spots and relax in the spa. Enjoy some on-shore excursions. You can make the trip as romantic as you like and enjoy one of the gorgeous speciality dining restaurants.
Solo travellers can use this as a wonderful place to meet other people. There are special solo meet-ups arranged throughout the day to have coffee, or play cards. You can get as involved as you like and dine at round tables to meet other guests on board.
Multi-Generational families will find this a brilliant ship to travel on, because you can have the families dine together, but grandparents can step away from the children if they need a bit of quiet. The children’s clubs entertain the younger ones, and you can split accommodation across the ship depending on your budget.
The Food Experience
Ok, so get ready to eat. QM2 has the famous Gold Lion pub, which is home to Michel Roux’s cheese toastie. There are pub snacks here, along with a nice cold pint of cider or a glass of something cold.
You can visit the main buffet to get a worldwide selection of yumminess to tickle your tastebuds. From stir-fries to pizza and burgers. The main dining room is your Britannia restaurant where the menu changes daily. Think risottos, roasted chicken, gnocchi, and crumble and custard. To elevate your evening, you could visit one of the speciality restaurants. I enjoyed a night at the Italian restaurant and had divine bread, beautiful spaghetti and chicken parmigiana. Desserts were tiramisu, cannelloni and some gelato.
The steak restaurant Verandah was delightful. I do not eat steak, but I had some of the best fish I have eaten in a while.
What I Loved As a First-Time Cruiser
Waking up to the sound of ocean waves. Oh my gosh is one of my favourite sounds on earth, but to be in the middle of it (what felt like it) when you can’t see shore was lovely. It was pretty misty and rainy when we travelled, but I did like to watch the rolling waves. You unpack once, which is a huge bonus, and I learned to just take the days as they come. It was all rather nice.
But the one pivotal moment that did it for me was the clear night, where the moon glistened on the waves, the stars sparkled in the sky, and I felt so humbled. This big old rock that we call home never ceases to amaze me, and taking the time to appreciate the beauty in the simplest of things is warming on a different level in the middle of the ocean. That feeling is why I would cruise again.
Is Queen Mary 2 Worth The Money?
I think this is where your priorities will answer that question. The packages for your trip are worthwhile in comparison to paying as you go. Service fees can add up quickly, whereas with the package, you don’t have to worry about them.
When you think of heading into London or another big city for dinner, a show and drinks, you will easily end up in multiple 3 figures. So, when you compare that to the daily price for you to sail, and the fact that your accommodation, meals, drinks, and entertainment are all included, I think it is pretty good. Also, take into consideration the experience: the voyage across the Atlantic. You can really attest to the value that Cunard offers.
Who should book Queen Mary 2?
I would say this is ideal for:
✓ First-time cruisers wanting a classic experience
✓ Couples celebrating a special occasion
✓ Travellers seeking relaxation
✓ Bucket-list travellers
✓ Those nervous about cruising
May not suit:
✗ Families wanting waterparks
✗ Party-focused travellers
✗ Those wanting a busy resort atmosphere
Thinking About Your First Cruise?
Choosing your first cruise can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of ships, itineraries and cabin types available, it’s not always easy to know where to start.
As an independent travel adviser, I help clients find the right cruise experience based on their budget, travel style and what they want from their holiday.
Whether you’re considering a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2 or a shorter voyage to try cruising for the first time, I can help you compare options and book with confidence.
Get in touch today for personalised cruise recommendations and a no-obligation quote. WhatsApp me or complete my online quote form