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QM2 Inaugural Sailing
- January 2004
by Nancy Kelly
I’ve just returned from a short cruise
on the Queen Mary 2 during her Inaugural Season and am anxious to share my
experience and impressions with you. My time onboard went by so quickly, as
I was on a mission to explore as much of the vessel as possible with camera
in hand.
Queen Mary 2 is a ship of superlatives…she took my breath away the moment I
stepped onboard. First, let’s set the record straight…QM2 is not a cruise
ship, but a veritable Ocean Liner. She is four city blocks long and as tall
as the Statue of Liberty. At a cost of $800 million, it’s safe to say she is
the most expensive passenger vessel in the world, as well as the largest,
longest, tallest and widest Ocean Liner ever built.
The interior of the QM2 is dazzling with gorgeous fabrics. A blend of soft
and bold colors that is relaxing and pleasing to the eye. Cunard
successfully completed their objective, which was to combine the golden era
with our contemporary age today.
The QM2 can accommodate up to 2600 passengers, so it is very possible to
have friends onboard who you might never see. There are eight decks of
balconied staterooms, and multi decks host the Junior Suites, Penthouse,
Royal Suites and Duplex Apartments. All the accommodations looked inviting
and comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the standard
Inside Staterooms, which are 194 sq. ft. My husband, Ed, and I were in a
Deluxe Balcony – category B4, mid-ship on Deck 6. These staterooms offer 248
sq. ft. of space, including a panoramic hull balcony, king size bed,
refrigerator, safe and data port. The linens were of superior Egyptian
cotton for sheets and towels – very comfortable. The bathroom amenities are
from Canyon Ranch Spa and are of high quality. My only disappointment with
our accommodations was that the bathrooms only had a shower (no tub). On the
plus side, I can tell you that the lighting in the bathroom was excellent. I
also found the lighting to be more than adequate in the stateroom for
applying make-up or reading.
If you must have a bathtub, I suggest you choose a Junior Suite or Suite.
These accommodations begin at 381 sq. ft. of comfort and have a larger
balcony, full bath with tub, sumptuous Frette linens, velour bathrobes,
pre-dinner canapés and concierge service.
There are actually five categories of suites, starting with “Q6” to the most
opulent, lavish suites, Balmoral and Sandringham Grand Duplex Apartments.
Imagine 2,249 sq. ft. of sheer extravagance. Wouldn’t you love to experience
this for six nights on a Transatlantic Crossing?
Dining on the QM2: You are assigned to a dining room for meals onboard that
is determined by the class of stateroom purchased for your accommodations.
Suite passengers in “Q1” through “Q6” have the pleasure of dining in the
Queen Grill and passengers in categories “P1” and “P2” (Junior Suites) will
enjoy the Princess Grill. Both are designed on a more intimate scale to
offer a premier dining experience. Caviar and lobster are staples and of
course you can always tell your waiter special preferences that most likely
he will be able to have prepared for you. Chef Daniel Boulund is world
famous and will serve as QM2’s culinary advisor.
The Britannia Restaurant is the most stunning dining room I have ever seen.
And here is where all other passengers from Deluxe Balconies to Standard
Inside Staterooms will dine each evening…unless they choose one of the
optional other alternatives. Did I mention that there are ten restaurants in
all on QM2? As you enter the Britannia Restaurant you immediately feel the
grandeur and elegance of the past. You will want to glide down one of the
sweeping staircases from the upper level to the lower level at least once,
just to see how it feels. I think people will enjoy dressing up for
cocktails and dinner on QM2. When you’re being served delectable food on
fine Wedgewood china and sipping from a Waterford goblet, it contributes to
a dining experience that is memorable.
Kings Court is your optional restaurant area for a casual breakfast and
lunch. There are four separate places to serve yourself. In the evening this
area is transformed into four different eateries with different menus. Your
choices are endless.
There’s La Piazza, for Italian specialties, The Carvery, for British-style
meats and poultry, The Lotus, for Asian Cuisine and Chef’s Galley, where a
chef prepares specialties of the day.
The Todd English Restaurant was getting notable attention while we were
onboard. Todd is the new superstar who has impressed Bostonians with his
award winning restaurant, Olives.
The Winter Garden is a charming and cheerful area on the ship where people
will gravitate for drinks and conversation, afternoon tea or just to relax.
It surrounds you with a waterfall, gorgeous hand painted ceilings, trees and
comfortable rattan furniture.
Entertainment: Where to begin…there is so much to do and experience on the
QM2 that it will come down to what pleases you the most. A visit to the
QM2’s spectacular planetarium is a must. See Secret of the Dragon, a magical
visual ride through the galaxies. Enjoy an amazing range of enrichment
lectures offered through Cunard Connexions. During the Transatlantic
crossings, the renowned University of Oxford will present their program.
The Queens Room is one of the most spectacular public rooms onboard and the
largest ballroom at sea. This is a room you will be drawn to in the evening
to dance, enjoy cocktails and to be entertained royally. The Royal Court
Theatre will stage superb musical reviews, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic
Act in London will offer one-act plays and workshops.
Wine lovers will enjoy Sir Samuel’s and the Commodore Club is for jazz
buffs. I found my way to the Empire Casino more than once, and it was alive
with people who were enjoying themselves. The Golden Lion is a fun pub with
a fine piano player, friendly bartenders and lots of conversation.
The Canyon Ranch Spa onboard is an elaborate 20,000 square foot facility
with a full menu of services. There are 50 Canyon Ranch health and wellness
experts onboard to pamper you and help you get rid of stress; it’s an
amazing spa. The treatment rooms are beautiful and the exercise rooms and
gym have the most up to date equipment in the world. Unfortunately, there
was not time for me to experience any of their services…my loss, but I shall
return!
There is probably so much more that you would like to know about the QM2.
Fortunately, you can contact me or any of the knowledgeable agents at Kelly
Cruises. If we don’t know the answer to your question, we’ll find the answer
and get back to you.
I loved the ship and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to all my clients and
friends. It’s one of those “must experience to fully appreciate it” cruises.
And because the QM2 will offer a wonderful variety of itineraries over the
next few years there will be significant choices for you…Caribbean, South
America, Transatlantic, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, to name just a few.
Take your place in history during the Inaugural year. Kelly Cruises invites
you to sail with us on our July 28th to August 3rd, 2004 Transatlantic
Crossing hosted by Connie Dix, and her husband, John Dix. It promises to be
six memorable days of fun and relaxation. Why not take advantage of an
optional land package in London, Paris or the countryside to enhance your
experience? You also have the option of extending your stay in England.
Kelly Cruises is offering special discounts on this date, along with other
amenities. Other departure dates with discounts and special Voyager Club
amenities are also available.
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