Summary

A very positive experience overall. Guests particularly appreciated highlights such as Wonderful Experience, The Mystique Is Real, and Wonderful Cruise, among other favourable aspects. However, some concerns were raised, including A Royal Disappointment, It Wasn’t as Expected, and Less Than Expected. Despite these issues, this cruise option remains highly recommended by most passengers.

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Pros

• Many passengers described their time aboard Queen Mary 2 (QM2) as a wonderful experience, with some calling it the trip of a lifetime. Guests frequently remarked on the ship’s elegance, charm, and sense of tradition, describing it as relaxing, interesting, and very civilised—a true hallmark of Cunard’s timeless style.
• Several travellers praised the fantastic transatlantic experience, calling it a very nice crossing and a perfect way to unwind. Others highlighted the relaxing transatlantic cruise vacations as ideal for disconnecting and enjoying the journey itself, especially for seasoned cruisers.
• Cruisers consistently noted the beautiful ship, amazing service, and smooth sailing, stating that Cunard maintains a high standard of luxury and hospitality. One review summed it up as a great getaway, while others appreciated the sense of grandeur and occasion that came with being aboard such an iconic liner.
• The Great Patriotic Cruise and Excellent July 4th trip were specifically praised for their themed events and celebratory atmosphere. Guests also appreciated great cruising on QM2 and highlighted the ship’s itineraries as exceptional—particularly the Eastern Canada and New England cruise and fantastic Caribbean voyage.
• Whether on a cultural exploration or a simple retreat at sea, many travellers described their overall experience as amazing, great, and consistently enjoyable, with Cunard often cited as a cruise line that delivers reliable excellence.

Cons

• While most reviews were positive, some guests felt the experience did not meet their expectations. Phrases like A Royal Disappointment, It wasn’t as expected, and Less than expected appeared among reviews from passengers who anticipated a more luxurious or modern experience.
• A few guests described the cruise as average quality or disappointing, particularly when compared to other premium cruise lines. There were also criticisms suggesting that the ship caters more toward an older demographic, with one reviewer stating it’s for the over-80 crowd.
• Some reviews addressed the ship’s age, referring to it as An Aging Queen, and felt that certain amenities or decor could use updating. Others reported logistical frustrations such as a disastrous boarding process or shameful embarkation, citing long waits and lack of organisation.
• A handful of passengers were underwhelmed by the overall cruise, with comments such as worst cruise and not for me, often tied to rough weather (e.g. Rough Crossing in November 2022), slow service, or unmet personal preferences in entertainment and dining.

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