Cabin Tour - Inside Stateroom on Cunard Queen Mary 2

[@Krypto64]

Well this is terrible, you two are so wonderfully glass half-full… these little niggles can amount to a ruined break, if you can’t relax in what’s meant to be a wee haven, it’s not good enough. It’s rubbish that the first Purser’s person didn’t give a hoot, mind, the help desk staff are often the least affable on the ship, weirdly. Cunard are going to wreck their rep with this kind of service… (Cruise With) Ben and David had a similar experience on the Queen Anne recently. In other news, if I may be so nosy, what do you do in real life? Fair’s fair, I’m a sub editor type.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@Krypto64 We are positive people, so we are always going to choose to have a good time. whatever niggles we may encounter. At the moment, I work in local government. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@davidhouston3946]

It was QM2 Ben & David had problems with. They boarded the same day as Giles & Lisa disembarked. It all ties in with staff shortages and training issues in May.

[@Krypto64]

@@davidhouston3946 Aha, nice one! What a palava.

[@lfmccune]

Thank you so much for this video! I booked a double crossing (18 nights) for next June. Inside cabin on Deck 12 to myself, and my friend booked a balcony cabin. I will definitely be checking the drawers, pillow encasements, and kettle! And I will bring a hair dryer as well! I have only recently begun using hangers as "Valet Stands" (full pre-planned outfits, including undergarments, on each hanger) for a recent short trip. It truly is more convenient than putting everything in different drawers, only to have to go around and fish them out each day. I will likely do this on the QM2 and leave some items in packing cubes in my suitcase or drawers during each crossing, but just the thought of unclean drawers does add to the eeriness of the cabin! Now I'm also considering bringing something to drape over the artwork just in case! (I'm traveling roundtrip from my home port, so no airline restrictions on packing! I may go full Hyacinth Bucket! (It's "Bouquet") Tee Hee!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Thank you for watching and commenting it is much appreciated. This was not the video we wanted or expected to make. I hope you have a wonderful voyage and don't encounter any of the issues in our video. QM2 is a beautiful ship. And definitely go full Hyacinth Bucket! I imagine you hosting a candlelit supper in the Britannia restaurant 🤣

[@LesleyCobley]

I loved our inside cabin also on deck 5. Very clean. Just one problem, it was very noisy. I think we were right by an air conditioning room and a staff launderette.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

I think our experience was not typical. At least our room was quiet! Thanks for watching 👍

[@cruisingwiththe4bs]

Right finally got to this……the bit about going to loo and water made me chuckle 🤣🤣 The cleaning really was not up to standard. I fear it overworked crew!! A lot of cabin just looked dated. I agree cabin steward 99% of time always introduces themselves. We had an excellent one on Anne. Can tell Ernest (son) about sleeping and eating places!! Regularly ignores this! It’s a shame you didn’t have new tv system that Anne has it’s great with lots free movies etc Did you become a big glee fan when you returned home, binge watched it? Great informative video, thanks for sharing.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Glad we made you chuckle. 😁 I think it was definitely a case of overworked or untrained staff. We believe that many of the experienced staff had been moved to QA. Hopefully, our experience was the exception rather than the rule. Still not a Glee fan, although if they had all the Twin Peaks series on, I probably wouldn't have left the cabin! Thanks for watching 👍

[@FK-zr9fn]

They would probably have changed you extra for the testicular wash facility. Must admit that it would have woken me up in the morning with a jolt,resulting in a large claim for a possible back injury. I did notice that the electrical plugs looked dirty so it’s no surprise that the rest of the cabin was way below clean. I would have demanded a different room. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@TravellingLightLisa]

You may well be right about the additional charge 😂Thanks for watching 👍

[@harmlessgrey]

Gross. I'm taking my first Cunard cruise in a few weeks and will check the cleanliness of the cabin carefully. Those pillows are absolutely disgusting. The plug outlets looked filthy, too.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully, our experience was the exception to the rule. A lot of staff had moved to Queen Anne, so it could have been down to understaffing or untrained staff. Have a great cruise because despite our cabin issues, she is a beautiful ship, and we really enjoyed our time on board.

[@joanfreestone1707]

I was really surprised by this video. We've sailed on QE and QV several times and everything was spotless. Either your cabin steward was lazy or they're understaffed. The "artwork" would give you nightmares. I like the art deco style art on the other two Cunard ships (not the Queen Anne!) I would have taken those pillow protectors down to the Purser's office and plonked them on the desk in front of them!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Thanks, Joan. We were surprised that we had to make this video! The art is certainly an odd choice! Thanks for watching again 👍

[@jamier1124]

I’m booked on QM2 in April for a TA from Southampton and I’m scared now. TBH I’ve been scared since our original crossing was cancelled 2 hours prior to boarding. We shall see. Fingers crossed.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Oh no! Sorry to scare you! I really hope that ours was the exception to the rule, and when you go things will be fine. There are a few other recent videos out, and cleanliness was not an issue. We still had a good time. The boat is magnificent and we had a lovely day in Hamburg. Thanks for watching, and bon voyage! 😀👍

[@BrummieNik]

Have never done an ocean cruise (river cruises, yes). When we do eventually venture on the ocean, QM2 is unlikely to be top of our list based on this feedback. Good housekeeping is a basic “must get right”. Unspecified hairs and marks on pillows - yuk ! Giles: you must introduce a new feature to future cruise reviews - how far your “tickle tackle” is above the toilet water line 😅

[@TravellingLightLisa]

You might be on to something! 'Where has Giles's tickle-tackle been this week? Or maybe not 😀. Thanks for watching 👍

[@juliebartholomew9128]

You should have told your cabin steward or go to the purser office. If you cannot find a steward, ring

[@TravellingLightLisa]

We did. Still poor/no service at the first time of asking. Second time lucky!!

[@davidhouston3946]

We had 14 nights to NY and back 2 years ago in a deck 12 Club Balcony (a balcony cabin with a coffee machine, free water & a whole bottle of Pol Aker!). We didn't experience any of your problems. We have the exact same trip & cabin booked for 2025 & 2026. If we had we'd have left one of those notelets that you had with hairs on in the drawer for the steward when we went to dinner on 1st evening. They must have been in room to leave the chocolates. If no response I'd call guest services on return from evenings activities. Pursers desk are mainly admin, account questions etc, not many are customer service focused. We established on your 1st video that you were on QM2 just after they stole 30% of staff for QA. I know you got a great deal booking late but it wasn't really a good time to be on board. There's been much better reviews on Cruise Critic & here in June. Re the wear and stuff looking tired; We can't sail in June 2026 because QM2 is in dry dock for nearly a month for her half life refit. We're expecting to see a big change in September 2026.

[@davidhouston3946]

And; we thought about an inside but like natural light, preferring glass balcony with full windows. We don't really use balcony but ocean view is smaller windows. We never eat or drink in cabins, as lounges and restaurants are much more pleasant, and we don't eat or drink in our bedroom here either! The TV is only for the safety demo, muster is very rare these days. I wouldn't watch TV if I can be out dancing or sitting sipping a drink in a lounge listening to jazz band, string trio or pianist. Insides are small compared to balcony cabin.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@davidhouston3946 not even a half bottle of Pol Aker for us 😮 I will make a diary note for after June 2026. It will be interesting to see how she is post refit. Thanks for watching again.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@davidhouston3946 we would consider a balcony for a TA with lots of sea days, but for a short hop across the channel, an interior cabin suits us fine.

[@davidhouston3946]

@@TravellingLightLisa My wife rarely wears makeup, but we dress to gala standard every night, and she likes the vanity desk near the window to put the makeup on. Folk who use makeup all the time perhaps don't need so much light. We'd only sail at times of year that it was light early evening.

[@kathleenpipes]

A fair assessment of the cabin. What a shame that Cunard has problems with cleanliness, not acceptable for a top of the range company. Come on, Cunard, you have a reputation to maintain.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

It was an interesting experience! We didn't associate Cunard with these standards before we went. Thanks for watching 👍

[@angelahorton5745]

It was so disappointing to watch this video as Cunard is my favourite cruiseline and I've had 8 cruises with them, including 3 two week cruises on QM2 in however they certainly wouldn't be my favourite if I'd had your experience. I have only been in balcony cabins but they've always been very clean and the steward has always introduced themselves on the day of embarkation. My last cruise on QM2 was December 2023 so it would appear that standards have dropped and/or there were a shortage of staff. Whatever the reason the standards were totally unacceptable in my opinion. Thanks!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@@angelahorton5745 Thanks for watching. It is enough to put you off! I am glad your experiences of Cunard have been positive.

[@Caroline...L-B]

This video is absolute nonsense. Try Travel Blog Jamie.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@Caroline...L-B Thank you for watching. Out of interest, which bit was the most nonsensical? The tatty furniture, the dirty kettle, the filthy draws, or the grease stained pillow slips? Do you want the truth or something beautiful?

[@BertieTheDrummist]

I'm shocked to see the lack of attention to detail. I always thought Cunard was THE name in cruises, however, from looking at your videos, it appears that the smaller cruise companies, who don't have the kudos of Cunard, are the ones making the effort. I don't think it matters why the cabin wasn't clean, just the fact that there were multiple problems shows there's a significant problem with the quality of what the customer is paying for. Let's hope your next video doesn't include Lisa's dirty drawers.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@BertieTheDrummist I know. We are glad we didn't pay full price for this little jaunt! If this is how the other half live, I am glad to be in my half 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@christinajensen2985]

Recommend to bring cleaning and disinfection wipes for the cabin, MDR and buffet

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@christinajensen2985 Never felt that way on any other cruise, but you may be right for Cunard. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Krypto64]

Why should anyone have to do this, whatever ‘class’ you’re in, you’re paying for a service, it should be provided.

[@LucysMum-j1m]

Thanks for the warning on QM2, you 2. I’ve booked her for a scenic cruise off the Cornish coast in Jun ‘26. It’s our annual hen night with Lucy (as pictured on my profile) & co. Yes, I’ll bring my own party animals. But as I’m staying as a solo human, I hope the condition of inside cabins will improve in 2 years’ time. June

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@@LucysMum-j1m No problem at all. Hope we didn't put you off! The ship itself is beautiful. Have a fabulous time when you go and give Lucy a hug from us. Thanks for watching 👍

[@kathytracy7952]

The pillow and the kettle are disgraceful for this ship so sorry,maybe you can do a video on the dining?

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Thanks for watching. We may well do a video on the food. We just have to review our footage. 👍

[@ThamesShips]

Interesting video. It is a shame about all the issues you experienced as many of them seem that they could have been avoided if the Cunard staff had paid more attention to detail and cleaned the cabin more thoroughly. In terms of checking for cleanliness, one person that I know takes an ultra violet light with them to hotel rooms and checks the walls, showers etc to see if there are any germs there!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@ThamesShips You are right, most of this was avoidable. I would be hesitant to take and use a UV light. I know what it shows up at crime scenes! 🤮 Best not to know sometimes 😀 Thanks for watching again. Pass on our regards to the Thames. 👍

[@ThamesShips]

@@TravellingLightLisa That is true!

[@debshomegarden8501]

Yuk!!! You're right, dirtiness is not acceptable. I would have sent pictures to Cunard head office. We won't be using @cunard Hopefully your next cruise will be better x

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Thanks for watching Deb. Cunard can watch the video! 😀 It would be interesting to hear their thoughts.

[@DiscoDavesPubReviews]

I just hope the dartboards are changed regularly after seeing this video.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@@DiscoDavesPubReviews 🤣 they were probably cleaner than our pillow protectors!

[@elRaymo]

Your video is worrying, we’ve booked the exact same cruise in May next year purely to enjoy the Cunard experience for the first time. now I’m not so sure. Have you contacted Cunard Customer services about your recent experiences? if not I think you should to at least give them the opportunity to comment. I’d like to think they would agree that the condition of the cabin and the poor service you’ve had plus the other negative points you raised were not typical of the services provided for their guests and offer some form of recompense.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

We don't want you to worry! There are plenty of people who did not have the problems that we did. We hope that our experience may have been a temporary 'blip' caused by staff movement to the new ship. We have some more QM2 content coming out, which is more positive, and the ship itself is our favourite so far. Whilst the cabin was unacceptable, the issues (apart from the pillows and kettle ) were sorted. We didn't bother to contact Cunard post cruise, but Lisa has reminded me we did complete a survey. Please don't worry too much as I am sure that if you have any issues they can be sorted and you now know the things to look for on day one! Thanks for watching and enjoy your voyage. 😁👍

[@GiantJake]

That was absolutely dreadful! There is no excuse for those drawers, pillows nor the chair. I'm definitely gong to have a good look at those when we do our sailing in October.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

We agree. Hopefully, you will not have the same issues in October. Bon voyage, and thanks for watching 👍

[@Paul-wu5qy]

quick turnaround by Cunard, more cabins for staff to do !

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Such a shame if the workload given to the stewards is unmanageable. They are being set up to fail. Thanks for watching 👍

[@christopher3386]

How can you sleep in a cabin with no windows, that's the biggest problem. Spend a bit more money and get an outside cabin!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Lol. We tend to shut our eyes to go to sleep, so it really doesn't matter. We would also rather go on five £1000 cruises than one £5000 cruise. Thanks for the sage advice, though. I am sure some people will find it useful. Thanks for watching, it is very much appreciated .

[@juliebartholomew9128]

Inside cabins are cheaper. Never have one of those. Cruised in May, everything was fine. Couple of moaners

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Does a cheaper cabin mean it should not be clean? Which of our 'moans' do you feel was unjustified. The dirty drawers, the filthy kettle, the stained pillowslips or the fact the bin wasn't emptied for two days. We are glad that your experience was better than ours. Did you want the truth or something beautiful? Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@martywild6359]

I think this may be a case of lazy steward rather than Cunard itself.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@martywild6359 You may be right, but as a union man at heart, I am always reluctant to blame the workers without the full facts. There are too many incompetent managers, unreasonable expectations, and poor systems across all areas of business that put unachieveable, unworkable, and intolerable demands on staff. 😀✊️ But yes, sometimes people are lazy. I know I am if I can get away with it 😁 Thanks for watching.

[@wellardsmith3629]

It's such a shame... it really is.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@wellardsmith3629 We were disappointed and surprised, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not anything that will adversely impact our lives. We may just be cautious about booking Cunard in the future. Thanks for watching again 👍

[@davidhinks8384]

Yuk no excuse. Independence the oldest ship we've cruised on. Again worn and stained soft furnishings, but no excuse for hairs & bits🤮

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Exactly what we thought! Thanks for watching 👍

[@janettecuthbert2591]

Moaners!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@janettecuthbert2591 Yup! 😂Thanks for watching and commenting. Just as a matter of interest, would you not have complained?

[@Mary_Rees]

Haha re the sit down on the toilet 😂😂😂

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@@Mary_Rees I know! I have no shame mentioning my tickle tackle on KZbin!! 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Mary_Rees]

@@TravellingLightLisa just watched the rest of the video. I’m so shocked at the state of the cleanliness and especially those pillow protectors!

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@@Mary_Rees not what we were expecting from Cunard. 😮

[@hazels27]

What a disappointment for you. It does put me off booking Cunard. Look forward to other aspects of the ship

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@hazels27 Luckily, it was only 4 days, and we didn't pay too much, but cleanliness is non-negotiable. Thanks for watching again.😀👍

[@AdeReeves]

Totally Agree ... Its the little things that matter and can make a big difference, especially when you are regular cruisers and can compare how things used to be..

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@AdeReeves We agree. We had a lot of negative feedback on our embarkation video, but as you can see, basic standards were not met. Thanks for watching 👍

[@kathytracy7952]

Unacceptable 😢

[@TravellingLightLisa]

😟👍

[@TheHendoncat]

You’ve experienced a cabin being serviced by a bit of a lazy B …it happens .. I think the job is a hard one and you get great , motivated individuals sometimes ..we have never had that experience on Cunard ..but it happens . Not sure who else is responsible for the cleanliness of your cabin if it’s not the steward..🤔..and I’m fairly sure if this video is viewed by Cunard senior staff that they will have no problem or reluctance in blaming the steward.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@user-ro8dw8ms9n we have always had great cabin stewards in the past. We don't know if they just had too many cabins to service on QM2 and were overwhelmed. Without all the facts, we are reluctant to point the finger. Thanks for watching again 😁👍

[@TheHendoncat]

@@TravellingLightLisa stewards being overworked is definitely a very big factor …when we started cruising there was generally 2 stewards working together servicing cabins …

[@PennySelkirk-z8b]

Really? maybe not for you...

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@user-pj4qb8hj5l which bit? We loved the ship, the artworks, and the facilities generally but just didn't appreciate the uncleanliness and poor service.

[@jaime337]

Well with 14 cruises under your belt then you should know better to get this rectified on day one of your cruise. A quick phone call to the to house keeping or your cabin steward. I am not saying its not that bad, but you could have sorted asap rather than being a 'cruise ship lift whinger'. We always take a pack of surface wipes for that extra clean, for the switches, remote & handles even if they look clean. Why ruin a cruise because you can't unpack your knickers ! The pillow protectors is unacceptable and had I seen these I would have just demanded clean ones & while you are at it a replacement clean kettle. Also can't understand why you don't think its the cabin stewards fault ?? the captain doesn't clean the room. I understand they are under staffed but they are the ones responsible for cleaning the room. Sort day one, job done now lets get on and enjoy our short cruise & stop whinging !

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@jaime337 Timeline. If it helps - Day 1. We raised the issues which were not sorted. Day 2. We raised the issue of the cleanliness (again) and bins, which were then sorted. Day 3. Discovered the pillow slips too late to bother. Day 4. Went home. Thanks for watching. 😁👍

[@simracer1256]

I wouldn't cruise with cunard. Outdated, stuck in the 50s, full of stuck up tories, ridiculous dress codes. No thanks. Its 2024.

[@TravellingLightLisa]

We are trying Virgin for the first time next month, which seems to be more 2024. I like their inclusive modern take on cruising. Just concerned we will be too old! 🤣 Thanks for watching 👍

[@simracer1256]

@@TravellingLightLisa we cruised with P&O for years, but they've got more and more cack as time went on. In the end, we gave up when Britannia had about 3 choices in the buffet, and the whole ship looked like it had been thrown down a set of stairs. Just did a Princess cruise, and it was excellent. Amazing food, fabulous buffet. Great entertainment (but it did start later) and good value. We didn't get the drinks package, as it was cheaper to pay as we went, don't need WiFi or big deserts and take the auto tips off, as I would rather decide who I tip (and I'm not convinced the crew see the auto tips)

[@TravellingLightLisa]

@simracer1256 We haven't done a Princess cruise yet. Sounds great though. Lisa has just come back from P&O Aurora, and it looked good, but it is a bit smaller than Britannia.