Cunard Queen Mary 2 Full Cruise Review - Was She Good Value For Money?

This was our first trip on the worlds last Ocean Liner QM2, and in our full cruise review of Queen Mary 2 we take a look at embarkation, accommodation, food & dining, Drinks, relaxing, entertainment, value for money and our overall review score form Queen Mary 2
As usual with our videos, we record these in a single take to give you our honest, non-scripted opinions. And as always our videos and all content is shot by us, in 4K and no stock images are used.
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Thanks, Linzi & Mark
Chapters
00:00 Intro to Cunard QM2 Sheltered Balcony Review
00:30 Embarking QM2
02:07 How Was Queen Mary 2's Accommodation?
03:23 Dining Onboard QM2
06:31 Entertainment onboard Queen Mary 2
09:15 Bars & Drinks on QM2
11:53 Relaxing on Queen Mary 2
13:05 Disembarking QM2
13:45 Was Queen Mary 2 Value For Money?
14:43 Overall Score For QM2
If you are going on QM2 or any other Cunard cruise then consider watching some of our other helpful Cunard content
Cunard Line Playlist
• Cunard QM 2
#queenmary2 #cunardline #qm2

[@brigitteravenscroft8982]

Agree with all of your scores! I’d also give it a ten for fabulous service and for meeting the most lovely people onboard! Seven days on her was just too short so we can’t wait to do twenty one next time. It’ll give us a chance to try more cocktails!

[@SuiteNatured]

We have to agree the people on board our cruise were especially lovely 😉 We really are trying to figure out when we can sneak in a little TA on QM2 as we dont really do the samd ship twice but then again she is no normal ship 😂

[@SuiteNatured]

Did you agree with our Cunard QM2 review?

[@andiscott8470]

I did 14 nights back to back transatlantic crossing in September from Southampton to NY and back. I absolutely adore QM2 and have always had a great time on QM2 and also Queen Elizabeth. I agree with most of what you say, and do have to all agree that I got tired of Carrots and Broccoli in the Britannia... Became a running joke with our waiters by the end of the 14 nights. But, I wholeheartedly agree about the sheltered balcony cabins. They are absolutely great, as you note, especially for a transatlantic. I used mine every day and never tired of being able to step outside when I wanted but protected from the wind. People forget that on a transatlantic, you are already going quite fast (our average every day was about 24k) so there is already quite a breeze whipping by, but add a little North Atlantic wind to that and it can be rather breezy out! I will be booking another QM2 trip soon, and can't wait to be back onboard!

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank Andi, we were like you, never ever got tired of being able to step out onto the balcony, especially very early in the morning when we were cruising into the Fjords, it is just such a great space. We will absolutely be booking another QM2 (TA) soon we are sure, as our experience on her for our first one, as you've seen, was so special. Have a lovely day, Linzi & Mark

[@lillekagehus392]

Hello! Just wanted to say, we've been watching your Cunard vlogs over the weekend and have so enjoyed them. I've always wanted to travel on the Queen Mary 2 and just realised we can depart from Hamburg (we live in Denmark) which is so nice to not have to fly to the UK first. Thanks for all the fantastic information and all the videos of the yummy food & cocktails. Keeping our fingers crossed that my husband can take time off work next year. In the mean time we get to live vicariously though all the vloggers fabulous travels. All the best! Happy travels, Marie & Thomas

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you so much Marie & Thomas. We so hope you get chance to sail on her next year and sample lots of those cocktails and that food. Let us know how you get on, if you do sail on her. Linzi & Mark

[@spenny2422]

Best most relaxing narration of any You Tube channel.❤

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you, such a lovely thing to say ❤️ Have a lovely evening. Linzi and Mark

[@jabbathehut656]

Have to agree wioth this. Its superb. But of course they are Northern. All the best folk are northern.🤪

[@dancourt4792]

I loved your review of QM2 and I agree with everything you said. We spent 34 nights on her in January of this year and we loved it, the relaxation and the food. We are on Queen Victoria in November and can't wait, we love Cunard, so thank you for your vlogs on QM2 x

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you Susan. Oh we would love to do a cruise of that length on her, maybe one day. QV will be fantastic, she is the last of the Queens we have to book on yet, with us going on QA next christmas. Need to see when we can get on QV. Linzi & Mark

[@karencoe7086]

Love your reviews !Always a pleasure!

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you Karen that is so kind of you ❤️ Linzi and Mark

[@CruiseWithAmber]

Lovely vid - agree with you on the sheltered balcony looks like a really great option. Want to go back on now after watching this.

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you Steph. We will definitely take a sheltered balcony next time when we do a TA on QM2 (unless we convince ourselves, and our bank, to try Princess Grills). Editing these videos has made us really want to go back on her again too, QM2 is such a special way to travel.

[@emmap1259]

Team relaxing and lovely cakes, winner for me!

[@SuiteNatured]

Cakes and relaxing are top of our list too and maybe a cocktail too 😀

[@pamelapennington4015]

I am so glad to hear your review. We leave Jan 3 for 123 days in a sheltered balcony. We sailed QM2 in 2021 where we ended up in Covid Jail (literally) after less than 36 hours aboard. We rebooked the QM2 the following year and they cancelled our cruise a week before we left so we are really looking forward to relaxing aboard her for the world voyage. It helps to hear about current times on the ship. Thanks for your review.

[@SuiteNatured]

H Pamela, thank you for watching and taking time to comment too. You are going to really enjoy her this time we are sure. Especially as she's just had a refit too and looks even better now. Have a lovely day. Linzi and Mark

[@chadandmatthewcruise]

Enjoyed watching this and hearing from you! Can’t wait to try QM2 in a couple of months. By the way, Holland America Line has free room service at all levels, too, and it’s wonderful!

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you guys, glad you enjoyed it. You are going to love QM2. Holland America has another reason now to get on our must do list! Have a lovely day, Linzi & Mark

[@smartcookiesam4280]

Definitely agree with your honest review. Superb service and I felt we were well looked after. Both the voyages/ cruises we have done made us feel so special and looked after. It’s the nod to the time gone by and the elegance. I did notice with the food that the menu in the Britannia restaurant in the evening had the same dishes on the menu that we had on our transatlantic last year and I was hoping for a bit more variety there. But we enjoyed everything we ate and drank. I liked that room service was included in the cost of the fare. I can’t say anything about the spa or beauty treatments as I never tried any but I might next time we go.

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you so much Sam 😁 QM2 is such a special ship. We generally try not to go on the same ship twice, but we know we will absolutely be making an exception for her, as we really want to go on Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic trip. Hopefully the food will have altered in Britannia by then 🤣 Linzi & Mark

[@stubear35]

Great video. Really well reviewed and a very nice score. You really should do a transatlantic. I've done both directions and preferred the eastbound. Fly out a few days before and sail home. No jetlag.

[@SuiteNatured]

Thanks Stu 😀 We will absolutely do a TA. We have said the same if we were just doing one way then eastbound would be our preference but obviously we'd rather do there and back again. Can't wait to get on our next Cunard Cruise, Queen Anne for next Christmas. That should be very special. Linzi and Mark

[@CarolAnn-gh9fl]

Our last embarkation in 2019 took forever. The lines at port were horrendous took at least 90 minutes. Hopefully September 2024 will be better.

[@SuiteNatured]

Fingers crossed for you it is much better in September. Our most recent cruises, have all been much better embarkation wise.

[@MerlinspopTBH]

We’re doing the passage from Southampton to NYC in late June. Looking forward to it.

[@SuiteNatured]

You are going to absolutely love the TA on QM2, and in June, fingers crossed, the weather should be lovely. Linzi & Mark

[@DenaInWyo]

Absolutely love a sheltered balcony! Carnival calls them "coves" and they're my favorite. Shaded, private, and really close to the water. Funny that they charge less for them than a traditional balcony because IMO they are way better.

[@merseywhogirl3430]

I've got a sheltered balcony for my double transatlantic in Oct 24. I agree, they look superb!!!! x

[@SuiteNatured]

Oh we love "coves" as a name, cuter than "sheltered balcony". We agree on them being better than a traditional balcony, certainly, if you have any chance of remotely bad weather, they are amazing. We guess if the sun was pretty much guaranteed and you wanted to sunbathe on the balcony, then a traditional would be better.... maybe 😁

[@SuiteNatured]

You are going to love the balcony for the double TA@@merseywhogirl3430 unless we could blag our way into Princess or Queens Grill, we wouldn't have anything other than a sheltered one for our TA. Linzi & Mark

[@chrisr2507]

Great video. Hoping to sail on QM2 next year 😊 P.S: Nice Tesla

[@SuiteNatured]

Thanks Chris, QM2 was such a great experience, we will absolutely go on her again, and we hope you manage to soon too. The Tesla (called Jonesy) say thank you.😂 Linzi & Mark

[@adrianrawlings3032]

Love the Chart room, a nice place to relax

[@SuiteNatured]

It was our favourite bar on QM2 Adrian

[@pop-so1qj]

Hi, loving your videos, very entertaining and informative 👍 Do you know if the gala evening includes a meal? and do you have to reserve a table or is first come first served basis?

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you so much Pop. There is a Gala evening meal in the main dining room. If you have anytime dining you can just go whenever you fancy during opening hours or if you have set early or late dining then you go along then. If you have anytime dining just avoid the start of either of the fix time dining or you’ll have a bit of a wait. Linzi and Mark

[@pop-so1qj]

Thanks​@@SuiteNatured

[@martintravelnjt2721]

Queen mary 2 was in port when we disembarked Euribia yesterday- having attended a days training with them we are now looking at Oceania or Regent Seven seas next as looking at whats included it’s actually pretty good value - i think Cunard will have to wait a while as yet 😂

[@SuiteNatured]

Okay, going on Oceania or Regent is a decent excuse, but you really do need to try Cunard at some point. We might have to drag you on them. Maybe go for Queen Anne as the first try.

[@COLINJELY]

Turned up in April for my Transatlantic, only to be told the ship was going nowhere. Although Cunard did put us up on the ship overnight. I think I was actually too efficient, contacted my TA and got my US flights rescheduled ans flew back home, think if I had let Cunard make arrangements I might have got an extra night onboard. I have only ever had a Sheltered Balcony on my cruises, one day I will have to do one with a glass fronted balcony

[@SuiteNatured]

Oh no what a shame Colin, we knew a couple of others who were on that cruise that never happened too. Hope you get back on board her soon. Linzi & Mark

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

In terms of entertainment, I think Cunard are excellent for the variety, range and extent of LIVE music in multiple venues throughout the day and evening, I really enjoy the Insight Talks, have watched some excellent Royal Shakespeare Company performances and my favourite, the afternoon Classical Concerts. HOWEVER, if Big Production Shows are your thing, then you WILL BE disappointed! On balance, I think that Entertainment in the round rates higher than a 6.5 overall, as I would rate all those other forms of entertainment a 9-10, but give the Production Shows only a 4-5. But as you may remember, I do like Cunard (although I am not obtuse to its faults and I don’t think it is the cruise line for families, or anyone who loves casual cruising). You would love the Transatlantic and also Grills Suite (perfectly understated elegance)! Thanks always for your gentle humour and thorough reviews.

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you for watching and taking time to drop us a comment too Andrea 😁 Completely agree on the other parts of the entertainment, it really is their "big shows" where they need to improve. The second half of the Rhythm Of The Night Show, which was basically The Greatest Showman, is a route we think Cunard could go more, it was so much better. It seems it is unlikely we will ever see Cunard try and do what Royal Caribbean or NCL do with the full broadway productions, nor do we think they probably should, it is just a case of bringing those even shows up to date a bit more as even seasoned Cunard cruisers, like yourself, feel that too, so hopefully with Queen Anne, we might see the start of some gentle changes that we see rolled out across the rest of the queens eventually. In the meantime, the shows would never stop us going on Cunard, and it just means we don't have to rush out of the bars to see a show in an evening 😂 Linzi & Mark

[@PiaAdora]

Disney Cruise Line still offers free room service to all guests. I don’t think Celebrity does anymore.

[@SuiteNatured]

You are right Luna, Celebrity doesn't appear to anymore, looks like it is a $10 charge (plus gratuity), so we won't be having that much on Apex in a few weeks. Great to know about Disney, as we are looking at Treasure & Adventure for '25 & '26. Can't wait to try them. Thanks for watching, and have a lovely day, Linzi & Mark

[@KenGoesCruising]

Certainly agree about the production shows. Very old fashioned.

[@SuiteNatured]

Fingers crossed we see them upgrade them a bit for Queen Anne and then role out some changes across the fleet eventually

[@juniperdog5523]

Thanks for this. The ship looks stunning. FYI both Disney and HAL have included room service, but you are expected to tip. I am not sure about any others. Question…I saw kids on board. Did you have a look at the kids club? Probably not, just wondering what it’s like and if it would be ok for kids.

[@SuiteNatured]

Thank you, and so glad you enjoyed it. We are planning on Disney in 25 & 26, so we will get to try that on there, but we do need to get on HAL before then, we've been promising ourselves for ages to go on them, and just haven't managed it yet. We did get chance to have a quick look at the kids club area, if you check the ship tour video (if you've not already) and skip on you will see it as we come in off of the rear pool deck. We didn't get to go right inside as there were quite a few kids on our cruise, and that wouldn't have been right for us to ask to film in there, but you can see the area, and the dedicated kids pool deck area too. Hope that helps, Linzi & Mark

[@juniperdog5523]

@@SuiteNatured thanks! I will take a look.

[@baritonebynight]

Considering she's the only ocean liner that is still sailing on the North Atlantic route...yes ...she is worth it for those of us who prefer this method of transportation to flying.

[@SuiteNatured]

And we thought the same. She is something that we feel anyone who likes cruising (or can't fly) must try. She is very special.

[@cherifurr3935]

Odd that they announced a change in terminal one way but not the other! While sitting on the sheltered balcony, could you see the water, or did you have to stand up? Oceania and Regent Seven Seas include room service, but they should for the price!😂

[@SuiteNatured]

It was a bit of a pain for the change of terminal when you've parked at one and it's a mile to the other, but it was a Southampton thing, rather than a QM2 one. We could easily see the sea while sitting Cheri, but obviously you were looking at the horizon a bit further out, rather than in front of you. When looking through the "peep hole" we could see it clearly, and when stood, no issue at all right in front of us. We would expect Oceania and Regent to include it, we would have been shocked if you said they didn't 🤣

[@jabbathehut656]

just to add to my earlier post, the thought of spending a night in a ballroom terrifies me. I would think I had turned into my dad, and I am 58, but a child of Punk rock, not come dancing. Hope this makes sense.

[@SuiteNatured]

It absolutely makes sense, we are not that much younger, but very much teens of the 80's and that doesn't do anything for us too. But it is actually pretty fun to watch how skilled some of these are, and the Big Band Night is awesome fun. Ballroom dancing is a tiny part of Cunard.

[@jabbathehut656]

@@SuiteNaturedGood to know. I would have to swerve it completely though. i dont do dancing but find no joy in watching others do it either. Still if the majority are doing this, the bars will be quiet. Which is nice.

[@cherifurr3935]

No clotted cream on Cunard??? The shame! The food looks good, though. Those gold pants!!!😅 Glad service was good, and what an amazing library, and sounds like a very good value for money.

[@SuiteNatured]

We were shocked at no clotted cream, on Cunard that should be reason for a full refund😂

[@186bingo]

We’re booked on the QM2 transatlantic in May 2025!!! I’m already counting the days haha😂

[@SuiteNatured]

Nothing wrong with counting down the days 😀 We were looking at one last night for 26 for a birthday and realise it was still 945 days away 😂

[@petermcclung9730]

Holland America also has included room service at all levels

[@SuiteNatured]

We've yet to get on Holland America Peter, although inclusive room service is another great reason to try them :) Thanks for watching, and have a lovely day, Linzi & Mark

[@stephenelson6857]

Sheltered balcony certainly looks the way to go on a Transatlantic...

[@SuiteNatured]

It is definitely the way we will go when we go on our first QM2 TA Stephen. Linzi and Mark

[@jabbathehut656]

Can I ask you guys for some advice here please? We have been sticking to Celebrity for a while now, but are looking for something different. I have never fancied a Cunard cruise for a number of reasons. And apologies for these reasons as they are probably wrong. Its full of really old people, and posh folk. (Not wishing to disparage posh folk, just a generalisation) Its too stuffy....dress codes etc.(Have to admit I really dislike dressing up, and havent worn a suit in years and wont take one on holiday) Not enough outside spaces, and bars. (wife likes to sunbathe, I like to bar crawl.) I love getting lost round the ship. The thought of sitting playing cards or doing a puzzle makes me think of an old peoples home.....sorry. Am I just the wrong sort of person for this or have I got it badly wrong? Great video though. Love your site. (And I think I have found a couple that could out cocktail us)

[@SuiteNatured]

Sorry for the long delay in replying, we thought we were caught up before we went on Sun Princess, we weren't and of course you can ask us anything. Cunard - it does tend to be a little older than say Celebrity at the top end, but in truth the age demographic is very wide spread. We never felt old or young on it, as there were loads of every age group, and demographic is no posher than any other ship (look as us northerners on it). Absolutely not too stuffy, that was out biggest fear. There are a couple of gala nights (as they now call the formal nights) on each 7 night cruise, and people tend to dress up more on them, than other cruise lines, but outside of those two evenings, it is just as relaxed, dress code wise as Celebrity, Princess and such. There are loads of outside space on all Cunard ships and especially on QM2, as much as every other cruise line, if not more. They are one of the few with full promenade decks to chill out on, and the bars inside are fantastic, Commodore club is one of our favourite on any ship. Yes, you can play cards and puzzles (as you can on any ship, and do see them on all of them), but there is plenty more to do too. They even have an Archery link to the British Archery Association and run lessons, and fencing too, which are pretty unique to Cunard, and great fun. Of course there is Trivia and other stuff too, and then all the entertainment, and bars. We really thought that Cunard wouldn't be for us too, and it turns out we were very wrong and super excited for our Queen Anne cruise this Christmas (14 nights, which will be our longest Cunard cruise to date). It's really one to try and see, but we suspect you will find a lot to love on Cunard as we did. And if we are every on a cruise together we can see who can out cocktail who ;) Linzi & Mark

[@jabbathehut656]

@@SuiteNaturedBrilliant reply. Thank you.

[@simongreasley8643]

Yes, yeah, yes, yes, yeah, yes, yes

[@SuiteNatured]

So that's a yes then Simon 😂

[@simongreasley8643]

@@SuiteNaturedyes 😂

[@joancook2933]

Looking at British Isles cruises with Cunard. They offer May & Aug. sailings. Which time of year would you recommend? We are travelling from Canada 🇨🇦 and also want to spend a week or so visiting Britain exclusively. A buck list trip so i want to make sure I plan it right. Thanks so much for your vlogs. Very personable and engaging ❤️

[@SuiteNatured]

Hi Joan, thank you so much, we are so happy you’ve been enjoying them. For the British isles cruise. Theoretically August is nicer weather but in practise May has been far nicer for the past few years. Maybe not quite as hot but dryer. And August is the middle of the school holidays in the UK which means as well as being busier, everything is much more expensive, so personally we would go with May for the British Isles cruise and the week in the UK. Make sure to get up to Yorkshire 😂 Linzi and Mark

[@joancook2933]

@@SuiteNatured thanks so much for the quick response. I was thinking of best times to avoid busy times but still have nice weather, so May sounds like the best choice. My husband can get sick when the seas are rough so hopeful those sheltered balconies will fit the bill.

[@mericet39]

Linking an outside space but not wanting to get wet - pretty sure that's not unique to people from Yorkshire!

[@paulhaigh7017]

Just booked our third 2 week cruise on this great ship. Cant wait as its a few years since weve been on her. Its still and probably always will be our favourite ship. Been on a few other P n O, Princess. There's so many things l could say but a couple of the things for us is. Compared to similar sized ships. The passenger capacity is less. And you notice that when using lifts, public areas, seating for shows etc. Also the famous white star line service is the best in the business. The servers for us are definately cherry picked. And l think Cunard pride themselves with the great service that is evident on their ships.

[@SuiteNatured]

Hi Paul, oh wow, we definitely want to book another on her after our Fjords experience. Thinking a TA as our next QM2 adventure. There is just something very special about QM2. We completely agree with you on your thoughts too Paul, and we are really interested to be on Queen Anne, this time next year, to see how she compares, not only with the service and team on QM2, but with the other cruise lines too. Have a lovely day, Linzi & Mark

[@DavidEidelberg]

Celebrity now charges $10 plus 20% gratuity for room service.

[@SuiteNatured]

Boo 😥 guess we won't be having much room service on Apex then David 🤣

[@tonylarussa4046]

The ship is almost 20 years old. Of course she would feel "a little dated".

[@SuiteNatured]

She does feel dated in some ways, but no necessarily because of the age, but more of the design being from a bygone era, although to be clear, as our review states, we absolutely love QM2, and would recommend her to anyone, and now she has just come out of the dry dock, some of those slightly worn carpets are all new and she is looking amazing.