Testing the Buffet on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner - How Does it Compare to Other Cruise Lines?

[@bstanz5266]

The problem is the people who are there for the "luxury " would never go a buffet anywhere under any circumstance.

[@christianoliver3572]

Queen's Grill never goes to the buffet. You get dressed and and have a real dinner. If you have to have a buffet then you'll get one but I wouldn't recommend it because I've never had it. And I still don't understand buffet sushi. It can't be done right anywhere on land so how could it be done correctly on a cruise ship or an ocean liner? I've never seen any of the staff fishing off the stern for tuna!!

[@thebraff]

@@christianoliver3572 I was Queens Grill last time and I ate breakfast and lunch at the Buffet. Pretty wild statement you made

[@christianoliver3572]

@@thebraff I was referring more to dinner about the dressing up. In general I prefer table service to buffets and quite honestly I won't go to a self service buffet pretty much anywhere for food safety reasons.

[@thebraff]

@@christianoliver3572 now that you have edited the original post to say dinner then you are probably right but even dining in the Britannia Restaurant on Cunard (which is where we normally go) is a lovely experience. You need to dress smartly, not casual unless it’s formal night when that is the preferred dress code. I love formal nights because I get that chance to dress up and my husband who in everyday life doesn’t wear suits of any kind looks so smart and handsome in his formal suit. We match his bow tie to my outfit where possible. Also, I don’t know about other cruise lines but I’m assuming they are the same as Cunard and you choose what you want to eat at the buffet and it is served onto your plate by the crew at that station.

[@christianoliver3572]

@@thebraff My wife and I try to match on formal nights and we like to get pictures made. On other lines I've been on there are served buffets that are reminiscent of a British carvery. I don't mind these at all. What I really don't care too much for are the self service types of buffets. I've just seen too many people use their hands or not pay attention to what their kids are doing. I'll only go to a breakfast or lunch buffet right at opening time. Cruise ships haul around massive amounts of people compared to a liner like QM2 so I don't think it would ever be practical to get rid of buffets.

[@angelametcalfe953]

Hi there, I'm glad I found you. No nonsense showcasing and explanations. Cunarding next May, NY to London and I cant wait.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I hope you enjoy it! Will it be your first cruise, or just your first cruise with Cunard?

[@NancyReeves]

Thanks!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thank you, Nancy! You are number 2! :-P

[@postaldee68]

I'm glad that you always show the buffets on ships. When I cruise I tend to use the restaurants more than the buffets so I'm always interested in what I'm missing. I definitely saw a few things I would have tried from this video. I'm a firm believer that ANY food at sea is better than anything on land. 😉

[@m.m.4645]

The food is better on long cruises. Believe me, we have done enough Cunard cruises! And always in the cheaper categories, because we love to do MORE cruises. At the moment, RCCL you might also just forget! Been on 3 RCCL since January. The last one to Iceland, much longed for, the worst. I would not consider a 1,5 day cruise a measurement at all.

[@roberthamilton1301]

This was a long cruise from USA to England Morgan just jumped on the last two day leg so food should be exactly the same.

[@carolcollins]

Well said M.M. There is always something to like and dislike on every cruise. This is one man's opinion who sailed for 2 days and he therefore could only comment perhaps on one meal or one visit to the theatre - give me a break

[@ambra8957]

For such a fancy cruiseline I was expecting a better presentation. Hope you still had a good time!

[@johnmayerislovee]

Hello and thanks - Just came back from the RCCL Wonder and the buffet's are very similar.

[@loumello8813]

I think the buffet on the Celebrity Apex was great, tremendous amount of selections.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Yes! Agreed!

[@gailcreighton5484]

Celebrity buffets, in my opinion, are the best.

[@philgalpin9284]

Sailed Cunard many years ago. Old hand told us steak could be ordered for all meals if, and only if, ordered. Delicious!

[@FSD23384]

Cunard promotes Luxury and an upscale experience sailing on their ships. This buffet does not reflect that image. Food does not look very appetizing or good quality. This is from someone who has sailed on 30 cruises with Celebrity, HAL and Princess. Thank you for posting. A great video.

[@vballdumbbunny13]

We did the NY to Hamburg via Southampton route at the end of 2019 with our Berner, and for breakfast and lunch, we mostly ate in the buffet for time reasons, but also because we found the main dining room for breakfast and lunch only ok. The pub food was good. I think we only ate in the buffet for dinner once, the other times we ate in the main dining room because they always had good options, and I don't think they repeated over our 9 nights onboard? My only complaint was how BLAND everything was. It's like they think we're all 80 year old British people that think paprika chips are piquant. To be fair, the age demographic did seem to skew 60+, which as far as the entertainment goes suited me. I liked the educational lectures and the planetarium. Did they have the "German representative" on board for you? After we stopped in Southampton, we noticed they put up German signs all over and announced that there was a German speaking representative to assist with things I guess? I would do the transatlantic again if time was no concern (probably why it's full of older people) because arriving in Europe without jet lag was amazing. But I would definitely bring a bottle of hot sauce with me...

[@co7580]

yes. you're right what the spices, or lack thereof, is concerned. A mystery. Cunard, sailing out of Britain, famous for its curries even in pubs, and on land changing from water boiled non seasoned veggies to seasoned veggies is still stuck in the past what the seasoning is concerned - despite their chef coming from Germany. And good chefs over here season their food!

[@nickwhite7476]

@@co7580Maybe Brits don;t need to saturate our food with salt and sugar..

[@co7580]

@@nickwhite7476 it's a pity you only know of salt and sugar. There's a ton more around than what you restrict yourself to. Had great food in England.

[@shirleysmith3904]

Head Chef on QM2 is Klaus Kremer who I believe is German

[@KCRReads]

We are vegan so this just looks okay. Would you rec'd we always go to the dinning room? Are there better options there if we request vegan? TY.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

My cruise on Cunard was so short, I'm really not sure! Sorry!

[@jayde43]

Yeh I would be wanting more from a luxury cruise line ⚓️

[@waltersickinger1499]

A buffet and passengers in baseball caps at dinner are enough to dissuade me from Cunard. I envisioned passengers dressed for a sit down dinner with impeccable service. Guess those days are long gone.

[@louisemckinnon2260]

The buffet on Oceania cruise line was wonderful and changed every day. Looked much better too.

[@valsteel-it4vs]

I will be cruising on the Queen Anne in October. The buffet looks good. I cruised MSC Virtuosa last year and thought the buffet was excellent. I can not agree with the only vegetarian options being pizza and salad, they had beautiful curries, pasta, casseroles etc. I preferred the buffet to the main dining room.

[@angelametcalfe953]

It will be our third cruise, first with Cunard. Sadly like a lot of people we missed out on a few booked cruises due to covid. Stay safe.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

The food looks delish!

[@katrinastreeting6452]

I would highly recommend the dinning rooms, and the Verandah for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For a more relaxed lunch experience we always have a lovely meal at the Golden Lion rather than the buffet

[@RiverDanube]

We had a month long cruise on the QM2. The food in the buffet wasn't the fanciest although they did have a variety of hot dishes. BreKfast was great as we could order a freshly made omelette, cooked in front of us and better than the restaurant. For lunch, we mostly chose cold items. The variety of salads and presentation was excellent. One thing that was missing was a large number of fat slobs so it just felt classier. The restaurant was our go to for dinner and again, it wasn't five star dining but a couple of items were a standout. The steak with horseradish sauce and the constantly changing triple serve of quality ice cream.

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Great video morgan

[@deebaugh5867]

Best buffet I’ve had was on the Norwegian Bliss.

[@lesleyfordham6554]

What about traditional restaurants? Or complimentary Room Service - I did both very recently - the same restaurant, table and time, and at least once a day, Room Service breakfast, which I had on my Stateroom balcony watching the sun come up.

[@reginaobrien8983]

I doubt I’ll ever go on Cunard, but this was certainly interesting. I like Norwegian all around, including the buffet. Also recall that Carnival food (on the Splendor many years ago) was very good. 🌞

[@bristolishome8049]

The buffet reminds me of Golden Corral.

[@23oakhill]

I thought the food looked rather dull and old fashioned. Thinking of a Princess buffet, and I think it is much better. Trying P&O this Summer and I also hope that it will be a little less boring than this selection.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, this was really interesting actually - the buffet food here looked very similar to what I'd expect from P&O. Nothing wrong with it at all, but I'd have expected more premium from a line like Cunard - thanks for sharing this!

[@CJODell12]

Both are owned by Carnival as well

[@garysimmons4323]

You really have not been on P&O recently, the food has really been downgraded. Quality and selection wise. Both of course cater towards the British market, so you will get Cottage Pies etc. but the food on offer in the video looked freshly cooked. I have never been a fan of the buffet desserts, they always seem bland.

[@cathydrew2569]

The food looks quite delicious for a meat eater. The offering of vegetables and cheeses looked good too.

[@emmaludlow8173]

To be fair to Cunard, although we think of them as a luxury line, their pricing is more on a par with standard lines and nothing like the price of Viking,Seabourn or Silversea. For instance I've seen Cunard cruises sailing out of the UK for around £100 a night. So I think what you showed is about as I'd expect, the sushi looks nice 🍣😀

[@TracyKMainwaring]

my husband loved the custom pasta bar and pizza on the Celebrity Equinox. The worse was Symphony of the Seas... closed at 9 or 10pm!

[@jamesreaume9977]

If you don't like the free food in the main dining, try one of the specialty restaurants. If you don't like your cabin, purchase an upgrade to a higher deck that does not have obstructed views. You get what you pay for. Cheers!

[@oldguy9078]

We cruise on Celebrity and Carnival a lot and I also think the buffets at Celebrity and Carnival appear to be better than Cunard. To be honest I was kind of shocked to see the buffet on Cunard as the price of a cruise on Cunard is very expensive I understand. I love the desert stations on Celebrity and Carnival as you have a crew member manning the station and will cut the size of a cake or dish out pudding ect. It appeared on Cunard you get you little bowl or plate and all are the same size. Just say'n.

[@crenntive]

We had been talking about doing an ocean crossing with them but the food options and the disrepair of the ship make me reconsider. When we could do a reposition cruise with just about any other line and get more for the money. The ship while nice does not speak luxury to me.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I definitely think you should try a Virgin Voyage instead of this!

[@ChristianLehrer]

Exactly! Really considered Cunard, yet booked TA 2023 on Royal’s Anthem from Southampton to New York with some great ports in between, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Tenerife, Lazarote, and Bermuda. Way better deal!

[@chictown]

Thanks for your honest assessment, Morgan. I would have expected a more delineated offering from Cunard.

[@alexandergroppe448]

Morgan's assessment for a 1.5 day excursion is well and good. Take the Mary out across the pond and you will notice a far more refined and sophisticated menu across the Britannia, Princess and Queens Grille restaurants!!!

[@rvnaut]

Funky Tunes for the intro!!

[@briannelson3686]

Completely agree with Emma on the price point. Cunard I think fits above a standard cruise line, but it's definitely not a premium cruise line. I went on a premium cruise line in Dec 2021, Seabourn, and the food in all venues, with a couple of exceptions, was terrible. I actually lost weight on a 10 day cruise! Have sailed with Cunard, on the QE2, and QM2 several times, and agree, the food is on the blander side, but I've never been disappointed with meals. Having said that, I've never used the buffet for lunch or dinner. Have also cruised with Holland America, Carnival, and Windstar. In my opinion I think the food and definitely experience with Cunard is on par or better than all of these. But as you say, it's very subjective.

[@lisalister8002]

Looks great! My son and I just got off NCL Encore, and compared it to our cruise on Princess. We both thought Princess' food beat NCL hands down!

[@dennisneumann327]

I thought it looked above standard, with the carved roast chicken and the variety of things on offer. I grew concerned when I saw the Aloo Chana Masala and wondered if it would taste authentic, or would have the flavours diluted to appeal to the guests onboard to appeal to their more "inexperienced" palate. When I saw the state of that sushi, I was disappointed. That is not five-star sushi. That is grocery store sushi that you buy out of desperation and regret before you even open the box. The standard of cruise ship sushi, on the mainstream lines I've been on, is very low in general. For a five-star cruise line, I would expect sushi to meet the level of a standard sushi restaurant on land.

[@lannyqualls9428]

Wow! That was a great review!

[@MrSwagnificentSpeaks]

I have not had the pleasure of cruising on Virgin Voyages so far. I will next spring. From all of the many videos I’ve seen about the food in the Galley,they have a good amount of opinions from all the different eateries. If people enjoy a different eatery when you eat at the Galley you should not get bored with the food. I will find out for myself next year. Thanks for the great video.

[@fredob43]

It's wasn't 5* more like in my estimation 2* I have had better buffets in 2* hotels. Maybe they are cutting down like flying B/A. Thank you for your Vlog but I found it like the food boring.

[@shipsbells]

I thought Qm2’s buffet was okay. When we had to assemble for our muster drill, we had to assemble in the Buffett. This was back in 2008. So that’s when you still had to meet and go as a group to the boats. They had just put away the food and were cleaning up. There was on the salad bar a large container of Kraft Low Fat Ranch dressing sitting there. I was pretty unimpressed by that. The quality of the roast beef was good. I don’t know how you can really judge the food, since you are vegan or vegetarian and you don’t eat the things that I like. I’ve sailed with 5 different cruise lines, the best buffet I remember was on the Holland America Westerdam. The WORST was on Carnival Pride. The only thing in that Buffet area that I could even stand eating was the Pizza Area and the Guy’s Burgers and technically they weren’t even part of the buffet. I mean really, hot dogs that are grey inside. Yech!

[@Kevinrietveld128]

My best buffet experience was the Norwegian Bliss, we don't eat a lot in the buffet

[@SimonsVids222]

We have a brand in the UK called Toby Carvery, it’s a really low end buffet restaurant mostly frequented by elderly folk and people from low end incomes.. I guess what I’m saying here is that - the buffet in the video looks nothing like what I would personally expect from Cunard? Was it because it was a short taster cruise maybe? I kinda think it looks similar to a buffet offered on a ferry also - and Errm, well that’s not a great endorsement 😂

[@barrylevers6636]

Having sailed many times on Cunard I agree with you about it being a taster cruise and the food layout was not as normal for Cunard. Also I think the video was shot in the evening when most people would have been having the ‘fine dining’. and therefore the amount of food shown was to avoid having waste.

[@robynwood550]

It didn't look bad but for the price I'd expect more too.

[@sandieinatlanta9587]

This actually makes me wonder if I would go on the QM2. I have been on Celebrity and the food is good. Not fantastic but good. And I travel on Azamara, a cruise line with small ships which is a cut above that but the food is for the most part, very very good. I find it hard to believe that QM2 is serving the stodgy boring food that Britain was famous for in the years following World War II. Britain has changed and serves really fine cuisine. These photos look unappetizing. I have wanted to travel on this ship because of the Formal British Life it is supposed to offer but now I am unsure. Azamara is expensive but worth every penny.

[@elainecooke156]

Don't be put off. I really don't think this video shows the food on offer very well. The variety on offer is generally pretty good from salad selections, sushi, pizza,pasta Asian specialities, to composite dishes and traditional roasts. In the buffet restaurant the different types of food be are laid out over various serveries, so it's difficult to show on a video. My standards are pretty high, but I am rarely disappointed. Personally, I tend to stick to the main restaurant where a wide variety of food is elegantly served and beautifully presented. Why pay for their outstanding service then go and serve yourself?

[@DB-mz5sd]

It is truly a unique elegant experience!! Do it!

[@kerrybreezy701]

We love qm2. The buffet can be hit or miss. We prefer to go to the main dining room. We sometimes do buffet breakfast or afternoon tea but that is it. We prefer to be served

[@Jay-vr9ir]

You love The Q M 2 ,why ????

[@kerrybreezy701]

@@Jay-vr9ir qm2 is a smooth sailing. We’ve been through storms and couldn’t even tell. It’s relaxing and we enjoy dressing up.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

I crossed on The Norwegian Escape in November , not much difference, but it was a nicer ship , better food and a much nicer crew .I wish it would do , as many crossings as The Q M 2 .The Q M 2 , goes up and down a vibrates during storms .

[@mewette]

I really enjoy carnival’s food!! They have a few very flavorful options like you said. I don’t like bland food

[@davidfence6939]

The problem with food is as you said. You're trying to appeal to THOUSANDS of people. Not just an individual table. What is great to one person is delicious to another. What is bland to one person is tasty to another. And the industry seems to still be recovering from the pandemic years. Crews aren't at full numbers. A portion of the population has been brainwashed to be scared for the rest of their lives so you have to wear masks and have someone serve you. And in the end it's a BUFFET. And this is why RCL, Carnival, Norwegian, etc have specialty dining. Adds variety and is normally a step-up in service and food quality. Glad I eat meat. Life without it is boring AF.

[@fantasticvoyages-sg8sw]

What comes across is how poorly the food is displayed. Just off an RCI cruise and although I much prefer the buffet on Princess, Celebrity and HAL , they knew how to display the food. This looks very functional, a bit like MSC.

[@ChristianLehrer]

Does it depend on the ship as well as the cruise line? One friend loved all the snack food options on Carnivals newest ship, yet thought the buffet was a bit limited. Friends on Celebrity thought the Buffet was really good, but it was closed too often. Emma was on Royal’s Anthem and liked the Buffet food and selection way better than the MDR. If Cunard Buffet was similar quality to Royal that’s good, but Cunard is pricier.

[@chrispnw2547]

If you did not identify the location of the buffet and just showed the video, most would think it looks like a value oriented buffet. The presentation is okay. Search Viking Cruises buffet to see a clear difference. Many cruise lines took on a ton of debt and have to pay it back. I suspect cuts will be made in many areas (including deferred maintenance).

[@elainecooke156]

If you want the best on Cunard just use the main formal dining room. Exciting , varied dishes including imaginative vegetarian options. Why pay for their outstanding service then go and serve yourself? It's difficult to appreciate the variety on offer in the buffet in this type of video because of the wide area it is laid out in though. I'm an adventurous gourmet and it's not often they disappoint me.

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

You're right. Went on a trans Pacific cruise in '18 on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and the food was top notch through the whole trip. Buffet was much better than the one shown too.

[@ysbel]

People should check out Gary Bembridge at Tips for Travellers before embarking on a Cunard cruise. Cunard caters to the British client that is bored with offerings from American-focused and Continental/ based cruise lines. (Think Royal, Carnival, Costa, and MSC) the average British traveler is not going to get a ‘British’ experience on Royal, Carnival, Costa, or MSC. The cruiser seeking a ‘British’ cruise experience wants an unfussy experience - not gourmet or deluxe. Cunard’s passengers don’t want a luxury experience; they want a BRITISH experience. If you’re an Anglophile that loves everything British, this cruise is for you; but if you’re the average American cruiser looking for a “luxury” experience, Cunard is not for you. Luxury means different things to different people. The Brits cannot STAND “fussy” food which they describe as anything that they can’t get at their local pub or the local church potluck. Just take a look at Gary’s review of a Ponant (French) cruise. There’s a reason that the old joke makes the chefs in hell British. In closing, I’d just advise viewers to watch several videos about the Queen Nary 2 from Brits and nonBrits to decide if Cunard is for you. Don’t go on just one review.

[@jeannebasanez7427]

I think all the buffets are more sparse than usual because of lower capacities and difficulty sourcing food.

[@airmanma]

Wow, below expectations. Shame on them. I just went on NCL Mediterranean cruise to Italy, France , and Spain. Their buffet is awesome, so many choices. Almost comparable to Belagio's buffet. Never had a bad meal there the whole week on ship. Shame on Cunard, don't think I care to book with them.

[@AnnaPaul56]

Thank you for giving Carnival a thumbs up for the buffet. I agree with you on that. Going again for the 8th time on the Carnival Miracle to Alaska in 2 weeks. So can’t wait. Went in 2017 on the Miracle on a 14 night Journey cruise, WOW totally amazing. This time out of San Francisco, Ca. Being from San Diego, Ca we have to fly up there. Only an hours flight, but with all the cancellations, delays, and pilot picketing that is going on over here in the US, I am worried. So want to see Alaska again. Have you been on an Alaskan cruise?

[@caughtnyfish6073]

It depends on what five stars you are referring to. Michelin five stars probably not. Someone else’s five stars maybe.

[@chrispatton8081]

WHAT?! Ok, I've cruised Carnival and their selections look a bit better than this. Yeah, Morgan try out Silversea or Seabourn because I've seen that and believe thats on par with what I expected from Cunard.

[@puirYorick]

Looked like mid-range hotel buffet display. I've seen better choices offered at a large chain Asian buffet place in terms of the look. I obviously can't say about actual tastes.

[@PL-mu1cp]

Out of 30 cruises, best buffet and MDR food was Celebrity, Worst Buffet and MDR by far goes to NCL Star. Best meal, Steakhouse on Carnival.

[@andrewsabol5045]

Our best food was on Princess cruise line

[@michaelschweitzer7267]

I don’t think you have had a fair experience in 1.5 days. I agree that’s it’s not really a luxury buffet, but I think it’s better than most. You mentioned a lack of vegetarian options, but there were many when I traveled, from Indian food to Asian food to pastas. For one dinner, the buffet had filet mignon and lobster tails, I’ve never seen this on any other line. Finally, the experience is better with more of a served buffet experience, with people waiting on you for drinks, even if you only want water. And although I like Carnival, I found the food on the Panorama to be very low grade. Still, if you are expecting the buffet to be some sort of over the top, gourmet experience, you will be disappointed.

[@auntieneen2611]

Celebrity Edge had an awesome buffet…this looks tired 😂

[@Travelwith_Adrienne]

The food looks good. Love the cheese selection on ships but got watch for the one you may not like. I have been on NCL and Carnival. More with NCL I have noticed that some ship the Buffet is wonderful and other ships buffer are just okay.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Sorry, Morgan, but I am not a fan of any buffet, as I've found that the food isn't fresh. At least, the crew still serves you so the utensils are not touched by other guests. That being said, I wonder if the MDR on the QM2 is better food than their buffet. But you're right, the food isn't what you'd expect on a Cunard ship. Good thing I have no plans to ever sail on Cunard. I plan on sailing on Celebrity Beyond in 2024 or Virgin but a lot can change by then.

[@collarclatch6414]

Why even consider a buffet when they have very good food in the main dining room? For a step up from that you must be in one of the suites.

[@alexandergroppe448]

This review is perfect for a 1.5 day trip on Cunard. It's irrelevant beyond that. If you really want to experience classic Cunard, book a TransAtlantic. Even better, take a roundtrip TransAtlantic. I hate dressing up. But to dress up on Cunard is like stepping into a time machine and that appeals to me! When it comes to fine food, entertainment, intellectual discourse, and fine wines and liquors, the TransAt on this exceptional vessel is truly is a slice of 'Heaven on Earth!' ~ an obviously satisfied long-time Cunard customer

[@PK-hc8wu]

Having done several cruises on all Cunard ships I can safely say that Cunard is only "survivable" in Queen's Grill. The Lido buffet is terrible, lacking freshness and creativity. Britannia restaurant is terrible, too. Queen's Grill however is a different story. But for the price of a Cunard Queen's Grill suite I suggest a regular cabin on Seabourn, Silversea or Regent - that includes everything from drinks to caviar.

[@johnbuyers8046]

I seriously doubt you have ever eaten in Britannia. It certainly is not terrible: in fact I have had excellent food there on both the QM2 and the QV.

[@PK-hc8wu]

@@johnbuyers8046 It‘s alright for some. But certainly not premium. Sorry to say. I really like Cunard but have moved on to other lines. Sliversea and Hapag Lloyd Cruises are my favorites nowadays.

[@Ozymandias1]

The QM2 is for old age pensioners who go on a once in a lifetime cruise, they usually don't have the best taste.

[@co7580]

I think cunard doesn't really focus on the buffet. it's the variety on the ship altogether that they focus on. although apparently other lines have even more venues. I've been on the QV and mostly dined in the Britannia or the Pub and sometimes in the buffet. Couldn't fault the food. As you so rightly state at the beginning of the review: everyone has a different taste. So it's very hard for anyone to say "good or bad" unless there's something very wrong with the food. so unfortunate you didn't go to the carinthia lounge once. They've apparently got a different selection in their buffet to offer.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

Cunard's focus is to over charge , for basic services .

[@mikeymutual5489]

Why ask questions that you know the answer to? It is obvious that the buffet is very pedestrian - which is probably why you compared it to Royal Caribbean (a budget line). Too bad they couldn't elevate the food like they do the price.

[@jimwalsh8520]

QM2 is not a criuse ship, perhaps you should make the ditinction old chap

[@Jay-vr9ir]

No cruise ships are nicer and have better service .

[@BP-kx2ig]

The Queen Mary 2 is not a cruise liner!,

[@wrrnfrmr]

Having sailed on QM2 several times you are encapsulating why we switched allegiance from Cunard to Celebrity (especially Edge Class). We don’t eat in the buffets very often but I never recall it looking that sad and frankly, a little grubby. We have had some great times on QM2 but I think Cunard is struggling to find its audience.

[@carolekrug6027]

If you’re expecting better food, book a premium room and dine in the higher level dining room. No buffet food can equal the service and attention the restaurant can provide.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Actually, we didn't have great service in the dining room. I talk about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqWXcoijpLyAopI

[@Jay-vr9ir]

Spend a small fortune , just to get a better meal???

[@alk61695]

Seems to be lacking for a luxury cruise. Celebrity and Princess have a better variety at the buffet. Even Carnival to some extent.

[@billlawton1186]

Why would anyone eat at the buffet when QM2s dining rooms offer a phenomenal service (white Star Service) where every passenger is treated like royalty?

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Ha! We had to beg to see the wine list in the dining room and had several courses of our meal before the wine even showed up. It came in glasses and was not poured at the table. We didn't even get to see the bottle. If that's how royalty is treated, I never want to be king. I think the service on QM2 may have declined a bit since your last cruise.

[@billlawton1186]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides did you immediately speak to the Maitre? Or did you summon the sommelier?

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Should I HAVE to if it’s “White Star Service”?

[@billlawton1186]

‘‘Twas and aberration to be sure and should be pointed out to the Maitre.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

Phenomenal service ? Compared to a fish and chip shop in England perhaps .

[@vonbradley5920]

I would expect more from Cunard even if it was a short cruise. Because they are trying to lure you. That food in the buffet is lacking options. Even though I only eat salad in the buffet most times.

[@vballdumbbunny13]

This is not a dedicated short cruise, it's the end of a NYC-Southhampton-Hamburg route. That's the only way they'll have the dogs on board. You can only take them on the transatlantic voyage. I actually did that exact cruise in Oct 2019 so we could move our dog from NY to Belgium.

[@lawrencerobinson3265]

Morgan, watch the old carnival cruise videos on youtube that show the old midnight buffet and the kathy lee video "if my friends could see me now!!" promo video. The food was literally better 40 years ago based on the photos. I LOVE a good buffet because it's no drama. I hate when they try to spread the food out or put the same thing in like 4 places. Its lazy. This food in your video looks super average. I guess it depends on the taste and if its HOT!

[@summerbee4351]

For me also "Mein Schiff" (Tuicruises) offers a good variety of food and also many veggi or vegan options.

[@Zombie-Tog]

It’s more geared for UK tastes than loud American, dressing with everything…just accept it.

[@mikegerdeman362]

Looks more like a so-so cafeteria spread to me………..

[@travelingon7458]

NCL I feel is best

[@ccm1767]

It would be hard to tell the quality of ingredients just looking at the food. One cruise line may buy low quality food then season it heavily, using modern recipes, and fancy plating. Meanwhile another line might bit expensive and quality ingredients like fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, cheese, etc and prepare them plainly. Eating on that second cruise line might be boring but to me would still be better than the first. But to each their own. Granted, if this buffet was low quality and boring, then that's really bad.

[@jamesplummer356]

Prince much better and every day have a special from a different country

[@Kg-dp9wo]

‘Qunard’ Who eats in tge buffet - only people who don’t own a jacket

[@billlawton1186]

BTW it’s que-nard, not Coo-nard

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

In Germany we call it coo-nard.

[@billlawton1186]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides you are mispronouncing a proper name.

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides In English it's "Kyew-nard" Show some respect.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

@@thomasvanantwerp728 Looks like we picked up another one!

[@jayep9951]

Hi Morgan. The lunch selections looked underwhelming. Not impressed. The dinner choices did look much better to me. And I especially love the cheese station. I could have cheese and wine for every meal 😋 We don't usually do the buffets. I prefer the main dining room.

[@roberthamilton1301]

Looked good Verity for a meat eater but the presentation not so much, food looked dried out old even. The sandwiches looked all cupped and dry. I think Cunard would be way better than that. Thanks for the video 👍

[@carolcollins]

How can you possibly think the food looked dried out from a quick photo. You cant smell it or hear the sizzle. There is only one way to comment on anything. Try it! Not everyone has the same likes and dislikes. In fact I disliked the buffet on Carnival.

[@roberthamilton1301]

@@carolcollins I looked with my eyes 👀

[@carolcollins]

@@roberthamilton1301 Oh well that would give an in depth and fair opinion on QM2's overall menu during a two week transatlantic cruise then.

[@roberthamilton1301]

@@carolcollins Thanks

[@victoriasmith1897]

No I thought it looked very basic. I’m disappointed as I am sailing in Queen Elizabeth in February 23.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

The food on The Norwegian Escape is 10 times better .

[@Desjardins50]

Surprising. My high school cafeteria looked better.

[@julietvalcouer]

Ffs QUEUE-nard, not "KOO-nard." Also culinary protip: Buffets are always kind of crap. Hot-holding is death. Stick of cold if they're changing stuff out frequently, hot food if you can't get there right at open or right when they change the pan, forget it. (This goes everywhere.)

[@ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣΜΑΚΡΗΣ-ο7σ]

{classical things...} you pay a lot of money and eat {cheap food.....} the {economy theory of cruise lines or hotels}

[@cruiseshipforme4546]

No. The ship is showing its age as well. Celebrity has the best food imho.

[@gerrypower9433]

Sorry, the food may taste wonderful, but it sounds boring and the presentation is lackluster. Not the premium experience Cunard bills itself as. The buffet should be dazzling, like the top buffets in Las Vegas.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

I have been on The Q M 2 , crossed on her 3 times , dull as dull can be , talk about British reserve .

[@deltonabf]

The food presentation here is awful. Granted I’ve only sailed Princess, Norwegian and Carnival but this level of display is sub par and unappetizing. And it just looks neglected and not special. Nice job filming, though.

[@tomcasson9189]

Sorry, but it's not pronounced coonard, it's like kewnard phonetically speaking(o;

[@TravelWithJosianne]

Celebrity has better buffet. The Wonder also have better buffet.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

The Salvation Army has a better buffet .

[@happycruiser]

Never a fan of buffets, but looking at this, looks pretty low level from my perspective. Too many things in sauces. Reminds me of pot luck dinners. Celebrity has been way better.