I’ve just returned from the Ocean Cruise Conference onboard Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2, and I can honestly say — I didn’t want to get off. In the past I’ve been lucky enough to visit some amazing ships, but this one offered something truly unique: a real sense of elegance and tradition, blended perfectly with modern comforts and surprises I didn’t expect.
The moment I arrived at the Southampton port, I felt looked after. Check-in was quick and seamless, and dropping off my bags was easy — there was no stress, no queues, and everything just flowed. It’s exactly what you want when you’re starting a cruise: no hassle, just excitement. Once onboard, we were greeted by the crew in smart red uniforms, which instantly made it feel special. There’s a real sense of occasion stepping onto Queen Mary 2 — it’s almost like stepping back in time in the best possible way.
Something I noticed right away was how incredibly well-kept the ship is. You could see crew members inspecting and cleaning the wooden floors throughout the day — not just a quick wipe, but proper care. That level of maintenance and attention to detail is part of what sets it apart. There’s an elegance to the interiors, with artwork on the walls, large windows flooding the ship with natural light, and even a full art gallery onboard. It really makes you pause and appreciate the ship as more than just a means of transport - it’s a destination in its own.
Despite the elegant vibe, there’s plenty of fun to be had. I tried my hand at mini golf and tennis up on the sun deck, which felt surreal with the sea breeze around me. Shuffleboard was also a fun throwback — simple, but strangely addictive. There’s a full programme of entertainment and enrichment throughout the day — from guest lectures to live music and dance classes—so whether you want to be active or relaxed, there’s something for everyone. And in the evenings, the ship truly comes alive…
The Gala Night was a real highlight - It felt like being in a classic film, with everyone dressed beautifully, and the ship came alive in a really elegant, refined way. Cunard still holds onto the tradition of dressing for dinner, and honestly, it adds something really special. Afterwards, we headed to G32, the ship’s nightclub, where we enjoyed cocktails and live music that kept the energy going late into the night. And if you’re wondering about the drinks - bar prices are very reasonable (think your local pub, not a fancy hotel). Another pleasant surprise, as I like my margaritas.
My favourite was the Queen’s Room — watching the ballroom dancing there was like being in a movie. It’s such a unique space, and even if you’re not a dancer, it’s an experience just to watch.
You’ll hear this a lot when people talk about cruises, but it really is true: the food is amazing. The buffet offered a huge variety of dishes, changing every day, with something for every taste. I also loved that the Britannia Restaurant displays their menu daily outside — it’s a great way to build excitement about dinner. And the dining room itself is breathtaking – grand and spacious, with sweeping staircases, crisp white linens and attentive five-star service that never feels rushed.
And just to put things into perspective: the ship serves over 16,000 meals a day, including their legendary afternoon tea, with kitchens operating 24 hours a day to make it all happen. The scale of it is mind-blowing—and yet every dish I tried was delicious.
What really surprised me was the diversity of passengers onboard. There were lots of younger couples, families with children, and a real mix of people of all ages. There are fantastic kids’ clubs to keep little ones entertained, and for adults looking to unwind, there’s a full spa and wellness area onboard too. I didn’t have enough time to try it myself, but the beauty and fitness offerings looked incredible — next time for sure!
And get this - you can even bring your dog onboard! There are kennels, and even a little red fire hydrant and a streetlamp in the kennel area — no detail too small for Cunard!
A personal touch that really made me smile was our concierge folding my pyjamas every day. I’m not even sure how they managed it — they were always in a perfect little bundle when I got back to my cabin. It became a bit of a running joke during the trip, but honestly, it shows the level of care and attention the crew offer. They really think of everything.
My time on Queen Mary 2 felt like the perfect mix of tradition and modern luxury. Whether you’re into fine dining, dancing the night away, or simply relaxing with a sea view and a good book, there truly is something for everyone and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. Whether it’s your first voyage or your tenth, the Queen Mary 2 is a ship that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
If you’re thinking about taking a Cunard cruise - do it. I’d love to help you plan the perfect trip. Pop into Miles Morgan Travel in Trowbridge and let’s chat. I’ll bring the photos!
Aleksandra
