Eighth cruise including three previously on Cunard, first time on QM2. Extreme disappointment is an understatement. The food in the King's Court Buffet leaves a lot to be desired and the tables are all set for two people, with a few for four people which means you can't meet up with fellow travellers (especially if you're a solo traveller). Added to this, there is no waiter service whatsoever, not even for hot drinks and not even for those passengers who need assistance however minor or major. Most of the stage shows were second-rate - certainly not world class and way too loud. Whilst the dance floor in the famous Queen's Room is superb, it is located way down the back of the ship down eight stairs, along the photographs corridor and then up eight stairs. There is a two person lift. Whilst it's a beautiful ballroom the band departs at 8.30 pm and doesn't bother coming back until 9.45 pm. This is the peak time when early diners would like to dance. Sure, the first show is on at that time but as previously mentioned, they're not worth going to and there's also a late show at which there are always plenty of seats. The planetarium is a circular cinema screen on the ceiling which shows 23 minute films on the solar system. The air con in the internal cabins blows straight on to the head of the bed which is not very comfortable. Trivia is held in the pub which is too small for the numbers attending. The Chart Room reeks of cigar smoke. Do not book early. Many passengers doing the same number of days paid less than half the fare I paid. There's more but that's probably enough.

The library is the best I've ever seen and has the best views of any outlet on the ship. The scones and jam and cream are superb.

I always book an inside cabin as I like darkness when I sleep, however the bright green light on the smoke detector lit up the room. However, as the bathroom door and the wardrobe doors open on to each other, I was able to leave both doors open at a certain angle which effectively blocked out the green light. Also, the person in the bathroom would need to alert the other occupant that they were exiting so as not to hit them. The air con blows straight on to the head of the bed and can't be changed. I removed the doona insert leaving just the cover and changed the air con to warm so the air blowing on the bed wasn't cold for three weeks. There is oodles of hanging and storage space which is great. The bathroom is big enough. There's no power point. Plenty of soft, white towels. Big safe in the cupboard.