This cruise was part of a Cruise 1st package lasting 35 days travelling on 3 cruise ships 2 hotel stays and 27 hour train journey. The cruise ships and hotels plus train journey were all chosen by Cruise 1st as were the dates.

The Embarkation was perfect. No sooner had we arrived at the ship we were escorted to check in and five minutes later on the ship and directed to the buffet restaurant for lunch. A wonderful start to our cruise. As this was at the very end of our 35 days this was just what we needed after a very hectic 4 weeks ! Disembarkation was just as smooth. We arrived at the correct place to leave the ship about 10 minutes before our due time but were informed we could leave the ship immediately and again all went perfectly and we left the ship complete with luggage in under 10 minutes. So very well organised. We didn't even have to find our own taxi that was also organised within a few minutes. Some other cruise lines could take heed of this. We have travelled with 9 different cruise lines and none as efficient and organised as this!

The QM2 is a lovely ship but for me a little plain and perhaps just that little bit too serene. We don't like "All Singing and Dancing" but just felt a bit too quiet and ordinary and more like a really quaint village than a holiday resort with most guests talking in whispers as befitting the general atmosphere. We also felt this also to be true of the activities and lectures organised. Although interesting sometimes a bit boring and I fell asleep listening to some of the lectures!! Bearing in mind we had 7 sea days so wanted to be kept occupied we felt the lectures were a tad academic much of the time. Of course simply our personal opinion as I am sure this type of cruise is perfect for thousands of people. Read more