Transatlantic crossing on QM2 to New York
We boarded at 1.30pm and our comfortable stateroom was ready. We went to the Kings Court self-service restaurant for lunch before going on to the life boat drill. That evening we watched the sailaway on deck as a band played by the pool.
We had a balcony stateroom with a view obstructed by the lifeboats, but fortunately there was only one third obstruction so we had a good view. There were 2 chairs and a coffee table on the balcony so we could sit out when we wanted to and watch the world go by. The stateroom was spotlessly clean, spacious and well appointed. There was a large, comfy bed, settee, dressing table, TV, mini bar and plenty of storage space. The shower room was a good size with an ample supply of fluffy towels. Everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
We ate in the Britannia restaurant, which is an elegant 2 tiered restaurant and we had a table of 10 for our party. The food and service was excellent, with 3 courses of ample portions. You could have extra courses if you wished. The afternoon tea, served in the Queens Ballroom was excellent, served by waiters wearing white gloves. On two afternoons they held tea dances. There was also the Todd English speciality restaurant - again absolutely lovely!
The entertainment and facilities were excellent. There was something to do from morning until night. A packed schedule which included quizzes, art classes, sewing classes, ballroom dancing classes, various lectures, wine tasting (cover charge), bingo, fitness classes (some had cover charges eg pilates), golf simulator, RADA acting classes, bridge, classical concerts and much more. We really were spoilt for choice! There was a good Spa but treatments were expensive.
Evening entertainment was good with excellent shows and a big band playing in the ballroom. There was also a good nightclub, G32 where a Caribbean band played most evenings. There were various pianists in bars around the ship and also a harpist. The Golden Lion Pub was a busy venue where Karaoke was held on a couple of evenings. This was one of the few smoking areas on the ship. The casino was also a smoking area. It was good to have a practically smoke-free environment.
Embarkation in New York was very efficient and we were through in 30 minutes and guided to our coach to take us to the Marriott Marquis in Times Square for 4 nights. The reception area was very busy and noisy but the rooms were very tranquil to say they overlooked Times Square. The sound proofing was excellent. The rooms were elegantly furnished with a good size bathroom. The hotel was in an excellent position for exploring New York on foot although we took advantage of open topped tour buses that were available outside, and it was a few minutes walk to the Subway. We could walk to Central Park and 5th Avenue easily and we were in the heart of theatreland! There were many restaurants and deli's in the area. We visited Grand Central Station, Ground Zero, Central Park, Little Italy (where we had a wonderful Italian lunch) and Greenwich Village. You can eat very reasonably in New York but the portions are huge! We did not go to Statton Island as we had visited the Statue of Liberty before and we sailed past it on our approach to New York.
Our flight back to Manchester with BA was excellent and the cabin staff were very attentive. All in all, a wonderful experience which I would recommend to anyone.