Sept 6, 7 and 8, 2007
The wonderful thing about a ‘non-stop” transatlantic crossing is how the days seem to pass so quickly and blur together. I
know I promised a daily QM2 blog, but somehow I got lost in the doing
of nothing – unlike Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. This
reminds me…The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts holds theater classes
throughout the voyages and of course they do a spoof of Sir William
that has both audience participation and hilarious onstage
improvisation. As I’ve said before, there just isn’t enough time on a 6-night QM2 crossing to do and see everything that is offered. Twice
I went to the Planetarium for two difference “cosmic” experiences; one
narrated by Tom Hanks and the other by Robert Redford. We had three celebrities onboard: John Cleese, Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney Vance. Each was featured in an “Actor’s Studio” type of show, with audience questions and answers. The Royal Court Theater was packed for both events.
It’s interesting to be in the exercise room on a treadmill and have one of your favorite actors step on right next to you. I’ve
been a big fan of John Cleese (did you know his real name was John
Cheese!) so when he took the treadmill next to mine, I was so
dumbstruck I couldn’t even say, Spam, Spam, Spam! Here’s my take on the Queen Mary 2 – She is a gorgeous ship. Clean, efficient and welcoming.
Keep
in mind that Cunard is in the Carnival family of cruise lines and you
will be able to see the subtle nuances that Samuel Cunard would not
have approved. Such as carrying your own tray in the
King’s Court Buffet, rubber mats over the bed upon embarkation so that
your luggage does not soil the linens, exposed toilet brushes in the
bathroom. These may seem like trite comments, but for a cruise line of the magnitude of Cunard, I expect better.
Now…onto the good stuff…this ship sails the water like a warm knife through butter. Again, the ocean seemed like a quiet millpond, but I’ve sailed the QM2 with 30 foot swells and you never felt a thing. The staff is attentive but not intrusive. The food? The best meal I had was up in the “food court” (King’s Court) at the Asian venue. Truly remarkable and tasty approach to traditional Chinese fare. The Britannia Dining room – for us Plebes!- was good – well-prepared entrees, service was very good – that’s the operative word: “good.” Not memorable, not outstanding as one would expect, merely good. And quite good at times, but plain ol’ good. You have to experience at least one lunch in the Golden Lion pub on Deck 3. This is a bit of England right there on the ship. This restaurant features 5-6 truly English pub lunches including the Ploughman’s lunch which consists of a terrifically crunchy hard roll, sliced ham, Stilton and English Cheddar wedges, carrots and celery, Branston pickle and condiments. There is also the Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash and Roast Beef sandwiches. Plus of course a pint of Guinness to top it off. In a nutshell, it’s a top of the line Carnival product with a name steeped in history creating a once in a lifetime experience. I would sail with Cunard anytime!
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