Arrival/Check-In: The Queen Mary 2’s New York home port is the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. On arrival I encountered a busy scene of private cars, limousines and taxis as passengers disembarked from an earlier arrival while others prepared to board. Staff with redcaps efficiently handled luggage drop-off, ensuring bags were routed correctly. After parking I proceeded to check in and was impressed by how friendly and streamlined the process was. I received a QM2 credit card for onboard purchases and a group boarding number. Cunard’s boarding procedure is well organized, and I was soon on my way to my stateroom, No. 4134 on Deck 4. My luggage arrived shortly thereafter, so I was ready to explore the ship.
Guest Quarters: My stateroom featured a king-sized bed, a loveseat, a desk with accessible outlets for U.S. and European plugs, a desk chair, a coffee table and a small refrigerator. The compact bathroom had a shower with a handheld showerhead and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. A cutout balcony provided two reclining chairs and a small table, perfect for taking in the ocean air.
Services/Amenities: The ship’s public spaces are open to most guests, with the more exclusive Queens Grill and Princess Grill areas reserved for certain ticket categories; my accommodation on Deck 4 meant dining in the Britannia Grill. Decks 2 and 3 host the principal public areas, including the purser’s desk, Cunard’s onboard travel services, duty-free shopping, a casino, multiple dining and bar venues, the planetarium, the Royal Court Theatre, an art gallery, the Queens Room ballroom and the G32 disco.
Dining and bars are plentiful throughout the ship. Two standout spots for me were the Commodore Club at the bow on Deck 9 — ideal for a drink and sweeping ocean views — and the Chart Room on Deck 3, which features a nightly jazz band. The gym and Canyon Ranch Spa are on Deck 7, which also includes casual dining spaces such as the Winter Garden, a pleasant place for tea, coffee and light snacks.
I spent part of each morning in the Library at the bow on Deck 8, adjacent to the Bookshop. The library holds more than 8,000 volumes and provides a quiet retreat to read or simply watch the sea glide by.
One unexpected delight on the QM2 was the presence of companion dogs. Several times a day I saw dogs being walked along the Promenade Deck (Deck 7). The ship includes a kennel facility on Deck 12 that accommodates up to a dozen dogs; on inspection it appeared clean, well maintained and comfortably equipped. The dogs I encountered were cheerful and well cared for, many wearing life vests for added safety.
The Experience: During my crossing, Cunard was marking the QM2’s tenth anniversary, and several key figures involved in the ship’s creation attended receptions and were available for conversation. Formal evenings were held every other night, with passengers dressing in evening gowns and tuxedos, which added a sense of occasion to the voyage.
The range of activities and amenities on board is extensive, and a single review can only touch on highlights. You can engage fully in enrichment programs and lectures led by subject experts, attend theatrical performances by visiting players from respected institutions, or simply relax with a book and the endless horizon. Theater productions, a strong speaker series and live music create varied entertainment options. Dining across venues — from the grill rooms to the Todd English restaurant on Deck 8 — is consistently high quality.
My eastbound crossing from New York to Southampton inspired family and friends to try a trans-Atlantic voyage after hearing about my experience. Having sailed eastbound, I’m already considering a westbound crossing to compare the journey.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet — yes
Less than 10 minutes for check-in — yes
Separate tub and shower — no
Large vanity — no
High-quality towels — yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer — no
High-quality bed linens — yes
Large, flat-screen television — yes
Large desk with convenient outlets — yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe — yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi — no
Complimentary bottled water — yes
Stocked minibar — no
Ample lighting — yes
In-room coffeemaker — yes
Iron and ironing board — yes
On-site restaurant — yes
24-hour room service — yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center — yes
Turn-down service — yes
Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line
cunard.com