The last full day of the journey is over.  It is 01.18 hrs , B.S.T. as I write.  I shall continue some time later today. Day 30. 

This is Day 30. It’s beautiful here in Southampton after an unexpectedly celebratory 400th crossing of the Atlantic by R.M.S. Queen Mary 2. 

Evening has arrived, and after what should have been a 207-mile car ride, I am back home after the journey of a lifetime.  Congestion on the usual route encouraged diversions, including part of the M69, which worked well. 

Recalling the last day on board has to be done retrospectively. 

I had intended to photograph all public areas on board for the first time since its 2023 “refit.”.

Now, a very brief look around Queen Mary 2.

Queen Mary 2’s staterooms and suites are on decks 2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11,12, and 13. Single occupancy staterooms were added to decks 2 and 3, inside and Club balcony staterooms on deck 13 during the 2016 Remastering.  Another change in this 2016 refit was the removal of the internal two glass elevators from the Grand Lobby, which took guests from deck 2 to the Kings Court Buffet on deck 7.  For a while, I missed this useful facility.

Since the maiden voyage in January 2004, I have had Britannia accommodation on all decks at least once.  “Britannia” is said to be the equivalent of “Economy”, “Britannia Club” – “Premium Economy,”  “Princess Grill” – “Business Class” and “Queens Grill” – “First Class.”  On Cunard’s current fleet, I have never ventured or been upgraded beyond ,”Britannia!”  Like flying, there is a vast difference between these levels.  The most lavish suites on QM2 are over two floors. 

I had six full days to visit each public area.  However, there were enrichment lectures and other interesting events to attend, and long leisurely meals.  By the time midnight came around, I was ready for sleep. The early hours are by far the best time to explore.  However, people can be replaced for/by vacuum cleaners and electrical leads.  The ship is always immaculate by (what I consider are) the early hours, tables laid to perfection with crisp white linen and heavy but elegant cutlery.  I missed much on those six days.  In fact, it was during late afternoon on the last full day that I made some effort to take photographs around the ship.

Walking back from the Carinthia Lounge, the Kings Court Buffet is open from around 6 am to 12.30 am the following morning.  There are gaps between breakfast (last orders 10.30 – used to be 11 am)  and lunch from 11.30 to 2.30, as well as between 2.30 pm and 3.00 pm when serve-yourself afternoon tea pre-empts the posh one in the Queens Room at 3.30. 

On Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, this area is the Lido high up on deck 9.  The Artisans’ Foodhall is the equivalent area on the new Queen Anne.

On this 7 night voyage, I contracted no cruise- typical sickness and enjoyed good invigorating health throughout apart from numerous nocturnal comfort stops!”  I’m reminded that’s an age thing.

Behind the Kings Court are the Princess and Queens Grill Longe and Restaurants.  While I have no experience of the Grills or Britannia Club, I imagine that these higher grades are probably worth the “splurge” if money is of no object.  I may just try a three day trip in Queens Grill, just to “tick the box.”  I did something like that on QE2 years ago!   What a treat!  But this crossing was already a treat.

The Spa.  Now, how’s this for decadence ? – I treated myself to a pedicure and had my now hard to reach toenails cut.

Two decks above the Mareel Spa (and the Library) is the sumptuous of bars at sea, the Commodore Club.  Often in the evening, QM2’s very first ship’s pianist Campbell Simpson will tinkle the ivories encouraging the sophisticated hum or sing-along hazy ambience of an expensive city club.  The Commodore Club is on all four ships and equally luxurious in their own way. 

The Commodore Club – forward Deck 9. Also in this area, The Board Room, Churchill’s Cigar Room.

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THE TOUR WILL CONTINUE IN BLOG 156.

Thanks for reading 

David, Morrison’s supermarket, Buxton.