Thanks so much for watching my video today! If you did, please give it a thumbs up, and remember to hit that SUBSCRIBE button to help my channel grow! Want to join me on embarkation day in NYC? Click here! th-cam.com/video/v_USANhStLU/w-d-xo.html
I sailed on her in December 2023. We had storms the whole way, with sea states 6-9 meters. Couldn’t feel it she cut through the storms like butter. Love this ship, will sail on her again for a crossing.
Oh wow - so good to hear she cut through the storms well - I bet that was amazing to be on there. Thanks a lot for watching - I’d love to do the crossing too, so I might see you on there! 😊
Fraser, glad you enjoyed your QM2 experience. Thank you for your kind mention! I am immensely proud of the ship and everyone that was involved in her conception. Carnival’s Micky Arison and Howard Frank are to be applauded for their vision to provide the finance to make it happen. I must admit my experiences of room service availability and the immigration queues have been quite different to yours. Having two entertainment venues in addition to the Queens Room ballroom (Illuminations: lecture auditorium/cinema/planetarium and Royal Court Theatre show lounge) I deemed essential given that on some crossings fog/weather really requires a diverse inside entertainment mix. If you are in London sometime soon and want to meet up, let me know.
Hi Stephen, I’m so happy to see your comments - thanks for watching! I’d love to keep in touch - if you wouldn’t mind emailing me at hello@fraseratsea.com, I’ll save your contact details. Thanks again!
@@reasonrestored9116 Without wishing to come across as intemperate, I feel I must point out that the word cruise was not mentioned. This was quite deliberate. I described QM2 as a ship in the sense of a large sea-going vessel which seems to me to be entirely accurate.
Thanks Fraser, enjoyed this. Gorgeous ship! I love how on promenade they have the loungers by rail. Unobstructed views for them and walkers behind instead of parading past all the time.😁
Tammy, I’m so glad you noticed that - I felt the same! I hate feeling as though everyone’s watching me as I walk past them on the Promenade Deck - I’m happy I’m not alone!!
Before the pandemic, they were called Formal nights. 3 on a seven night crossing. Strictly enforced from 6 pm onward. The other 4 nights were informal which was at least a jacket and slacks with a tie encouraged. It made a massive difference in the onboard ambiance. I wish they went back to that. It was so glamorous.
Yeah, I’ve heard lots of people argue on both sides. Will be interesting to see which position Cunard take longer term - will it go back to that, or will it get more casual? Time will tell… Thanks for watching, Tom!
This video is so serendipitous for me, as I take the QM2 in 6 weeks. Your advice is so helpful and also helps me anticipate bumps that may occur. Love your channel!
When I was in the merchant navy, we always referred to the bow as the sharp end and the rear (after end) as the arse end. A couple of other differences between a cruise ship and a liner are the accommodation superstructure is further back than cruise ships giving a longer sharp end (where the captain’s cuff link are situated) this is designed to dissipate the water when waves break over the bow in stormy seas. Secondly the hull of the ship is sturdier to resist the punishment that the ocean can do in rough seas. Cruise ships generally hug the coast when travelling from a to b and rarely touch proper deep sea (except repositioning cruises). The ships I sailed on were tankers which were often described as ‘flat bottomed bitches that would roll on wet grass’ and my experience of hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones was quite a bit different from the stabilised passenger ships of today, and even though it had a tiring effect, rocking and rolling for days on end, they are the days that I remember with affection. Nice informative video Fraser.👍
Hi Fraser, this was a really good review and an interesting video all the way through. You covered most of the aspects and info that anyone would want to know if contemplating taking a cruise on QM2, especially complete with the other videos of her that you have made. It is a shame that the issues that were not perfect on your sail could so easily be rectified without any cost, but with better organisation and management and make it a perfect journey. I hope that you feel that the experience wished to have for so long, on reflection is a happy memory. I look forward to seeing the other videos of QM2, and your future content. Thank you for the filming and the explanations.
Hey, thanks so much for watching - I really appreciate your continued support! Don’t worry - the ‘negatives’ weren’t too big at all, and the whole experience overall was wonderful. Thanks a lot for your positive comment! 😊
Great commentary - thank you for the honesty! A cruise can be absolutely wonderful while still having some annoyances and I think it's important you are allowed to discuss them!
Thanks so much for watching - I’m glad you enjoyed listening! I totally agree - super important to be able to share what’s going on, isn’t it? Thanks again!!
I was also recently on the QM2 for a double Transatlantic - Oct 17 to Nov 1. It was AWESOME!! LOVED every minute. Doing another Western Crossing in Sept 2026!!! We disembarked a sick passenger off Cape Race, NFLD!
Oh, I’d just LOVE to do the double crossing - that would be absolutely amazing! Thanks a lot for watching my video - I hope it brought back some wonderful memories for you!
Happy Sunday and thank you so much for this lovely comprehensive review. A transatlantic crossing is also on my bucket list (I’m a history buff), but I have watched so many varying opinions on the QM2, and I love how balanced your was. I still think if I’d do a crossing on a true ocean liner not a cruise ship for that full experience. Has nothing to do with “snobbery” but sailing on something rare. Anyway thanks - you laid out the positives and negatives quite well. 😊
Hi Tina, thanks so much for watching - I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Having done both the cruise ship and ocean liner options, I’d recommend the ocean liner - it’s a remarkable experience! Thanks again for watching - I really appreciate your support!
Ahoy Fraser. Indeed, that is the classic trans-atlantic trip. Need to get a picture with those cufflinks. Sounds like the pub was very busy. Luckily I can drink rum while standing, shipmate.
We’re late to cruising. Have only been cruising for 3 years. We’ve been on 2 HAL cruise with a 3rd to the Panama Canal on 12/29. We’ve found that we love sea days and this sounds perfect! I love that they have many things to do. Just saw your video on the food. I’m definitely going to see about this cruise! Thank you so much for this review!
Hi Catherine, you can never be late to cruising - perfect timing whenever you discover it! I’d really recommend the QM2 experience - I really, really enjoyed it! Thanks so much for supporting my channel by watching!
First cruise will be coming up March. Southampton to New York. Have enjoyed watching your videos so far thank you so much for taking the time to post them.
Oh wow - how amazing you got the chance to do it on QE2 - I’m so jealous of that! Thanks a lot for watching my video and therefore supporting my channel!
A very engaging and helpful video, Fraser! Thank you for the honesty. I have yet to do a Cunard, but I’m hoping to do QE first (next summer) and then this crossing in a couple of years. (I’ve done a North Atlantic crossing on Regal Princess and loved it) The heads up on the dress code was really good: we tend to eat late, so we are often out and about in a ship in casual day wear till after 6pm- even though we dress Cunardesque rules every night on all our cruises. Hmmmm
Hello! Thanks so much for watching - I really appreciate your support on my little corner of TH-cam! QE is a wonderful experience - I've got lots of content from that ship on TH-cam too - you might enjoy if you haven't seen already. Glad you enjoyed - thanks again!
Loved your content on QE… it’s how I found your channel! You present in a great no-nonsense way and dont waste my time 😆- and are just so approachable and likeable. Don’t worry… not approachable in a stalker sense. Looking forward to more great tours!
Thanks Fraser, for a wonderful review. It's something I want to do in the not too distant future. It's funny, when you said that Alan Cumming did a talk, because you remind me of young Alan Cumming - entertaining and a lovely personality. Wishing you every success for all your adventures. 🙏
Hello! Wow, what a compliment that is - thanks for that! Thank you for your support for my channel - I can’t even begin to tell you how appreciated it is! 😊
Hey fraser hope you're well! We've just got off qm2 in October. I was so shocked how Informal it felt from how people talk about cunard being so much more of a formal cruiseline. I agree about the indoor pool area being cold, I wouldn't even attempt the hot tub! Lol
Hey!! I totally agree - I thought QM2 would be so much more formal. I’m not complaining though - I like the blend rather than instructed formal wear! I hope they make that indoor pool a bit warmer - would be a lovely space on a colder day up there! Thanks a lot for watching!! 😊
Good video apart from your criticism regarding the immigration procedures on board. I have done 23 transatlantics on QM2, and my experiences are that compared with westbound crossings to New York, (where everyone including crew has to disembark and go through immigration, anything up to two hours to complete), the half hour or so in a comfortble environment is frankly a piece of cake.
Friends sailed on this ship last spring and said service was indeed a disappointment. And as you noted, their stateroom seemed a bit tired and not as spotless as they expected. Their previous Atlantic crossing was with Viking, on a smaller ship, which they said was better in almost every way, particularly the level of service and care from the staff.
Ahh, it’s so frustrating that my experience wasn’t an isolated case. Hopefully they move on to upgrade the staterooms soon - that would really elevate the crossing experience! Thanks a lot for watching!
A very interesting vlog Fraser …we will be back on the QM2 in February for two weeks , this has really wetted my appetite….keep the coming young man 👏👏
@ not transatlantic this time , it’s the standard faire of Southampton down to the canaries …should be nice during what I expect will be a damp and dreary mid February
We are booked on QM2 transatlantic in March and are really looking forward to it. It's the BFI Film Festival at sea cruise. We did a short taster cruise on her last September and although old, we loved the ship,
A great review, I've seen loads before, but that's how algorithms work I guess. I'm booked on a 29 night cruise taking in New York and the Caribbean and back again next year, so both legs of the Atlantic are always interesting to hear. Plus I have a tiny connection for Cunard that keeps a bias in me concerned.
Hi Jonas, thanks so much for watching! 29 nights on this ship will be such a wonderful experience - I’m super jealous of that one! I’ll add that one to my bucket list one day 😊
Great review Fraser, I’m sure at the end of this trip you were happy to be home at last after such an eventful year. I’ve enjoyed following you and must say i’ve been been rather envious 😂. Have you been far this year?
I just wanted to say I would really recommend Cruise Maps. I took a World Cruise earlier this year and the map is a terrific memento tracking the exact course of the ship.
We shared a table in the pub for lunch. Pure luck. To your point, our table companions were there for a contest being held several hours later and were doing shifts among 4 or so people to keep the two tables. So yeah, they were there for hours. Also felt understaffed. We had long waits for drinks and food and had to ask for dessert.
This unexpected visit and evacuation was even on our local news. Indeed, it was explained about the colder weather and not ideal conditions for where the copter was located at the time for a liftoff. I do hope all went well as nothing more has been reported. What? I can bring Otis!? That is something I'd thought wasn't even a possibility!! Awesome!! Lines and standing for extended periods of time I'd not do so well at...don't really know how some can even handle it. All in all though, it looked like a fine time was had.
Ahh, wow! How amazing that it made the news! You can insured bring Otis - perhaps this is one for your bucket list? I’ll go too so I can film inside the kennels, haha!
Excellent review !!! That line you waited in for on-board customs. How long did it take you to go through this process ? Also how well-sound proofed was your stateroom ? I have heard some reviewers complain about poor inner-wall and above ceiling sound buffering. I am so thrilled that you found this cruise to be a thrilling experience in most ways !!! Cheers to you and I shall enjoy watching all of your QM2 associated videos ! M.
Hello! Thanks so much for watching this video and others too! The immigration stuff probably took about 90 minutes standing in line - argh! The stateroom was totally fine from a noise point of view - I never had any issues with sound! Thanks again for your support for my little channel!!
@@FraserAtSea LOL ! I love the way you expressed your "argh" - here in California that would sound like an "UGH !" hahahah !!! Thanks for confirming my hope for a quiet, serene stateroom. And as to your little channel as you say, it is a BIG happy channel for me ! Cheers !
I try and play all your videos and I could tell this trip was really special for you and a very different experience for you. My Queen Mary 2 experience was back in 2007 when she made a very rare 4 night cruise round trip from Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale) to St. Thomas in the USVI. Because of her transatlantic speed capabilities she could make this round trip in just 4 nights with a full day in St. Thomas. Decided to rent a jet ski that day and while QM2 was anchored in the harbor jet skiing around her was such a memorable experience I will take to my grave. Keep up the great work!
Oh, that sounds amazing - what a wonderful part of the world to do a 4-nighter in! Thanks so much for your continued support for my channel - it’s SO appreciated! 😊
I just come off this ship early November. I paid $750 dollars for my solo inside cabin. Which I thought was a bargain. Great experience. The only trouble was we left late because of engine problem so had to catch up, then we had a medical emergency and had to sail three hundred miles towards newfoundland to meet the helicopter so we were full speed all the way which caused a small amount of sea sickness, we arrived late in Southampton but although I enjoyed my trip and would highly recommend especially solo travellers I was ready to get off.
I was in 6268 aft not far from kids club. It was a good position for pool area and lift but it was a bit noisy not all the time but I think it was the restaurant above setting tables so while I was getting ready for dinner. Also had clanking sound in bathroom in rough waters.
Golden Lion I recommend you go there on embarkation day as it stays open longer and most people go to the buffet. The only other time I got lunch is going and waiting for the lunch service at 11am. I did complain that they needed to do a reservation system as a lot of people did not eat. As for border force I didn't have a queue I went later in the day of my deck but was disgusted that this is done at sea and not at port just shows border force to be hypocrites you can come in with no documents on a dinghy but you get checked when you leave a port where your documents were checked and British twotier system that doesn't make sense
Think it might be fair to say, we enjoyed out time on QM2 more then Ben and David (and im convinced they got fleeced on the price they paid!) and I do wish to go back on her again! Have to agree about the day time entertainment too, I had James Nesbitt on mines and that talk and Q&A session was amazing! Wasnt so keen on the other talks as it was the art heists ones that was the same person who was on Azura with me in August! but that was fine, I had food eating to do 😂
Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of that art heists talk either - I felt as though that was on so many of my cruise ships last year, haha! I'm so glad to see you also had a great experience - I'd go on there again in a heartbeat!
@@FraserAtSea The Art heist team must have had a good year on bookings at least! But I did notice, nobody went to them on Azura, But maybe its a bit more popular with Cunard?
Next time, do a Westbound! We all got up at some God awful time in the early morning to watch us go under the Verrazzano NAarrows Bridge and sail past the Statue of Liberty. When we arrived I was staying on Staten Island, so got to drive over the bridge on the way to JFK Airport.
I think the thing I'd love most about the Westbound is the fact that you can gain an hour back every day or two - it's super annoying losing the hour every day! Thanks a lot for watching, Colin!
A few thoughts; In the lounge, waiter serves you drink, then asks you to leave. Perhaps drink was ordered pre 6pm and you were asked to leave after 6pm. Why not ask the waiter to look after your drink and seat, nip back to cabin and quickly put on shirt and trousers, return and finish your drink? Better still just wear an open neck shirt about the ship at all times? I'd rather have my drink in those surroundings than looking at four walls of an inside cabin! We've not tried room service. We don't eat or drink in our bedroom at home, why would we do so in our bedroom on QM2? Dining room provides far nicer surroundings for eating. Immigration; would you prefer that when you disembarked at Southampton you had to stand in a passport control queue for 40 mins? If you see a long queue on deck 3 for immigration, why not visit Chart Room or Sir Samuels for a drink or coffee until the queue reduces? There's a few more I spotted like that, it just needs a change of mindset . But quite a good video overall, thanks.
Hi David, thanks for watching! Interesting questions - I’ve never seen immigration lines at Southampton post cruise, so I guess it must’ve with coming from the US. Re the drink - I didn’t really mind taking it elsewhere - just slightly frustrating really! Thanks for watching 😊
I have been on QM2 many times and prefer her to the QE2.The at sea daily programme is more comprehensive than any other ship on which I have sailed.Next on her Feb 25 ,14 night Canaries cruise
Hello! Thanks for watching, and I think I’d probably agree - I was surprised how much there was to do onboard throughout the day. Have a great next cruise, and thanks again for watching!
You mentioned the word “cruise”. The QM2 is the only trans-Atlantic liner today, were you on this type of voyage or was it a cruise which I think she undertakes in the off-season for Atlantic crossings?
Better than the Meraviglia? 😂😂😂 So cool they let you see the dogs. I don’t like fancy dress at all, so ugh. But the caliber of the talks and Q&As would make up for it my book.
Ha, very different to Meraviglia, indeed! 😂 I didn’t think I’d enjoy fancy dress codes, but I ended up enjoying it in the end! Thanks for watching - great to see your name pop up!
I'm sure that I wouldn't be bored. About to board my 4th Transatlantic cruise. Going on Cunard was always what I wanted by haven't done yet. Soon. It really isnt kind in pricing for solo travel. Just wondering, what was your average speed in knots??? We're going very slow, 19 knots average. It is so important to take food reviews with a bit of salt. I've read and watched so many reviews that were negative and then a week or 2 later I had nothing but great. Different cruise line, NCL, but same idea. We were lucky. Big ship, Encore. Did the check for immigration just 3 days ago. It was crazy smooth. The onboard immigration check is due to BREXIT.. t is the new law. On the whole pre disembarkation check is sooo much faster than flying into LHR. 😊
Ahh, you’ve done quite a few! I’d need to dig through my photos to find out our average speed, but I remember being really impressed at how swiftly we were pushing through that water! Thanks a lot for this comment Barbara, and thanks for continuing to watch my channel! 😊
Hello, did you find any Haggis on board? Stephen Payne OAM was one of the speakers on my recent cruise. Having done one crossing I can now understand why I met people who had done multiple crossings
Ah, amazing that Stephen Payne was on there - I'd have loved that! Funny you ask that - I do remember haggis being on the Main Dining menu one night - I was delighted, haha!
Great content Fraser, but going by the views and comments I'm not alone in thinking that ! 👏 if Wallace & Lomond are still with you, say hi to them both from me and my auld dug Olly. 🐕👋 Good nod to Chris Pine and Stephen Payne the Cunard guru's ! 👍
Hi Stephen, if I’m being honest I woke up this morning and gasped when I saw the view counter! They are indeed still here - getting ready to leave as we speak - will give both a hug from Olly now for you! Hope you’re good!
@@FraserAtSea We are fine this cauld day in Ayr, minus 4° c 1st thing this morning, if your Mum and Da are driving up the road they'll be going slow but steady ! 🏴
Thank you so much for this QM2 Series Fraser, my wife and I will be taking this same voyage in late March of 2025. Could you please recommend the best way for us to get from Southampton to Central London once we arrive? We will be staying in Central London for a few nights before returning to America. Thanks again for all of the information.
Hello! Thanks a lot for watching and supporting my channel - it's SO appreciated! I'd say the best way to get up there is to take the train - the station is a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals in Southampton, and you can relax more on there than using one of the bus services. Have a great trip when the time comes!!
Did you find Homer Simpson? I did a Westbound. We had to show a printed copy of our ESTA before we were allowed to board. In New York there was staggered disembarkation. Ended up in a large hall where you had to collect your bags then go through Passport Control and show your ESTA again. They take your fingerprints then ask where you're staying in the US
Thanks a lot, Simon! I have indeed - I’ve got videos and content from my time onboard coming soon, so ‘stay tuned’. A beautiful ship, but very different to the rest of the fleet!
Thanks so much for watching my video today! If you did, please give it a thumbs up, and remember to hit that SUBSCRIBE button to help my channel grow!
Want to join me on embarkation day in NYC? Click here! th-cam.com/video/v_USANhStLU/w-d-xo.html
I sailed on her in December 2023. We had storms the whole way, with sea states 6-9 meters. Couldn’t feel it she cut through the storms like butter. Love this ship, will sail on her again for a crossing.
Oh wow - so good to hear she cut through the storms well - I bet that was amazing to be on there. Thanks a lot for watching - I’d love to do the crossing too, so I might see you on there! 😊
Thank you so much for the shout out and I’m so glad the video was useful for you!! Keep up the amazing work! 🚢
Oh, you’re so welcome - thanks for stopping by this video. Hope all is well on your side of the world, Chris!
Fraser, glad you enjoyed your QM2 experience. Thank you for your kind mention! I am immensely proud of the ship and everyone that was involved in her conception. Carnival’s Micky Arison and Howard Frank are to be applauded for their vision to provide the finance to make it happen.
I must admit my experiences of room service availability and the immigration queues have been quite different to yours. Having two entertainment venues in addition to the Queens Room ballroom (Illuminations: lecture auditorium/cinema/planetarium and Royal Court Theatre show lounge) I deemed essential given that on some crossings fog/weather really requires a diverse inside entertainment mix.
If you are in London sometime soon and want to meet up, let me know.
Hi Stephen, I’m so happy to see your comments - thanks for watching! I’d love to keep in touch - if you wouldn’t mind emailing me at hello@fraseratsea.com, I’ll save your contact details. Thanks again!
You should be very proud of your work. Such a magnificent ship.
Please stop calling QM2 a Cruise ship. She is an Ocean Liner as you explain. NOT a cruise ship. An Atlantic crossing is NOT a Cruise!
@@reasonrestored9116 Without wishing to come across as intemperate, I feel I must point out that the word cruise was not mentioned. This was quite deliberate. I described QM2 as a ship in the sense of a large sea-going vessel which seems to me to be entirely accurate.
Never had a problem getting a seat in the pub. A Guinness, fish and chips and a rugby or cricket match made this venue my favourite. Cheers
Yeah, I tend to find most big games are on down at the pub. It feels like a fresher heat currently, don’t you think?
We are doing a trans Atlantic crossing in March....cannot wait...we will be on her a month as we are doing 3 cruises back to back😊
Oh, I’m SO jealous of this. Have the best trip!
sailed NYC/ southampton back in August 2015, loved every minute, fantastic ship & met some wonderful people, must do it again soon
Oh, I’d love to do it again - it’s such a wonderful sense of occasion, isn’t it? Thanks a lot for watching!
Thanks Fraser, enjoyed this. Gorgeous ship! I love how on promenade they have the loungers by rail. Unobstructed views for them and walkers behind instead of parading past all the time.😁
Tammy, I’m so glad you noticed that - I felt the same! I hate feeling as though everyone’s watching me as I walk past them on the Promenade Deck - I’m happy I’m not alone!!
Before the pandemic, they were called Formal nights. 3 on a seven night crossing. Strictly enforced from 6 pm onward. The other 4 nights were informal which was at least a jacket and slacks with a tie encouraged. It made a massive difference in the onboard ambiance. I wish they went back to that. It was so glamorous.
Yeah, I’ve heard lots of people argue on both sides. Will be interesting to see which position Cunard take longer term - will it go back to that, or will it get more casual? Time will tell…
Thanks for watching, Tom!
This video is so serendipitous for me, as I take the QM2 in 6 weeks. Your advice is so helpful and also helps me anticipate bumps that may occur. Love your channel!
Ahh, I’m so glad the timing of these videos has been so good for you - thanks so much for supporting me by watching - I appreciate it so so much!
When I was in the merchant navy, we always referred to the bow as the sharp end and the rear (after end) as the arse end.
A couple of other differences between a cruise ship and a liner are the accommodation superstructure is further back than cruise ships giving a longer sharp end (where the captain’s cuff link are situated) this is designed to dissipate the water when waves break over the bow in stormy seas. Secondly the hull of the ship is sturdier to resist the punishment that the ocean can do in rough seas.
Cruise ships generally hug the coast when travelling from a to b and rarely touch proper deep sea (except repositioning cruises).
The ships I sailed on were tankers which were often described as ‘flat bottomed bitches that would roll on wet grass’ and my experience of hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones was quite a bit different from the stabilised passenger ships of today, and even though it had a tiring effect, rocking and rolling for days on end, they are the days that I remember with affection.
Nice informative video Fraser.👍
Russell, what a brilliant comment - thanks for this! I’m glad you enjoyed the video too - thank you for watching!
Hi Fraser, this was a really good review and an interesting video all the way through. You covered most of the aspects and info that anyone would want to know if contemplating taking a cruise on QM2, especially complete with the other videos of her that you have made. It is a shame that the issues that were not perfect on your sail could so easily be rectified without any cost, but with better organisation and management and make it a perfect journey. I hope that you feel that the experience wished to have for so long, on reflection is a happy memory. I look forward to seeing the other videos of QM2, and your future content. Thank you for the filming and the explanations.
Hey, thanks so much for watching - I really appreciate your continued support! Don’t worry - the ‘negatives’ weren’t too big at all, and the whole experience overall was wonderful. Thanks a lot for your positive comment! 😊
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I am also travelling solo in March 2025 and really appreciated all you had to share! I am excited! Cheers!
Ahh, thanks so much for watching, and have the best trip. Please come back and let me know how it goes!!
Am loving your very informative videos and the way you present the information thsnk you very much
Ahh, thanks so much Allyson - thanks so much for watching!
Great commentary - thank you for the honesty! A cruise can be absolutely wonderful while still having some annoyances and I think it's important you are allowed to discuss them!
Thanks so much for watching - I’m glad you enjoyed listening! I totally agree - super important to be able to share what’s going on, isn’t it?
Thanks again!!
I was also recently on the QM2 for a double Transatlantic - Oct 17 to Nov 1. It was AWESOME!! LOVED every minute. Doing another Western Crossing in Sept 2026!!! We disembarked a sick passenger off Cape Race, NFLD!
Oh, I’d just LOVE to do the double crossing - that would be absolutely amazing! Thanks a lot for watching my video - I hope it brought back some wonderful memories for you!
Happy Sunday and thank you so much for this lovely comprehensive review. A transatlantic crossing is also on my bucket list (I’m a history buff), but I have watched so many varying opinions on the QM2, and I love how balanced your was. I still think if I’d do a crossing on a true ocean liner not a cruise ship for that full experience. Has nothing to do with “snobbery” but sailing on something rare.
Anyway thanks - you laid out the positives and negatives quite well. 😊
Hi Tina, thanks so much for watching - I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Having done both the cruise ship and ocean liner options, I’d recommend the ocean liner - it’s a remarkable experience!
Thanks again for watching - I really appreciate your support!
Thank you for this video, it was very insightful!
Thanks so much, Wendy. Great to hear you enjoyed it!
Ahoy Fraser. Indeed, that is the classic trans-atlantic trip. Need to get a picture with those cufflinks. Sounds like the pub was very busy. Luckily I can drink rum while standing, shipmate.
Ha, I’m standing until you have too many, then I’m sure you need a seat?! Thanks a lot for watching, Captain!
We’re late to cruising. Have only been cruising for 3 years. We’ve been on 2 HAL cruise with a 3rd to the Panama Canal on 12/29. We’ve found that we love sea days and this sounds perfect! I love that they have many things to do. Just saw your video on the food. I’m definitely going to see about this cruise! Thank you so much for this review!
Hi Catherine, you can never be late to cruising - perfect timing whenever you discover it!
I’d really recommend the QM2 experience - I really, really enjoyed it! Thanks so much for supporting my channel by watching!
First cruise will be coming up March. Southampton to New York. Have enjoyed watching your videos so far thank you so much for taking the time to post them.
Oh, what a wonderful first cruise - great choice! Please come back and let me know how you get on - I hope you have a blast on there!
I took the same trip in ‘97 on QE2 and in ‘18 on QM2. Both lovely and wonderful ships.
Oh wow - how amazing you got the chance to do it on QE2 - I’m so jealous of that! Thanks a lot for watching my video and therefore supporting my channel!
@@FraserAtSea Glad I did...good memories. Now if some billionaire would save the SS United States.
I hate cruises but this, this is an a liner. This is magnificent
I totally agree on the magnificence of this whole experience - wonderful!
A very engaging and helpful video, Fraser! Thank you for the honesty. I have yet to do a Cunard, but I’m hoping to do QE first (next summer) and then this crossing in a couple of years. (I’ve done a North Atlantic crossing on Regal Princess and loved it)
The heads up on the dress code was really good: we tend to eat late, so we are often out and about in a ship in casual day wear till after 6pm- even though we dress Cunardesque rules every night on all our cruises. Hmmmm
Hello! Thanks so much for watching - I really appreciate your support on my little corner of TH-cam! QE is a wonderful experience - I've got lots of content from that ship on TH-cam too - you might enjoy if you haven't seen already.
Glad you enjoyed - thanks again!
Loved your content on QE… it’s how I found your channel!
You present in a great no-nonsense way and dont waste my time 😆- and are just so approachable and likeable. Don’t worry… not approachable in a stalker sense. Looking forward to more great tours!
Awesome info thank you so much!
Thanks so much for watching!
Once upon a time I hated formal night's, now I love them and the Aesthetic/vibe it creates. Its unique and like Downton Abbey cosplay
I can totally relate to this - I also used to hate a formal night and found them really stuffy, but I now really enjoy them! Thanks for watching!
Thanks Fraser, for a wonderful review. It's something I want to do in the not too distant future. It's funny, when you said that Alan Cumming did a talk, because you remind me of young Alan Cumming - entertaining and a lovely personality. Wishing you every success for all your adventures. 🙏
Hello! Wow, what a compliment that is - thanks for that! Thank you for your support for my channel - I can’t even begin to tell you how appreciated it is! 😊
@@FraserAtSea You are very welcome, and well deserved.
Hey fraser hope you're well! We've just got off qm2 in October. I was so shocked how Informal it felt from how people talk about cunard being so much more of a formal cruiseline.
I agree about the indoor pool area being cold, I wouldn't even attempt the hot tub! Lol
Hey!! I totally agree - I thought QM2 would be so much more formal. I’m not complaining though - I like the blend rather than instructed formal wear!
I hope they make that indoor pool a bit warmer - would be a lovely space on a colder day up there!
Thanks a lot for watching!! 😊
I crossed the Great Australian Bight last year on QM2… fabulous!
Oh wow - that would be AMAZING!
Good video apart from your criticism regarding the immigration procedures on board. I have done 23 transatlantics on QM2, and my experiences are that compared with westbound crossings to New York, (where everyone including crew has to disembark and go through immigration, anything up to two hours to complete), the half hour or so in a comfortble environment is frankly a piece of cake.
Ah, thanks for watching. Thanks also for the insights to the immigration procedure going the other way - that’s super interesting!
Friends sailed on this ship last spring and said service was indeed a disappointment. And as you noted, their stateroom seemed a bit tired and not as spotless as they expected. Their previous Atlantic crossing was with Viking, on a smaller ship, which they said was better in almost every way, particularly the level of service and care from the staff.
Ahh, it’s so frustrating that my experience wasn’t an isolated case. Hopefully they move on to upgrade the staterooms soon - that would really elevate the crossing experience! Thanks a lot for watching!
A very interesting vlog Fraser …we will be back on the QM2 in February for two weeks , this has really wetted my appetite….keep the coming young man 👏👏
Thanks so much for watching - great to hear you enjoyed! I envy you being on there for 2 weeks - I’d love that! Double TA, or another route?
@ not transatlantic this time , it’s the standard faire of Southampton down to the canaries …should be nice during what I expect will be a damp and dreary mid February
We are booked on QM2 transatlantic in March and are really looking forward to it. It's the BFI Film Festival at sea cruise. We did a short taster cruise on her last September and although old, we loved the ship,
Thanks for watching! I’d love to do one of those themed cruises - so many of them look wonderful! Have the best trip!
A great review, I've seen loads before, but that's how algorithms work I guess. I'm booked on a 29 night cruise taking in New York and the Caribbean and back again next year, so both legs of the Atlantic are always interesting to hear. Plus I have a tiny connection for Cunard that keeps a bias in me concerned.
Hi Jonas, thanks so much for watching! 29 nights on this ship will be such a wonderful experience - I’m super jealous of that one! I’ll add that one to my bucket list one day 😊
Great review Fraser, I’m sure at the end of this trip you were happy to be home at last after such an eventful year. I’ve enjoyed following you and must say i’ve been been rather envious 😂. Have you been far this year?
Thanks a lot, Joy! Plenty more to come from this year and beyond - watch this space!!
I just wanted to say I would really recommend Cruise Maps. I took a World Cruise earlier this year and the map is a terrific memento tracking the exact course of the ship.
Ahh, I bet they’re perfect for mapping a world cruise! Thanks a lot for the positive sentiment in this comment!
We shared a table in the pub for lunch. Pure luck. To your point, our table companions were there for a contest being held several hours later and were doing shifts among 4 or so people to keep the two tables. So yeah, they were there for hours. Also felt understaffed. We had long waits for drinks and food and had to ask for dessert.
Ah, I’m so glad you’ve proved my point - thank you for that - how frustrating 😂 Thanks so much for watching - hope you had a great trip!
This unexpected visit and evacuation was even on our local news. Indeed, it was explained about the colder weather and not ideal conditions for where the copter was located at the time for a liftoff. I do hope all went well as nothing more has been reported. What? I can bring Otis!? That is something I'd thought wasn't even a possibility!! Awesome!! Lines and standing for extended periods of time I'd not do so well at...don't really know how some can even handle it. All in all though, it looked like a fine time was had.
Ahh, wow! How amazing that it made the news!
You can insured bring Otis - perhaps this is one for your bucket list? I’ll go too so I can film inside the kennels, haha!
Excellent review !!! That line you waited in for on-board customs. How long did it take you to go through this process ? Also how well-sound proofed was your stateroom ? I have heard some reviewers complain about poor inner-wall and above ceiling sound buffering. I am so thrilled that you found this cruise to be a thrilling experience in most ways !!! Cheers to you and I shall enjoy watching all of your QM2 associated videos ! M.
Hello! Thanks so much for watching this video and others too! The immigration stuff probably took about 90 minutes standing in line - argh! The stateroom was totally fine from a noise point of view - I never had any issues with sound!
Thanks again for your support for my little channel!!
@@FraserAtSea LOL ! I love the way you expressed your "argh" - here in California that would sound like an "UGH !" hahahah !!! Thanks for confirming my hope for a quiet, serene stateroom. And as to your little channel as you say, it is a BIG happy channel for me ! Cheers !
I try and play all your videos and I could tell this trip was really special for you and a very different experience for you. My Queen Mary 2 experience was back in 2007 when she made a very rare 4 night cruise round trip from Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale) to St. Thomas in the USVI. Because of her transatlantic speed capabilities she could make this round trip in just 4 nights with a full day in St. Thomas. Decided to rent a jet ski that day and while QM2 was anchored in the harbor jet skiing around her was such a memorable experience I will take to my grave. Keep up the great work!
Oh, that sounds amazing - what a wonderful part of the world to do a 4-nighter in!
Thanks so much for your continued support for my channel - it’s SO appreciated! 😊
I just come off this ship early November. I paid $750 dollars for my solo inside cabin. Which I thought was a bargain. Great experience. The only trouble was we left late because of engine problem so had to catch up, then we had a medical emergency and had to sail three hundred miles towards newfoundland to meet the helicopter so we were full speed all the way which caused a small amount of sea sickness, we arrived late in Southampton but although I enjoyed my trip and would highly recommend especially solo travellers I was ready to get off.
I was in 6268 aft not far from kids club. It was a good position for pool area and lift but it was a bit noisy not all the time but I think it was the restaurant above setting tables so while I was getting ready for dinner. Also had clanking sound in bathroom in rough waters.
Golden Lion I recommend you go there on embarkation day as it stays open longer and most people go to the buffet. The only other time I got lunch is going and waiting for the lunch service at 11am. I did complain that they needed to do a reservation system as a lot of people did not eat. As for border force I didn't have a queue I went later in the day of my deck but was disgusted that this is done at sea and not at port just shows border force to be hypocrites you can come in with no documents on a dinghy but you get checked when you leave a port where your documents were checked and British twotier system that doesn't make sense
I didn't have a problem with room service, I had it three times. But the breakfast delivery was noisy.
Some great tips here - thanks for this! You got an absolutely amazing price - well done - that’s the cheapest price I’ve ever seen for QM2!
lol… I want to know how to get this deal!
Think it might be fair to say, we enjoyed out time on QM2 more then Ben and David (and im convinced they got fleeced on the price they paid!) and I do wish to go back on her again! Have to agree about the day time entertainment too, I had James Nesbitt on mines and that talk and Q&A session was amazing!
Wasnt so keen on the other talks as it was the art heists ones that was the same person who was on Azura with me in August! but that was fine, I had food eating to do 😂
Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of that art heists talk either - I felt as though that was on so many of my cruise ships last year, haha! I'm so glad to see you also had a great experience - I'd go on there again in a heartbeat!
@@FraserAtSea The Art heist team must have had a good year on bookings at least!
But I did notice, nobody went to them on Azura, But maybe its a bit more popular with Cunard?
Next time, do a Westbound! We all got up at some God awful time in the early morning to watch us go under the Verrazzano NAarrows Bridge and sail past the Statue of Liberty. When we arrived I was staying on Staten Island, so got to drive over the bridge on the way to JFK Airport.
I think the thing I'd love most about the Westbound is the fact that you can gain an hour back every day or two - it's super annoying losing the hour every day! Thanks a lot for watching, Colin!
A few thoughts; In the lounge, waiter serves you drink, then asks you to leave. Perhaps drink was ordered pre 6pm and you were asked to leave after 6pm. Why not ask the waiter to look after your drink and seat, nip back to cabin and quickly put on shirt and trousers, return and finish your drink? Better still just wear an open neck shirt about the ship at all times? I'd rather have my drink in those surroundings than looking at four walls of an inside cabin! We've not tried room service. We don't eat or drink in our bedroom at home, why would we do so in our bedroom on QM2? Dining room provides far nicer surroundings for eating. Immigration; would you prefer that when you disembarked at Southampton you had to stand in a passport control queue for 40 mins? If you see a long queue on deck 3 for immigration, why not visit Chart Room or Sir Samuels for a drink or coffee until the queue reduces? There's a few more I spotted like that, it just needs a change of mindset . But quite a good video overall, thanks.
Hi David, thanks for watching! Interesting questions - I’ve never seen immigration lines at Southampton post cruise, so I guess it must’ve with coming from the US.
Re the drink - I didn’t really mind taking it elsewhere - just slightly frustrating really!
Thanks for watching 😊
I have been on QM2 many times and prefer her to the QE2.The at sea daily programme is more comprehensive than any other ship on which I have sailed.Next on her Feb 25 ,14 night Canaries cruise
Hello! Thanks for watching, and I think I’d probably agree - I was surprised how much there was to do onboard throughout the day.
Have a great next cruise, and thanks again for watching!
I would think its more of an experience than a cruise!
I’d probably agree with this - so different to anything I’ve done before!
Also, thanks a lot for watching!!
You mentioned the word “cruise”. The QM2 is the only trans-Atlantic liner today, were you on this type of voyage or was it a cruise which I think she undertakes in the off-season for Atlantic crossings?
Hi Paul, I do use the words interchangeably, I know. I was on the Transatlantic crossing from NYC to Southampton - hope that helps!
Better than the Meraviglia? 😂😂😂
So cool they let you see the dogs.
I don’t like fancy dress at all, so ugh. But the caliber of the talks and Q&As would make up for it my book.
Ha, very different to Meraviglia, indeed! 😂 I didn’t think I’d enjoy fancy dress codes, but I ended up enjoying it in the end!
Thanks for watching - great to see your name pop up!
On this in two weeks and was worried about not taking shirt and ties for ever evening have my tux for formally night and that’s it
Ahh, don’t worry - there’s plenty of variety on there! Have a great trip - come back and let us know what you think!!
I was in an Uber boat on the Thames last month.
Hope you had a great trip!
I'm sure that I wouldn't be bored. About to board my 4th Transatlantic cruise. Going on Cunard was always what I wanted by haven't done yet. Soon. It really isnt kind in pricing for solo travel. Just wondering, what was your average speed in knots??? We're going very slow, 19 knots average.
It is so important to take food reviews with a bit of salt. I've read and watched so many reviews that were negative and then a week or 2 later I had nothing but great. Different cruise line, NCL, but same idea.
We were lucky. Big ship, Encore. Did the check for immigration just 3 days ago. It was crazy smooth.
The onboard immigration check is due to BREXIT.. t is the new law. On the whole pre disembarkation check is sooo much faster than flying into LHR. 😊
Ahh, you’ve done quite a few! I’d need to dig through my photos to find out our average speed, but I remember being really impressed at how swiftly we were pushing through that water!
Thanks a lot for this comment Barbara, and thanks for continuing to watch my channel! 😊
While she is an older ship and has some scuffs… she is still beautiful and an outstanding ship.
I couldn't agree more with this - she's an absolute work of art, in my opinion!
Hello, did you find any Haggis on board? Stephen Payne OAM was one of the speakers on my recent cruise. Having done one crossing I can now understand why I met people who had done multiple crossings
Ah, amazing that Stephen Payne was on there - I'd have loved that! Funny you ask that - I do remember haggis being on the Main Dining menu one night - I was delighted, haha!
Duplexes are a bit further back than 2/3rds. Two of the most expensive suites are at the front though..!
Thanks for watching, Andrew. Beautiful suites, for sure!
Great content Fraser, but going by the views and comments I'm not alone in thinking that ! 👏 if Wallace & Lomond are still with you, say hi to them both from me and my auld dug Olly. 🐕👋 Good nod to Chris Pine and Stephen Payne the Cunard guru's ! 👍
Hi Stephen, if I’m being honest I woke up this morning and gasped when I saw the view counter! They are indeed still here - getting ready to leave as we speak - will give both a hug from Olly now for you! Hope you’re good!
@@FraserAtSea We are fine this cauld day in Ayr, minus 4° c 1st thing this morning, if your Mum and Da are driving up the road they'll be going slow but steady ! 🏴
@ yeah, slightly more mild down here but it’s looking cold where they’re going just south of Glasgow!
Thank you so much for this QM2 Series Fraser, my wife and I will be taking this same voyage in late March of 2025. Could you please recommend the best way for us to get from Southampton to Central London once we arrive? We will be staying in Central London for a few nights before returning to America. Thanks again for all of the information.
Hello! Thanks a lot for watching and supporting my channel - it's SO appreciated! I'd say the best way to get up there is to take the train - the station is a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals in Southampton, and you can relax more on there than using one of the bus services. Have a great trip when the time comes!!
@@FraserAtSea The train it will be 👍🏻👍🏻Many Thanks!!!!
Train is the best way. Buy your tickets ahead online save money and get a guaranteed seat.
Did you find Homer Simpson? I did a Westbound. We had to show a printed copy of our ESTA before we were allowed to board. In New York there was staggered disembarkation. Ended up in a large hall where you had to collect your bags then go through Passport Control and show your ESTA again. They take your fingerprints then ask where you're staying in the US
Interesting to hear how it works going the 'other way'. I did indeed find Homer - that made me laugh so much!
I always think that Cunard ships are too posh for me 😻
I thought the same, but not anymore! You should give them a try sometime!
Awesome content. Have you tried Cunard's Queen Anne? If so, what did you think?
Thanks a lot, Simon! I have indeed - I’ve got videos and content from my time onboard coming soon, so ‘stay tuned’. A beautiful ship, but very different to the rest of the fleet!
27 cruises under my belt but I have no inclination to sail Cunard. Just not for me. Great vlog btw
Oh, 27 - awesome! I’d really recommend them to be honest - super different!
I advise you to learn a little more about Canada. We had some of the best medi cal care in the world!
Thanks for watching! Don’t worry - I wasn’t critiquing your health care system at all - just saying it must be stressful.
They should be moved out of the golden lion if they’re not eating or drinking
I totally agree - it’s such a pet hate of mine. So annoying that you can’t sit down and get your lunch when the venue is full!
No thank you, couldn't cope with that
Ahh, that’s a shame - couldn’t cope with what??
This is ship os for people who are well raised
It’s a beautiful ship!
There is no such thing as being bored on Cunard.
Again, totally agree with you here, Kate! I found there was always something going on somewhere to get involved in (if you wanted to, that is!).
a bit too much of your face instead of vessel's views. had to scroll...
Hi, sorry you felt this way, but thanks for watching!
You're really weird. So much anxiety about...nothing. How do you get through life??
I don’t think you’re best places to comment on my anxieties…