Trip of a Lifetime - Queen Mary 2

We were on the Queen Mary 2 for seven days [Aug. 18-25], 7 days in England and 3 days in Paris.  It would be hard to choose a favorite as they were all wonderful experiences.  I took about 775 pictures so it will take some time to sort and edit them to share, plus the ones my hubby took on his i-Phone, but it will gradually get done.

The Atlantic was calm and all we felt was a gentle swaying/rocking motion.  I was prepared with Sea-Band nausea relief wristbands, but didn't need them. It has taken some time to get my equilibrium back to normal from the swaying of the ship, trains, underground tubes, and airplanes though.  I felt a swaying sensation even when I was standing on firm ground.

The Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye could see.

This picture reminded me of the Bible verse, '...How wide and long, and deep is the love of Christ...'. [Ephesians 3:18]

The Queen Mary 2 was luxurious and enjoyable.  It is the only oceanliner in existence today.

I kept a journal, as well as writing notes on my i-Phone which has been very helpful in recalling all the details of the trip.

Our first meal on the Queen Mary 2 was dinner at 6:00 p.m. in the majestic Britiannia - the ship's largest and main dining room on deck 2 & 3.  We chose the earlier seating, as opposed to the second 8:30 p.m. seating.  Originally, our assigned seats were at table 615, but it was changed later in the voyage.  Our dining options were the Britannia dining room, Kings Court [a buffet on deck 7], Golden Lion [a pub menu on deck 2] or room service. We stayed with Britannia for all but two meals.  There were two gala nights in Britannia where formal attire was required, and since we didn't have room in our luggage to pack formal wear, we skipped those events and ate at Kings Court.  The theme of one gala event was red and gold, and the other was Roaring 20's.  For those who participated, the outfits were stunning.  There are several other dining facilities on the ship for additional charges.

Servers waiting to take dinner guests to their tables.  The wait staff are predominately male.  We only saw two female servers the entire time in the Britannia dining room.

Crisp white table linens at every meal, and the male servers always placed the napkin in the lap of each guest when they were seated.

At our first meal we were seated with a couple from Connecticut and another from South Carolina.  Both couples were our age. There were some younger couples on board with children, but most were our age and older. 

Our first meal on board the ship [menus provided multiple options] was baked cod with vegetables.  The food was always delicious with an appealing presentation.

Fresh flowers were always on every table.

I had tea at every meal and there was only one offering - Twinings English Breakfast.  I would have bought one of the Cunard teapots had they been for sale in the ship's gift shop, but none were available for purchase.

The Grand Lobby on deck 2 was beautiful.  It was located right by the Pursers Counter, and was the only place on board where passengers were assured of Internet connection.  Wi-Fi was an option we chose to get throughout the voyage.  

There were fresh floral arrangements throughout the ship.  Since sunflowers are my favorite flower I coulnd't resist taking a photo of this arrangement.

Each night, while we were at dinner, our steward, Michael, came into our stateroom and left chocolates on our bed and a program for the next day's activities.  You could be as busy as you wanted to be while onboard because there was an activity to suit everyone's interests.  If you didn't want to do anything but relax, that was okay too.

Elevator Corridor to Staterooms.

Portrait of Samuel Cunard - founder of the first regular Atlantic steamship line.

Queen Elizabeth II christened Queen Mary 2 in January 2004 when the ship made its debute.

~ Painting of Queen Mary 2 ~

~ Original Queen Mary 2 Bell ~

If we didn't get enough tea with our meal, every stateroom had a tea station with Wedgwood cups.  Jerry utilized this every morning when he made his tea to take out on the balcony to drink while having his devotions.

The ending of Day 1 onboard Queen Mary 2.   More voyage posts to be continued...