There are some experiences that can only be had on a certain type
of cruise ship, and the Queen Mary 2 is the great grandmother of
those vessels.
Boarding in Sydney on Valentine’s Day (a surprise for my
boyfriend), we were in the mood for romance.
The ship certainly went out of its way to help, sporting huge red
hearts on the side and the funnel, and the now-famous ‘Marry Me
Jess’ banner. (However, this ruled out any marriage proposal for me
– how could any man compete with that!)
But we had our own special moment, which started in the corridor
and finished up on a leather lounge with a cigar.
It was late at night, between bars, and we were trying to find a
quiet spot for a cognac. We asked a well-dressed man for directions
and then complimented him on his bowtie. My boyfriend had tried
and failed to tie his own, so this British gentleman offered to assist,
with a quick lesson in the corridor.
When this failed, they decided to try again over a drink at Churchill’s.
A couple of scotches later, he had mastered the bowtie, I’d learnt
how to light a cigar, and we all shared stories of past voyages until
midnight.
It was a simple but memorable encounter with a fellow passenger
– who, by the way, has sailed on the QM2 nine times and refuses to
try another ship.
This dedication is understandable, for the QM2 is not like other ships.
No, it is not the most luxurious, and is actually very casual in the
main areas. (If you want five-star, book a Princess or Queens Grille
suite.)
But it is one of the biggest and grandest and feels very British.
The afternoon tea is a perfect example of its traditions, complete
with white-gloved waiters and a string quartet, the quintessential
crust-free cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream.
Although afternoon tea is found on other lines, it somehow feels
more elegant and genuine on Cunard (despite being owned by
Carnival, an American company).
And that’s the thing about the QM2: you come onboard in a
different frame of mind, feeling a little classy, if you’re honest, and
looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime cruise.
It still has a buffet, it still has people in shorts and jeans, but if you
seek out your own style of fun or luxury, you can’t go wrong. If all
else fails, head to Churchill’s.
Australian domination
On its inaugural circumnavigation of Australia, QM2’s mix of
nationalities was shaken up with a record number of Aussies
onboard — triple the Brits.
My departure from Sydney had: 1,543 Australian passengers, 576
British, 95 American, 60 German, 51 New Zealanders, 36 Canadians,
16 French, 16 Dutch, 10 South African, eight Swiss, seven Irish, four
Spanish, four Belgian and four Swedish.
Bookings
An 18-night voyage from Hong Kong to Sydney, departing 17
February 2013, is priced from $3,209 per person twin-share,
including two days in Hong Kong and Shanghai and calls to Cairns
and Brisbane. See www.cunardline.com.au or call 13 24 41.
