17 Nights - Norway and Northern Lights

Being early May there was little sun-bathing on the wrap around deck 7. The first three days were rainy, sometimes windy, but the rain stopped on day four and there were even peaks of sun before the end. Inside was very different. The decor of the ship was elegant without being excessively so. Thirteen decks with four sets of stairways and elevators. Lookouts on at least two floors fore and aft. Many options for meals--self service inside on deck 7, and many seat and be served restaurants. The lounges all had music in the evenings: a wonderful jazz ensemble, a pair of Irish folk singers, a string trio, and the main attraction: Till Bönner. There were two theatres with many presentations ranging from choir practice groups, theater rep group, concert by Bonner, and lectures by an astrophysisist and a historian who spoke on London's history since Roman times--he was very entertaining--a real highlight. There was daily afternoon tea from 3 to 4:30. I went twice and skipped dinner those evenings--the teas were accompanied by the string trio and other days a pianist. The room was very large, accommodating at least 400 people. There were exercise options, some for extra $$, some free. I did the morning yoga, did a spinning class, one hiit, and one dance class: waltz. There were two gala nights in which you had to wear formal clothes, which I didn't have, so I stayed in my "stateroom." On those nights. Re: the cabins: mine was small and had no window, but because of the panneling and the large bed it didn't feel cramped. It was very well decorated. The steward was excellent. Overall, it was a great way to get from New York to South Hampton.

It was absolutely wonderful and worth every penny!

The QM2 was not as I remember it in the past. Staff seemed new and unsure of what they were supposed to be doing (a couple of exceptions though). Ship is getting "older" and needs some attention for updating all areas. Food was not up to par except in the cafeteria (King's Court) where there was a very big tasty selection and variety. Enjoyed the passengers I met, but dealing with the ship's staff could be time consuming.