Queen Mary 2 Review: Norwegian Fjords
May 2026
Rashmi Latchman
Social Media and Marketing Executive
Queen Mary 2 Review: Norwegian Fjords from Southampton
There is only one Queen Mary 2. That sounds like a marketing line and it is also simply true. QM2 is the world's last true ocean liner, the only ship designed specifically for transatlantic crossings, and a vessel with a personality that is genuinely hard to replicate. Two of our team, Lynne and Debbie, sailed her Norwegian Fjords itinerary from Southampton in May 2026 and came back with observations that agreed in all the important places and differed in some interesting ones. Here is what they found.Getting on board: Southampton to stateroom in thirty minutes
Both Lynne and Debbie flagged the embarkation as a highlight before almost anything else, which tells you something. Sailing from Southampton on QM2 means no flights, no airport queues, no lost luggage at 35,000 feet. The train to Southampton, a short transfer, and then the gangway. The train to Southampton, a short transfer, and then the gangway.Lynne describes it as 'incredibly easy check-in from railway station to onboard within 30 minutes.
Debbie echoes this exactly - 'Seamless check-in at Southampton from station to stateroom in less than 30 minutes.'
First impressions of the ship itself were where the two accounts diverged slightly. Lynne found it elegant and traditional, very large, with a grand lobby that set the right tone. Debbie was more candid: the ship is iconic and slightly tired in places, which is exactly why so many people love it. A refit is confirmed for 2027, which should address the areas that feel dated while, Debbie hopes, preserving what makes QM2 irreplaceable.
The sheltered balcony cabin: clever design, honest trade-off
Both Lynne and Debbie stayed in sheltered balcony staterooms. This category deserves an honest explanation before you book, and both reviewers gave exactly that.
"I would describe the balcony as a 'tissue box' as it is built into the hull of the ship with a large picture window without glass. You cannot see out if you are sitting down."
Lynne’s description is accurate and not a complaint. The sheltered balcony is a design specific to QM2 that suits the ship’s primary purpose as a transatlantic liner. In the North Atlantic or Norwegian coastal weather, an exposed balcony is an uncomfortable place to be. The sheltered version keeps the wind and rain out while still giving you natural light and the option to stand and look out. Debbie agrees: ‘Great for rough sea days though.’
Beyond the balcony question, both found the cabins comfortable. Debbie received a welcome bottle of champagne on arrival. Both noted the kettle and tea bags as a well-used feature. Debbie arranged a daily jug of tap water through her cabin steward, Cesar, after discovering that bottled water was chargeable, a practical tip worth passing on. Lynne found the bathroom basic but perfectly adequate. Debbie noted the shower curtains, which she expects will change in the 2027 refit.
The public spaces: Queens Room, Commodore Club, and a silent disco
The Queens Room is, for both reviewers, the undisputed heart of the QM2 experience. Afternoon tea at 15:30 with a swing band, dancing, and white glove service is the kind of thing that exists nowhere else at sea.
"We clapped the waiters in, there was a band and after our tea and cakes, people danced. Think Strictly."
Debbie adds that the silent disco in the Queens Room was a particular highlight for many guests onboard, with the room shifting from traditional swing to a full dance floor as the evening progressed. The contrast is distinctly QM2.
The Commodore Club gets a specific mention from Debbie for pre-dinner drinks and sunset views. The Carinthia Lounge was praised by both for being calmer and more relaxed than the main venues, with good breakfast and light lunch options. Lynne also enjoyed the G32 nightclub for the silent disco, which appears to have been a theme of the sailing.
One honest note from Debbie: the ship was full, and at times it showed. Queuing for certain shows, full art classes, and no tables in the Golden Lion pub on some evenings. This is the trade-off with a ship carrying over 2,600 guests, and it is worth going in with realistic expectations.
Dining: rack of lamb, the knife selection, and a rum baba
The dining on QM2 spans a range of venues, and both reviewers ate their way through most of them. The Britannia Restaurant is the main dining room, serving four-course dinners with a menu that changes nightly. Lynne found the service occasionally rushed. Debbie describes it as ‘mixed on some days’ but praises the handling of dietary requirements and notes that Gala Night included a complimentary glass of champagne.
The Veranda is the speciality steakhouse with a cover charge, and it earns it. The experience both reviewers describe is the same: excellent service, a short list of premium cuts and seafood, and the moment where you select your steak knife from a tray of around ten options. It is a small theatrical touch that lands every time.
"Choose your steak or seafood options and choose your knife preference from a choice of about 10. Service was excellent and cooked to perfection, finished off by classic rum baba and wine pairings to suit your meal choices."
The Carinthia Lounge, the Golden Lion pub (sausage and mash, sport on television, quizzes), the Kings Court buffet, and Sir Samuels coffee bar (excellent eclairs, coffee is a chargeable extra) complete the picture. The ship has more dining options than most guests can work through in a seven-night sailing.
Entertainment and enrichment: never a quiet moment
Both reviewers noted that running out of things to do is genuinely not possible on QM2. The daily programme spans quizzes, art classes, line dancing, ballroom dancing, shuffleboard, golf, fitness classes, the casino, and the spa. The theatre hosts evening shows alongside talks from historians, explorers, and guest experts. Debbie notes the afternoon tea dance in the Queens Room as her personal highlight, while Lynne adds the silent disco as a close second.
The library holds 7,000 books, which makes it the largest library at sea. Lynne’s only regret is not attending more classes: ‘I only did the one watercolour class.’
Who is QM2 best suited for?
Lynne and Debbie both agree: almost everyone, with some caveats. The demographic surprised Lynne: ‘I was expecting most people to be quite old, however I was surprised by the amount of 35-plus guests onboard.’ Couples and small groups suit the ship well, as does solo travel. Both the Britannia Restaurant and the Seabourn Conversations-style singles table make solo dining comfortable.
For guests who want more space and a quieter ship, Debbie suggests upgrading to a suite for access to the Grills Lounge and private dining areas. The ship’s scale, while impressive, can feel busy in peak areas. A Norwegian Fjords sailing from Southampton is an ideal entry point for first-time Cunard guests, as the no-fly embarkation removes the complexity and the itinerary is genuinely spectacular.
Practical notes before you book
Debbie recommends considering the Signature Package, which bundles Wi-Fi, gratuities, and drinks. Once the tax is added to individual drinks onboard, the package can save up to 30% and removes the mental friction of signing for every round. Both reviewers praise disembarkation as smooth and well-organised.
QM2 is confirmed for a major refurbishment in 2027. The current version is showing her age in places. The version that comes back will be worth watching.
Ready to sail QM2?
Browse Cunard cruise deals or contact our Voyage Consultants to discuss the right sailing. You might also enjoy our Queen Anne review for a comparison with the newest ship in the fleet.
