I may be the wrong person to provide a non-biased review of the QM2 transatlantic crossing because I absolutely love it. In the past 4-5 years I've taking 13 crossing and am in fact leaving tomorrow an another eastbound crossing, spending a week in Normandy France and then returning QM2 westbound end of July.

I love the insight lectures. Usually there are 3-4 lecturers per crossing-variety of subjects but they try to have one related to art, politics (either from UK or American perspective), astronomy, sometimes someone from entertainment field.

Ship also has the largest library on the seas. The only Planetarium at sea (2 different shows shown most days--you need to get free tickets in advance as space is limited). Usually they offer some type of classical music performer plus either students from the Juliard School or a similar British venue. And they generally have a few students from The Royal Shakespeare House. Ship also offers 2-3 daily website/internet tutorials on Apple iMac computers which range from very general (free) to very specific (paid). A lot of history on the ship (although I've never seen it advertised) they have iPods you can borrow with the history and analysis of the photos of that history that you see around the ship.

Typical day for me: I always wake up and immediately put on the TV for a 20 min show by the entertainment director (hopefully Paul O'Laughlin) of what will be happening that day and interviews with the lecturers. While I'm watching I have a light tea and toast breakfast in bed (full variety including eggs offered). If I have time I'll go for a few laps fast walking around the deck, to buffet for a quick egg. If not, I run to the 10am lecture. Then the 11:15 lecture. Lunch in dining room. Read a book or watch CNBC (yes they have CNBC, MSNBC and Fox -- also several movies a day -- on your room's tv) for an hour or so. Afternoon lecture. Read a little more. Dinner. Sometimes see a movie at night but generally they are not well chosen (at least for my taste) Collapse in bed and read a little more and go on the internet in my room.

There are entertainment shows, a full spa, and a casino but that's not my interest unless it's a classical music performance.

I've taken 13 crossings from early May through October and typically they are very smooth, sometimes a little rough for a day or so but it has never been a major problem for me. This ship is built differently that a cruise ship and I wouldn't worry about that.

I have found a full age range on this ship. Probably higher in age than a caribbean cruise. Summer has more families. If I had to guess I'd say most passengers were 50s, 60s, 70s. Heavy on UK and American. The cruises that end/begin in Hamburg have more Germans (and the buffet food offerings reflect that) than those that end/begin in Southampton.

I eat in the Brittania (regular dining room). The one downside to QM2 I'd say is the food quality. Not the greatest I've had on a ship. Used to be much much better, particularly the buffet. (By the way, almost every night the buffet is open plus there are 2 or 3 alternative dining room venues available for $10 per person, very reasonable price. They alternate between Italian, Indian, Asian and I think one other type of cuisine. There is also a VERY good Todd English a la carte restaurant open for lunch or dinner. Higher price but worthwhile for a change (try the lamb chops)

Any other questions, feel free to PM me. I'm sure I've left a lot out but I need to go pack... counting the minutes until tomorrow.