Between the now-retired Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen Mary 2 we have done a dozen Atlantic crossings on Cunard – and a few on other lines. As Cunard used to say in their adverts: it’s the only way to cross. Alas, we have usually had to fly one-way but that is a compromise worth making in order to enjoy the traditional crossing. We have travelled in every “class” on Cunard ships except for parcel post.

Princess Grill and Queen’s Grill are not in our budget, but we have received two fabulous upgrades and there are frequent sales. So we have enjoyed this luxury five times on crossings. But even in the basic level (Britannia) it is an excellent way to cross the “pond.” The Grills and the Club offer one-sitting dining (with flexible times) and an enhanced menu. Britannia is open seating at breakfast and lunch and dinner is assigned: first or second sitting. The other differences between the fare categories has been written about at great length elsewhere so I won’t elaborate.

The usual crossing time has been increased from five days to seven because of the cost of fuel. The QM2 was designed for a six-night crossing, but currently does it in seven unless there is an extra port of call en route, such as Halifax. The five-night crossings on the QE2 at 30 knots were quite exciting, but the trip seemed too short.

As others have said, the QM2 is a liner not a mere cruise ship. Only once did we experience unpleasant motion for one day and night. Some people moan about the class system, but in reality about 90% of the ship is open to all. The Grills passengers get a small amount of deck space and two small lounges in addition to the restaurant.

The entertainment programme is the most varied at sea. Unlike most cruise ships which have only pop music blaring at you everywhere, there is the complete range. There is usually a classical artist or group plus a string quartet and harpist. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduates put on abridged plays and other entertainment. There is a pub and also a night club and the usual cruise-type big shows in the theatre. There are lectures on a variety of subjects. In short, there is something for everyone.

Cunard is dressy, but it is not necessary to bring actual formal clothes. The definition of formal has been dumbed down over the years. A man can, according to the definition, get by with a suit and tie. From our experience, I would say the percentage of men wearing tuxedos varies between 50% and 95%. Women don’t need to dress like Cinderella going to the ball, but long dresses or cocktail dresses are the usual. On informal nights men require a jacket (tie optional) in the restaurants. There is a casual alternative to those who dislike this tradition. The buffet is always open but even then passengers are discouraged from dressing like slobs in the evening.

Cunard has recently changed the system for advancing clocks on eastbound crossings. The time now changes by one hour at 12:00 noon on five of the days. On westbound crossings the time is retarded one hour during the night, as usual. These time changes are not stressful to the majority of people. It is certainly more civilised than the shock to the system experienced by flying.