There were eight of us enjoying the Cunard Queen Mary 2’s 4D Presidents Weekend sailing to the Bahamas on 15-19 February . Also check out Google Sniper by George Brown and Mafioso Marketing 2. Here’s the list of favorite things:

photo credit: rrreynoldshome

1. Britannia Restaurant: is the main dining room where the majority of passengers enjoy their meals. This beautiful multi-level room offered great service, selection, and presentation. Plus, Cunard does a great job with the variety of offerings.

2. Cabin Stewards: Excellent, friendly service including tidying up clothes along with keeping the cabin and bathroom very clean.

3. Buffet: Convenient with wide selections available when you are, and the wait staff buses your table while you are still seated.

4. Tender Service to Princess Cays (Private Island): very efficient service back and forth.

5. Britannia guest room toiletries are of superior quality. It really did enhance the experience.

6. Britannia bathrooms are well laid out and of a reasonable size.

7. Space: This ship has so much public space. The QM2 is designed for long voyages, and thus provides tremendous public space to sit, mingle, play games, etc. The corridors and public areas are very wide. You can always find space to sit alone or in a group. The top deck is huge with minimum obstructions, just wide open spaces.

8. Speed: it took a while to realize that this voyage from NYC to the Bahamas would be nearly impossible on most other ships. The QM2’s propulsion system is quite unique with four propellers and NO rudder!

9. The Queen’s Room: this room, in and of itself must be mentioned. The extravagant Queen’s Room focuses as a ballroom in the evening’s for Cunard’s renowned ballroom events. During the day, high tea is offered along with bingo.

10. The QM2 has a very non-commercial environment. Cunard makes future cruise sales, shopping, up-charge dining, art auctions, etc., available but does NOT advertise non-stop! There is a deliberate lack of both constant announcements on the PA and in-room flyers urging you to spend your money. Plenty of money spending options are available if you wish to avail yourself for those services. Further, production shows are not interrupted with commercials. This whole environment makes for a more elegant cruise experience.

10.5 Lectures: This particular voyage featured a PhD speaking on the Bermuda triangle and global climate change issues; Cunard caters to a clientèle that enjoys enrichment activities and the intellectual stimulation was most welcome.

Dave Rosenthal is a CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor/travel planner. Would you like professional guidance? Want to make sure you’re getting a good deal on a great vacation, then please visit daydreamexcursions.com