Thread: Comparing QM2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

I have been asked to compare Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria + Queen Elizabeth, this is not an easy task, but here goes.

First impressions
QM2 is very large and has high ceilings in the public rooms, which gives it a grandeur and wow factor that Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth do not have.

Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth have a more cosy intermit feel, which is nice.

Entertainment
QM2 has a theatre and illuminations which as well as housing the only planetarium at sea is also use for talks on sea days, showing movies and classical concerts in the evening.

Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth only have one theatre. This means they cannot show a movie in the evening unless the re-arrange the show times (which does happen sometimes) and the classical concerts are held in the Queens Room in the afternoon.

I feel it is a big plus for QM2 to be able to offer more options for evening entertainment.
Each ship has a Queens Room Ballroom with a large dance floor where special balls are held on formal nights.

The buffet
On QM2 this is called Kings Court and I do not really like it, the lay out is not easy to navigate and it is quite "closed in". There are floor to ceiling windows but they look out on the open deck.

On Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth this is called the Lido and has a more open feel to it, which makes it easier to find a table. They also have floor to ceiling windows and is high up on the ship which gives you a great view.

The staterooms
QM2 has very nice staterooms with enough draw space and wardrobe space, the bathrooms are a good size as well.

Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth staterooms are also a good size, but there is a lack of draw space. The bathrooms are ok for size, but the shower cubical is smaller than on QM2.

The open decks
On QM2 the open decks are real teak, they are some kind of plastic stuff on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Not only that but QM2 has an open deck below the bridge like QE2 had, which is a great place to stand when entering or leaving port.

I feel the open decks on QM2 are far better than those on Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth.

Conclusion
All three ships are beautiful, but in different ways and it’s all a matter of taste as to which you like best.

I cannot say I like one ship better, like both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 for different reasons (I have not been on Queen Elizabeth yet, but I know I will like her as well).

My best recommendation to anyone trying to decide which to choose, is to try all three

Good work comparing the 3 ships, Stephen!

I have to agree with you about Queen Mary 2's buffet area, Queen Victoria's and Queen Elizabeth's are much nicer and offer far better views!

Thanks Stephen. I can only comment on the QM2.

I had heard the showers are smaller on the QE & QV. Presumably like most cruise ships. The joke on some ships is you could soap the walls and spin around.

I would miss the option of choosing a movie or a Cunard show in the evening and very much enjoy the evening concerts - quite often classical in Illuminations in the evening.

King's Court is not a brilliant design but since I use it mainly for cups of tea and snacks and take most meals in the dining room it has never really bothered me.


Linda

Excellent synopsis, Stephen. Guess I will have to do all three eventually but I bet I like the QM2 better.