Queen Mary 2 Reviewed by Customer Service Advisor’s Kim and Janine
The Norwegian Fjords have been on our travel wish list for years, and after spending seven unforgettable nights sailing aboard Queen Mary 2, we can completely understand why.
This itinerary combines jaw-dropping scenery with charming Norwegian towns, unforgettable experiences, and, of course, the timeless elegance that Cunard is famous for. We set sail to experience it all for ourselves, from the iconic Afternoon Tea and glamorous Gala Evenings to the breathtaking fjords and carefully curated shore excursions.
So, if you’re wondering what it’s really like to cruise the Norwegian Fjords with Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, here’s our day-by-day diary of an incredible week at sea.
Day 1 – Welcome Aboard Queen Mary 2
There’s something incredibly exciting about embarkation day. The holiday officially begins, the countdown is over and, before you know it, you’re standing in Southampton looking up at the magnificent Queen Mary 2.
From the moment we arrived, everything ran like clockwork. Our luggage was collected straight from the taxi, check-in was smooth, and within an hour we were on board. Our first impressions? Wow. Queen Mary 2 really is a beautiful ship.
Walking into the Grand Lobby for the first time genuinely gives you one of those “pinch me” moments. The grand staircase, polished wood, elegant décor and stunning artwork immediately remind you that this isn’t just another cruise ship; it’s an ocean liner with a history and personality all of its own. We probably spent longer than we’d like to admit simply wandering around saying, “Have you seen this?”
Eventually, we found our cabin, and it instantly felt welcoming. Spacious, beautifully presented and spotlessly clean, it quickly became our little home away from home. Not long afterwards, our cabin steward introduced himself with a warm smile and explained that if we needed absolutely anything during the week, all we had to do was ask. As it turned out, he was one of the many crew members who made the cruise so memorable. Every evening we’d return to a beautifully turned-down bed, spotless cabin and the famous chocolates waiting on our pillows. Let’s just say those chocolates rarely survived more than a few minutes!
That first evening was all about exploring, soaking up the atmosphere and watching Queen Mary 2 sail away.
Day 2 – Sea Days the Queen Mary 2 Way
If you’ve never cruised before, you might wonder what you actually do on a sea day. The answer is quite a lot!
We decided to ease ourselves into the day with room service breakfast. We may have got a little carried away. A full English, pastries, cereal, fresh fruit, toast, tea and juice all sounded like an excellent idea when we ordered it. When it arrived, beautifully presented and exactly on time, we realised we’d perhaps underestimated just how much breakfast we’d requested.
Did we regret it? Absolutely not. Enjoying breakfast while watching nothing but endless ocean stretching into the distance is one of those simple holiday moments that somehow feels incredibly special.
The rest of the morning was spent exploring more of the ship. One thing that genuinely surprised us was the shopping. From luxury boutiques to duty-free favourites, there really is something for everyone. Even if you’re only browsing, it’s well worth a wander. Although “just browsing” somehow became leaving with a shopping bag. Funny how that happens.
Lunch at the Golden Lion
By lunchtime we’d worked up an appetite again (don’t ask us how), so we headed to the Golden Lion. If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed, this is it. Think traditional British pub, just at sea. The Marco Pierre White-inspired menu includes favourites such as fish and chips, burgers, and pies, making it the perfect place for a leisurely lunch.
Of course, if variety is more your thing, the Kings Court Buffet is equally impressive. Fresh sushi, ramen, pizzas, roast dinners, salads, seafood, cheeses, desserts… honestly, you could eat somewhere different every day and still not try everything!
Queen Mary 2 Black and White Gala Night
As evening arrived, it was time for our first Cunard Gala Night. The black-and-white theme transformed the ship. Elegant gowns, tuxedos, sparkling jewellery and smiling faces filled every lounge and staircase. It felt glamorous without ever feeling intimidating. Whether guests had gone all out or simply dressed smartly, everyone was there to enjoy the occasion.
Dinner in the Britannia Restaurant was another highlight. Beautifully presented dishes, attentive silver service and a menu that made choosing almost impossible. We told ourselves we’d skip dessert. That lasted approximately 12 seconds.
Day 3 – Stavanger & Norway’s National Day
Talk about perfect timing. We arrived in Stavanger during Norway’s National Day celebrations, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire cruise.
The streets were alive with music, marching bands and families proudly wearing traditional Norwegian dress. Everywhere we looked, people were smiling, waving flags and celebrating together. It didn’t feel like we were simply watching the celebrations; it genuinely felt like visitors were welcomed to be part of them.
Once we’d taken it all in, we wandered through Stavanger’s colourful streets, stopping to admire the waterfront, browse the independent shops and enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by. It’s one of those ports that’s perfect for exploring without rushing. Sometimes the best plan is having no plan at all.
Day 4 – Skjolden & Views You’ll Never Forget
Skjolden might be one of the smallest ports on the itinerary, but don’t let that fool you. It’s absolutely stunning.
Our highlight here was the incredible Loen Skylift excursion. The cable car climbs more than 1,000 metres in just a few minutes and, as the views open up beneath you, it’s impossible not to fall silent for a moment. At the top, you’ll find mountains, snow, fresh air and views that stretch for miles in every direction. Whether you choose to hike, simply soak up the scenery or relax over lunch overlooking the fjords, it’s an experience we’ll remember for a very long time.
Back on board that evening, we also experienced Cunard’s Silent Sailaway. If you’ve never heard of it before, the idea is simple. Everyone puts on wireless headphones, chooses their favourite music channel and watches the ship quietly glide away from the fjord. It sounded unusual when we first heard about it, but after experiencing it, we absolutely loved it.
Day 5 – Queen Mary 2 Sails Through Majestic Olden
If there’s one sail-in you absolutely shouldn’t sleep through, it’s Olden. Trust us, set your alarm, grab a coffee, wrap up warm and head out on deck. You’ll thank us later! You’ll see towering mountains, snow-capped peaks and waterfalls cascading down the cliffs surrounding the ship from every direction and photos really don’t do it justice.
Olden itself is a charming little village where life moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace. This is also where Cunard offers some fantastic excursions. Whether you fancy glacier experiences, scenic sightseeing, thrilling RIB boat rides or even walking with llamas (yes, really!), there’s something for everyone.
Booking through Cunard couldn’t have been easier. Everything was exceptionally well organised, transport ran smoothly and our local guides were brilliant, sharing stories about Norwegian life, history and traditions that we’d never have discovered on our own. For us, the excursions genuinely added another layer to the holiday and were well worth considering.
Day 6 – Cruising Through Hardangerfjord
Some days are all about sightseeing. Others are about slowing down. Hardangerfjord gave us the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Everywhere we looked there seemed to be another waterfall tumbling down the mountainside or another tiny village tucked beneath dramatic cliffs. It honestly became a game of deciding which side of the ship had the better view.
We spent much of the day simply wandering the decks, finding comfortable seats and taking it all in. Sometimes cruises remind you that you don’t always need to be rushing from one activity to the next. Of course, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Mareel Spa. A swim, followed by the sauna and steam room while sailing through one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes? That’s definitely our kind of sea day relaxation.
Day 7 – One Last Sea Day
We weren’t quite ready for the holiday to end, so we made the most of every minute. One final leisurely breakfast, one last stroll around the ship and a little retail therapy (strictly for research purposes, of course).
We also attended one of Cunard’s fascinating Insights talks, which are well worth adding to your itinerary if you’re onboard. The guest speakers cover a wide range of topics and are a fantastic way to spend an hour at sea.
Then came one experience we’d happily repeat every single day. Afternoon Tea.
If you’ve heard about Cunard’s Afternoon Tea, believe the hype. Served by white-gloved waiters with live piano music playing softly in the background, it’s every bit as elegant as you’d imagine. Freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, beautiful pastries and plenty of tea. It isn’t just something to eat; it’s a Cunard tradition, and one we think every guest should experience at least once.
That evening we enjoyed one final dinner in the Britannia Restaurant before heading out onto deck to watch the sun begin to set. It was one of those moments where nobody really said very much. We were simply enjoying the view and reflecting on what had been an incredible week.
Day 8 – Back to Southampton
As with embarkation, disembarkation was smooth, well organised and completely stress-free. Nobody ever wants a holiday to end, but Queen Mary 2 certainly made leaving as easy as possible. As we stepped back onto dry land, one thing became very clear. The Norwegian Fjords completely exceeded our expectations, and experiencing them with Cunard made them even more memorable.
Our Final Thoughts
Queen Mary 2 isn’t about flashy attractions or trying to cram every minute full of activities. Instead, it’s about timeless elegance, exceptional service and creating moments you’ll remember long after you’ve unpacked.
Whether it was sipping tea during Afternoon Tea, dressing up for Gala Night, enjoying fish and chips in the Golden Lion, sailing silently through Norway’s spectacular fjords or simply chatting with the wonderfully friendly crew, every day brought something different.
Would we sail with Cunard again? Without a second thought. If the Norwegian Fjords are on your travel wish list, we’d wholeheartedly recommend experiencing them from the deck of Queen Mary 2.
Just one final tip. Pack a camera with plenty of storage; trust us – you’ll need it.
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