We Took a 7 Night Cruise Across the Atlantic and it SUCKED

We've been waiting to take this cruise for over 5 years, but it really didn't live up to our expectations. This is our BRUTAL review.

The Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic crossing is a right of passage when it comes to cruising, celebrating the tradition of what cruising was like, sailing on the world's only ocean liner. But it wasn't at all we expected with poor food and lacklustre service. It wasn't the worst cruise we have taken but it certainly may be the most disappointing.

This video is sponsored by Squarespace.

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[lisaparquettesilva]

Update: I just returned from our July QM2 cruise and felt like I was on a completely different ship from you. The service was excellent - many staff quickly learned our names across the ship. The food in the MDR was wonderful, and the service was outstanding. We had a set dining time and had the same waiter and sommelier each night. They quickly learned our preferences and even our favorite wines, and my glass was barely empty before it was filled again. 80% of the cruisers on our voyage dressed for dinner and dressed to the nines on gala nights. We were in the cheapest cabin on the ship- an inside cabin and in no way felt second class.

[Smokeyham]

We did an Atlantic crossing in early 2024 and had a very different experience. We really enjoyed the ship, the food, and our cabin. One difference is that we travelled in Britannia Club Class, and highly recommend that. We had a table reserved for our exclusive use in the Britannia Club Restaurant and additional food choices beyond what was offered in the regular Britannia restaurant.

The dining staff quickly got to know us and we had a very nice choice of meals. Gala nights were really enjoyable and we were pleased to see that that almost everyone participated and followed the requested dress code.

We very much enjoyed the enrichment lectures (which were well attended). It was disappointing that the on board planetarium was not functioning. The ship itself is incredible and it was a delight to spend time in the library and the lounges.

[TheDaveThatLovesStarWars]

I wish you guys wouldn't feel so bad about being honest and harsh when needed. I prefer the truth over an overly apologetic review. If it's bad it's bad and just say it. You're not being rude you're being honest.

[ruthscott]

The way you looked at Ben, David in your hotel room was so full of love and kindness, it made me cry, thank you both for being genuine. And Happy Wedding Anniversary xx

[birbluv]

Guys, that Italian dessert is cannoli. Canneloni is a kind of pasta

[AlexAnders]

I recently had the chance to travel on the QM2, and after watching your review, I have to say my experience was quite different. While I understand that experiences can vary, I found many of the services and amenities you critiqued to be quite satisfactory. Most importantly, every crew member we interacted with was not only highly proficient in English, but we were also treated exceptionally well and always addressed by name. (We booked Queens Grill Suites).

There’s quite a difference between dining at the Kings Court and one of the formal dining rooms. While Kings Court is more of an American-style all-you-can-eat buffet (still one of the better ones), where you can show up in shorts and shirts, the dining rooms require classy casual attire for breakfast and lunch, and smart attire for dinner.
The entertainment on the QM2 is quite different from that on Disney, AIDA, and other cruise lines. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, the QM2 might not be the right fit. We thoroughly enjoyed the onboard speakers, the pubs and bars, and had a wonderful time overall. I´d personally say they managed to offer something for everyone quite well.

[lisagray]

I think, despite having such a disappointing cruise, this has been my favorite video on y’all’s. It showed such honesty, but with compassion, it showed joy in spite of circumstances (unexpected rain) and just a general love of life. I so enjoyed it. Thank you!

[kaunas]

I have been hoping that as Covid recedes into the distance that cruise lines would slowly return to quality again...but obviously they have no intention of getting better as they were in the past. The new mantra is cut, cut, cut baby...while raising prices.

[TheRelizabeth]

Ah!!! I’m so delighted you won and had such a great day. Especially after a slightly disappointing cruise. BTW, you never come off as not appreciating your life. You are both kindly honest. ❤️❤️❤️

[elainerowley]

I have just returned from a round trip transatlantic cruise on the Queen Mary 2 (my first ever cruise). I would agree with everything you guys have said, apart from the bit about connecting cabins. Mine was very quiet. The cruise was a world away from how it is presented in the Cunard promotional material. It was disappointing how few people made the effort to dress up. However, you can’t but love the ship itself and the whole being in the middle of the Atlantic experience. My stewardess was lovely and the staff in the dining room were doing their best. I didn’t use the pursers but I was told by people who did that they were short staffed and the service wasn’t great.
I think you put your finger on it when you mentioned management cost cutting. Cunard have hyped up expectations and then haven’t given their staff the tools to meet them.

[MarciaGomez-uqzd]

I was on this same cruise and the same class cabin. Your review is spot on! Couldn’t agree more with your assessment.

[ChrisFrameOfficial]

Love that you give QM2 - the ship - a score of 5/5. She really is a very special ship! Also… not to sound picky but your title… you went on a CROSSING gentlemen, not a cruise 😂😂😂 sorry couldn’t help myself.

[pickypants]

Funny you mentioned the inappropriate "burger cheese". It reminded me of a funny story. Years ago I attended a good friend's beautiful wedding at an actual wedding venue, and the cheese plate was made up of the same triangles as your "burger cheese" or what's commonly called Kraft Singles/American Cheese in America. Insult to injury, this took place in our home state of Wisconsin a.k.a. "America's Dairyland". We make more "real" cheese of every kind than any other state in America. We love our cheese and good cheese and sausage plates. It was a complete faux paus, but I never had the heart to ask her if she knew that was the cheese being served. Still cracks me up to this day! 😂

[seanpruitt]

I just cruised with QM2. This was my 6th cruise so I can say it was by far the best onboard ship experience. The food was amazing the entertainment was great. I especially loved “be our guest” show. Maybe this specific crossing was a lull.

[maryanncapece]

Hi Ben and David. I'm with you, seems Cunard is not the "luxury" line it once was. Especially the food. I saw the when you were on the Kelly Clarkson show. That was so fun. Congratulations again for being picked. David, your response was perfect. So glad you enjoyed NYC and got an upgrade in your hotel room. As always thank you for all you do ❤️❤️

[breadyegg]

That pizza looked like a Tesco el-cheapo special. Undercooked as well. Made me feel morose just looking at it.

[JuliaMurphy]

I'm surprised it was that bad. Gary is always so positive about Cunard, but I guess he does upgrade to the grills for a reason!

[brianpoole-ug]

We spent 68 days on the QM2 arriving in New York early May 2024. You are being honest with your review and I'm going to suggest even generous with some of your ratings. To say it needs an updating is an understatement. Like us, we spoke to many first time Cunard cruisers who stated it was their first and last. This is not a high end ship but no question, it is the best at handling the seas.

[jackkoba]

Sorry the trip wasn’t up to expectations, but appreciate the feedback and honesty especially at that price. Cunard isn’t the only line that’s had issues since COVID

[trevorharrison]

"A little bit disappointed." My thoughts exactly. I've moved on from Cunard and discovered smaller, more luxurious ships (600 - 750 passengers) where there's 450 - 500 crew members. On these "ultra luxury ships" with almost 1 crew member to 1 passenger, so many staff get to know your name and always have the time to chat. More costly than Cunard (except during sales / special offers), but, you genuinely get more for your Dollar/Pounds Sterling/ Euro.