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Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth 2

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Reviewed by: Bruce Tennant
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: November 15, 2000
Itinerary: Southampton to Cape Town

Trip was the "Cape Town Line" voyage, Southampton to Cape Town, & return. Wonderful because about 12 of the 15 days in each direction were at sea, with 2 fine days in Cape Town. The ports of call were unusual, except for Funchal: St. Helena Is(twice), Dakar, Cape verde Is, & Tenerife. The trip was fine; the ship poorly managed in a number of ways.

Public rooms were comfortable but unexceptional; we preferred the Chart Room for cocktails before dinner because it was relatively quiet(pianist or harpist). The main show lounge was not adequate for a full ship. You can walk around a promenade, but must go up one deck at the bow & then down. Pool was very small,but didn't draw well.

In Caronia restaurant the food was alright, but never outstanding; our waitress conscientious, but novice. I believe that food came from same kitchen for Caronia & Mauretania restaurants. Ambience very nice, & one seating is quite desirable. Lido buffet was used by most for breakfast & lunch, & was noisy because of full ship.

Our cabin was grade C2. It had adequate closet & drawer space--more than we needed. Bathroom was very nice, not cramped. Never was it at all noisy, even though it was near the main bank of elevators.

There was a nice variety of entertainment. We never missed the duplicate bridge games. Other offerings were several lectures, a series of classical piano recitals, and the usual grand lounge shows, most OK, a couple awful. The cruise director was a dud, but that's not the end of the world. Very able couple ran the bridge activities.

Some very good tours were offered at Funchal, Tenerife, & Dakar. We had bad luck on both of our calls at St. Helena Is: water was too rough to allow tendering ashore, so we weren't able to see this interesting place. We didn't visit the physical exercise facility at all.

The passenger complement was about 75-85% from the UK, and Brits are a nice people to travel with; I enjoy them more than Americans. We were traveling with a good lady friend whom we met on a previous cruise; we sat at a table with 2 British couples with whom we had a wonderful time, & would certainly have any or all as our house guests.