QE2 Caronia V Mauretania

[bonni99]

Hi we are considering taking a Norwegian Fjord trip in May 2006 on the QE2- we have already done QM2 twice and i did a two night party cruise on teh QE2 over 10 years ago. For those faithful QE2 passengers- would I be much better served in booking a caronia class cabin as opposed to a Mauretania one? Is the food significantly better, service likewise in caronia? I like the idea of the Caronia class cabins being that bit bigger. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks!

[deck chair]

I love the QE2 and have sailed on her 15 times....CARONIA class is worth it because you are eating in the beautiful CARONIA dining room which is single sitting (NO SHIFTS) meaning you can arrive anytime during the posted hours and eat at the SAME table with the same fellow passengers and servers for ALL meals. By and large, I believe the service is better but the food is the same but with a slightly wider menu. If you go this course, make sure you book at least a C2 or better because the lesser cabins have strange/awkward layouts and are smaller and not as well located. Also, try to avoid connecting cabins because the soundproofing isn't that great on QE2. In addition, CARONIA grade cabins on ONE deck have larger portholes than those on decks below. Have fun!

[sfo-john]

I've only sailed once and it was Mauretania category, but I'd agree with the above. I had the chance to eat in both dining rooms and while the food seemed pretty much the same in both, the service and atmosphere is definitely nicer in the Caronia dining room. Of course I'd have to assume that the cabins are a bit nicer too. That said, I'm back on the QE2 for the January crossing in a Mauretania cabin because overall I was quite satisfied with the whole experience last time.

[bonni99]

Thanks for your replies! I am now trying to persuade my partner to pay the extra for the Caronia class!

[susietb]

We took the Norwegian Fjord/Iceland voyage last August. It was one of the most memorable trips we've been on. I think you'll enjoy the single seating Caronia dining room, but from what we heard from other passengers it is no punishment to eat in the Mauretania.