Cunard Cruises, Queen Elizabeth 2, Mediterranean

My husband and I and our two children(7&8years)have just returned from a two week Mediterranean cruise(12-26 August)onboard QE2. What a wonderful experience! Embarkation was very smooth, we used the secure car parking service which was really easy and were on board around 20 minutes after arrival at the port. We were greeted by happy smiling faces the moment we stepped on the ship and escorted to our cabin on deck 5. When I booked I wanted a Caronia Class cabin, but had to settle for Mauritania as all 4 berth cabins had gone. I am so pleased as our cabin was perfect for us. All cabins on the ship are different shapes and sizes (you can check on the size of each cabin on line). We had plenty of space and never felt like we were living on top of each other like on many of the new ships. The cabin was in need of TLC, but to be honest I would rather have the space than flat screen TV etc. We had two sinks one in the bathroom and one in the room which was really handy when everyone is trying to get ready. The food was consistently good in the Mauritania restaurant, the best we have experienced on any cruise. We had an English waiter called Jonathon who was great fun. The food in the Lido was varied and of good quality. Room service food was brilliant, always hot and provided in a very timely manner, breakfast the same. The Golden Lion pub served pub food at lunchtime on sea days and we made the most of this as it was excellent. Afternoon tea was a real event, a harpist played as you sat and enjoyed a leisurely cup of tea, sandwich, cake or scone. Unlimited self service icecream is available free of charge from 4-5pm everyday, this is unheard of on most ships these days. It was our wedding anniversary while we were away (although not a big one in any way), and Cunard generously provided us with Champagne, flowers, signed certificate from the captain and a formal portrait free of charge. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Rick our room attendant provided us with everything we asked for and kept our room spotless and well stocked with toiletries etc. The staff on board are the best we have come across on any ship and seem to really enjoy being there. We did 5 excursions, which we felt were reasonably good value for money, but easily the best of all was Ephesus with BBQ lunch (the Turkish dancers were brilliant). The entertainment for me was good, the shows were of a reasonably good quality (Diane Cousins was really funny). Crosswords and quiz's were available from the library every day and there were darts competitions, karaoke nights, lectures, yoga etc, etc. The ships tour was really good, it guides you through all the historical memorabilia on board. I had my reservations regarding the ship and whether it would be suitable for the children. I need not have worried, they had the best time. The childrens room was very small but they were taken by the youth team all over the ship for different activities and to the shows in the evening which they really enjoyed. Don't be put off by the age of the ship, it adds to the unique character it possesses. If you like Mr Sexy 200+ or knobbly knees contests and loud entertainment then it probably would not be for you. We as a family all agreed on our return that we would not swap our experience on the QE2 for any of the other cruises cruises we have been on. I wish I had dared to try it earlier and will be very sad to see her go! Value for money wise Cunard are doing a great job in comparison to a lot of other cruise lines.