You could spend many hours just wandering around the elegant boutiques of the immaculate and breathtaking Grand Lobby, or perhaps sitting awhile to be enchanted by the haunting melodies of a string quartet.

Or you could spend time by one of the five excellent pool areas, one of which has a retractable roof to cope with all weathers and another which is dedicated to families with young children.

There are modern courts where you can play tennis or take part in a deck sports tournament, an open-air jogging track, state-of-the-art gym and fitness centre as well as golf simulators for those who want to practice their swing.

Artworks by Dali and Picasso, speakers from the Royal Astronomical Society in a large Planetarium lounge, performances from members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and talks by former ambassadors, award-winning novelists and film directors give you an indication of the quality of enrichment choices on the Queen Mary 2.

But if you merely want to relax and enjoy some quiet, reflective time to yourself then there are many tranquil spaces where you can do that in extreme luxury.

The gorgeous Winter Garden has been inspired by London’s famous Kew Gardens and themed to reflect the hues and ambience of an English country garden, with its unique water sculpture and lush greenery it’s a lovely place to sit, sip a cocktail or read a book.

Or why not make your way to the Queens Room for a refined afternoon tea of fresh scones with cream or finger sandwiches served by white-gloved waiters?

And if you’re looking for some personal pampering then head for the exotic Canyon Ranch Spa Club to book a Thai massage or treat yourself to an expert beauty therapy in the salon while looking out over the wide ocean.

While parents are enjoying their own adult time, younger guests will be happy making new friends as Cunard’s experienced and friendly youth staff organise activities, craft sessions, parties and discos for different age groups from tots to teens.

As evening falls the Queen Mary 2 offers an array of entertainment opportunities that set it apart from other cruise ships.

The Queens Room Ballroom is the largest at sea and here you’ll be able to don your formal finery and swirl across the floor to the accompaniment of a superb orchestra at one of the regular themed balls.

Or you may choose to settle into a plush seat at the sumptuous Royal Court Theatre to enjoy a spectacularly lavish and high-tech musical show performed by the hugely talented Cunard Royal Dancers and Singers.

There’s jazz, classical music and soothing piano music in other lounges and bars on the Queen Mary 2 - and even a chance to be a star yourself at one of the karaoke nights in the Golden Lion traditional English pub.

Those who like to show their own disco moves will love the G32 dual-level nightclub where they can boogie the night away to the sounds of the resident party band or DJ tunes.

The onboard Empire Casino has all the latest slot machines and your favourite tables for those who enjoy a flutter – and if you need a few tips on how to get started, then there are complimentary gaming lessons to help you learn.

And for a night-time drink and a chat at the end of a busy day you can take your pick from a range of themed bars to suit your tastes and your mood that evening.

One of Cunard’s quality hallmarks can be experienced in the various wonderful restaurants, each serving creative and delicious dishes of the highest order.

And, whether you’ve chosen to stay in a Queens Grill, Princess Grill or Britannia category cabin, you and your fellow cruise guests will enjoy amazing service by charming and attentive waiters at your table set in marvellously stylish surroundings.

Superb a la carte menus will be described by your dedicated waiter in the Queens Grill Restaurant - and in the unlikely event that there’s nothing that quite takes your fancy, then you can feel free to make any culinary request you wish and the chef will oblige.

Tempting a la carte choices abound also at the single sitting Princess Grill where your fine wine selection has been hand selected from all over the world.

And whichever of the two sittings you choose at the Britannia Restaurant, Queen Mary 2’s splendid main dining hall, you’ll enjoy the same high quality of cuisine and courteous service.

More flexible dining arrangements are available in a range of other eating places, including the exciting Todd English, inspired by the US culinary genius and the brilliant King’s Court which offers a spectacular daytime and late night buffet selection as well as themed areas for Asian, traditional English, Italian and ‘Chef’s Galley’ specialities each evening.

More casual meals and snacks can be enoyed at a variety of other cafes and bars, including pub-meal favourites at the Golden Lion and light-bites at the open air Boardwalk Café.

Guests on Cunard cruises observe formal dress codes in main restaurants at evening meal times and other occasions during the cruise.

* Many ships feature selected restaurants where additional charges apply and reservations are required.
 

Cabins on the amazing Queen Mary 2 are more like those you’d find in the highest quality hotels and are extremely spacious, beautifully-designed and offer luxuries like welcome wine, newspapers, fresh fruit on request and nightly turndown service with chocolate as standard. 

Each has satellite TV, private bathroom with shower, fridge, phone, bathrobe and slippers, safe and hairdryer as a minimum.

You can select from inside, outside, balcony and suite cabins and from Britannia, Princess or the ultimate Queens category with butler service.