CABIN QUANDARY

My husband and I, along with two others, are confirming our bookings on the Queen Mary 2, travelling in January 2015. We are all over 70, but very active. We have prices for the different cabins: inside, outside and balcony. Could you help us decide? — Dr Shobhana Panday There are no “bad” cabins on the Queen Mary 2. It is a magnificent liner with superb facilities and comfortable accommodation. You won’t end up in a dark and dingy closet-sized room right next to the rumbling engine. But, of course, not all the cabins are the same. In the end, this is a very personal decision based on how much time you expect to spend in the room, whether or not you can live without a window and how much you are prepared to pay.

Your decision may depend on the level of privacy you want. How much do you value being able to sip a cocktail or enjoy your first cup of coffee in your own space, clad only in a dressing gown? Does sleeping in a windowless room make you feel claustrophobic or would you be grateful for the darkness it provides? If you are a smoker, your balcony gives you quick access to a smoking area.

There can be a substantial price difference between the three main categories of cabin, but you can save money by opting for one of the “special” cabins. These include an “inside” cabin, which has a view into the ship’s atrium, or an “outside” cabin, with an obstructed view. Ask your travel agent about these. You will find a good description of the major cabin categories on cunard.com and

iglucruise.com/queen-mary-2/cabins. Personally, I would go for a balcony cabin. If I was on a budget, I would choose an inside cabin with a view into the ship’s atrium.