Phil, the more "re" views I read the better. They are all so personal to the writer. I tend to roll with the punches on vacation, as I understand the hospitality industry having been in it for many years in another life. On this board, I already have a sense about which posters have the same priorities as me. When you are reading an article in a travel magazine, it usually promotes the ship, although I have read adverse reactions to the maiden voyage. It is a shame the QM2 didn't have a longer opportunity to "shake down" the ship. I did the first such cruise on the Voyager on her first venture out to sea in March, 2002(? I get my years mixed up). Anyway, my cruise was flawless, except for the lack of help at reception getting local internet cafe assistance since the computers were still in the boxes. But others had a fair amount of problems (I think the worst was lack of hot water) And it was free, other than air fare to France! From what I have read, QM2 only had one of these....for corporate friends and families of Cunard employees. Radisson did this for FOUR short (5/6 nights)cruises, including two for past passengers and 2 for travel professionals. That's the way to get it right. Expensive, but dollars well spent when you get good word of mouth out there and lots of .

By the way, I am trying to build up my "nights" on Radisson to get to go on the next "shakedown" cruise if ever they build a new ship. At the rate Marc is booking, I will meet him and Arlne then if not before!