QE2 is one of few ships in which dining rooms are assigned by cabin cost. Hence, there are five main restaurants.

Starting at the top, those in the ship's priciest accommodations dine in the Queen's Grill in a single seating with an extensive a la carte menu, attentive service and table-side preparation. In the next category are those assigned to the Princess Grill and Britannia Grill, both of which offer single-seating dining and a la carte menus. Those booked in smaller outside cabins are assigned to the Caronia Restaurant, which features single seating dining -- but no orders "a la minute." Passengers who book in the remaining cabins dine in the Mauretania Restaurant in two dinner seatings: 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Here the portions are smaller and the menu choices fewer.

The Lido is open for buffet breakfast and lunch. New this year is pub fare in the Golden Lion Pub. Also new: The Funnel Bar serves light grilled fare.

We'd be remiss in not mentioning that QE2, being a British ship, offers a full afternoon tea in a number of venues: the Queen's Room, where tea is served by white gloved stewards, and sandwiches and sweets are passed; and the Lido, offering a tea buffet.

Room service is offered around the clock, but only penthouse passengers can order off their restaurant's menu. The Lido offers themed dinners such as French, Italian, American and Indian. Beware, though: It's shuttered by 9 p.m. QE2 is one of few ships that has kept the traditional midnight buffet. QE2 also serves Children's Tea, a supper served between 5:30 and 6 p.m. in the Pavilion.

Queens Grill: So willing is the waitstaff to please (and so well-stocked the galley) that the Queens Grill menu is a mere guide to your culinary pleasure; “flexibility” is the operative word here! The ambiance is intimate and quiet, yet the amount of caviar, lobster and champagne consumed in the 231-seat Queens Grill is justifiably legendary! An adjacent Queens Grill Lounge provides a private space for diners to meet before or after their meal.

Princess Grill & Britannia Grill: As with the Queens Grill, dining in either of these 100-seat restaurants is a special, intimate occasion. And as with the Queens Grill, the French-American cuisine offered here is expertly created and presented. Dining is paced according to your wishes; anticipatory and attentive yet never smothering. And, of course, only the finest labeled wines and spirits are served!

Caronia Restaurant: The recently-refurbished Caronia Restaurant has been receiving rave reviews from QE2’s deluxe and outside stateroom guests. The decor reflects that of an English country estate; embellishments include intimate table lighting, crystal chandeliers and beautiful, etched-glass entry doors. The 554-seat venue provides an especially broad variety of seating arrangements – and exquisite cuisine, too!

Mauretania Restaurant: Not to be overlooked is the newly-redecorated Mauretania dining room. New, more elegant furniture has been introduced and the entire venue has been brightened and freshened with glistening chandeliers and richly-designed carpeting. As in all QE2 dining rooms, Cunard’s impeccable White Star Service™ is provided. Mauretania Restaurant seats 530 guests.