Our first days on the Queen Mary 2 have been wonderful.  Boarding was a quick process and the bags showed up at my door in about 45 minutes.  They were loaded on board from both the side of the ship, and using crains to the top deck.  The challenge of the QM2 - because it is a liner - designed to do this particular itinerary, is to find all of the wonderful public venues.  The main public decks are two and three, but there are many other public areas, forward and aft, on other decks.  The first day or so becomes a wonderful adventure of finding the various areas and the historic displays that are spread out in many passageways.  For example, the buffet dining area - King's Court - is amidships on deck 7.  It has a variety of different stations, and it is worthwhile to explore the offerings prior to deciding where to go through the line.  Access to the various areas of the ship is quite easy as there are four different stairwell/elevator combinations forward to aft, and you quickly associate public spaces with a particular stairwell.  Yesterday I attended a lecture on the Royal Navy Submarine service during World War 1 given by a friend of mine from the RN whom I didn't realize was going to be on board.  In the afternoon I attended the first of four planetarium shows that are very well done.  These are ticketed events that run for four performances in a row, and there are four different shows throughout the week.  On the transatlantic, there are three formal nights, one coat a tie night and two smart casual - coat no tie - nights.  Last night was the first formal night followed by the Black and White Ball.  Most wore formal wear and kept it on for the entire evening, which is requested and really adds to the ambiance of the evening.  Today is another planetarium show, a classical piano concert and an astronomical lecture.  A busy day!  The service and food has been wonderful, and I am looking forward to the rest of the week!