Hi Isabelle,
The corridors and stairwells present very well and apart from the art being a bit randomly organised and for those of us familiar with the ship, somewhat out of place, they strike a good combination of original, yet bright and functional. I think if we went back to 2008 not we'd find some areas a bit drab and tired, but of course we didn't mind because we were on QE2 and off to New York or whatever, sadly no longer the case!
To my eye the ship is as well maintained and organised as she's been since the hotel opened, the cabin areas being the best, the Lido and QG (didn't visit this time) are spot on and working well too, but the main public decks are bland and empty and would hugely benefit from the original art and furniture being replaced.
The outside decks need to come back to life, although its always so hot out there and everything gets covered in sand all the time, it's a challenge I am sure! I saw they are starting to use the deck for a wrap around running/walking track, which is an excellent idea in my book...
You are correct with respect to photographing people, the ship was busier than I'd seen it of late, but I'll only take photographs when people are not in them/far away, out of respect for their privacy and not wanting to cause any issues.
The areas of the ship which now stand out as needing work are ironically the ones left since 2008, such as the Yacht Club, which still an amazing space looks tired and dated now...needing new carpets and furniture as a minimum...
Happy to answer any questions...
