Just returned from QM2

I disembarked from the QM2 after 19 days aboard. This is not a review but merely some observations and comments.

THE ship - Yes, she is looking a bit weathered on the exterior but transatlantics will do that to paintwork. A few rusty areas and the black hull is fading quickly but she looks so darned good when you approach her I can ignore her little flaws.

 

My Britannia cabin was in good shape. I decided that they only have two types of towels - either thick and fluffy or really, really thin. Most times I had a choice so of course I went for the fluffy. I would like to see the sofa re-upholstered or replaced, after all they are now 10 years old and also the base of the coffee table touched up.

 

My balcony had some rusty areas and again the 2015 drydock will take care of that. They are replacing the mattresses which apparently is done approximately every 4 years.

 

The Chart Room was re-done in 2008, it is time to replace the little cushions on the blue chairs, they don't give much support.

 

The potholes on deck 2 are back where the floor has disintegrated under the carpet, and they seem to be in a lot of the same places as before.

 

The meals and service in the Britannia dining room were for the most part excellent. Over the years breakfast has improved and I can remember from years past waiting what seemed forever for the eggs to be served. My only complaint would be the overcooking of the meat. I like my meat done but several times it was beyond well-done. I agree with a comment made by pepperrn in comments about the 4-day Gallic voyage. I rarely eat dessert in Britannia. I find the desserts offered in King's Court much more to my taste.

 

The air conditioning on the ship ran in full mode. In all my years aboard I've never been so cold. Some areas were absolutely frigid.

 

I was told that King's Court will undergo a total reno in 2015. The layout of the buffet has never bothered me since I use it mainly for tea and snacks but it will be interesting to see what happens. A total reno will also mean they replace the tables and chairs which have needed replacing for several years.

 

I dined several times in Todd English. The food and service was excellent. However the placement of the restaurant is a real sore point for me. If you have a window table you are subjected to the view of the outside tables and the smokers (sorry, I will not get into a smoking debate over this, I just shouldn't have to view this while I'm eating). And there is also a constant parade of people through the restaurant to deck 8. Cunard needs to address this.

 

I had only one discussion with the internet manager and found him very pleasant and very helpful. I heard positive comments about him which was a big improvement over last year and the total lack of patience and help that manager gave. The Internet connection has definitely improved over the years because I can remember several early crossings when there was no connection mid-Atlantic. The Wifi worked very well and a few times was not good in the cabin but excellent in public areas.

 

I asked about the Cruise Critic log book in the library. There new staff and the book was apparently packed away in some boxes since they didn't think it important. Supposedly it was to be retrieved but I must confess I forgot to go back and ask.

 

The Grand Lobby was closed off for the crossing home. Scaffolding had been erected to repair the ceiling in the area of the former glass ceiling. The scaffolding extended out an atrium cabin window across to the other side so I must presume none of those cabins were occupied except for maybe the workmen. The twin staircases (which I use a lot) were blocked off and some of the furniture had been turned outward so it could be used. The marble-top table and floral arrangement disappeared but a few days before NYC re-appeared in the space between the glass elevators which still operated.

Interesting reading, thanks.

 

I hope to take a trip on her over Christmas, US Government willing.

We we on the QM2's first TA after her Hamburg dry dock and refit in late 2011 and most recently this past June. I noticed many of the same things you mentioned regarding wear and tear on the ship. Considering the schedule that the ship maintains, she is in remarkably good shape. There are videos about the 2011 refit on YouTube.

 

Bob

Thank you. I've booked to board her on 30 November. She was the first Cunard ship on which I travelled, but I've been on QV so many times since then that I am looking forward to intelligently comparing the two.

Thanks for the report. Strange that the potholes are back.

 

I am looking forward to being back on board in October it's been just short of 3 years since my last voyage on her.

It looks like the refit may no longer be in November 2015 as I see in the Cunarder magazine that an additional cruise to the Caribbean is being scheduled then. Disappointing as we are on the 2016 World Cruise and had hoped for a refurbished ship. Anyone know the latest on the timing of the QM2 refit ?

 

Will

I too have just disembarked from lecturing on Astronomy on board. Had a great time and both the lectures and Solar observing on deck 12 went well. Guests were also fascinated to hold a piece of planet Mars in their hands!

Hi,

 

Thanks for this report. I am booked on the QM2's crossing that departs from Southampton on Nov. 12, 2014. I have sailed aboard the QM2 three times in the past (2004, 2006 and 2009), but not recently. This is the first time that I have booked a sheltered balcony stateroom (hopefully, a sheltered balcony will be more usable than a standard balcony for a November crossing). I am looking forward to afternoon tea in the beautiful Queens Room and dinner in the impressive Britannia Restaurant.

 

Chuck

... I asked about the Cruise Critic log book in the library. There new staff and the book was apparently packed away in some boxes since they didn't think it important. Supposedly it was to be retrieved but I must confess I forgot to go back and ask.

 

The Grand Lobby was closed off for the crossing home. Scaffolding had been erected to repair the ceiling in the area of the former glass ceiling. The scaffolding extended out an atrium cabin window across to the other side so I must presume none of those cabins were occupied except for maybe the workmen. ...

Happy to report that the Cruise Critic log book is again available. I scanned it so I'll be able to regenerate it if it ever vanishes for good. I'll be uploading my scanned copy, with home addresses unreadable, to my photobucket album for this cruise in the next week or so.

 

Here is a photo of the Grand Lobby taken through the Kings Court glass floor in June, 2004.

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Happy to report that the Cruise Critic log book is again available. I scanned it so I'll be able to regenerate it if it ever vanishes for good. I'll be uploading my scanned copy, with home addresses unreadable, to my photobucket album for this cruise in the next week or so.

 

Here is a photo of the Grand Lobby taken through the Kings Court glass floor in June, 2004.

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Wow! Thanks for the photos. That glass floor...I got dizzy just looking at it! What was it like when the ship was in high seas:eek::confused:

How does a glass floor work for ladies wearing short dresses? :)

Linda, thanks for taking the time for a great report. I have no problem with the very familiar sink holes....they just seem to get deeper with each trip. I also don't mind other imperfections because usually everything is not perfect but I would have been disappointed with the scaffolding. One year they were replacing the carpet in front of the casino bar and it looked like a construction site. On the other hand...it's understandable...it has to be done.

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip. :)

 

 

Seacruise9......we are going to be on your sailing also. We usually have a sheltered balcony and yes, they are very usable on crossings.

Edited September 17, 2014 by brigittetom

How does a glass floor work for ladies wearing short dresses? :)

 

 

...or men wearing kilts?

Maybe they realized a glass floor wasn't such a good idea after all. :D

Maybe they realized a glass floor wasn't such a good idea after all. :D

 

What where they thinking in the first place?

 

But I'm more curious about the sink holes. Clearly, the problem isn't with the carpeting or the padding, it's with the flooring itself. :confused:

It's definitely the floor....the worst being by the cashier in the casino. I'm truly surprised that women haven't had problems twisting ankles in high heels. I've never heard anyone comment on it on board, although I have seen some very surprised faces. :)

It's definitely the floor....the worst being by the cashier in the casino. I'm truly surprised that women haven't had problems twisting ankles in high heels. I've never heard anyone comment on it on board, although I have seen some very surprised faces. :)

 

Brigitte, if I remember correctly, there were comments made few years ago before the last refit. You know the large table in the Grand Lobby with the beautiful flower display? There was a major hole there by the electrical outlet in the floor, and last October I noticed it was there again when the heel of my shoe got stuck. But I didn't twist my ankle, and thankfully, I didn't light up like a Christmas tree :eek::D

I commented on the sink holes on here after our crossings in June. They were also in the corridors on deck 4.

I too sailed on the 19 days voyage and had a great time. However, the ship is definitely in need of work. I noticed the sink holes on deck 8 as well as deck 2. It really did not cause a problem for me in my high heeled shoes. I could imagine it being an issue for some in the same on rough seas. Deck 5 on the odd numbered side had a problem throughout the voyage. We had leaks over our entry door as did many others along the hallway. Noisy fans kept on throughout the day and night were placed in various locations to dry out the already stained carpet. There was an unpleasant odor. There is talk of King's Court restructure but not being an architect I cannot imagine how they will make the change , but will be happy to see it done. I only use it for morning coffee, rarely ever eating there. All in all, I love this ship. I will never hesitate to sail on this "grand" ocean liner again.

When we were on QM2 this April/May, the Grand Lobby was blocked off for much of the voyage as they had a scaffolding platform up(suspended from the ceiling) to carry out repairs. There appeared to be a water leak. It sounds as though the same problem continues.

 

Will

Yes....we did have this exact conversation a few years ago. There was also a small deeper sinkhole by the elevator in front of the dining room. It caught me off guard and that's when I started thinking about the high heels.

 

We had the leaks, buckets, and fans on deck 5 a few years ago as well....and always the little rust areas on the balcony. They kept leaving us notes to tell us when they would be painting. I truly don't mind those issues.....it's on going maintenance. The only thing I have a problem with is disgruntled staff and that's only happened on one trip......when they transferred the A team to the new QE and the ones left just didn't have it together. I thought that was going to be our last trip on the QM2 but luckily we booked again. :)

I'm looking forward to seeing this glass floor!

 

It reminds me of the glass lifts on Princess ships. It always amused me that people stood with their backs to the glass. I always wanted to say: 'Does my bottom look big in this glass elevator?'

I'm looking forward to seeing this glass floor!

 

It reminds me of the glass lifts on Princess ships. It always amused me that people stood with their backs to the glass. I always wanted to say: 'Does my bottom look big in this glass elevator?'

 

The glass floor is no more. I'm not sure which year it was done away with.

The glass floor is no more. I'm not sure which year it was done away with.

Hi Ray66,

 

Late 2005 I think, decked over, there are now more seats and tables in the Kings Court. I was certainly gone by September '06. Pity, I'd would have liked to have seen it.

 

Best wishes,

... It reminds me of the glass lifts on Princess ships. It always amused me that people stood with their backs to the glass ...

Hi fantasy51,

 

It has amazed me that, almost every time I've been on board QM2, I run into people who didn't know about/hadn't found the two outside "scenic" lifts that run from Deck 7 to Deck 11. I find them very useful. The two glass lifts in the Grand Lobby are obvious of course, the outside pair less so, it would seem. Of course, on several decks the dors to the outside lifts are rather tucked away, and you'd have to know where they are. But the lifts themselves are easy to see whilst walking the promenade.

 

All good wishes,

Edited September 17, 2014 by pepperrn