Live From QE June 5th Baltic Voyage

After a rather cold and soggy weekend watching the Jubilee celebrations (could not have been wetter even if we were IN the Thames), we headed down to Southampton via Stonehenge (a very soggy Stonehenge). We arrived at the dock at 1:30, no queues at all, and went straight to our cabin. There was ONLY ONE bottle of PA, but that was quickly rectified by our mortified cabin steward finding another one and muttering something about strange people who drink that stuff.

Lunch at the lido was followed by unpacking. Plenty of space for the loads of stuff we brought with us thankfully. One bottle of PA latter we did the emergency drill. We were told that we would not stray from our muster stations to go on deck because it was too cold and windy. I bet that’s what they said on the Titanic too.

My Mum had called to tell us they did the fly past in London, so we bundled up to go and watch the Red Arrows, only to find out it was cancelled. Awfully disappointing, but I suppose it was the safest thing to do.

We had a leisurely dinner, but were a bit concerned because our waitress is from Latvia and kept on telling us that she was soooooo excited to be seeing her home port on this trip. My itinerary doesn’t include Latvia, but we didn’t want to discuss this with her and disappoint her just yet.

After dinner we bundled up again and went on deck to watch the fireworks. It was warmer than New York in January 2011, but due to the low cloud and fog it looked like a bizarre form of the Northern Lights rather than fireworks. Still the music was very moving, and we had a great view of QM2 so it was all very splendid. Then music blaring and whistles blowing QM2 and QV sailed past us, and off into the night. It was an amazing sight!

We retreated to the Commodore Club to watch the ships until they eventually sailed out of sight. The only issue was there was no chocolate swirl in my Milky Way Martini. I sincerely hope this will be rectified tonight.

There has been no rain today, even a little bit of sun, and our kids have enjoyed sitting out on their balcony. We went to the morning talk by Robert Jobson on the Queen and the Commonwealth. He had some lovely photos of HRH. Lunch was in the Golden Lion where the menu is now in a folder rather than on the little blackboards, which is a shame. At first I couldn’t see A Ploughman’s Lunch and terror was beginning to set in when the waiter pointed out to me that they have a new name for it. I’m not sure what’s wrong about naming it a Ploughman’s, but there’s a warning for you if you also think it has disappeared off the menu. We went to the Commodore Club just after two to see if there were any other CC members there but failed to find any alas. I was hoping to find Brie and sneak a peek at her Q1 suite. Instead of exploring a Q1 I went off to do laundry. Our damp stuff had begun to get quite nasty, so this had become an emergency. Luckily no one was there so I was able to snag both washing machines. A word of warning to those on Deck 8 in future – there are only 2 washers and dryers in the launderette.

Tonight is the Jubilee Ball – I’m very excited. There is also a Jumping Jubilee Sing-along in the pub tonight and Big British Hits night in the Yacht Club later. It should be a wonderful evening! Wow, this is way too long, but it is absolutely wonderful to be on board for this trip!!!:):):)

After a rather cold and soggy weekend watching the Jubilee celebrations (could not have been wetter even if we were IN the Thames), we headed down to Southampton via Stonehenge (a very soggy Stonehenge). We arrived at the dock at 1:30, no queues at all, and went straight to our cabin. There was ONLY ONE bottle of PA, but that was quickly rectified by our mortified cabin steward finding another one and muttering something about strange people who drink that stuff. Lunch at the lido was followed by unpacking. Plenty of space for the loads of stuff we brought with us thankfully. One bottle of PA latter we did the emergency drill. We were told that we would not stray from our muster stations to go on deck because it was too cold and windy. I bet that’s what they said on the Titanic too. My Mum had called to tell us they did the fly past in London, so we bundled up to go and watch the Red Arrows, only to find out it was cancelled. Awfully disappointing, but I suppose it was the safest thing to do. We had a leisurely dinner, but were a bit concerned because our waitress is from Latvia and kept on telling us that she was soooooo excited to be seeing her home port on this trip. My itinerary doesn’t include Latvia, but we didn’t want to discuss this with her and disappoint her just yet. After dinner we bundled up again and went on deck to watch the fireworks. It was warmer than New York in January 2011, but due to the low cloud and fog it looked like a bizarre form of the Northern Lights rather than fireworks. Still the music was very moving, and we had a great view of QM2 so it was all very splendid. Then music blaring and whistles blowing QM2 and QV sailed past us, and off into the night. It was an amazing sight! We retreated to the Commodore Club to watch the ships until they eventually sailed out of sight. The only issue was there was no chocolate swirl in my Milky Way Martini. I sincerely hope this will be rectified tonight. There has been no rain today, even a little bit of sun, and our kids have enjoyed sitting out on their balcony. We went to the morning talk by Robert Jobson on the Queen and the Commonwealth. He had some lovely photos of HRH. Lunch was in the Golden Lion where the menu is now in a folder rather than on the little blackboards, which is a shame. At first I couldn’t see A Ploughman’s Lunch and terror was beginning to set in when the waiter pointed out to me that they have a new name for it. I’m not sure what’s wrong about naming it a Ploughman’s, but there’s a warning for you if you also think it has disappeared off the menu. We went to the Commodore Club just after two to see if there were any other CC members there but failed to find any alas. I was hoping to find Brie and sneak a peek at her Q1 suite. Instead of exploring a Q1 I went off to do laundry. Our damp stuff had begun to get quite nasty, so this had become an emergency. Luckily no one was there so I was able to snag both washing machines. A word of warning to those on Deck 8 in future – there are only 2 washers and dryers in the launderette. Tonight is the Jubilee Ball – I’m very excited. There is also a Jumping Jubilee Sing-along in the pub tonight and Big British Hits night in the Yacht Club later. It should be a wonderful evening! Wow, this is way too long, but it is absolutely wonderful to be on board for this trip!!!:):):)

Safarigal,

A simply splendid "post from the ship", thank you. Great to read. Full of detail and information. Sorry about the rain!

(I was once in Amsterdam in a storm when I would have drier had I swam around the canals...)

They had the folder menus in the Golden Lion on QM2 on my cruise last October I think, indeed they may have had them on the QM2 transatlantic in May as well, I am trying to remember, my memory!

Please look after the QE :) , see you and the ship soon!

Thanks again for posting :)

Wow Safarigal, thanks for posting, sounds like you are having a great time apart from the weather that is. Hope it's improved for you somewhat. I'm very envious of you been on board for the Jubilee celebrations, it looked and sounded fantastic. Enjoy, enjoy, and hopefully see you soon.

Dinner tonight was great – in keeping with the Jubilee theme the Commodore stopped by the restaurant, gave a speech about HRH and her connections to Cunard, and we all drank a champagne toast (well PA) to the Queen. There was a special Jubilee Ball, but we were late finishing dinner so headed straight to the pub for a wonderful sing-along, ending with the national anthem. Lots of Pomp and Circumstance. I know this is all probably a tacky sales thing, but we are really enjoying it! A lot of people are getting off the ship in Hamburg tomorrow – the corridors are a nightmare of suitcases leaping out to get you as you swagger to your cabin!

Leslie, I loved reading every word of your report from the QE! Thanks so much for taking the time to share everything. Have a fabulous voyage and I look forward to more reports if you have time to share.

many thanks for taking the time to post.i do hope you enjoy every second of this wonderfull very special cruise.keep on posting if you can.

Thanks for the kind wishes all - and I am looking forward to sailing with some of you soon! QE is in great shape, I may never want to get off:)

It was pouring when we arrived in Hamburg, but the weather cleared up and although it was cold and overcast we had a great day. The last time I went to Germany I got arrested going through immigration, but luckily things went smoothly this time. We spent a lot of time in Hamburg tracking down the Beatles’ history there, and ended our day at the Beatlemania Museum which was great fun, but alas will be closing at the end of the month. Although we did not get quite the send off that the QM2 tends to get, there were loads of people lining the Elbe and waving furiously at us as we glided down the river sounding our whistle, much to the crowds delight. Dinner was excellent again, all meals so far have been up to the usual standard. Our waiter used to work in the Coronia Dining room on QE2, and can already anticipate our every need, much to the children’s delight! My Milky Way Martini had the required chocolate swirl so I ended the evening on a happy note.

Today we have a sea day. It is raining, with gale force winds, but that’s what the Commodore Club is made for. Everyone is indoors, but the ship still doesn’t feel at all crowded, and I was able to find my favourite seat near an outlet in the Commodore Club. Disaster struck as my curling iron blew up this morning. They do not sell them on board, and the beauty salon was not very sympathetic, telling me that I can come by every evening and they will fix my hair at a price. It looks like I have a formal night with a ponytail ahead of me tonight, and tomorrow night too. Maybe we can find a new one in Tallin the day after tomorrow, but I doubt we can find a US/UK compatible one. Not to worry, straight straggly hair and all, I am having a great time!

Thanks for the kind wishes all - and I am looking forward to sailing with some of you soon! QE is in great shape, I may never want to get off:)

... The last time I went to Germany I got arrested going through immigration...

... Dinner was excellent again, all meals so far have been up to the usual standard... My Milky Way Martini had the required chocolate swirl so I ended the evening on a happy note. Disaster struck as my curling iron blew up this morning... I am having a great time!

Disaster struck as my curling iron blew up this morning. They do not sell them on board, and the beauty salon was not very sympathetic, telling me that I can come by every evening and they will fix my hair at a price

Will they not lend you a pair for a little while? I'd often wondered about that, having had two pairs of straighteners explode in the past, and assumed (hoped) I'd be able to borrow some from the salon for a brief period if disaster struck.

Enoying your reports, and have a good cruise.

Mary:)

(no hair)

Wot, none at all? Not even a little strand?:eek:

:D:D

Sir Martin

Wot, none at all? Not even a little strand?:eek: :D:D Sir Martin

There's more hair on a billiard ball...

Of course, if I had a small fur coat... I could use it as a wig...

On my way to Norfolk with clippers & shears... :eek::eek::eek:

Of course, if I had a small fur coat... I could use it as a wig...

On my way to Norfolk with clippers & shears... :eek::eek::eek:

Splendid idea, recycling being the way forward and all that. You could use the tail as a handy, if rather feeble and motheaten, little scarf.

Mary

Thanks for the reports, shame about your tongs. A pony tail is perfect, don't worry about it. Tallinn will probably have a European one which will operate at 220 volts. I think there is a Euro socket in the cabin and if not speak to the Reception and they or the Electricians will lend you one.

Enjoying the report and SO pleased the Milky Way martinis are back to standard. I fell in love with them on our TA. :)

I was hoping to find Brie and sneak a peek at her Q1 suite.

I am so sorry I missed you! I didn't know how to get in touch and by the time my sister and I had finished our first QG lunch I thought you would have gone from the Commodore lounge and I should have asked how to get a message to you

What an amazing trip I LOVED 99.9% of it and if you took out the 0.1% it would have been beyond wonderful!!

The weather was certainly a pain in the "!%* but it did not dampen our spirits. We had stayed the night in Soton to get up and see the Queens sail in. There were a little early and we could hear the horns as we were making our way to Mayflower Park. We were there about 05.40 but they were already in. How magnificent they were!! We just stood in awe as we could see the balcony of the stateroom from there and the ground vibrated with the horns. The banner on QM2 with "Congratulations Ma'am" was a glorious touch.

By the time we were ready to leave to check in for 12 noon it was pouring down. There had been an accident and we finally were checked in about 1 o'clock. The lady at the check-in was excellent and we were anticipating the similar service all the way through. We were handed a postcard sized card with Rostron Suite on it in letters that were certainly large enough to read from 5 or 6 feet away. She said we would be met immediately we stepped onboard...

Not quite...in fact it was only when I spoke to a steward who was guiding people to the lifts and asked him if this was the way to 7150 that they realised that someone should be escorting us to the room!

Up we went and WOWOW - oh how I wish you could have come and seen it. It was HUGE - I mean it was almost as big as the downstairs of my house (and a lot tidier!!). What? Is this Pol Acker about which I have heard so much???? In the ice bucket??? With the gorgeous chocolates??? No - a bottle of perfectly chilled Veuve Clicquot. (The PA was on the shelf in the bar area - I didn't get to try it...I gave it to a lovely guy from NZ who was in an inside room just round the corner from our suite. He came in for the 'tour' - we were desperate to share the splendour.)

We stood on the deck in the rain and waved at people in Mayflower Park but they were getting fewer and fewer and by then we were beginning to realise the Red Arrows display was looking less likely.

And then we met the butler...we chose our pillows, he showed us around and just before departing he thrust the red alcohol request card at us. Working on the fantastic advice from my CC friends I opted for a bottle of Jamesons Whiskey rather than the listed stuff. No problem there and my sister decided on Baileys as she couldn't think of anything else in his haste to leave.

Lunch in Queens Grill was sublime. We had a fabulous table (15) right next to the window. Apart from the service being exceptional from Angela, Joseph the sommelier and one adorable waiter whose name escapes me, we were greeted and welcomed by the maître d' who made us feel very special every time we walked in. Nothing - NOTHING - was too much for them and yes, had we wanted it, we could have had anything and everything on the menu.

(I'll post separately about the meals - with pictures - later)

We returned to our stateroom after a stroll and being cold and damp called Claudio to order some tea and cake. "No cake on the day of sailing. I will bring you some biscuits." Somewhat taken aback but remembering a post where someone mentioned asking for biscuits and a plate with freshly baked cookies arrived, we sat on our sofa and awaited the aroma - NOT!!!

Enter aforementioned Claudio arrives with the pot of tea and a plate of 6 McVitie's Digestive biscuits!!!!!!!!!!!!! Er?? Is that what being in Q1 gets you???? Am I expecting just a little too much??? We were stunned and then he muttered something about there being a new room service manager and this was all there was and turned and left!!!

OK - let's leave this 0.1% until a little later....

Hey - wasn't the evening fabulous!! What a pity about the Red Arrows

but to have the pilots on board was very special.

Dinner....food sublime....wine...we shall come to that...

We watched the fireworks from up on deck and yes, red Northern Lights would be a good description but they did seem to get better towards the end. We sang 'Rule Britannia 'and 'I Vow to Thee My Country" with such gusto. I was worried for the little boats as the QM2 set forth and they had to pull out of the way! The magnificent sight of the QM2 with the light beams shining up into the low cloud and the QV behind was so emotional.

We when to our balcony so we could see the little boats following us - I am sure some of them were a bit overwhelmed by our wash!!! And out towards the sea.

Ordered hot chocolate. No Claudio. Another steward. Two cups, one tiny vacuum flask with - luke warm chocolate....

Ok...so the service hasn't got off to a very impressive start....time for a final stroll, hot bath and bed - which was very comfy indeed.

Have any of you well-seasoned mega-experienced Cunarders had Claudio from Chile? I would be interested to know your feelings because he was the 0.1% disappointment

If anyone wants to hear more, I shall continue but it was a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL experience and we are saving already

I was hoping to find Brie and sneak a peek at her Q1 suite.

I am so sorry I missed you! I didn't know how to get in touch and by the time my sister and I had finished our first QG lunch I thought you would have gone from the Commodore lounge and I should have asked how to get a message to you

What an amazing trip I LOVED 99.9% of it and if you took out the 0.1% it would have been beyond wonderful!!

The weather was certainly a pain in the "!%* but it did not dampen our spirits. We had stayed the night in Soton to get up and see the Queens sail in. There were a little early and we could hear the horns as we were making our way to Mayflower Park. We were there about 05.40 but they were already in. How magnificent they were!! We just stood in awe as we could see the balcony of the stateroom from there and the ground vibrated with the horns. The banner on QM2 with "Congratulations Ma'am" was a glorious touch.

By the time we were ready to leave to check in for 12 noon it was pouring down. There had been an accident and we finally were checked in about 1 o'clock. The lady at the check-in was excellent and we were anticipating the similar service all the way through. We were handed a postcard sized card with Rostron Suite on it in letters that were certainly large enough to read from 5 or 6 feet away. She said we would be met immediately we stepped onboard...

Not quite...in fact it was only when I spoke to a steward who was guiding people to the lifts and asked him if this was the way to 7150 that they realised that someone should be escorting us to the room!

Up we went and WOWOW - oh how I wish you could have come and seen it. It was HUGE - I mean it was almost as big as the downstairs of my house (and a lot tidier!!). What? Is this Pol Acker about which I have heard so much???? In the ice bucket??? With the gorgeous chocolates??? No - a bottle of perfectly chilled Veuve Clicquot. (The PA was on the shelf in the bar area - I didn't get to try it...I gave it to a lovely guy from NZ who was in an inside room just round the corner from our suite. He came in for the 'tour' - we were desperate to share the splendour.)

We stood on the deck in the rain and waved at people in Mayflower Park but they were getting fewer and fewer and by then we were beginning to realise the Red Arrows display was looking less likely.

And then we met the butler...we chose our pillows, he showed us around and just before departing he thrust the red alcohol request card at us. Working on the fantastic advice from my CC friends I opted for a bottle of Jamesons Whiskey rather than the listed stuff. No problem there and my sister decided on Baileys as she couldn't think of anything else in his haste to leave.

Lunch in Queens Grill was sublime. We had a fabulous table (15) right next to the window. Apart from the service being exceptional from Angela, Joseph the sommelier and one adorable waiter whose name escapes me, we were greeted and welcomed by the maître d' who made us feel very special every time we walked in. Nothing - NOTHING - was too much for them and yes, had we wanted it, we could have had anything and everything on the menu.

(I'll post separately about the meals - with pictures - later)

We returned to our stateroom after a stroll and being cold and damp called Claudio to order some tea and cake. "No cake on the day of sailing. I will bring you some biscuits." Somewhat taken aback but remembering a post where someone mentioned asking for biscuits and a plate with freshly baked cookies arrived, we sat on our sofa and awaited the aroma - NOT!!!

Enter aforementioned Claudio arrives with the pot of tea and a plate of 6 McVitie's Digestive biscuits!!!!!!!!!!!!! Er?? Is that what being in Q1 gets you???? Am I expecting just a little too much??? We were stunned and then he muttered something about there being a new room service manager and this was all there was and turned and left!!!

OK - let's leave this 0.1% until a little later....

Hey - wasn't the evening fabulous!! What a pity about the Red Arrows

but to have the pilots on board was very special.

Dinner....food sublime....wine...we shall come to that...

We watched the fireworks from up on deck and yes, red Northern Lights would be a good description but they did seem to get better towards the end. We sang 'Rule Britannia 'and 'I Vow to Thee My Country" with such gusto. I was worried for the little boats as the QM2 set forth and they had to pull out of the way! The magnificent sight of the QM2 with the light beams shining up into the low cloud and the QV behind was so emotional.

We when to our balcony so we could see the little boats following us - I am sure some of them were a bit overwhelmed by our wash!!! And out towards the sea.

Ordered hot chocolate. No Claudio. Another steward. Two cups, one tiny vacuum flask with - luke warm chocolate....

Ok...so the service hasn't got off to a very impressive start....time for a final stroll, hot bath and bed - which was very comfy indeed.

Have any of you well-seasoned mega-experienced Cunarders had Claudio from Chile? I would be interested to know your feelings because he was the 0.1% disappointment

If anyone wants to hear more, I shall continue but it was a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL experience and we are saving already

Er...not sure how that happened...please ignore second post!

If anyone wants to hear more, I shall continue but it was a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL experience and we are saving already

Of course, we want more!!!

Just catching up on this thread now. Lot's of fun. thanks for posting!!

Rob

And the saga continues....

Up early next morning. Out on the balcony for a stroll - needed all the exercise I could get - my gross tonnage was already increasing!!! The life belt that fit so well Tuesday afternoon was going to need an extension soon!

The weather wasimproving and as we were passing Dover I call my brother who lives in St Margaret's Bay but it is foggy there and he can't see us though he did make the trip to Southampton to see us off.

Oh the bath...oooooooooh....the bath...the jacuzzi bath....just remember NOT to put in too much bubble bath!! I lay back and closed my eyes to luxuriate and opened them to have a 'white out'!!! I was almost under a huge cloud of bubbles!!!!!!

To breakfast....red seasonal berries...French toast with fresh strawberries and maple syrup and then eggs benedict...another increase in gross tonnage

Has anyone ever exploded on a world cruise? We had only been aboard less than 24 hours and we were already going to skip lunch! We passed through the games area and the Commodore Lounge...I bet some of you were there. Why didn't you have badges or a banner? I just feel so sad that the invite to see our Q1 didn't happen...:(

Lin and I went out to see the world. We went to the lower levels to see the Jubilee cake and the ballroom and the library and the glorious Grand Staircase. I loved the library - glad to see Harry Potter is cruising. What a beautiful ship. Justice of her elegance is not served in the photographs. Was very tempted to buy a signed Prince Charles but temptation was resisted (not so easily defeated when it comes to the QG food though!!) having had coffee on the Queen's Terrace we decided to go to our deck to sit in the sun

We had a funny experience in the lift. We were going up to Level 7 and a gentleman and his wife were desperately trying to get their cards to work in the slot that gives you access to the QG restaurant. They both bombasted with the fact that they 'had worked yesterday afternoon'. Lin asked them if they would like her to test to see if it was working by using hers. By now the lift had gone back to 4

"Are you going up to 11?" barked the man.

"Yes, I can but we are getting off on 7"

"Are you on that level?"

"Yes, we are. At the back"

"At the back? Near those big cabins?"

"Yes - we are in the very big one at the end"

At which point neither of them said anything else until we stopped at the 7th and he said: "Come on dear, we will walk!" and they left!! how bizarre!!!:D

By now the sun was in full glory and the sun loungers had dried. the room had been made up and I am sure there must be a 'towel spy' in house keeping as it seems that every time you use a towel a new one miraculously appears! We decided to call Claudio to ask for some strawberries and raspberries as we are going to crack open our bottle of Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque - the flowers match the art nouveau decor and so we treated ourselves.

His response to this simple request was: "Well, I will check with the kitchen and see if it possible"

Hey, why not get us another plate of Digestives while you are at it - especially the one with the piece broken off!?

20 minutes later (Is this period of time de rigueur for butler service?) a different steward arrives with the berries. I move the ice bucket to the deck and we set ourselves up in the luxury.

More time passes and we are well oiled by now but want the afternoon tea later. Lin contacts Claudio to get the details. No signa ofa the Claudio froma Chile. OK, so we will have tea set up on the deck. About 3.30 stewardess Emma arrives with a tray with finger sandwiches and 4 small cakes and two scones along with whipped cream (I see what you mean about the demise of clotted but that's for another thread LOL!). Is there a choice of tea or is it always Breakfast on the QE? Being first-timers and not knowing, should not our friendly butler have told us?

As you can probably see we are not very impressed with the butler service.This is the 0.1%. I suppose I should alter that to a higher percentage if I am to believe the bumf put out by Cunard about the QG butler service.

The caviar and the fois gras did arrive but as it was just left on the table in the lounge with eveything covered in cling film apart from the caviar which was at least, in its silver dish. It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed myself - all the more so because my sister doesn't like it.

Found the iPad on the table later. Er? Yes - it is to read the newspaper. Hmmm... methinks it should perhaps have been given to us the afternoon before...

Am I missing something here? is it that the service starts off slowly, crappily and by the time a world cruise is complete you get what you pay for. I know that our butler was not solely for 7150 and that we were only on board for two nights but given that we have paid the top whack for this, surely we should have had better than "maybe", "I'll see", "Change of staff" etc.

When Past President Bush was in the equivalent suite on QM2 would he have been given a plate of Digestives?

And to finish this part of the tale a question - Did we see anything of Claudio again? Did he come and see us before we left? Did he pop in to say 'Goodbye'?

Answers on a postcard ( preferrably one from the stationery folder which did not contain 'personalised stationery' - whatever that is supposed to be because my name at the top seems to have been spelt wrongly - it was spelt C...U...N...A...R...D...:rolleyes:). Answers are multiple choice a)no b)no and c) no

But that evening was SPECTACULAR!!

More tomorrow:D

Excellent posts. Can't wait for more. Cunard so let themselves down with butlers like that. We had a Q4 back in January and our butler was very average but for what you paid they really need to pull their socks up.

Loved your posts, I am sorry to read of your troubles with the butler, certainly not the service you would expect given the price you paid.

I hope no one writes to say "you must have treated him badly, my butler has always been wonderful etc etc" The truth of course is the staff varies from cruise to cruise and this time you got the "dregs".

Thank goodness you were spared the Pol Acker, it is only fit to clean the ktchen drain. As for the cream, well I had better not say my thoughts on that, except that I do find it vey odd that there are still people who claim that whipped "out of a can" muck is clotted cream!

Thank you for your great sense of humour.

Lynn

Having been to Cornwall and Devon more times than I can remember I can only say what we had in the Queens Room on the QE last year was clotted cream. It was yellow with a crust on top.

The photo below is what we had in the Queen's Room on the QE last month but I'm not 100% sure this time.

For comparison:

http://www.cornwalls.co.uk/food/cornish_cream_tea.htm

Good afternoon fellow cruisers - it makes me feel good that I am now 'officially' a Cunard Cruiser and start a little list under my tag

And so to the evening.

And what a delight it was! I am curious to know if, as it was a special event - if all passengers had the same delicious choices as we had in QG. Like the other dining rooms, Christopher Rynd came to join us and it was a pleasure to meet such a charming man. Champagne (well, I'm assuming it was champagne as we were told it was and no one seemed to gasp for oxygen, turn puce and none of the table cloths disappeared in a cloud of acidic smoke which I would imagine would be the result of an attack of Pol Yucker!!) was passed around and the toast was - the Queen!

Only one gentleman was dressed in grey, cobalt blue shirt and red patterned tie - but I have been suitably admonished elsewhere and informed that that sartorial standard meets the Cunard formal dress code...I loved looking around and seeing black tie everywhere. We all looked so glam - definitely part of the superb evening.

My sister and I lingered long over dinner. I haven't danced since May Ball at University so we decided that as we were satiated from the great food and rather intoxicated from imbibing - and the need to block the corridor with our cases - ;) we set off to our stateroom.

Aaahaaa - the enigmatic Claudio had been in - my statement was on the bed!!!

Er....where were the "Special Sweet Dreams Turndown Surprise on Formal Nights"?? Ok - the surprise is - they are the same as every other night!!!! Surrrr-priiise! Two little chocolates with my personalised signature - C-U-N-A-R-D!! Yay!!

So, let me tell you about the wine....along with the P-J champagne I had two rather tasty Pouilly Fuisse with me. We both like this and so at lunch on the first day we asked Joseph (sommelier) what should we do. He said 'speak to your butler (Ha!!!) and get him to bring them to me.'

After lunch we went back to the stateroom and called Claudio. He was 'on his break' so he said he would send someone along and to give the bottles to them...Don't you just love having a butler?:rolleyes:

Dinner...wine...'Hello Joseph. We did what you said so we would like the P-F'

If you want to see a sommelier turn Curnard napkin white ask him for a bottle of your good wine which has - disappeared!!!!:eek:

He said he would sort it out immediately - which he did. He called Claudio and finally the wine appeared. Of course Joseph was mortified by the whole experience; he was so apologetic. He tried to chill it as quickly as he could and after filling our glasses he would rush back and pop it in the ice-water bucket and so, progressively, it became the right temperature!! Poor man. I am glad to say he retrieved both bottles and the celebration dinner was not ruined by the lack of wine.

Corkage charge for only one bottle:)

hmmm...just a final thought on the digestive biscuits....Grills 24 Hour Room Service offered these desserts...why didn't he suggest that....

Baked Lemon Tart with Citrus Compote & Raspberry Coulis

Double Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Flakes & Vanilla Swirl

New York Cheescake, Wild Berry Compote

Gorgonzola, Brie & Cheddar Cheese Platter

Is 24 hour room service not available on the first night?

Are there any Q1-ers out there? If there are - did your iPad disappear the night before you left? Did your fruit bowl have the same fruit for 48 hours? Did your personalised folder disappear the day before leaving and the TV guide (not that we watched TV..but...). Did your beds get made up for the next inhabitants while you were eating breakfast on the last morning?

I'm just curious.

Oh dear - you must all think me churlish and a misery and nothing but critical. No - I am not but for what we paid we would like to have had what it says in the brochure..."Plus a host of delightful flourishes to enhance the sublime sense of style."

Perhaps my expectations were too high but there again - surely we should have had a little better service from the much vaunted butler but given that Claudio was not the shiniest diamond this Jubilee trip, his charm was not what I paid for - it was service and it has left a little feeling of disappointment but overall he was the little dot on a big sheet of white paper. It is out of all proportion to the white paper around it and that huge space is what we shall remember, sooooooooo....here we go...

I really want to say we had a FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE and EXCEPTIONAL trip. I really wish you could have seen the stateroom - it was sublime; the fascinating people we met; to sit outside on that second day, in the glorious sunshine watching the wake disappear to the horizon, sipping fabulous champagne with strawberries and raspberries; to savour the caviar which we would dearly have loved to share with you in a little soiree; to participate in the wonderful Jubilee celebrations; to be part of the magnificent cavalcade of liners sailing down Southampton Water; to experience service high above the norm from the excellent staff in QG; to be stuffed with great food to cause the ship to lift at least a foot out of the water after we had disembarked and the most fantastic bubble-bath experience ever :o - those are the truly WONDERFUL memories my sister and I will take with us.

Will we try Cunard again - yes. I want the experience of crossing the Atlantic on the QM2 and entering or leaving New York. Maybe in the duplex...if so, come and join us!

Good afternoon fellow cruisers - it makes me feel good that I am now 'officially' a Cunard Cruiser and start a little list under my tag

 

And so to the evening.

 

And what a delight it was! I am curious to know if, as it was a special event - if all passengers had the same delicious choices as we had in QG. Like the other dining rooms, Christopher Rynd came to join us and it was a pleasure to meet such a charming man. Champagne (well, I'm assuming it was champagne as we were told it was and no one seemed to gasp for oxygen, turn puce and none of the table cloths disappeared in a cloud of acidic smoke which I would imagine would be the result of an attack of Pol Yucker!!) was passed around and the toast was - the Queen!

 

Only one gentleman was dressed in grey, cobalt blue shirt and red patterned tie - but I have been suitably admonished elsewhere and informed that that sartorial standard meets the Cunard formal dress code...I loved looking around and seeing black tie everywhere. We all looked so glam - definitely part of the superb evening.

 

My sister and I lingered long over dinner. I haven't danced since May Ball at University so we decided that as we were satiated from the great food and rather intoxicated from imbibing - and the need to block the corridor with our cases - ;) we set off to our stateroom.

 

Aaahaaa - the enigmatic Claudio had been in - my statement was on the bed!!!

 

Er....where were the "Special Sweet Dreams Turndown Surprise on Formal Nights"?? Ok - the surprise is - they are the same as every other night!!!! Surrrr-priiise! Two little chocolates with my personalised signature - C-U-N-A-R-D!! Yay!!

 

So, let me tell you about the wine....along with the P-J champagne I had two rather tasty Pouilly Fuisse with me. We both like this and so at lunch on the first day we asked Joseph (sommelier) what should we do. He said 'speak to your butler (Ha!!!) and get him to bring them to me.'

 

After lunch we went back to the stateroom and called Claudio. He was 'on his break' so he said he would send someone along and to give the bottles to them...Don't you just love having a butler?:rolleyes:

 

Dinner...wine...'Hello Joseph. We did what you said so we would like the P-F'

 

If you want to see a sommelier turn Curnard napkin white ask him for a bottle of your good wine which has - disappeared!!!!:eek:

 

He said he would sort it out immediately - which he did. He called Claudio and finally the wine appeared. Of course Joseph was mortified by the whole experience; he was so apologetic. He tried to chill it as quickly as he could and after filling our glasses he would rush back and pop it in the ice-water bucket and so, progressively, it became the right temperature!! Poor man. I am glad to say he retrieved both bottles and the celebration dinner was not ruined by the lack of wine.

 

Corkage charge for only one bottle:)

 

hmmm...just a final thought on the digestive biscuits....Grills 24 Hour Room Service offered these desserts...why didn't he suggest that....

Baked Lemon Tart with Citrus Compote & Raspberry Coulis

Double Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Flakes & Vanilla Swirl

New York Cheescake, Wild Berry Compote

Gorgonzola, Brie & Cheddar Cheese Platter

 

Is 24 hour room service not available on the first night?

 

Are there any Q1-ers out there? If there are - did your iPad disappear the night before you left? Did your fruit bowl have the same fruit for 48 hours? Did your personalised folder disappear the day before leaving and the TV guide (not that we watched TV..but...). Did your beds get made up for the next inhabitants while you were eating breakfast on the last morning?

 

I'm just curious.

 

Oh dear - you must all think me churlish and a misery and nothing but critical. No - I am not but for what we paid we would like to have had what it says in the brochure..."Plus a host of delightful flourishes to enhance the sublime sense of style."

 

Perhaps my expectations were too high but there again - surely we should have had a little better service from the much vaunted butler but given that Claudio was not the shiniest diamond this Jubilee trip, his charm was not what I paid for - it was service and it has left a little feeling of disappointment but overall he was the little dot on a big sheet of white paper. It is out of all proportion to the white paper around it and that huge space is what we shall remember, sooooooooo....here we go...

 

I really want to say we had a FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE and EXCEPTIONAL trip. I really wish you could have seen the stateroom - it was sublime; the fascinating people we met; to sit outside on that second day, in the glorious sunshine watching the wake disappear to the horizon, sipping fabulous champagne with strawberries and raspberries; to savour the caviar which we would dearly have loved to share with you in a little soiree; to participate in the wonderful Jubilee celebrations; to be part of the magnificent cavalcade of liners sailing down Southampton Water; to experience service high above the norm from the excellent staff in QG; to be stuffed with great food to cause the ship to lift at least a foot out of the water after we had disembarked and the most fantastic bubble-bath experience ever :o - those are the truly WONDERFUL memories my sister and I will take with us.

 

Will we try Cunard again - yes. I want the experience of crossing the Atlantic on the QM2 and entering or leaving New York. Maybe in the duplex...if so, come and join us!

Thanks so very much for your observations, the Transatlantics are where the QM2 comes into its own. I hope to bump into you one of these days.