Help with Cunard newbie questions, please.

Hi,

My husband and I are planning a crossing on the QM2 in June to celebrate his retirement. We are not new to cruising (usually celebrity or HAL) but we are new to Cunard, so I naturally have a few questions. I tried the Cunard website but it is rather slow and unco-operative today.

1. I see that the dress code is more formal than we have experienced lately on other lines. My husband does not have a tuxedo, but I feel we should really go for it and enjoy the experience to the max. Does anyone know if it is possible to rent a tuxedo from Cunard? I know other lines offer this service.

2. We are non-smokers. Could someone clarify the smoking rules? I believe the nightclub and a couple of bars permit smoking, but everywhere else inside, including the cabins, is non-smoking. People can smoke on their balconies. Is that about right?

3. Does Cunard offer drinks packages, ie unlimited wine and cocktails for a set daily price that can be booked and paid for before sailing. Are there any wine by the bottle packages?

4. For a crossing is it worth getting a balcony? The price difference between an oceanview and an obstructed view (yup I've seen the big orange obstructions!) is only a couple of hundred dollars per person. Are the cabins themselves larger or is the square footage larger only because they have included the square footage of the balcony? What about the sheltered in hull balcony? Are they usable during a crossing?

5. We are looking at the June 1st crossing. Typically at that time of year are the open decks usable or will this very much be an inside voyage?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer! We are really looking forward to trying something new!

Susan

Your husband can indeed rent a tux onboard, but given what Cunard will charge, he would far better off buying his own. A dark suit will suffice on formal nights, of course, but going whole hog is so much more elegant and a lot more fun, or so I think.

Smoking, as far as I know, is limited to Churchill's cigar lounge, some designated areas on the open decks, and the upper level of the G32 disco.

Lots of people on this board swear by the sheltered balcony staterooms. You won't be able to see the ocean while sitting on your balcony, but the light and air are most welcome. That said, we saved our hard earned money by taking indoor cabins on our crossings and we'll be doing the same this summer. Since we spend very little time in our cabin, the sacrifice isn't all that great, although we have our fingers crossed that the fabled upgrade fairy will pay us a visit!

I forgot to add that smoking is permitted on cabin balconies. Needless to say, discretion is advised.

Hi Agathasmum. We just booked the June 1 crossing as well. We are in a sheltered balcony on Deck 4 with an inside across the hall for our 2 DD's. The Roll Call is rather sleepy and I haven't posted on it yet.

We are undecided about the tux. DH may take both his black suit and charcoal gray suit to cover the formal and informal nights. We had a bad experience once renting from Cruiselineformal. Is that the same company Cunard uses for onboard rentals? I don't see Cunard listed on their website so maybe it's not the same company.

More information with prices on Cunard's FAQs page here

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/fleet/Formal_Hire

You will love the QM2. She is a great ship!

DH and I have crossed 5 times and always stayed in an inside cabin. When the weather is pleasant, there is sufficient outdoor space on deck 6 and deck 12 to enjoy. I find an inside room cozy and we sleep well in total darkness. Inside cabins are smaller (and have no sofa), but we have always been comfortable without a balcony or window.

Weather varies. No one can predict, or promise, specific weather conditions. The price differential between an inside room and a balcony room, however, is something you can count-on.

DH has observed about 80% of men wear tuxedos (as he does). But, it isn't like anyone would be ostracized in a conservative suit. Unless you are in the grills, the QM2 is (truth be known) a nice middle-class experience. Crossing last September, we noted more and more blue jeans and tee shirts during the day about the ship--not grubby/sloppy versions, but comfortable clothes you see in "nice" public places in the USA (and Canada) everywhere.

On a previous crossing, one of our tablemates explained that he rented his tux from Cunard. It looked fine, but he only rented it for two nights, then ate in Kings Court the third formal night, because he only had his suit. Our private thought was that the price of a modestly priced tuxedo wasn't that much more than for a three-day rental--also, there was no reason for him to feel a tux was REQUIRED on formal nights. Clearly, it isn't.

That said, DH finds his tux more comfortable than his suit and enjoys pulling it out for a cruise. If you enjoy cruising, why not buy one and have it to use over and over?

Unlike some other cruise ships, QM2 does not allow smoking in the casino. There are a couple spots on deck 6 (outside on the promenade) and outside a door (or two) on deck 12 where the smokers cluster around large ashtrays. We have never found this to be offensive while walking by. Off the Commodore Bar (deck 9) there is a separate room (Churchill-something) for cigar smokers. Nothing drifts into the bar--no smell, no smoke. In the nightclub, it is only in a balcony section that smoking is allowed. We have had no experience with balcony cabin, but in public areas, smoke has never been a problem for us on the QM2.

Happy sailing! Tell the QM2 "hello" for us!

Some of the OV staterooms on 4, 5, and 6 acually have more interior space than the nearby balcony staterooms. Look at the 3 or 4 staterooms immediately forward of the forewardmost balconies. For a winter crossing they'd be worth a look, at the least.

Onboard tux rental isn't cheap. If you live in the UK a serviceable tuxedo from Marks & Spencer costs less than renting.

Thank you everyone for your help.I will be making a booking with my TA tomorrow. I hope everyone on board will be as pleasant and helpful as you have been.

Dare I say I am looking forward to this crossing even more now? :)

You will love the QM2. She is a great ship!

 

DH and I have crossed 5 times and always stayed in an inside cabin. When the weather is pleasant, there is sufficient outdoor space on deck 6 and deck 12 to enjoy. I find an inside room cozy and we sleep well in total darkness. Inside cabins are smaller (and have no sofa), but we have always been comfortable without a balcony or window.

 

Weather varies. No one can predict, or promise, specific weather conditions. The price differential between an inside room and a balcony room, however, is something you can count-on.

 

DH has observed about 80% of men wear tuxedos (as he does). But, it isn't like anyone would be ostracized in a conservative suit. Unless you are in the grills, the QM2 is (truth be known) a nice middle-class experience. Crossing last September, we noted more and more blue jeans and tee shirts during the day about the ship--not grubby/sloppy versions, but comfortable clothes you see in "nice" public places in the USA (and Canada) everywhere.

 

On a previous crossing, one of our tablemates explained that he rented his tux from Cunard. It looked fine, but he only rented it for two nights, then ate in Kings Court the third formal night, because he only had his suit. Our private thought was that the price of a modestly priced tuxedo wasn't that much more than for a three-day rental--also, there was no reason for him to feel a tux was REQUIRED on formal nights. Clearly, it isn't.

 

That said, DH finds his tux more comfortable than his suit and enjoys pulling it out for a cruise. If you enjoy cruising, why not buy one and have it to use over and over?

 

Unlike some other cruise ships, QM2 does not allow smoking in the casino. There are a couple spots on deck 6 (outside on the promenade) and outside a door (or two) on deck 12 where the smokers cluster around large ashtrays. We have never found this to be offensive while walking by. Off the Commodore Bar (deck 9) there is a separate room (Churchill-something) for cigar smokers. Nothing drifts into the bar--no smell, no smoke. In the nightclub, it is only in a balcony section that smoking is allowed. We have had no experience with balcony cabin, but in public areas, smoke has never been a problem for us on the QM2.

 

Happy sailing! Tell the QM2 "hello" for us!

You pretty much sum up what I would have said too.

Unless you need a lot of privacy a balcony cabin on a crossing is a mix of waste and luxury. I am not a fan of the enclosed balconies, its just for having a drink at sunset, standing. If you need daylight, I would prefer an oceanview cabin as its bigger and you can really use the space.

80% tuxedo rate is about what I observed too. On my first Cunard cruise I hadnt a tux and didnt feel out of place. It just feels nicer with it.

I am a non-smoker too and never had anything to complain on QM2, never smelled smoke in fact.

You´ll have a great journey, be sure, unless you expect too much. "Britannia class" is luxury for the middle class people, certainly not for someone used to First Class. Food is generally excellent even if the odd welltravelled fellow passenger always finds something to complain. Very little problems with certain staff aside (they didnt let me back into Illuminations after I went to toilet and I had an argument with the rude Cunard lady standing at the door), I was never disappointed on QM2. Since sailing with her for the first time its "my" ship and I wont think of another for some time to come.

We are doing a 31 night segment on QV and my DH does not own a tuxedo, will not rent one, but will be taking his black suit along with his navy blue suit. Getting him to wear a Tux would be like pulling molar teeth. I shall be packing several different shirts/ties to team up with his suits, but I feel very strongly that he will be acceptably dressed. It is not the clothing that makes the man, but the heart inside.:) We will be travelling in Britannia category, and are cruising for the itinerary and Cunard experience. We have cruised with =X= and HAL previously and are excited to be going with Cunard this coming Feb.

Hello, we are just back from our first QM2 TA having done many Celebrity cruises in the past. I have to tell you that as much as we tried not to compare, Cunard failed terribly to impress us, and in fact we felt it fell short of our expectations in many ways. First of all the food.. I would rate it fair to poor. You mentioned the concern about smoke.. we smelled smoke in the strangest places... in hallways and in the library and bookshop. The librarian said that there was a problem with the ventilation that had the smoke coming in from the cigar bar! All of the books smelled like smoke! There was no apology, just a fact. There was a thread about smoke smell in stairwell C, and it's quite true. Unfortunately this is the area closest to our stateroom and the Diningroom. While the ship is lovely, it just lacked the service and quality of Celebrity. Even our table mates which were long time Cunard guests commented on how Cunard had really gone down hill. Also, check your bill! There were mistakes made on many people's bill, and a long line at the Purser's desk. We will definitely never do Cunard again. btw drink prices were definitely higher than Celebrity.

Hello, we are just back from our first QM2 TA having done many Celebrity cruises in the past. I have to tell you that as much as we tried not to compare, Cunard failed terribly to impress us, and in fact we felt it fell short of our expectations in many ways. First of all the food.. I would rate it fair to poor. You mentioned the concern about smoke.. we smelled smoke in the strangest places... in hallways and in the library and bookshop. The librarian said that there was a problem with the ventilation that had the smoke coming in from the cigar bar! All of the books smelled like smoke! There was no apology, just a fact. There was a thread about smoke smell in stairwell C, and it's quite true. Unfortunately this is the area closest to our stateroom and the Diningroom. While the ship is lovely, it just lacked the service and quality of Celebrity. Even our table mates which were long time Cunard guests commented on how Cunard had really gone down hill. Also, check your bill! There were mistakes made on many people's bill, and a long line at the Purser's desk. We will definitely never do Cunard again. btw drink prices were definitely higher than Celebrity.

Hi Shelby. Sorry you didn't enjoy your voyage. Have you done a Trans-Atlantic Crossing on a Celebrity ship? Or are you comparing a Crossing on QM2 to a cruise on Celebrity? I have not experienced any trans-altantic crossing, but I understand that it is quite a different experience from any other voyage or cruise.

Personally, I don't care as much about the food or smoke smell or the drink prices as much as I care about the stability and safety of the ocean liner and the skill of the captain and crew. Thanks, -S.

Hi Shelby. Sorry you didn't enjoy your voyage. Have you done a Trans-Atlantic Crossing on a Celebrity ship? Or are you comparing a Crossing on QM2 to a cruise on Celebrity? I have not experienced any trans-altantic crossing, but I understand that it is quite a different experience from any other voyage or cruise.

 

Personally, I don't care as much about the food or smoke smell or the drink prices as much as I care about the stability and safety of the ocean liner and the skill of the captain and crew. Thanks, -S.

Excellent points as always, Salacia. I'm surprised that you haven't made a crossing yet. It's quite an adventure! Speaking of which, I hope that Shelby's remarks don't scare agathasmum or other potential passengers. My wife and I can usually detect even the slightest trace of tobacco smoke, but despite the lurid accounts that pop up on these pages from time to time of a ship reeking with noxious odors, we never encountered anything remotely resembling this.

Of course, QM2 has its flaws, as do all ships. Shelby's voyage may have been particularly difficult for some reason, and if even the librarian complained about the ventilation system, that is something Cunard should address. But I think that most of those who make a crossing on QM2 count themselves very fortunate indeed.

Hello, we are just back from our first QM2 TA having done many Celebrity cruises in the past. I have to tell you that as much as we tried not to compare, Cunard failed terribly to impress us, and in fact we felt it fell short of our expectations in many ways. First of all the food.. I would rate it fair to poor. You mentioned the concern about smoke.. we smelled smoke in the strangest places... in hallways and in the library and bookshop. The librarian said that there was a problem with the ventilation that had the smoke coming in from the cigar bar! All of the books smelled like smoke! There was no apology, just a fact. There was a thread about smoke smell in stairwell C, and it's quite true. Unfortunately this is the area closest to our stateroom and the Diningroom. While the ship is lovely, it just lacked the service and quality of Celebrity. Even our table mates which were long time Cunard guests commented on how Cunard had really gone down hill. Also, check your bill! There were mistakes made on many people's bill, and a long line at the Purser's desk. We will definitely never do Cunard again. btw drink prices were definitely higher than Celebrity.

I was on the same crossing ( my 6th ) and heard nothing about these problems with smoke. I never smelled smoke in the library or anywhere else and the Churchill Room has a closed extraction system that does not go anywhere near the main ventilation system. Also my experience of the food was very different to yours, we found the food to be excellent as was the service. The only pervasive smell was sanitiser! I do agree that some things were missing, such as canapes in the Commodore and Chart Room but this was due to the restricted hygiene measures. I have also sailed Celebrity and loved it but we much prefer Cunard. I guess we have different experiences.

Hello, we are just back from our first QM2 TA having done many Celebrity cruises in the past. I have to tell you that as much as we tried not to compare, Cunard failed terribly to impress us, and in fact we felt it fell short of our expectations in many ways. First of all the food.. I would rate it fair to poor. You mentioned the concern about smoke.. we smelled smoke in the strangest places... in hallways and in the library and bookshop. The librarian said that there was a problem with the ventilation that had the smoke coming in from the cigar bar! All of the books smelled like smoke! There was no apology, just a fact. There was a thread about smoke smell in stairwell C, and it's quite true. Unfortunately this is the area closest to our stateroom and the Diningroom. While the ship is lovely, it just lacked the service and quality of Celebrity. Even our table mates which were long time Cunard guests commented on how Cunard had really gone down hill. Also, check your bill! There were mistakes made on many people's bill, and a long line at the Purser's desk. We will definitely never do Cunard again. btw drink prices were definitely higher than Celebrity.

We were on the QM2 holiday cruise and yes I did notice some occasional smell of cigar smell just outside the library and bookstore. I just figured it was coming down from Churchill's. It was definitely not a problem, I just walked a few feet away and there was no smell. We were on deck 10 and our cabin was right near the C stairwell and we could smell the smoke but it NEVER was a problem in our cabin. The only time you could smell anything was when you walked by the service doors near the C stairwell and then it was quickly gone and it really isn't a huge issue that it's made out to be. (I'm a former smoker and I really hate the smell of smoke)

I know there were a few times when the food was below par on our cruise but I couldn't fault the service I received. If I didn't like something I was service I had a quick word to the waiter and was offered something else along, along with an apology.

Each cruise line is different and it's difficult to compare them. Celebrity & Cunard have very different clientele and there is a different atmosphere onboard their ships.

Just a comment that we could smell cigar/ette smoke at the port side entrance to the Commodore Club (Churchill's is on the starboard side). Thought it was a bit odd but that's about it.

Once again, thanks everyone for your input, positive and negative. No, the comments have not put us off trying Cunard.

We have made a reservation for the crossing on June 1st, in one of the obstructed view verandah cabins. Hopefully any smoke issues will have been resolved by then, if not I'm sure we can find plenty of smoke free places to frequent during our sailing.

Thanks again,

Susan

I enjoy reading these posts, as we are considering a QM2 west bound crossing this June.

My first disappointment was the fact that all of the Princess Grill cabins are spoken for. So, I need to book farther in advance. Also, the price for such a cabin is more than the two of us spend on an Upper Class cabin on Virgin Atlantic...which I find interesting.

We will be doing our 7th transatlantic cruise in April, and plan on coming back in late May or early June.

For those that have experienced the Princess Grill, could you tell us about your cabin, the service, and (subjective) the ratings that you give to food in the Princess Grill.

Thanks,:)

Rick

For those that have experienced the Princess Grill, could you tell us about your cabin, the service, and (subjective) the ratings that you give to food in the Princess Grill.

 

Thanks,:)

 

Rick

Rick,

The experience & service levels the PG dining room is VERY different from the Britannia dining room. We've done 2 PG trips and we are hooked, which is a very expensive way to travel.

Some people I've talked to said they didn't feel PG or QG met their expectations. However on our recent QM2 cruise, I was very very pleased with the service.

It's nice how you are addressed by your surname and if anything is wrong, there's a swift response to correct it. One thing I've notice is that if you don't like the menu you can order pretty much anything you want, for example I love bananas foster and asked if it would be on the menu any night during our cruise, the next night it was made just for me at the table!!!

The other little things I noticed is that our waiters really took note of our food preferences quickly and were always remember things like I don't like pepper or we prefer whole wheat rolls. At a neighboring table a lady prefered water with no ice, when she arrived at the table there was a glass of water with no ice. These are the things that set the Grills aside from the Britannia dining room.

In the Grills Lounge the bar staff also have wonderful memories and are quick to learn what you'll be drink, after 3 few evening, I was greeted by my surname and I didn't even have to order my drink it was placed in front of me, they had remembered by cabin number so I didn't have to dig out my card.

The cabins in PG & QG are much larger and more comfortable. You'll have a private deck area.

In NYC and Southampton you'll have priority check in.

Bruce

Done all classes of dining on Cunard.

The major plusses of the Grills are

1. Larger cabins in better locations (midship usually)

2. Griills only lounges and outside decks. Lounges are especially nice for afternoon tea

3. Designated Grills concierge

4. Same table and dining staff for all meals (B L and D)

5. Menu including an alacarte menu available everyday

6. Cheese trolley

However..if PG is fully booked..you can get many of these same perks for considerably less cash (4 5 and 6) by booking Britannica Club on QE and QM2. A separate dining room on QE and separate closed off area on QM2