how do 4 nighters compare?

We have just returned from a 4 night trip on the Queen Mary 2. I would like to ask any regular Cunard travellers who were on this trip how it compared to longer voyages. We loved the ship, thought the service on the whole was excellent (problem getting served in the Champagne bar one night), but were underwhelmed in general by the food, with one or two exceptions.

I realise taste is individual, but a general idea would be useful when considering Cunard in the future thankyou

We have just returned from a 4 night trip on the Queen Mary 2. I would like to ask any regular Cunard travellers who were on this trip how it compared to longer voyages. We loved the ship, thought the service on the whole was excellent (problem getting served in the Champagne bar one night), but were underwhelmed in general by the food, with one or two exceptions.

I realise taste is individual, but a general idea would be useful when considering Cunard in the future thankyou

I wasn't on this short trip but historically they don't usually seem to reflect what happens on a longer one. I don't know why this is but having done a few short jollies in the past, that is certainly my experience. It's hard to explain why the food would differ but as you say, taste is individual and pretty subjective.

We have just returned from a 4 night trip on the Queen Mary 2. I would like to ask any regular Cunard travellers who were on this trip how it compared to longer voyages. We loved the ship, thought the service on the whole was excellent (problem getting served in the Champagne bar one night), but were underwhelmed in general by the food, with one or two exceptions.

I realise taste is individual, but a general idea would be useful when considering Cunard in the future thankyou

I have been on the QM2, and my only complaint was the fact that we couldn't get any service at the Champagne Bar, not sure why that was, but they must lose money by the lack of service. The food was really good, so not sure why it should change on the short cruises.

Here is my two cents worth. Because Cunard sell these 2 or 4 nighters at a much reduced price, they save money on the quality of the produce, reduce the size of the portions, reduce the choice, let us say instead of Beef Wellington or Prime Rib, they serve a very thin small New York strip "steak". Prices of drinks increase by say 50 cents, (I know this because of my July trip), same drink different price for the middle section of B2B2B from that charged on the East Bound and West Bound sections

In one on board shop I visited it on the Eastbound, went there in the middle section, found prices had been marked up, (in fact staffer seeing me looking puzzled suggested the unless I REALLY needed the item I should wait until we started back for New York, I did that and prices were back down again) .

No formal nights , people came on board with small carryons, so lacked space for formal wear. Ambience therefore different.

Some changes are hard to spot, but if you do B2B2B as I did in July, you will notice these differences in the service/experience.

We have just returned from a 4 night trip on the Queen Mary 2. I would like to ask any regular Cunard travellers who were on this trip how it compared to longer voyages. We loved the ship, thought the service on the whole was excellent (problem getting served in the Champagne bar one night), but were underwhelmed in general by the food, with one or two exceptions. I realise taste is individual, but a general idea would be useful when considering Cunard in the future thankyou

I was also on the QM2 September 4th-8th short cruise. I am so very pleased to read that you loved QM2.

The biggest impressions I took away with me were:

A. The ship was overwhelming full of British passengers (I'd guess 90% plus). There were, it seemed, only a handful of other nationalities represented. I did hear American & Canadian, French, German and Australian accents as well (in no particular order), but saw no passenger nationality/number breakdown list (which is sometimes supplied on longer trips).

B. The majority of the passengers were either first time cruisers, or Cunard newbies, or first time on QM2 passengers. I noted this because of the huge number of people studying the supplied paper diagrams of the ship, looking at the maps in the lobbies, or using "red" cards in the bars and shops.

I felt the service overall was similar to my previous crossings and cruises on QM2, and with Cunard. I noted no special issues or problems.

I've never stopped to have a drink in the Champagne Bar in all my voyages, preferring the Chart Room next door, Sir Samuels, or the Commodore Club. I'm sorry to hear you had a problem getting served there. It used to be the case that the bar there was manned/served from the Chart room (is there a "till" in the Champagne Bar?), What time of day were you in there?

I have to say that I thought the service in the bars I did use was as excellent as I have come to expect. This was also true of the Britannia Restaurant, Todd English and the Queens Room (I did not use the Kings Court for meals, merely coffees and juices etc).

As you say, food & taste are subjective. One persons "superb" can be another's "adequate". I would say that thought the menus on this mini-cruise were a step or two down from my recent experiences on board (I was in Britannia Grade) (In the last 10 months I've had two crossings to New York and two/three cruises, all on QM2, to compare each against the other).

There seemed to be far less beef/steak based dishes than I've noted previously. One night partridge was offered, my steward said the chef "suggests the pork". I opted for the partridge, and regretted it as soon as I took the first mouthful. Dry and overcooked. Other dishes were fine overall however, just not as varied as on a transatlantic crossing. Once again the weak area is desserts, very little choice and sometimes bland.

My lunch in Todd English was utterly amazing, including one of the best mouth-watering, tasty rare-cooked pieces of beef I've ever had in my life. The portion sizes are larger than in the Britannia Restaurant.

What was missing IMHO, was the special atmosphere found on a transatlantic crossing or longer cruise. Despite (thankfully) having one formal night, I missed the usual "Captain's Welcome Aboard", "Cunard World Club" and "Senior Officer's" Cocktail parties held in the Queens Room.

The lecture I attended was dull and poorly presented, and distinctly of a lower level compared to the usual standard.

The shows...

The "last night" comedian would only appeal to a British audience I felt, and much of his routine was very out of date (not topical).

I watched "Apassionata" and thought it the worst type of cruise-ship production shows. Energetic dancing certainly, but only one step above Butlins.

But... and it is a BIG "but"... The four guys singing in the Royal Court Theatre on the second night... WOW. If they are on your cruise, don't miss "The 4Tunes". I cannot put into words how good they were. They received standing ovations at both shows (I know because I went to both, they were that good). They did encores at both as well, and at the earlier show were genuinely surprised to have one demanded of them. Please do not miss them if they are billed on your cruise.

I understand there were, at one stage, long queues to reboard at Zeebrugge. Whether this was due to computer problems or just the number of coaches that all arrived back at once, I've no idea. They need to make it clearer where you have to go to leave the ship, esp for wheelchair users. They were opening doors all over the place it seemed to me, well, anywhere but the Grand Lobby.

The Cherbourg call was better organised, although how they've the nerve to charge $4.50 each way for the shuttle bus I've no idea. Some of the coaches used for this journey were longer than the distance into town.

The sailaway was another highlight of the trip, and I'm sorry if anyone missed it.

QM2 is still amazing in my opinion, despite being ten years old. There are failings of course (do any of the reclining chairs in Illuminations work?). But there are compensating glories as well. I hope that many of the new to cruising/Cunard/QM2 passengers come back for future voyages. I've added my photos from the trip via the link below (QM2 Cruise 5th).

Sorry this was so long cat51, but I hope it helps a little and somewhere answered your question.

Sincere best wishes, and happy sailings for the future :)

... In one on board shop I visited it on the Eastbound, went there in the middle section, found prices had been marked up, (in fact staffer seeing me looking puzzled suggested the unless I REALLY needed the item I should wait until we started back for New York, I did that and prices were back down again) ...

This happened on the four-nighter as well. This was due to the fact that Cunard HAD to add VAT at 20% to all purchases (as all ports were within the EU). Was this also true of your cruise? I do not pretend to know if this was the case, I am merely asking.

Oh, and, as far as I am aware, this cruise was not sold "cheap". Not that I saw anyway. Of course I could have missed that, but I know I didn't pay a reduced rate. There was one formal night and I saw no backpacks.

Overall dress standards were very high and typically Cunard. There was a large group of young guys (teens/twenties) on board and all dressed in "black tie" on the formal night. All the ladies dressed amazingly and there were many full-length gowns to be seen (no flying for many meant no weight regulations to worry about). The "average age" of passengers seemed lower than on a transatlantic crossing.

Best wishes,

I am glad to read standards of dress are still quite high as I am about to plan my packing for October and was not sure what to take. :)

...The ship was overwhelming full of British passengers (I'd guess 90% plus). There were, it seemed, only a handful of other nationalities represented...

 

...The "last night" comedian would only appeal to a British audience I felt...

Sounds like they got it about right then... :)

However, there was a family of Americans behind me who kept saying "what did he say?"... His act and delivery was very "dated"/stuck in an earlier era :( .

people came on board with small carryons

Cheers.

Do you carry your large case through the terminal with you when you board or do you walk on with a small carryon?

Cheers.

I have to come clean. On the only short [4 nights] cruise we have sailed on, I was one of the 'carry on' gang.

My rather large suitcase was left in the care of the porters, to be loaded up and whisked off to my cabin.

Mind you, thinking about it, I'm always part of the 'carry on' gang! :)

thankyou for your replies

we shall take these comments into consideration when booking our next trip

happy cruising to all

Thank you pepperrn for you review. You mentioned a charge for the shuttle bus of $4.50 each way for the visit to Cherbourg. Was there a charge for the shuttle bus in Zeebrugge that goes to Blankenburg ? The reason I ask is that I have previously been there with Cunard, Princess and P & O and in the past only Princess charged for the bus. The current booking conditions state that if you book the Saver Fare, rather than the Cunard fare, you will be charged for shuttle buses when provided by Cunard. I wonder in which ports Cunard provide the buses and in which ports the Port Authority provides them?

Thank you pepperrn for you review. You mentioned a charge for the shuttle bus of $4.50 each way for the visit to Cherbourg. Was there a charge for the shuttle bus in Zeebrugge that goes to Blankenburg ? The reason I ask is that I have previously been there with Cunard, Princess and P & O and in the past only Princess charged for the bus. The current booking conditions state that if you book the Saver Fare, rather than the Cunard fare, you will be charged for shuttle buses when provided by Cunard. I wonder in which ports Cunard provide the buses and in which ports the Port Authority provides them?

No, there was no charge for shuttle coaches at Zeebrugge (to Blankenburge).

The difference between them was that Zeebrugge is a "closed" commercial port, with no terminal building, and with no "walking ashore" (as it were) allowed. This, despite that there was a pedestrian gate within yards of the ship (I think I have a photo, I'll check) that gave access to the coast road and frequent trams into Blankenburge. So passengers had no option but to use the shuttle coach to get to Blankenburge. Therefore to charge, when there was no alternative, would have been wrong.

Cherbourg on the other hand has a terminal building (built 1933) and easy access to the town within a few minute's level walk. Therefore passengers have the option to walk, or take the shuttle, hence the charge of $4.50 each way. Unless you have mobility issues, the walk would present no problems. I think that many, having discovered how short the distance covered by the shuttle was, would have walked back to the ship.

As for the Saver v Cunard fare thing... I'm afraid I can't help you as I walked both ways in Cherbourg (escorting a lovely lady) and ignored the shuttle. It really is no distance.

Hope this helps :) .

(Edited to add... On the return from Blankenburge, as we turned from the main coast road at Zeebrugge I took this photo from the shuttle coach:

The pedestrian gate is in the foreground. Other than current rules, I can see no reason why they couldn't mark a secure route to this gate and allow people the option of "walking ashore"!)

No, there was no charge for shuttle coaches at Zeebrugge (to Blankenburge).

 

The difference between them was that Zeebrugge is a "closed" commercial port, with no terminal building, and with no "walking ashore" (as it were) allowed. This, despite that there was a pedestrian gate within yards of the ship (I think I have a photo, I'll check) that gave access to the coast road and frequent trams into Blankenburge. So passengers had no option but to use the shuttle coach to get to Blankenburge. Therefore to charge, when there was no alternative, would have been wrong.

Hi Lynn,

 

This happened on the four-nighter as well. This was due to the fact that Cunard HAD to add VAT at 20% to all purchases (as all ports were within the EU). Was this also true of your cruise? I do not pretend to know if this was the case, I am merely asking.

 

Oh, and, as far as I am aware, this cruise was not sold "cheap". Not that I saw anyway. Of course I could have missed that, but I know I didn't pay a reduced rate. There was one formal night and I saw no backpacks.

 

Overall dress standards were very high and typically Cunard. There was a large group of young guys (teens/twenties) on board and all dressed in "black tie" on the formal night. All the ladies dressed amazingly and there were many full-length gowns to be seen (no flying for many meant no weight regulations to worry about). The "average age" of passengers seemed lower than on a transatlantic crossing.

 

Best wishes,

The mark-up/mark-down of goods in the shop surprised me, but your explanation makes sense. I'll know to watch out for that next summer and hold off on shopping until after we leave Liverpool and go out to sea.

Do you carry your large case through the terminal with you when you board or do you walk on with a small carryon?

Cheers.

I do not carry my "large suitcase" actually two cases , anywhere. Having mobility problems this would not be possible.

Yes I do have a carry on, ( resting on my lap )being a "very stuffy, miserable old ****" I carry on a change of clothes to wear to dinner for the first night rather than wear those in which I travel. After first night it is very much "dressing appropriately" for whatever time of day or event I am attending.

It is not just "going out to sea". Prices change according to the length of the cruise, type of cruise, and the type of passengers.

Passengers doing a Trans -atlantic (7 sea days) have different approach to the cruise than passengers doing a different port every day.

I do not carry my "large suitcase" actually two cases , anywhere. Having mobility problems this would not be possible.

 

Yes I do have a carry on, ( resting on my lap )being a "very stuffy, miserable old ****" I carry on a change of clothes to wear to dinner for the first night rather than wear those in which I travel. After first night it is very much "dressing appropriately" for whatever time of day or event I am attending.

You say people came on board with small carryons. Well yes. I think 99 out of 100 board holding small case bag. That not remarkable yet you remark. Very odd.

Cheers.

Some see you board with one carryon case could assume you have no more luggage. As you assume people you saw board with one carryon bag had no more luggage outside cabin or be delivered there soon. Can you see point.

 

You say people came on board with small carryons. Well yes. I think 99 out of 100 board holding small case bag. That not remarkable yet you remark. Very odd.

Cheers.

sfb, I agree with you, but you do see lots of people with their luggage before you even enter the terminal so you can notice passengers boarding with only carry ons.

sfb, I agree with you, but you do see lots of people with their luggage before you even enter the terminal so you can notice passengers boarding with only carry ons.

While waiting inside terminal weve seen few people with no bag. Many with small bag. Suit bag. Funny shape bag. Monster bag. I do not know if they had other luggage as well. I did not ask. Some here never go ashore but know the answer even if sat on opposite side of the ship. Thats the clever part.

Cheers.

Sfb, I have never wondered how much clothing people bring on board.....what I notice is the truly expensive beautiful pieces and wonder how those people could ever bear to hand them over to luggage handlers. :)

.....what I notice is the truly expensive beautiful pieces and wonder how those people could ever bear to hand them over to luggage handlers. :)

Well they certainly weren't my old battered cases :( ! I'm amazed each time they agree to take them from me :o .

All good wishes to you both.

I just treated myself to a beautiful carry on with matching bag.....I figure that no one sees me with the big pieces anyway. :D

Well when you read "I am going to eat in Kings Court three meals a day because refuse to dress up", or see someone coming it Britannia looking as though they are homeless, ratty hair, grubby jeans, it does not take many "little grey cells", to realise they either suffered the total loss of all their luggage or they came on board with only a back pack as luggage.

One thing about doing B2B2B cruises and not going ashore, is sitting and people watching (embarking and disembarking passengers) .

A bus load of passengers without suitcases, with either a back pack or a small hand "grip" for instance. Did they all lose ALL their suitcases , or could it be they were 2 day short break people?

Even my old tired brain can put 2 and 2 together and make 4 of that.