Jump to content

Opionions Please Crossing or Cruise


mycruz

Recommended Posts

We are wanting to plan a cruise on either the QM2 or QE2. We have sailed mostly on Princess but want to experience Cunard. What are the pros and cons of crossings or cruise itineraries? I would love to get some of your experiences on both. One of the possibilities are flying to London, spending some time in England/Scotland then sailing back to the states.

 

Also, any input on the different levels of staterooms, can you give me the value of booking one over the other?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd go for a crossing, and on the QE2, if you can. I've cruised and crossed on both the QE2 and QM2. When either is racing across the North Atlantic, and they're both in their element, there is an unexplainable quality that fills the ships. Perhaps it's a sense of history, a feeling that no where else in the world does this happen, the more genteel passengers on for a crossing, and enjoying the pace of the ship with no ports to worry about are just a few of the things that are passing through my mind now.

 

The QE2 will be doing two west-bound crossings in 2007, and there are already postings on this board from those who will be making atleast one of those crossings. My suggestion is to peruse those threads. Also look back on the threads that deals with the QE2's winter crossing that many of us made last month. There are some wonderful insights into crossing the North Atlantic by ship, and I think, you might have a better feel for which type of voyage you choose.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are currently booked on QM2 wesbound Sept 24/06. We will be doing exactly what you are contemplating .We are flying to England SEpt 8th.

this will be our sixth crosiing. All others were with QE2.There is something special about a transatlantic crossing. I think it is a wonderful experience

just to grasp the concept of the actual distance from NOrth Aemericaa to the UK. When you fly I really don;t think the concept of distance takes hold.

WE like cunard but it probably is not for everyone. It is a voyage with afternoon teas served by wait staff in white uniforms with white gloves. It is a very nice experience. HOwever, there is class distinction on bouard the ship. Those of higher category cabins dine in one of the "Grille" restaurants.

There are afternoon classical music ocncerts if you wish to attend them.

There are also lectures on vrious topics. This is not something that I have experienced on other cruise lines that I have taken. You must dress in formal or semi foraml attire for the dinner hour every night. At least it was that way in 2003 on our last crossing.

I hope you do give this option due consideration. it is an enriching experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Coming back to the U.S. on the QE2 (or QM2, I suppose) is a great way to decompress from a trip to London and is the perfect end to a vacation. The 25 hour days on board allow you that extra hour of sleep. There is plenty to keep you busy if you like activities, much more than on cruiseships, but probably the most common is a good book from the excellent library read either in a sheltered spot on deck or in a cozy chair along one of the windows.

 

I'd suggest QE2 over QM2 because it is more historic and has a limited number of years of crossings left in her.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would go on the QM2 because the QM2 is faster than princess.

In fact I am doing my transatlantic crossing on the QM2.

However, I am doing my transpacific crossing on the Sapphire Princess because I got a better price. And Princess has more experience in the Pacific.

I took a caribbean cruise on the QM2 last year but I am doing the caribbean on Holland America and Princess this year. Because of the price. Seems I get much more cabin space for the buck on Princess. But there is much more space to wonder about, once outside the cabin, on the QM2.

When I crossed the Pacific in 1988. the long liesurely days at sea agreed with me as well as the gentle, but huge, rollers that rocked me to sleep at night. I am looking forward to crossings again although most of my trips have been on cruises.

The QM2 is so big that it will probably take the time of a crossing for you to get to know the ship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you haven't done it, you should do a crossing on QE2. Forget the big barge - QE2 is the one with the history.

 

You can't fly one way by Concorde anymore, and the numbers of opportunities to do the crossing on QE2 are very limited.

 

Once she has gone, the era of the great liners will be over. This is your last chance to experience it.

 

As for the formal dress - yes, you are expected, as a gentleman, to dress in a dress suit four out of six nights, and in a lounge suit on the first and last days. What else would you expect to wear with a Lady?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do the crossing...that is Cunard's culture and its core business. Also, its ships are designed for crossings, not cruises. There are some exceptions to this, such as World Cruises, but that is about it. If someone talks you in to cruising on Cunard, at least make certain that the itinerary does not included any (I repeat...not one!) tendered port. It takes forever to get anywhere off of either the QEII or the QM2 if you have to tender. They just are not built for it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would have to say, yes 'do a crossing' on the QE2 !! It is NOT a giant box afloat the high seas. It is an ocean liner...it slices thru the waves!! We just recently were aboard New York to Los Angeles via Panama Canal and it was just fine. Now bear in mind,the lower priced 'staterooms' are teensy-tiny, so get up a bit in category if $$ are not the issue. Activities do NOT revolve around a large swimming pool much as Carribean 'cruises' usually do. It seemed as though the dressing up and dinner conversation was important to most of us. The weather and lounging about were secondary considerations. I am left wondering,"What will all these people DO once this last classic liner is gone?" Seabourne or Crystal I suppose...You'll enjoy it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
If you haven't done it, you should do a crossing on QE2. Forget the big barge - QE2 is the one with the history.

 

You can't fly one way by Concorde anymore, and the numbers of opportunities to do the crossing on QE2 are very limited.

 

Once she has gone, the era of the great liners will be over. This is your last chance to experience it.

 

As for the formal dress - yes, you are expected, as a gentleman, to dress in a dress suit four out of six nights, and in a lounge suit on the first and last days. What else would you expect to wear with a Lady?

 

Forget the big barge indeed. Couldn't have said it better myself. (Nice to find a kindred spirit on these boards.) Absolutely do a crossing aboard QE2.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would book a crossing on QE2 in the Caronia Category - the lowest Grade C5. This would qualify you for single seating dining for all meals and that table is yours for the entire time meals are served. For example for dinner you may arrive approx 6:30-9:30 (I may be a little off). The Caronia Dining room was the original Columbia First Class dining room from the early days and is what an ocean liner dining room should be to my way of thinking.

 

If money is not an issue, book a Princess Grill category. The best cabins for size and stability in the event of rough seas are amidship on Deck Three. The central elevator will let you off at the entrance to the Caronia Dining Room.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

QE2 without a doubt. Having done four crossings on her, the whole ship has a wonderful ethos of elegance and marvellous service. The Caronia dining room is special and memories of it will remain with my wife and I for ever.

Interestingly Cunard are providing single sitting dining for some 'A' cabins next year on the QM2. Pity they didnt think of this for our 2004 crossing and our August 17th. crossing this year or , when they originally designed the ship

Regards

Chris

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is interesting to see that most replies say a crossing on QE2. In the months after the QM2 launch we heard nothing of QE2, now she is back in favour and very much "flavour of the year" I am not sure what this means re the QM2, many folk have sailed on her now and many are expressing a preferance for her older sister. I must say I agree with them.

 

David.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is interesting to see that most replies say a crossing on QE2. In the months after the QM2 launch we heard nothing of QE2, now she is back in favour and very much "flavour of the year" I am not sure what this means re the QM2, many folk have sailed on her now and many are expressing a preferance for her older sister. I must say I agree with them.

 

David.

 

David

 

Sorry - can't resist! Nobody dares criticise the old girl on this board for fear of being ridiculed and flamed. For me QE2 is a case of the 'emperor's clothes' - all smoke and mirrors and very little content. Folks may poke fun at QM2 and call her a barge but in a very few short years she will be the ONLY transatlantic liner in service - wonder what they will sail on then. Personally I wouldn't sail on QE2 again if it was free. Call me modern but IMHO QM2 is streets ahead in every way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were on a crossing London to NYC in 2003 on the QE2. It was great staying in London for a few days before the crossing. We were ready for a slower pace when we boarded the ship. I think that the crossing after London was a second vacation. Also, since you adjust your clock for a few nights before arriving in NYC, you don't suffer from jet lag. We appreciated the history, worn wooden surfaces, and the creaking and rolling of the ship as we went to sleep. We enjoyed dining in the Mauretania as most of the ship's passengers have in the past. Also, many of the rooms are in varied configurations which adds to the individuality of the ship vs the cookie-cutter rooms on today's ships. Look at the deck plans, and you'll see the various individual configurations of the rooms. Reserve early, and you can book a larger interior stateroom. I don't see the value of staying in a room with a window. You only see land for a few hours. The sea is endless and can be enjoyed on deck or through one of the ship's many windows. We found the food and service in the Mauretania to be great! We can dine in small, posh restaurants other times on land. We enjoyed the size of the room, larger tables and subdued noise in the Mauretania. Depending on your age, you might not want to participate in many of the activities. Since the older generation represents most of the passengers, the activities reflect this - bingo, craft and exercise classes, older authors for the book lectures, etc. My husband was very bored, and I enjoyed the slow passing of the time meeting new people, reading, and relaxing.

 

We were on a 12-day Caribbean cruise 12/8/05 on the QM2. We had a balcony on the 11th deck. It was totally different, and my husband wasn't bored, since we were at seven ports in seven days! We enjoyed the tenders for a few of the islands.

 

I would travel on the QE2 again, and would compare the experience to staying in a fine old hotel in Vienna vs a modern hotel in NYC. I appreciate the history of the old and the newness of the modern. The afternoon tea on the QE2 is more dramatic with the servers entering the room together for the tea service and then the sandwiches. Some of the items are also different. It's the old vs the new!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Call me modern but IMHO QM2 is streets ahead in every way.

 

KenC, welcome back - sticking your head above the parapet in the 'QE2 Fan Club'! I would agree with you (largely) in terms of functional hardware the QM2 is easily objectively better than the QE2 in almost every way - but then over three and a half decades of technology should see to that! Its also interesting to find out how many of the 'bargeophobes' have actually sailed on the QM2 - precious few, I'd wager. What the QM2 does not have yet - and which will only come with time is the 'patina' ('wear, to you) of the QE2, and the stories that go with it.

 

One area where I think the QM2 may still lag the QE2 is in terms of service, in particular in the Britannia restaurant - and this I think is a design issue - placement of stations and so on - and afternoon tea - not a patch on the QE2's service in the Queen's Room. Other areas (Commodore Club, Library) were at least as good, if not better than the QE2. Oh, and when someone gives you free tickets for the QE2....send them my way - I'll use them!

 

Peter

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name=

Interestingly Cunard are providing single sitting dining for some 'A' cabins next year on the QM2. Pity they didnt think of this for our 2004 crossing and our August 17th. crossing this year or ' date=' when they originally designed the ship

Regards

Chris[/quote]

 

Where would this be - in a private section of the Brittania DR?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unclear...some reports have it on the upper deck, but fore/aft/port/starboard unknown so far.....

 

There are approx 106 A cat cabins. A minimum of 212 passengers for fully booked double occupancy. Can not tell from the web site how many cabins have 3rd person occupancy. I only spent one evening dining upstairs near the rail and used take a short cut through it. How many people do you think it can accompany? I think it might work well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ken - Nice to see you back again. Boards havn't been the same without you.

 

David.

 

 

Thank you David and Peter ..... not sure if I'm back - just couldn't bite my tongue any longer. There is so much hot air on this Board these days I think I'm going to burst!!!!!!

 

Ken

 

PS Peter ...... Service in QM2 Britannia was exceptional last September (nothing really to comapare with on QE2 because I have only ever had Princess Grill where service I found to be a bit 'stuffy' and formal) .... and I have never managed to get into QE2 Queens Room for tea - it was always packed out (like the rest of the ship). Patina I can do without!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you David and Peter ..... not sure if I'm back - just couldn't bite my tongue any longer. There is so much hot air on this Board these days I think I'm going to burst!!!!!!

 

Oooh go on - tell us what you thought of the 'might-have-been' Queen Vic.....that should get the (wrong) 'last true ocean liner ever built' crowd going.......

 

Peter

 

PS glad you had good service in the Britannia - given all the other whingeing thats been going on, there has been very little mention of service problems, so looks like they may have (finally) nailed it......lets see how Brooklyn goes.....2600 pax, seats for 800.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

lets see how Brooklyn goes.....2600 pax, seats for 800.....

 

 

Peter:

 

Am actually going in to work this Saturday in Brooklyn Heights and will be there very early to view the berthing from the 26th floor - have a clear and ubstructed view.

 

We were thinking of launching the boat last early next week and going out to meet the Queen, however, we most likely would not allowed near her once we pass the VNB into Upper New York Bay since this is going to be one of those overtime extravaganzas for the New York Police and Coast Guard's Harbour Patrol.

 

Is the new Crown Princess (sailing 9/30 out of RH) a sister ship to the Golden Princess - which I believe you sailed on? Have only been on the Pacific Princess, not any of the larger ships, but I liked Princess.

 

Jeannie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is the new Crown Princess (sailing 9/30 out of RH) a sister ship to the Golden Princess - which I believe you sailed on? Have only been on the Pacific Princess, not any of the larger ships, but I liked Princess. Jeannie

 

If not exactly a sister (116,000 tonnes vs 108,000) then a very close cousin, and certainly a lot bigger than the 30,000 tonne Pacific Princess. Looking at the deck plans the two seem almost identical. One watch out on the Grand Class (and up) boats is cabin location - a forward cabin (which I had) will have you walking for what seems like miles down endless beige corridors. Although nearly 50% bigger I actually felt the QM2 was more compact - and had things to do at the bow - unlike the Grand class, which apart from the Theatre & Casino has everything aft.... I liked Princess too - but felt RCL's Brilliance of the Seas a more stylish ship than Golden Princess - and I do hope they get very quickly to the bottom of that blaze on the Star Princess. Looks like a nice itinerary you've got - a couple of sea days to de-stress before doing the port thing....

 

Peter

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...