Greetings from the QM2!

Well, so far so good. Journey down to Southampton on megatrain was a doddle and we got a taxi directly to the pier. We were first in the queue for Platinum check in, so were onboard in under half an hour after arriving in Southampton.

Boarding

Unlike the QE2 which trys to put a 'British' face forward on boarding, one might think the QM2 was registered in the Philippines - lots of 'welcome aboards' and nary a Brit among them. And, unlike the QE2 you get to find yourown cabin - which is admitedly pretty easy - and my travelling companion, who has a notoriously poor (or no) sense of direction after a couple of goes is finding her way about pretty well. The cabin was as I had last time - though again, unlike the QE2 there was a half bottle of Pol Pot between two, unlike the whole bottle I had to myself in January. I suppose you could argue only having a quarter of the stuff to drink could be an upgrade.......

The cabin steward sorts out our beds - and says this sailing is not full as he has a few empty cabins, as do some of his colleagues. Luggage arrives and (mine) is quickly unpacked.....meanwhile Miriam (call me Imelda) struggles to find space for her shoes. Wardrobe space is divided up thus: Peter: 6 hangers, Miriam: 18. Sounds about right.....

First things first - check the dining table assignment!

The Wrong table - its great!

Cunard usually manage to muck up my dining assignments - and the have again, but we forgive them. We asked for a table for two, were ''guaranteed' a table for 4 max - so what do we get? A table for 6. However, its directly in front of the tapestry in the Britannia dining room - so we're happy with it. We decide not to join the queue of people asking to change.

Lunch

Is had in the Kings Court.....where the delights of a crossing - people watching - is in full swing. Adjacent table has much discussion of dress codes: 'Formal Casual', 'Casual Formal' 'Elegant Formal' 'Casual Informal'. No wonder they are confused.....Lifeboat drill follows and our deck 8 cabin is handy for a quick there and back......

First Drinkies

(Not counting the half bottle of Pol Pot or the bottle of Rose at lunch....not real drinks...) are had in the Commodore Club - and we take our Martinis out on deck for sailaway - and on inspection notice that....

The Funnel is the Wrong ColourI think some muppet thinks that the Cunard 'red' in the brochures should be the 'Cunard Red' of the funnels - of course its bound to confuse people when you call 'orange' - 'red' - and there is a pinky hue to it too.....but the QE2 is pretty close - and the QM2 just wrong. What makes it worse is that its the red the French used on the Normandie and the France - Scarlet! If I can be bothered to queue for the Britannia Captain's Cocktail Party tonight I shall ask Captain Rynd.....

Service in Britannia

After the alarming reports from the Memorial Day cruise, and the hit & miss service on the QM2 I've had in the past I did wonder how this would turn out. Well, in a word - excellent! Menus arrived quickly, and when the Sommellier was busy the waiter took the wine order. Food arrived quickly and the servuce was prompt without being rushed. A watch out is that many tables around us were unoccupied - including the Captain's table - so we'll see how they do tonight when they have more tables to serve. I'd give them 9/10 - and definitely nearer 10 than 8. Breakfast on the other had was more 6/10 - the cooked food took a while to arrive and Miriam had to ask several times for refills of her coffee.....if they knew what they were dicing with.......Meanwhile I was delighted to see that they have proper English preserves from Triptree - major progress vs my previous crossing....

Cruise Critic Get-together

Was a small select gathering - Miriam & I and Matthew - who is quite enjoying his club dining - its not just the small room at the back, but also a portion of the restaurant, separated by screens from the rest - so not bad at all - though not quite as good as our table in front of the tapestry of the Bremen......

Multiple Clashes

I hope some of the other Cruise Critics show at this evenings get-together (which itself clashes with the Britannia Captain's cocktail party for Britannia late seating at 7.45pm- this also clashes with Miriam's pedicure, so I expect she'll get him to move it.....) as the Cabin cavalcade also clashes not only with Robin's first concert, but also with the Martni Mixology class....and since there's only one of those - but Robin has two concerts - I'm affraid we'll miss his first (sorry Anna!).....oh well, usual crossing.....busy doing nothing....its exhausting!

Peter

Starboard wing Library

You sound like you are having a wonderful time,Tiptree jam mmmmmm...and only 4 miles up the road from us here in Essex.

P.S.as its been said before,a girl cannot have to many pairs of shoes!

Have a great crossing,

Regards

Kathie;)

Peter, how kind of you to take the trouble to write whilst on board. Sounds as though you may have my table in Britannia (80).

Delighted you are enjoying yourself. Any sign of Matthew in Kings Court yet?;)

Continue to enjoy yourself, and regards to the Commodore Club (and Ben behind the bar - an Oxford Graduate and slightly overqualified for the roll, but an absolutely delightful young man).

I took so many clothes that the rail in the wardrobe was deeply bowed in the middle. Very surprised it survived the entire trip.

Well, so far so good.

 

The Funnel is the Wrong Colour

Well, as usual Peter gets up earlier than me. So he does all the hard work posting.

I'll just fill in the gaps - gaps in the sense that Peter and I are doing different things, so can report on different things.

My cabin is fine. Bit cozy, but I'm on my own. Bathroom is too small - or I'm too large. Okay, I've been spoilt with Q2s on QE2, but I think I'd complain about the size in any context - especially as AA grade is supposed to be upmarket.

No problem with fitting shoes in, as I've left my Imelda clone at home. (Which, given the fact that the new arrival arrived before I left, and the sea is flat calm, is a real pity.)

I've had no Pol Acker from the cabin, just my gift for being a loyal customer - but I had a full bottle. It's in my 'fridge at the moment, and will be donated to the first person brave enough to drink it.

Bridge view is excellent - although it appears from what one could ascertain that some of the more specialised equipment on Queen Elizabeth 2 is missing......

Club Dining - I actually prefer the area. I've looked in all the restaurants on board and unless (like Peter) you manage to get a table in the centre area, I can't see what the fuss is with Britannia. The upper level has those three semi-levels, and the top two of those look very poor (save that you'd get sea views from the top one).

On the other hand the Queens' Grill is a lovely room. Next time perhaps.....

Going back to the Club dining - very good service. Efficient and friendly - as good as I'm used to in the Queens' Grill. The food is nice. It isn't earth shattering - but then perhaps to expect that it would be comparable to the Queens' Grill on QE2 is unrealistic. Company is excellent too - a table for seven.

Service in general is excellent - the young lady who serves in the Commodore Club has already started to address me by name, and all over the ship the crew are constantly friendly. You can't pass a crew member without a greeting - a QE2 touch that is nice to see in her big sister. Or is it just a sign of good service? Either way, it is good.

I just cannot understand how those reviewing the recent four night trip could see this ship's crew in such a negative light. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not doubting their experience, but the crew at the moment is providing what I expect on a crossing.

As a whole I like the ship. I'm still getting my head around it, and I think it is too big, but perhaps it will shrink over the crossing as I learn where everything is. Some rooms are an improvement on Queen Elizabeth 2 (Golden Lion, for example, which is one of the low spots of the QE2) and the Casino is nicely out of the way. However, the full horror value of walking through the machines and watching people play is something that QE2 misses completely. Thank heavens.

I had lunch in Kings Court yesterday. Very complicated. Probably me, but the place daunts me. I don't expect I'll be back.

Found the cookies, but only after midnight - still, just what I was looking for then!

Not only is the funnel completely the wrong colour - there is a large area of what looks like paint missing from the scoop as well!

Anyway, lunch beckons!

Matthew

Commodore Club, QM2

Gentlemen....Peter and Matthew...wonderful to hear from you. You knew we'd be waiting!!

What a great table Peter!! I love that spot....perfect for people watching. And I'd say that division of hangers and closet space is more than fair.

And Matthew....a good start then...I'm happy to read that she's made a good first impression on you, and so nice to hear the service is what most of us have enjoyed and not what recent complaints indicated. And the friendliness from all crew members everywhere I wandered is one of the things I'll always remember. Just remember, that AA cabin started out as just a regular A cabin...and the same size as all the others. It wasn't upmarket to begin with. Agree the bath is on the small side but functional!

Don't give up on Kings COurt...part of the fun is trying to figure out where you are...and where they stashed the cookies today (glad you found them...a cookie at midnight is a treat)

Thanks for the onboard news...keep it coming...you know how we all love to live vicariously through each others trips. Eat more cookies!!:)

CHeers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

glad you found them...a cookie at midnight is a treat

How do you make enough room even for a cookie once you've partaken of the midnight buffet:confused: :D

Good to hear from you both.

I sympathize with Matthew. I can never find what I want in the King's Court - the place is just too big and confusing.

I much prefer the Lido on QE2, Raffles on MARCO POLO or even the Lidos on the HAL ships (which are big but at least I can figure them out, unlike King's Court where I always seem to be wandering aimlessly until I wind up with something other than what I wanted).

Thank You Peter and Matthew.... I will be looking forward with a high degree of anticipation for your reports.... Please enjoy your journey and travel well!

The Funnel is the Wrong ColourI think some muppet thinks that the Cunard 'red' in the brochures should be the 'Cunard Red' of the funnels

Hello Matthew & Peter,

As you probably know, my Wife and I will be boarding on the 16th June (First time on QM after a virtually exclusive past with QE2).

Just to let you know that I have just returned from the local B & Q where they happened to have the correct shade of "QE2 Funnel Red" on special offer. Quite a struggle getting all the cans into the suitcase, but we MUST have things correct!

Will be sending the DW up to the top of the funnel in the Bosun's Chair with a new paint brush in her hand, so if you could arrange a couple of strong Deck Hands to do some of the hauling, it would be much appreciated!

On a more serious note - thanks for the preliminary reports chaps, and keep up the good work. Ww hope that you both have a fantastic voyage.

Matthew - glad that you are finding the Club Dining acceptable, as my Wife and I are booked in an AA grade cabin (unless upgrade fairy happens to visit us!). Does it seem a lot higher than Signal Deck on QE2?

Have a simply super time.

David

Good to hear that you are all having a good time. Keep up such positive postings and we'll have Malcolm on board yet for midnight cookie hunts!!!:D

Jo

(who hopes to enjoy a voyage with the old queen before retirement......)

Matthew, try the steak and mushroom pie in the Golden Lion, then head for King's Court for pudding when it's a bit quieter. Worked for us.

Matthew - glad that you are finding the Club Dining acceptable, as my Wife and I are booked in an AA grade cabin (unless upgrade fairy happens to visit us!). Does it seem a lot higher than Signal Deck on QE2?

It does. Well, it is! I look down on the first lifeboat. That is at (very roughly) the height of the bridge on QE2.

Have a simply super time.

 

David

I am, and fully intend to continue in the same vein.........

Matthew

Commodore Club, QM2

Hi Guys! Glad you're having a great time. Don't forget about Karaoke...

Don't forget about Karaoke.

You couldn't:eek: That doesn't mean that you've got to go to it:D

Hello Peter and Matthew,

Sounds like you are both having a splendid time!

I always enjoy a "live" posting such as this.

Any sign of Mr. Grumpy or Mr. Nitpicker?

By my calculations, you should soon be heading to the Commodore Club for pre-dinner martinis - say Hello to Paul!

Cheers!

Alan

Glad you are both enjoying it so far. I'm sure you will continue to do so, although oceanweather.com is showing a few lumps in the North Atlantic to keep life interesting.

Remember to sign the CC logbook in the library.:)

David

p.s. Is it true that Matthew has been seconded by the Oxford Discovery Programme to run a seminar on how to tie a bow-tie?;)

Hi Matthew and Peter,

Loved the reports so far, Keep them coming as and when time permits!

Matthew lm pleased to accept your offer on the proper ship in October:D

Enjoy the rest of the days onboard

cheers

Myles

Yikes! We've forgotten to ask the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION of all...

Matthew...did your cabin come with a shoe horn?

;)

Yikes! We've forgotten to ask the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION of all...

 

 

Matthew...did your cabin come with a shoe horn?

 

 

;)

That really made me laugh!

Have a great time on board guys!

Nitty

Matthew, please check the current cost of a tuxedo rental. That way those who are inquiring can have the most up to date information.

Beth

Peter and Matthew,

Thanks so much for taking the time to post. So glad both of you are having excellent crossings. We love hearing all the details. Post when you can.

Beth

there is a large area of what looks like paint missing from the scoop as well!

 

Matthew

Commodore Club, QM2

That was left by Penny as she attempted to hide when they told her she had to disembark!

Beth

That was left by Penny as she attempted to hide when they told her she had to disembark!

 

Beth

Shhhh Beth..we don't want too many people to know about that spot..;)

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

Yikes! We've forgotten to ask the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION of all...

 

 

Matthew...did your cabin come with a shoe horn?

 

 

;)

Of course it did! How else do you think he fit in that bathroom!

Matthew, Don't forget to look under the sink in the pull out cabinet- First, are your large towels (you can buy them from your steward) for the pools. (or all of your shore excursions. I hear it's a rather long swim!)

Second there should be two White Star Cards. There are filled out and HANDED TO the person you wish to honor for their great service to you. I understand they figure in when promotion and raise time comes round. If you need more (and it sounds like you should) be sure to get more from the pursers desk.

As for that bathroom, I cannot imagine you don't fit, as I am probably one of the biggest people on these boards (save a few Carnival "guests, no doubt) And I managed to do fine without soaping the walls and spinning round! then too, I don't know what it is you're doing in there!

Which cabin did you get? We have been happy on 8 deck. In fact, we just booked Oct 31. And if I remember correctly, I got the same cabin I had on our Jan 06 Panama cruise. A little too far a walk from the Commodre club,. but a quick pop down to the Golden Lion or Britannia Grill.

Who are your Steward and Waiters? Have you met Paul yet?? Might be in Golden Lion, Might be Commodore, I think Hamilton is the last name. I'd have to go back to Rickter's post giving me his last name.

Have you met Amanda Reid yet? Have you found Homer Simpson?

I am so excited that you are enjoying the crossing and haven't found her to be the dungeon you imagined her to be. Now if we could just get Malcolm.. No! Wait! The more people we talking into liking her, the less chance for us getting good cabins and upgrades! Never mind Malcolm! She's horrible. A real DOG! Speaking of dogs, have you been to the kennels yet? any sweet things on board? Wish I could run down to the city on Thursday, but Marc is having minor surgery Friday, and if I ask for Thursday off my boss is liable to shoot me. Which, at this point could be a good thing. (can you tell, I had a crappy day at work? I would MUCH rather have been on the QM2! I could fill that empty bed for you! And much of the bathroom!)

Well, I've run on enough! Don't want you to spend all of your money reading my post! Enjoy the cookies. And the little sandwiches they manage to put together out of all of the leftovers!

Karie,

who is NOT on board right now!

.

 

Remember to sign the CC logbook in the library.:)

 

 

What he said! :D