Jack E Dawson

We love Cunard although we have only sailed them 3 times, all westbound crossings on the QM2 (2017, 2018 & 2022). If nothing else, being on this magnificent ocean liner on the North Atlantic would be enough for us. Cunard, like most corporations, has its own culture and it suits us well. A nod towards British tradition, exemplary service, formality, great food and drink and music of all kinds everywhere. Activities include ballroom dancing, water color classes, fencing classes and a planetarium. There is understated elegance and the QM2 has an amazing ratio of public space per passenger that provides an atmosphere of calmness. Of course the success of these cultural efforts is dependent on the attitude of the passengers and for the most part, they rise to the occasion. However, like all cruise lines, Cunard is struggling with staffing. This means that there will be hiccups in service and a dilution of the culture, especially since the new staff includes supervisors and managers. Cunard's weak points, even before COVID, are their web site, the boarding process and the onboard WiFi. However, our crossing in May was wonderful and there was no lack of effort by the crew to meet out exceptions. We look forward to our next Cunard sailing.

Absolutely brilliant Yorkshire Mike. I couldn't agree more. Jack

So in the States it would be: Potato Chips - Bought in bags and usually eaten at home with a sandwich. French Fries - Served at most US fast food chains eaten with burgers Steak Fries - Served at better restaurants with steak

Absolutely loved your review but one question, in UK vernacular, what is the difference between fries and chips as we would understand in the States? Thanks Jack

Thank you MosesO for your excellent review, it very much mirrors our experience on recent May 8th crossing. Like you we felt "We were so blessed to be back on QM2." One question, while there were nights the Royal Court entertainment did not suite our taste, we did find the QM2 singers & dancers outstanding. What was your impression. Thanks Jack

When we were onboard the QM2 in May the tux rental was still around $125 for the 2 formal nights. A friend traveling with us had planned to rent onboard and had confirmed the price. The tuxedos can be adjusted somewhat for size. The issue was, Cunard would not guarantee that the rental shop would be open due to COVID/Staffing issues. As it turned out it was open but our friend had decided to purchase instead. Jack

You are exactly right. A lot of us just think in terms of the alcohol beverages but if you enjoy the specialty coffee's, hot chocolate and soda, that adds a whole other dynamic to the equation. When you look back on this voyage I think you will find that it began not on Jan 3rd but on the day you made your booking. We so enjoy the prep and planning, the anticipation and excitement that happens between the booking date and the sailing date. Congratulations and well done kshannon5 Jack

So sorry to hear this but fortunately you have completed more than 80% of the voyage. In these times with the new sub-variants so contagious, you are probably lucky to have accomplished that COVID free. Hope both your cases are mild ones. For Dee and I it was a couple of days of feeling "out of it" then pretty much back to normal. All the best, Jack

njguy_south, On our May 8th Crossing we also noticed the large number of new crew but we had the opposite experience with supervisors. For us they seemed to be everywhere. I would also add that the new crew were trying very hard but yes, the learning curve had a bit to go. We also share your appreciation for a well made cocktail. Our normal habitat is the Commodore Club and I can report that Dee's Cosmos and my Manhattans were perfectly prepared. However, we did have drinks in G-32 one night and the results were disappointing. I wonder if the better bartenders are first allocated to the Commodore Club??? Jack

Belfblack, We used Lloyds in Southampton to get our COVID tests, specifically the one located at 9 St. James Road, Shirley. Its directly across from the Sainsbury's grocery store. They were efficient and this store has Saturday hours. Highly recommend that you make a reservation which is easy to do on their website. We did find them a bit expensive (around U$30 I think) but we did not want to do the on-line testing. They gave us a printed copy of the negative (thankfully) test and promised to e-mail us a digital copy which they never did. Hope this helps. Jack

Spectacular photograph Roy. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Jack

WestonOne, We used the Lloyds Pharmacy (Shirley location) on May 7th for our May 8th boarding of the QM2. They were very nice and efficient. Fortunately, we tested negative but Lloyds would not have notified Cunard had we tested positive. They gave us a printed copy of our negative test and took our e-mail addresses to forward a digital copy. None of the 4 in our group ever received an e-mail with the digital copy. So you will have to call Cunard or your TA directly. Jack

bracedodge, We were on the QM2 7 weeks ago. About half the gentlemen did not wear a jacket on casual nights. You will be fine. A long sleeve dress shirt more than meets the requirements. Interestingly, of the half that did wear a sports coat/blazer, a large number also wore a tie. I enjoy wearing a blazer to the casual nights on the QM2 but like for you, it is a packing issue. My solution is to wear it on the plane and on my non-ship travels. One of the benefits of this is that we have often been treated a little better than those meeting minimum dress requirements. This has included flight and hotel upgrades and seating preferences in restaurants. And it is so easy to do. Hope this helps. Jack

Magicmallard, I like the way you think., turning lemons into lemonade. If you have your doctor's OK, I say go for it. At 59 you're just a kid! You will be fine. If it fits your budget, try Britannia Club. This gives you a step up into a little bit nicer dining experience with anytime dining, a specific table and staff assigned to you for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the MDR as well as a little broader menu selection. This will all help in managing your food allergy issues. Exlondoner is right, request a table for 6-8. Cunard will usually place multiple singles at the larger tables. Enjoy Jack

Kris, We have made 2 Crossings in May (2017 & 2022), on both we had generally very good weather. However, on most Cunard bookings, final payment is due 90 days before sailing so you are correct in your though that booking in January would give you a fall-back position but you would have to do so by October. As carlmm pointed out, predicting what COVID, the cruise lines and the CDC will throw at us 90 days out is going to be difficult. For us, one of the draws of the QM2 is it's great promenade deck. We walk laps almost every day as well as relax on the beautiful teak deck chairs and watch the North Atlantic Ocean go by. There we have seen whales (actually just one whale), sea turtles and porpoises. We also have had many enjoyable conversations with new found friends. And yes, there has been the unanticipated naps following an evening of being over served. My point is, you might have a better chance of enjoying this part of the QM2 Crossing experience in May than in January. Either month, I'm sure you will have a grand time. Jack

Sounds like a great trip. If you go to Westminster Abby be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance highly recommend including the extra 4.50Pounds for the Queens Jubilee Exhibit in the attic of the Abby. Very interesting. Jack

High C's, You can bring on as much wine as you want or any beverage. Jack

ClefsDor, You can bring on board as much of any type of beverage as you want for consumption in your cabin. This has been the practice for decades and was still the practice when we were onboard the QM2 a few weeks ago in May. There is no need to hide your conceal your beverages during the boarding process. Also, our cabin steward was more than happy to bring us wine buckets with ice to chill the Champagne we had brought on board. You can also bring full bottles of wine to the MDR. They will charge you a one time $25/bottle corkage fee per bottle. If you do not finish that bottle the first night it will be properly stored for you and served as requested until empty, with no additional fees. I would recommend bringing your bottles of wine early in the day rather than lugging them into the MDR in your finery. Bell Boy makes an excellent point with the wine package but even if you don't follow that advice, you are better off ordering wine by the bottle at dinner in the MDR rather than wine by the glass. It will save you money and offers you greater selection. There is no corkage fee and if not finished, it will be stored and served another evening at your direction. D&N also makes a good point as these are crazy times for cruising and not everything is going to plan. On our Crossing we found the pouring of both wine and spirits to be very generous by the staff. Jack

RJC, When we were onboard the QM2 on the May 8th Crossing, I developed a blister and needed a bandaid. Oddly, I found that they were for sale in the Library gift shop. They were located to the right and down low as you enter the Library gift shop from the hallway. Jack

Hope you enjoyed the show. When we were onboard the May 8th Crossing we greatly enjoyed all 3 of the different shows put on by the QM2 singers and dancers. They are a very talented bunch who really give it their all. We were surprised that at least one of the singers had been on our 2018 Crossing. Jack

Thanks for what I hope is the first of many reports RJChatsworth. I am setting here in my den isolating with COVID (feeling fine). Now I will be able to travel again on the QM2 vicariously through you as I recover. All the best. Jack

We sailed on the May 8th westbound Crossing. This was the first QM2 voyage where all mask requirements were lifted except for in the infirmary. It was a HUGE step in bringing a sense of normalcy back to cruising although probably a false sense. If there was some sort of magic ball that could tell us when this COVID mess would be over, it would be an easy decision as to go or to wait. But we don't have that. Who knows what the situation will be in another year, three years or even five years. We weighed the situation as best we could, talked to our doctors and made the decision to go, not knowing that mask restrictions were going to be lifted two days before we boarded.We also spent a week in London before boarding. Ironically, we stepped off the ship in NYC COVID free. Then, a week after returning home, Dee contracted COVID from our 6 year old grandchild who caught it in his gymnastics class. So what are you going to do. All the best to you on this very personal decision. Jack

Thanks D&N and ExArkie. Next trip I will gove it a try. Jack

Ahhh, my beloved Pol Acker. I am so jealous D&N. If only we could get here in the States I'd buy it by the case. I had one left over bottle from our recent crossing and thought about putting it in my checked bag for the flight home. However I was afraid the cork might pop out in the reduced air pressure of the planes baggage compare, so we drank it the last night while packing. I'll have to research the physics of that before or next Cunard cruise. Thanks Jack Jack

You may want to check out Queen Mary 2, 29th May round trip crossing. It's the thread below yours. The pictures will give excellent guidance. Jack