jimmybean

Hi Cruise-Dancer,

I think you will be delighted with the QM2. It is a magnificent ship! Beautiful inside and out and a pleasure to sail on her.

Dear Husband and I had taken one Celebrity cruise and one RC, so my comparison is based on limited experience on those ships. I think the food on Cunard is fine, but maybe is a tad better on RC and Celebrity. This is, of course, subjective.

We stayed in inside cabins on all three lines and all were comfortable. The Celebrity cabin was larger and we liked the fact that RC had the curtains to keep the bed area dark.

Since you are dancers, I think you will really enjoy your time on the QM2. There is nothing to compare on RC or Celebrity. What fun for you!

Next year will roll around quickly. Something for you to look forward to doing. Have a wonderful voyage!

Hello Sheltieluv!

 

We arrived from Canada early this morning and are now in Cosham, just outside of Portsmouth, for a couple of days before training it east to Southampton on Sunday. Cunard has "invited" us to board at 1:30pm on Sunday. Since you were so nice in your ask, I'm actually going to try to do a "live from the QM2..." although, yes, I did preach to the virtue of "unpluggedness", didn't I? Busted! However, I think it's kinda cool when fellow members report in that way so I'll look at it as performing a public service.

 

I must warn you, however, that we're in steerage :rolleyes: so will only be able to opine on Brittania dining, accommodations and the like. I'll do my best to impart on as many aspects of the our QM2 crossing as possible in a most objective and helpful way.

 

I'll start a new thread for this purpose but hopefully have whet your appetite.

 

Cheers.

Steerage works just fine. Most passengers also dine in the Brittania. No eye rolls necessary!

Sunday! How exciting!

No pressure, but we look forward to your live-reports!

Bon Voyage!

Replacing common space with more cabins doesn't excite me .

I hope other enhancements will make up for this.

It also means 75 more people with whom to share those public areas---75 more people to squeeze into the MDR (37 1/2 at each seating)---75 more people wanting seats in the theater and at Insights lectures.

It's a large ship and 75 people aren't that many, but it will make a difference.

That's exactly what I'm planning to do starting Sunday on my 7-day TA to New York. My notebook, tablet, smartphone and everything and everyone attached to it can go...well, I think you know. The thought of ocean gazing for hours on end, for 7-days, is just what my poor, over worked brain needs. A sustained "Puddy" (those of you who followed 'Seinfeld' will understand) is all I want out of my trip. Anything else is a bonus.

Nothing more relaxing and renewing than a crossing! Have a wonderful voyage!

No, not compulsory to participate in the hats/fasaneters wearing. Some ladies love the costume creating and wearing (which is fun for them), but most just comply with formal dress code (from my observations).

Tuxes are available as rentals onboard, but I'm never seen anyone with a top hat. I think the tails is a whole different level of dress, not required on Cunard ships…

As mentioned before on numerous CC threads, it would be more economical to purchase a tux than to rent one onboard. Or, just wear a dark suit.

Have a wonderful crossing!

Thank you, Hattie, for providing the link to this conversation.

It was interesting to read, once I got used to the questions and answers not following each other.

Unfortunately, too early for my participation from the USA.

Didn't cover quite as much new information as I would have wished, but the tone conveyed real interest in customers' opinions and comments. That was nice!

Hopefully, there will be a repeat in the future.

Jimmybean. I have noticed there are not as many ports of call in the South Pacific as there were say five years ago, Many ships would have stopped at Pago Pago, Fiji, Apai Boro Boro and Tahiti, Tonga on their way across to OZ. Now maybe only two/three actual stop off ports and a couple of sail bys. Giving more sea days.

Thank you for your reply, Maggiemou. Now that you mention it, I have noticed this, too. I pay attention to Pacific cruises because it is such a wonderful region in which to sail…

Someday, I hope to make it all the way to Australia :)

I appreciate the clarification.

Jimmybean.

Having done few world cruises, I can tell you the past three years has seen a decline in the ports of call that ships call into in the South Pacific. Shame as it one of my favourite place to cruise.

.

Maggiemou, Could you clarify: have the ports themselves declined or is it the choice of ports that has declined? Thank you, Jimmybean

I read a post stating the luggage maximum on Cunard per piece is 20kg. Is there an option of paying for overweight luggage?

The weight limit is to protect the workers from injury from lifting suitcases that are too heavy. Cunard doesn't care how much the total of your luggage weighs--just the individual pieces. Could you pack a second bag to reduce the weight of your primary suitcase?

And, actually, if just a pound or two "over" no one with notice. It's not like they weigh luggage. But, if seriously over the limit, do the right thing and pack a secondary bag.

Happy Sailing!

What great photos! Thank you for posting!

We’re very excited to announce we have lined up two senior Carnival execs – UK boss David Noyes and Cunard director Angus Struthers – for an exclusive Cruise Critic Live! chat tomorrow (Wednesday September 16) at 10.30 a.m. GMT (sorry U.S. folks – it was the only time they were available; but the good news is you can post questions now and look at the chat in your leisure after it's finished!).

 

The pair will be answering all your burning questions about Cunard and Carnival UK in an hour-and-a-half long chat.

 

 

Whether it’s next year’s refit of Queen Mary 2, or more details on next year’s World Cruises or anything on this year’s momentous 175th Anniversary – ask away.

 

The link is here: https://client.scribblelive.com/Event/Cruise_Critic_Live_Cunard_A_Look_Ahead_to_2016_--_And_Beyond

 

Please join us tomorrow!

Thank you for letting us know.

seems december would be a bad time of year weatherwise?

I think there is an entire set of people who prefer winter crossings---more movement on the ship. At least that is what I gather from reading postings on cruise critic. Made it sound like an exciting time for a voyage on the QM2 : )

Hi jimmybean, thank you for your very kind words, I'll pass them on to dad!

 

It took him approx three months, I think it had around 550 separate parts!

He's been building models all his life, sometimes from kits (like this one) sometimes "scratchbuilt" from plasticard etc.

I bought the kit after asking him if he would build it, knowing I simply don't have the skill or patience :( .

Since building it he's noted a few mistakes, but I don't see them.

 

He's been on QM2 twice (one cruise, one crossing), he said that helped when he came to build the model.

I have it a glass case (he also made) on top a low bookcase; I pass "QM2" several times a day, and always look at her... :) .

I'd never part with it of course.

Yes, Pepper, Kudos to your Dad! It is a masterpiece! Indeed, he must be a very patient man as well as very skillful.

The model is every bit as perfect (mistakes or no) as the one in the QE's Commodore!

Thank you for sharing with us!

I've now done both and can simply say, if you like the itinerary, timing, price etc, you should go and try HAL! There are differences for sure but they are at a similar level overall.

 

Rob

I agree with Rob's summary. Different but similar. I think destination is a key factor in choosing a voyage as is price and convenience. With a young chid, you want to have a relaxing holiday and a refreshing get-a-way. There is no reason this can't happen on a HAL ship….

All said, though, when you compare the two voyages, I think the QM2 will outshine any HAL ship.

Thank you EastCoastLilac,

photos can be found here:

or via the link below,

I hope you like the model.

I am amazed and impressed! The ship model is beautiful and so very well done! How long did it take your father to build the QM2, Pepper? What an accomplishment!

While on the QM2 some customers in the Britannia restaurant requested a alternate menu every evening for dinner.

Does anyone have a copy of this menu? Or maybe know what's offered!

Thanks,

If I remember correctly, years ago, on the regular menu there was a section that said something like "always available" and listed the items mentioned by Pepper, plus the shrimp cocktail and caesar salad. At some point, this section of the regular menu was deleted, but the items remain available upon request. So, there really never was an alternative menu per se.

I believe caesar salad is something you can request.

I would say "none." Cunard isn't a six-star line. Not to say it isn't lovely and a happy experience to sail on Cunard. But, "six stars" does not apply. (In my opinion…)

As for standing back so the waiter puts the tray on the table, as I open the door, they take the tray off the trolley and hold it towards me in expectation that I will take it. Sometimes they say "careful, it's heavy." They never offer to put it on the table for me, although a couple of times a really heavy tray has been put on the bed.

Which ship are you describing? On the QM2, I have only seen room-service-trays hand-carried to rooms and tall trolleys only used to take a larger number of trays--after use--to a service area. I have noticed personnel struggling to hold a tray while knocking on the cabin door because many trays are very heavy--no trolleys to help take trays from room to room. Also, because of uneven flooring, the workers struggle to push those tall trolleys around. Perhaps, trolley-use varies from deck to deck??? In any case, room service certainly appears to be a labor-intensive to me! The one time I used room service was at lunchtime. The waiter entered my cabin and placed the tray on the small table and I did give him a small tip.

Can men wear a collared polo shirt with a jacket on non formal nights?

Yes, I have seen this. Many, however, still do wear a tie, which means a button-shirt...

Cutting and pasting again (realizing my previous posting was less than complete)

Suites: The Queens Grill suites are scattered around the ship. Decorated in light woods and neutral shades accented by nautically inspired artwork, Queens Grill accommodations include four Grand and two Master Suites, 35 Penthouses and 16 Queens Suites. All offer butler and concierge service and priority embarkation, and guests are greeted on arrival with Champagne, strawberries and petit fours. Passengers in Grill Suites are provided with terry toweling robes and slippers -- slightly more upmarket than standard accommodation's cotton waffle robes -- and the same expanded toiletry selection as Princess Grill guests. Queens Grill Suites all have king-size beds, the option of in-suite dining from the Queens Grill menu, daily fresh fruit, fresh orchids, a pillow concierge menu and personalised stationery, a complimentary minibar stocked with spirits, wine, soft drinks and sparkling/still water and pre-dinner canapes. Suites in the Queens Grill Penthouse Class and upwards all have Jacuzzi bath and separate shower.

The 16 Queens Grill Suites (one of which is wheelchair accessible) range in size from 484 to 771 square feet including balcony. This category offers a bath with separate shower enclosure, living area and verandah.

Each of the 35 Queens Grill Penthouse Suites comes with a large living area, bedroom with acres of storage space and a verandah. Balconies have one large white table, one square small table, two stools, two loungers and two recliner chairs. Queens Grill Penthouse Suites range in size from 508 to 681 square feet, including balcony.

Queen Victoria has 1,003 cabins. There are 143 inside, 146 oceanview and 581 balcony cabins. Ten are wheelchair-accessible cabins across a variety of room categories (including two Princess Suites and one Queens Suite), which come with a specially designed bathroom and extra-wide doors. Meanwhile, solo passengers can pick from nine single cabins, which were added in the 2015 refurbishment. Queen Victoria does not have interconnecting staterooms.

(cut and pasted from cruise critic review of the QV)

Lovely article! I enjoyed reading. Thank you for sharing with us!

Jimmybean

Would be happy on Carnival eh! Than why would we be going on the Adventure of Seas, where they have no water slides, but more about the ports going out of San Juan. We had a cruise booked on the Soltice going to Alaska, but stuff came up. Maybe Cunard people think there better than other people, who think they know everything.

Absolutely not! Just an exchange of information so very individual can decide for him/herself what/where/when a cruise or cruise line would be the best choice.

There are many choices out there. DH and I have been happy on a number of cruise lines. But, it is nice to know what to expect.

We sailed on Carnival once---repositioning. Fellow passengers were very pleasant people. Service was great, but didn't like the food. Hated the ship's appearance. …A one-time experience.

Who is the typical Cunard passenger? This varies with the voyage.

We all post our opinions here. Take them as you will. I think the goal is to be helpful. I've learned a lot from cruise critic and that is why I try to answer questions for others.

Happy Sailing!

I'm not sure there will be invitation to Captain's party until second Cunard voyage ???

Sometimes, they don't ask for cruise card when we disembark, so we have saved a few of these.

The last time I asked, menus were given at the end of the voyage, but only when requested. Like bluemarble and scrapnana, I have a pile of Daily Programmes and invitations…

And, Cunard pens! I have one from each voyage. I think that is my most prized souvenir : )

Happy Sailing!