jimmybean

Thank you for the excellent and comprehensive review!

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

Yes, ice is available in King's Court at the self-serve beverage bar and yes, your steward can bring ice to your room, regularly, in an ice bucket.

I also traveled with an injury, years ago, which needed to be iced. Extra towels and ice were readily available.

Have a wonderful voyage!

Do you find 7 days more of a younger crowd, we're looking at 2017 as we have a cruise booked for next year. Is it better to go from England to NY or vice versa? Does the inside/OV have enough space?

We have made six crossings, five in the early fall and one in the spring, going in both directions. Both eastward and westward crossings have pros and cons.

Leaving NY happens about 5 pm, so it is easy to enjoy the sights and going under the bridge. This is pretty memorable. Arriving in NY happens early in the morning and takes a little more effort to get to the deck because the time isn't completely predictable. I think the five time-zone changes are easier to tolerate going west, but that is personal opinion. I also think it could be more relaxing to enjoy the ship on the homeward leg. All in all, though, it's not like there is a BAD direction to cross. Personal preference or what fits best into your itinerary comparing cost. Each crossing is not necessarily priced the same.

We typically are very happy in an inside cabin. You gain a window or a balcony paying more, but the cabin size is about the same. There are plenty of opportunities to see the ocean and walk on deck without a window in your room.

I just returned from an Aegean cruise on Queen Victoria, and I saw signs of Cunard’s cheapening its product. It may be that these have always been there, and I am just noticing them because they form a contrast with more recent experiences on other lines. Whether or not they are recent, they add up to a disincentive to pursue future cruising on Cunard.

 

The kinds of things that I am talking about are small touches which one might expect on a luxury or premium cruise line, and not on a mass market line. They are trivial in and of themselves, but they detract from the experience, and in my opinion leave Cunard more reliant on its image of English heritage to distinguish its brand than on what is actually delivered.

 

Small examples are the limited range of breakfast omelets available in Britannia, just ham, cheese and mushroom as I recall, with the cheese not otherwise named, but presumably cheddar. I can find more imaginative choices than this in my local diner. Shirts sent out to be laundered no longer have the option of being returned folded but always come back on hangars. Room service breakfast menus have deleted omelets and croissants as check-off options, although (so far) they will still be delivered if written in. The bedtime chocolates have shrunk by 30 or 40%. Britannia has no sugar-free dessert options available, unlike its presumably more humble sister company Holland-America, and the cheeses on the cheese tray are not ever named on either the menu or the plate; they seem like mass-market processed cheeses, not what one might find at a fine cheese shop. The variety of bread rolls in Britannia is limited to white, brown or seeded, in contrast to the cheese rolls and breadsticks which one finds on Celebrity. Also unlike HAL or Celebrity, Cunard does not provide a cloth tote bag on cruises. And at one port on my recent QV cruise, shuttle service from dock to town was free for all except those on saver fares, who were charged.

 

And maybe I am just noticing this after a cruise on a blessedly loudspeaker-free Crystal ship, but there is always some sort of light pop music playing in the public rooms; often these are vocals which impede concentration if one is reading a book.

 

I appreciate that Cunard is not to be compared with genuine luxury cruise lines such as Crystal; on a per-day basis, my Crystal oceanview cost 70% more than my QV balcony. But I think that the small touches which I find lacking on Cunard would not add substantially to its costs or fares; Crystal needs to charge far more because all drinks, alcoholic or non, are included in the fare, their loyalty program is more generous (e.g., an hour a day of free internet on one’s second Crystal cruise) and their ships carry half the passengers that Cunard does. What is far more disturbing is how far behind many of the mass-market cruise lines Cunard has fallen. A glorious heritage, a stagy Britishness and some snobbery about its more formal atmosphere cannot counterbalance the cheese-paring that I now see on Cunard.

 

Does this mean that I am no longer a Cunard customer? No; I will continue to do my yearly TA on the Mary because the service and the ship are unique. But I can’t see ever taking another cruise (as opposed to crossing) on Cunard.

Bob K,

I believe you state a concern many of us share very clearly.

Thank you for your posting.

Jimmybean

Activities on Cunard ships aren't geared to specific age groups as much as by interests. There are many activities on board, but few where you would find participants exclusively in your age group.

If you are comfortable interacting with older people as well as people your own age, you could have a very nice experience.

Depending on a voyage's destinations, there can be many more older passengers. But, I have seen happy younger couples and young families onboard, appearing to be enjoying themselves.

Happy Sailing!

I must admit that I'm a little worried about the dress code. We've sailed on Holland America many times but this is our first Cunard cruise. I don't want to pack half my wardrobe, travelling from Australia and visiting other places as well as this cruise may cause problems with weight allowance as we try to restrict our luggage to one large suitcase each rather than cart multiple ones in and out of hotels and airports. Can someone give me an idea 1-10 of how stiff it really is? Thanks in advance.

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If you are a lady, you could bring one pair of black silk (or similarly appearing) trousers to wear with different (more fancy-looking or formal appearing) tops. Many ladies do just this. When it is a long voyage (such as a World Cruise segment) the same outfits are typically worn more than one time.

If you are a gentleman, you could bring one dark suit and several ties. Or, a tux and a sports jacket. Or, a dark suit and a sports jacket. Shirts can be sent to the cleaner or washed, for free, in the laundry onboard, so you don't have to bring many different shirts.

DH and I, as well as many many other Cunard passengers, also have to deal with limited suitcase space and long distance travel. You are not in a unique position. I admit it takes advance planning. Maybe, you bring a few less casual clothes--clothes that can be washed and dried easily as you travel. But, really it isn't that difficult to pack what is needed.

DH and I tried HAL once and much prefer Cunard. Once you sail, you might easily feel the same way. Have a wonderful voyage!

From observing waiters carrying heavy room service trays in the hallways, I believe the kindest thing you can do is answer your door in a timely manner.

A small tip would also be appreciated, i'm sure, but is not necessary or expected.

Life is full of risks. Best to calculate them in advance.

It is difficult to predict risk without knowing if any specific medical conditions exist. Your doctor would be the best person to advise you.

Always buy trip insurance! Health problems can also arise before you sail!

I was concerned after a number QM2 voyages that differences would make me less happy on the QE and posted a similar question on cruise critic a number of years ago. Several board posters gave both reassurances and glowing descriptions of the QE.

What I noticed on the QE was just the difference in size. It wasn't long before falling in love with her, too.

There are Cunardnesses common to both queens. You will feel at home and have a lovely time.

Happy Sailing!

Our bump-ups in status have come during the next voyage while on shipboard. New pins waiting in our cabin and a change in the color of our cruise cards. I never checked the on-line information to affirm status (because it can be so awkward to use). But, Cunard never made a mistake concerning this issue.

Our bump to Platinum came mid-voyage during a segment of a World Cruise. We were issued new key cards and had no trouble accessing the promised increased internet time.

I think you probably have nothing to worry about. But, a quick call to Cunard might put your mind to rest.

Congratulations! See you at the Captain's Party, Wine Tasting etc.

Selling would be "Here's an excursion, and it's really good".

 

Chiselling would be "Here's an excursion, and here's some reasons that are designed to worry you into buying one".

 

That's my point. Why do companies feel the need to sell their products in this way ? They push the negative points if you don't buy as opposed to the positive points if you do.

I agree. There used to be a tone that accompanied good service, which promoted customer loyalty. At some point, shifting to hard-sell or using fear as a sale tactic, has replaced that tone. Frankly, I find this change off-putting, too.

Hello Darren, has your cabin been allocated yet?

I have been wondering the same thing! Darren, please give us an update!

(Welcome to Cruise Critic, cruisesouthampton!)

I was disembarking after a Cunard cruise a few years back, as I paused to have my card scanned as I left the ship, I became aware of the raised voice of a young lady having an argument at the opposite security desk.

 

Although I was only there a few seconds I was there long enough to overhear that she'd taken two of her large cases through security (I would pass them in the gangway/bridge to the terminal) but wished to return to collect her remaining bags that she'd "only left in the Lobby for a minute".

 

I gathered that security were not allowing her to reboard, and furthermore I overheard a senior guy tell her that she would have to wait until they had someone available to collect her bags from where she'd left them. She was not happy (to say the least).

 

I stress this because people who haven't done self-disembarking previously should know that there are NO trolleys (until you reach the terminal usually) and you really DO have to be able to carry ALL your bags in ONE go, as you correctly point out.

 

Best wishes, and thank you for reminding me of that incident.

DH and I have seen similar situations. Other passengers shouldn't be inconvenienced by someone unable to manage suitcases who end up blocking the gangplank. The amount of luggage should be considered realistically when making the decision if this exit strategy is right for you. Only fully independent folks who can easily handle all their belongings should self-disembark. …If this describes you, it is the best way to make your early fight.

Have a wonderful voyage! You will enjoy the QM2 : )

Yes, she is :)

 

On the days when I'm wishing I was on board QM2 (which is every day that I'm not on board QM2 of course) I can play a sound recording I made on my 'phone a couple of years back in one of the outside scenic lifts... " ...Deck Nine... " ... and straight away, in my mind, I'm stepping into the Commodore Club... :)

Really, I had no idea, Pepper!

On our last crossing Maureen was a speaker, but I missed her presentation. Later, however, I met her at the wine tasting. Lovely, lovely lady!

I could use a ride in the outside elevator and a visit to the Commodore and another opportunity to hear Maureen Ryan, which I would not waste!

Jimmybean

Magnificent isn't she? Thanks for sharing this video!

There are a variety of different free weights in the gym on the QE. I'm pretty sure there is an 8 pound weight, which would be 3.5 kg.

Occasionally, one sees someone in a bathrobe coming/going to a pool or spa treatment.

Personally, I would find someone exercising in pajamas in the gym not suitably dressed. And, also think for safety purposes shoes rather than slippers would be appropriate in the gym.

My suggestion would be to purchase gym shorts and a tee shirt to exercise in a public place. Or, you could bring your weights with you and exercise in the privacy of your own cabin wearing anything you choose.

In either case, you are doing the right thing continuing your exercise regime while on shipboard. Following your doctor's advice will give you the best recovery.

Wishing you good health and a happy voyage!

Jimmybean

I also appreciated reading your comprehensive review. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

I don't remember ever seeing pigeon as a menu selection during any of our days on a Cunard ship. Maybe, this was something that is only offered on European voyages ??? It sounds like food selections were both varied and appealing.

Happy that your cruise was so satisfying for you and your partner!

Jimmybean

On one occasion we had an inside cabin with a connecting door and could hear every word the people in the next cabin said. Foolishly, we never complained and asked for this to be fixed.

With a good seal, I don't believe you can hear anything (save full-volume shouting). If there is anything wrong with your cabin (poorly flushing toilet, dripping shower, or improperly sealed connecting door) these things can be fixed in short order, if you just speak up.

I understand the sheltered balconies are prized locations. We have stayed on deck 5 and it is a convenient location.

Have a wonderful voyage!

I also was thrilled to hear one of my favorite authors, Bill Bryson, speak.

The queue of passengers waiting for Bill Bryson to sign books was immense ---he must have been signing for well over an hour. I was towards the tail-end of that line. What struck me was how gracious and dear he was, when it was finally my turn. The personality that shines through in his writing is so genuine.

It is also a delight to see the speakers about the ship, away from the podium. DH chatted with Roger McGinn for 20 minutes at a Cruise Critic gathering before I learned from his wife that he was one of our lecturers. Such a nice couple! We never passed them about the ship without exchanging warm "hellos."

I wonder if anyone would like to share impressions of favorite and/or memorable Insight Speakers with the board?

I don't think the lectures during our trip are particularly appealing to me I'm sad to say.

 

Admiral Lord West

Roy Hunt

Brian Hawley

Donald Kurtz

 

I was hoping for something more exciting

You never know, Welch Advocate---lecturers seem to include fun gossipy stories. I'm sure an admiral will have many to share.

I cut/pasted this from earlier board:

Yes, Roy Hunt is a very popular musical historian who gives interesting and informative lectures on the great song-writers of yesteryear. He has often been featured on QM2 and several other of the top cruise lines. We met him last year on two transatlantic voyages. If you are interested in the life stories of the great song-writers and musical personalities of the past then you will enjoy his lectures.

Roy Hunt also plays the ukulele and often accompanies the songs in this fashion, encouraging the audience to join in. Occasionally he can be found in other parts of the ship and the enclosed photo shows Roy and Russell Holmes (long-standing QM2 cocktail-pianist) getting together to entertain in the Chart Room.

Sounds like Donald Kurtz is an astrophysicist and very experienced speaker. Believe me: he will make his lectures interesting, not dry. Cunard only invites lecturers to return if they are well-received.

It IS fun to recognize a speaker in advance, but we have been delighted by lecturers not known to us.

Please, do let us know what you think, after your voyage.

Jimmybean

David Blunkett & Lynne Truss

Thank you, Hattie. I am terrible with details!

We should, someday, have a thread on "favorite Insights speakers." There are so many DH and I have enjoyed immensely. (Unfortunately, I don't--as you can see--remember names very well).

Professor Butterworth was really so interesting. I hope he will be back in the future. I think he was our all-time favorite. We left each of his lectures totally amazed by what we had learned...

Thanks again,

Jimmybean

I think passenger carriers are generally paranoid about travel documents, not only Cunard. Take for example, the UK carriers liability Act legislation which levvies on a carrier a £2,000 fine for certain nationalities found to be in possession of incorrectly/invalid travel documents. To avoid passenger upset and the possibility of fines I would hazard a guess this 6 month requirement is in place to remove any possible ambiguity and protect the travel carrier from fines even though it can clearly lead to some inconvenience for passengers.

What a nicely written explanation, Robbie_3

ALso, welcome to cruise critic.

Jimmybean

Our disappointment with the entertainment included these examples:

 

Talks which are really only sales pitches for the on-board business e.g.:

"Diamond Seminar" your on-board jeweller will take you through the history of the diamond before showing you their collection.

or

Canyon Ranch lectures such as: "Can Chiropractic help my lower back pain? Is my sciatica treatable?" .

I can see why you were disappointed! I attended ONE Canyon Ranch lecture ONCE---just a sales pitch, like you describe the diamond lecture. A total waste of time!

The highlight for us is the Insight daytime lectures---many, many of which have been outstanding: I think of the lead singer of The Byrds, reflecting back on his career (song "Turn, Turn, Turn"); Bill Bryson (travel author---very humorous); the blind British member of Parliament who had had an affair (all the British travelers knew exactly who he was); the woman who wrote the punctuation book that was so popular (clever speaker); Stephen Payne (who designed the QM2); plus numerous historians and a fabulous (Scottish, I think, named Butterworth) astronomer….

I don't recognize anyone from the list of Insight speakers from your voyage. We do, somewhat, pay attention to the speaker list, before we book.

I agree that the in-room movie selection is abysmal. Further, it is not that easy to get a Guide to the movies and sometimes the Guide is not accurate. But, we are not that interested in that kind of relaxation---but you are right: in-room movies leave a lot to be desired.

DH and I also enjoy playing bridge. We have played with the organized group and also just found others to play at one of the game tables, by the large windows overlooking the ocean. But, games/cards are not for everyone.

I think that you, unfortunately, did have a less than satisfying experience. And, you do sound both well-educated and intelligent. I appreciate you sharing your experience in an honest manner.

I hope future holidays turn out better for you.

Jimmybean

Not certain if I just opened up some wounds, or whether all of this was directed at me.

No, of course this isn't a personal attack on you, gualalamama. I can understand, however, how it might feel that way.

I think there is a sense of "customs and cultures" aboard the QM2.

When you visit a church in South America (as a tourist) and you are told (in advance) that the people who live there and use the church as a church would be offended if a lady came wearing short-shorts, wouldn't you wear longer trousers or a skirt, because this was matter of respect?

Humanity IS about understanding each other and trying to get along and be accommodating, but it is also about trying to be respectful.

You state you have "dressed up" in the past and are capable of doing so, but you don't want to. You aren't in the same category as the young man who didn't have the apparel, but was accepted nonetheless.

When you agreed to "dress-up" (dinners at the White House), was this because you HAD to (rules) or because it best served your own interests (career etc)? Whatever your motivation was then, what is your reasoning for wanting to buck the cultural norm now? I am all for being as humane to one another as possible, but what is the reasoning that the vast majority of passengers should accommodate YOU, instead of you going along with both the flow and the "rules" ?

DH and I have been on ships that have a different culture in regards to formal nights. Royal Caribbean, in the Caribbean, last December, people wore shorts to the MDR on formal night. In April 2014, we were on a Celebrity where one of our tablemates (lovely man!) wore blue jeans to dinner. Different culture than Cunard and very acceptable. Not offensive.

No, the QM2 isn't the same as a Catholic Church in South American, but there is a culture onboard---one that many of us enjoy and wish to maintain. You (the single individual) are neither a problem nor a threat---but you open the flood gates to a change we do not embrace. From my perspective, that is the reason for some of the responses to your postings.

Okay, you "dressed up" for the President of the United States. Why not for me? Am I not an important enough part of humanity for you? I don't garner your respect because I'm just someone who expects others to obey the same rules I obey?

These are just my opinions and view, gualalamama. I don't mean, in any way, to not sound sympathetic. My children didn't always want to scrub-up before a visit to grandma's. But, they knew it was important to her (seeing them all clean and shiny) and they did it. I was sympathetic to them, too.

Many of us are in our second childhoods, enjoying the piece of retirement that we saved for and which will, at some point, turn into old-age and inability to travel… But, there are still rules and motivations that extent beyond our personal pleasures--at least in my view of humanity.

Fences can contribute to good neighborliness and rules can make it clear what is expected.

Yes, you are slink around certain areas of the ship in your dress-down-duds OR you can come to the theater, or films, etc etc etc after 6 p.m. in a bit of an attire.

I understand that (despite many postings advising otherwise), your choice might be to skip the formal apparel and stay only in King's Court. While I respect that your choice is your choice, I wish you would reconsider.

I think you would be a fascinating dinner companion. You are articulate and you have opinions (which you aren't afraid to voice). We (the general anybodies on a Cunard ships) would so much rather you joined us than miss your company because you are in King's Court.

Jimmybean