jimmybean

Hello Minnie29 and welcome to cruise critic.

DH and I have booked voyages as much as 18 months in advance. We find anticipation and preparation lovely parts of the joy of cruising.

You will find there is much on the internet which will help you decide what to do in each port. There is, also, a cruise critic section where members describe ports and tour options (around the world). Depending on the location (safety and language), DH and I sometimes wander on our own. In other places, we have enjoyed fabulous tours that Cunard has arranged.

Joining a cruise critic roll call can also be fun. Everyone shares excitement and tips and possibly arranges private (non-Cunard) tours together.

We were on the Queen Elizabeth for 36 days in 2013. She is a wonderful ship and our time on her was outstanding. Often her captain is Chris Wells, who is our absolute favorite ---lots of personality!

Do ask questions on this Cunard board or on the roll-call for your voyage. You will find many helpful people on cruise critic.

Do also report back. We all like to heard other people's experiences… Plus, we all just like to hear about ship-life.

Happy sailing!

Hi thenoflygal, Welcome to CC!

DH and I also come to Brooklyn terminal (and the Southampton terminal, for that matter) from afar and usually have to return a car rental by a certain time, so we haven't always been able to coordinate our arrival time with the assigned time. We have never been turned away. In the past, as people arrive in the terminal, if it is crowded, a paper number (or letter) is handed out and after queuing for the check-in desk, there are plentiful seats for waiting until your number (or letter) is called by terminal staff. We have waited as little as ten minutes and as long as an hour (during which time, we were mostly seated). If your have mobility issues and are unable to stand in the queue, you can ask for a wheelchair, when you enter the building. Really, the whole thing isn't that bad.

After you board and drop hand-carried items off in your cabin, you will find lunch and snacks at the buffet on deck 6. This is called "King's Court."

There will be sparkling wine in your cabin. This is complementary and of dubious quality, but I think still a nice gesture from Cunard.

Do go to the top of the ship when it sails away : ) Do attend the daytime lectures! These are a highlight of Cunard ships.

Have a wonderful time, thenoflygal!

Unfortunately, some of the mystique of the QM2 is in our minds. alfa666cruise points out very real flaws.

The QM2 had interactive television and then got rid of it. Why? It was handy to check our account and the dinner menu from our cabin and is standard onboard other cruise lines.

We too have been inconvenienced on long Cunard voyages because a washer, or dryer, was inoperable for inordinate periods of time. Why? There should be replacement parts and onboard repairpersons as part of an operation plan, but clearly this is lacking.

Chairs in the planetarium have been broken for YEARS without repair. Why?

A long-earned and well-deserved reputation eventually fades, when standards slip and the intent is to mass-market for maximum profit with as little overhead as possible.

I love the QM2, but not always the mentality of the folks who run her.

Thank you, alfa666cruises, for truthfully sharing your experience.

I am new to the site and have never cruised before. Will next year QM2 NY to Southampton.

It does not matter to me what the toiletries are but I can see why it would to others and feel its a perfectly valid question on this forum.

Welcome to CC and congratulations on booking your first voyage, DadTheBigKid. What month will you be making your crossing?

Jimmybean

I sympathize, Kat. We have had the same experience (and did enjoy the upgrade, I must say).

While there will be a few who paid less than you, there will also be others who paid more. Once on board, the paying is over (and should go out of your mind) and the pleasure should begin.

Have a wonderful, wonderful voyage!

Dear Merry Maid,

I understood completely your comments about priority boarding and how it can be well-handled or mishandled. DH and I have both observed and used priority boarding and IF is it well-handled, no one seems uncomfortable or put-off--- nor should they be.

I am surprised that this took place on a crossing, since both Southampton and Brooklyn usually seem very organized in their boarding procedures. On the other hand, DH and I typically board with the throng between 12:00 and 1:00. I really have never experienced boarding at a later time and maybe, that factor had some bearing (not that is should--but maybe it did).

The descriptions in your posting were appreciated.

Jimmybean

Just a year ago on the May crossing, every gentleman at our dining table wore a tie on nights when only a sports coat was required. And, I believe all the men, at our table for eight, wore tuxedos on formal nights.

From your descriptions, it sounds like change is underway…

September 2006, Queen Mary 2 West-Bound Crossing.

 

Supposed to be a "one-off"/"never-to-be-repeated"/"once-in-a-lifetime" voyage, as I'd wanted to take a Cunard Liner across the Atlantic since I was a child (when I saw the great liners in Southampton).

 

I was totally hooked by QM2 the moment I stepped into the Grand Lobby for the first time. If I could sail only on QM2 for the rest of my days, and no other ship, I'd die a happy man :) .

 

By time I had walked to my cabin, I was already planning my next trip (2007 QM2 Caribbean Cruise).

I've added trips on QE2, QE & QV to the crossings and cruises on QM2 since that wonderful day in 2006.

Meeting a gracious lady for the first time :) (that would be you, lannp ;) ).

 

Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

Our first Cunard experience was also in the fall of 2006 on the QM2, going east at the beginning of October. Remember? It was only six days for a crossing, at that time, so the wind on deck seemed fearsome (with the greater speed)! I only ventured out on the deck once. Waves were about three meters (four days out) and sky and water were grey. In contrast, the inside of the ship was colorful with passengers, entertainment, architectural features. Also, love at first sight for us, which has only continued and grown with each subsequent voyage.

I agree with Oahucruiser: very nice to read your posting! Thank you, Dajo5601, for sharing your positive impression of a recent Southampton disembarkation.

WhooAw to Cunard and the folks at the Southampton terminal!

I think I am suffering from the malady described by BlueRiband (as detailed in the DSM #?).

It's only been a year, but a year has been too long!

Your review was enjoyable to read! Thank you! So, happy to hear your experience was positive, FennoExpress.

I don't recall much, if any, standing in a queue on a Cunard ship--aside from boarding queue (when Grills passengers do have priority boarding).

Otherwise, everyone typically walks into the theater or planetarium (which is also used for cinema and daytime lectures). Passengers from the Grills and Britannia intermingle and seats are taken in a first-come--chose your own seat--basis.

If there is some congestion, because many people arrive at the same time, it's more of the rush of people moving-in at a pace than having an actual queue.

Ship life is really pretty hassle-free. One of the reasons it is addictive.

You will pick up many tips reading this CC board, but do ask specific questions, if you have any.

We were only in Ireland once and it was wonderful! No plans to return now that DH has passed the age of easy car rental. So glad we went when we did! So nice of you to offer advice to the many people on the message board who are going (and the rest who should).

Happy sailing, Dublin7guy!!!

The washers, dryers, and detergent are free on Cunard ships. Use of laundry facilities can be competitive, depending on the needs of your fellow travelers. Consequently, we typically don't wait for the final sea day to wash clothes. …Do pay attention to the timing of machines and be on-time to remove your clothing or someone waiting for a machine will do this for you.

Also, people sometimes check the dryers to see if they are empty and the opening of the dryer's door stops the drying process, then the people checking don't always know to press the "start button" again. So, while it's not necessary to remain in the tiny, stuffy laundry room all the time you are washing and drying, it is a good practice to return periodically and monitor progress.

There is also a small retractable clothes line in the shower. We bring a handful of clothes pins and hand wash exercise clothes, which dry quickly overnight (because there is good air-flow in the shower).

The ship is large, so walking about with your children will give them and you pleasant diversions. I have seen well-behaved small children (who remain quiet) taken to the theater in the evening. The success of this, of course, would depend on a child's temperament.

I believe there have always been a few young parents with young children every time we have been onboard the QM2, seeming to handle the experience of being at-sea without difficulties.

I don't believe I have noticed any infant supplies (like diapers) in any shops on the ship, but I think you will find the diversity of food available will make easy to keep everyone well-fed and happy.

The time change(s) may be a little challenging for the little ones. The five hours compound, even for those of us who understand and try to adjust to the clock. No one is allowed to sleep-in on the morning of arrival. On the day of disembarkation, you must be out of your cabin by 8:30 a.m., I believe. This could feel like 3:30 "home-time" to your children. Fortunately, with comfortable strollers, anytime can be nap-time (such are the benefits of being a child : )

Have a wonderful time!

Yes, you will be assigned a time to board, but we have always just showed-up and joined the boarding queue --- no earlier than 11:45 and no later than 1:00

If there are many others boarding at the same time, there will be a queue and you will be given a boarding card with a number or letter. Then, you wait until your group is called to board. There are seats and all is quite orderly. No one questions your assigned time...

Coming from a distance, sometimes the assigned time and travel arrangements just don't gibe. Twelve to one seems the most popular time, so there can be a wait, but eventually everyone is on-board with opportunity to explore the ship before departure.

On Cunard, when you board, you are allowed to go straight to your cabin --- no time being stalled in the buffet, waiting for your cabin to be cleaned. You will find a little 1/2 bottle of something bubbly in your room (unfortunately, reviews on CC are negative about this drink, but it is complimentary).

If you want to choose a different drink, go to the Commodore. Lovely pre-departure venue. Deck 9 forward.

There are great views from the ship both before sailing and while going toward the ocean. Climb to the top of the ship for sail away. What fun!!!

We have done both easterly and westerly crossings and both have pro's and con's (mostly pro's in either direction, though : )

Going easterly, the time going under the Verrazano Narrows bridge is more predictable than when coming into Brooklyn in the early morning (with a veritable arrival time). Being up on deck, swooshing under the bridge, is a memorable experience.

Going westerly, the time change can make staying up for the shows a bit challenging for me (after about the fourth hour change my bedtime becomes 8 p.m.). ...You would think doing an hour a day would be easier than all-at-once jet lag, but day-after-day it's wearisome to lose or gain so many hours….

The staff has to work more hours going east--the time changes might be more difficult for them in that direction (which could affect service). Going west, I remember having a staff safety drill, assumedly because there was an extra hour for this activity. ("For exercise. For exercise. For exercise" announced over the loudspeaker --nothing for passengers to do)

You do have some longer days going west and some shorter days going east.

Going east, the British handle passports at sea, during the voyage--quick and easy, but a requirement while onboard to go through this well-organized queue. Going west, you need to show your passport at the terminal in Brooklyn--maybe slows the exiting process a little.

IMO, Britannia restaurant "class" is fine. The majority of passengers travel with these accommodations--happily. There are opportunities for grill-passengers to intermingle in a few exclusive settings (aft deck 8, their own dining rooms and a lounge), but they share the same entertainment, gym, and walking-around-areas with passengers who have less expensive quarters.

Have a wonderful crossing, whichever direction! QM2 is a great ship. Lots to do and very enjoyable experience! Happy Sailing, Winchester Ranger!!!!

Beautiful, well-done photos, Rob !!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Jimmybean

DH and I had no interest, whatsoever, in ship travel---until (urged by friends) we tried it.

Eleven years later, 22 voyages on six cruise lines under our belts, there is no doubt how much we have enjoyed it! But, never, did we see this coming.

So, I can understand your partner's lack of enthusiasm at this point.

My guess is that, once experienced, both you and your partner will discover many pleasures of ship-life just like DH and I did.

Thank you for sharing your dilemma with this board and, please, do report back how everything turns out.

Happy Sailing!

Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

I agree with safariga. Wish we all could be there.

One of the things I prefer on a Cunard ship (compared to HAL) is that you are allowed to go directly to your cabin when boarding. I find it so much easier to be able to drop off hand-carried items immediately after boarding and be able to roam the ship unencumbered (instead of taking a seat in the crowded buffet with my carryon and purse in my lap for an hour).

We've used the dry cleaning service a couple of times. Thought they did an excellent job and that the price was reasonable.

I like that Cunard offers free laundry (no cost for machine or soap as mentioned by BlueRiband). The laundry room can be a harried place and fellow passengers don't always remember to move/claim their clothing in a timely manner, but it also can be a friendly place, where you meet fellow travelers and have a nice chat.

Have a wonderful voyage, kangforpre!

I think the contractors had an auto gratuity attached to their wages at $11.50 per day (unless they were fitting carpets in the Grills in which case they had to pay more!):)

Great first post, Fluked! : ) What an astute observation !!!!

Did they eat all of the strawberries?

This family each had a personal plate of food as well. There appeared too many strawberries to be consumed completely, but that is admittedly a guess. I didn't remain to witness the outcome.

Just a vignette that remained stuck in my mind.

Like you, DH and I enjoyed our time on the Queen Elizabeth very much. I thought it would feel small, after the QM2, but we settled in and felt quite comfortable aboard. ...I agree I had the same impression of staff on the QE --- a little less enthusiastic --but that could have been the voyage.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise on the Island Princess!!!! Exciting to have your departure coming so soon. Have fun !!!!

I will be embarking today. Very excited! I will be waving on the small out today!

 

 

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Have a wonderful voyage !!!!!!! Report back to CC. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jimmybean

Welcome to the Cunard CC board and hurray for making your first posting!!!!! Very generous of you to share this information.

I hope you enjoy your crossing very much. The QM2 should be a delight for you. I have been consistently happy on-board her and hope you feel the same way!

Please let us know your experience after your voyage and don't hesitate to ask questions ---very knowledgeable CC members can be extremely helpful.

Happy Sailing!

I would like to share an observation from our second, or third, QM2 crossing.

In the King's Court, I saw a woman who must have taken every strawberry from the serving bowl. She had a large dinner plate heaped with strawberries in a huge, huge mound--more than she and her family could have ever hoped to consume----no doubt denying a long line of strawberry fanciers, who came after her, even one or two…

Probably more weight of strawberries than the plate of cookies described and no doubt stacked higher.

It was a sight and no, the woman was not an American (nor was she British or German). She was youngish and sat with her husband and small children.

I have no idea why someone would choose to take an unnecessarily large and ostensively greedy helping of any food---cookies or fruit. Who knows!! And, really, besides the point.

While the ambiance or mood of one ship (on any specific voyage) clearly can be a world apart from the ambiance of another ship and voyage, all travel can put one in new and sometimes unexpected situations, including the observation of human behavior that seems out-of-the-ordinary.

This is not a Cunard-thing nor is it a Princess thing.

We meet strangers when we travel and some strangers indeed seem strange.

Most people, though, to me are interesting. Many, many seem kind and thoughtful and intelligent and very worthwhile.

While thoroughly supporting Cunard's dress codes and other traditions, I personally don't suffer in another venue while in the company of people on a more relaxed Princess ship---- if DH and I are motivated to book by the right itinerary, coupled with the right price.

Cunard has shifted some itineraries to different parts of the world and Princess now offers itineraries that Cunard formerly arranged.

Cookies or strawberries, I'm still happy on a ship. ...Although, repeating myself, I will always love the QM2 best of all and yes, I favor the idea of eating strawberries over cookies ---- not, however, (I hope) in an unreasonable amount that would garner anyone's attention or prompt a posting on CC…

Happy Sailing to all!!!

We have self-disembarked from Cunard ships eight times in three different ports (Brooklyn, Southampton and Los Angeles).

(Agreeing with comments above) Cunard staff has never been helpful on any of these occasions. In addition, conflicting and/or misinformation has been given to those disembarking by Cunard staff.

Self-disembarkation is for hearty-souls, who can manage their own luggage and sometimes find their own way off the ship.

Still---DH and I have disembarked successfully each time AND we do keep booking additional (Cunard) voyages.

It could be an opportunity for Cunard to make a last favorable impression. ...It is a shame they don't do a better job of it.

DH and I were met in 2012 by friends and it couldn't have been easier. We self-disembarked and were off the ship and straight into their car by 7:30. If you can handle your own luggage, this can be a great way to exit the ship.

Have a wonderful sailing! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy !!!!!