BklynBoy8

4 hours ago, NE John said:

Don’t forget the excellent deluxe hot chocolate service too offered in various venues around the ship. Not the hot chocolate in the buffet area - the real stuff with little marshmallows on top. 

I had the HC in the Golden Lion and it was great. Had it during BINGO. Extra surcharge but worth it.

And the one in Kings Court is very good. Got it when we got home from Amazon and now our HC for the house. Comes in good size bottles, not like the packages in KC.

Being a Brooklynite and also user of the site, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is shared by the Princess, Cunard and recently MSC Lines.

It also which we are not happy with, it is a very expensive lot but is a secure one with security and lighting which gives us comfort when we use it.

There are no reservations like the one in Manhattan, so first come and first served but still should be enough space for all but can be quite a walk when parking later in the day before boarding.

There is no real vending machines for food available so really just to process and board passengers.

Hope this helps.

Barrachina Restaurant Old San Juan was born following a long family tradition in the culinary arts. Barrachina Restaurant Old San Juan was recognized as the king of “Paella”, also a traditional Spanish bartender Don Ramon Portas Mingot in 1963 created what became the world's famous drink: the Piña Colada.

Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero Pérez claims to have first made it at the Caribe Hilton Hotel's Beachcomber Bar in San Juan on 15th August 1952 (the Caribe Hilton say 1954), using the then newly available Coco López cream of coconut.

Matter of opinion... a claim...to research....

We like to pickup snacks in our ships Logo Shop to keep in the cabin.

Or will pickup snacks or goodies when in port at one of the local stores by the pier.

Barrachina's restaurant in Old San Juan is the location of the original Pina Colada. They have a small restaurant we enjoyed once for lunch.

3 hours ago, maggielou362 said:

Take heed of what @D&N, @Pushpit, @mahasamatman, @BklynBoy8 et al have said. This is YOUR holiday, dance to your heart's content, smile graciously and apologise quietly if you accidentally collide. Good dancers know how to avoid us amateurs, just have a lovely time and enjoy the music, the moment and the movement.

I believe the best night, and this is my opinion, in the Queens Room that ROCKS the room is the Big Band Evening.. I look forward to that of on all the sailings. I even have chills thinks of it 304 days from now....."Let The Good Times Roll"....

3 hours ago, maggielou362 said:

@Liao, you have come to the right place. This forum is the headquarters for a wealth of Cunard information and opinions. I am a new disciple, having only two sailings under my belt, but I have booked another FOUR voyages with Cunard! There are many well-travelled and knowledgeable Cunarders on this site, just keep asking and you will get accurate answers. Please book a Transatlantic on Cunard, I have booked mine for 2026 and I am pretty sure it will be a once in a lifetime experience.

"Veteran" Cunarders have vast experience thru their Loyalty to the Cunard Line.

Many passengers want to try other Lines and Ships but Cunarders are Loyal Repeaters voyage after voyage. Even taking advantage of inquiring on board and booking while on board. Even always looking forward to the next year(s) ex. 2025, 2026, 2027 sailing schedule of cruises.

When on board, there is even a challenge of finding enough space for those Platinum and Diamond members at the CWC Gatherings. "We Are Cunarders, We Are Loyal"....

2 hours ago, oceansandseas said:

I see pictures and videos of the dance floor on QM2 and it looks like there are only about 15 or so couples dancing, However every voyage we have been on (diamond) the dance floor has been very crowded and I have been bumped often.

 

I have seen a few times people who are dancing close to the windows.

True there are alternative locations one can dance in the room. But the anticipation to dance in and on the Queen Room dance floor is the main attraction for all to experience and should be equally shared by all those also sharing the Queen Mary 2.

Those with higher skills should be considerate to those lessor and welcome them on the dance floor. I for one while dancing see some one attempting with great effort, would bow to their efforts and share the space even with a gentle gesture of acknowledgement.

In plain words "We Are All On The Same Ship" aren't we?

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

We are not sure how many days you will be staying in NYC. But being in Downteown Brooklyn/Brooklyn Heights will afford you to close proximity to BCT. About 20 minutes in distance. From the above locations. The streets are straight traveling to BCT but can encounter travel depending the days you will be heading to the Terminal.

 

There are hotels and boutique hotels in the Atlantic Avenue area and other areas in vicinity.

 

Brooklyn is very interesting in that area but not as engrossed in tourist attractions but still interesting in content. Dumbo (Brooklyn Bridge Area) Park Area, Brooklyn Bridge Walkway, East River to Lower Manhattan. Last minute shopping on Fulton Street if needed. Also many different restaurants to along Court Street and Smith Street also Montague Street. Oh BTW, the Brooklyn Heights Esplanade viewing the East River, Bklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.

stoddaj1,

sorry for some keyboard errors in spelling....

4 hours ago, stoddaj1 said:

We just booked a cruise leaving from Brooklyn and have started the hotel hunt. Ideas about staying in Brooklyn area would be great as well.

1 hour ago, princeton123211 said:

Brooklyn, at least in the tourist areas, will be on par or maybe a little bit less than staying in Manhattan.

But the benefit here is that you're close by the next day and your transportation costs will be fairly contained compared to Jersey. 

We are not sure how many days you will be staying in NYC. But being in Downteown Brooklyn/Brooklyn Heights will afford you to close proximity to BCT. About 20 minutes in distance. From the above locations. The streets are straight traveling to BCT but can encounter travel depending the days you will be heading to the Terminal.

There are hotels and boutique hotels in the Atlantic Avenue area and other areas in vicinity.

Brooklyn is very interesting in that area but not as engrossed in tourist attractions but still interesting in content. Dumbo (Brooklyn Bridge Area) Park Area, Brooklyn Bridge Walkway, East River to Lower Manhattan. Last minute shopping on Fulton Street if needed. Also many different restaurants to along Court Street and Smith Street also Montague Street. Oh BTW, the Brooklyn Heights Esplanade viewing the East River, Bklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.

19 hours ago, ilv4cruising said:

Hi all,

 

I've been debating about asking this question in case it results in a lot of negative responses but here it goes :).

 

I love to "ballroom" dance (but I'm no expert).   

 

My husband likes to have a few slow dances with me but he isn't a "ballroom dancer" as he has some physical limitations, due to 2 not very successful spinal fusions he lives with chronic back pain and nerve impairment in one leg.  We have never been on the QM2 but on other ships we usually find a small corner on the dance floor to enjoy our dances together.

 

From what I've been reading in my research about the QM2 (or maybe just Cunard in general) the dancers on the floor are quite serious about their ballroom dancing.  This is making my husband really concerned about whether or not he will be able to dance with me as he "might get in the way", hear negative comments, or even worse, get bumped by some dancers (which could cause him pain).  FYI - he is not the type to ignore the comments/looks sadly, if he feels in the way he will just sit.

 

So here are my questions:

 

1 - If we do something similar (e.g. find a small corner on the dance floor) for the few dances we will do (usually he can only do a couple of dances at a time and usually to a foxtrot tempo)) will the other dancers frown/comment on this?  He is already self-conscious on he limited dancing ability and if he feels like he is in the way, that will be it for us dancing for the duration.

 

2 - My understanding there will be dance hosts for the "single" people.  Would they still consider dancing with me so I can do more dancing than my husband is capable of?

 

We are looking at our first QM2 crossing but want to do a more lengthy itinerary but we are concerned about the # of sea days and if we will be able to enjoy the ballroom or not. 

 

Thanks in advance.

My wife and I find it challenging on the QM2 more than when we were on the QE2.

Those "Harvest Moon Ball" participates can create an uneasiness on the floor and those that seem liking to perform do take up space. My DW and I love to do the Slow Dances also and wish all would follow a circle pattern.

Coming up in March, we do hope to do a lot of use of the Queen Room and wonderful music that is played. 

We have one.....

1 hour ago, Judyrem said:

I didn't realize PG had separate showers.   I thought there was just a tub and shower combo.

 

I am still keeping the bid because this is a special year for me and I might as well splurge.

 

I am still not fond of the lifeboats being so easily seen,  however but I can make do.😉

 (Ahhh first world problems!

Judyrem,

We were in 2022 September in a QM2 PG (10021) and we only had a Tub/Shower combo.

There were no separate Tub & Shower or Separate Shower in that Suite.

You may want review Youtube reviews of PG and see those bathrooms videoed and how they look.

28 minutes ago, NE John said:

I too called about getting emails I am receiving to upgrade and I called and was told a third party administrators the program and Cunard has no more info to add. I’m offered a Penthouse Q3/4 on QE for about the same price as you are seeing (from recently upgraded Q6!) and I’m going to pass. 

Question @Judyrem - did you book direct with Cunard or with a travel agent? I wonder if TA bookings get these upgrade communications. I’m not a newbie (nor a veteran like many here) but this is the first time I booked directly. 

Maybe because we have been sailing with Cunard since early 1980's and in Diamond Cat., we don't get emails from Cunard for Upgrades or bidding.

We have always received comp upgrades to the next level. Never got phone calls from Cunard.

We get comp's to PG and once on the QE2 we went to QG even at the Pier Desk.

We just book what we would like, anticipate arriving at that cabin we booked and look forward to enjoy. If the Comp Upgrade Fairy visits, we appreciate the offer and enjoy. We've got about 6 comp offers in the 12 years.

So we just book, wait and arrive as we expect. 

BANANA SPLIT

BUTTERSCOTCH W VANILLA ICE CREAM

8 minutes ago, Thaxted said:

Has this changed since open dining was introduced? On our crossings last summer on QM2 there was no parade coming or going. 

We have not seen since our 2022 sailing. Not known before then. Quite some time.

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I do not understand the lack of ginger ale. 

Kathy,

Did you ever ask for Fever Tree brand?

I like their Tonic Water in the bottle of course, for G&T's.

I know I see Ginger Ale under that name.

I have always been told not to get mixes from the soda nozzle at the bar. Not the same.

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I do not understand the lack of ginger ale. Doesn't anyone want that as a mixer any more? It's about the only soda/pop/soft drink I like. And if I'm feeling a bit of mal de mer, that's what I want (and NOT diet, feh!) I think a quick run to ASDA in Southampton is in my future...

Kathy,

I don't understand some of these LACKS...on board. On our past sailing with you especially in the PG and last July on board they did not have Darjeeling Tea. I had to settle for English Breakfast and Earl Gray offered to me. But if you went to the Champ's High Tea Service they did have the high class darjeeling available.

I am thinking of bringing my own Darjeeling next March on board to have made for me if still not available. Embarrassing isn't it.

Darjeeling Tea I remember was the Classic Tea served on the Queen Elizabeth 2 always available. 

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

That's what they call it. Gravy of any sort at breakfast does not appeal to me.

 

Your definitions of gravy and sauce match mine. A Jersey Girl grows up knowing this! 

Kathy,

I learned Biscuits and Sausage (White) Gravy from watching Southern Show and Matlock, his favorite as a child.

On 5/5/2024 at 8:32 PM, TravelinGert said:

 I was visiting a friend's grandmother in Bari to drop off some treats my friend asked me to deliver and got invited to stay to dinner. She showed me how to make orecchiette and served it with what she termed "a lovely gravy". 

We have dear close neighbors that the family come from Bari Italy and they call Plain Tomato "Sauce" and sauce with meat added "Meatball, Sausage and Beef Braciole" known as Sunday Gravy. Two completely different styles of tomato preparations. There is also Tomato Sauce and Marinara Sauce also two different alone tomato preparations.

Old Country now in American especially in my neighborhood (Bensonhurst & Little Italy) and true Italian NYC Restaurants will show as a regular and not as a special on Sundays "Sunday Plate" with Meat Sauce and those accompanying Meats as mentioned above.

Mangia!

1 hour ago, karen of PA said:

We’ve taken previous cruises but this is our first one on Cunard.  We are on The Queen Elizabeth in August.  I take a medication that requires that I drink a lot of water throughout the day.  It doesn’t have to be bottled water.  Do I need to take a refillable bottle on the cruise?  Are there places on the ship where I can obtain water? I would really appreciate any suggestions that you may have.  Thanks.

You should once on board check out the availability of water for you medical and regular use.

On the QM2 we get a Bottle of Water daily and when needed for the Tea Kettle. My DW also uses water for medication and regular use since she does not care for ship processed water. We would buy a on board package of 6 from our Room Steward.

But you can get water from some locations in are within wall units, Kings Court Buffet to name a few otherwise purchase thru the different bars. The unfortunately fact of the purchase, buying a bottle of water will have a 15% surcharge to the purchase.