Live from the queen mary 2 eastbound transatlantic crossing

Hello

The day began with very promising weather. Then it turned cloudy, cool and windy after about 11 AM. Then after about 3 it turned sunny again but still on the cool side. You could sit out comfortably as long as you had a sweater. I aactualluy went to the gym to exercise.

Enjoyed the day reading and napping and chatting up different passengers. You really do meet the greatest people on voyages such as this.

Dinner tonight was great as always with beautiful service by Dennis, Michael and Jelena. I find it strange that the table captain for our section has not yet made an appearance. I wonder where that person is.

After dinner went to the Queens Room for the party night affair. Very crowded with people on the dance floor having a great time dancing to the band PURPLE HAZE. They are very talented and play with great energy.

After some time there I went up to the Chart Room to hear the Jazz trio. Met three new people: a British couple and a young woman from Germany. This is life at sea. Life you cannot duplicate on an airliner. Yes?

Tomorrow night is the World Club party and another formal evening. Tomorrow my thoughts on what is going on with the Cunard World Club. Be well.

Deck Chair

Hello

 

Brits: 754

US: 750

Australia: 479

Germans:279

 

Fortunately, there are a good number of families on this crossing. The kids seem to be having a wonderful time. They bring more life to the ship and are very well behaved. And they are future Cunarders!!

 

 

Deck Chair

It is always good in my option, to have an international mix of passengers; it makes socialising more interesting.

I am glad the children are well behaved as I have 2 grand daughters amongst them, age 13 and 9 who are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Definitely future Cunarders, the eldest almost up to Diamond level in number of voyages.

It is a shame that Cunard do no recognise this in any way! The family have adjoining balcony cabins, so all on full fare, and 4 x gratuities. However, the children do not even get free internet as they are not deemed of being worthy WC members until they reach 18, when they click in at whatever level they have reached.:confused: It is about time this should be reviewed, as I am sure it would only be to Cunard's advantage showing a little goodwill.

Enjoyed the day reading and napping and chatting up different passengers.

You do know what that expression means in the UK ? :D

:)

Tonight as the first formal night and just about everyone was dressed well according to the dress code.

So after all the hoo-ha over the perceived recent changes to the dress code (which has been in force for a while now I think), there's actually no change then ? Because some on here were so upset they actually cancelled their forthcoming cruises because of it.

So after all the hoo-ha over the perceived recent changes to the dress code (which has been in force for a while now I think), there's actually no change then ? Because some on here were so upset they actually cancelled their forthcoming cruises because of it.

Hello:

With respect to the dress code I have not noticed any change. Last night (Informal evening) while in the Chart Room before the 8:30 dinner sitting I did observe a couple of men walk in without jackets but they soon walked out. In the Queens Room for party night a number of men were dancing without jackets but that ids no surprise and not out of the ordinary.

Frankly, I do not understand why Cunard changed the wording for the dress code. All it did was create confusion and upset. So come on your Cunard voyage expecting no change in the true dress code.

Chatting up fellow passengers simply means to initiate conversations with your fellow passengers. It truly is wonderful where that first hello will take you.

More tonight after the CWC party!

Deck Chair

 

Chatting up fellow passengers simply means to initiate conversations with your fellow passengers.

Not in Britain it doesn't !

In Britain you have the distinct pleasure of an offer to be knocked up in the morning.

That is exactly the role of the crew who are responsible for the care and control (in emergency scenarios) of the passengers. Of course, the pax themselves have a responsibility to follow instructions with regard to mustering. Unfortunately it sounds as if few take it seriously.

a) I'm sure she received guidance from the officer/crew member assigned to her muster station

b) I'm sure there are additional lifejackets in the vicinity of the muster station for just such occurrences.

I'm fairly certain the briefing during the muster drill does say that in an actual emergency if you don't have time to retrieve your lifejacket from your stateroom one will be provided at the muster station.

I'm fairly certain the briefing during the muster drill does say that in an actual emergency if you don't have time to retrieve your lifejacket from your stateroom one will be provided at the muster station.

Yes, indeed. The actual wording during the QM2 guest emergency drill (transcribed from several videos which are a few years old but which I believe is still the current wording or close to it) is "If for any reason you are prevented from returning to your stateroom, go directly to your assembly station where a life jacket will be given to you."

Hello

The CWC party was last night and a good time was had by all. it was a formal evening and it appeared to me that just about everyone adhered to the dress code....although I noticed in the Chart Room later on that a couple of men were just wearing sports shirts. Perhaps they were Australians who tend to be more casual.

I have been a Diamond member of the CWC for years. I have long observed that Cunard needs to up its game by either creating a new tier beyond Diamond or enhancing the diamond tier by offering expanded benefits such as additional internet time, a higher discount on laundry, and a dinner in the Verandah. Perhaps you can suggest other new benefits.

One thing is clear the seniors officers party is now just a mob scene (often in the day) because there are so many platinum and diamond members. |It used to be a very nice affair with a lot of food but now its just canapes. What can be done about this? Does Cunard need to change who qualifies for this party to cut down on the numbers?

So far its a nice sunny day but that can change quickly. Stay tuned and your comments/questions welcomed!

Deck Chair

Thanks for your ongoing reports. It's good to hear that the dress code changes haven't made much impact.

Re CWC Diamond............ for me I'd like to have the option of a complimentary visit to the Canyon Ranch Spa ( or perhaps an additional discount on my Spa pass) I've never ever used the complimentary wine tasting , who on earth wants to take part in a wine tasting at around 3.30pm in the afternoon , clashes either with my siesta or an afternoon tea dance.;)

... I've never ever used the complimentary wine tasting , who on earth wants to take part in a wine tasting at around 3.30pm in the afternoon , clashes either with my siesta or an afternoon tea dance.;)

Funny you should mention the timing of the complimentary wine tasting event. We got caught out by the time being changed during our three recent June voyages on QM2 (New York to Norway and back). I'm pretty sure the first wine tasting was held at 3:30pm and we attended that one. I didn't pay close enough attention to the invitation we received during the second voyage, assuming it was also going to be held at 3:30pm. Silly me, that second event was actually held at 2:00pm instead so we missed it. Likewise the third wine tasting event was also held at 2:00pm. Not sure if this is a permanent change or just something that was done for operational reasons on those particular voyages.

Naturally, you win some and lose some with a 2:00pm timing. While it doesn't conflict with afternoon tea, it did conflict with a Classical Pianist concert on our second voyage and a RADA performance on the third. In the event, we did not attend the third wine tasting event either, choosing to attend the RADA performance instead.

Still really enjoying your reports - hoping for smooth waters for you.

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You do know what that expression means in the UK ? :D

 

:)

Which speakers do you have on board this week? Last week we enjoyed Sir Jackie Stewart. Maria Friedman did a great q&a with a command performance later in the week. Dr Allan Hamilton was interesting too.

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Dear Deck Chair,

Your reports are excellent and as noted already, make one feel that they are on board the QM2 crossing the North Atlantic. Actually, my wife and I will be on the QM2 in just a few weeks and have booked cabin 4138. I noted in your first post that you are in 4122 and were satisfied with that location. from your prospective, do you see any issues with thew 4138 location?

Thanks

We were in cabinet n 4074 and our children were in 4156 - both were great locations. Low and central enough to not feel movement and not far to any activities. I have to admit that on one evening, the lower 4000 numbers would have heard the theatre music as we walked down the corridor we were surprised at how loud it was (not that it’s going on for long though)

I’d definitely book deck 4 again.

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Dear Deck Chair,

See by Sea Scanner you just passed the half way point of the journey. So happy the weather has been in your favor.

Really enjoy your commentary. Speaking to my wife, we too have noticed how the CWC Parties and Senior Officers Party have become over crowded. They should think of a next level to graduate to from Diamond to even out the population of those attending these gatherings. Once you sail you are part of the CWC on the following sailing.

I remember on the QE2 during our sailings we would be invited to the Officers Party and attended it in their Ward Room. The apps also were very special being offered with our drinks. Too many passengers now to do that.

BTW... while being on board. Is there a way you can share a copy of the new menu in the Verandah Restaurant with us if possible.

Happy Sailing....

Indeed I do. Have never been on Cunard but am now booked for later this year. Enquiring minds want to know - is chatting up considered bad form on Cunard? My buddy was kinda hoping to chat up some wealthy widows.

No, I would not have thought it was bad form to chance your arm and dip your bread.

Hello

Chatting up just means to be friendly and say hello to those you come in contact. Actually I have found over the years that the Brits are very friendly.....and happy to form shipboard friendships.

Deck Chair

Dear Deck Chair,

Your reports are excellent and as noted already, make one feel that they are on board the QM2 crossing the North Atlantic. Actually, my wife and I will be on the QM2 in just a few weeks and have booked cabin 4138. I noted in your first post that you are in 4122 and were satisfied with that location. from your prospective, do you see any issues with thew 4138 location?

 

Thanks

I am in 4122 now and will be in 4124 on the return fashion week crossing. I have had no issues with noise. And its close to the C staircase so very convenient. I am sure 4138 will be fine. Do not worry.

Deck Chair

Which speakers do you have on board this week? Last week we enjoyed Sir Jackie Stewart. Maria Friedman did a great q&a with a command performance later in the week. Dr Allan Hamilton was interesting too.

 

 

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Hello

Sir Jackie Stewart is on this crossing along with his wife. He lectured today and I heard it was very good. I also heard he is very friendly and approachable.

Deck Chair

Hello

 

Chatting up just means to be friendly and say hello to those you come in contact. Actually I have found over the years that the Brits are very friendly.....and happy to form shipboard friendships.

 

Deck Chair

What you have described would simply be "chatting", "chatting up" in the UK is more like your American expression "hitting on".

The joys of a "shared" language !

Thanks again for posting during your crossing.

Good show! Here's a screen grab from the NY Harbor Webcam taken during your departure showing QM2 with the Statue of Liberty in the background, to offer a contribution of mine to your narrative, deck chair. Bon voyage!

 

I do wish people would stop posting fantastic pictures like this! We don't sail until December and this just makes me want to cry that I have to wait so long :D