QM2 June 3-10 EB TA log

Cloudy with peeks of sun, 57degF.

The New York Harbor cam shows a very hazy image of Queen Mary 2, but the cam is actually about 5 miles away from the Red Hook pier. The weather however is much better than the last two days in New York. We had cold, wind, and torrential rain more befitting an early April than early June. But as I write the sun is peeking out and those on tour and staying with the ship will have a very comfortable day for sightseeing.

Embarkation morning always has one thing in common: no matter how much I pack and get things ready the night before I'm rushing to get last minute things done the last half hour before the car arrives. This voyage is different because the ship is A-B transportation. Instead of remaining with the ship the entire time I'm disembarking to spend four days in London while QM2 makes the run up to Hamburg. (Not a segment I cared to pay for after reading the reviews of these "jeans and backpack" promotions.)

I was last on the ship in October so not much will have changed, or become much more threadbare, since then. Maybe I'll hear something about the 2016 refit at the CWC or Captain's cocktail parties.

Since I'll be disembarking the ship in Southampton I'll get to evaluate how well Cunard handles transfers. Ship to hotel won't be a problem but hotel pickup to ship has me at bit uneasy. My hotel is not in my voyage planner but the Cunard phone rep says it is.

So very shortly the long booked "London Calling" voyage will begin. Internet doesn't open until about 7-7:30PM so it might be a while before I can give a sail away update.

It's promising to be a beautiful sail away.

Have a wonderful time and thanks for taking us along with you.

Hi blueriband. Enjoy the sail out and the crossing. Look forward to your updates.

Rob

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Always enjoy your voyage reports. Have a wonderful time.

Have a wonderful trip Blueriband. Looking forward to hearing about your voyage:)

As the car nears the Brooklyn Bridge QM2 comes into sight. The feeling of happy anticipation never gets old. How many New Yorkers see he but will never have any idea what it is like to sail on her? As we approach not the slightest haze appears from her funnel – perhaps Brooklyn is now on “plug in”?

My boarding time was Noon but I deliberately waited to arrive about 1. This was the longest it had ever taken me to get through check in. The non-priority lines were long and it seemed that people were checking in in groups of four or so. It therefore took longer because everybody in the group had to have their documents checked and the cards made. I later heard that delays were due to a Coast Guard inspection.

As I head up the gangway I spot a young couple in one of the deck 6 sheltered balconies. They seem to be taking it all in and enjoying themselves.

Finally on board. My PG stateroom is on the starboard side and was marked “do not upgrade” as I didn’t want to be “upgraded” into a port side P1. The welcoming Pol Acher is there but the chocolate strawberries are now a chocolate truffles. There was a 175th white chocolate medallion and what appeared to be a plastic stand to hold it upright was actually a trellis of pulled sugar crystal. PG still offers bowls of fresh fruit by request card.

As we get close to muster time I now notice the resonance from her engines – so maybe yes she is on plug in during most of the layover time. Since the ship is to go on to Hamburg there are apparently a lot of Germans on board and the muster drill was given in both English and German. I had not previously been assigned to this particular muster station before and we were directed through one of the crew stairways. I did notice a small wall desk with a telephone, and on the wall was a maps of all the deck floor plans. Some type of emergency staging area?

Sailaway was more than a bit brisk- it’s unusually cool for June but at least we don’t have the rain. We approach the bridge close to low tide so the funnel clearance is not as dramatic as it had been previously. A lot of the teak decking caulking has risen proud so that will have to be addressed in drydock.

My tablemates are another solo and a couple who are Diamond Cunard, and a couple who sailed extensively but not on QM2. Somehow talk tuned to ‘cutbacks” and it started to sound like a CC thread on the subject. Tomorrow I’ll find out if anybody is also on CC. BTW, for those keeping track of such thing as turndown chocolates I got two. But hey, it’s the Grills.

As I write we are doing 20.9 knots. There’s a slight rocking – just enough to know we’re not on solid ground. The wind is only 5mph but coming from the east so it sounds more raw than it really is.

Have a wonderful trip. My mum and I are sailing on Wednesday so I guess thats the day you will be getting off. Its our first cruise and really looking forward to it. Only a short one. I think my mum is hoping to persuade my dad to go on another afterwards. I have unfortunately given up on the idea of ever getting my husband and son on a cruise. I couldn't even tempt them with a Disney Cruise (my son is 14). I thinks its the one holiday where I would be quite happy to go solo.

Anyway, looking forward to the rest of your report.

Looking forward to reading more :)

Hello BlueRiband,I have to admit to being an avid watcher of web cams,I know I am a little sad,and have oftenwondered why New York allways appears hazy.Now i know thank you.

Rodger.

Hello BlueRiband,I have to admit to being an avid watcher of web cams,I know I am a little sad,and have oftenwondered why New York allways appears hazy.Now i know thank you.

Rodger.

Harbor House, which hosts the NY harbor web cam, is about 5 miles from QM2's Redhook berth. If you want to consult a map Harbor House is next to the Alice Austin museum - both are just above the Staten Island side of the Verazanno Narrows bridge. So it's an extreme zoom and often through fog or haze from the water.

Thursday June 4th, first sea day

Sea state moderate

High winds forced the closure of the propeller deck and 11 observation deck. Our speed is 21.9 knots. At the noon operational announcement it mentioned that we are taking a more southerly route due to icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland. The clocks set ahead at Noon so we are now an GMT-3.

It’s really very cool and brisk outside – great for walking or jogging but very few are laying in sun loungers. Last October I had noted that the blue cushions with the Cunard logo on the headrest really looked nice. The worn ones were replaced with a beige strip design. It looks hideous to see the mismatch. They would have been better off replacing them all with one or the other.

The CC gathering was small – CarolynK and her husband and adult daughter. She mostly lurks, but they are enjoying their first TA and will arrive for their touring with no jet lag. We discuss some CC hot button topics, and it was mentioned that there were some T-shirt wearers allowed in Britannia last night. Dave summed it up: cruise lines want to be all things to all people and they dilute what their brand means. It’s comparable to Tiffany once selling cheap jewelry and Burberry licensing their trademark plaid for too many things.

The table tat with “inches of brass” – excuse me inches of gold – prevails. It obviously makes money. The only way Cunard will get rid of it is when passengers ignore the junk and buy the better merchandise. (Yeah, right.)

As I write the short afternoon is already approaching tea time. Captain’s cocktail party tonight so I’ll have to get the massage oil out of my hair and look presentable earlier than planned.

Thanks for taking us along with you, BlueRiband. You write a very enjoyable narrative!

Is Chris Wells the current captain aboard? We love his noon announcements! Captain Personality!!!

Have a wonderful time!

I am enjoying your live review. Cheers.:D

Thanks for taking us along with you, BlueRiband. You write a very enjoyable narrative!

 

Is Chris Wells the current captain aboard? We love his noon announcements! Captain Personality!!!

 

Have a wonderful time!

Yes, he's the current master - and the reason QM2 can currently fly the Blue Ensign.

Early Friday morning, June 5th

Overcase, sea state slight

The moonlight can barely be seen through the cloud cover, and the reflection of light on the sea gives the impression of a distant illuminated coastline. It’s about 15C/59F at midnight, just warm enough to be out on the balcony a brief while. Some ask if a balcony is “worth it” on a TA. If one enjoys the moonlight or dawn sea and fresh ocean at any time of the day or night it is “worth it”. Our course is 88deg at 21.5 knots.

This was the first formal night and there were plenty of men in black tie but my estimate is that half of the women dressed “smartly” (whatever the hell that means) but most defiantly not formal. Cunard made a big mistake in “loosening up” and thus compromising its identity.

Trays are gone permanently from King’s Court. It defiantly cuts down on people taking food outside the area but is a real pain for those trying to balance everything in their hands.

A table made had asked how to get the 2-hour internet Gold CWC benefit. One buys the two hour package and the cost is credited back to the on board account.

I got a chance to speak with a member of the Purser’s staff while at the Captain’s cocktail party. She’s in charge of the shops so I asked about the cheap table tat and how it makes an elegant ship look like a flea market. She argued that most of the passengers are Britannia and the lower price points give them something affordable to buy. So there you have it – it makes money and many passengers have little or no money to spend.

Dinner service was very spotty as is often the case on the night of the Captain’s cocktail party since everyone comes in at once. One disappointment was no table card announcing any recital in the Queens Grill Lounge. I’ve come to like there intimate recitals, but perhaps they were just an experiment and didn’t generate any additional bar revenue.

Some table mates headed to the casino for Blackjack and I joined them. (Guess I’m not that bad a gambler if I came out $30 ahead.) Less than half the tables and slots were in use. The dealers were just standing there.

As I call it a night the liveliest place is the Chart Room. It’s not one that I frequent because the daytime trivia contests are not for me. But at night there’s a different atmosphere with live band performances or recitals. I just might look into that if the Queens Grill Lounge recitals are a thing of the past.

I must admit I was surprised at the dress standards (dress code not being enforced) for both formal and informal nights, doesn't affect my meal in any way but surprised none the less.

If you are up around 10pm or later , try G32 for entertainment, the band is awesome and you get used to the smell of the room when you first walk in.:D

My best friend and her husband are on board with you. It's lovely to read your reports, thank you.

Please tell us what movies are on board to see cueing the day.. Thanks Ann

Faiday June 5th, second sea day

Sea state slight

Packing gym clothes does not qualify as “working out”. Today I hit the gym and it’s pretty busy. It’s much warmer today and the winds have died down even though we are doing about 22 knots.

The aft end of the ship, decks 6 and 7, has new aluminum frame loungers. These have a mesh covering and if memory serves the old ones were a green mesh. It appears that these are only in use near the outdoor pools where they are used by people wearing wet bathing suits. Thus far it’s been far too cool to use the pools but some brave souls are using the hot tubs. It is however beautiful jogging weather, although the few who are using the promenade deck chairs are bundled up.

We had a full afternoon today as there was no time change. Some did feel the loss of the hour. Catholic mass was late due to the priest oversleeping! (Those present decided not to start without him.;-) ) For those who observe Friday night shabbot, this is listed as taking place in the Atlantic Room. Sound like a far more inviting place than down in Connexions.

At least four Insights lectures were available today, and one that was very interesting described the development of supersonic flight. It was technical enough to provide an understanding of the forces and challenges involved and why economic sustainability is still a problem. We’re not going to see Cunard partnering with a Concord II anytime soon.

Tonight was the second formal night. The PG men outshined the women. The men looked great in black tie while half the women wore dresses that hardly qualify as formal by any stretch. Perhaps a red knit dress qualifies as “formal” if one paid a lot for it. What sets Cunard apart if the atmosphere is P&O or Princess? I hate to think what the evening experience is like on other ships – definitely not something I want to find out.

As I write it is late evening and we are about to pass over the nominal resting place of Titanic and will begin the Great Circle Route – out heading had been about 88/89 degrees and it’s now 85 deg at 22.5 knots. The forward end of the ship is showing some pitching movement – but just enough movement to remind us that we’re not on solid ground.

Thanks for the update.:D

Faiday June 5th, second sea day

Sea state slight

 

Tonight was the second formal night. The PG men outshined the women. The men looked great in black tie while half the women wore dresses that hardly qualify as formal by any stretch. Perhaps a red knit dress qualifies as “formal” if one paid a lot for it. What sets Cunard apart if the atmosphere is P&O or Princess? I hate to think what the evening experience is like on other ships – definitely not something I want to find out.

 

ground.

Hi BlueRiband, We were on the QM2 trip 17th - 27th May last month, it's 175th Anniversary voyage. The vast majority of the passengers were British, but there was also passengers from USA, Australia, Canada, mainland Europe and Japan on board. I am an avid fan of the formal nights. I truly enjoy dressing to the nines, mainly because I live in the countryside and usually can be found wearing wellies jeans and fleece jackets, therefore the opportunity to wear evening gowns is, from my point of view, most welcome. I had read on CC a number of threads that stated the dress code was slipping, but to my amazement I can honestly say that on this last trip almost everyone dressed in keeping with tradition on the formal nights and even on semi-formal nights most ladies were dressed very smartly, from full evening gowns to shorter cocktail dresses. We always travel Britannia Class on the QM2 because the first time we went 'grills' I did not enjoy the dining experience as much as I thought I would. I think this was because the Queens and Princess dining rooms are positioned in a very bad area of the ship, the ceilings are low, the tables crowded too close, some of them in awkward corners, and the views are of the promenade deck where people are constantly passing or jogging by, some smoking outside the windows, others peering in to see what it looks like! Anyhow, my point is that maybe if you were dining in the Britiannia you would have had more opportunity to see many more folk dressed appropriately and your views on the dress code adherence might have been different. :)

Your on-going dialogue is appreciated, BlueRiband.

…I don't think Cunard has changed, but maybe people have. And, fellow passengers made up so much of our experiences onboard...

I do think some ladies have difficulty distinguishing between formal and non-formal attire. But, my observations were always more of formal-type dress on non-formal evenings--kind of diluting the effect of formal on formal-night, in my opinion--not the reverse.

Much more shocking to me in 2014, were blue jeans in the dining room (non-formal evening) on Celebrity and teenage girls in short-shorts in the dining room (non-formal) on Royal Caribbean (granted, in the Caribbean). In comparison, Cunard may not have fallen so far. Yet.

My grandmother (purely a land-lover) may have been shocked in 1920, when women bobbed their hair and wore dresses appreciably above their ankles.

I must say I am appalled by the number of "young people" who have tattoos. I remember when tattoos meant someone had been in the navy. Fashion, clear, is not a stagnant

Everything changes and maybe we are in the vortex of change right now. The pendulum swings, making a good number of us sad.

But, I really don't blame Cunard. Staff really never did much to enforce dress code, from my observations. People were just more compliant.

Looking forward to more from you, BlueRiband.

I am so enjoying these reports. Thank you very much.

My thoughts on formal dress:- up until about 10 years ago, formal dinners at the golf club meant that the ladies always, always wore long dresses. However, this is not the case now. So, on land, the same thing has happened. Men can and do manage with one dinner suit and perhaps ring the changes with a variety of bow ties. Not so for women. Perhaps many women will feel that buying two or three long outfits for their cruises would be rather a waste of money, money which might be spent on better or more things.

Just throwing this thought into the pot!

 

But, I really don't blame Cunard. Staff really never did much to enforce dress code, from my observations. People were just more compliant.

 

I agree that people may be more relaxed and they have lots of excuses as to why they cannot/will not comply (flight' luggage restrictions, cost, no one else does it, etc), however, if Cunard (or any line) do not enforce the policies that they stipulate then you can hardly blame the passengers for pushing boundaries.

Like I said prior, it doesn't affect my meal or the experience but it also doesn't reflect well on the standards of the ship.

Saturday, June 6th

Heading 64deg, 23.1knots

Today has been the warmest to far, but it’s still too breeze on all but the aft end of the ship. The aft loungers are almost all in use. A group of six people have dragged their loungers past the crew life rafts as protection from the wind. Last night we had some rain showers and the ship was noticeably pitching.

At the noon operation update we had sailed some 1300 miles with 1800 still ahead, so tonight we will pass the half way point of our voyage, we advanced another hour at noon to GMT-2.

The sky remains overcast. I’ve yet to encounter a cloudless clear sky. I’ve yet to see the stars without city lights.

I pass the Royal Court Theater and hear a presentation in German winding up – apparently there has been a separate program ongoing for the German speaking passengers – 568 of them.

My table mates, who are new to the ship, elect to attend one of the production shows. I pass as does my other CWC diamond tablemate. I’ll seek out the Commodore Club or Chart Room.