QM2 March 17th

[samkmm]

Just got back and finishing up unpacking. Disappointing is the best word to describe the overall experience. Biggest problem was dining room service and attitude of Purser's Office people.

Now to put this in perspective, we were in the Caribbean for 8 days, 80 degree weather for 4 of the days, (2 days up 2 days back were stormy, that's ok), we didn't have to do a thing, we were entertained day and night, most people in NY were going to work and hoping spring would get here. So I really don't have a huge problem in the scope of things.

Be that as it may here is the knock on Cunard. We are RCCL cruisers and were pretty happy with the service there. So when we got the brochure from QM2 and read how this was a step up and a extraordinary experience we thought we would try. Our experience and some of the people we talked to was that it wasn't up to the service on RCCL. We complained and were moved and it improved but was not any better ot worse than what we have experienced on 3 other cruise lines.

Rather than go on about it you can email me at samkmm1969@yahoo.com to get particulars. We are writting a letter to Cunard and i'll be happy to share it with anyone.

The entertainment was good. Production numbers, singer, comedian, comedy magician, comedy juggler, jazz violinist. I was suprised by the age of the cruisers. It was a cross section of all ages. We are 55 & 56. There were plenty of people of all ages and that was nice. Crowding was not a problem for us.

We did have a good time and our only complaint was the servce and attitude we got when we complained. Be happy to answer anything you want to know.

[yojimbo]

We were also on the March 17 QM2 cruise. Our experience was wonderful. The ship is magnificent, especially the public spaces--Britannia dining room, Chart Room, Commodore Club, Library and others. I really enjoyed just walking around admiring the beautiful and impressive spaces.

 

Our service in Britannia, and in King's Court, was first-rate. Most staffers smiled and said hello when passing. King's Court was crowded at times, but the staff did a great job of clearing tables and keeping the whole operation as smooth as possible.

 

Our 11-year old son had a great time in the well-organized kid's program.

 

I spent lots of time in the Casino. It is a well-run operation.

 

Our B-6 (obstructed balcony) cabin was a bit snug for three of us, but that's not Cunard's fault.

 

The food was good, not great. There was plenty of variety and we could always find something we liked.

 

We met and enjoyed the company of several of our fellow passengers. Our tablemates in Britannia were delightful.

 

We didn't partake of much of the entertainment, but we heard positive things from many passengers.

 

We found the Caribbean ports less than enchanting. All three ports were VERY commercial (this is understandable, but we nonetheless were struck by this).

 

All in all, we loved this cruise. We've been on Seabourn the past two years and we felt this QM2 cruise, though a very different experience, did not pale in comparison.

 

We got together with CCer's Carmen and Javier--and I signed the CC log book kept in the library.

[Chuck & Phyllis]

Thank you both for posting. I have a feeling that who serves you in the dining room makes a big difference in the experience overall. While Sam mentioned service, Yo jim mentioned food good not great. Funny, we're platinum members with RCCL and while service is very good, food isn't that great. What I get out of this is that the food will probably meet or exceed our expectations but who is assigned to serve us will make the difference. There have been too many hot and cold posts about the dining room service so apparently they have a few bad apples.

[yojimbo]

C & P, I think you're right--one's dining room experience is greatly influenced by the quality and disposition of one's service team--we got lucky, or maybe others have been unlucky.

 

BTW, some of the best service we have had was in Britannia this morning, with a waiter who didn't know us, and certainly wasn't working extra hard for tips on getaway day.

 

Also, I forgot to mention in my earlier post that we had a great dinner in Todd English. All that we ordered was delicious--the chocolate dessert was one of the best I have had, on land or at sea. Be prepared for huge portions.

[ricker]

Yojimbo,

Could you tell us a bit about the obstructed view from your cabin? Did you happen to observe any B-6 cabins that had acceptable views? Would you book them again? If you could give cabin numbers of the best locations it would be helpful.

Welcom home...we watched you on the Empire State Bldg. camera.

Rick J

[yojimbo]

Rick,

 

Our balcony faced the middle of a big lifeboat, but we could still see the sky and portions of other scenery around the sides and beneath the lifeboat. We spent lots of time out there in the warm weather---reading, napping, enjoying a cocktail, etc. Being on 8 deck, it was easy to pop down to the King's Court for a snack, drink, etc.

 

I'm sure there are cabins that were less obstructed than ours. I can't help out with specific cabin #'s. Maybe the brochure deck plans are drawn accurately enough to permit one to select a cabin that faces the gap between lifeboats.

 

No question that the obstructed cabins are less desirable than the unobstructed cabins on higher decks. It's a closer call vs. the hull balcony cabins. I think I'd prefer the obstructed cabins because of their openness, but others would probably prefer the hulls.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to book an obstructed balcony again, assuming the price was right. I think they are a good value.

 

One other thing--on the days that the weather was cold, windy, etc., the usefulness of the balcony is much diminished. We almost never opened the balcony door on those days---our opinion is that the balcony is less impt. on a crossing than a fair weather cruise.

[ricker]

Thanks Yojimbo,

We had a hull balcony last year and it was ok, but you couldn't see much sitting in the balcony chair or on the bed in the room. We've been able to book the very first B-6 on the starboard side for our cruise next year, so it will probably be ok. Ironically, an upgrade would put us back into a hull balcony! (Probably won't be faced with that choice).

We'll be looking forward to more details on your trip. It must have been great.

Rick

[guernseyguy]

I have a feeling that who serves you in the dining room makes a big difference in the experience overall. with RCCL and while service is very good, food isn't that great.

 

Chuck & Phyllis,

 

Couldn't agree more - last year on Brilliance of the Seas had excellent wait staff but I also found RCCL food pretty average - typically a HUGE portion of protein with about one third that of veg - I generally prefer it the other way round - and of course they fixed it.

 

Wonder what QM2 will be like?

 

Samkmm - I would welcome your perspective on the board - if nothing else it may help someone else to realise quickly that its not a 'one off' but part of a pattern & take action sooner.

 

Peter

[cruiserking]

As far as Britannia Dining Room goes we received top notch service wherever we sat during our 3/9 voyage.

 

Throughout our trip during breakfast and lunch we probably sat in every corner of the Britannia with the exception of the upper level. Each of our waiters and waitresses was exceptional. This is a first class operation.

 

Cruiserking