QM2's next refit: What would you change?

[JollyJackTar52]

So. If you were in charge, what would you change about the Great Lady? You never know. If Cunard does read these forums (and I'm sure they won't be able to resist reading what people say about them!) some ideas may even end up on the Ship?

 

If it were me?

 

Kings Court

Although we've never had any issues with the food or service, it is a little manic and the styling is a bit reminiscent of a posh motorway services. Certainly needs to look more upmarket, and needs work on the layout to make it less manic

 

Commodore Club/Churchill's Cigar Lounge

We love Commodore Club. But. As non smokers, we wont sit on the side of the Commodore Club where Churchill's is because of the smell of cigar smoke. Improve the door seals & the ventilation in Churchill's? Oh. And LOTS of Fabreeze :)

 

Regatta Bar/Splash Pool

Three times onboard and never seen them used. Waste of space really, do something better? Maybe. If a subtle retractable roof could be incorporated without changing the exterior lines of the Ship, the Winter Garden could move here to make space for an enlarged Kings Court?

 

Queen's Room & G32

Put some better doors between the two & put a staff only bar/drinks station in the Queen's Room which is out of sight. If you're stood near the doors, the music from G32 "Pollutes" that in the Queen's Room every time the doors open. Exacerbated by the waiters having to use the bar in G32

 

Minnows Pool

To say it's meant to be the children's pool, it's not very exciting. I'm not suggesting installing a Flowrider or anything, but maybe a small, discrete waterslide & some more kiddie bits?

 

Lighting

A Nicely designed, subtle and classy exterior LED lighting scheme to show her beautiful lines in the dark. LED lighting inside also, and the keycard/light switch things in each cabin. Discrete Solar Panels on the Turbine Structure and Bridge Roof to reduce the carbon footprint further too? Absolutely nothing that changes those gorgeous lines outside!

 

Grand Lobby

Install an LED screen on the ceiling, which can be made to replicate the sky outside. Could replicate natural light/blue sky in the daytime. Sunrises & Sunsets and Stars at night?

Edited October 2, 2014 by JollyJackTar52

[Liberal_Baggie]

Agree about Kings court its not in any way good enough any decent hotel would be ashamed of it really. I assume the whole area on Deck 7 doubles as the place where we all need to go in an emergency. What ever is done the same basic need of space to hold passengers whilst loading the lifeboats is required. Cunard just need to see what is on offer at the very best hotels as regards buffet food and standards of service.Its not just the layout that needs attention!

 

The sports facility and Regatta bar all needs to be torn down. its a bit of a waste of space along with the splash pool. Brand new sports facilities needed here

 

Childrens pool agree its less than dynamic and needs additional features and a re work.

 

Have a room set aside where a few musical instruments are available free for guests to strum a guitar or play a piano or jam with others. Near a bar perhaps the seldom used room attatched to the commodore club?

[mariposa777]

Kings Court

Although we've never had any issues with the food or service, it is a little manic and the styling is a bit reminiscent of a posh motorway services. Certainly needs to look more upmarket, and needs work on the layout to make it less manic

 

 

Regatta Bar/Splash Pool

Three times onboard and never seen them used. Waste of space really, do something better? Maybe. If a subtle retractable roof could be incorporated without changing the exterior lines of the Ship, the Winter Garden could move here to make space for an enlarged Kings Court?

 

Queen's Room & G32

Put some better doors between the two & put a staff only bar/drinks station in the Queen's Room which is out of sight. If you're stood near the doors, the music from G32 "Pollutes" that in the Queen's Room every time the doors open. Exacerbated by the waiters having to use the bar in G32

 

 

Kings Court definitely needs a refurb - although as someone who tends to avoid buffets everywhere I am probably not the best person to recommend specific improvements. Possibly just replace it with a portal to Gallow Green in New York - the one buffet I would go to again.. and again.

 

The sound leakage from G32 to Queens room is definitely an issue.

 

I've only done a transatlantic but imagine the Regatta Bar area would be heavily used in warmer climes? I like lots of open deck spaces rather than 'activities'.

 

Illuminations …. Seats need replacing, either with ones which will take the punishment or with standard theatre seats and ditch the only planetarium at sea…. Got seriously tired of trying to watch a presentation on the stage while lying down. This doesn't even need a dry dock.

[Salacia]

Apparently, the scheduled refit in 2015 has been changed/postponed/moved forward? So, please excuse me for being pedantic, but the first thing I would change about the refit would be to publish the newly scheduled date for the refit, assuming there is a scheduled refit - or are we just going to wait for situation to dictate drydock is necessary?

 

If the refit is to be postponed until 2016, there will issues far more serious in need of repair than what currently exists. Unlike true love and classic cars (and you an me, of course) some things don't get better with time. -S

[balf]

 

Illuminations …. Seats need replacing, either with ones which will take the punishment or with standard theatre seats and ditch the only planetarium at sea…. Got seriously tired of trying to watch a presentation on the stage while lying down. This doesn't even need a dry dock.

 

This has been a problem so long that I despare of it ever being rectified. Same with the Kings Court: should have been sorted ages ago.

 

QM2 is the fleet cash cow. People still prefer her to the other two and as long as the pods hold together why spend any big money if people still book. This is obvious with the broken seats. Who would go to a theatre with seats in such a state?

 

David.

[corporate services]

The Regatta bar area was used for an evening 'deck party' when we were in the Caribbean, it was lovely

[SEFlyer]

How about changing the couches/love seats in the cabins that were to be changed during the last refit. Then they were going to be changed after the refit.

 

They're still there and getting less appealing by the day.

[We2Cruzers]

My vote is for a fix to Kings Court hands down - somehow it seems to have gotten worse over time. And until it is redone, I would suggest they make use of some attractive signage near elevator banks on deck 7, indicating what stations are open, and and where to go - so we don't walk in circles trying to figure it out. (I don't know, this may just be me personally:confused: - but I find it very confusing)

 

I was also thinking the Winter Garden could perhaps be used as a smaller entertainment venue for say comedians or acoustic type music performers. It would give some further use and life to that area in the evenings until there is something further done during a refit, and I think speaking for myself and husband, we'd personally enjoy another alternative to the bigger production shows in the Royal Theatre. Though there are jazz combos in the Chart Room, or pianist say in the Commodore Club, these rooms do tend to get packed. Obviously just my opinion for what it's worth.

[Ray66]

It sounds like they have plans for the Winter Garden to be an eating place, according to the survey I got a few months ago:

 

Cunard is reviewing possible options to potentially redesign the Kings Court to elevate the overall experience of this area.

 

Ideas for change:

Arrive

As you arrive at the restaurant, you’d be standing on a slightly raised platform elevating you above the serving and seating areas, giving you a very good view of the space and what is on offer.

You would be greeted by a member of staff who would act as your host, introducing you to the range of dining options that day.

 

Enter and browse

From the entrance area, you’d see one large area, divided into a number of food courts and markets with a dramatic display of food.

As you descend into the food service area, you’d be presented with numerous food stalls, each specialising in a particular cuisine.

You would browse and explore the man options, watching the chefs prepare dishes in front of you.

 

Select and eat

Once you’ve made your selections, you would serve yourself as you wish from the many choices, with expert help from the staff as required.

You’d then move to one of the intimate, quiet, screened off eating areas, each with its own individual character and theme – for instance: The Conservatory, The Bakery, The Library, The Dairy and so on

In each, you’d find tables laid with cutlery, table mats, fine condiments, with plenty of space for you, and waiting staff to take drinks orders and clean and clear tables.

 

Tea & coffee area

If you’re simply wanting teas and coffee, the tea and coffee bar near to the main entrance will make it easy for you to be served efficiently and in style.

This area would be furnished with comfortable seats and armchairs, and staffed by expert baristas. You’d have a great variety to choose from and be very professionally served.

 

Ideas for the Winter Garden are:

Healthy eating venue

Sushi restaurant

Gastro pub

Venue with barista serving speciality teas and coffees, cakes and pastries

Seafood/oyster bar

Healthy eating venue including dedicated space for spa users (enabling spa users to book longer or full day packages as they could relax and dine there too)

[DDBINK1]

Ideas for the Winter Garden

 

Isn't a Winter Garden a historical place on a Cunard Ship??

 

Should they get rid of it to make another restaurant you have to pay for?

 

They could put a service area for coffee / tea / goodies in the area and keep the Winter Garden aspect of it. But redecorate with better more comfortable seating.

 

I do like the idea of a comedy club place on the ship, they could do it in Illuminations in the evenings as an alternative entertainment but they have blurry movies in there often in the evening and a comedy-improv troup/entertainer would cost money too. Maybe Carnival Corp with all the money they save on fuel costs could look at that??

 

I like the idea of a food court vrs a buffet for casual dining so long as there are healthy choices. Eat healthy and light during the day and of course at dinner give up all that healthy stuff for the good stuff. :eek:

 

Up on the outside decks on QM2 it gets very breezy. A better designed wind break would help.

 

I am still thinking so I might chime in again soon.

[Cunarder1838]

I love the Winter Garden on the QM2. It would be a shame to loose it. :eek:

[Ray66]

 

Maybe Carnival Corp with all the money they save on fuel costs could look at that??

 

Are you referring to this article on CC?

 

Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, among others, has improved its fuel efficiency by 24 percent from 2007 through 2014, resulting in a savings of $2.5 billion in fuel costs for the company.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=6012#

[Salacia]

Are you referring to this article on CC?

 

Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, among others, has improved its fuel efficiency by 24 percent from 2007 through 2014, resulting in a savings of $2.5 billion in fuel costs for the company.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=6012#

 

Thanks Ray, that's an interesting report - well, perhaps not so much a report as it is a re-write of this CCL press release http://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/carnival-corporation-multiyear-fuel-conservation-program-expected-to-save-more-than-one-billion-20141002-00378

 

Of interest was this "Propulsion: Improving how the ship moves through the water by optimizing ship speeds and cruise distances to design more fuel-efficient itineraries, significantly reducing energy and fuel consumption."

 

Clearly, slower speed saves on fuel. What percentage of fuel efficiency has been achieved by slower speeds, has not been stated. I don't know what is meant by "more fuel - efficient itineraries".

 

Maybe during the re-fit, sails should be added to increase both speed and fuel economy.

Edited October 4, 2014 by Salacia

[balf]

. I don't know what is meant by "more fuel - efficient itineraries".

 

.

 

The QE itinary in the Med is a good example. Very port intensive: not a lot of fuel is used in port, often quite short distances between ports so the ship can sail slowly and use less fuel.

 

Compare with the traditional Med Southampton / Southampton cruise with the long drag to ports east of Malaga.

 

David.

[david,Mississauga]

Almost everyone complains about Kings Court. It was only on our sixth voyage on QM2 that we used it for a meal: an embarkation lunch. The food was quite tasty and we had no trouble getting a table. But I wouldn't make it a habit.

 

We would change the Grills restaurants to a better location. The Grills restaurants, lounge and deck space on the QE and QV are in a superb location. It would no doubt cost a huge amount to put the QM2 grills facilities in a similar location, so it isn't likely to happen.

 

Although we are unlikely to have any further meals in Todd English, for the sake of others I think it should be in a more exclusive area (as on the other two ships.) Despite signs asking passengers to respect those who are dining therein, many people cut through the centre of the room to gain access to and from the smoking area just outside. Depending on the weather those dining at tables close to the windows are treated to the sight of smokers along the windows taking shelter from the rain or a group of half-naked people taking the sun. The latter, of course, may or may not be a bad thing:D.

[BettyBoop3850]

Don't know who did the new decorations but the drapes and new carpet in the Champagne bar are horrible. Also i was in cabin 6131 and did not like the carpet. The new bed duvet was very nice. To me the brittania food has changed. To me not like ituse to be. A lot of thefancy appetizers they use to have are no longer on the menu.

[JollyJackTar52]

It sounds like they have plans for the Winter Garden to be an eating place, according to the survey I got a few months ago:

 

Ideas for the Winter Garden are:

Healthy eating venue

Sushi restaurant

Gastro pub

Venue with barista serving speciality teas and coffees, cakes and pastries

Seafood/oyster bar

Healthy eating venue including dedicated space for spa users (enabling spa users to book longer or full day packages as they could relax and dine there too)

 

Healthy eating venue could work. There's nothing worse than finishing a workout and immediately being hit with the smell of naughty things being cooked. Certainly wouldn't want the Burger station from The Chef's Galley anywhere near!

Edited October 4, 2014 by JollyJackTar52

[Classiccruiser777]

• Remodel & re-name Kings Court
  
• Re-purpose Winter Garden or, at a minimum, remodel as it is dark, drab, uninspiring
  
• New seats in Illuminations
  
• New seats, similar to QE & QV, in the theatre
  
• Adios G32, re-purpose the space
  
• New art throughout the ship, some of the present pieces are hideous
  
• Fix the flooring for good, no more pot holes
  
• Acquire more of the historical pieces (QM's piano, art and fixtures from the Crystal Bar, ship models, paintings, etc.) from QE2 owners and place around the ship
  
• Replace the cheap photocopy, inkjet "art"
  

[Water Log]

1. gut Kings Court

2. Fix the potholes

3. Replace all the chairs and sofas in public areas. Some look ok but they are all worn out. The wicker furniture in the Winter Garden is especially tatty.

4. Replace thermo pool in the spa with that is user friendly.

[Pies4u]

I love the Winter Garden on the QM2. It would be a shame to loose it. :eek:

 

So do I. Sadly, it is much under utilised room and people wandering in with trays of food when you have found a quiet corner doesn't help! Using it as an extension to the Kings Court is a disaster imo.

 

It could be used as a casual/informal entertainment are during the evenings, when not a quiet bar area - properly resourced & staffed, of course.

 

The tea/coffee area is a good idea too.

[Andiamo]

I always thought the Winter Garden would make a great supper club, whether pianist, guitarist, or three-piece band accompanying dinner. Perhaps a small dance area for non-ballroom social dancing. Just my two cents.

 

Jeanne

[pmb1]

I’d like to see the Grills restaurants relocated to the area of Deck 6 between the D and C stairwells. This would provide Grills diners with ocean views uninterrupted by the pedestrians now passing by on Deck 7. And the new Queens Grill Lounge would be between the C stairwell and the entrances to the restaurants, which should improve QGL bar sales. The QGL would be as wide as the ship and have small, weather permitting, open decks at its port and starboard sides.

 

The area of the present Grills restaurants on Deck 7 could then be home to the Todd English successor (I vote for Bobby Flay) and to the Kings Court specialty restaurants, which should improve their desirability and sales. Most of the approximately 50 Deck 6 Britannia cabins lost to the new Grills restaurants would be relocated to the area of Deck 8 now taken by Todd English.

 

I think that these changes would be revenue positive for Cunard on QM2 and they certainly would improve the Grills dining and cocktail ambiance.

[Andiamo]

I’d like to see the Grills restaurants relocated to the area of Deck 6 between the D and C stairwells. This would provide Grills diners with ocean views uninterrupted by the pedestrians now passing by on Deck 7. And the new Queens Grill Lounge would be between the C stairwell and the entrances to the restaurants, which should improve QGL bar sales. The QGL would be as wide as the ship and have small, weather permitting, open decks at its port and starboard sides.

 

The area of the present Grills restaurants on Deck 7 could then be home to the Todd English successor (I vote for Bobby Flay) and to the Kings Court specialty restaurants, which should improve their desirability and sales. Most of the approximately 50 Deck 6 Britannia cabins lost to the new Grills restaurants would be relocated to the area of Deck 8 now taken by Todd English.

 

I think that these changes would be revenue positive for Cunard on QM2 and they certainly would improve the Grills dining and cocktail ambiance.

 

 

Great idea Paul. How about an elevator from the Pool Deck to the Grills sun deck? Those stairs are a nightmare.

 

Jeanne

[pmb1]

Great idea Paul. How about an elevator from the Pool Deck to the Grills sun deck? Those stairs are a nightmare.

 

Jeanne

Good idea, Jeanne. Can't have too many scenic elevators and what you suggest would fill a real need.

[Andiamo]

Good idea, Jeanne. Can't have too many scenic elevators and what you suggest would fill a real need.

 

Absobloominlutely.

 

However, the more ambient dining venue would be higher on my list.

 

J