Will this ruffle some feathers regarding the QM2?

[rula40]

Well…What can I say? I have just returned from our first crossing on the QM2 Southampton to NY and back again, and I have very mixed views on our trip. I will not condense them all on one thread but will work my way through and will no doubt ruffle a few feathers. I tried to find out as much as I could prior to our departure and found most of the information gleamed on these threads very helpful and glad I took the advice given.

 

I am more than willing to answer any questions and will try to be unbiased in my replies, but would add that I can only give my own personal views and findings.

 

I am a married 51 year old working class Police Officer with a young family and consider myself to be young at heart, sociable adaptable and accepting, but I must admit there were times when I needed the company of those who enjoyed having fun after all we were on vacation.

 

Please don’t think that I am a moaning Minnie or a Victor MELDREW (UK members will know him well) but I couldn’t help feeling that I was in a time warp full of culture and breeding.

 

The QM2 is a beautiful ship with elegance and class, the staff and crew are extremely polite and helpful the food is exceptional and the daily programme full of things to do every day. But I must admit I found most of the daily events disappointing. I did not attend the scarf tying class nor did I attend make your own greeting card classes, neither did I enroll in the knitting and needlework class, but I did attend one of the daily quiz events which were held in the Golden Lion Pub,

 

I arrived and joined one of the teams

 

The whole quiz took 15 minutes from start to finish which included checking the answers and congratulating the winning team. We were all thanked for our participation and informed that there would be another quiz the following day. Considering the size of the QM2 I spent more time getting to and from the Golden Lion Pub than I spent participating in the quiz.

 

I thought I would try the darts tournament on another occasion, there were 6 entrants and we played one game of around the clock and that was it, taking around 20 minutes to complete. What shall I do now?? I still needed some form of excitement, but alas it was back to reading my book on deck.

 

I could have attended another Oxford University lecture which I must admit were very interesting and well presented or perhaps join a RADA class,

 

The shows in the evening were excellent and could compare with any London show I have seen,

 

The cast and dancers are a pleasure to watch; the show only lasts 45 minutes, but is well worth going to. I would add that it was a shame that the same shows were repeated on the return crossing, but as they were so enjoyable watching them a 2nd time was not too bad.

 

 

I intend to write more threads on other topics in the next couple of days, these will include.

Dress code

 

Restaurants

 

On deck facilities

 

Security Alert in New York?

 

Music and Entertainment

 

New York excursion

 

Warm evenings on deck

 

Car parking at Southampton

 

And any other topics that come to mind

 

But if I have given a different view from that of any previous passengers I can only tell you of my experiences and views.

 

 

Phil

 

 

 

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[Pincus]

Thanks very much, Phil.

 

Your honest impressions will be most helpful; I look forward to them.

 

Laughed out loud at your reference to Victor Meldrew. Although I'm not in the UK, "One Foot in the Grave," made it to American public television. I enjoyed the show immensely!

 

Welcome home.

 

Pincus

[heywood]

I too would be very interested to read your thoughts on QM2. We have booked Southampton-New York next August and I am just a bit bothered about the passing of the days. We have cruised twice before and I thought it was wonderful to just look at the sea all around but that was the in the med, in the heat and knowing we would see land the day after. My motives for a transatlantic crossing are entirely different but the thoughts of 'ocean' every day can be scary. I have enjoyed reading people's experiences and know that we are all different. RADA and Oxford lectures - I hope I will enjoy. My husband is hoping that there will be bridge but we are like you ordinary working people and hoping too for some fun and humour.

Thanks for the input- looking forward to more.

[susan1234]

...

I intend to write more threads on other topics in the next couple of days, ......

Phil

 

Please hurry up, our crossing is in four days. ;)

 

(And I have not started to pack yet. PANIC! )

[gracecarmo]

Phil: can you also please comment on your cabin, ie amenities, service, etc.?

We leave on Oct.8. NYC to SH.

 

Thanks, Grace

[rula40]

Thanks for your reply, and just to put your husbands mind at ease, there was plenty of opportunity to play bridge at all levels with Introduction to bridge, Intermediate bridge and general card schools, although I did not attend any of these events I did see them listed on the daily programme on a regular basis.

 

I too have experienced the delight of long warm evenings on the deck during Mediterranean cruises watching the sunsets with a drink and friends are amongst some of fondest memories, but no such luck on the QM2, Yes there were some beautiful sunsets and even some warm evenings, but the outside of the ship closed down completely at 8pm every evening, with the crew washing down all the chairs and jet spraying the decks, we were splashed with water on a number of occasions whilst walking along the deck in the evening. I will elaborate more on the outside deck areas on a separate thread soon.

[rula40]

Please hurry up, our crossing is in four days. ;)

 

(And I have not started to pack yet. PANIC! )

 

Susan,

just a quickie for you as you leave in 4 days time, and have not packed yet.

Be prepared for formal night overdose we had 3 formal nights during the 6 day crossing to NY and 4 formal nights on the 6 day return to Southampton. Unless you intend spending most of your time in the launderette (10 washing machines,10 dryers and 4 irons on every other deck) may I suggest you take plenty of mix and match for yourself and evening shirts if applicable, that is of course unless you intend to use the laundry service which is quite reasonably priced. A little tip on the launderette avoid mornings and evenings midday is less crowded and generally no queues

[cusyl]

I don't go on a cruise to be entertained, therefore I am never disappointed in what is offered. I do believe Cunard offers less entertainment than the other lines.

My idea of a cruise is to walk the decks, sit and watch the sea go by in a lounge chair, read a book or listen to music. Perhaps it has a lot to do with age group.

We thoroughly enjoyed the QM2 last year and am booked on her again for next year.

[rula40]

Phil: can you also please comment on your cabin, ie amenities, service, etc.?

We leave on Oct.8. NYC to SH.

 

Thanks, Grace

 

Hi Grace,

 

We were very pleased with our stateroom, we had originally booked a guaranteed economy inside stateroom and was delighted to find that we had been upgraded to a B3 outside with a balcony as had most of our fellow passengers who had booked likewise we were in room 6215 .

The stateroom was very comfortable and spacious with plenty of storage and hanging space, and very clean we had a queen size bed with very comfortable pillows and a duvet which was more than adequate , we had a 2 seater settee a dressing table with a chair a small coffee table a good sized fridge The space under the bed was more than adequate for our 4 suitcases.

The bathroom was a good size, but I think there could have had more space between the toilet and the shelving especially for the shall I say broader and more proportionate passengers. The shower worked very well but once the shower curtain was closed it did seem a bit dark in the cubicle but was nice and spacious.

The room service was excellent and our maid was delightful.

[MollyBrown]

As QM2 is an ocean liner, rather than a cruise ship, activities on board will not be exactly the same.

 

Oddly enough, in my experience I find there are so many activities on QM2 that I don't have time to do all of them. There are lectures, classes, the gym, the salon, the bookshop, the many meals, the many places on board to walk and explore, the casino (which I don't really use, but many enjoy it), the bars for meeting friends, the kennels, the computer room, the planetarium, etc. Then there are times I would just like to be lazy and listen to music in my cabin, or watch a movie, but I rarely do that.

 

If you are like me, and you also like to go out at night to the theatre as well as to dance, then you will have a difficult time doing everything, or else burn that candle at both ends.

 

Also, I think, the more people you meet, the more you will have to do on QM2.

[MollyBrown]

As QM2 is an ocean liner, rather than a cruise ship, activities on board will not be exactly the same.

 

Oddly enough, in my experience I find there are so many activities on QM2 that I don't have time to do all of them. There are lectures, classes, the gym, the salon, the bookshop, the many meals, the many places on board to walk and explore, the casino (which I don't really use, but many enjoy it), the bars for meeting friends, the kennels, the computer room, the planetarium, etc. Then there are times I would just like to be lazy and listen to music in my cabin, or watch a movie, but I rarely do that.

 

If you are like me, and you also like to go out at night to the theatre as well as to dance, then you will have a difficult time doing everything, or else burn that candle at both ends.

 

Also, I think, the more people you meet, the more you will have to do on QM2.

[elaine61]

Phil

 

Just a little concerned as we are about to join QM2 for 24 nights in about 10 days time, 2 adults 44 and 46 and our two children 19 and 21!!

 

We have done lots of cruises with P & O and always say that if we went for the entertainment then we would have to look elsewhere. I don't think that the entertainment during the day will be too much of an issue. Might be the ideal opportunity for Tom and I to have dance lessons or for me to learn bridge!!!! We will no doubt spend an hour or two each day in the gym which I believe has excellent facilities.

 

I notice that you say you had 3 formal on the way and 4 formal on the way back. I have been told by Cunard that on our trip it is planned that we will have 9 formal altogether, 4 informal and 11 casual. Of course when you are planning what to pack the fact that they could change this itinerary is a bit of a problem!! Still we will pack for every eventuality!!

 

We are in a B4 stateroom on deck 5. I saw your reply to the question re a bottle of bubbly. Can you tell me if you had a bottle of bubbly in your stateroom on arrival. Some messages seem to suggest that you do.

 

Sounds like we will be doing a lot of walking on the QM2!!

 

Elaine

[mufi]

We did a double crossing and found it difficult to fit it all in but if you are the type who needs a bit more excitement you could get bored. There is no climbing wall on QM2!!

 

I looked into the inside steerage cabins when they were being prepared. All had a bottle on ice.

 

David.

[gracecarmo]

We are on deck 5 with an in-hull type balcony. Our traveling buddies are next to us. Do all the partitions between balconys open, or is it just certain cabins? (like connecting cabins) If so, can we open it, or does our room attendant have to do it?

 

Grace

[rula40]

Hi Elaine,

 

 

I think everyone was surprised at the 4 consecutive formal nights on our return to Southampton, I must admit I donned my tux every night except one when I wore a lounge suit and tie, my wife was fortunate enough to have a suitable outfit for every evening, but some of the ladies were forced to wear the same outfit twice which was only noticeable by their own admission.

 

Most of the guests did wear formal outfits and to be honest I only noticed one or two men wearing lounge suits during dinner in the Britannia restaurant.

 

 

My two children are 24 years and 27 years with partners of the same age, I often commented to my wife that I would not recommend the QM2 to the younger set unless they enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere of pianists jazz bands and harpists The Queens ballroom did have a singer accompanied by a band but played to the sounds of the 30’s 40’s and 50’s, I will admit that these evenings were well attended and the ballroom floor was always full of couples enjoying the more classical dance steps.

 

 

We did enjoy the first couple of evenings in the Queens ballroom but after 3 nights of the same melodies and watching the same dance steps we were ready for a change, but were disappointed with the options available.

 

 

There is a disco next to the Queens ballroom called G32 which we went to on several occasions on the first visit at 11pm one evening we doubled the number of other guests who were sat listening to the disco music. We had one drink and left, leaving the other couple being attended to by the 6 members of bar staff who seemed to be enjoying each others company relaxing at the bar. Our second visit the following evening at 11.15pm was even better; we had the complete G32 to ourselves even though there was a live group playing who I might add were very good...

 

 

We did give G32 another try and were surprised to see at least 20 other guests there and even saw some of them dancing; we stayed and enjoyed the evening. dancing to the disco music and the live group. I was later informed that G32 usually gets quite busy after midnight and into the early hours mostly by members of staff.

 

 

You mention learning some dance routines on the crossing We also wanted to take advantage of these lessons in particular the Latin and possible the more classic dance routines, we were again disappointed by the fact that there was only one lesson of each dance routine and only 4 dance classes in total plus 2 line dance sessions .

 

 

On the matter of champagne yes we had a ½ bottle left in our stateroom on the outward crossing and another ½ bottle on the return these were complementary and left in our stateroom...

 

 

I have always enjoyed walking around the ship after dinner and just before retiring for the evening, but again a word of advice. The decks are hosed down early every evening and the decking is very wet my wife ruined a new pair of leather soled shoes walking through puddles on the floor; she often changed her shoes prior to our evening stroll just to be able to walk without slipping over.

 

 

If I have dampened your expectations I am sorry. But I do believe that if you know what to expect you will not be disappointed. I would add that the QM2 is in a class of its own as are some of the passengers, we had a very relaxing time and enjoyed the crossing, and we also made friends with some really nice people with whom we will keep in contact with.

 

I know that you will enjoy your forthcoming crossing and yes it will be an experience.

 

 

Phil

[Liv4cruzin]

I too will be awaiting more installments of your review of QM2. I did a RT crossing in July; & loved it. I was more interested in relaxation & pampering than in being entertained. I did attend the 3 different Planetarium shows & sat in on a few lectures by John Maxtone Graham. But there were plenty of other choices at my disposal had I wished to partake. Activities are certainly varied; & everyone should be able to find at least a few things to do every day. Crossings are an entirely different experience from cruising. And you need to be extremely honest with yourself before you commit to a long string of sea days. Crossings are not everyone's "cup of tea". Also, on my two crossings, we had only 3 formal nights, 2 casual & one informal each way. As is the custom with a crossing, the formal dress code is taken seriously. Most preferring to relive the era of crossing in grand style. I hope those of you already booked, have a delightful sailing. Bon Voyage!

 

Becky

[elaine61]

I too will be awaiting more installments of your review of QM2. I did a RT crossing in July; & loved it. I was more interested in relaxation & pampering than in being entertained. I did attend the 3 different Planetarium shows & sat in on a few lectures by John Maxtone Graham. But there were plenty of other choices at my disposal had I wished to partake. Activities are certainly varied; & everyone should be able to find at least a few things to do every day. Crossings are an entirely different experience from cruising. And you need to be extremely honest with yourself before you commit to a long string of sea days. Crossings are not everyone's "cup of tea". Also, on my two crossings, we had only 3 formal nights, 2 casual & one informal each way. As is the custom with a crossing, the formal dress code is taken seriously. Most preferring to relive the era of crossing in grand style. I hope those of you already booked, have a delightful sailing. Bon Voyage!

 

Becky

 

Formal evenings are our favourite. My daughter has been very lucky with finding some lovely formal wear and I have quite a collection already anyway. We have as a family been cruising since our 19 year old son was 4, so they've grown up cruising.

 

Elaine

[koalabear6314]

Oh Dear,

 

My partner and I are booked to sail on the 20th Sept crossing, which we only booked this week as we thought it would be something different !

Have we made a huge mistake ? We're 34 and 41 respectively.

Needlepoint, scarf knotting, and ballroom dancing are not really our thing.

At least the standard of food appears to be something to look forward to.(Did you manage to get into the Todd English restaurant?)

We're booked in a B5 balcony (in hull doesn't make it sound very appealing). Is it common practice to have your cabin upgraded ?

I realise that everybody has different opinions/requirements on a ship like this, but please somebody, reassure us !!

[elaine61]

We did a double crossing and found it difficult to fit it all in but if you are the type who needs a bit more excitement you could get bored. There is no climbing wall on QM2!!

 

I looked into the inside steerage cabins when they were being prepared. All had a bottle on ice.

 

David.

 

David

 

So the kids will be fine too!! Many thanks for the advice.

 

Looks like we will have quite a collection of bubbly during this trip!! :)

 

Elaine

[elaine61]

Oh Dear,

 

My partner and I are booked to sail on the 20th Sept crossing, which we only booked this week as we thought it would be something different !

Have we made a huge mistake ? We're 34 and 41 respectively.

Needlepoint, scarf knotting, and ballroom dancing are not really our thing.

At least the standard of food appears to be something to look forward to.(Did you manage to get into the Todd English restaurant?)

We're booked in a B5 balcony (in hull doesn't make it sound very appealing). Is it common practice to have your cabin upgraded ?

I realise that everybody has different opinions/requirements on a ship like this, but please somebody, reassure us !!

 

We are 44, 46, 21 and 19 on this trip. I shall look forward to hunting for the youngsters on this trip!!!!!! Koalabear I am going to have a ball on this trip. I've waited over 16 months for it, moved house 6 months ago and will be belatingly celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary. Look forward to meeting up with you in G32!! I have this philosophy that life is what you make it!!

 

Elaine

[rula40]

I do not apologize for my comments I can only express my own personal views and experiences, whilst I fully appreciate that there are courses for horses, I believe that an open and healthy discussion is better than a one sided opinion, It is only too easy to get carried away with fantasy and romance and not hard facts.

 

I was very pleased prior to my crossing to read almost 100% positive reviews, but I found it hard to get into the sometimes false drama of being truly overwhelmed by what I considered to be aimed at the advantaged passengers of whom seemed to be in the majority and very little consideration was given to those of us who prefer to see it for what it really is.

 

I agree that a cruise is completely different from a crossing I have done both on numerous occasions, but this was my first time with Cunard. One can only read and relax for a certain period, but there comes a time when stimulation is needed.

 

 

I knew I would upset some members but I hope I have been honest and truthful

[Liv4cruzin]

We dined in the Todd English restaurant once during each crossing. IMHO, it was well worth the surcharge. I found it interesting that the evening menu was the same every night, all 12 days. At least that way we got to have some things (that were so delicious) twice; & got to try things that we had a hard time deciding between before. If they have the ravioli w/ truffle oil, the lobster/baby corn chowder, or the aspapargus/caramelized onion tart as appetizers, I highly recommend them. I'm about to drool on the keyboard!

 

Enjoy,

 

Becky

[heywood]

Thanks for your honesty rula40. I suppose that every crossing is different to some extent depending on dynamics of people concerned. Hopefully everyone will enjoy the experience and take advantage of whatever is on offer plus some r & r.

I read the tips and advice on these boards with great interest. Our trip is an anniversary one and we told our t.a. We get an upgrade- not spectacular- funds do not allow- but we did think we would be special with the champagne in the stateroom. Now I read that 'champagne' is in every stateroom. Ah well!

[elaine61]

Rula 40

 

Have tried replying twice now to your message with a quote and my screen just freezes so I am trying it this way.

 

First of all I appreciate your honesty. Also I agree it is horses for courses and what may appeal to one person may certainly not be another persons cup of tea. I have to admit that we made the decision to go on QM2 over 16 months ago and our other alternative was P & O's Oriana. To be honest for what we are paying in a fairly normal stateroom on QM2 we could have had a suite and change on Oriana. I do wonder whether we have made a mistake (costly one at that), but then I begin to put things into perspective. If you have not done a cruise/crossing that has a lot of sea days then maybe 6 days at sea back to back can seem like a long time. We do have the splendours inbetween to break up our journey. Also we are used to having long sea days as we go to the caribbean every xmas from Southampton. Generally takes a couple of sea days to reach Madeira or the Azores and then another 5 sea days down to the caribbean. OK I do nothing but sunbathe generally after our first port of call which I know I shall probably not get on QM2. So I suppose I have some idea of what it is like to travel on long sea days rather than having a port of call one after the other. As I have said we have made our decision, paid the balance and got the tickets and we will make the most of it!!!! Even if No: 1 son spends all day either sleeping or playing on his X Box in the cabin!!!!!!

 

Can you tell me whether the sea was calm or rough on your trip??

 

I am looking forward to the shows after reading your message. I presume though that they are repeated on the crossings are they?? Another thing to remember I suppose is there are probably very few people who do a back to back (in comparison to the amount of people QM2 holds). You will find the entertainment being repeated!!!!

 

Did you go to any of the lectures or the planetarium show??

 

Elaine

[mufi]

Rula 40

 

Just in the interests of clarity, who were the "advantaged" passengers?

 

David.