Will this ruffle some feathers regarding the QM2?

[The Golds]

Koalabear...... Todd English was wonderful....book ASAP even on the dock if you can, look for a table with menus set up on it before boarding.

 

Elaine61.....There is alot to do on the QM2. We took the deck layouts out of the Cunard booklet and copied them and used them as maps to explore even before we left the dock. Then up to the 13th deck to watch NY and Miss Liberty slip by. We made a list of everything we wanted to see and do aboard ship and planned it out. The tips we got from these boards were invaluable. We saw all 3 planatarium shows and enjoyed them all. We also visited every bar and tasted the QM2 to its fullest.

[elaine61]

You have put a reply to this thread, but I cannot find it??? Is anyone experiencing the same problem??

 

Elaine

[elaine61]

Now just in case you all think I'm losing the plot there was no page 3 a second ago until I posted my message!!!!! I think this site is trying to make me look like I'm a crazy woman ;)

 

Elaine

[elaine61]

Koalabear...... Todd English was wonderful....book ASAP even on the dock if you can, look for a table with menus set up on it before boarding.

 

Elaine61.....There is alot to do on the QM2. We took the deck layouts out of the Cunard booklet and copied them and used them as maps to explore even before we left the dock. Then up to the 13th deck to watch NY and Miss Liberty slip by. We made a list of everything we wanted to see and do aboard ship and planned it out. The tips we got from these boards were invaluable. We saw all 3 planatarium shows and enjoyed them all. We also visited every bar and tasted the QM2 to its fullest.

 

Well your message came up when I posted that reply. Thought it might. There was no page 3 when I was looking for it!! Anyway, I am hoping we will have plenty of time to explore QM2. What is most important to me as I don't fly are the ports of call (NY and the ports on splendours of the falls)!! Did you find the planatarium shows disorientating at all???? I'm just worried if I don't feel sea sick before going in, I might on coming out ;) !!

 

Elaine

[Mustangs]

Rula 40,

 

I have been following your threads with great interest, and would like to thank you for taking the time to post a very informative, and perhaps somewhat controversial discussion.

 

We have sailed with many cruise lines: HAL, Princess, RCI, NCL and even Carnival. All have their ups and downs. As a family cruise, RCI and Carnival are best. When it is a vacation for just the two of us, then we sail with Cunard or the others listed above (we have never tried Celebrity, but would easily consider them).

 

I would like to know if your wife and other family members had similar impressions of the QM2?

 

Also, you have not mentioned much about the food and restaurants.

 

We will be sailing the QM2 for the first time this December out of New York on a Caribbean cruise. We are also considering a 2006 transatlantic crossing allowing us to visit family and friends in the UK.

 

Thanks again for your valuable input.

 

Alan

[Liv4cruzin]

RE: your planetarium question

 

I've never experienced seasickness (knock on wood) & have a strong stomach for things like roller coasters, etc. Saw all 3 shows; & only once did I feel a slight dizziness for a few seconds. I think I was staring intently at one spot too long. They tell you to look away briefly & it will go away. Worked for me.

 

Becky

[heywood]

Rula40- Phil,

Hope you're still contributing. I quote from QM2 website:

"When the stars come out, she shines even brighter. Beaded gowns. Black ties and tails. Champagne and caviar."

Beaded gown - haven't got and will not have - tails - he has a tuxedo - will the others detect we are neither new money/ lottery winners - nor even old money!

[The Golds]

Well your message came up when I posted that reply. Thought it might. There was no page 3 when I was looking for it!! Anyway, I am hoping we will have plenty of time to explore QM2. What is most important to me as I don't fly are the ports of call (NY and the ports on splendours of the falls)!! Did you find the planatarium shows disorientating at all???? I'm just worried if I don't feel sea sick before going in, I might on coming out ;) !!

 

Elaine

 

Elaine, had no problems at all during or after the planatarium shows. We had a real calm sea all the way. A little rolling for a few hours one day but that was the extent of it. The ship itself has so many things to do, the six days went much to fast. To explore the ship take the pages from the Cunard booklet with you. Really worked out well, we also printed out everybody's comments about their crossings and then culled out the census of what to look for.

The Golds

[LuAnn]

Elaine....I know you are leaving very soon! Let me know how to contact you on-board ship! LuAnn

[rula40]

Hi Mustangs,

 

Thanks for your reply, , My wife agrees with my comments, but adds that had we only spent 1 week on the QM2 maybe we would not have felt so limited.

 

My wife was more than impressed with the Canyon Ranch Spa, there again she is a very fit, lively and healthy woman who enjoys life to the full. Unlike me who could do with spending more time in the gym and not so much time looking forward to the next culinary offering. They do say that opposites attract!

 

What we both enjoy doing together is having fun and consider ourselves to be quite a friendly sociable couple

 

You asked what we thought of the restaurants onboard, that is one area upon which we agree to differ.

 

Being in a B3 stateroom we cannot comment on the Queens and Princess Grill’s but whilst walking the deck in the evening we would see inside the restaurants and I must say they looked very very nice, although there were tables of four and six and possibly eight I noticed there seemed to be a considerable number of tables for two, there was also a Queens Grill lounge which again looked very comfortable and relaxing with large easy chairs..

 

What did amuse me was the way the blinds were half drawn in the evening, so if you were over 6ft tall you could only see chest down of the diners but for those who were somewhat shorter you got the full picture. I must admit I did lower my head a couple of times to see what the young lady with the healthy figure looked like and on more than one occasion had quite a fright, not to mention a dig in the ribs from “She who must be obeyed”.

 

We asked to be seated on a table for eight in the Britannia Restaurant as I believe that is the best way to meet people and make friends, Our table consisted of a retired Bank Manager and his wife, a Barrister with his wife and 2 year old daughter a retired Ships Captain/Race horse breeder and his wife who was a Mathematics teacher and another retired couple Sorry I cannot remember what his profession was, but he was a bit of a gigolo who was well into his seventies and kept in check by his wife .

 

The first week we were seated downstairs on table 8 right by the window, great table, atmosphere and our waiter was one of the best I wish I could remember his name, he was there when you needed him, but never intrusive, more than I can say for the photographer who was a constant pest, why is it when you are trying to enjoy a meal with a group of newly acquainted friends the photographer insists that you should stop eating shuffle your seat closer to your partner and smile with the piece of meat stuck between your teeth, just so they can try and sell you a photograph for $27, which if you do decide to try and find in the photo gallery is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

 

The second week we asked to be seated at a round table as table eight was a long table and it was difficult to speak with those seated at opposite ends. We were allocated table 112, which was upstairs and again next to the window a good position but a bad move. I didn’t think the atmosphere was as good nor the service, but the round table made it easier for the whole group to converse with each other.

 

The food in the Britannia Restaurant I thought was very good, although not being a fish/pork eater, I would have preferred to have more variety we only had lamb and chicken once a week but the beef was delicious.

 

The wine waiter on the second week was spooky, he was a very large Eastern European chap with a gritted smile who was quite a bully to the other members of staff, we agreed with everything he said and god forbid if we did not he would tower over us and through his tight lipped grin, ever widening eyes, tilting head and say Very Good YES? We all nodded and drank.

 

My wife thought that the food in the Britannia was not as good as we had on RCI, but I thought it was on par.

 

Lunch in the Britannia was very good and another way of meeting people you were seated on a different table every day.

 

Kings Court as has been discussed in detail on recent threads was good, Plenty of choice in each of the four sections, the only problem was finding a seat at lunchtime, you would walk carrying your tray from section to section looking for a table, very much a canteen atmosphere. Recommend the sushi, which was on offer every other day in the Lotus section. And definitely recommend a Chinese meal one evening which consists of at least 14 different dishes. But this needs to be booked in advance.

 

There is a hygienic hand lotion dispenser at every section which you are recommended to use before eating, but we found these to be empty most of the time especially during the busy period.

 

Todd English for some reason we didn’t try it I think it was because we were happy with our dining companions and looked forward to spending part of the evening with them.

 

Broadwalk Café was more like a school tuck shop we walked in then out again

 

Midnight feasts in the Kings Court I tried very very hard to avoid, but did succumb on a number of occasions. Chips pizza bolognaise hot dogs etc in abundance

 

 

Bon Appetite

[rula40]

Hi Heywood,

 

 

Still here and not finished yet, But I do have to go to work now and again.

 

 

Do you remember the film “My Fair Lady” with the gentleman at the ball who was trying to identify Katherine Hepburn’s accent Well I am sure I saw him on board the QM2.

 

 

Also do you remember in the latest “Titanic” film when Kathy Bates described Leonardo DiCaprio as being scrubbed up well, Well, I didn’t think I looked too bad for a Council house boy

 

 

Lol

 

 

Phil

[SanFranBayCruiser]

Hi Phil,

 

My TA just attended a travel agent's inspection of the QM2 in NYC and, she knows I'm always looking for something "different" and, she suggested to me that I try a 4 night cruise from NY to Canada next year - it does look interesting. My husband and I are 38 and 40, no children. We think we're going to book this trip, and, have been considering booking one of the Queen's Grill suites...in your opinion, do you believe this is worth the extra money? Especially for a 4 day cruise? I'd be more than happy with a balcony cabin but my husband wants to live it up a bit.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

[rula40]

Hi, SanFranBaycruiser

 

 

Totally up to you, But I would say that a waiter who once worked in the Queens Grill said that there was no atmosphere and he preferred the Britannia Grill.

 

I must say the diners in both the QG and PG always looked very serious and composed. But you also have the benefit of your own lounge and a sun deck as well as little after dinner truffles instead of crystallized ginger and white chocolate covered nuts

 

Personally I would go for the Britannia Grill and try and ensure a good stateroom/suite then have that little bit extra to spend. In the Canyon Ranch, whilst your husband spends his savings in the casino but with only 4 days I would not recommend the teeth whitening..ouch!

 

 

Phil

[elaine61]

Hi Phil,

 

My TA just attended a travel agent's inspection of the QM2 in NYC and, she knows I'm always looking for something "different" and, she suggested to me that I try a 4 night cruise from NY to Canada next year - it does look interesting. My husband and I are 38 and 40, no children. We think we're going to book this trip, and, have been considering booking one of the Queen's Grill suites...in your opinion, do you believe this is worth the extra money? Especially for a 4 day cruise? I'd be more than happy with a balcony cabin but my husband wants to live it up a bit.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Hi SanFranBay

 

Just thought I would add my train of thought here!! We don't actually board QM2 until next Tuesday and this will be our first trip. We are booked into a B5 balcony cabin. If it is anything like the cabin we have on our usual cruise line then I will be more than happy. Remember apart from the restaurant and it's lounge and the reserved sun deck area, all other parts of the ship are shared with all. OK so you probably get some extra's in the cabin. As I've not had one I don't know. Also being a bit hypocritical here because next July we are having a suite (for the first time ever) on the Arcadia (a british P & O ship). We have been cruising now since our 19 year old son was 4 and as the children have always had their own cabin we have always had to pay for 4 adults!! So next summer it is just hubby and I and we felt that the price of the suite (bearing in mind we don't have the kids fares to worry about) were very reasonable and we would have change from what we would usually spend for all 4 of us. But then Xmas 06 it is back to reality in just a normal balcony cabin!! Like I say it is a nice little luxury, but (and don't tell my husband I said this or he'll change our booking), I personally don't think that the suites are worth all that extra cash you have to pay. Of course if you get a good deal fine, but some of the prices for suites are silly. If you can afford it go for it, but I would rather have another cruise than a suite!!!!!! Just my own opinion of course. I'll let you know what I think of my stateroom on my return mid October!!

 

Elaine

[heywood]

Elaine,

First of all I hope (I'm sure) you will have a good trip next week. We are fairly new to cruising - have done one Celebrity (I think there were only about 6 staterooms cheaper than ours!)- we did get engine noise/vibration but that really didn't affect the holiday-we were too busy and then to RCI - where we did get a better deal and moved up a few decks. My point is that we had great times - no-one knew (or cared) where we were and now we are hooked. In all honesty, I would not if at all possible go to the very lowest deck again but I would be tempted if that was all I could afford.

Our QM2 is a D5 (and that has been upgraded) but we are happy with that and due to our humble upbringings ( just to reassure Phil (Rula) that he's not alone) we feel quite privileged and glad that we can afford to do these trips.

I agree with you - "If you can afford it go for it, but I would rather have another cruise than a suite!!!!!! Just my own opinion of course."

[atticus]

Please, please post more of your observations and amusing anecdotes!

 

The descriptions of the spooky waiter and being photographed with food in your teeth are dead on. I hope you continue to post as more memories come to mind.

 

Thanks for the laughs!

[rula40]

The best night we had was in the Golden Lion Pub. I have never been to a karaoke apart from a private birthday karaoke party some 12 years ago. We had arranged to meet up with a couple who we met in the immigration queue in New York.

 

Our new friends consisted of a Mike a retired rugby playing Mathematics teacher and his wife Pat a Sunday school teacher and Yoga instructress. Both from Wales and now living in Essex Despite what you might expect they were excellent company and up for a laugh,

 

We sat quite close to the dance floor, in the middle of the smoking/no smoking divide and listened to the pianist who was entertaining the passengers with his renditions of Cole Porter and the like.

 

10.45pm and the time for Paul at the piano to hand over to crew members armed with folders containing lists of song titles which they handed out to those of us who were still awake.

 

We were say next to a table of elderly US passengers one of whom “Bill” immediately handed in his list of songs he was willing to perform followed by another passenger who also had a list. Both these two gentlemen took it in turns to sings the songs of Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra to perfection they were really good and I suspect they had some form of previous musical background

 

Mike who I said before was up for a laugh, insisted that we should do our bit, I tried to tell him that I would rather not as I was not a strong swimmer and the water was very cold but never the less he handed in his little slip and told me we were going to sing together.

 

We were them informed that there were two ladies willing to sing and “Phyllis and Michelle” were invited to sing the classic “I got you babe”, Mike said “that’s us”. I very reluctantly followed him onto the dance floor but insisted he sing Cher’s part.

 

We went for it! And I soon lost my inhibitions especially after another of Mike’s suggestions which we performed together “American Pie” we even got most of the passengers who had not already left to sing along with the chorus.

 

I think we were well received for our willingness to make complete fools of ourselves in front of complete strangers.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening especially when 2 members of Carly Simon’s backing group who were drinking at the bar joined in and sang a song from the list. They even joined Mike and me and, the four of us sang together and eve had a little dance. whilst performing the song.

 

When we got back to our stateroom that night or should I say the following early morning 1.30am to be precise I waited to be contacted by Carly Simons agent , but the only call I got was at 4am when we were woken by a telephone call from the Purser’s desk and had the Security Specialist pounding at my door both accusing me of making loud banging noises and being responsible for bad smells coming from our stateroom I was also accused of putting the ships safety and security at risk (That’s another story which I will tell once I have heard back from Cunard)

 

The next day both during lunch and on the sun deck I spoke with two separate passengers who told me they had been in the Golden Lion the night before and they both commented on the two English men who were singing in the karaoke who they thought were very amusing

 

I owned up to being one of the duo, and offered to sign items of clothing or even body parts but no one seemed to have a pen.

 

If like me you don’t think karaoke is your thing, can I suggest you give it a try, and you might be surprised like I was to find that the whole experience makes a nice change from the sedate and sometimes suicidal alternative forms of entertainment available.

 

 

Have fun

 

 

Phil

[elaine61]

What a great story. Can't wait to hear your security specialist story!!

 

Hubby is very anti karaoke, but I love watching it. It's great watching people get up and sing. There are some really good singers that get up and some pretty damn awful ones too, but hey like you say Phil they are up for it!! Maybe if I ply him with alcohol prior to Karaoke, maybe I can get him to participate!!!!!

 

Elaine

[mufi]

rula40 - Up to now it seems like you had a great time. When does the ruffling start.

 

David.

[rula40]

Come on Mufi,

I have been less than complementary on a number of topics, and I have disagreed with a number of previous threads placed by other members , who describe the experience aboard the QM2 in a fairy tale “Mills and Boon” fashion But as previously stated I hope I have been honest, and told it as I found it.

And yes I did enjoy myself but in a very different way than I was expecting.

[mufi]

Well now isn't that the best way to enjoy.

 

David.

[heywood]

But you see if you'd enjoyed yourself as expected - you would have had fewer tales to tell! You might have gotten a job as a Mills and Boon author though- it all happened for a purpose!

[nitnyleo]

Thank you, rula40...I'm so looking forward to my "crossing" on 1Nov to UK.

Your thoughts and opinions are helpful.

 

PS: Six days at sea always beats 12 hours in one of those dreadful flying machines.

[nitnyleo]

And, Happy (belated) Anniversary!

 

Thank you for your help on other threads. You are such a sweet person, I wish we were on the same sailing.

 

I trust that you and your family will have an enjoyable and safe voyage.

 

Thom

[mufi]

Hey rula40 we are waiting for the news about the bad smell.

 

David.