Deck 13 Britannia Club

[david,Mississauga]

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to cruise aboard the QM2 in one of the new Britannia Club staterooms on Deck 13. It was our first time in the “club” and our restaurant experience is now complete, having travelled in all QM2 restaurant categories. It is not my intention to comment on the general “re-mastering” of the ship, of which much has already been written on this forum, nor to review the Quebec – New York cruise.

 

Without doubt, the stateroom was the most attractive non-suite accommodation we have ever had on any ship. It was, of course, the standard size and shape as all balcony cabins that are built in factories. The bedside tables were marble-topped as was the counter in the bathroom. The shower had a glass door instead of the usual curtain and a large shower-head. I don’t know if the re-mastered Club staterooms on Deck 12 received the same treatment.

 

Instead of the usual balcony door, the staterooms on Deck 13 have a wide sliding door. This is very heavy and therefore a bit hard to move, but we preferred this to the usual door. We were travelling with a friend who had the room next to us so we had the door in the balcony partition opened.

 

The provision of kettles has caused some members of this forum to react as if this was the end of civilisation. We appreciated being able to have tea made with boiling water. Tea from room service is really just the ingredients of tea which you are expected to make yourself. Actually, one essential ingredient from this room service tea is missing: boiling water. The somewhat hot water from room service is not good enough for a decent “cuppa” so the in-room kettle is an improvement.

 

There are walkways over the balcony areas of the Deck 13 accommodations. From the first photos I saw, the deck was bare metal and I wondered if there could be noise transmitted to the rooms below. I was pleased to see that thick rubber (or similar) covering had been placed on the deck. We never heard any sound from above.

 

Anyone familiar with the QM2 – or a first-time passenger who has studied the deck plans – knows that it is a considerable distance from the Deck 13 accommodations to the Britannia Club restaurant. The only stair/lift access is “A” and, of course, the restaurant is at “D”. Weather permitting, it is possible to take a short cut by using an aft door and walking along the open area of Deck 13, down the stairs to Deck 12 and re-entering the ship at “B” or even “D”.

 

To accommodate the 60 extra Britannia Club passengers from Deck 13, a new restaurant was built on the starboard side of Deck 2. For those who are unfamiliar with Britannia Club I should mention that dining is similar to the Princess and Queen’s Grills. It is one-sitting, meaning assigned seating for all meals but flexible dining times. Our friend who had made a crossing in Princess Grill less than two months prior to this cruise said the à la carte menu in the Club was slightly more extensive than he had in PG. As I recall the à la carte menu offered six starters, four main courses, a selection of vegetables and three desserts. Every night there was a flambéed dessert available. The Maître d’ was Oliver, who has served us as assistant MD in Princess Grill twice and Britannia once, so we felt at home.

[CruisinChris]

I really enjoyed my dining experience in BC on my last voyage. I was secretly hoping for an upgrade this time, but I see that they've managed to fill a huge amount of inventory in the past week. Oh, well.

[safarigal]

Thanks for your review - I sneaked a peak at the deck 13 cabins when I was disembarking from our crossing, and they indeed do look beautiful. It is nice to know that the BC dining is also good - one can always dream of upgrades!

[3rdGenCunarder]

Thanks for the review. We're trying Club for the first time at Christmas. As I understand it, the Club has two dining rooms, the original and the new one in a mirror-image location, yes? Does each side get its own maitre d'?

 

Oliver was our waiter on QE2 (Caronia restaurant) a "few" years ago, on his first contract. So nice to see someone who's good at his job be recognized for advancement. We always ask if he's onboard when we're on QM2. It's nice to see a familiar face.

Edited October 21, 2016 by 3rdGenCunarder

[david,Mississauga]

Thanks for the review. We're trying Club for the first time at Christmas. As I understand it, the Club has two dining rooms, the original and the new one in a mirror-image location, yes? Does each side get its own maitre d'?

 

Oliver was our waiter on QE2 (Caronia restaurant) a "few" years ago, on his first contract. So nice to see someone who's good at his job be recognized for advancement. We always ask if he's onboard when we're on QM2. It's nice to see a familiar face.

 

The new Club is directly opposite the original one. It is actually two small rooms with a wide opening between them. As it is only for Deck 13 passengers it is somewhat smaller than the other one which accommodates the passengers from the 46 Deck 12 staterooms. The deck plan shows the two restaurants as being approximately the same size, but this is not correct. The new restaurant has mostly tables for two. I saw two tables for four - probably many tables for two could be pushed together to make more - and there were two larger tables for six. Our table for six had been set for seven.

 

The two restaurants are not physically connected so they each have their own maître d'. The assignment card in our room did not specify which of the two rooms our table was in but I had heard that the starboard restaurant was for Deck 13.

 

Oliver is indeed a gem. (He was listed as a "star" in a recent Cunarder.) Whenever possible he escorted all the women to their table as he did when in Princess Grill as an assistant.

Edited October 21, 2016 by david,Mississauga

[RJChatsworth]

David - we were on the eastbound transatlantic that sailed from New York on 8th September in an A1 cabin on deck 12. Deck 13 are all A2's so I asked the Maitre d' in the original Club Balcony restaurant where they were seated. He told me there was no rule and that A1's from Deck 12 and A2's from Decks 12 and 13 were all mixed up between the existing and new Club Balcony restaurants. Who do you believe?

[david,Mississauga]

David - we were on the eastbound transatlantic that sailed from New York on 8th September in an A1 cabin on deck 12. Deck 13 are all A2's so I asked the Maitre d' in the original Club Balcony restaurant where they were seated. He told me there was no rule and that A1's from Deck 12 and A2's from Decks 12 and 13 were all mixed up between the existing and new Club Balcony restaurants. Who do you believe?

 

It makes sense that passengers from both decks would be assigned to either of the rooms. Even though the newly created starboard restaurant was necessitated because of the additional 30 A2s on Deck 13, there is no reason why those passengers must dine there. Perhaps it varies from one voyage to the next.

 

Our friend who was on board in August (in PG) made enquiries of the staff in the club, telling them he was going to be in a Deck 13 A2 in October and he was told that the new starboard restaurant was for those people. On my voyage of 4 Oct. that was confirmed by our waiter in casual conversation, but I didn't ask Oliver. The people at our large table and others I saw at nearby tables were all on our deck, but of course I can't tell if all people in our restaurant were. The table assignment card didn't specify which club restaurant and I suspect several passengers were sent from one to the other at the first meal.

[Bell Boy]

David - we were on the eastbound transatlantic that sailed from New York on 8th September in an A1 cabin on deck 12. Deck 13 are all A2's so I asked the Maitre d' in the original Club Balcony restaurant where they were seated. He told me there was no rule and that A1's from Deck 12 and A2's from Decks 12 and 13 were all mixed up between the existing and new Club Balcony restaurants. Who do you believe?

 

I was on the west bound crossing of the 1st September travelling in Cub on deck 12, I shared a table of seven ( in the original BC restaurant/port side) Two of the couples from my table where in the staterooms on deck 13.

 

Don't think it makes any difference to the category of the BC stateroom which side of the ship one is allocated, the dining product and service style is exactly the same. I expect it's all down to the Maitre d' when they try to arrange the various table requests.

Edited October 22, 2016 by Bell Boy

[imacruizer]

Hi David,

Thanks for the very informative review of the new Deck 13 Britannia Club cabin. It was lovely to meet you at the M&G.

Beth and Jerry

[tv24]

David: Thanks for your review of your Deck 13 Club experience. Very helpful information.

[RJChatsworth]

One of our favourite cabins on Deck 12 was A1/12075, but we won't be booking it again. Since the refurbishment a paddle tennis net has been introduced above this and adjacent cabins. The thought of people playing tennis energetically with screeching trainers on the deck above could be quite annoying.

[BklynBoy8]

Dear David,

 

Thank you for your review on the Latest Britannia Club setup...

 

We are booked in Britannia Club next year for the second time and our first experience was in the original Club Dining Room. It was so good that our future booking will be BC....

 

We are on Guar. so not sure if we will be in A2, A1 or Upgrade Fairy will visit.

 

Deck 13 does look interesting especially the newly construction off the ship.

 

We did very appreciate the set table assignment and the open personal choice time to dine.

 

Can't wait till next year.....

[Salacia]

David, thanks for your post. When I booked my next QM2 cruise, the A2 cabins on Deck 13 were just plans on the drawing board. Happy to read of your very satisfactory experience.

 

Kudos for being one of the earliest passengers to book an A2 Cabin (or were you upgraded?)

 

What were the sea conditions like on your cruise/voyage? Wondering what Deck 13 would be like in an angry sea.

 

Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Solent Richard]

Thanks for this informative report.

 

I have travelled twice in Britannia Club on Queen Mary 2...

 

 

...and would be more than happy to repeat the experience on David's report.

 

Next up unfortunately it has to be back to the Queens Grill.

[david,Mississauga]

David, thanks for your post. When I booked my next QM2 cruise, the A2 cabins on Deck 13 were just plans on the drawing board. Happy to read of your very satisfactory experience.

 

Kudos for being one of the earliest passengers to book an A2 Cabin (or were you upgraded?)

 

What were the sea conditions like on your cruise/voyage? Wondering what Deck 13 would be like in an angry sea.

 

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

For this Quebec - New York voyage we originally booked a Britannia stateroom, but there was a significant fare reduction long in advance. As is our custom, when there is a fare reduction we don't ask for it, but upgrade ourselves to a higher grade. The difference was only a few hundred Can.$ each so it seemed worth it and I am happy I did so.

 

The upgrade fairy has not visited us for some time, but that is fine because our first time in both PG and QG was an upgrade and it is certainly someone else's turn.

 

Between Halifax and New York it was decidedly bumpy being so far forward and high up. All outdoor decks were closed for the entire day thanks to this storm which was blamed on Hurricane Matthew. (The same storm caused serious damage in eastern Nova Scotia, particularly Sydney.) That wouldn't deter me from booking this again, but the fare difference might.

 

For next year we have booked a sheltered balcony room for the first time. Thanks to the cabin crawl organised by Richard we were able to see one of these. The difference between what we are paying for this grade and the Britannia Club - only A1 is available even though it is a year in advance - is close to Can. $2000 pp for just a week, so it is back to Britannia. No matter what restaurant category we are in we have always thoroughly enjoyed our trips on Cunard.

[Travellers123]

Hi, we had booked BB on 11, but as of yesterday we are now A2 on 13, what a fab surprise. sailing on the 5th Nov westbound, have done this before on the 15th Dec sailing and been on 8 midships unobstructed (just) so this should be even better.

 

Sam

[Salacia]

For this Quebec - New York voyage we originally booked a Britannia stateroom, but there was a significant fare reduction long in advance. As is our custom, when there is a fare reduction we don't ask for it, but upgrade ourselves to a higher grade. The difference was only a few hundred Can.$ each so it seemed worth it and I am happy I did so.

 

The upgrade fairy has not visited us for some time, but that is fine because our first time in both PG and QG was an upgrade and it is certainly someone else's turn.

 

Between Halifax and New York it was decidedly bumpy being so far forward and high up. All outdoor decks were closed for the entire day thanks to this storm which was blamed on Hurricane Matthew. (The same storm caused serious damage in eastern Nova Scotia, particularly Sydney.) That wouldn't deter me from booking this again, but the fare difference might.

 

For next year we have booked a sheltered balcony room for the first time. Thanks to the cabin crawl organised by Richard we were able to see one of these. The difference between what we are paying for this grade and the Britannia Club - only A1 is available even though it is a year in advance - is close to Can. $2000 pp for just a week, so it is back to Britannia. No matter what restaurant category we are in we have always thoroughly enjoyed our trips on Cunard.

 

David, thanks very much for your reply. My husband and I had a Britannia Club cabin on Deck 12 years ago, and very much enjoyed the flexible dining hours, and the company of 4 other passengers with which we dined, and laughed too loudly :)

 

The proximity to the Pavilion Pool was a big plus, as was the more flexible dining hours. Like you, I struggle with the question of whether or not it is worth the higher rate, especially if booking Deck 13 BC category - one deck higher and more limited elevator access.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, much appreciated.

Regards,

Salacia

Edited October 25, 2016 by Salacia

[Salacia]

Hi, we had booked BB on 11, but as of yesterday we are now A2 on 13, what a fab surprise. sailing on the 5th Nov westbound, have done this before on the 15th Dec sailing and been on 8 midships unobstructed (just) so this should be even better.

 

Sam

 

Hey Sam, congrats on your upgrade. Wishing you a happy crossing & looking forward to your comment. Cheers, -S.

[bananavan]

David:

Thank you for such a positive review. As we have cruised together I know your judgement to be impeccable.

We have booked A1 Guarantee for the 2018 WC on QE. Your description of the Brittania Club dining is most reassuring.

I loved Oliver when we had him in PG with you. He is a wonderful, caring MaitreD'. He was assistant when he was in PG and was promoted right after you disembarked. He was missed tremendously. His replacement was very good, but nobody is like Oliver.

[david,Mississauga]

David:

Thank you for such a positive review. As we have cruised together I know your judgement to be impeccable.

We have booked A1 Guarantee for the 2018 WC on QE. Your description of the Brittania Club dining is most reassuring.

I loved Oliver when we had him in PG with you. He is a wonderful, caring MaitreD'. He was assistant when he was in PG and was promoted right after you disembarked. He was missed tremendously. His replacement was very good, but nobody is like Oliver.

 

Hello Evana. I'm sure you will enjoy Britannia Club on the QE. We had a cruise to Norway on the QE and in our opinion there are some aspects of that ship which are better than the QM2. We were originally going to book the "club" but just as I was to phone our TA a brochure arrived in the post offering a huge reduction in the Grills. So for what we were going to pay for the club we booked Princess Grill. Perhaps the upgrade fairy will visit you:). The location of the Grills restaurants and deck space is much better than on the QM2, although the PG staterooms are not as good as those on the QM2. I looked in the club restaurant and it is quite attractive.

 

I have no doubt that some day Oliver will be the head Maître D' on the ship. On our next voyage we will not likely be in his area (we are in Britannia) but if we see him we will have a chat. It is amazing how some crew remember passengers even several years later. On our recent trip we ran into Roger who was our butler when we were in QG in 2011. He remembered us and asked who our butler was this time. Of course I had to confess we were not in QG.