5 day July 1-5 QM 2 cruise from Brooklyn

[steve4031]

I just saw this cruise and the price is right. My 92 year old father and I are scoping out the inside cabin rates. How do the inside cabins compare to insides on the NCL sun and carnival fantasy class ships?

 

Never thought I would even get to consider cruising on the QM 2. Any advice for a first timer? What to do and what not to do?

 

 

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[MarkBearSF]

...How do the inside cabins compare to insides on the NCL sun and carnival fantasy class ships?

...Never thought I would even get to consider cruising on the QM 2. Any advice for a first timer? What to do and what not to do?

 

I've not sailed on insides of either, but recall our balcony on the Norwegian Spirit was smaller than the QM2 standards. Also, I recall from tours the Carnival Fantasy outsides were large for their day, but sterile. I would imagine that the insides were smaller, but in any event, the QM2 will likely be larger and almost certainly not smaller. The cabins in all classes are very comfortable and newly refreshed with quality furnishings and ample storage.

 

What I'd recommend most is that you be aware of the formal dress code and respect it. (A cursory scan of the threads here will give you some idea how much longtime Cunarders treasure the atmosphere)

 

The afternoon tea is a signature experience. Highly recommended. One warning, especially on short cruises such as yours, the rush at opening can be akin to the videos you see of Black Friday opening at Walmart. I'd recommend arriving early (30-45 min) to get a spot at the front of the line, or 30 minutes after opening, as the fast eaters are finishing.

 

Likewise, the lunch in the Golden Lion Pub is perhaps my favorite lunch option. Again, there's a rush for seats as they begin serving lunch, but 60-90 min later (with plenty of time until they stop service) there are ample tables.

 

For short voyages, there are fewer sea days, so there are fewer guest lecturers, but their lecture and enrichment programs are usually excellent, as are the planetarium presentations.

 

Especially in comparison to NCL and Carnival cruise ships, you'll find MUCH less emphasis on pool and outside activities (on North Atlantic crossings, passengers are INSIDE). Likewise, although often more active on shorter cruises, the casino tends to be underutilized. (They converted some of the space into single cabins on the recent refit, so perhaps the remaining tables are now more occupied)

Edited April 29, 2017 by MarkBearSF

[Sauer-kraut]

The inside on the QM2 is a bit larger than the SUN (unless you sailed in one of her sideways cabins). Nice setup though and my Mother and I managed fine in the space.

Ambiance is different but that is expected. Assigned dining on Cunard. I think you will have a great time! Don't miss the sail away with the Statue of Liberty and Narrows bridge. Be on an upper deck for that!

[steve4031]

We were discussing the dress code and agreed that it it's best to follow it. I'm hoping that if Dad likes this voyage we can do a transatlantic someday. Thank you for the insights about tea and the gold lion restaurant.

 

I looked at some of the menus and the breakfast selection on the Britannica dining room looked pretty impressive imho.

 

 

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[njguy_south]

Enjoy! And you will be fine with a simple jacket and tie for dinner. And for a formal night, a dark suit will work fine. (There is no need or requirement for pleated shirts, stiff collars, or patent leather shoes - or a tuxedo.)

[minz56]

Enjoy! And you will be fine with a simple jacket and tie for dinner. And for a formal night, a dark suit will work fine. (There is no need or requirement for pleated shirts, stiff collars, or patent leather shoes - or a tuxedo.)

 

For informal evenings a tie is NOT required, just a jacket, although I know many men do wear a tie on those evenings.

[MarkBearSF]

I looked at some of the menus and the breakfast selection on the Britannica dining room looked pretty impressive imho.

 

We prefer breakfast in the Britannia, ourselves. Not a big fan of buffets in general, and the King's Court is improved but still limited by the space. Many prefer complimentary room service for breakfast. One hint I saw here is if you have a request that is different from the standard pre-printed offerings on the door hanger order form, write it in and it should be provided for you (within reason).

[cruiserking]

I just saw this cruise and the price is right. My 92 year old father and I are scoping out the inside cabin rates. How do the inside cabins compare to insides on the NCL sun and carnival fantasy class ships?

 

Never thought I would even get to consider cruising on the QM 2. Any advice for a first timer? What to do and what not to do?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

We have a busy roll call for this July 1, QM2 cruise, come join us here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2404891&page=6

 

Jonathan

[Solent Richard]

Good morning Steve.

 

These two reviews may be of use to you...

 

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/03/21/queen-mary-2-grand-new-england-and-canadian-wonders-cruise/

 

 

And...

 

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/17/one-way-to-do-halifax-nova-scotia/