Queen Mary 2 cabin help.

[Tony O]

We are new to Cunard but not new to crusing. 

Could someone explain the difference between the  Britannia  Balcony and the Britannia (sheltered) balcony on the QM2 ?

Thanks

 

[Summergee]

The balcony is glass fronted and the sheltered are metal fronted, a hole cut in the hull.

[Colin_Cameron]

Find a decent photo showing the side of QM2. The ordinary balconies are above the promenade deck, the sheltered balconies are below it.

 

Just Google images for “Queen Mary 2 sheltered balcony” and you’ll find lots of pics. Unfortunately a number of them are normal glass-fronted ones but you can easily see the difference.

[Tony O]

2 minutes ago, Colin_Cameron said:

Find a decent photo showing the side of QM2. The ordinary balconies are above the promenade deck, the sheltered balconies are below it.

 

Just Google images for “Queen Mary 2 sheltered balcony” and you’ll find lots of pics. Unfortunately a number of them are normal glass-fronted ones but you can easily see the difference.

Yes I did and can clearly seet he difference  Thanks

[JT1101]

What is nice is both types of balconies give superb views and both are also safer than in a typical cruise ship - even the upper deck ones are set back inside the line of the hull and protected by the ships forward and aft superstructures. 

[MarkBearSF]

A couple more points on QM2 balconies.

Whether people are happy with a sheltered balcony is often related to the following factors.

• What type of voyage? If it's a crossing, with no special views (and frequently inclement weather) the sheltered balconies can be the better choice - considering the cost advantage.
• Do you want to see the sea when you're seated in your cabin? If so, you may be disappointed with a sheltered balcony, because you must go to the balcony or stand up to see the sea. Sheltered balcony cabins also tend to be a bit darker with less direct sunlight.

A really good option can be the obstructed balconies on Deck 8. There are links on this board which show the actual view from each cabin. Our very favorite cabins are around the little rescue crafts (8043-8050, if I recall) which have very little obstruction and are conveniently located right near Stairway B. However, very many cabins are completely obstructed with no real view and the orange hulls on them can give an unappealing "halloween tinge" during the day. 

 

Edited November 23, 2019 by MarkBearSF

[Underwatr]

On the other hand,

 

• Do you want to see the hull of the ship cutting through the water? Perhaps some flying fish if you're in tropical seas? If so, you may be disappointed with a stateroom higher than Deck 6. If you look down from Decks 8-13 you'll see lifeboats and the promenade, and further out the ocean. Sheltered balcony cabins are also slightly larger than open balconies, and (obviously) can be used in a wider variety of weather.

Edited November 23, 2019 by Underwatr

[VintageCCG]

6 hours ago, Underwatr said:

On the other hand,

 

• Do you want to see the hull of the ship cutting through the water? Perhaps some flying fish if you're in tropical seas? If so, you may be disappointed with a stateroom higher than Deck 6. 

Just FWIW I saw all kinds of flying fish from my Deck 12 balcony, while crossing the Grand Banks off Newfoundland (so, hardly tropical).

 

[Jack E Dawson]

Unobstructed Britannia Balcony:

 

Sheltered Balcony:

 

Hope these pictures give some perspective on the view from each of the two balconies. Sorry, not the best of photography.

 

Jack

[Underwatr]

Here's an example of "view of the ocean" from a sheltered balcony.

The pilot boarding the ship outside of Hamburg.