QM2 22 day Transatlantic 2020 - starting to panic!!!

[bodsfanclub]

Not sailed on QM2 since 2009. I know she's had the re-fashioning in 2016 but that more is still to be done.

We have booked this cruise at some considerable expense - and it is my husband's first time cruising. Reading some of the reviews on here, I am beginning to panic. Please tell me - 

 

Is the ship really that rusty and unmaintained?

Are the cabin bathrooms that grotty? - I know they haven't been refurbed, but they are clean surely?

Is the food in Britannia that awful? _ Im hearing of dreadful quality and cold dishes etc etc

 

I love cruising, and I will take the rough with the smooth because it is the whole experience, and the odd little niggle is no biggie in my book. But some of the reviews are excruciatingly bad, citing disappointment and 'will never sail with Cunard again'.

 

Its too late to cancel or change plans, but before I start to go stratopheric with worry - any reassurance out there?

[Summergee]

I have read a couple of the recent reviews and see what you mean. However, if you look at the star ratings most are fairly reasonable. We are on a 22 nighter in June and are really looking forward to it. Often people only post reviews when they are unhappy with things. When you consider how many sail on her each year there are relatively few unhappy guests.

[BigMac1953]

Who was that said "Calm down dear"?

 

Nothing wrong with the ship. In fact you will appreciate changes like the new Cafe Carinthia (formerly the Winter Garden).

 

Don't remember seeing any rust, but it's probably somewhere if you look hard enough.

 

Can't speak for the Britannia, as we always travel QG, but on our last 14 day trip in August 2018, nobody on board mentioned anything untoward.

 

Since then, our last two cruises have been aboard the QE, and judging by some comments and reviews, I'm convinced I was on a different QE to some other people.

 

There is no question, you've picked the best ship for your husband's first. You will both love it.

 

Please let us know how you get on.

 

Stewart

[Bostonjetset]

I haven’t been aboard QM2 since 2017, just after the remodel, but at that time she was wonderful. You didn’t mention what other lines you’ve sailed with but I found the food on Cunard to be just as good if not better than others I’ve sailed with. Certainly better than the more budget lines like CCL or NCL. Comparable to Princess or HAL. Afternoon tea on Cunard is leaps and bounds above any other line though. 

 

Whilst nothing is perfect, I personally think QM2 is a beautiful and elegant ship.  She truly is like no other and a transatlantic crossing on her is an iconic trip for anyone who has a passion for travel. I am beyond excited to sail on her again next January. I’m sure you will enjoy your trip. 

[exlondoner]

I wouldn't panic. I should expect to have a lovely time.

 

We were on her in May, and doubt much has changed.

 

I found her shiny and sparkling, and parts of he really are constantly being maintained and repainted. Nonetheless the force of the waves after a few Atlantic crossings is likely to make bits of the hull slightly tatty. Similarly there might be surface rust on other outside areas. That is the effect of salt water. Inside, she is shiny clean, elegant and gorgeous.

 

Again, can't talk about food in Britannia, but the menus always look nice enough, and food is so subjective, as is portion size. What is more than adequate to me may be termed minuscule by another.

 

I often find negative reviews have factual errors, or the reviewers seem to have allowed a couple of irritating experiences to colour the entire voyage.

 

I suspect you will have a super time.

[wenlyn]

While its possible for things to go wrong I never understand how people can have such awful experiences on board as everytime we've travelled with Cunard we've been enjoyed the experience. Maybe we are just easily pleased. The sheltered balconies on QM2 usually have some rust marks but I expect that on an ocean going liner. The crew are always out on deck cleaning painting and repairing various things so if anything is amiss I pur it down to the rigours of the location. Occasionally you'll see plates or cups left outside by inconsiderate guests and depending on the weather and what else is going on they sometimes loiter longer than you might expect but if it bothered me I'd take them in myself or mention it to a crew member. 

 

Food in Britannia is always good, sometimes the beef is a bit tough in our opinion and if something is particularly delicious I might think the portion too small but with so much to eat all day I welcome the fact I would have to ask for extra if I wanted to over indulge - I'm sure the scales thank me for it 🙂 

 

The bathrooms are nothing to write home about but given the available space theres not a lot to be done, I suppose they do look a little "tired" if comparing to the newer cabins on the top deck & the singles by the casino (not that I've stayed in one but going by pictures) but they are no worse than when we first sailed on QM2 7 years ago so I don't register any disappointment. Our cabin stewards have always kept our room clean & tidy. 

 

I'm pretty sure you'll have a great trip. Theres nothing like wandering around the ship on formal nights and seeing everyone looking so lovely while hearing live music being played in so many places.

[LovesToRead]

We were on  QM2 from Dec 8-22.  Although I can't speak to Britannia cabins or food, we had a wonderful time and thought the ship was beautiful and in fine condition.  We did have lunch in the pub, which was very good.  We had breakfast and lunch in the King's Court several times, which was fine.  We also had breakfast and lunch in the the Corinthia on occasion and found, for lunch, the selections were good.  We loved the great variety of activities, from excellent lectures to terrific music in the various venues and the many locations where one could just sit and enjoy a book or simply look at the ocean.  

Have a wonderful sailing!

[Camgirl]

We had our first, all too short, trip on QM2 in November and loved every minute. Can't wait to go back on board later this year.

 

We were in Britannia and the food was absolutely fine and as good as usual (we have had many cruises on QE and QV). The cabin was beautifully clean. And, whilst I'm sure you could find rust if you searched, I didn't notice any areas of neglect.

 

Stop worrying and enjoy your trip, it will be marvellous. 

[Jack E Dawson]

Bodsfanclub,

Its been almost 18 months since we were last on the QM2 but I can't imagine that you and your husband won't experience the same grand ocean liner that we did. The food and the service in Britannia was excellent. The QM2 has one of the highest repeat customer percentages in the industry. With all the stiff competition out there, I don't think this would be the case if standards weren't being met. 

If I remember correctly, you had also previously posted about the formality of the ship and your efforts to get your husband into the sprit of that formality (as well as into a tux). I certainly hope you will post a review of your voyage this summer as it sounds like it will be most interesting. At this point I would be willing to take a bet that the two of you have an amazing time.

 

Jack

[Underwatr]

They're always painting the ship and refinishing varnished wood exposed to the elements. Rust is a natural effect of steel in a salt water environment and yes, you'll see some if you go looking for it. In my opinion someone who points out visible spots of rust as an indication that QM2 isn't being maintained isn't really paying attention.

[Lanky Lad]

I was on board in August and had no issues other than the service in Britannia.  I put this down to the waiter coming towards the end of his contract and being ready for a rest.   The food when it arrived was lovely. 

 

I did see some rust, but in places that you can't work on when at sea.  That said, the deck crew were out painting at every opportunity.

Edited January 17, 2020 by Lanky Lad

[canoncruiser]

I was on the Jan3-10 TA. I had a ball as I always do. Some of the menu choices in Britannia were odd, and some portions rather small but the ship is still grand and gorgeous. Service  overall was excellent. There was constant maintenance- even outside during some typical Atlantic winter weather! With metal being lashed by rough salt air and water-rust is a reality that on QM2 is dealt with promptly when possible. We had two medical evacuations which delayed us - and being a real liner - we roared along at 24-25 knots and were only six hours late reaching Southampton. I booked my air with Cunard and they handled my rebooking and transfer flawlessly.  You will have a great time.  Bon Voyage!😁

[exlondoner]

There are one or two things you should be concerned about. Most notably how to fit in all the activities you want to do and have time to chill and watch the sea. Also how to make sure you see all the ship: there is a lot of her. The only other thing is that, while most of your fellow passengers are charming, and, often, genuinely interesting, whatever their age, there is a small minority, many of whom are in the Grills, who spend a lot of time moaning about really minor dissatisfactions, basically stemming from the fact things are not entirely as they were on the QE2 in 1989 - and then go off to the Tour Office to book another voyage.

 

You will have a great time.

[nybumpkin]

We were aboard QM2 for 21 days this past July. As you can see from my signature, it was our first time on Cunard and very different from our prior cruises as you might imagine. We loved QM2 and definitely will book again when our schedules permit. The ship is very well maintained; the crew was out frequently keeping up. We had an inside cabin on the EB crossing and a balcony on the 2-week WB crossing; both cabins were spotless and our stewards very attentive. As for food - there were a few "clunkers" in Britannia along the way, but overall we found dinners to have a good selection and were well prepared. I wasn't as fond of Kings Court for lunch - I missed some of the Carnival-included lunch items like Guy's Burgers and cooked-to-order Oriental dishes, and Kings Court was very loud - but the food was fine. My "go to" lunch was baguettes with Brie cheese and a glass of wine.

 

I think our biggest issue of all was trying to find time to do everything we wanted to do. And being a tea drinker and having been to afternoon tea on our Carnival cruises (they do a very nice job with it, BTW - the scones are to die for) ,  I was saddened that we never made it to tea in the Queens Room - we were doing something else.

 

Enjoy your three weeks - we certainly did.

[megr1125]

I sailed for the first time in November in a balcony. Sure there was a little rust but hey, it's a ship, and it's always wet..it happens.

 

I found my stateroom and bathroom to be very clean and comfortable and my cabin attendant, though not overly cordial, did his job well, and cleaned my cabin as soon as I exited in the morning.  He was nice enough but rather quiet and reserved.  I guess I'm used to a bit more light conversation from my cabin stewards.  Again, not a complaint, just an observation.

 

The door handle to my cabin broke off in my hand, oops, and it took 6 or more calls, by myself, my cabin attendant AND the one in the next section over, and 4 hours, until it was fixed.  I will say that the 2 attendants were great about helping me open the door, and the repair took 5 minutes or less.  However, it's inexcusable to not be able to open your cabin door for over 4 hours, without assistance from a pair of pliers.

 

  Food in Britannia was quite tasty, though I expected better service.  It wasn't bad service just less attentive than expected.  For instance on my birthday (and yes, the staff knew), I heard many other people getting their dessert and having waiters sing to them.  My server said, 'Oh it's your birthday, did you want me to sing?'  My answer was "well, yes it would have been nice since you know that it's my birthday but since you're asking, I won't put you through the trouble..."  The servers really didn't come back to check on whether or not the food was to my liking and so on.  I did send one entree back early in the cruise (I forget why, it was either overcooked or not hot enough) The sommolier OTOH was very nice and would refill my wine quickly.

 

Dinner in the Verandah was excellent, best filet mignon I've ever had.  I'd gladly dine there again.  I loved afternoon tea as well.

Food in the Carinthia Lounge was pretty yummy though, a nice alternate to the buffet.  I will say that the Golden Lion at lunch is a bit of a mess.  Very disorganized and chaotic.   If they're going to serve lunch, then perhaps have a host/ess and make things a bit more orderly.  I also enjoyed cocktails in several of the bars.  

 

The rest of the ship was very clean and well maintained so I would not worry too much.  With one exception, all crew members were quite nice 

 

All that being said, I'm seriously entertaining doing another Westbound TA this fall.  I've got all the clothes now and it was very relaxing after whirlwind visits to Dublin and London.  I loved departing from Southampton and want to spend a little more time there next time.  One night wasn't enough to really do anything other than sleep so I'd like to just soak up the atmosphere.

 

Enjoy your voyage.  I'm sure it will be a wonderful trip!

[BigMac1953]

there is a small minority, many of whom are in the Grills, who spend a lot of time moaning about really minor dissatisfactions, basically stemming from the fact things are not entirely as they were on the QE2 in 1989 - 

 

I have to say, we always travel QG and in 20+ trips, I've never heard anyone in QG moaning about anything. 

 

We started on QE2 and loved the ship, but the newer ships are so much better in many aspects.

 

There will always be moaners somewhere. I would love to have a look at how they live day to day. They obviously live in large beautiful houses with lots of domestic staff. Either that, or crammed into a council house.

 

[Victoria2]

59 minutes ago, BigMac1953 said:

there is a small minority, many of whom are in the Grills, who spend a lot of time moaning about really minor dissatisfactions, basically stemming from the fact things are not entirely as they were on the QE2 in 1989 - 

 

I have to say, we always travel QG and in 20+ trips, I've never heard anyone in QG moaning about anything. 

 

We started on QE2 and loved the ship, but the newer ships are so much better in many aspects.

 

There will always be moaners somewhere. I would love to have a look at how they live day to day. They obviously live in large beautiful houses with lots of domestic staff. Either that, or crammed into a council house.

 

Every now and then, we hear a  passenger in the Grills lounge, complaining bitterly, and loudly so that's how we can all hear what the complaint is about,  and we also muse on the grand way of life some people must have. 

Then of course you have fellow table companions, who do have a very grand lifestyle, who think the whole Grills experience, magnificent! 

 

[exlondoner]

4 hours ago, BigMac1953 said:

there is a small minority, many of whom are in the Grills, who spend a lot of time moaning about really minor dissatisfactions, basically stemming from the fact things are not entirely as they were on the QE2 in 1989 - 

 

I have to say, we always travel QG and in 20+ trips, I've never heard anyone in QG moaning about anything. 

 

We started on QE2 and loved the ship, but the newer ships are so much better in many aspects.

 

There will always be moaners somewhere. I would love to have a look at how they live day to day. They obviously live in large beautiful houses with lots of domestic staff. Either that, or crammed into a council house.

 

 

We too have had about twenty trips, all but one in the Grills, I think. And though moans are rare, in my experience they are commonest in the Grills Lounge. The thing about them is that they are mindboggling in their triviality. I listened to a man who claimed his trip was ruined because Scampi Provençal was no longer on the alc menu. Mildly irritating, if you like the stuff, but mitigated surely by the fact that, with notice, you can order more or less whatever you like in the QG. He spent at least twenty minutes on the topic and was seriously wondering whether it was worth travelling with Cunard again. Bet he did though. Now, something like a flooded cabin, or a cabin no-one services for three days, is worth moaning about, but Scampi?

[bodsfanclub]

Guys and gals - ty all soooooooo much for your comments and thoughts. Really really appreciate it. We are soooo excited although some weeks away yet. For me the enjoyment lies in being able to treat my hubby to this amazing experience!!  Ty all again.   V much appreciated.