just back from July 4th cruise

[obosix]

All in all a relaxing cruise. embarkation was a breeze, got to the port at 12:00 and was aboard and eating lunch by 12:30. The ship is huge, could have used a motorized scooter, hahah, really a big ship.Went right away to book Todd English, good thing we got the last seating for 4th of July. and what was left were only a few lunch openings. Hung out mostly on the deck just outside Todd's. When the sun was too strong went one deck below where we found some shade. Deck chairs, so comfy, took many a nap there. Hung out at the pavillion pool few times, it is a glass covered area with pool, hot tubs, live music(Extasea was fab) food and cocktails. Ate lunch one day at the Lion's Pub, great fish and chips, very relaxing seating, big couches and club chairs. Brittania restaurant was great. Sat at table 81 right in front of the captains table. Met a great gal, Catherine and Debra, Couldn't have been nicer. Remembered our names and always inquiring if we were having a grand time....which we were. Cabin was nice and spacial. plenty of room for storage. Nice sized balcony. We had our steward open the balcony door between our and our friends making it all the bigger. Had cocktail each evening before dinner. Tried to book spa package the day after boarding but they were sold out. Heard only great things from those able to get a booking. Todd is a must. Although the food in the Brittania was awsome, nothing beats Todd. Food was 5 star all the way. The fireworks at R.I were great. The welcome we received from the locals was tremendous. Pleasure boats surrounded us beeping and waving. Firework display was nice, we all had a nice enjoyable eve, but alas we knew it was soon to come to an end. The disembarkation was smooth as silk, Its great when it works out that way. a fine ending to a fine trip. The only complaint I might interject is the short supply of bar staff. They really aren't pushing the alcohol like other cruise ships, but then again as Cunard states" this is not a cruisze ship, but an ocean liner. Would defin. do QM2 again in a heart beat. Shows great, staff great, ship beautiful, food fantastic, most of all never seemed crowded.

[Crouton]

Yaaayyy!:)

 

So glad to hear you had a great time...and not one mention of an "ugly American" experience.

 

I continue to think it's great news that the service, however imperfect, is stable.

 

Crouton

[obosix]

Service was impecable, only the fact of being short staffed at the bars, but I think thats how they want it, never saw anyone with a load on

[desirod]

I too was on this cruise. The Britannia dining service was worse than the QE2 Mauretania service last December which until now was the worst of 13 cruises. I was travelling with 4 people and we were separated the first night. It took 40 minutes at lunch to get a piece of grilled fish. Waiters were good, but kitchen staff incompetent.

 

Many others on board complained to the point of mutiny. Many of us found solace in the golden lion for pub grub and the Carvery for dinner.

 

Service was not fit for a Dairy Queen much less a Cunard Queen.

[Msbelinda]

Drove up from Phila. & parked at the last roof spot on Pier 2 at 11:30AM. Porter took luggage at curb. Documents were checked and inside terminal by 12:15--to terminal desk by 12:30, picture taken, credit card copied and onto ship within minutes. Very pleasant boarding. We went directly to Todd English and booked our pick of tables for Friday evening! Then to Brittania to see assigned table. Wasn't what we requested (2/window), but were very satisfied anyway on 3rd tier along rail with view of tapestry). Some tables can be too close to service stations and kitchens. B2 cabin/11 deck was spotless, nice balcony with lounge-type chairs, plenty of storage, and shower stall. Had requested make-up as two beds and this had been done. Our steward Eriq was very attentive, greeted us by name immediately--even brought us flowers!

Our mission was to see as much of the ship as possible--quickly learned where the elevators were and how far apart (although didn't find the one that goes up the port side/foreward OUTSIDE until last 2 days.) Loved Commodore Club best (where a few members of this board did indeed get together--thank you for including us & listening to our little stories). Observation Deck was also a favorite spot when the wind wasn't blowing! The little chairs along the corridor to Illuminations look out of windows for wonderful ocean/ship wave viewing.The library is awesome. The librarian in the BookStore cheerefully brought up the CC book to sign.

Found breakfast and lunch dining in optional restaurants difficult for arthritic husband to balance tray, but when asked--someone was always around to help. There is a lot of staff around everywhere. Food choices are awesome (once you get the plan of the area down pat) even to the ice cream machine! We did not have dinner in any of these restaurants (ran out of time) but did visit the areas one evening and found the menus and atmosphere very nice. Sorry to have missed this. There is full service for dinner there. Todd English was wonderful: Attentive service, very good wine service, nicely presented dishes. Brittania offered us excellent service--the wine steward included. Menu choices were varied including choices for diet conscious and vegetarians. We were always able to find something right down to the dessert.

Those at the swimming pools looked to be having restful, happy times. There was no blarring music thank goodness, but Xtesea did get the crowd at the covered pool rocking! Children were very well mannered and dressed nicely for dinner. Only incident was at breakfast when a lady ran after our hostess as she escorted our group of 8 to a window table--"That's my table" she loudly exclaimed--No one responded including our hostess who professionally seated each of us without missing a beat! (Tables are only assigned for dinner).

Common areas were crowded with 2600 on board!! Expecially the logo shop, and the casino. Didn't go to many of the entertainment shows, but the two we did see were really good. This small number of people pack a lot of talent! Visited G32--looked like everyone was having a good time, but couldn't stay up late to really experience this lively after hours area.

There is a lot of deck space on this lady, and plenty of areas where one can have quiet. However, I suspect that crossings are much quieter. Even with this many people we made some very close friends, and met them in passing to smile and say "hello" at all times of the day.

Goosebumps in Newport! "Welcome"; "God Bless America"; "Beautiful Ship" and more were hollared from the hundreds of vessels (maybe more) who escorted us into the harbor. Many sat in their boats--large, tiny, masted-- and talked on cell phones and gestured to areas of the QM2. With binoculars one could see their mouths drop open at her size and beauty. They blew their horns and once in a while the QM2 bridge gave a long LOUD response! What a hoot. It was wonderful. The fireworks were just as wonderful as OpSail 2000's multi site display-- except these were concentrated into one area. We had hundreds of vessels for company--all pointed toward Fort Adams--their lights brilliantly shining in one massive picture.

We elected to take early disembarkation and were on our way well before 9AM. We were unsure how to get the car to the luggage, or the luggage to the car, but took it up the escalator (oops--didn't see the sign that said "no luggage on escalator" until it was too late). We were back home unpacking by 11AM and suspect some hadn't been called to leave the ship yet!

Sure she's big and requires a lot of walking at times. But if you do your homework before you board it's easy to find your way around without wasting time. Be sure to see as much of the artwork as possible--Learned Homer Simpson was pictured in one of the huge bronze murals in the hallway outside of the Brittania!!!

Wanted to write this before tying to post. Too excited by the last few days to wait. Forigive if I've missed something, or have gone on to long. Oh, by the way--We had a wonderful time!

[Crouton]

Our steward Eriq was very attentive, greeted us by name immediately--even brought us flowers!

He was my steward back in April (11,085). Just thinking of his 'effervescence' makes me chuckle.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the ship -- and the ice cream machines. Me too.:)

 

Crouton

[Hve2cruise]

We were totally impressed the moment we boarded this magnificient ship! Cabin steward "Gio" greeted us immediately (first name basis) and asked if he could do anything else to make our stay more enjoyable. Got to the pier at 11:30 and was on the ship by 12:00. Made reservations for Todd English immediately. It was down the hall from our cabin. Just a note about Todd English. The food was delicious, however, we felt that the service could have been better. A few errors were made with our orders and they were not too attentive in filling our glasses (water, wine or coffee). All in all still a fine experience.

 

We had table #80 in the Brittania. Our waiter, Martin, was the best. After the first day, he knew exactly what we wanted and it was there before we asked. If we ate there again for breakfast or lunch, we either had our table or the one next to it.

 

On July 2nd, we returned to our cabin late in the afternoon to a wonderful surprise. There was an invitation to dine with Captain Wright that evening. When we arrived, we were escorted to his table and seated according to a seating plan. When he arrived, he greeted us individually and introduced himself as "Paul". He is very personable and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to find out more about him and the ship. We had a great time!

 

Four days on this ship is too short a time. We tried to do everything and I think we saw every room there is to see. Loved afternoon tea, won 2 paintings in the art auction, played Bingo, shopped, closed the Casino every night and had a fabulous time.

 

Yes Crouton, I signed the Cruise Critic book in the Library! Sorry I didn't make the cruise critic meeting in the Commodore Club. Would have loved to meet all of you!

 

I will conclude in saying that I would book a longer cruise on the QM2 in a heartbeat! She is a grand lady and our experience surpassed our expectations!

 

By the way, if you buy a picture of the ship or any other picture, you can give it to the Purser and ask that the Captain sign it for you. Just tell them what you want it to say and where on the picture you want it signed.

 

Helane

[Hve2cruise]

Oops! Waiter's name was Marcin (not Martin) and busboy was Mike.

 

Helane

[Malinda1229]

We had such a good time on this cruise we booked again for next year with hopes that we will be able to see the fire works in NY. ALL inside cabins are booked I had to take an obstructed balcony.

 

Also booked for Feb 2005; got and inside but not the deck I wanted...this one is filling up as well.