Greetings from the QM2!

[patwell]

What he said! :D

 

LOL!!!:D

 

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

[pb82]

Matthew and Peter, many thanks for your reports so far. Hope you find more to enjoy in the Library than just signing the log, we loved it, but hundreds others did too so we always found it crowded. Don't miss the ocean views from the Deck Two windows just aft of ConneXions. And, as the resident kennels fan, I urge a visit there; if you are lucky you may see one of the dogs spray equality on the QG only area of the deck just below.

Continued bon voyage,

Paul

[clay1234]

Unlike the QE2 which trys to put a 'British' face forward on boarding, one might think the QM2 was registered in the Philippines - lots of 'welcome aboards' and nary a Brit among them.

 

The answer is simple. Although I love her very much, the QM2 is the largest ship Princess has....they operate out of the same building, go figure

[guernseyguy]

Mr Tactless interogates the Captain

The Plan:

'Good evening Captain. While I was on deck for sailaway I noticed that the funnel does not appear to have quite the same shade of red as in Captain Card's excellent paintings, or on the QE2, or on the model of the Mauretania on the QE2. Is it so, or do my eyes deceive me?

 

What Happened:

After a looooooooooong wait for someone to finish her pedicure and attend to the various stages of tittivation that seem necessary, if not sufficient, we arrive rather late - when the chances of getting a waiter to get a proper drink are vanishingly small (as indeed it turned out, so warm sparkling wine it was....)

So what came out was:

'Why's the funnel the wrong colour?' Is it? Who says so? "Stephen Card" (I've already emailed to apologise for taking his name in vain - I may have inadvertently given Catain Rynd (a friend of his) the misleading impression that he's going around telling people that the QM2 funnel colour is wrong - it is, but he's not telling people that.....) "I'll check, its supposed to be signal red." So, we'll see. There goes the invite to the Senior Officers' party....

 

Tales from the Commodore Club

Chatted with Paul in the Commodore club and one of the charming Stewardesses in the Veueve Cliquot about the new Queen Victoria. Several observations - none had heard of the 'Black Pig' and 'Super Pig' nicknames - so among them at least there is not yet a nickname for the QV - perhaps the 'Pig' nicknames belong on the QE2.....Second, both were very excited about the QV and keen to work on her - both have applied to, neither have heard, but both have had hints that they may transfer. So it looks like the QV may start off with an injection of young, capable staff from the QM2 - of course what this will do for service on he QM2 time only will tell. And again an interesting contrast with the QE2, where there was some reluctance to transfer. Well, if either of them do transfer, both the Commodore club (which Paul was keen on being bigger in the QV - I reckon the current one is about right) and the Veuve Cliquot bar will be in capable hands.

 

Service in Britannia

Tonight would be a test - first formal dinner, all the tables around us occupied, including the officers' tables - (which you can spot as they have candelabras, while we get to dine by the light of a tea-light) - so would service hold up, or slip from last night's excellent? Virtually, yes, possibly a tad slower, but given the huge increase in their workload, as near as makes no difference. I'd still rate it 9/10 - though possibly nearer 9 than 10 - but still jolly good, and all one could wish for.

 

Processed Ham Ploughmans

After a long, somewhat slow breakfast in Britannia we decided to check out the Boardwalk Cafe (closed) so ended up in the Golden Lion, where I've had excellent snake & pygmy pie before. I decide to try the Ploughman's lunch - a mistake, as it turns out. Stilton tells your senses of taste, sight and smell that its Stilton - this sliver only just told my sense of sight - shut your eyes and you could be eating anything vaguely cheesy. The chedder was of a colour not found in nature- but the worst was the 'ham'. Having seen lovely ham in the Kings Court, I naturally assumed that if they called it 'ham' it would be 'ham'. No - nasty rectangular slivers of some form of processed meat.......I won't be trying that again. Food in Britannia has continued to be pretty good - excellent lamb, at dinner even if the mint jelly was a rather fluorescent green.....

 

Cruise Critic

I've signed the visitors book in the Library - no one else on this crossing has so far - but a few from the memorial day trip - who raved about the ship. For our second get together I went to the Veuve Cliquot bar at the appointed hour - but saw no one until a lovely couple with an 18 month old - Steve, Cindy and Lauren - showed up. 18 month old Lauren wins 'best dressed lady on the ship - with her mother a close second. So it appears that not only may the first 'spot the difference cabin cavalcade' be very exclusive, it may be very short - I'll show up at Homer Simpson tomorrow to see if anyone else does - otherwise it will be Matthew, Miriam and I after the Martini Mixoogy class.......

 

Internet Access

Has been pretty quick - though this morning I can't log on, so will try to upload this later.....There is a notice saying that 'systems will be off-line frm 4.30 am to 6.30 am for ship-wide system upgrades. Its now 7.50......And the system went back online after 4pm......

 

Talks

As well as a Concorde Pilot (which I've heard several times) there is an interesting film historian who used to buy films for the BBC and worked with Barry Norman on the 'Film' review show - yesterday he reviewed the long and varied career of Clint Eastwood and today will talk about Bette Davis - who he met on a couple of occassions. There was also an interesting lecture on Charles Dickens, with members of the RADA cast reading excerpts.

 

Thats about it for now -off for breakfast, hoping it goes bit faster than yesterdays....perhaps if I time them.......

 

Peter

[Glenndale]

I'm really enjoying yours and Matthew's posts.

It's good to hear that there's an enthusiasm for QV.

Maybe you should try the fish and chips in the Golden Lion next time, although the 'mushy' peas are not quite right!

I agree with you on the mint jelly - one would expect Cunard to get the mint sauce right!:confused:

Anyway, please keep posting and enjoy your crossings both of you.

[guernseyguy]

Any sign of Mr. Grumpy or Mr. Nitpicker?

 

Alan - no, but Mr Tactless has come barging onto the stage!

 

Remember to sign the CC logbook in the library.

 

David -done!

 

Loved the reports so far, Keep them coming as and when time permits!

 

Myles - thanks!

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

P.S.as its been said before,a girl cannot have to many pairs of shoes!

 

Kathie - no doubt, but how can she wear them?

 

Sounds as though you may have my table in Britannia (80).

 

whose table?;)

 

What a great table Peter!! I love that spot....perfect for people watching.

 

Yes - fascinating - we can also see the Captain's table - I amtring to look inconspicuous!

 

Peter

[Kindlychap]

Having read Peter’s update….

 

My crossing proceeds superbly. I haven’t had the cocktail party yet (one of the Britannia Club benefits is an invitation to the Grill version, although having crashed a Mauritania party on Queen Elizabeth 2 I can’t find the enthusiasm to work out why one should be better than another!

 

Service remains superb. I have discovered that the Britannia Club waiting staff are ex-Queens’ Grill – and it shows. I don’t think I need to say about the service in the Commodore Club, which remains legendary on this board. Suffice it to say that I will miss it greatly. A forward facing bar on Queen Elizabeth 2 would be an improvement.

 

I’d be grateful to everyone to regard anything I type now as a provisional view. I intend to think carefully about the ship on my return and want to post a review that is considered and which is written in the cold light of day. Equally, we aren’t yet half way across and things could change – not that there is the slightest hint that they will.

 

I remain of the view that this is a ship for crossing, not cruising. It’s difficult to really judge her at sea as it is very calm – Neptune’s back yard hasn’t had the curse of Kirsten applied to it, and is behaving beautifully.

 

Fans of the shoe horn will be pleased to note that I am using it solely for shoes. Any suggestion of my needing it for the bathroom is a vicious rumour started by Karie, who should regard her card as marked!

 

The ship appears to shrink as we go across. Apart from that dreadful corridor on deck 11, which I use to get sufficiently forward to enter the Britannia Club by the “exclusive” entrance. Actually, I mustn’t mock the Club – I’m firmly of the view that it is worth the money, and that next time I’d book it as my “minimum” grade – based on the idea that one should never rely on upgrades. I know a lot feel that Britannia is spectacular, but when all is said and done what matters is the service and the food.

 

I’m at a bit of a loss to say what I have actually done for my time on board. Precious little really, but isn’t that what a crossing is all about? Lectures, shows, planetariums aren’t necessary when one has good food, wine and company.

 

I must pass on one little gem from tea this afternoon. The waiter brought over a platter of sandwiches, and was saying what he had to offer. His row of “tomato” sandwiches was half and half – half tom-ato and half tom- ayto.

 

Which reminds me – Dan Quayle has a job in the print shop. On the menu last night was “potatoe”…….

[Brightwaters]

YES! Excellent idea ... how about you guys make the thread informative and check the shop and post tuxedo rental charges. Can you get a fresh shirt daily? And all needed accessories as well? Shoes, even?

 

These questions are asked before, of both ships ... there are some who just do NOT want to pack a lot of clothes (or just do not want to wear their own good finery in such public circumstances) and can get by quite well renting ... what IS the story on QM2?

[Kindlychap]

YES! Excellent idea ... how about you guys make the thread informative and check the shop and post tuxedo rental charges. Can you get a fresh shirt daily? And all needed accessories as well? Shoes, even?

 

These questions are asked before, of both ships ... there are some who just do NOT want to pack a lot of clothes (or just do not want to wear their own good finery in such public circumstances) and can get by quite well renting ... what IS the story on QM2?

 

I have had a chat with Laura today, and all this information will be posted when I get back to land.

 

Any other requests?

 

Matthew

[534]

Peter and Matthew,

 

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful postings, I have so enjoyed reading them. Continue to have a fabulous time!

Betsy

[patwell]

 

Any other requests?

 

Matthew

 

Yes, as a matter of fact....could you arrange to swing by South Carolina on your way to NY and pick me up? It's not that far out of the way and even a day and a half on board would suit me right now....;)

 

Glad you continue to enjoy...she does grow on you :D

 

Thanks for trying..

 

Cheers, penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

[patwell]

 

Yes - fascinating - we can also see the Captain's table - I amtring to look inconspicuous!

 

Peter

 

Perhaps leaving Mr Tactless in your cabin might help...I found that to be an excellent solution with the evil twin problem I occasionally have :rolleyes:

 

Eat well....and often!!

 

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

[KenC]

Hey Guys

 

QM2, QV and QE2 appear to be doing world cruises/voyages in 2009 with port listings for all 3 in San Francisco in Jan 09 and QV and QE2 in Sydney in Feb 09 ... any onboard gossip about this????

 

Ken

[Mustangs]

Hey Guys

 

QM2, QV and QE2 appear to be doing world cruises/voyages in 2009 with port listings for all 3 in San Francisco in Jan 09 and QV and QE2 in Sydney in Feb 09 ... any onboard gossip about this????

 

Ken

 

More information:

 

Auckland, New Zealand:

QV: 12 Feb, 2009.

QE2: 17 Feb, 2009.

QM2: 21 Feb, 2009.

 

Alan

[dak]

I remain of the view that this is a ship for crossing, not cruising.

 

Matthew,

I am in 100% agreement with you........should I be worried?;)

 

David

[patwell]

Matthew,

I am in 100% agreement with you........should I be worried?;)

 

David

 

David...not having crossed on QM2,but having cruised on her I"d have to say no...our cruise was a delight...the ship is the thing. I'd be happy to stay on her in port, and did at one port. It was delightful.

 

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

[guernseyguy]

By someone at one of the Officer's tables.....

On arriving late(ish) for dinner (Madame's Dry Martinis don't appear to evaporate quite as quickly as mine - she was too busy eating her days supply of vegetables in the form of olives...) someone said 'I've worked out who you are...' Really? 'Are you from Guernsey' Yes 'Then you're guernseyguy' Who are you then? 'Ah, wouldn't that be telling!' Later I did work out who the are.....I am reminded of a little ditty from Dorothy Parker:

 

My land is bare of chattering folk

The clouds lie low along the ridges

Ah sweet the air with curly smoke

Fom all my burning bridges.......

 

Staff Drill

As on the QE2 Captain Rynd is no slouch when it comes to drilling the crew - today they had a fire in the incinerator which spread - and the crew were a the drill for well over an hour.

 

Talks

Today the film historian delivered a very witty and informarive talk on Bette Davis - as usual these are well done.

An Assistant Naitre'D That Does Something!

Breakfast was a lot faster this morning - partly it may be we arrived earlier - the extra hour no doubt helping, but also I suspect the tone for the section we were in was set by the Assistant Maitre'D in charge. In my experience Matre'd and their assistants frequently swan about ordering waiters hither and yon, but don't deign to actually do anything themselves - they're 'managenent' not 'workers'. This one is different. If Madame has run out of coffee, the cup is replenished. If plates need to be cleared - they are - all this by him, as his staff are also busy. I also saw him have a (very) quiet word with one of the waiters about something - our table was next to the servery, but we earwigged in vain. Very impressive - although I suppose this is how it should be done, but often isnt. Funnily enough we first saw this chap when he was a waiter in Sabatinis on the Golden Princess - he's a credit to both lines.

 

Finding Your Way About

I've been onboard before, but I've been impressed by how quickly Madame (who could get lost in a phone box) has managed to navigate her way about - and now sets off confidently to her destination, and actually arrives there....

 

Lunch in Sir Samuels

As we're having both breakfast and dinner in the Britannia (by the way, the Berlitz Cruise Guide says the QV's restaurant will be called 'Aquitania' - feels like a needless complication, if correct....Britannia Class passngers dine in the Aquitania Restaurant....and I wonder if they'll introduce 'Club' dining like they have on the QM2?) we are trying different venues for lunch - today it was Sir Samuels - which does good coffees for the caffein-junky - and a lovely light lunch (Quiche & Salad, Prawn sandwich) was enjoyed.

 

Terrace Bar

Weather was reasonably mild, so we had a pre-luncheon drink at the Terrace Bar - and met another crew member keen to transfer to the QV - and another who had heard nothing of the 'pig' nicknames - so it does look like a QE2 thing.....after yesterday's foot-in-mouth episode I'm not going to ask an Officer.....We were also discussing G32, which we haven't been to yet, being too tired, when a lady, well north of 70 overheard us and said 'oh yes - you really should try it - its great in there...' So I guess we'd better.....

 

Cruise Critic Get-together

So far the gatherings have been very select - but someone has used their initiative and got the Cruise Director to schedule a meeting in for 11.15 today in the Commodore Club - so with a bit of luck we will be able to sort out the cabin cavalcade.....which as originally planned clashes with the Martini Mixology - which so far has got three attendees - Me, madame & Matthew!

 

More tomorrow!

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

QM2, QV and QE2 appear to be doing world cruises/voyages in 2009 with port listings for all 3 in San Francisco in Jan 09 and QV and QE2 in Sydney in Feb 09 ... any onboard gossip about this????

 

I'll ask at the Gold/Platinum Cunarder party tonight in te Winter Garden.

 

Peter

[travel-to-go]

I'll ask at the Gold/Platinum Cunarder party tonight in te Winter Garden.

 

Peter

well, aren't you speshul!

You're not bragging are you?

So the Gold/Platinum is in the Winter Garden? Ugh!

Do they have to move all of the tacky paintings for sale first? It's usually held in the Queen's Room!

 

Okay, I lost the clue. WHO WAS IT!

(I am assuming of course, it wasn't Matthew!)

 

Karie,

who will soon get to experience this thrill (well, nearly 11 months from now, but who's counting?)

[Jimsgirl]

Mathew

 

Re any other requests, could you please include number of Formal, Informal/Casual dress nights.

 

Also re the "balls" How many and what where they?

 

My TA informs me that my both ways Transatlantics will be total of 6 Formal, and 6 Informal, no Casuals.

 

Any information you can give is most aprreciated by those of us still waiting to go. (Oct 19th is my date with "The Queen")

 

Thank you

 

Lynn aka "jimsgirl"

[Wadadli1]

I have had a chat with Laura today, and all this information will be posted when I get back to land.

 

Any other requests?

 

Matthew

 

Yes. Check your email, please! ;)

[Kindlychap]

Yes. Check your email, please! ;)

 

Done!

 

As an aside, tonight was an informal night. One passenger was spotted wearing a lounge suit with a Monopoly bow tie. I would be fascinated to hear the collected wisdom of the board on that one.

 

Faux pas or fashion statement?

 

Matthew

[Ribble]

Done!

 

As an aside, tonight was an informal night. One passenger was spotted wearing a lounge suit with a Monopoly bow tie. I would be fascinated to hear the collected wisdom of the board on that one.

 

Faux pas or fashion statement?

 

Matthew

 

It depends on whether the bow tie was a "get out of jail free" tie, similar to Paris Hilton's.

[travel-to-go]

It wouldn't bother me in the least (the monopoly bow tie) I think it shows a keen spirit. Too many people are content with drab lives of dudgeon. I love it when someone steps outside the bounds of "propriety" and does something unexpected. As long as it isn't hurting anyone else, or really being obnoxious, I figure, if others don't like it, he is one person, and it is unlikely that it will engender a cascade of ever more outrageous fashion. It's not a slippery slope, just one mogul , or maybe even a jump, on the diamond trails of life!

I think it is fun, once in a while to get a giggle. Why not? Who is he hurting. i suspect Malcolm, however, will have apoplexy and take to his bed (laptop beside him) for a week!

 

 

There is a major difference between really obnoxious, like a beer helmet, or something like this.

What did that judge say about pornography? I can't define it, but I know it when I see it?

 

Karie,

who does not think this would ruin her trip.