Greetings from the QM2!

[Ribble]

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.

 

That quote would be Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart - - I can't define it, but I know when I see it.

[patwell]

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

 

There is such a thing??? :eek: I wouldn't be putting that in my husband's luggage so I guess that would be my vote.:rolleyes:

 

Other than that, how was informal night?

 

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

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

[pb82]

... 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. ...

I know what a lounge suit is (thanks mostly to Agatha Christie, I guess), but "Monopoly bow tie" is a new one unless you mean what that little man in the top hat wears while overcharging you for streets, houses, and hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. If so, a not black bow tie (tied by the wearer, or his manservant, of course) would be fine with me, as long as he left the top hat home. Lounge suit, bow tie (any color), and top hat requires that the first civilized person he encounters pull the top hat down far enough to be stuffed under his belt. Sort of an inverse wedgie. If "wedgies" are unknown to you east-end-of-the-ponders, lucky you.

Paul

[juliecat]

Matthew,

 

Have you had any flaming puddings yet?

 

J

[pnhmrk]

a lounge suit with a Monopoly bow tie

 

Faux pas or fashion statement?

 

Fancy dress?:D

[guernseyguy]

One passenger was spotted wearing a lounge suit with a Monopoly bow tie.

 

I thiought they were wearing a blazer with a monopoly bow tie? Ah well, I guess we can't all look like sober suited solicitors! Sounds like fun to me!;)

 

Peter

[Anna - wife]

Hi Peter,

 

Sounds like you are having a great time!

It's a shame you missed Robin's first concert as the venue was full and he received a standing ovation! I'll tell him to pull out all the stops for the second concert!

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Anna

[guernseyguy]

Gossip........

From various sources including the World Club Party.......the 2009 World Cruises is still a 'we know nothing...' but speculation includes the QM2 taking longer than the 80 days she did in 2007...as to itinerary if they know, they're not saying. As long as QE2 contiues to make money, she's safe, though some mention was made over the Deck 4 & 5 Bibby corridors possbly not being SOLAS 2010 compliant.....time will tell. On QV staffing, 40% will come from QM2 (from the people Ive spoken to I'd guess they already have more volunteers than they need), 30% from QE2 - again, volunteers only - and 30% from other P&O/Princess ships - no one, new to the sea will be onboard - looks like the lessons of the QM2's rocky start (now a thing of very distant memory) have been taken to heart.

 

World Club Party

A huge change from 2005 was how many people were there - in 2005 it can barely have been 50 - on this crossing there were 300, the majority Gold, but around a third, Platinum. Still not quite the 'nearly half the ship' you get on the QE2 - but then again the QE2 has been doing this much longer. Clearly the QM2 is winning over some QE2 pax, and building a loyal base of her own. The amateur fashion police were out, but since they can't tell the difference betwen a blazer and a lounge suit, their opinons on bow ties are really neither here nor there.....and is 'undertaker gothic' really the best form of attire for a party?;)

 

Canyon Ranch

Never mind third world debt, Madame continues to out spend several small countries at the spa - which she describes excellent value (particularly if you will be settling in sterling...) I have tried a massage - excellent - zero product pushing - just a very good massage. The spa itself is looking very good and the staff helpful and friendly. I simply don't recognise the 'grubby' comments made by some on an earlier voyage.

 

Cruise Critic

Finally! Some people show up - Amber, Anthony and a couple of lurkers....a jolly chat was had, and it wll be interesting to see if we bump into each other again. I don't know who had the Cruise Director put it in the daly programe, but people possbly paid more attention to that than they had the roll call. I am in two minds about getting cruise line involvement - on the one hand, its clearly more effective (on this trip at least) than the roll call - on the other, will our views be as credible (both positive and negative) if we've been 'hosted'......

 

Todd English

Finally got around to booking dinner - but it was fully booked (lunch still had plenty of availability) - thouh fortunately Matthew, who is enjoying the Britannia Club so much, decided to cancel his reservation so we were able to get in. Food and service was excellent. I started with Lobster & Corn chowder - amazing - and Madame enjoyed the crab cakes. My main of duck as very good, and the beef was described as excellent. Multiple recommendations led me to the fallen chocolate cake - as good as advertised, and theTiramisu was also wonderful. Over all a very enjoyable evening and highly recommended.

 

Martini Mixoloy

Conducted by Paul, this was (again) a very informative and fun tour of varous martinis - with plenty of tips and four different drinks to try. Matthew, who ha been due to join us was getting the third degree on why he should stick with his booking on the QV maiden - I think he's wavering - and from the enthusiasm I have heard from the crew about her, I cn understand why.

 

ttfn

 

Peter

[dak]

I thiought they were wearing a blazer

 

Peter

 

Karie will love that one, if her recent Brits going for "pluralspeak" is anything to go by.

 

How were they wearing it? I presume that one of the wearers' left arms was in one sleeve, with the other wearer's right arm in the right sleeve. The "spare" arms were then hopefully doing something innocent behind the scenes, or perhaps our CC friends may have alternative suggestions on that one:eek:

 

However, I know what you mean and I don't see too much wrong with bright or "statement" ties on such an evening as long as the ties are not too overbearing.

 

David

[guernseyguy]

I don't see too much wrong with bright or "statement" ties on such an evening as long as the ties are not too overbearing.

 

Ah, but some prefer 'Bank Manage Bohemian', 'Sober sided solicitor' or 'Undertaker Gothic'......I see no harm in a little colour myself!;)

 

Peter

[Kindlychap]

I know what a lounge suit is (thanks mostly to Agatha Christie, I guess), but "Monopoly bow tie" is a new one unless you mean what that little man in the top hat wears while overcharging you for streets, houses, and hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. If so, a not black bow tie (tied by the wearer, or his manservant, of course) would be fine with me, as long as he left the top hat home. Lounge suit, bow tie (any color), and top hat requires that the first civilized person he encounters pull the top hat down far enough to be stuffed under his belt. Sort of an inverse wedgie. If "wedgies" are unknown to you east-end-of-the-ponders, lucky you.

Paul

 

Paul,

 

Imagine a Monopoly board, printed on fabric, and turned into a bow tie.

 

Matthew

[pb82]

Paul,

 

Imagine a Monopoly board, printed on fabric, and turned into a bow tie.

 

Matthew

Matthew,

Thank you for the information, but no I won't.

Paul

[mufi]

A question for our travellers, apart from the library, which always seems to be fully occupied with readers, are there any noise (noise being musak) free lounges aboard. The last time we did the crossing we walked the entire ship looking for a silent area - no luck!!

 

Please tell me there is one now.

 

Love the on ship reports and many thanks guys.

 

David.

[Nepcib]

Does the Ship seem any different after its time in dry dock? I thought I had heard that the blankets for the deck chairs are gone- true?

 

Thanks

[Kindlychap]

Another day dawns…..

 

Julie asked about puddings – Britannia Club has flambé al la mode on the a la carte menu – so there is yet another reason to book the AA grade. I’m convinced that this grade offers the best value on board – by a wide margin. The Britannia restaurant may be spectacular but during dinner what matters is quality of food and service, and both have been superb. The service in particular has been wonderful – the Maitre’D has moulded a superb team – which, in our case, is all ex-Queens’ Grill. And it shows. I have never had better service on a Cunarder.

 

I’ve virtually ignored the “attractions” although reports from those I dine with are very complimentary about both the entertainment and the planetarium. The Spa receives rave reviews, mainly from Miriam, and I imagine that once my wife gets on board in due course that she’ll test the facilities there with a comprehensive enthusiasm.

 

There is a wide age range on my table, and everyone is raving about the ship, and already discussing “next time”. Taken with Peter’s comments about the increase in size of the world club party this bodes well for the ship after her (reported) rocky start. Certainly she deserves to be successful.

 

So – what about Queen Elizabeth 2?

 

“How happy could I be with either, Were t'other dear charmer away!”

 

Fortunately we have both. A rather better proposition than that faced by Louis Mazzini…..

 

Matthew

Commodore Club,

Queen Mary 2

[pepperrn]

 

So – what about Queen Elizabeth 2?

 

“How happy could I be with either, Were t'other dear charmer away!”

 

Fortunately we have both. A rather better proposition than that faced by Louis Mazzini…..

 

Matthew

Commodore Club,

Queen Mary 2

 

Matthew,

 

So glad you're having a great time. Hope the crossing contiues to go well.

 

(Ah, we never did find out which carriage Louis D'Ascogne decided upon. However, I am looking forward to reading the memoirs of the current Duke of Chalfont (yourself, surely) upon your return).

 

Best wishes

[cusyl]

A couple questions for you. Have you signed the Cruise Critic log book that is kept at the Librarian's desk? You might want to add your comments to those that have traveled since the maiden voyage.

Also, is my internet friend Jason, who is a bar waiter in the Commodore Lounge taking good care of you? He also usually works the repeaters party.

Sylvia

[Wadadli1]

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

 

With a lounge suit? I would say Fashion Statement. Not so bad. Esp. if he's got Monopoly dollars in his breast pocket, tastefully arranged, of course.

[travel-to-go]

With a lounge suit? I would say Fashion Statement. Not so bad. Esp. if he's got Monopoly dollars in his breast pocket, tastefully arranged, of course.

Angela! You are simply fabulous! Why of course! Why didn't I think of that? (All 500's or an array of denominations?)

I want YOU to dress me on my next cruise.

 

Too bad it won't be the Labor day. Since I had to drop that in order to justify the double crossing with four days in London.

:-(

I was really looking forward to being on board with you. You must book the 31 October!

 

Karie,

who thinks a bit of whimsy can brighten the day!

[Wadadli1]

Angela! You are simply fabulous! Why of course! Why didn't I think of that? (All 500's or an array of denominations?)

I want YOU to dress me on my next cruise.

 

Too bad it won't be the Labor day. Since I had to drop that in order to justify the double crossing with four days in London.

:-(

I was really looking forward to being on board with you. You must book the 31 October!

 

Karie,

who thinks a bit of whimsy can brighten the day!

 

What the hey. I would suggest an array of denominations for the jaunty multi-color effect. OR!, the wearer should choose the denomination that best enhances his eyes. :rolleyes:

 

We're going again on 3rd January to the Caribbean. In between trips we're going to have to work a little to pay it off. We are 6 on that one, you know! And Sir Martin has yet to arrive with his inheritance so yes, it will have to be work that pays for the voyage.

 

I'm so glad you've booked such wonderful trips. It's about time, wouldn't you say!? Now you'll have to change your sig line. ;)

[guernseyguy]

Both Matthew & I have siged the CC book - though whether others have I can't say as the Library is closed (07.30). Jason is alive & well (in truth, yesterday he looked as though it might have been the morning after the night before....) and is still serving up excellent cocktails in the Commodore Club.

 

More on the QV

One of the reasons that people on-board may be really excited about the QV is the quality of her fit & finish. I recall at the time of the QM2's launch there was a story that they had not been able to always use the materials they would have liked to as Mickey (perfecly appropriately) held their feet to the fire over the final total cost - and a lot of the money had already gone on the steel of a 'one-off' ship - so when it came to fit her out some more modest choices had to be made. Now the QV is the umpteenth version of her hull - so that cost is well known and easily budgeted for - so the money that is intended for decoration will end up getting spent there....with the new press release out on the QV's finish I wonder if there are any new images on the Cunard images web-site? I can't check from here. In any case after this tour Captain Rynd will be off to sail on Ardcadia (identical bridge to the QV) before joining the QV for sea-trials in August - which again is much further in advance of her December start than the QM2 which had trials in November for a January launch. Now Matthew's challenge is having persuaded 'er indoors to sail on the QV, then persuaded her not to he now has to persuade her to sail again - but since he's already met quite a few of the staff who will be on the QV, I'm sure the 'sale' will be easier than it might otherwie have been.

 

That Memorial Day Cruise

Some more details emerged about some of the factors that may have led to people feeling they had poor service.....(from my experience on this crossing the service has in general been 'excellent' with it occassionally slipping to 'very good'......and very much better than whe I was onoard two years ago). If the kitchens were a bit slow, it might be related to people ordering multiple main courses - now if one or two do that, I'm sure they can cope, but if many do, then 'dinner for 1300' turns into 'dinner for 3,000' and the kitchen is bound to struggle....I'm sure none of the posters on cruise critic were doing things like that - and as I say, when ordering one main course service has been excellent and the food delicious.

 

Two Years on

I've been thinking some more about how this voyage compares with my crossing two years ago. One thing has struck me - far from looking older the QM2 if anything looks better than she did two years ago. Now part of this may be down to this voyage being 6 months after a refit compared to 18 months after launch - but I think the crew are so playing a critical roll - cabin service has been excellent andall the public spaces look well cared for - so like Marion Davies, the QM2 has 'never looked lovelier'.......

 

Off to breakfast!

 

Peter

[Dorchester]

Another day dawns…..

 

Britannia Club has flambé al la mode on the a la carte menu – so there is yet another reason to book the AA grade. I’m convinced that this grade offers the best value on board – by a wide margin. The Britannia restaurant may be spectacular but during dinner what matters is quality of food and service, and both have been superb. The service in particular has been wonderful – the Maitre’D has moulded a superb team – which, in our case, is all ex-Queens’ Grill. And it shows. I have never had better service on a Cunarder.

 

Matthew,

 

I am delighted that you are having a wonderful time, and that the AA Grade is up to your expectations - particularly with respect to the dining standards. I am in total agreement with you regarding the criteria for a good dining experience: Good Food, Good Wine and Good Service. Naturally the ambiance and character of ones dining surroundings are factors in the overall equation, but in my opinion - secondary factors.

 

After deciding to 'take the plunge' to depart from our normal QE2 allegiance in order to reconnoiter the QM2, we browsed the brochure at considerable length before deciding on the AA Grade for our cruise starting next Saturday. So thank you very much for your interesting and informative reports on your voyage, as these have put our minds at rest regarding our choice of Grade.

 

Hope that you continue to have a fantastic time.

 

Regards,

David

[Kindlychap]

Matthew,

 

I am delighted that you are having a wonderful time, and that the AA Grade is up to your expectations - particularly with respect to the dining standards. I am in total agreement with you regarding the criteria for a good dining experience: Good Food, Good Wine and Good Service. Naturally the ambiance and character of ones dining surroundings are factors in the overall equation, but in my opinion - secondary factors.

 

After deciding to 'take the plunge' to depart from our normal QE2 allegiance in order to reconnoiter the QM2, we browsed the brochure at considerable length before deciding on the AA Grade for our cruise starting next Saturday. So thank you very much for your interesting and informative reports on your voyage, as these have put our minds at rest regarding our choice of Grade.

 

Hope that you continue to have a fantastic time.

 

Regards,

David

 

You have picked the best value on the ship. I shall look forward to hearing about your travels, and your impression of Britannia Club.

 

Matthew

Commodore Club, QM2

[pb82]

...

Matthew

Commodore Club, QM2

Please put down your cocktail long enough to have someone go kick the bridge cam again. If not, switch to sangria because you are in Vigo, Spain, again.

Cheers, whatever you are drinking,

Paul

[Wadadli1]

Please put down your cocktail long enough to have someone go kick the bridge cam again. If not, switch to sangria because you are in Vigo, Spain, again.

Cheers, whatever you are drinking,

Paul

 

Currently the bridge cam is on today, and is headed for NYC. However, it says it's nearly midnight and the sun is still shining. I also don't think they're 4 hours ahead if they're docking tomorrow.

 

Ok, scratch the time. It's GMT time, but it's still wrong. And it's still daylight. It's nearly dark here. Kick it yet again!