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New York to the Carribean


Jeffrey1950
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I am thinking of doing the trip to the Carribean in Nov. I am wondering if it is worth the expense being as I would have to pay the single supplement. It is unlikely that I would get off the ship in port but just the thought of being lazy out on deck makes it a tempting trip, I am wondering if anyone can share their thoughts on their experience doing this trip. When in port what is there to do for those who choose to stay on board. Are there any restaurants open? What kind of clothes will I need to bring and lastly, does Cunard ever reduce the fare for such a trip like they do for the Transatlantic crossings? Looking forward to your replies.

 

Thank you!!

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I can't help with experiences in November as QM2 hasn't sailed this route at this time of year for a while. For that reason it may prove popular and may not see the sort of reductions seen on Transatlantic cruises. On the other hand there may be good reason why they haven't planned one in & they may need to reduce prices at the last minute.

My only experience of New York to the Caribbean is on a Christmas cruise in 2009 so it may not be typical/up to date

 

The main dining rooms will be open in port, Todd English is usually closed.

Our daily programmes show quizzes, an afternoon film and some sort of sporting tournament - golf, social baggo or shuffleboard on port days.

 

If you want to eat in the Main Dining Room and use on the ships facilities on a formal night you would need a tuxedo/dark suit and jacket for other evenings.

 

Hope this helps

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I am thinking of doing the trip to the Carribean in Nov. I am wondering if it is worth the expense being as I would have to pay the single supplement. It is unlikely that I would get off the ship in port but just the thought of being lazy out on deck makes it a tempting trip, I am wondering if anyone can share their thoughts on their experience doing this trip. When in port what is there to do for those who choose to stay on board. Are there any restaurants open? What kind of clothes will I need to bring and lastly, does Cunard ever reduce the fare for such a trip like they do for the Transatlantic crossings? Looking forward to your replies.

 

Thank you!!

 

Hi Jeffrey, I have sailed the November sailing solo before (November 2010) and plan to book the upcoming November 2015 sailing. It was a delightful cruise to several islands. I have also sailed the holiday cruise to the Caribbean for which there are not as many reduced fares.

 

Like you, I remained on board during our calls at several ports which I've seen before. It was like having the entire ship as chaise lounge in the sun and I could not have been happier.

 

Britannia,the Grills and Kings Court were open; Todd English is closed in port. I do not recall if the Golden Lion Pub was open. It's just great having the entire ship to yourself.

 

I went ashore in St. Thomas, St. Kitts and St Maarten, had a tropical drink at a local bar and then returned to the ship for lunch and lounging in the sunshine.

 

In terms of clothes, follow the dress code for the evenings if you plan to dine in the restaurants; during the day, you can be as casual as you want. I have had breakfast and lunch in Britannia, Princess and Queens Grills in shorts on warm weather sailings - and I was not alone in dress in this regard.

 

Cunard, most generally, will reduce the fares on this sailing. The best shot for a reduced fare is after the date when final payment is due, 90 days out.

 

Hope I've addressed some of your questions. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with. I'm a long-time Cunard sailor with many crossings and cruises, including a fully world on QE2.

 

Cheers

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Jefffery, my experience of several QM2 NY/Caribbean cruises mirrors what Bobby described, but just to add that while the ship was in port, and I stayed on board, many times I enjoyed the lunch in the Boardwalk Café (albeit a limited menu); very casual attire, enjoyed on the open deck. But if the weather does not cooperate, the Boardwalk Café won't be open - and if so, my choice would be to have lunch in the MDR. Service might be slow, but it a pleasant environment.

 

Just a suggestion, but if you care to touch terra firma at least once during your cruise, you might want to pick St Thomas as a port to go ashore. The secure cruise port there is very pleasant, and includes duty-free shops, a casino and really amazing lizards. Nice benches placed along the waterfront to sit and enjoy the view. All within a short distance from the ship, and within a secure area.

 

If you decide to book this cruise, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed my past QM2 voyages from NY to the Caribbean

 

Regarding the pricing, I have no idea what will happen. Due to family medical issues, I'm unable to book this cruise, but I wish for you smooth sailing, and many pleasant days on the QM2, including when the ship is quiet during port days (all the better to enjoy the ship). Carpe Diem :)

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

Edited to add: I've read objections to using an ocean liner (there is only one: QM2) as a cruise ship to the Caribbean. But based on my experience, QM2 handled the sudden squalls that occur in the Caribbean extremely well.

Edited by Salacia
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Just a suggestion, but if you care to touch terra firma at least once during your cruise, you might want to pick St Thomas as a port to go ashore. The secure cruise port there is very pleasant, and includes duty-free shops, a casino and really amazing lizards. Nice benches placed along the waterfront to sit and enjoy the view. All within a short distance from the ship, and within a secure area.

 

Don't forget about the donkey wearing the sign "Free Beer Tomorrow". :)

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St. Thomas has lovely beaches, but the town, in my opinion, is tacky, as is St. Maarten. I do enjoy Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. Dominica is a treat for its eco sites. However, QM2 lately has been dawdling around the northernmost islands of the Eastern Caribbean and is not venturing as far south to Barbados and Grenada as she used to. One interesting cruise included Bonaire. I even wonder if the scheduled call at Amber Cove will happen.

 

Overall, Queen Mary 2 has enough of "cruise-ship" features to make her a good ship for a Caribbean run. I sailed that route several times, solo, also with my partner, and also with a larger group of friends. The best sailing was the 2013 Christmas Cruise when we were in Princess Grill.

 

As a transatlantic crossing enthusiast, I especially enjoyed a few runs during which the first two days and the last two days on passage from/to New York were marked by high seas. As Salacia noted, Queen Mary 2 handled it as well as I have seen her handle anything thrown at her when she is in her element on the North Atlantic.

 

Keep an eye on the fares - especially when you get to 90 days out. The inside fares have already been reduced, I believe. If I see anything, I'll add a post to this thread.

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I have taken QM2 to the Islands multiple times. Always a great trip and I think the staff get excited about being in the warmer areas and always plan to hit the beaches too.

If you take time off the ship on any Island you can find some fun thing to do, a tour to take or the ship has many things to do but remember she is a liner not a cruise ship. I think the QM2 does perfectly well on a Caribbean Holiday.

 

And to make some humor out of the situation.

 

Cruise ship features that are missing on QM2 are:

A water slide what the .... were they thinking not putting one on her?

oh wait, that happens in the upcoming refit. right? ? :p

They are calling it Slideboarding, which combines a water slide with an interactive game for those who fail to dress appropriately at dinner, on QM2 you exit the slide tube in the wake thus eliminating the need for casual dress coding.

 

A rock climbing wall ... now the one they proposed had cane and walker holders on the side and scooter parking spaces near by. For some reason the insurance company had a problem with this. ?? ;)

 

An infinity pool. Wait, it floats in one, look over your balcony railing. :rolleyes:

 

Bumper cars although not on the ship itself, you can encounter this great fun in the parking garages after departing the ship and it is included in the parking fees. Be sure to fasten your seatbelts securely.

 

Sky-diving simulator doo-hickeys where a big fan blows you up from below, that is not really British I believe so not an option that is missed.

 

BIG glass bubble mounted on a crane that brings you up and over the side of the ship so you can see the whole thing. Seems to me this could all go wrong one day with an unexpected deep sea adventure as a surprise so better off having it on a different vessel. :eek:

 

A Circus School (now this according to some) has been perfected by Cunard's customer service personnel who I always appreciate for helping me everytime I have been on Cunard Line. This is actually on a ship !!?

 

Roller Skating Rink / Ice Skating Rink now theres a thought, place it where the helicopter lands. Ice skating only during a chilly day on a winter crossing ?? Perhaps they could hold roller derby competitions while in port??

 

A Ropes Course -- NO.

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I have sailed QM2 to the Caribbean many times. The Golden Lion is open while in port. It is the best time to go - no crowds. Afternoon Tea is less crowded on port days also. Movies are shown in Illuminations on port days also. There are spa treatment discounts during the port days also. The bars are open so if you are in the mood to do a mini champagne or wine tasting with no one around, it's a good time. Or a cold beer on deck, because deck chairs are easy to get on port days.

 

St. Thomas has an uncrowded outdoor shopping center near the yacht docking area with many upscale boutiques - not like the rest of the shopping areas, which are crowded and a little junky in my opinion. I walked there once but a taxi is in order if you are not an avid walker. There is an awesome shop to bring home something for the dog too, if you have pets at home.

 

Tortola is easy to walk around in and can be done fairly quickly, and sells Pusser's British rum, along with the other ingredients for a drink known as the "Painkiller"

 

St Kitts & St Lucia I have seen many times. I am not sure how safe they are these days. It's been a few years. A Pitons cruise in St Lucia is beautiful though. I did that twice.

 

 

Caribbean ports mean some tendering though, keep in mind, should you decide to get off.

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For US passengers, this might be of interest regarding voyage # M527P: http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1582-m527p-nyc1-nyc2/

 

 

"Free Upgrades and Free Gratuities

 

Free Suite and Balcony Upgrades

Bonus - Free Gratuities (Balcony and above)

New bookings only made between 01 March and 15 April"

 

Taxes, fees and port expenses of $147.97 are additional..."

Edited by Salacia
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Hello All....I'm not doing the Caribbean cruise in November, but am doing the 5-day NY-NY at the end of July on QM2.

 

Could I ask a few questions please, this is my first Cunard cruise. It's mostly concerning the dress code. Are women allowed to wear dress pants to dinner? It might seem like an odd question, but all the pictures I see are of women in dresses. I haven't worn a dress in....years. My 'heels' are less than an inch high. I'm looking forward to my cruise, but am not sure if I fit into the demographic of Cunard. I'll still go on the cruise because I want to experience a Cunard ship...but I want to make sure that I don't embarrass myself or anyone else. I know my clothes are acceptable for breakfast and lunch, phew!!

 

Thank you for any advice :D

Joyce

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Hello All....I'm not doing the Caribbean cruise in November, but am doing the 5-day NY-NY at the end of July on QM2.

 

Could I ask a few questions please, this is my first Cunard cruise. It's mostly concerning the dress code. Are women allowed to wear dress pants to dinner? It might seem like an odd question, but all the pictures I see are of women in dresses. I haven't worn a dress in....years. My 'heels' are less than an inch high. I'm looking forward to my cruise, but am not sure if I fit into the demographic of Cunard. I'll still go on the cruise because I want to experience a Cunard ship...but I want to make sure that I don't embarrass myself or anyone else. I know my clothes are acceptable for breakfast and lunch, phew!!

 

Thank you for any advice :D

Joyce

 

Absolutely! dress pants (trousers) are acceptable attire for women. One inch heels are worn routinely by women who know how to dress for an ocean voyage.

 

Just to mention that one of the items I routinely pack is a three piece black chiffon suit: soft jacket, shell, trouser. Weights next to nothing, versatile, and comfortable. I find that wedge heels work better than stilettos when going for a higher heel.

 

 

Edited to add: Don't worry about the demographics on Cunard...my guess is that you will have a fine time and meet nice people.

Edited by Salacia
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Absolutely! dress pants (trousers) are acceptable attire for women. One inch heels are worn routinely by women who know how to dress for an ocean voyage.

 

Just to mention that one of the items I routinely pack is a three piece black chiffon suit: soft jacket, shell, trouser. Weights next to nothing, versatile, and comfortable. I find that wedge heels work better than stilettos when going for a higher heel.

 

 

Edited to add: Don't worry about the demographics on Cunard...my guess is that you will have a fine time and meet nice people.

 

Thank you for your comforting answer. I feel so much better now. I have really nice tops to go with the expensive dress pants...and low heels. Your suit idea is a great one. Light weight attire for cruising is a bonus.

 

I'm sure the folks will be nice, the roll call is friendly. I'm very excited about this cruise!!

 

Joyce :D

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Ladysail2, you're welcome. The five day cruise you are taking is a new itinerary for QM2. I'm thinking it would be very pleasant. I hope that if you have time, you would let us know about your voyage when you return, please?

 

BTW, I noted your quote from Eleanor Roosevelt in your signature. Very nice reminder - thanks.

 

 

Cheers!

Salacia

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This (July 4th) is not a new itinerary, just a new date for the identical itinerary usually done July 4th. I have done that voyage, it is usually the same every July 4th, just not this year, because QM2 is on one of their special 175th voyages over that time, so, they pushed it back a month. It's a nice little trip, but hot. Halifax was a bit less humid than Boston. The weirdest thing on that July 4th voyage is how they decorate the British ship - and the British pub as well - for American Independence Day. Even weirder was watching the annual Nathan's contest while sitting in said pub.

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This (July 4th) is not a new itinerary, just a new date for the identical itinerary usually done July 4th. I have done that voyage, it is usually the same every July 4th, just not this year, because QM2 is on one of their special 175th voyages over that time, so, they pushed it back a month. It's a nice little trip, but hot. Halifax was a bit less humid than Boston. The weirdest thing on that July 4th voyage is how they decorate the British ship - and the British pub as well - for American Independence Day. Even weirder was watching the annual Nathan's contest while sitting in said pub.

 

Hi axelsaker. Ok, well, having taken the so-called "Fourth of July Cruise" several times, I maintain that the July cruise this year has a different itinerary, primarily because the dates are different, and passengers will not experience Independence Day on board or in Boston port.

 

Just my guess, but it will not be the same celebratory atmosphere that previously existed on what some of called the "Fourth of July Cruise". Perhaps it will be even better, but it will not same itinerary: the port stops might be the same, but the timing is totally different.

 

Salacia

 

Edited to add: my experience has been that Port Halifax is far more humid than Boston, most often enshrouded in fog - part of it's charm.

Edited by Salacia
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Ladysail2 - I am also on the short cruise end of July. Several years ago I took a 5 day QM2 cruise to Halifax from NYC in September. I had a fabulous time (even tho it was raining) and went to the Maritime Museum. Planning a trip to Peggys cove this time. I can promise that you will absolutely love :)this ship!!!

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Welcome to the Cunard board and have a great trip.

 

Thank you Host Hattie! I'm really looking forward to sailing on an ocean liner. My dream is to travel the return trip NY-Southampton that sounds so wonderful!

 

Joyce :D

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Ladysail2, you're welcome. The five day cruise you are taking is a new itinerary for QM2. I'm thinking it would be very pleasant. I hope that if you have time, you would let us know about your voyage when you return, please?

 

BTW, I noted your quote from Eleanor Roosevelt in your signature. Very nice reminder - thanks.

 

 

Cheers!

Salacia

 

Hello Salacia....I will definitely come back and give a review of my first QM2 sailing.

 

I'm glad you liked my Eleanor Roosevelt quotation. I changed my signature line recently just to 'shake' things up. I'll change it again in time. :D

 

Joyce

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Ladysail2 - I am also on the short cruise end of July. Several years ago I took a 5 day QM2 cruise to Halifax from NYC in September. I had a fabulous time (even tho it was raining) and went to the Maritime Museum. Planning a trip to Peggys cove this time. I can promise that you will absolutely love :)this ship!!!

 

Thank you nuekruizer! I'm glad to hear that you had a great time on this cruise before...and maybe we'll somehow run into each other on this cruise...who knows :)

 

I was born in Nova Scotia and have visited many times. You will love Peggy's Cove. It is very touristy, but also very historical. I've planned the Annapolis Valley tour. Even though the tour goes to Wolfville, I'm from Summerside...it's in the same general area....a very beautiful area.

 

I am very excited to see the ship. Just looking at pictures of it has made me feel the anticipation!!!

 

Joyce :D

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I meant from Middleton, N.S. Summerside..I did live there, but that's in PEI.

 

You know when I thought about this error....5am this morning. Funny how the minds works.....or doesn't at times...LOL :eek::p

 

A good day to all...:D

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ladysail2: How nice that you are from NS. It is a beautiful place. There is something special about the atmosphere on the QM2 that sets it apart from other ships. The grand, elegant, sophisticated feeling that you will never forget. Who needs zip lines and rock climbing on a cruise anyhow.:)

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  • 4 weeks later...
St. Thomas has lovely beaches, but the town, in my opinion, is tacky, as is St. Maarten. I do enjoy Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. Dominica is a treat for its eco sites. However, QM2 lately has been dawdling around the northernmost islands of the Eastern Caribbean and is not venturing as far south to Barbados and Grenada as she used to. One interesting cruise included Bonaire. I even wonder if the scheduled call at Amber Cove will happen.

 

Overall, Queen Mary 2 has enough of "cruise-ship" features to make her a good ship for a Caribbean run. I sailed that route several times, solo, also with my partner, and also with a larger group of friends. The best sailing was the 2013 Christmas Cruise when we were in Princess Grill.

 

As a transatlantic crossing enthusiast, I especially enjoyed a few runs during which the first two days and the last two days on passage from/to New York were marked by high seas. As Salacia noted, Queen Mary 2 handled it as well as I have seen her handle anything thrown at her when she is in her element on the North Atlantic.

 

Keep an eye on the fares - especially when you get to 90 days out. The inside fares have already been reduced, I believe. If I see anything, I'll add a post to this thread.

 

Bobby, I wondered about that too. If I'm reading the itineraries correctly, QM2 has a scheduled port stop at Amber Cove for the Nov 2015 cruise, but NOT for the Nov 2016 Caribbean cruise.

 

According to a recent report, "The pier is already built and with building walls and several structures close to finished, the project appeared to be somewhere around 60 to 70 percent complete." quoted from http://www.travelpulse.com/opinions/column/carnivals-big-ticket-amber-cove-cruise-port-near-completion.html

 

Groundbreaking for construction was two years ago on May 14, 2012. Cost estimate was 65 million, and it was set to open in 2014. Latest cost is given as 85 million, and the first ship scheduled to call is Carnival Victory on Oct 10 2015. Since it took 2 years to get 60-70% of the construction completed, it will be interesting to see how the remaining 30% gets built in less than 5 months. - S.

Edited by Salacia
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