Jack E Dawson

We have been invited to join friends who are sailing on a 15 night TA on the Enchantment of the Seas next April. Have very limited cruising experience, none with Royal Caribbean (RC). 1. Over all, is RC considered a budget, middle of the pack or luxury cruise line? 2. How does Enchantment of the Seas compare to other RC ships, big/small, new/old, crowded/spacious more family or mostly adults? 3. Looking at an outside view cabin but they appear very small on this ship. How do they compare to other cruise lines? 4. At that level cabin and being new to RC will we have limited or no access to certain areas on the ship? 5. A crossing in April could get rough, how stable is the Enchantment of the Seas 6. Is the drinks package a good deal. We probably have lattes at breakfast a pre-dinner drink, 1-2 glasses of wine at dinner and a couple of cocktail/wine in the evening. 7. What other extras/upgrades are worth paying for? Right now all higher grade cabins are sold out. Anything that is unique to RC or thoughts on their onboard culture would be appreciated. Thanks Jack

So, how did boarding go? Jack

What is "lower berth capacity"? I was under the impression QV held 2000plus passengers. Thanks Jack

We had the exact experience in May. So easy. Jack

Unfortunately, I suspect there will be rows of tables for 2 close to each other on the QA. However, because Club is anytime time dining, our experience has been that people arrive at staggered times. So the problem of being close to the next table is not as big a deal as you might think. On the other hand, if you find that you do enjoy the company of the next table, it is possible to easily carry on a conversation. Jack

Thanks LadyL1, looking forward to your postings. Jack

We have sailed into NY Harbor on 3 occasions on the QM2 and have never missed the arrival. Our secret is to be on top of Deck 13 about 45 minutes BEFORE the Captian's announced time. Passing under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is very exciting. Once we pass under the bridge we head down to our cabin (ALWAYS on the port side) were there is just enough time to brew a strong cup of coffee before watching the Statue of Liberty pass by from our balcony. Dress warm!!!! Jack

As Bell Boy said, it is not clear what specific information you are looking for. I can share that on our very first cruise ever (2017), we were in BC on the QM2 which, based on your other post, you will be on. We requested a table for 6, hoping to make new friends. This turned out to be a great strategy. Our tablemates we a delightful couple from New Zeland, a wonderful lady from England who resided in the U.S. and a retired policeman from London who was very outgoing and funny. He and his wife had made a crossing every year for 14 consecutive years before she passed away 3 years earlier. He (Greg) had made the decision to continue to make the annual crossing. Greg provided us with so much wonderful information about crossing on the QM2 that really expanded the enjoyment of our trip. We really loved the whole BC experience and I'm sure you will too. Jack

I didn't realize that room service breakfast was available, after a Crossing, on disembarkation day even if you were continuing on the next cruise. Good to know. Thanks Jack

goryjm, We are very much enjoying your photos. Not sure if you are a trained photographer or if it is just a hobby but you certainly know how to frame a shot to tell a story. Thanks Jack

The Manhattan is my go to drink and the one's they make in the Commodore Club are the best I've ever had. Typically I will request it be made with Jack Daniels and they always use the proper Luxardo cherry. Dee is a Cosmo girl but rates their's as OK but nothing special. Jack

Host Hattie, your pictures are excellent and your daily narrative very informative. I think a little "rant" is quite appropriate at this point, all things considered. It probably doesn't provide much consolation but your objective and experienced opinion is valued by so many on this board. It's obvious you and Mr.HH are trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation. Jack

Good morning schattenfell71. How was the flight? Jack

Thank you for sharing Jacqueline and well done Cunard/Debbie. I keep thinking that we should do QG in the future and this only adds to the desire to do so. I hope you will share your cruise experience with us Jacqueline. Jack

And Britannia Club

Well done steve4031. Now comes the fun of planning and anticipating. Looking forward to your trip report in July. Jack (fellow Chicagoian)

Looks like the QM2 might run into some rough seas as result of Hurricane Fiona on its way into and/or out of NYC. If so, those onboard will have a whole new appreciation for the term "Ocean Liner". Would absolutely LOVE to be onboard. Jack

ears, I started your review sitting in my den in Chicago and quickly found myself transported to the Queens Grill of the QM2. Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and descriptive review. Although still 4 years away, my wife and I are hoping to sail in QG for our 50th Anniversary. You have answered a lot of questions and have further heightened our desire to do so. On our Crossing this past May we spent a week in London before boarding the QM2. Like you we scheduled our booster 2 weeks before starting our journey. Again like you, we did not get COVID and we were far less cautious. I think that the timing of the booster played a big part in that. Thanks again for the great review. Jack

Would highly recommend candied ginger. We have owned small sailboats (10m) for almost 50 years now. We always give a piece of candied ginger to anyone who sails with us and has concerns about being sea sick. In all that time we have never had an occurrence. Jack

Wow, what a wonderfully thorough review. Even with 3 Crossings on the QM2, I learned a lot form your experiences. Can you tell me if seating at the bar in Golden Lion and Commodore Club is back? Thanks Jack

I'm impressed with your ability to adapt. Jack

Fish & Chips and a pint of London Pride Jack

Thanks for the review tonyd285, appreciate your objectivity. Wondering how intrusive you found losing an hour in the middle of the day (5)? We have only sailed westerly but are sometimes enticed by the lower pricing of the eastbound TA's. Thanks Jack

Then let me suggest one stop as a part of your birthday celebration, La Champagneria Barcelona – Cava at La Xampanyeria Barcelona. This is our favorite place in Barcelona for tapas and cava. It is a fun happening place frequented by locals and in-the-know travelers from all over the world. It is located at Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, 08003 in the Barceloneta area of Barcelona. Order a whole bottle of pink Cava and all of your tapas selections at once. It is usually crowded but you can eat outside. Closed Sundays. Jack

I am greatly enjoy your blog, thanks for posting. You guys are real troopers, especially considering your March cruise. If I understand your blog, you will be returning to Barcelona for a third time in approximately 8 days? If so, do you plan to spend any additional time there? Thanks, Jack