nuekruizer

The dress code was strictly adhered to by the passengers. I observed very few gentlemen or ladies wearing t shirts or shorts after 6 pm except in Kings court. Many long gowns and tuxes on formal night. I was on the short cruise from NYC, however many of the passengers were from England doing a TA. The folks I spoke with were new to QM2 and were not aware of the refit. Very few children on board and they were well behaved. The ship was beautiful as always.

Just back from wonderful short cruise from NY to Halifax and Boston, if anyone has any questions happy to answer.

If you missed tea altogether, you can get some tea sandwiches (altho limited) and scones, etc in the concierge lounge on deck 9 which is set up till 5:00 or later. There is a self serve tea and coffee bar all day.

I agree with sticking with table for two. The tables are close and we chatted often with the people on both sides of our table. Most everyone seemed smartly dressed esp after 6 pm

I just returned from a short cruise on qm2, so transatlantic may be different, however I stayed in P1 midship ( less bumpy), however the Princess restaurant was not anxious to prepare off menu items., whereas I believe they are more accommodating in the Queens grill.

Changing rooms are available in the spa. For spa prices- google "canyon ranch on qm2". Then click on "menu of services" for all treatments. You do not have to eat all meals in the Grills. The kings Court is available all day for informal dining. Hope this helps.

Foghorn: Just got back from the QM2 and have copies of the menus. There are no sugsr free desserts but always low suger selections: ie, some listed are:

low sugar berry cake with berry compote, Rubarb and strawberry crumble with vanilla sauce ( delicious), berry mousse, date walnut coffee cake , carrot cake and orange cream cheese, tapioca with coconut milk

God forbid! Spelling errors abound when you write at midnight!

Saturday we arrived in Halifax around 7;00 AM. I had selected the coastal bus tour to Peggys Cove as the tour director on Cunard explained that the bus could accommodate my walker. The sun came out and it was a glorious day. The tour was very informative as we drove along the coast to Peggys Cove and back thru the town of Halifax. Peggys Cove was quite impressive with the bagpiper playing near the lighthouse. I would highly recommend this trip. We arrived right back at the ship before noon and had a chance to shop in the terminal filled with local Nova Scotia vendors. I purchased several books of local interest.

Returning to the restaurant, I dined on crab cakes with cucumber salsa, egg and corn soup, and key lime pie (all delicious). After lunch I explored the vast library and bookstore. The library is the best at sea and beautifully laid out with several nooks and crannies including a lovely secluded "quiet area". ( I skipped the sailaway party and opted for the solitude of the library). At dinner, my appetiser was the beef and red wine ravioli in a butter sauce, entrees for myself and companion included the speck crusted sea scallops and lamb chops followed by the chocolate mousse cake. The scallops were fair however companion raved about the lamb chops. (My recommendations for entrees would include the beef rossini, anything salmon, and rack of lamb.) Our wine selection was a full bodied Carmenere Reserva, Chile. We enjoyed harpist Fiona McGee in the Queens Lounge. The show this evening was comedian John Joseph, who was hilarious (just dont sit in the front row!). I opted to skip the Masquerade ball and checked out the shops. I was disapointed in the variety of products offerred which were of poor quality and overpriced.(other than Hermes, etc which are out of my price range). Had a late night coffee at sir samuels before retiring to our cabin to enjoy the evening on our deck.

Day 2 Friday 7/31 short cruise: Wonderful daily programme today at sea and had difficulty trying to fit in so many activities. Had to set clock forward one hour. At 9:00 sharp I headed to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9 to pick up tickets for the Planetarium. Warning: tickets go fast!After breakfast, there was the 10:00 lecture by Harry Strong, oceanographer, on "One Ocean", followed by speaker Ken Walsh ( White House Correspondent) at 11:00. After our elegant grill lunch, we attended the Planetarium show: Passport to the universe". At 3;30 there was another lecture on the solar system by Sheila Kanani of the Royal Astrological Society. Unfortunately we missed afternoon tea, however upon checking in at 4:45 to the Concierge Lounge to review our bill, we were delighted to see tea sandwiches and gasp! those "to die for "scones and clotted cream still being provided each day even after 4:30.

The evening show: Crazy in Love" was a fun tribute to the 70's and 80's and most entertaining. This being formal night, we stopped in to the 175 Ball, with some outstanding dancers, around 10:30. Lastly we stopped in at Sir Samuels for iced lattes which were delicious (they are open till 12:00). Finally collapsed into bed for the night with smooth sailing, to awaken to the most beautiful day and fabulous trip to Peggys Cove in Halifax!

Just back from the short cruise 7/30-8/4/15 to Halifax and Boston. We were booked in cabin 10034 (Princess Grill/handicapped) arrived at 12 noon and were in our cabin with luggage before 1:00. I asked the steward for an armchair for the balcony and goose down pillows for the bed which were promptly provided. The weather was overcast with light rain upon arrival. We immediately headed to the grill restaurant to check out our table for two. After a lovely relaxing lunch complemented by a bottle of Claude Val Blanc and taking photos about the ship, we donned our lifevests and headed to Kings Court for the brief muster drill. Prior to dinner, we had martinis in the Commodore club ( I had a delicious martini made with rubarb puree a "Russian ? the name escapes me). The waiter said I was the first person that he ever knew ordered it! Met several lovely and world travelled people from the UK, who had previously boarded from Southampton and were headed back after this cruise. After attending the Three Tenors show at 10:30, we retired to our cabin, and although there was torrential rain. booming thunder and lightning, sailing seemed amazingly smooth this night and every night thereafter.

( my Friday schedule coming up next):)

I would like to take the bus tour to peggys cove on:confused: QM2 shore excursion. Does anyone know if the bus will accomodate a walker, and are the bus entry steps very high? Dont know what other transportation to take. The limo tour is too expensive for me. Thanks

Anyone know who the captain wil be on the QM2 short cruise 7/30- 8/4/15 out of ny?

Thank you both for your reply. That's exactly what I needed to know!

Can anyone tell me the best handicapped access to the Illuminations entrance and exit , if in a wheelchair? Where is the nearest elevator located? It looks difficult to navigate from my copy of the deck plan.

Thanks all. Fortunately, I dont own any "daisy duke" shorts at my age and weight! I'll stick to white shorts or flood pants and a nice top then, unless told otherwise. I'm busy packing already for my trip in 3 weeks on QM2!

Is it appropriate to wear shorts in PG restaurant during breakfast and / or lunch.? or do you wear "smart casual" only? I know that you dress up for dinner.

can you order eggs benedict and smoothies for in room breakfast service in PG? ( I have not seen that listed on the breakfast cards that you submit the night before. ) Or do you have to go the the princess grill restaurant to get a more extensive breakfast menu?

noflygal, I also love to read, therefore QM2 is the best ship at sea. Not only are there many topics and books to choose from, but there are fabulous nooks and crannies to settle down with a good book and a great view of the ocean.

The Maritime museum is a must see if you are into nautical stuff.

Have a wonderful trip Blueriband. Looking forward to hearing about your voyage:)

Try to reassure your partner that they will have a great time. I was hesitant for many years until i took my first cruise on QM2. The dress code is only after 6 pm at night in main dining rooms. You can go casual at buffet or room service. Otherwise there is not much in the way of regimentation. As others mentioned, the ship is huge and there plenty of different areas with nooks and crannies to hang out in without crowds, ie the atlantic room, library,relaxation area in spa, and many other spots. The ship is romantic and relaxing.

Thats fine, you have a right to complain about the scooter being left out in the corridor. I would complain myself because how would I even get past them on my scooter? the problem is that Cunards answer to that problem was to have any and all mobility challenged persons now required to take a handicapped accessible room whether they need it or not, thus limiting your selection of cabins, and if all are taken, cancel your trip! This however, still does not preclude the fact that offending individuals will continue to place their scooter outside.. Inconsiderate people in general, will continue their obnoxious behavior whether they have a scooter or not. It just seems that sometimes reading these boards, I get the impression that some folks have contempt for handicapped individuals ie, "I dont like looking at scooters in front of the Queens Grill". I myself am a psychologist and manage a surgical practice dealing with individuals with physical or emotional problems. I've made my point and will now limit my comments to my love for QM2!

I have a foot drop difficulty and can not walk long distances and have always taken my travelscoot along since I dont want to get stuck not beingable to return to my room. My scooter has always fit in a standard room on every cruise line and I would never consider leaving it in the corridor. There fore, i was shocked when i went to book a trip on QM2 this year and was told in no uncertain terms that I had to take a handicapped room EVEN if I just brought my 2 canes!! I was quite upset as I dont need a handicapped bathroom and am limited as to very few room choices. Also this prevents a person who MUST use a wheelchair to have this room. There are inconsiderate folks who would leave a scooter in the hallway, but really, why the outrage,annoyance, and prejudice? Able body persons should be grateful that they can walk! People in scooters are not hurting you in any way, and have a right to cruise, if seeing them bothers you, get a life! so if they deliberatly leave the scoot outside, Cunard should have housekeeping open their door and put it in already! Have some compassion.:(

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.:)

Can you order iced coffees and teas with the coffee card or just cappachino and lattes?

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!!!