jimmybean

What a wonderful, well-written review and comparison, vagporto! You did an excellent job describing and comparing your two experiences.

We also took a HAL Alaskan cruise and although we haven't sailed on the Victoria, we have been on the Elizabeth, which we understand to be much the same.

Yes, the petit-fours are a temptation and a pleasure : )

Welcome to cruise critic. I hope you have many, many more happy voyages!

Jimmybean

Pepper brings up excellent points to consider.

In addition to dollar (or pound) amounts involved, there is value to having a hassle-free experience.

DH and I have always booked tours through Cunard, although less expensive options were available. Peace of mind (through this link to the ship) in a distant port has been well-worth the additional cost.

DH and I did our own hotel booking, when we visited Rome and we (through taxi and train) made our own way to the port. The only thing I can say in Italian is "La Boheme" and the taxi driver didn't go out of his way to seem helpful. There were, also, pick-pockets we observed at the train depot. Certainly, you could act independently, but there is something to be said for having Cunard taking care of arrangements.

Have a wonderful time, I love Dorset! Enjoy your travels!

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To be able to travel on a Cunard ship for your 13th cruise should make you feel lucky. I have lost count of how many Cunard cruises that I have been on. I just know that I am Diamond, which is over 150 days.

 

Each of those days has been a memorable day. Wake up to see the sea (sometimes it is a new port), I have just had a comfortable sleep with nice linen. Off to a nice breakfast to start the day. Many enjoyable things to do during the day. Then after a fun day, maybe I just sat on deck all day relaxing or was busy around or off the ship, I can shower and get dressed up for dinner. There is always a show, or music or something going on around the ship.

 

I know this is not what you asked, but this is what a day on a Cunard ship means to me.

 

I was recently on Queen Victoria (regular balcony) and when my entre was delivered to the table, the waiter would always use napkin to handle the plate and let me know that it was hot. Which it always was. The food was always delicious. The table mates were fun to talk to. Every day was enjoyable.

 

I am not sure why people want to travel in the Grills. When the majority of people are on a Cunard ship, they do not even think of the Grills. The regular passengers are treated very well in my opinion. Maybe you should try being a regular passenger on a Cunard ship. You might like it. The cabins might be a bit smaller, but during a few days holiday, you should be able to manage.

 

Maybe you will be my table mate the next cruise. Oh, by the way, the best table mates are not those who repeatedly talk and brag about the places that they have been.

 

Maybe that does not answer your question OP, but I just had to vent.

 

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oceansandseas---I would consider myself fortunate to have you as a tablemate! You have summed up a number of the joys DH and have have experienced, at sea, with Cunard! What pleasant dinner-time conversations we could have!

I also prefer that Cunard dinner service doesn't involve overly familiar wait-staff, trying to take part of the conversation (as we have experienced on some Princess ships). I like unobtrusive service and that is the tone on Cunard ships.

Sorry to hear your Cunard experience included so many major flaws!

We (cheerfully) travel in steerage and typically are very satisfied with the value and service for costs. I can understand that one has greater expectations in a QG stateroom. I sympathize with your feelings of disappointment…

I do not mean to imply that you are overly fussy or that your disappointment isn't well founded. But, could you focus more on the travel aspect of your next voyage or on the interesting people you have the opportunity to meet or the adventure of seeing distant ports?

Life doesn't always give us guarantees. And, sometimes we do have to (nicely) ask for corrections or send food back to the kitchen. If these things ruin the experience for you, maybe you should reconsider your booking… It would be a shame for you to come home disappointed, again.

One of our favorite things about Cunard is their stellar daytime lectures. I think the interesting variety of speakers sets Cunard apart from other cruise lines in a very positive way.

Please see posts 25, 32, 33 & 34 !

Oops. Please forgive.

Breakfast in the MDR takes more time than Kings Court. If you are in a time crunch (perhaps anxious to get to one of the great daytime lectures), maybe better to eat in Kings Court. On the other hand, if you are not in a hurry, enjoy the MDR.

We have crossed in September a few times. The weather has been fabulous. Warm and sunny. Calm seas. But, there no guarantees when it comes to weather.

Unless you have a Megatrain ticket, I believe you can take an earlier train with your tickets. We were told this by very helpful table mates on our first crossing. Like you, we arranged tickets in advance and wanted to allow plenty of time. We have always self-disembarked and been to the station much earlier than 11. Probably we have been there by 8:30. Taxi to station is about 10 pounds.

Soap and laundry is free. We also bring soap for hand washing and use small clothesline in the shower.

Not all safety drill locations have enough seats for everyone. If you have trouble standing, go a little earlier.

Have a wonderful voyage! Be sure to post your impressions when you return.

Try and book a box in the theatre it's very special

Aren't the boxes only on the Vickie and Lizzie? I don't remember theater boxes on the QM2 ????

Could it be a manner of the performers just coming together and learning the performances for the first time?

It has been my understanding that this happens when they board--kind of a practice as they go. Not easy, I imagine, for any performer!

We have seen some stellar shows on Cunard ships and some not-so-good performances. I remember a Russian group in 2009 whose dancing was fantastic, but whose singing left a lot to be desired…

Thanks for sharing your opinion. It is always good to learn what is going on aboard the QM2.

Deck Chair,

Your description of parking in Brooklyn and boarding the ship was wonderful! So much like my own feelings (but better expressed)! The QM2 is an old friend, but it is always a thrill to catch sight of her and always a thrill to board.

What a way to cross the ocean, pass time so pleasantly, and be entertained in countless ways!

Thank you for sharing your travels with us. So much appreciated.

Jimmybean

i pray for a miracle.

We have had to cancel our last two bookings (health problems) and are looking ahead (for something to look forward to).

Your posting is very much appreciated. Thank you!

(I would love to see Sydney harbor---God willing, if the creek don't rise).

Why do people think they need to stand up to applaud at the end of a performance in the theatre?

 

Suddenly two people at the front will jump to their feet followed parrot fashion by most of the rest.

 

I'm sure this is a new phenomenon but whatever, I wish they would stop it.

 

David.

David, I am in agreement. It mystified me as well.

Immigration is completed while at sea (going east). Very easy. Instructions will be given, after you are on-board. People with surnames starting with specific letters go at an assigned time. Not overly crowded and moves quickly.

We have self-disembarked a number of times. You will be given a time to assemble. Seven-fifteen rings a bell with me. We have always been off the ship between 8 a.m. and 8:30. Also, very easy, provided you can handle all your luggage independently.

Have a wonderful voyage!

Given that Cunard boasts of excellence in customer service, I'd say this area of their business needs a "re-fit", too.

Ain't that the truth! Internet/website communication isn't Cunard's long suit. (Hope you are listening, Cunard---the Cunard experience starts for most of us online. It's the time to start giving us good customer service!)

Hi David,

I echo that it is a significant distance from the ship to the exit of the terminal. Walk at your own pace and don't hurry and your wife should be fine. Possibly, speedier walkers may pass you, but that is of little consequence.

I kind of remember the gang-plank (exit ramp off the ship) goes up-hill (upwardly inclined). That may be the only physical challenge.

Do look for the elevator to the right of the escalators.

I think you will stop in Gaspe. ??? Have a wonderful voyage !!!

Jimmybean

I've found a few magnets to be handy on the QM2 and, after the voyage is over, I've given the magnets to our steward---handy for walls in the crew's quarters, too.

We have taken the train from Waterloo to Southampton several times--once with an inexpensive Megatrain fare. Has always been a pleasure in every respect.

Thank you for sharing your excitement with us !!!!

Have a wonderful voyage !!!!

We had a balcony on deck 6 on the QE and didn't hear a thing when the lifeboat was lowered for use as a tender one morning. We looked out (surprised) and said "Hey, someone stole our lifeboat."

Our cabin was just above the top of the lifeboat. Maybe, all the noise travels downward.

We did notice that they took different lifeboats--from both sides of the ship-- to act as tender in different ports. So, it wasn't the same lifeboat each time.

My guess is even if you do hear some noise one time, it won't be something that happens over and over.

Best and happy sailing!

His socializing skills are a little less than his solo photo posing skills.;)

Our observation, also. Seemed aloof, unfriendly, disinterested in conversing with passengers.

Maybe, his skills are purely navigational...

On the Royal the doors to the crew stairs were open for the muster drill. Hopefully during the Royal-class ships' drydocks they'll spend money to carpet & panel those stairs for passenger use.

 

It'll be interesting to see if they are finished for passenger use on the 3rd Royal-class ship which is going directly to Asia. The Diamond received a major overhaul before going to the Asian market so wondering if the 3rd ship will be modified for the new market they're trying to tap.

 

My wife really liked the small step in the shower & the larger deep rectangular shaped sink which made it easier to clean hand washables.

Good to know! Thank you for practical information, Astro Flyer.

BTW, I used my fitbit when traveling on ships and think the steps may be pretty close to accurate. The number of flights of stairs, however, seems greatly enhanced by the ships motion. It's very easy to get 50-75 flights of stairs recorded, when the actual number should be closer to 20.

DH and I have never gained a pound on any cruise. The Spa menu choices are great. Desserts aren't overly large. You can ask your server to bring you extra vegetables at dinner. There are plenty of opportunities to be physically active.

I think I actually lost a couple pounds on a longer segment voyage, probably because I ordered fish so consistently.

You will be fine and you will have a good time and you will not feel deprived.

Our experiences crossing in August and early September were nice, warm sunny days. I remember, on one crossing, the QM2 sailing at a purposely slow speed, so very little wind, and many people were out, enjoying the promenade. I think Captain Wells was at the helm (figuratively) and it seemed like he said during the noon report, something like: "We should slow down and just enjoy this!"

The North Atlantic felt like the Caribbean. The ocean was surprisingly very calm.

Might have been unusual. In any case, it was extremely nice.

Our one crossing in the spring was colder and windier in comparison. I had little interest in being outdoors.

Of course, weather can vary greatly and one should always travel prepared.