f2s

Curious that views are so often GREAT!

Husband and I probably enjoyed QE2 in tourist more than the three crossings on QM2 in Queens Grill, both before and after the last major refit which brightened things but gave no better value or service or comfort.

To put it stronger/clearer I found first class very poor in every way.

Docking in Brooklyn is so ordinary compared to the old Cunard pier.

Do read the more critical cruise reviews on here, they could save you a lot of money.

Anything can and does happen!

On QM2 once the LBGT meeting point was SO crowded/packed in we could not penetrate(!) I mean join in! and wandered off.

Crystal on our Christmas/New Year cruise this past season arranged nothing.

Hapag Lloyd on Europa 2 recently referred our meeting request to HQ in Hamburg and they said no, "other passengers could be jealous".

Seems to me if Cruise Lines want to be seen as friendly to LGBT all they need to do would be one well advertised LGBT meeting near the start of a cruise where people can meet then over to us to make any further arrangements, simple?

I am with you "hejiranyc", I have been to Russia and Burma when I thought the LBGT climate was reasonable and or improving, but to be honest it was and is not improving.

All countries see BIG $ in tourism but if the politics of a country stink for LBGT or any other reason or group, LETS NOT GO.

Medium/small ship Europa2 had a goodly number of LGBT passengers in February.

When our newly met younger German friends requested some kind of organized get together it did not seem a big deal!

The matter was referred to HQ in Hamburg, and the answer was NO. "Other passenger may be made jealous".

Seemed odd on such a friendly ship but I know "Get together/Meetings" do not happen on all ships.

Guys, just to say we are just off Symphony this month. I am still in shock.

How ordinary it is for a LUX line with its great past reputation. I compare with Serenity about 3 years back.

Crystal made no arrangement for a LGBT get together, yet the happy couple at the Crystal Society award ceremony for most cruises with the company were a Gay couple!

The refit money has smartened up the old ship, but the food and drink budget seemed way down.

Sure felt to me that the great years for these old couple of ships could be past.

No denying some good junior staff (Crystal spoil there staff more than they spoiled me!) No treats in the cabin, two single flowers in 15 days, no fruit, chocolate, or wine or present of any kind in the cabin, all of which we were given by the first hotel stay after the ship.

Entertainment (band & dancers/singers)was the only great plus of Symphony at this time!

Going back to Hapag- Lloyd Europa 2 next month so will let you know. It has a major refit every 2 years!! It reads VERY well for a little more money.

OK my standards are high, Cunard,Ponnant, and Crystal have been a major waste of my money recently.

Husband and I just back from Symphony's Christmas and New Year round South Africa.

We had liked Serenity a few years back but this time we were not impressed. New owners have spent big on the old ship so SOME areas the main dinning room (Waterside) looks great, even perhaps over staffed, but the food was way too dull/cheap for a LUX cruise line. Not fond of the cocktails either.

Any how most parties seemed rather poorly arranged, but even without personal invitations we went to the Crystal Society party and who should get the award for most traveled on Crystal but a Gay couple. Great, but then Crystal fawned over the employee of the month for even longer.

Nothing was arranged for LGBT at all. Friends of BillW on the other hand were well looked after.

Anyhow painting and decorating the old ship did nothing for enjoyment I was surprised how stale Crystal has become.

We used Ponant "Australis" last July in the Kimberly region of Australia, and whilst I quite liked the ship and some (the French) staff we found the cooking and cheap wine so bad I will never use the line again.

Strange thing was after I wrote up my daming review the next 5 or so reviews of the same trip were glowing 5 star write ups.

Trust me I know poor food and wine when I taste it!