old fool

I use very wide clear packing tape (bit like a huge roll of sellotape).

 

Far cheaper than buying a laminator, and I can easily take the roll with me in my case for new labels/tags if needed.

 

Never lost a label/tag so far :)

We use packing tap as poor mans lamination. Also, in addition to the label on the handle we tape a second label to the outside of each bag. That one doesn't come off without some serious work.......

Would it be accurate to say?:

The corner balcony cabins have both more interior space and more balcony space, but they have less privacy while on the balcony.

The non-corner balcony cabins have a bit less interior AND balcony space but have good privacy.

Would it be accurate to say?:

The corner balcony cabins have both more interior space and more balcony space, but they have less privacy while on the balcony.

The non-corner balcony cabins have a bit less interior AND balcony space but have good privacy.

Right now most of the inside / ocean view / balcony BZ grade staterooms for late fall / winter are similar in price so why not take the balcony?

Personal opinion, but sheltered balcony is great - close to the water and less rough a ride without the wind of open balcony rooms. Obstructed view -- you better like the color orange before you choose that?

London: Check the Westminster Abbey web site for the times of evensong. Usually around a 5:30 service -- it's magical to be there not as a tourist but as an actual member of the congregation. ....and of course it's free! As you approach the gate a verger will turn you away if you are a "tourist" but tell them you are there to attend the service -- they will immediately wave you in.

Did Canyon Ranch spa get any changes or upgrades during the dry dock period for QM2?

Hi old fool. I was born in Brooklyn, so I hope you don't mind if I disagree with your comment "Once you get out of the port area it can be a pleasant walk (about 20 minutes) through a typical Brooklyn neighborhood." I wouldn't consider that a typical Brooklyn neighborhood, but then I'm at a loss for what would be typical Brooklyn neighborhood. (Maybe some day we'll meet on board and have that interesting discussion.):)

 

Your comment about NYC Taxi drivers is spot on.

 

 

TEDDY, Here's a suggestion: take a taxi from the pier to the Brooklyn Bridge [see http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/walking-the-brooklyn-bridge/ ]

 

Walk over the bridge to Manhattan and either take a bus, subway or taxi to where you want to go. BTW, just my personal suggestion as a native New Yorker: do not buy a hot dog from a street vendor. Just sayin'

 

 

:) -S.

Yes, I second the idea to take a taxi and then walk across the Brooklyn bridge. Everyone needs to do this at least once in a lifetime. A great chance to see and feel NYC; not just be a "tourist".

We like BZ on deck 6 -- just a short hop up to King's Court and most important for us; easy access to Canyon Ranch.

Staterooms closer to mid ship and lower gives the most stable ride -- deck 12 loses it's prestige quickly when a storm comes up and "mal de mare" hits. The various sheltered cabins are mostly a distinction without much of a difference (except price) .

Deck 8 and above with glass fronts verses decks 4,5,and 6 sheltered are separated by the view out -- some like it one way; others could care less.

It's your pick.

This is all personal opinion of course.

The walk from the ship to Carrol street is quite do-able without luggage. Once you get out of the port area it can be a pleasant walk (about 20 minutes) through a typical Brooklyn neighborhood. The trip into Manhattan is about 20 minutes on the subway and the process is quite efficient and simple.

There are taxis that meet the ship so having a car service or prebooking a taxi isn't really necessary. If you return via taxi there is a small chance the driver will not know the exact route back to the port but a bit of advice from you will sort it out.

A suggestion on the return: ask to be taken over the Brooklyn bridge instead of through the tunnel. It adds a small amount to the price but you get to see great views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan not to mention a glimpse of your ship as you cross the bridge. You pay for transportation and the sight seeing is free.

In defense of NYC taxi drivers: Almost without exception NYC taxi drivers just want to get you from point A to point B without any monkey business. Stories of being driven around in circles just to run up the meter are EXTREMELY rare these days. Yes, they expect and occasionally demand a tip but .....hey it's New York.....fo get about it....

I POSTED THIS A FEW DAYS AGO BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT APPLY HERE:

I am in the US and have watched fall Transatlantic fares for almost the last 10 years. A few observations:

1. In the US we can cancel up to 90 days in advance of a voyage without penalty of any kind. I seem to see a drop in prices in the few weeks both before and after that time. I assume that the algorithm that Cunard uses for pricing sees Americans cancel and lowers the price in response.

2. If blocks of cabins are held by outside tour / travel groups and they don't sell, those cabins are released usually 60 days in advance which is another chance for a lowering of prices.

3. At about 30 days out things seem to settle into a state of much higher or much lower prices simply because of the rate of occupancy on the ship.

A related topic: Booking price direct with Cunard / on line / or travel agent? Heaven only knows on this one. Example: In the last couple of weeks I have seen web sites and Cunard (which is higher) vary by 20%. A travel agent called Cunard and got the lower price plus $100 OBC.

To sum up:

I suggest booking anytime before the 90 day cutoff; knowing that you can jump out without any problems (US only?). Also, watch pricing from about 110 days out and follow them up to when you make a decision. Check the Cunard web site, other travel web sites, and call your travel agent if you want the best chance at a low price. Is it worth the effort? -- it's your call.

It is time that Cunard reviewed their booking terms for USA passengers. Your suggestion that people should just book a cruise and can cancel without penalty is selfish. It restricts availabilty for other people who genuinely want to book, and especially on a popular itinerary. It is one of the reasons that cruise lines are offering more and more cabins on a guarantee basis only, as they know that cancellations are likely, making cabin allocation more complicated. In the UK the deposit is never refundable and that is the way it should be for everyone to stop customers making multiple booking when an itinerary is released, with no intention of taking up every booking.

Cunard should make a rule change because as it stands now it is unfair to UK and other countries. The airlines do not have a "no penalty" refund policy, why should booking a cruise be different?

That being said and until the rules are changed, I play the cards I am dealt

If you deposit $300 at the travel office on board for future travel you get $150 OBC for the next voyage.

If you deposit $1200 for the next two trips for two people you end up with $150 OBC for each person for each trip. It's good for up to 4 years AND if for some reason you don't travel it is totally refundable.

This may only apply to US passengers????

I am in the US and have watched fall Transatlantic fares for almost the last 10 years. A few observations:

1. In the US we can cancel up to 90 days in advance of a voyage without penalty of any kind. I seem to see a drop in prices in the few weeks both before and after that time. I assume that the algorithm that Cunard uses for pricing sees Americans cancel and lowers the price in response.

2. If blocks of cabins are held by outside tour / travel groups and they don't sell, those cabins are released usually 60 days in advance which is another chance for a lowering of prices.

3. At about 30 days out things seem to settle into a state of much higher or much lower prices simply because of the rate of occupancy on the ship.

A related topic: Booking price direct with Cunard / on line / or travel agent? Heaven only knows on this one. Example: In the last couple of weeks I have seen web sites and Cunard (which is higher) vary by 20%. A travel agent called Cunard and got the lower price plus $100 OBC.

To sum up:

I suggest booking anytime before the 90 day cutoff; knowing that you can jump out without any problems (US only?). Also, watch pricing from about 110 days out and follow them up to when you make a decision. Check the Cunard web site, other travel web sites, and call your travel agent if you want the best chance at a low price. Is it worth the effort? -- it's your call.

And don't forget , You can also take your daughter along to the various cocktail receptions i.e. The World Club & Senior Officers. ;)

Thanks for the heads up. I had not even thought about that. She will enjoy that all immensely

I will be traveling with my adult daughter. I am "platinum" but she has never been on Cunard before. Will she be able to board "priority" with me?

Depending on schedule you could consider National Coach as well as train. Just a thought --- price and schedule for both can be found on the web

Dress code: on formal nights just put on a dark suit with a tie and you will be all set. Informal you can forget the tie. Simple and easy.

Everyone's taste is different but doing a back to back transatlantic is two weeks of pure bliss. Board the ship, unpack and enjoy the experience without distractions.

It will change your life for the better.

Please educate me....... Isn't the proper thing to do; if bringing a drink into the dining room to place that drink on a try carried by a member of staff. Then be seated and the drink is placed at your side??

I have been on the Queen Mary 2 on at least two occasions where the weather was much worse than this storm. Last October on a TA the wind was in excess of 100 mph with seas 35+ feet without problems to ship or passengers.

Sailing in a proper liner like the QM2; as opposed to a "cruise ship", makes all the difference.

With both Southampton and Brooklyn, the boarding process is usually quite smooth and orderly. As folks arrive early they are given a number card and then when boarding starts you board in order of your number. The waiting area is a large open area with lots of seating.

When do they start boarding?: noon to 1pm is about average.

The person who came up with the "blue jeans is OK" idea needs to be fired. Cunard is damaging their brand image with the trend from formal dress, etc.

If you are not a jazz fan I suggest you think twice before booking. The time spent avoiding the jazz presentations takes away from other types of entertainment that you might actually enjoy.

In the USA we can book anytime and can cancel up to 90 days in advance of the trip with no penalty whatsoever.

I mostly look at transatlantic fares and find that they usually (but not always) reach their lowest level 100 to 50 days in advance of sailing.

So, you can book early and get the cabin you want and then if the fare goes down, just swap into the lower fare at a later date.

In addition, we can put $300 down (per person, per trip) on board for future sailings and receive $150 OBC. If for some reason we do not make a future trip we can be refunded the entire $300. Hard to lose with a deal like that.

I would just take a cab both directions. Easy, fast, and usually cheaper.

Anytime that you might get really bad weather (high wind and seas) you really want to be on the QM II -- without question. This is especially true if you are susceptable to motion sickness, etc.

This may be old news but according to the staff in Todd English; in the QM II "refit" the Todd English restaurant goes away replaced by Verandah.

Is this good :) or bad :mad: Your thoughts?

Music? :D ;) .

 

(I hope they get the music scores sorted out for next time, or at least agree on playing in a roughly similar key. A passenger told me that on the last "jazz crossing" one musician was playing Tuesday night's concert, whilst simultaneously another was playing notes from Wednesday evening's performance. The other two appeared to be still trying to find "A" when the show finished).

 

:D ;)

I freely admit that I am not a fan of jazz, but the "music" I heard on the Oct 29, 2015 TA was a very close cousin to hearing a tom cat caught in a fan belt --- in MHO!:eek: Many folks walked out of the performances -- most likely never to return.