BobBranst

We've found that DW's long evening gowns (yes, one for each formal night) don't take up much space if you fold them in the suitcase with tissue paper. They don't even have to be the top layer in your suitcase. Wrinkles have never been much of a problem as long as you hang them as soon as you get to your stateroom.

 

My tuxedo has been a bigger problem as far as wrinkles are concerned. However, a few minutes in the steam from the shower will usually remove any packing wrinkles from it or any other formal or informal clothes we bring along.

 

Hint: Relatively inexpensive magnetic hooks can be placed on the walls to hang gowns if they are too long to hang in the closet or just to have extra hanging space.

We did the Winchester tour this past September - it seemed a bit short, only an hour or so in town post cathedral tour, then the bus back to the ship in time for lunch.

We did it independently last December by taking a train to Winchester. A short taxi ride from the ship to Southampton Central train station and about 20-25 minute ride from Southampton Central to Winchester. The Cathedral is a fairly easy walk from the Winchester train station since it is mostly down hill. You can make Cathedral tour reservations on the internet. Our tour had only 4 people, so we had a really good, interesting tour there. Lots of time to shop in town before or after going to the Cathedral. We walked back to the station, but some may wish to take a bus or taxi back to the station since it is an up hill walk.

We were aboard from 8 December to 22 December 2017. I don't recall any illness among our fellow passengers at all. And there was perfect silence during the classical performances (Benjamin Makisi, the Pianist, etc.) Two of the four at our table were new to Cunard. They raved the entire time about the service, food, and entertainment. I do find it fascinating that folks can share the same experience and come away with such disparate impressions!

We were also on board QM2 from 8 December until 22 December and had exactly the same experience. However, from what I gather here, it was the next cruise/crossing that most are complaining about rather than the one we were on.

Only if there is PROOF of Russian State blame. It is easy to point the finger and yell "It was Russia", but until an investigation has been carried out in a calm and mature manner, I will keep an open mind.

I just wish our politicians would do the same instead of appearing to react like hysterical children with just supposition and without waiting for proof. For once in my life I find myself agreeing with Corbyns calm and reasonable take on the matter.

 

If proof is found it would be apt for all cruise lines to avoid Russia, as long as it is proof and not media hysteria.

It is unfortunate that many people today are wlling to accept an accusation as being guilt. No proof needed.

Thank you everyone for the helpful info.

I think it will probably be easier (and less expensive) to simply rent a Tux for me rather than store the clothes for 5 months.

 

Is it difficult to rent a Tux? Looks like our first formal night is day 2.

Unfortunately, Tuxedo rental is not an inexpensive option. Since you will be returning on the QM2, you will probably have 6 formal nights.

 

Black Tuxedo Packages**

Includes Dinner Jacket, trousers, shirt, bow tie & handkerchief.

Number of Nights - Cost (USD)

1 - $90

2 - $125

3 - $170

4 - $210

5 - $250

It is not only inexperienced ballroom dancers who prevent others on the floor from enjoying dancing in the Queens Room. The ones who think they are experienced but have no concept of social dancing are the main culprits at this.

Here we go again. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted definition of "social dancing". Your definition of "social dancing" could very well be quite different than my definition of "social dancing". The norms of ballroom dancing are much more universal accepted. A person cannot rightfully be an "experienced" ballroom dancer if they don't know the basics of ballroom dancing floorcraft.

Would Cunard hold this suitcase for 5 Months? That is how long we will be traveling prior to our return to the US on the QM2

There is a monthly storage fee for the baggage storage in Southampton. I think the charge was $65 per bag for the first month and $30 for each month after that, but it has been several years since we last used this service and those prices may not be accurate. For us, the convenience offered by the Cunard/White Star service is worth the cost.

 

There have been other threads here about luggage storage that may give you more current information about charges. There are several businesses in Southampton that store baggage that were said to be considerably cheaper than the Cunard/White Star service. However, you would probably need to take a taxi to transport the baggage there and also to retrieve it before your return crossing.

We always take one suitcase just for our formal wear (Tuxedo, Evening Gowns, dance shoes, etc) on the QM2 TA. If we are going to be traveling on land after an EB crossing, we leave that suitcase with Cunard/White Star in Southampton. When you board for your return in Southampton, your stored suitcase will be delivered to your stateroom.

Hmmm.

I know I said it was too far to sensibly walk from Steinwerder to the city centre, but on getting directions for "Walking" on Google Maps (or whatever) shows there's a walking route of about 2.5 miles, so about a 50 min walk.

You go under the river through The Old Elbe Tunnel of 1911, which looks fascinating!

It could be quite an interesting walk!!

I've NOT done this walk, so do further research yourself if you think it's an option to see a different part of the city! .

The Old Elbe Tunnel in Hamburg is a fun and interesting walk. There aren't many places where you can walk Under a river. We found several good restaurants for seafood along the shore. (If you ask, most of the restaurants will give give you a menu printed in English.)

No, I don't think Cruise Lines should boycott Russia, it's up to individuals to decide if they want to visit a country.

If, at some point in the future, there is Foreign Office advice not to travel, that's different. In that event I would expect Baltic Cruise Itineraries to be revised.

I Totally agree! That should be an individual's choice. If you don't want to visit a particular country, just book your cruise on a line that doesn't go there.

I can't answer your question about walking from Steinwerder since we docked at Hafencity, but I can tell you that Miniatur Wunderland was easily the most memorable single place we visited during our 3 days in Hamburg. You can easily spend 4 hours or more will never be bored. If we ever get back to Hamburg, I will want to go back again.

After reading your previous reply in this thread, I'm more than ever convinced that the passenger mix on board will greatly affect one's overall experience and enjoyment.

 

I was on a B2B Dec. 8th - 22nd and it met my expectations of a QM2 TA. So service and standards could hardly have gone to hell that fast. Or could they?

 

I don't think there is any question that the passenger mix affects the experience. Like BlueRiband, we were also on the B2B Dec. 8th - 22nd crossings and found the experience equal to same high standards of our previous crossings. Obviously, something changed in the very next cruise/crossing and it wasn't the ship or it's crew. Just like at home, holidays are a different than your usual day to day living. I'm sure many on holiday are not on the QM2 for the Cunard/QM2 experience and it shows to those of us who are.

I don't have any insight into any of the reviews - I'll be doing my first crossing this August, but the bad WiFi is actually a plus for me - I'm looking at my 9 days at sea as a good opportunity to disconnect - I haven't been on vacation where I haven't taken my computer with me, and worked (in addition to having a full-time job, I also own a small online business). I don't plan on accessing the internet at all for those 9 days. If our teenage son (age 18) needs to reach us in an emergency, he can call the ship's satellite number (but it would have to be a true emergency).

Good for you!

 

DW and I have made it a habit of only using the ship's internet email for family comunications even though we get 8 hours of free (Platinum) internet service between us . We also avoid watching news networks onthe TV while on board. We used to bring a computer with us, but now just an iPhone and that is usually more for the camera than communications. You can always go down to Connections if you absolutely need a computer. There are more than enough good and interesting activities on the ship to keep us occupied. This is a time for disconnect.

We got talking the other day about possibly taking the QM2 across to Southampton instead. We would most likely book an inside cabin, trying to keep total expenses about the same. Can anyone share their experience of being in an inside cabin for the crossing?

I suggust you ask your TA to check out the prices for obstructed balcony cabins (on deck 8). While they probably more expensive than inside cabins, they are considerably cheaper than a regular balcony cabins because some or most of the view is blocked by lifeboats. However, unlike an inside cabin, you can always (weather permitting) open the balcony door and step outside to get some fresh air. My DW feels that inside cabins are too claustrophobic for her and wants sunlight/daylight coming through the windows during the daytime hours. Another plus is they are all located mid-ship which tends to minimize the motion in rough seas.

Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience this time. We were on the Dec 8th crossing just like you, but we continued on the QM2 back to NY. I can't say that I noticed these crossings being much different that our other crossings. The cabin steward don't seem a personble this time as some we've had on past crossing, but he kept the room just as clean and made up just as well as in the past. I did have to ask for some toiletries when they ran out, but I got them immediately without question.

 

We always ask for (and have received) a table for two on the first sitting. We didn't find the food any better or worse than on other crossing. However, the wait staff was wonderful and treated us like royalty and we plan to ask to be seated with this waiter on our next crossing. We tried the Smokestack specialty restaurant on one night and found it to be very good, but far too much food for us to eat. Lunch in the Veranda was somewhat better than I remember when it was Todd English and again the wait staff was great.

 

We always try to plan our trips so that we are not not on the ship during holidays when the children are out of school. As a result, we seldom see children while on board. Most everyone seemed to dress according to the dress code in both directions. However, we noticed that there were fewer gentlemen wearing tuxedos on the westbound crossing than on the eastbound crossing, but always had an appropriate suit and tie on formal night. Unfortunately, some of the women didn't try very hard.

 

All in all, it is amazing that two (or 4) people can have entirely different experiences on the same ship at the same time.

 

BTW - We love your book and learned some new tricks from it (that we used) ;)

I wouldn't recommend holding your breath until those non-ballroom, romantic, casual dancing, wood dance floors are installed in the QM2 or any of the other Cunard ships lounges.

 

Unlike Cunard, HAL seems like a perfect fit for you.

Dancing & formal wear: Two topics that bring out the elitist charges.

We sail on Cunard because of the Queens Room and the Formal Nights. I think of Fred & Ginger, old black & white movies, 1930s Hollywood, Art Deco, cocktails, romantic walks on deck at night, drinking hot beef bouillon while wrapped in blanket on a deck chair (OK maybe not that one,) and dressing to the nines. I think they should enforce the dress code on formal nights and deny entry to the main dining room, theatre and Queens Room to passengers who don't want to play by the rules. I think everyone who wants to should get out on the floor dance as long as they play by the rules. Am I an elitist? Yes!

 

In my defense I propose that one does not need to go to a lot of effort to get into Cunard fantasy mode. Don't want to buy/rent a tux. A black suit and white shirt will work. You can order a black suit and white shirt on-line for under $100. No one except the person standing right next to you will know the difference. And after the crossing, hang onto it in case someone you know gets married or dies, hopefully not at the same time. If you are unfamiliar with dance etiquette, ask a dance host. They easy to spot and eager to help.

 

I love dancing. I wish everyone danced. I want you to be safe on the dance floor as that will increase your chances of loving dance. And I want to be safe on the dance floor as an injury would really ruin my day. No one that I know ever said that driving rules were elitist. They're for safety. Dance rules are the same.

Amen!

We plan on bringing some of our favorite games on board. That, together with some books to read, will be bliss.

With the QM2's 8,000 volume library, you should have no trouble finding a good book to read. However, be sure to bring along a high-lighter pen for marking the ship's Daily Programme which will be delivered to your stateroom the night before. There may be several lectures or activities that you may find you would like to attend (even if you think you won't now). It's part of the QM2 experience that you shouldn't miss. We frequently find ourselves regreting that we have to decide between more than one lecture or activity that we would like to attend, but are unfortunately scheduled at the very same time. :confused:

You can also bring onboard a couple of bottles of wine (not hard liquor) to enjoy in your cabin without any charge.

Actually, you can bring more than a couple of bottles of wine. We've cruised with several people who routinely bring a bottle for every night they are on the ship. You can drink it in your stateroom, or in the dining room with a modest corkage fee.

You probably will not get seasick on an airplane. On the QM2 you will be at sea in the open North Atlantic (known for waves) for 7 days. The North Atlantic is especially rough in winter. Unless you have cruised before you may not know if you will get seasick. Being seasick for seven days would not be my idea of a fun vacation.

The QM2 is an ocean liner, not a cruise ship, and was designed and built for rough sea crossings. Yes, it is possible that you may get sea sick. However, most people do not. I've never been seasick and DW has been seasick only once in over 80 days on the QM2 mostly on TA crossings, including back to back crossings in December. If you are worried about it, there are motion sickness preventatives available from your local pharmacy, as well as on the ship, to minimize the risk and symptoms.

Seriously?!? :rolleyes:

Sorry, couldn't resist it. ;p

While the QM2 Queens Room dance floor may be small by Country Hoedown standards, the vast majority of dancers find it's 25' x 43' (1,075 sq ft) floor quite adequate for all types and styles of ballroom dance, regardless of sea conditions. It is extremely popular and usually quite crowded during the formal "Balls". However, if you come in later in the evening, you can usually find plent of space. On non-formal nights there is usually plenty of room for everyone to do their best Cha Cha and latin moves. Ask the band leader or the DJ to play a slow "romantic" song and the center of the floor is yours (and of course others who might wish to join you) to dance as you please.

 

Why lament about not having another dance floor that doesn't and probably never will exist, when there is a beautiful ballroom floor availble to use. You just have to come when the floor is not at it's busiest and go to the center of the floor.

You can order steak, chicken or salmon every night with potatoes and steamed veg. Or there is also Kings Court, but why pay for a cruise and eat in a self service motorway cafe.

You can also have a Caesar salad every night if the menu salads don't appeal to you.

[emoji15] just like the formal wear! Where is the dance code?

 

No - not like formal wear.

 

Dance floor etiquette is pretty much the same in most countries around the world regardless of whether you dance the International Style or the American Smooth Style ballroom dance. Here is one and Here is another one of many you can find by simply googling "ballroom etiquette". It's mostly just a matter of being courteous to your fellow dancers.

During a crossing last year we found a couple dancing in thehallway just outside the Queens Room doors. We asked why they didn’t just go inside and they replied that whiledancing another couple had made a rude remark about them being ‘in the way’ sothey felt they had to leave the floor. Nomatter what your level of expertise – or even no expertise at all – there is roomon the ballroom floor for everyone to enjoy dancing as long as we all show some consideration.

This sounds like an example of someone not knowing basic ballroom etiquette regarding WHERE to dance on a ballroom dance floor. If someone is dancing a stationary "spot" dance in an outside (moving) dance lane, they are blocking the path for other dancers. If spot dancers were to move to the center of the floor, no one will say anything to them and everyone on the floor can enjoy their dancing experience.

I did not say that all ballroom dancers were showoffs - but they do exist. Of course, it depends on your definition - mine is those whose dancing does not suit the conditions.!!! a small crowded dance floor on a rolling vessel is not the place to "show off' dancing prowess!!!

Over the years we have been dancing, I've observed many very fine dancers on the Queens Room dance floor on the QM2. I have no idea how you define "show off", but I can tell you from experience that it takes a good dancer with an excellent sense of balance to dance well on rolling seas. Lesser dancers will usually only try it once before retiring to their seats to watch the good dancers do their stuff. "Real" dancers know their limits. It's the once a year dancers that I worry about.