QM2 Christmas / New Years Memories

Day 1 - Elegant Casual

Snow began falling lightly in New York City early afternoon, Saturday, December 19, 2009. Forecasts called for it to increase to 2-3 inches an hour overnight with thunder and lightning. I awoke Sunday morning at 4:20 am and upon descending with my coffee and cigs to the front door of our building, about 9-10 inches lay undisturbed but for a few footprints of hardy, late-night partiers returning home. Winds were gusting at upwards of 20 mph, with snow making surreal drifts over the hoods of the cars parked in front.

By 9 am, I had grown increasingly concerned about our hire car, so I called to confirm our 11:00 am pickup. At first I was told to expect 2 hour delays. I pointed out that I was calling two hours ahead and wanted to know what to expect come 11 am, so I was put through to the dispatcher who reached our car on the radio and it was confirmed he was on schedule and would be on time or 5 minutes late. At a few minutes before 11 am, we brought our luggage down to the lobby our our coop building and just as we reached the front door, our mini-van pulled up.

We made slow but steady progress down the Westside highway and with my printed directions, made it to the port in about 30 minutes. We inched into the terminal area and unloaded. Breezing through security and with only about 5 minutes queuing for the check-in, we took seats in the not overly full waiting area. Within twenty minutes, we boarded as the fourth numbered group to be called. We were swiftly to our cabin (12026) by no later than 12:30. The key cards did not work. Off I went to the Pursars where new cards were issued. By the time I got back, our luggage awaited and we unpacked.

I realized the amenities we had confirmed with HQ for our anniversary package were missing, so back to the Pursars I went and they checked lists and said that no, we were not indicated for such. I had my email fortunately, so they took a copy and write up an audit request and said they would contact California in the morning.

A nice note had been left for me from Janine, personal assistant to the Hotel Manager, confirming our arrangements for the next day’s Christmas Crackers Meet and Greet, so a placed a call to her and left a voice message regarding the anniversary package, to see if she could help sort things out.

Off we went to explore. WOW! The ship was bedecked top to bottom with the most beautiful decorations. Trees everywhere! Huge one in the Grand Lobby, outside the Pub, inside the pub, in open spaces around the ship. Two trees graced either nook at the sides of the Commodore Club. Garlands, wreaths, ribbons, bows, greens, holly, everywhere you looked, it was spectacular to behold!

Up we went to see about some hydrotherapy. The Pavilion Pool area was to be the location for the Sailaway party, so they had everything roped off. Oh well. We enjoyed the snow banks on deck 12 (we were really not supposed to go outside, but I slipped out for some quick pics). Phone calls were made and taken with many kind bon voyage wishes from friends and family. Another friend rang from the ship, but was safely ensconced in the Pub so we would not meet up until the Crackers gathering the next morning.

The Captain had informed us that our sailing would be delayed until at least 6:30pm to allow some passengers coming from Europe to reach us. Unfortunately, many more would not be so lucky. We did sail sometime after 6:30 pm but before 7:00pm if I recall.

Our assigned table was a two top in the Britannia Club. It was sandwiched between two other twos. We were not comfortable. The servers were also apparently not in command of English (they would do the opposite of what Ben asked – pepper? Yes. Turn and walk away!) and also not very polished – fumbling with this and that. Not a good start. Before we finished up, I had a quiet word with Shakher and he showed me a table in the far back room, up against the back wall in the corner. Perfect. A view through the room and into the next, with nobody right on top of us. Apparently the occupants had not made the sailing and would be assigned ours if and when they arrived (they never did). This evening we attended the “Welcome Aboard Presentation” in the Royal Court Theatre.

DAY 2 – At sea - Formal

We rose fairly early (we were feeling the motion up on 12) and went down for breakfast. Our new waitstaff were Rusty and Albert, assisted by Rumil. Top notch from the first moment. This was more like it!

At 10:30 we proceeded to the Commodore Club for the Christmas Crackers Meet and Greet. Wonderful meeting everyone from this board and the other. We had lovely conversation for well over an hour.

We spent the afternoon at the Pavilion Pool, which was in high demand as the weather outside was still not good. First formal night was quite nice. Ben retired early and I checked out the Pub, funny Karaoke. Some talent, some not so much. The main show was vocalist Cheryl Sinclair. We skipped it, but heard she was good.

Day 3 – At sea - Formal

Weather warmed up and most of the day was spent at the deck 8 Terrace Pool. Ben attended the Port and Shopping lecture. Lunch at the Boardwalk. Another formal night. Main show, “Apassionata.” Seen it before so we skipped it.

Day 4 – Tortola - Elegant Casual

We had arranged with two other couples for a private boat tour of some out islands, Norman and Peter Island (I think). One of the couples utilized the QG concierge to obtain priority tender tickets and we met downstairs by the medical center at 8:00 am. We waited there about 30 minutes and got on the first tender with the first organized tour group. Our boat (a twin engine power boat) and Captain were waiting for us just at the dock front just past the tender dock. Off we went across the sea! First stop was Norman Island caves, approachable only from the water. Four or five large caves allowed for interesting snorkel experience. Lots of beautiful fish. Second stop was a small reef over by Peter Island – also quite good. We then motored over to the William T. Thorton pirate ship restaurant moored off of Norman Island. We tied up to the floating dock next to the boat. We were a few minutes early so we enjoyed some rum punch and looked over the menu. Ben and I chose the chicken roti. Lunch was served, more rum punch (watch out for those – especially with more snorkeling coming up!). We spend a good 90 minutes there and then set off to visit “The Indians.” These are four large rock formations rising from the sea kind of far from any other land. We picked up a mooring ball on the calmer side. The plan was to swim down the calm side and then pass between the last two formations and circle back the other side. I set off ahead and then found myself floating over coral formations that were too shallow for my taste. A bit of a panic and I turned around and headed back to the boat. Ben and others made it all the way around and said it was very good. Motored for a good 60 minutes back to the ship and enjoyed the wind and the waves. A great day!! Elegant casual dinner, and a visit to the disco. Quiet. Relatively early to bed. Main show - The Mad Welshman, Kenny Smiles, comedy and songs. Missed it.

Day 5 – St Maarten – Christmas Eve - Semi Formal

We had pre-booked an independent tour here as well. Half-dail snorkel. At the dock, we met our taxi driver who took a group of 10-12 of us to a marina about 20 minutes from the pier near Dawn Beach. We boarded a power boat and off we went in choppy seas. Snorkeled at two stops up near Orient Beach (too far from land to see any clothing optional sunbathers!) and anchored last near a beach club and swam ashore for some sun. It was a terribly rough ride back – almost sick. Made it back to the dock soaking wet and cold. Back by taxi to the ship to prepare for Christmas Eve celebrations. Some afternoon time on Terrace Pool deck after lunch in the dining room. Christmas Eve carols in the Grand Lobby. Another lovely dinner. Ben retired “early” and I made my rounds, Pub, Casino, Disco having conversations an celebrating the holiday with new friends met along the way. A late night. Good thing a sea day was to follow. Main show - vocalist Hal Frazier.

Day 6 – Sea Day – Christmas Day - Formal

Despite the late night, awake early as always. Not feeling too bad, but not my best. Dining room breakfast, Boardwalk Lunch, Terrace Pool snoozing on a lounger.

We had invited ourselves and a bottle of champagne to a friend's QG cabin for Christmas cocktails before dinner and shared delightful conversation and canapés.

“A Cunard Christmas Concert” in the Royal Court before dinner. Singers in Dancers in fine form. A moving Christmas message from Commodore Warner that had many in tears. A reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Edwina Currie and John Jones which was presented with style and grace. The Sunrise String Quartet and harpist Fiona McGee. A wonderful, moving presentation all around.

Christmas dinner was perfect. Crackers with paper crowns and toys were waiting on table and we wore our crowns throughout dinner and the evening. After dinner, we wandered the public rooms and awaited the opening of the Christmas buffet at 11:30pm (more to look at for us, not really into eating more at that hour – care for a gingerbread roof, anyone?). Ben and I enjoyed G32 and put in lots of requests. Got many of them played.

Day 7 – Curacao - Semi Formal

We had planned no excursion, so after breakfast we decided to walk into Willemstadt. We wandered through the new Renaissance resort development by the pier and then across the Queen Emma pontoon bridge into the Punda. Saw the Fort Amsterdam, the Synagogue, Governors Plaza and walked the many streets of shops. The pontoon had swung closed by the time we had tired of the high heat and humidity and we took the ferry back across the inlet. We were hot and wet so back on the ship for some A/C and lunch. Another lovely afternoon on deck for me and Ben went to a shopping lecture by Jenna. Main show - Paraguayan harpist, Francisco Yglesias with a energetic and beautiful concert of contemporary and classical music concluded with an audience participation sing of O Solo Mio (he should not have invited the crowd to join). We had another full day tour the next day so it was an early(ish) night.

Day 8 – Grenada - Elegant Casual

Awoke early for breakfast and then tendered at 9:00 am into St Georges with our ship’s tour group to proceed by mini-bus to La Source Report on Pink Gin Beach (southernmost tip of the island past Grand Anse Beach). A lovely resort, all inclusive with beverages, lunch and lovely pools and beach. Could have played golf or tennis or gotten a massage. Ben partook of waterskiing, kneeboarding and tubing, all pulled by the resorts power boat. He got some shin scrapes. I swam in the multiple pools and observed the fishes in sheltered part of the beach created by a rocky breakwater and watched water aerobics in the pool. Ben then joined the water volleyball and was the key element in finally securing a win for the team he joined. Lunch was delicious Jamaican jerk chicken with rice pilaf and root vegetables washed down with an Australian sauvignon blanc. Back to the watersports for Ben and back to the shade for me (I had gotten red the afternoon before). We departed at 4:30 and rested before dinner – in the sun, of course! Main show - “Crazy in Love” - we walked out after the routine with the effeminate young nerd (fairy was a term used in the songs) who was bullied by the macho men who came out dressed like the Village People. Informed the entertainment director the next evening when he inquired how things were going that we felt it was offensive and would not be accepted if the “fun” were being poked at other minorities. He took a note and said he would have to look into it.

Day 9 - Barbados - Elegant Casual

We awoke to another beautiful day and found a taxi that would take us to Crane Beach for the day. We shared it to the airport with another couple and then Derek the driver took us on further to the Crane Hotel. We paid for access to the hotels facilities and to the beach. Down we went in the elevator to the beach as the hotel stands on a high cliff above the shore (they had cranes in the past to bring up stores). All the chairs and umbrellas were taken, so we went a little further on past the hotel’s area and rented. I then went to get a boogie board for Ben and was told that no day passes were being sold since two days back, as the hotel guests were already waiting for chairs. I showed my receipt and the gent called up to reception to see why they had sold the passes. He said they told him to come up for some new chairs they had located in the stores, but we were already ensconced at our location and did not want to move.

We got the boogie board and Ben had great fun in the heavy surf on this beautiful beach. It is on the south east side of the island, Atlantic facing and is said to have the best waves, and be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It was, but there was all sorts of vegetative flotsam in the surf so I did not swim much other than to get wet and cool off. We watched the local boys shimmy up very tall palms to harvest coconuts to sell to the patrons. I bought a shark’s tooth necklace on a leather string. Enjoyed the local Backs beer.

After we had had our fill of the beach, we headed back up to the hotel and sat by the gorgeous pool(s) and had a few cooling cocktails and wandered the grounds taking pictures, pretending like we were guests. Derek met us at 3:45 as promised and got us back to the ship by a different route through the cane fields and gave us a free impromptu tour with narration of the sights. We saw a monkey cross the road.

More sunning on deck until sailaway. Another lovely dinner with our superb wait staff, then off to the Caribbean deck party. Lots of laughs and beverages under the stars. Main show, Kenny ******, sax and banjo player.

Day 10 – St Lucia - Semi Formal

Another tender port. Today’s adventure - ATV’s. Bus ride to rather remote ranch where we hopped on our individual four-wheeled ATVs and after some brief training, were off through the woods to the beach. It was rather bumpy but when we got to the coast, they had some smooth tracks that we zipped around many times with gorgeous views of the beach and very large breakers. Lots of fun, but not sure I would repeat it anytime soon. It was just too much of a challenge to drive and try and grab peeks at the scenery.

Back on board, grabbed a quick bite at the Boardwalk then on to the Terrace for some lounging but with the rainy conditions, ended up sitting under cover and talking (and smoking and having some cold beers). Dinner, a bit of carrousing, then bed. Main show - Jordan Bennett - “A show like you’ve never seen” which we didn’t.

Day 11 - Dominica - Semi Formal

Late morning, we took the rainforest aerial tram which was high up in the rain forest reached after a 45 minute bus ride on horrible roads, many still under construction. Eight of us, plus a guide boarded the open air, covered tram car and sailed through the canopy. It rained a little. We saw lots of green and some birds. The guide pointed out and told us about all the plants. At the top station we got off and took a 15 minute hike over a suspension bridge across a deep gorge and down a man made path of mostly log steps. Ben swung on the Tarzan vine. Once we reached the mid-station, we reboarded the tram to decend. The down cable was considerably higher than the up one and we got some great open vistas of the volcano and the Caribbean Sea. Back to the main station and after a beverage, back on the bus for the bumpy, windey ride back to the port. Lunch in the Kings Court (La Piazza had some delicious Italian salads) then, surprise!, more time on the Terrace deck. Ben went to another port shopping talk with Jenna (should I be worried or expectant?) then dinner, then G32. The main show was the Cunard Singers in Concert (they had been charming so far, but hearing them in concert did not really appeal).

Day 12 - St Kitts - New Year’s Eve - Formal

Today’s challenge was coastal sea kayaking. A bus ride down to the handle end of the cricket bat shaped island took us to some not so calm waters for a pre-kayak snorkel. The water had been roiled up and virtually no fish were seen. We launched in our two man kayaks and proceeded to paddle against a very strong wind and waves for 60 minutes. Good workout, but not very relaxing. We flipped the kayak in the approach to the beach in heavy surf. The boat landed on my head and I cut my foot. Will think twice about such an adventure in the future. Some delicious fresh fruits and fruit juices were provided before the bus ride back. Saw green vervet monkeys on the return. Cool how they send one up to perch on the top of the vegetation to serve as a scout.

Lunch in the dining room, then more time on deck in the sun. Dinner was a delight. Upon reaching our table we donned our party gear, a top hat for Ben and a tiarra for me. Throughout dinner we had a festive call and response with our noisemakers. Very festive dining. We then checked out G32, which was packed, but playing the expected late 80s stuff such as “Celebration” etc. so we made a swing through the Queens Room and ended up in the Champagne Bar at midnight (we found chairs that a larger group was not using). We enjoyed the merriment til just past midnight then retired for the night. Main show was vocalist Annette Wardell.

Day 13 - St Thomas - New Years Day - Elegant Casual

Today was to be another “active” tour, the Ocean Yacht Racing. Three boats of 4 passengers and two crew set sail. After some training and some practice tacks and grinding and releasing we began the race. It was exhilirating and a high point of all our excursions. Our captain, Travis, and his mate, Jake, were wonderful. We grabbed the lead and held it to the finish line, although it was close all the way. After celebratory rum punches we looked at the pictures that had been taken and bought the flash drive as there were a number of very good shots of us from both onboard and from the other boats. Ben excused himself for some shopping reconnaissance while I enjoyed another rum punch. When I found him he was deep in inspection of some gold/black coral cufflink/stud sets. This was what all the shopping lectures had lead to! Of course in the end he bought nothing and I, well, bought a little something I did not intend to, but could not resist!

Back onboard, lunch, terrace, dinner. Kenny ****** again as the main show. An early night for us.

Day 14 - Day 15 - At sea

First day was gusty, but still warm enough to sit out. “Viva Italia” as the main show. That night, the seas really started to swell. We awoke to a full blown gale. 40 kt winds, 15-18 foot swells. Ben spent most of the day in bed watching TV. I spent it at the Pavilion Pool listening to my Ipod. A very bumpy night. Into New York and docked at 7:00 and off by 7:30 with self help. Cab within 15 minutes and home in another 40 minutes.

It was a fantastic trip, one we will never forget. We met some wonderful folks and had a lot of laughs, some great food, lots of holiday spirit and great times on tour. We hope that you all enjoy the above and that you too will have the pleasure one day of sailing on a holiday voyage with Cunard. They do it so well. I wish I could go every year.

Apologies for typos, mistakes, etc. in the above. I need to move on to culling pictures!

Happy New Year all!!!!

Welcome home, Michael. Thank you for such a detailed and extremely well written review. I felt as if I were sailing with you. I'm delighted you had such a wonderful holiday cruise. I, too, hope to experience Christmas on a Cunard ship one day.

Happy New Year.

Beth

Michael,

Great review--I am delighted that you had such a good time!

The Paraguayan harpist, Francisco Yglesias, was on the QE2 Med cruise in 8/08 and he is terrific. He and his wife joined us for dinner in Caronia and they are as energetic and entertaining as his music--truly a delightful couple.

Michael,

Thanks for your fantastic review, it sounds just like I imagined it would be. :D

Shame I didn't make it on to the ship, your review makes me more enthusiastic to try again to get on the Mary, I will sail from Southampton next time, no more attempts at air travel !!!!

Thanks again for your review, it would have been delightful to met everyone, I had such a good time on the Queen Vic in July, such lovely people. :)

Must get around to booking my next big trip and try again to get on the Mary...

Kind Regards,

Chris.

Michael and Ben,

Helen and I really enjoyed meeting you and our day together in Tortola. Look forward to seeing you again on future cruises or, let us know when you will be in the Lake George region and you can stop by and we can take a cruise on the lake. Unfortunately not quite the same snorkeling experience as Tortola.

Now I am back at work in Omaha where the temperature yesterday was -14degrees F (thats temeperature not wind chill which was -25)

Back to reality

Bye, it was a great cruise.

Lovely review, Michael. Thank you, and welcome back to reality...

Mary

Michael and Ben,

 

Helen and I really enjoyed meeting you and our day together in Tortola. Look forward to seeing you again on future cruises or, let us know when you will be in the Lake George region and you can stop by and we can take a cruise on the lake. Unfortunately not quite the same snorkeling experience as Tortola.

 

Now I am back at work in Omaha where the temperature yesterday was -14degrees F (thats temeperature not wind chill which was -25)

 

Back to reality

 

Bye, it was a great cruise.

Bob,

It was our great pleasure to meet you and Helen and we thoroughly enjoyed our day together at Tortola. Thanks for arranging. I do hope our paths cross again. Our best to you and Helen and stay warm in Omaha! Hope you don't have to stay there long!

Kind regards,

Michael

Lovely review, Michael. Thank you, and welcome back to reality...

 

Mary

Thank you, Mary. We had a blast! Yes, reality is hitting quite hard just now! And the cold.

Happy New Year!

Fondly,

Michael

Michael,

 

Thanks for your fantastic review, it sounds just like I imagined it would be. :D

Shame I didn't make it on to the ship, your review makes me more enthusiastic to try again to get on the Mary, I will sail from Southampton next time, no more attempts at air travel !!!!

 

Thanks again for your review, it would have been delightful to met everyone, I had such a good time on the Queen Vic in July, such lovely people. :)

 

Must get around to booking my next big trip and try again to get on the Mary...

 

Kind Regards,

Chris.

Chris,

We are so sorry for you that you were not able to make it, as well as for all the others. We hope you salvaged something of a good holiday.

Thanks for your kind words. Do take the opportunity when it presents itself to sail on this glorious ship! Best to you and a happy, healthy New Year!

Regards,

Michael

A couple of other bits:

Our wonderful waiter, Rusty, in Britannia Club, was able to secure Époisses de Bourgogne cheese for us every night except for the first and it came without even having to request! Wonderful creation and very kind of Rusty.

Ben tired somewhat of the eggs on the menu after a couple of breakfasts and asked if they could make him a breakfast burrito (warmed flour tortilla wrapped around scrambled eggs, refried beans, hash browns, bacon and cheese). Our Maitre 'D, Shakher, took notes and said he would speak with the Chef to see about this. Two days later, they were forthcoming. Great they could make it happen!

Our dining room service team was unfailingly excellent (after we switched tables after night one). Only one night did they seem somewhat in "the weeds" but we were in no rush so not bothered in the least.

Michael

Michael, it sounds just wonderful--a perfect cruise on a perfect ship at the perfect time of the year, who could ask for more. Thank you for taking me along in your usual well written, informative way. Actually, last year we were hoping to go on the Christmas cruise as well , but with all that came up during the year, we had to put it off. Maybe next year!

Gail:)

What a spendid way to spend the Holidays!

Thank you so very much for a well written, thoughtful review.

I really enjoyed your review- thanks.

heywood

Thanks for your detailed and enjoyable review. My partner and I were amongst the group left at Heathrow airport and reading the review did make me rather sad to have not been there- but was great to hear you had a good time.

Thanks for your detailed and enjoyable review. My partner and I were amongst the group left at Heathrow airport and reading the review did make me rather sad to have not been there- but was great to hear you had a good time.

Believe me, our hearts did ache for all who missed it. I met a gentleman who had found his own way with his mom to Barbados via Paris and spent 4 days there (not a bad place to be) after it became apparent that Cunard was not going to be able to make it happen.

Although we heard that Cunard is making refunds, nothing can quite replace taking the trip you likely had dreamed about for months.

If you are thinking of going this year, you may want to approach Cunard and ask for the enhanced onboard credit they were offering onboard for those booking this year's holiday voyage. Double the normal OBC (it was up to $600 pp for balconies).

Great review Michael, so pleased you both had a good trip.

It sounds as though you enjoyed Club dining, was wondering how you compared it to PG.

Jackie :)

Great review Michael, so pleased you both had a good trip.

 

It sounds as though you enjoyed Club dining, was wondering how you compared it to PG.

 

Jackie :)

Jackie, thanks. We liked the Club very much. They can't do the extra special tableside preparations, but they did bring us some special requests as noted above. We really liked the annex room; the room had a very warm feeling with lots of smiles and hellos among the tables. A nice intimate supper club feeling. We would do it again.

Hope you are well and Happy New Year!

Fondly,

Michael

Jackie, thanks. We liked the Club very much. They can't do the extra special tableside preparations, but they did bring us some special requests as noted above. We really liked the annex room; the room had a very warm feeling with lots of smiles and hellos among the tables. A nice intimate supper club feeling. We would do it again.

 

Hope you are well and Happy New Year!

 

Fondly,

 

Michael

Happy New Year to you and Ben too...we are both well thank you.

We had a wander through Club last year and found it to have a very cosy feel also, albeit that it was empty at the time!

We simply loved PG in 2008, but were really disappointed with QG last October.

Maybe due to the fact that we were upgraded...but both the atmosphere and service did not impress.

Glad you enjoyed the experience and it most certainly gives us food for thought for future cruises/crossings!

Best to you both

Jackie :)

"Rusty, in Britannia Club, was able to secure Époisses de Bourgogne cheese "

one of my favourite cheeses, lucky you! A lovely review and makes me want to try a Christmas/New Year cruise on the gorgeous QM2.

"We enjoyed the snow banks on deck 12 (we were really not supposed to go outside, but I slipped out for some quick pics). "

Would love to see some pics with snow on deck if you could share. Do they still attach Christmas trees to the forward mast like they did on QE2?

From other posts it has been commented that they close off the decks of QM2 (during rough seas). Now you have said that you were not supposed to go outside.

Can someone tell me when they 'close off the outside decks', how do they do that in practice and how thorough is it. For example are there any areas that passengers without a balcony can get fresh air?

Peter

"We enjoyed the snow banks on deck 12 (we were really not supposed to go outside, but I slipped out for some quick pics). "

 

Would love to see some pics with snow on deck if you could share. Do they still attach Christmas trees to the forward mast like they did on QE2?

Here you are.

Christmas Trees...

From other posts it has been commented that they close off the decks of QM2 (during rough seas). Now you have said that you were not supposed to go outside.

 

Can someone tell me when they 'close off the outside decks', how do they do that in practice and how thorough is it. For example are there any areas that passengers without a balcony can get fresh air?

 

Peter

Peter,

Often you will see velcro strips (as you see in airport lines to form queues) stretched across doorways to the deck. Other places with have the doors tied closed or otherwise roped off. I have only in one instance seen the back Terrace Pool deck on 8 closed off, and that was on Dec. 20, 2009 when it was icy and snowy. Even in the gale conditions returning to NYC on Jan 3, 2010, that area remained open. It's more the side and front decks that they restrict when underway in heavy wind. Hope this helps.

The doors on deck 7 from King's Court were definitely closed off during our trip north.

Steven, the night waiter (11 pm - 10:30 am) told me that he normally takes a short break on deck during the night and he was told by security staff not to go out on deck and the doors were not even to be opened.

On the trip south, some of the crew told me how excited they were to see the snow on the decks because it was a first for them.

I've attached a picture of the tree on deck 3 outside the Chart Room.