Transatlantic Alone-QM2 Advice

[wack001]

I have been on 26 cruises and this will be my first ever Transatlantic crossing.

I am doing this as my reward for a completed job in the Middle East, for the first time I will be traveling alone so here are my questions;

 

- Since I will have NO formal attire with me just smart casual; will I be allowed in the main dining room in the evenings( I do not like cafeteria food)?

- I am in my mid 50's and very active, will there be enough activities on board(besides the gym)?

- Do they have Karaoke on board which I love?

 

Any other information would be helpful, reading the reviews I am getting mixed signals and thinking perhaps I should fly back to the US.

Thanks

cruisinbob.com

[Whitemarsh]

I have been on 26 cruises and this will be my first ever Transatlantic crossing.

I am doing this as my reward for a completed job in the Middle East, for the first time I will be traveling alone so here are my questions;

 

- Since I will have NO formal attire with me just smart casual; will I be allowed in the main dining room in the evenings( I do not like cafeteria food)?

- I am in my mid 50's and very active, will there be enough activities on board(besides the gym)?

- Do they have Karaoke on board which I love?

 

Any other information would be helpful, reading the reviews I am getting mixed signals and thinking perhaps I should fly back to the US.

Thanks

cruisinbob.com

 

Ignore the reviews, some of them seem to have been written by folks who live permanently at Versailles and for whom the service and cuisine that Cunard provides is lacking in comparison.

 

Yes, there are plenty of activities. So many that you won't get a chance to do them all. And yes, they have karaoke.

 

For formal nights you will , at least, need at dark suit with a tie. If you're not willing to meet this requirement than you will find the alternative dining options on deck seven available for you. And they're not cafeteria food so you'll be fine.

[pepperrn]

I have been on 26 cruises and this will be my first ever Transatlantic crossing. I am doing this as my reward for a completed job in the Middle East, for the first time I will be traveling alone so here are my questions; - Since I will have NO formal attire with me just smart casual; will I be allowed in the main dining room in the evenings( I do not like cafeteria food)? - I am in my mid 50's and very active, will there be enough activities on board(besides the gym)? - Do they have Karaoke on board which I love? Any other information would be helpful, reading the reviews I am getting mixed signals and thinking perhaps I should fly back to the US. Thanks cruisinbob.com

Hi,

A transatlantic crossing on QM2 has a different atmosphere and QM2 is not (being a liner) in many ways, like a cruise ship. A west-bound crossing on QM2 and arrival into New York is my favourite voyage.

You will need one dark suit for the voyage. wear it without a tie for the "elegant casual" nights, and with a tie for all the other nights. Around 95% of men will be in "black tie" (the others in a dark suit) on formal nights (3). Cunard is "dressier" than other lines, and a crossing is more formal than some Cunard cruises. The "smart casual" found on other lines will not be suitable for a Cunard QM2 crossing.

There are MASSES of activities on board, truly. You can do as much or as little as you wish.

Karaoke is often held in the Golden Lion, I am usually in the Commodore Club, but I know I've heard it as I've made my way past the entrances to the pub on occasions. I've travelled both as a single and with others, no problems on a Cunard ship, everyone (99.99%) is very friendly.

I would urge you to sail back to America on QM2, it is a wonderful experience. For me, the first time was life-changing.

There are pictures of QM2 interiors and cabins, and photos taken during crossings, via the link below.

Book the voyage, have a great time, claim your reward, Bon Voyage! :) :) :)

[Salacia]

I have been on 26 cruises and this will be my first ever Transatlantic crossing.

I am doing this as my reward for a completed job in the Middle East, for the first time I will be traveling alone so here are my questions;

 

- Since I will have NO formal attire with me just smart casual; will I be allowed in the main dining room in the evenings( I do not like cafeteria food)?

- I am in my mid 50's and very active, will there be enough activities on board(besides the gym)?

- Do they have Karaoke on board which I love?

 

Any other information would be helpful, reading the reviews I am getting mixed signals and thinking perhaps I should fly back to the US.

Thanks

cruisinbob.com

 

Hi. Oddly enough, I was just talking with a friend about sailing home. My response was that if I was going to sail trans-Atlantic, I would only do it on an ocean liner. And there is only one currently in operation: QM2.

 

As to your questions:

If you wish to dress for formal occasions, the shop on board does a good job in fitting rentals.

 

For men, a jacket, tie, collared shirt and trousers will suffice for most nights in the dining room.

 

I don't really know if you will find the actvites on board enjoyable or not, but there are usually many options.

 

Of course, if you are in a hurry, the best mode of transport is a plane...but if you need to "decompress" after completing your job, maybe you might just enjoy sailing home? Please let us know how it works out for you. Thanks & best wishes, -S.

 

P.S. Kings Court, I have found, is really very nice in off-hours. If you care to dine informally around 9-10 pm, go to Kings Court, sit at a window table, and just enjoy.

[Norfolk Brit]

Hi,

Karaoke is often held in the Golden Lion, I am usually in the Commodore Club, but I know I've heard it as I've made my way past the entrances to the pub on occasions.

 

Hmm, so who was the bloke that looked exactly like you singing all the parts of Bohemian Rhapsody, even the high twiddly bits?

 

My ears are still bleeding.:(

 

Sir Martin

[BMWX5]

ENCORE ENCORE ENCORE We want more Pepper!!!:D:D:D

[pepperrn]

Hmm, so who was the bloke that looked exactly like you singing all the parts of Bohemian Rhapsody, even the high twiddly bits?

Ah, you recognised my "singing", did it remind you of your younger days, when you were still medically able to "tom-cat" about (before that visit to the vet) and "sing" while stalking back-yards late at night?

My ears are still bleeding.:( Sir Martin

Ears bleeding will be the least of your problems when I get hold of you (I fully expect to take "the down escalator" when the time comes, so watch out :eek: ).

[wack001]

Ignore the reviews, some of them seem to have been written by folks who live permanently at Versailles and for whom the service and cuisine that Cunard provides is lacking in comparison.

 

Yes, there are plenty of activities. So many that you won't get a chance to do them all. And yes, they have karaoke.

 

For formal nights you will , at least, need at dark suit with a tie. If you're not willing to meet this requirement than you will find the alternative dining options on deck seven available for you. And they're not cafeteria food so you'll be fine.

 

Thanks;

 

I NEVER carry or care to rent a suit figure I paid my money, so I assume I will be refused entrance to MDR?

Dining options deck #7, what are , I do NOT eat at buffets...

Thanks

[pepperrn]

ENCORE ENCORE ENCORE We want more Pepper!!!:D:D:D

Had I ever attempted "singing" during Karaoke in the Golden Lion, Cunard would pay me to shut up. To say I sound like a small rodent being operated on without the benefit of anaesthetic merely hints at the pain inflicted on others by my un-melodic/discordant renderings. A metal grinder sounds more in-tune and fingernails scraping down a chalk board more pleasant :o .

[AstroExeter]

It is likely that you will be refused entry to the MDR if you are not in at least, a suit, collar and tie on formal nights. On other nights you will need collared shirt and slacks and jacket, slacks and shirt with tie at the least.

Just about everyone goes with the pretty strict dress code on QM2 and those who choose not to either eat in their stateroom or go to Kings Court (which is really nice in the evening). One of the main attractions for most of Cunard passengers is the formality and the chance to dress up. Personally I don't care what you wear but I wonder why you chose Cunard when it is well known what the expectations are?

 

As for activities, there are plenty! Everything from the Planetarium to daily lectures and bridge clubs. Also the usual quizzes, games and full theatre entertainment in the evenings. There is also a cinema, spa, indoor pool and casino. the Golden Lion has Karaoke some nights ( I love it too ) and there is a night club, G32, open til the small hours.

 

Enjoy your voyage! :)

[pepperrn]

Thanks; I NEVER carry or care to rent a suit figure I paid my money, so I assume I will be refused entrance to MDR? Dining options deck #7, what are , I do NOT eat at buffets... Thanks

One of the main reasons that many cross the Atlantic with Cunard on the QM2 is to enjoy the atmosphere of the spectacular Britannia Restaurant (or the Grill Restaurants).

If you do not own a dark suit, or do not wish to purchase even a reasonably priced one for the crossing (and occasional use afterwards) then you will be missing out on much that makes a crossing special. If you were to dine each night (at $10 a time) in the three small converted-for-the-evening-from-a-buffet dining areas, then you might regret deciding not to fly home, or alternatively, enter into the spirit of things. A friend of mine didn't want to wear a suit for his first crossing, loved the whole experience, had no problems with the dress code despite his pre-sailing concerns, and is now on his third Cunard voyage.

There will be some here who will say that Crossing on Cunard's QM2 is not for those who feel uncomfortable putting on a jacket and tie for the evening. I would say, having seen one or two passengers in "smart casual" wear in the bars and theatres on board, looking very uncomfortable surrounded by others wearing "black tie", that I have agree with that point of view. Whatever you decide to do, and I hope that is cross on QM2, have a good voyage.

[wack001]

One of the main reasons that many cross the Atlantic with Cunard on the QM2 is to enjoy the atmosphere of the spectacular Britannia Restaurant (or the Grill Restaurants).

If you do not own a dark suit, or do not wish to purchase even a reasonably priced one for the crossing (and occasional use afterwards) then you will be missing out on much that makes a crossing special. If you were to dine each night (at $10 a time) in the three small converted-for-the-evening-from-a-buffet dining areas, then you might regret deciding not to fly home, or alternatively, enter into the spirit of things. A friend of mine didn't want to wear a suit for his first crossing, loved the whole experience, had no problems with the dress code despite his pre-sailing concerns, and is now on his third Cunard voyage.

There will be some here who will say that Crossing on Cunard's QM2 is not for those who feel uncomfortable putting on a jacket and tie for the evening. I would say, having seen one or two passengers in "smart casual" wear in the bars and theatres on board, looking very uncomfortable surrounded by others wearing "black tie", that I have agree with that point of view. Whatever you decide to do, and I hope that is cross on QM2, have a good voyage.

 

Thanks for the nice advice, I will be returning from a job and thought doing a transatlantic would be fun(for those who DID not read). I like what you wrote, I have some smart casuals cloths with me but since I am returning from a job I have packed light.

 

Could you please clarify the dining options, a little confused, is the alternative to MDR a buffet?

Thanks

[AstroExeter]

TA's are fun! They are just not the type of "fun" you may expect on other cruise lines. I believe that on Formal and Elegant Formal nights the Kings Court converts from a buffet to waiter service ( at an extra charge ) but as I have never eaten there in the evening I may be wrong. I think the point is that there is a higher expectation of formality on Cunard but of course there are always people who will do there own thing, and that is their choice. You have said that your travel "smart casual" but don't explain what that is? jeans for instance, are not acceptable wear in the evening on QM2 according to their dress code.

 

By the way, I am not a "Fashion Fascist". Just trying to help you get a clear picture of what to expect!

[pepperrn]

Thanks for the nice advice, I will be returning from a job and thought doing a transatlantic would be fun(for those who DID not read). I like what you wrote, I have some smart casuals cloths with me but since I am returning from a job I have packed light. Could you please clarify the dining options, a little confused, is the alternative to MDR a buffet?

Thanks

Other than the Britannia Restaurant (which I love :)) and the two Grill Restaurants (only open to those in "suite" cabins), there is, on Deck 7, a large (500 seat) open plan three-section buffet area. The three sections are The Carvery, Lotus, La Piazza (there is a tiny fourth section that acts as a demonstration galley).

For breakfast and lunch this area (The Kings Court) acts as a buffet with differing sections open to all with no reservation required.

 

At night two of the sections become reservation-only "restaurants" They "dress" the tables and erect screens so you can't see the cooking going on.

The third section remains as a buffet.

They rotate which of the three will be the buffet. So, for example, there is choice for those who may fancy Asian or Italian themed food that night, while the Carvery remains as a buffet. And the next night it all changes.

There is a $10 a head charge for dining in these restaurants (but NOT the buffet section).

Many diners in these "alternative" restaurants will still adhere to the dress code for the evening (as they will be going into bars or the theatre after dinner).

 

There is also a "Todd English" restaurant at the aft end of deck 8 which charges by the dish. Around $20-$40 (plus wine) a head, is a rough idea of price depending on your selection.

 

Hope this helps.

Did I mention I love the Britannia Restaurant? :D .

[wack001]

Good information, the cloths I am carrying are smart "dockers" pants dark colors, short sleeve polo type conservative solid colors, I do have long sleeve white shirts with tie(when I meet the executives), so I have smart cloths just no suits or jacket and not in the mood to rent one, since I am traveling alone I will pay a premium for my cabin but my airfare is around $1500 business class so it will be break even but more fun than 14 hr airplane flight.

 

Dinning options are now recorded. Thanks

http://www.cruisinbob.com

[capnpugwash]

If you wish to enter any of the bars or public rooms after 6pm on any evening you will need to be wearing a jacket. If you don't wish to comply with this most basic norm then you will have a pretty dire time. Short sleeved polo shirts are never appropriate attire during an evening on a Cunard ship. I assume that they have shops where you have been working so I would suggest that you either buy a jacker or an airline ticket.

[spanishlady]

If you have anytime in Southampton before your cruise there are loads of shops where you can get a jacket under 30 pounds lots of second hand shops too so you can just buy one and dump it don't miss out on the Britanica it's great fun

[3rdGenCunarder]

Good information, the cloths I am carrying are smart "dockers" pants dark colors, short sleeve polo type conservative solid colors, I do have long sleeve white shirts with tie(when I meet the executives), so I have smart cloths just no suits or jacket and not in the mood to rent one, since I am traveling alone I will pay a premium for my cabin but my airfare is around $1500 business class so it will be break even but more fun than 14 hr airplane flight.

 

Dinning options are now recorded. Thanks

www.cruisinbob.com

 

Your mood may change once you're on board and you see how the other passengers are dressed in the evening.

 

Since you don't have a suit with you, give another thought to renting a tux. Have any of your cruises have been on Cunard? It really is different from the other lines where they say there is a dress code but lots of people ignore it. On Cunard, passengers follow the dress code. On port-intensive cruises, you will see some casual clothing at dinner at the buffet, especially if people got back late from a tour. But on a transatlantic, this isn't an issue, so you don't see that happen.

[wack001]

If you wish to enter any of the bars or public rooms after 6pm on any evening you will need to be wearing a jacket. If you don't wish to comply with this most basic norm then you will have a pretty dire time. Short sleeved polo shirts are never appropriate attire during an evening on a Cunard ship. I assume that they have shops where you have been working so I would suggest that you either buy a jacker or an airline ticket.

 

No wonder this cruise is so reduced, who wants to put with so many rules, jacket, heck no! I want to enjoy myself but thank you to all who posted and helped me decide, my polo shirt and a jacket over hmmm.

26 cruises under my belt and never so many rules, cool.

[pepperrn]

No wonder this cruise is so reduced, who wants to put with so many rules, jacket, heck no! I want to enjoy myself but thank you to all who posted and helped me decide, my polo shirt and a jacket over hmmm. 26 cruises under my belt and never so many rules, cool.

I have tried to carefully explain that a transatlantic crossing on the world's only liner: QM2, with Cunard, is NOT your average cruise on your average white-hulled bloated cruise ship (that are ten-a-penny) where anything goes (with t-shirt and shorts seen in the dining room, and "dressing up" means a clean "wife-beater"). If you really can't wear a jacket under any circumstances, or a dark suit (heaven knows what you'll do for a funeral or formal job interview), then Cunard, sadly, isn't for you.

I wish you well for your next 26 cruises, and hope you have a pleasant flight.

[AstroExeter]

I am really, really not trying to act like the fashion police and I despise those snooty passengers who pass judgment on others but Pepper and the Captain are correct. You will stand out like a sore thumb on a Cunard TA unfortunately. Surely you could compromise a little and add a jacket, shirt and tie to your wardrobe? As I said before, I personally don't care if you turn up naked in the MDR! That is indeed your own choice but I am only trying to help you feel you can enjoy the crossing. Yes, Cunard does have rules, and most passengers,if not all, abide by them and enjoy the experience. I'm afraid this, for you will be a waste of your time and money but what the hell. Go for it. :rolleyes:

[Artemis]

wack001, we've twice used a crossing to return to the states, and it definitely beats flying! But you're right, I don't think Cunard is for you this time.

 

However, if you're talking Oct.-Dec., please be sure to check the usual cruise search engines to see if you can find an option you like among the several repositioning voyages of ships headed to the Caribbean for the winter season. If you plan to return to the US in the spring, you are probably out of luck, unless there is a new build being released from a European shipyard.

 

Best wishes! :)

[Whitemarsh]

Thanks;

I NEVER carry or care to rent a suit figure I paid my money, so I assume I will be refused entrance to MDR?

Dining options deck #7, what are , I do NOT eat at buffets...

Thanks

 

I can only hope so.

 

No wonder this cruise is so reduced, who wants to put with so many rules, jacket, heck no! I want to enjoy myself but thank you to all who posted and helped me decide, my polo shirt and a jacket over hmmm.

26 cruises under my belt and never so many rules, cool.

 

Enjoy your flight.

[wack001]

No wonder they are offering this cruise at rock bottom prices, in 26 cruise I have never seen a flip or T-shirt at dinner except for once when a family luggage never made it to a 10N Baltic cruise. Rules are rules but times are changing and the world is changing, no mention of what I do but I do work for some high powered companies and the suit and tie are a thing of the past.. oh well let others enjoy and thank you all for opening my eyes, Cunard was the only crossing in December(I do my homework). I will buy my business class ticket and look at another line for another time.

http://www.cruisinbob.com

[AstroExeter]

Actually the prices are fairly normal. Cunard always has a few deals and rarely fails to sell them. I do think you have made the right decision as you would probably not be happy on board with all the "rules". Times may be changing, but not always for the better. ;)