Winter Garden Refit

[Cunard Cruiser]

I was looking at the 2006 brochure and it shows the Winter Garden. Could it be they decided to keep the area and not expand Kings Court? If they do I hope they get rid of the parrots mural.

Has anyone heard any recent refit details?

[scottsanfilippo]

It also shows the Champagne Bar which I believe was mentioned on here as becoming a coffee bar.

[csnorkle]

While the fate of the aforementioned parrots is uncertain, the Winter Garden is definitely going (had a long talk with Andrea, who runs the King's Court a couple of weeks ago).

 

My money says they keep the ceiling (which is pretty nice), but repaint/finish that wall with the parrots and fake flowers to tie in with the rest of the King's Court.

 

Couldn't get confirmation on the Champagne bar, but I'm hoping for java myself. They'd make a TON a money as long as the coffee was actually decent.

 

Chris

[dougnewmanatsea]

I suppose it is not a bad idea to turn the Winter Garden into additional seating for Kings Court, provided that such seating is actually needed (considering the enormity of Kings Court, it is almost impossible to believe that it might not actually be huge enough; but then the popularity of buffets these days is astounding).

 

I certainly hope that that that awful parrot mural goes the way of the dodo. Same goes for the pastic wicker, the plastic plants, and perhaps worst of all, those incredibly tacky "garden gates" with the street lamps atop. The whole ting looks amazingly like the result of a bad early 1960s refurbishment of some ageing British liner or hotel. (In fact, Cunard was severly criticised in the '60s for using, among other things, plastic greenery in an extremely misguied attempt to "modernise" the original queens. 40 years later and they seem to once again have run into trouble with petrochemically-derived flora!)

 

I found the painted ceiling, in contrast to most of the room's other furnishings, to be inoffensive and would not mind if it stayed. However, I think its appearance would be greatly improved if it were given the benefit of better lighting - it is really not illuminated at all in its present condition, and as a result I found it barely noticeable in the murkiness of the space's dim lighting.

[wripro]

there are many more problems with kings court than can be solved by adding the space from the winter garden. the whole concept needs to be rethought so it doesnt have the feel of a school cafeteria. there were way too many people wandering around with full trays looking for an empty place to sit, not the experience one expects on a luxury liner.

[scottsanfilippo]

wripro - I have to agree with you. In April I managed to meander to the King's Court for a snack in the afternoon and it was a complete and utter diasaster. People didn't know what to do, where to go, the multiple stations confused many, and the lack of seating didn't make things easier. After witnessing that cluster, I never went back to it again. When I was on this July, I wouldn't even go near it.

 

I don't know what other people's thoughts of a buffet are, but I tend to think it's out of place on a "luxury liner." I would rather see the space turned into another alternative restaurant like a gourmet steak house or Italian venue rather than a buffet. When I think cruise ship buffet, I think of Carnival, not Cunard. Just my opinion.

[rkacruiser]

I agree with wripro; wandering around with a full tray trying to find a place to sit was a major headache(along with trying to find where they kept the teaspoons).

 

I may be a minority of one, but I liked the Winter Garden and its decor. The waterfall, the mural, the comfortable seating, the piano music at times, and the fact that it was underused, so there were never alot of people around: all were pluses in my opinion.

[DanZ]

It too avoided the King's Court like the plague except for a quick lunch on embarkation day and one or two quick snacks for my boys. Agreed.... it is out of place.

[elaine61]

I think that all self service eateries on the ships tend to get the same criticism!! I see a lot of comments about the self service areas on the P & O ships which are the only ones I can compare with at the moment.

 

Elaine

[wripro]

there are buffets on Silversea, Seabourn and Radisoon that are completely different from the QM2. The second your plate is full a waiter takes it from you and escorts you to your table. there is never any problem finding a table. they are all set with cloths, silver and flowers. beverages are poured for you and replenished as needed. in all, its a lovely experience instead of the free for all on QM2. now i understand that QM2 carries 2600 passengers instead of the much smaller load on that above ships so its incumbent on the designers to come up with a way to service that many people without making them feel like cattle.

[dtwtraveler]

I think that all self service eateries on the ships tend to get the same criticism!! I see a lot of comments about the self service areas on the P & O ships which are the only ones I can compare with at the moment.

 

Elaine

 

I've only been on the QE2, but if the buffet on the QM2 is so horrible, why is it so crowded? Everyone could eat in the Britannia, etc., instead of the buffet. Just wondering.....:confused:

[guernseyguy]

I agree with wripro; wandering around with a full tray trying to find a place to sit was a major headache(along with trying to find where they kept the teaspoons).

 

I may be a minority of one, but I liked the Winter Garden and its decor. The waterfall, the mural, the comfortable seating, the piano music at times, and the fact that it was underused, so there were never alot of people around: all were pluses in my opinion.

 

rkacruiser,

 

Make that a minority of two! Apart from the art auction (which I avoid), I found the place a lovely quiet refuge and a great place for the Worldclub party. I also found the Kings Court a bit of a trial - the theory of having four separate areas is interesting - the practice works less well - I found the buffet on the Brilliance of the Seas much easier to navigate.

 

Peter

[elaine61]

I've only been on the QE2, but if the buffet on the QM2 is so horrible, why is it so crowded? Everyone could eat in the Britannia, etc., instead of the buffet. Just wondering.....:confused:

 

I haven't been on the QM2 yet, so cannot comment about Kings court. We are on QM2 in September, but for now we have only cruised with P & O. I have to say that I shall be going to Kings Court for my breakfast and lunch. I don't doubt for one minute that there is anything wrong food wise. The problem is getting somewhere to sit at peak times. On P & O we tend to leave getting lunch until near the end of the lunch period. It is a lot quieter then and normally not an issue getting a table. We were last on the QE2 in 2001 and from what I remember then we did have help finding us a table. They also had a wonderful area that made sandwiches for you. I hope they have something similar on the QM2. I personally do not have an issue with buffet for breakfast and lunch. I would be tempted to eat more than I should if I went down to the restaurant. I usually just opt for cold meat and a roll at lunchtime.

 

Elaine

[elaine61]

there are buffets on Silversea, Seabourn and Radisoon that are completely different from the QM2. The second your plate is full a waiter takes it from you and escorts you to your table. there is never any problem finding a table. they are all set with cloths, silver and flowers. beverages are poured for you and replenished as needed. in all, its a lovely experience instead of the free for all on QM2. now i understand that QM2 carries 2600 passengers instead of the much smaller load on that above ships so its incumbent on the designers to come up with a way to service that many people without making them feel like cattle.

 

Silversea, Seabourn and Radisson are surely in a completely different league. For a start all drink is included in your fare with Silversea isn't it?? Not familiar with the Seabourn or Radisson product so cannot comment. I would have thought that even QM2 was not in the same league as Silversea. I would have put QM2 as 5*, my regular ship Aurora as 4*/4*+ and Silversea as 5*+ or 6* if there is such a thing!! Also as you quite rightly point out they are a lot smaller in passenger size. I wonder what the staff to passenger ratio is on QM2 and a Silversea ship?? I'm sure it would be nice to have the buffet run like the ships you mention on QM2 or in my case Aurora but I just don't think it is practical. I am more than happy to do self service for my breakfast and lunch. I would not do self service for my main meal. OK at times it gets rather busy in the Orangery (Aurora's equivalant to the Kings Court). Rude passengers pushing in etc annoy me more than anything. So I avoid the busy period (between 12.30 and 1.30) and leave it until just before the buffet closes to get something. I tend to just go for a lightish lunch anyway, making a sandwich out of cold meats and bread. It's a shame that they don't actually make the sandwiches for you like they did when we were back on QE2 in 2001. Do they have a sandwich area on QM2??

 

Elaine

[KenC]

Maybe Kings Court has become a victim of its own success - on the maiden voyage we ate lunch there most days and found it spacious, the food excellent (especially the fish) and extremely easy to navigate once you realised where everything was (same as any buffet set up really). Commodore Warwick and his wife were partial to a convivial pizza lunch there around 12.30 most days and on one occasssion he leaned over from his table and threatened to have me put ashore at the next port for wearing a 'Norwegian Sun' tee shirt!

 

If it gets crowded now then perhaps there are more people using it than it has been designed to cope with (and no design can cope with pushy, rude people) and the upcoming refit should hopefully help rectify that (especially if the more practical Princess has a say) ???? Unfortunately buffet areas on passenger ships have become de riguer - even QE2 having had the awful 'Lido' carved out of what was originally, and now sorely missed, open deck/lido space.

 

Ken

[eroller]

Silversea, Seabourn and Radisson are surely in a completely different league.

Elaine

 

 

Hi Elaine,

Silversea is absolutely in a different league than Cunard (QE2 and QM2). While I love QM2, she is a giant mega-ship that carries 2600 passengers. In no way can she compete with the personal attention and detail offered on the 300 passenger Silversea ships. Onboard Silversea, there are simply no lines. Period. Silversea is also a much more inclusive product with most wine, alcohol, and gratuities already included. The entire ship is "first class" and treated as such, rather than just a select percentage of suites like on most ships (and the QM2). The standard cabins (suites really) are huge and luxuriously fitted out, and "suite service" is not unlike something you would experience at a Ritz Carlton hotel. If you order suite service during dinner, a steward is assigned to you and the courses are served and cleared individually. If you want a filet mignon and hot fudge sundae at 3AM, no problem.

 

I could go on and on about Silvsersea. It's an exquisite product truly deserving of a 5-star rating. In regards to QM2, there is no denying that she is an amazing and stunning ship, but I don't think the luxury category applies except maybe to the highest priced accommodations. Even then, you have to share the rest of the ship with 2600 new friends. ;) Service onboard QM2 was certainly no better (or distinct) than any other mass-market line I have sailed (Carnival, RCI, NCL, HAL, Celebrity, etc.). This is not to say there is anything wrong with it, and in fact it was quite good .... just not up to Silversea levels and it never will be.

 

Ernie

[imacruizer]

We have enjoyed quite a few breakfasts and lunches in the Kings Court. We always find a table (ideally in one of the alcoves with a window seat) and take turns getting our food. That eliminates the problem of getting your food and looking for a table. You can also check out the selections in the different areas as you look for your table.

 

Elaine, they do have the made to order sandwiches in the Chef's Galley part of the Kings Court. They have wonderful french fries there, too. The Chef's Galley is the smallest buffet area.

 

There are four separate areas of the King's Court and it takes a couple of days to become familiar with all of it. The times that each area is open for breakfast and lunch are published daily in the programme. Of course, all four areas are open during the peak dining times.

 

As eroller has pointed out, the QM2 is a huge ship with 2600 passengers. You will never have an intimate small ship experience on the QM2. Both of our voyages were wonderful and we look forward to more in the future.

[wripro]

all of the excuses for cunard not being able to have the same kind of service as silversea because of its size would be much more pallitable if cunard did not so blatantly market its white star service, meant to imply a top notch experience. this advertising promises me the kind of service you geton silversea but doesnt deliver. i was lucky enough to travel in princess grill for my two crossings and the service in the restaurant was indeed excellent, as was the food. however the minute you step out of the grill youre in a different world. and the per diem one pays in princess grill is higher than silversea and they dont include tips, alcohol, wine or even cokes. but thats another story.

[eroller]

all of the excuses for cunard not being able to have the same kind of service as silversea because of its size would be much more pallitable if cunard did not so blatantly market its white star service, meant to imply a top notch experience. this advertising promises me the kind of service you geton silversea but doesnt deliver. i was lucky enough to travel in princess grill for my two crossings and the service in the restaurant was indeed excellent, as was the food. however the minute you step out of the grill youre in a different world. and the per diem one pays in princess grill is higher than silversea and they dont include tips, alcohol, wine or even cokes. but thats another story.

 

 

I agree. Cunard likes to charge Silversea prices in many cases, and also call itself a luxury line (Seadream Yacht, Silversea, RSSC, Crystal, and Seabourn are all in the "luxury category - deservingly so), but Cunard doesn't quite deliver the same product and I don't think they ever well. If anything, Cunard is "premium" and that is how they should market themselves. I put Cunard more in line with Oceania, Celebrity, and HAL ... all "premium" products.

 

Ernie

[avalon1025]

what about the Champaign Bar? I think its one of the prettiest rooms with those black and white paintings and lalique like light fixtures, please don't tell me Princess is going to turn it into a Seattle Best Coffe shop! They can hardly decorate their own ships (the most boring afloat)

[eroller]

what about the Champaign Bar? I think its one of the prettiest rooms with those black and white paintings and lalique like light fixtures, please don't tell me Princess is going to turn it into a Seattle Best Coffe shop! They can hardly decorate their own ships (the most boring afloat)

 

 

I'm with you on that 100%!! The Champagne Bar and Chart Room are two of the most elegant and sophisticated rooms on QM2. I don't want to see either altered. And PLEASE .... keep Princess interior designers AWAY from QM2. Let's keep the generic and homogenized decor to Princess and not Cunard. As for a coffee shop, lets leave "Seattle's Best" and the "chains" to Royal Caribbean and the other mass-market cruise lines.

 

Ernie

[Ken_W]

Don't know if it's true, but I heard that the Veuve Clicquot champagne bar was run as a concession by Veuve Clicquot, and V-C chose not to renew. If so, it would be a wonderful opportunity to keep the champagne bar idea but to branch out, and inlcude Krug, Billecart-Salmon, Dom Ruinart, etc. Should there be a coffee bar? Maybe, but the last thing I want to see when I'm on a ship isthe same cafe and shop that I find at the end of my block and at the local mall.

[elaine61]

Leave the champagne bar alone I say. Can't stand coffee but love champagne!!!!! Like you say you can go to Costa or Starbucks in any shopping centre (mall)!! Don't think there that great anyway!!

 

Elaine

[Zipper25]

We drink at least three bottles of the Widow's Untion weekly and I for one am already mourning her passing:(

 

Having said that, I heartily concur with other brands in the same space. Funny what an expert I have become and I have never even been to Southampton in my life yet; I will be there three weeks from today, however:) :)

 

Now, what else can I obsess about?

[Rotterdam]

Leave the champagne bar alone I say. Can't stand coffee but love champagne!!!!! Like you say you can go to Costa or Starbucks in any shopping centre (mall)!! Don't think there that great anyway!!

 

Elaine

 

 

Elaine - I agree with you - your statement about going to the mall is probably the biggest reason why Cunard would change the champagne bar into a Starbucks. QM2 is an American product for Americans....sadly, only a few glimpses of the old days on an ocean liner can be had - but otherwise its just another bottom line business....make it or break it!

 

What Cunard/Carnivore sells through marketing is just a tease.....why do you think RCCL & Carnival are so successful - they sell what Americans want / live.

 

To each their own - I'll be in the Chart Room onboard QE2! Gotta love the bubbles!