Cunard newcomer sailing QM2

[red919]

Hi,

 

I've just signed up for the July 4th QM2 sailing and am VERY excited to be trying Cunard for the first time!

 

My last few cruises have been on Celebrity Solstice class ships, most recently an April transatlantic and was totally jealous of those traveling back to the US on the QM2.

 

Having not been on Cunard before, I do have a few questions:

 

1. Embarkation at the Brooklyn Pier...Do I simply drop bags with porter and then head inside building to check-in? Flying into JFK so considering taking Cunard's shuttle from airport to port in lieu of a cab.

 

2. Inside cabin on Deck 4 near Illuminations and above theater. How much noise will I hear? Have only had balcony cabins on Celebrity Solstice ships so an inside will be very different but this is only a 5 night cruise and is all budget would allow. :rolleyes:

 

3. Best place for viewing NYC at sailaway....I've heard they sometimes have a speaker pointing out sights and giving commentary. I would love that.

 

4. Afternoon Tea...I've heard this is WONDERFUL, held in a beautiful setting and with great service. How often is this held and do I need to make reservations beforehand?

 

5. Chef's Dinner...Does a special food and wine pairing dinner presented by the chef exist onboard as it does on Celebrity ships?

 

6. Black and White formal night...Obviously, they want you in black and white but I usually wear a coral colored wrap with my black formal dress. Is this acceptable or will the coral be frowned upon? Also, does dress need to be long or is short cocktail attire acceptable?

 

10. Disembarkation...May I wait in my stateroom until time to disembark as I've done on Celebrity or do I have to go to a lounge first? Actually, I think I was assigned a lounge in which to wait on Celebrity but have never done so. Also, what is the earliest I should book my flight from New York LaGuardia airport? Looking at a 1:30pm departure considering taking Cunard shuttle to airport.

 

Thanks in advance for your input!

[capnpugwash]

Hi,

 

I've just signed up for the July 4th QM2 sailing and am VERY excited to be trying Cunard for the first time!

 

My last few cruises have been on Celebrity Solstice class ships, most recently an April transatlantic and was totally jealous of those traveling back to the US on the QM2.

 

Having not been on Cunard before, I do have a few questions:

 

1. Embarkation at the Brooklyn Pier...Do I simply drop bags with porter and then head inside building to check-in? Flying into JFK so considering taking Cunard's shuttle from airport to port in lieu of a cab.

 

2. Inside cabin on Deck 4 near Illuminations and above theater. How much noise will I hear? Have only had balcony cabins on Celebrity Solstice ships so an inside will be very different but this is only a 5 night cruise and is all budget would allow. :rolleyes:

 

3. Best place for viewing NYC at sailaway....I've heard they sometimes have a speaker pointing out sights and giving commentary. I would love that.

 

4. Afternoon Tea...I've heard this is WONDERFUL, held in a beautiful setting and with great service. How often is this held and do I need to make reservations beforehand?

 

5. Chef's Dinner...Does a special food and wine pairing dinner presented by the chef exist onboard as it does on Celebrity ships?

 

6. Black and White formal night...Obviously, they want you in black and white but I usually wear a coral colored wrap with my black formal dress. Is this acceptable or will the coral be frowned upon? Also, does dress need to be long or is short cocktail attire acceptable?

 

10. Disembarkation...May I wait in my stateroom until time to disembark as I've done on Celebrity or do I have to go to a lounge first? Actually, I think I was assigned a lounge in which to wait on Celebrity but have never done so. Also, what is the earliest I should book my flight from New York LaGuardia airport? Looking at a 1:30pm departure considering taking Cunard shuttle to airport.

 

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

Firstly welcome, answers follow

 

1 Yes

2 You may hear the rehearsals and the performances but they finish before midnight and often won't be audible.

3 Any of the open decks, 7 or 12 are good

4 Every afternoon in the Queens Room on deck 3 no reservations required but it is popular and busy

5 No, there is a Todd English restaurant on board but the food in Britannia is good

6 You will be fine, don't worry at all. Short or long is fine but maybe long would be better

7 Disembarkation for a shuttle will mean that you assemble at a location that you will be informed of and then all such passengers are escorted to the gangway and then they make their way to the shuttles. 1.30 is fine

Edited May 28, 2014 by capnpugwash

[red919]

Wow, that was fast!

 

Capnpugwash, thank you for both your quick response AND answer to each question. I do have one more about Afternoon Tea. I can only assume it is very popular so how early would I need to go or do they accept reservations? Also, can you attend daily or is it once per cruise?

 

Thanks again!

Edited May 28, 2014 by red919

[capnpugwash]

Wow, that was fast!

 

Capnpugwash, thank you for both your quick response AND answer to each question. I do have one more about Afternoon Tea. I can only assume it is very popular so how early would I need to go or do they accept reservations?

 

Thanks again!

 

There are no reservations and people line up outside the closed doors for about 20 minutes before they open. I would suggest that you don't go early but turn up about 45 minutes after it starts because by then the rush has gone and the tables will be reset for the next people. You can share tables rather than sitting alone and if you have to wait it shouldn't be long.

[red919]

Sounds like a good plan. Much better than lining up beforehand.

 

Thanks again!:)

Edited May 28, 2014 by red919

[jimmybean]

Welcome red919,

 

We always pack earplugs, just in case, for any voyage on any ship of any cruise line. Only had to use them once, but it's a comfort to know we will have them if necessary.

 

You will love the QM2. She is a great ship.

 

Go to the top-top deck (a small observation deck a flight above the main upper deck--walk around the top deck and it's easy to find)--great for viewing the bottom of Verrazano Narrows bridge as you sail away from Brooklyn.

 

Have a great voyage!

[red919]

Will definitely bring earplugs and a top deck view of New York harbor sounds lovely. Thanks, Jimmybean!

[Salacia]

Just to mention that when the ship is docked in Boston and Halifax, you might find that there is no waiting line for lunch in the MDR or afternoon tea service since many passengers will be ashore. I check the ship's newsletter to see what services are available when the ship is docked, as that is the most current information, especially on a short cruise where certain venues might not be available for various reasons.

Edited May 29, 2014 by Salacia

[Jimsgirl]

Just to mention that when the ship is docked in Boston and Halifax, you might find that there is no waiting line since many passengers will be ashore. I check the ship's newsletter to see what services are available when the ship is docked, as that is the most current information, especially on a short cruise where certain venues might not be available for various reasons.

 

Good advice Salacia

 

There are venues with no or limited service for those staying on board. Breakfast is often at an earlier time than when at sea.

 

Concerning Cunard shuttles. I am not certain but does it not depend on you booking Cunard air in order to get the shuttle from JFK to join the ship? Shuttles run by Cunard have to be booked with Cunard in advance. The reps at the airport do seem to have a list of names of passengers who will be using the shuttle

 

Certainly at disembarkation you will need to book and pay on board ASAP in order to get on the shuttle from the ship to JFK. It should also be noted that the procedure is usually as follows. I always book with my agent when making final payment .

 

You go to the assigned lounge and wait for the colour on your luggage tag to be called, then off the ship you will need to retrieve any luggage you may have placed outside your room the night before (unless you travel only with carry on). Then you have to go through immigration, then through customs, and then you have to go to the shuttles, there are many as some go to Penn station, some to La Guardia, as well as JFK.

 

Please note , Black and White Ball is held in the Queens Room , even there is is not mandated you MUST only wear Black and White, I have seen other colours, in dresses and stoles. The one thing that sets QM2 ( or QV/QE) apart from other cruise lines is the formality , if you have a really dressy Cocktail type dress, nighttime is the time to flaunt it, together with any suitable "bling"

 

Have a great cruise.

[red919]

Salacia, thank you for the helpful input about lunch and Afternoon tea while in port. I will definitely take advantage of those times.

 

And, Jimsgirl, thank you also for your helpful input, especially about the Black and White Ball. I am really looking forward to dressing up each night.

 

As far as shuttle service from airport to the port, you do not have to book air through Cunard. I called Cunard and for a $34 fee, was able to reserve a spot on the shuttle from JFK to the Brooklyn Pier and also given the time and place to meet the Cunard shuttle rep at the airport. I'm still trying to decide whether to stay post-cruise in NYC or fly straight home. If flying straight home, I'll call Cunard before the cruise and book shuttle service from the ship to the airport for which I've been told is also $34. Rumor has it the price is a bit higher if you purchase this while on the cruise.

 

Thanks again to you both. Looking forward to a wonderful cruise!

Edited May 29, 2014 by red919

[Salacia]

Red, you're welcome. I hope that you find it possible to spend at least one night in NYC before you fly home.

 

One suggestion I have regarding the 4th of July cruise: after all the other evening festivities on 4 July, check out the Golden Lion Pub. I fondly remember a very good piano player and a convivial group of passengers singing along as he played tunes from the 40's onward. I enjoyed that more than the celebration in the Queens Room, but it is a matter of personal taste, and it took me a few times on the 4th of July cruise before I decided...but please, check it out for yourself - you won't be bored, that's for sure!:) Cheers, -S

[Lurker1]

Salacia, thank you for the helpful input about lunch and Afternoon tea while in port. I will definitely take advantage of those times.

 

And, Jimsgirl, thank you also for your helpful input, especially about the Black and White Ball. I am really looking forward to dressing up each night.

 

As far as shuttle service from airport to the port, you do not have to book air through Cunard. I called Cunard and for a $34 fee, was able to reserve a spot on the shuttle from JFK to the Brooklyn Pier and also given the time and place to meet the Cunard shuttle rep at the airport. I'm still trying to decide whether to stay post-cruise in NYC or fly straight home. If flying straight home, I'll call Cunard before the cruise and book shuttle service from the ship to the airport for which I've been told is also $34. Rumor has it the price is a bit higher if you purchase this while on the cruise.

 

Thanks again to you both. Looking forward to a wonderful cruise!

 

I'm sure your cruise will be wonderful, after all, it's the QM2. :)

 

We had an interesting experience when we disembarked in Brooklyn after our crossing. We'd actually been at sea for 30 days, and had somehow acquired some more baggage. ;) So we got a porter with a luggage trolley, tipped him $10, and discovered that anyone with such an arrangement got quickly to the head of the line for customs and immigration. We were told they want to free up those trolleys ASAP to speed up disembarkation. In fact, the young porter rolled us out to the curb-side waiting area, and unloaded our luggage while I called for our ride.

[Jimsgirl]

Lurker 1

 

It may be your first cruise on Cunard, but you have told this "old timer" something she did not know, with respect to the shuttle to the ship from JFK. Of course I always have to stay the night before due to distance.

 

I always take the shuttle back to JFK, paying for it through my agent at time of final payment and yes it is $34.

 

Have a great cruise. I will be getting on after you get off, only 5 weeks to go.

 

Lynn

[Lurker1]

Lurker 1

 

It may be your first cruise on Cunard, but you have told this "old timer" something she did not know, with respect to the shuttle to the ship from JFK. Of course I always have to stay the night before due to distance.

 

I always take the shuttle back to JFK, paying for it through my agent at time of final payment and yes it is $34.

 

Have a great cruise. I will be getting on after you get off, only 5 weeks to go.

 

Lynn

 

Lynn, I think you meant to reply to red919, not to me. :cool:

[Jemnibabe]

I am planning to take my first cruise on the QM2 in the spring and have been trying to read everything I can to answer most of my questions. Since I am a Princess fan that is all I can compare to the QM2. Could you please tell me what eating venues have no upcharge besides the buffet? I really appreciate all the information available on here and will continue to read everything I can find.

 

Oh, one more question: what inside and balcony cabins are considered the "favorite" locations? Thanks for all your help.

 

Jimsgirl.......we are from Punta Gorda

 

Judy from SW Florida

[Ray66]

I am planning to take my first cruise on the QM2 in the spring and have been trying to read everything I can to answer most of my questions. Since I am a Princess fan that is all I can compare to the QM2. Could you please tell me what eating venues have no upcharge besides the buffet? I really appreciate all the information available on here and will continue to read everything I can find.

 

Oh, one more question: what inside and balcony cabins are considered the "favorite" locations? Thanks for all your help.

 

Jimsgirl.......we are from Punta Gorda

 

Judy from SW Florida

 

The main dining room - the Britannia Restaurant - also has no upcharge. There is also the pub - The Golden Lion.

 

The venues which do charge extra are the speciality section of the buffet (Kings Court) which costs $10pp and also Todd English.

 

The most stable parts of the ship are lower decks midships so these would be considered among the favourite. When choosing a balcony cabin, you need to decide if you want a sheltered one in the ship's hull or a glass fronted one with a clear view or one obstructed by lifeboats (cheapest). The sheltered balcony cabins are on decks 4, 5 and 6 and the favoured deck of these is deck 5 because you will have cabins above and below so you shouldn't get any noise. Another consideration on the QM2 is to not choose a cabin with interconnecting doors as you might be able to hear your next door neighbours through it if they are on the noisy side.

Edited July 9, 2014 by Ray66

[Salacia]

I am planning to take my first cruise on the QM2 in the spring and have been trying to read everything I can to answer most of my questions. Since I am a Princess fan that is all I can compare to the QM2. Could you please tell me what eating venues have no upcharge besides the buffet? I really appreciate all the information available on here and will continue to read everything I can find.

 

Oh, one more question: what inside and balcony cabins are considered the "favorite" locations? Thanks for all your help.

 

Jimsgirl.......we are from Punta Gorda

 

Judy from SW Florida

 

Hi Judy. i

[Salacia]

Hi Judy. i

sorry - storms in the area -internet connections unable.

[brigittetom]

I really appreciate all the information available on here and will continue to read everything I can find.

 

If you do decide to eat in an upcharge venue.....I highly recommend the Asian Tastings in Kings Court. The food and service is absolutely outstanding. Personally, I'm one that is more than happy with the food and service in Britannia, but the Asian Tastings is really a special treat. Enjoy your trip. :)

[pepperrn]

I've also read only good things about the "Asian Tastings in Kings Court" (Lotus?) as Brigittetom points out (well recommended :) ).

 

And the Golden Lion (thank you Ray66) has long been a favourite for lunch on board.

 

All good wishes :) .

[north east girl]

If you do decide to eat in an upcharge venue.....I highly recommend the Asian Tastings in Kings Court. The food and service is absolutely outstanding. Personally, I'm one that is more than happy with the food and service in Britannia, but the Asian Tastings is really a special treat. Enjoy your trip. :)

 

Hi brigittetom, Thanks for the tip on the Asian Tastings, will have to try that in August.

 

Catherine

[snoozy]

Hi brigittetom, Thanks for the tip on the Asian Tastings, will have to try that in August.

 

Catherine

 

We also tried the Asian restaurant. We had a table overlooking the promenade deck with a beautiful sunset, great food and service as well as Indian/Chinese beer. It made a change from Britannia and Todd English. I hope you give it a go Catherine.:)