QM2 7/21 Westbound Crossing Review

[nycruiser80]

Sailed on the Queen Mary 2’s July 21st 7 night Westbound Crossing from Southampton to New York. I was in an inside cabin: 10113. This was my first crossing. I have cruised over 30 times, one of which was on a 4 night Bahamas cruise on the QM2 back in 08, but I have never done a crossing.

I started out by flying from NY to Paris and stayed 5 nights there then took the channel train to London and stayed 3 nights there. I used Totally Driven to drive me from London to Southampton and I can’t recommend them enough. I got the information from Cruise Critic and they offered the best price for the 2 hour drive. The driver was on time and very professional.

 

 

The Queen Mary is a very elegant and grand ship despite being ten years old she looks great. I have read some reviews saying she is showing a lot of wear and tear but I didn’t come across this. The only wear I saw were the foggy windows on deck 2. Otherwise she looks great. Service was a little better than my 2008 cruise but still, in my opinion; it could be better given the billing of this ship and Cunard’s marketing. Also, as discussed on this board, the Kings Court buffet area needs a rethink. It doesn’t fit the ship and is not in the best area.

 

 

 

The food was good to average. I had all dinners, except one, in the Britannia. I had one dinner in Kings Court the last night as I did not want to dress. Speaking of the dress code I saw a lot of tuxes for the men but I also saw a considerable amount of suits. I was a little worried I would be in the minority wearing a suit but I was not. Many suit wearers on this crossing. I was a little worried about fitting in with the dress code as I am not into dressing up all the time. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a night or two of wearing formal attire, but the thought of dressing for seven days got me a little nervous. Being a ship enthusiast I always wanted to do a crossing, so I bit the bullet and dressed. I dress for work all the time, nothing against a suit, but I was hoping I could pull it off for all the nights!

 

 

Didn’t go to see the theatrical shows but attended most lectures. They were mostly well done and enjoyable. Went to see a few planetarium shows and did a lot of reading and watching the great Atlantic passing by.

 

 

The fellow passengers where an interesting mix we had an Amish group (this surprised me, I thought they couldn’t use modern modes of transport), many mixed ages (young families and multi-generational families) and we had some pretentious people (a little more than I was used too!!). All in all it made for an interesting crowd.

 

 

 

A few things I wish Cunard could change would be better service. I didn’t have a toilet for almost the whole day on day 2 of the voyage and the response from the reception seemed like I was bothering them. Also, I was sad to see that they did away with the ship tracking and weather info channel on the TV. Since this was a crossing I wanted to see where I was. They had a chart up on deck 12 but that was only updated at noon every day.

 

 

 

Nevertheless I’m very grateful for the opportunity to do a trip such as this. It was a great experience, not sure I would run and do it again, but possibly would do another crossing when I retire.

 

 

If you have any questions let me know!

Edited July 29, 2014 by nycruiser80

[jimmybean]

Great review, nycruiser80

 

Thank you for posting it.

 

There was talk after May 9th crossing that tracking of the ship's position on TV was only temporarily unavailable. Sorry that your report contradicts the "temporary" part… It is really something we missed and hope will be reinstated.

 

Again, thank you for sharing your experience. I enjoyed reading it.

[north east girl]

Thanks for posting this review, enjoyed reading it. We are doing a B2B in 3 weeks time, Southampton to Southampton.

 

Can't wait to be back on board QM2

 

Catherine

[CABINET]

We were on the July 6 eastbound crossing and there were a large party of Amish people. Perhaps it was this group returning home?

 

We were quite surprised to see them too but I suppose a boat is a more "traditional" form of transport than a plane.

 

We briefly got into conversation with one couple in the lift going down to dinner. They were planning to visit a few European countries but, sadly, we were running very late and had to terminate the conversation when we got down to the second floor.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[Keith1010]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

 

Keith

[landre1020]

We were on the July 6 eastbound crossing and there were a large party of Amish people. Perhaps it was this group returning home?

 

We were quite surprised to see them too but I suppose a boat is a more "traditional" form of transport than a plane.

 

We briefly got into conversation with one couple in the lift going down to dinner. They were planning to visit a few European countries but, sadly, we were running very late and had to terminate the conversation when we got down to the second floor.

 

 

Hi folks... I was on both these crossings. The Amish people were the same, they were doing a trip to a religious place (I forget the details). They were not the strict Amish we usually think of. I believe they were Mennonites... I saw one gentleman on a cell phone and another with an iPad...

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[landre1020]

Great review, nycruiser80

 

 

 

Thank you for posting it.

 

 

 

There was talk after May 9th crossing that tracking of the ship's position on TV was only temporarily unavailable. Sorry that your report contradicts the "temporary" part… It is really something we missed and hope will be reinstated.

 

 

 

Again, thank you for sharing your experience. I enjoyed reading it.

 

 

Hi, it's me again... Lauren, the social hostess, said there was a problem with a transmitting element (she said GPS, but that doesn't seem right)... Supposedly this is to be fixed. I missed the TV channel as well!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[BlueRiband]

Thank you for your report. I too missed the navigational channel - especially the position and sea state updates.

[north east girl]

Thank you for your report. I too missed the navigational channel - especially the position and sea state updates.

 

Hope it has been fixed we will be boarding in 11 days

 

Catherine

[ricki]

Thank you for sharing your experiences on this crossing. We were also onboard. It was a terrific crossing, especially when compared to the previous unpleasant 3-part sailing: Soton-Hamburg-Stavanger-Hamburg-Soton.

 

I agree with all your points. In fact, I support your complaints about the Purser's Desk staff with our own experience. For some unknown reason, they appear to be uninformed, apathetic, and, in some cases, down right rude. Since this is the frontline of Cunard's representation, one would think they would be better trained and at least attempt to be pleasant. We are Platinum status, and have been for the last three times on board. For the crossing, we received new cards that showed us as Gold. I took the new card and old card down to the desk and politely explained that there was an error. She huffily stated that the system was correct and we were wrong. It took the full 7 days and at least 8 visits to the Purser's Desk to get this corrected--finally! It meant that Internet credits, etc had to be corrected on the bill. Every contact received a different response, even from the same person!

 

We had an opportunity to chat with a number of the Mennonite guests Onboard. They had been on a genealogical trip to Europe with a guide, and were returning home.

 

I would like to give accolades to two of the guest lecturers: Gervase Phinn ( on the 3-part previous sailing) and Julian Woolford, both of whom gave interesting and entertaining presentations. Although RADA was on board and gave performances, there were no workshops? Are there to be no more, Cunard? I also enjoyed the watercolour classes with Maggie Nevins.

 

We still believe the crossings are the best way to get back and forth to Europe.

 

Ricki

Edited August 9, 2014 by ricki

[alibabacruisers]

NYcruiser, thank you for your review. Did you like the location of your cabin? We had the corresponding one in the front 10031 last year. I liked being in that inner corridor as it seemed much quieter.

 

I think I read that QM2 is going for a refit next year? and the Kings Court will be revamped. I can't wait to see that because like so many have agreed, the KC is a big let down for QM2.

 

Sorry to hear about the service issue but that seems to be a common problem noted in reviews. We had that problem several times last year on our cruise and it left us feeling a bit put off. I hope Cunard does something with this as well....here's hoping!:o

 

Ricki, thank you for your additional review. That would have been so maddening to have the issue of trying to correct your card over and over again and have the attitude like you were causing the problem and creating work for them! I am sorry you had to go through that.

 

I think I would have been surprised to see Amish or Mennonite guests on the ship as well but I would have loved to hear about their trip experience.

 

We have never been on a TA yet but next year will finally get to experience one albeit on QE. As we are in Australia, it would be nice to have a (quick and easy) Transpacific equivalent to use to bypass flights.

[Mr Walkabout]

I was on the same crossing and also really missed viewing the navigational tracking on TV. I'm glad some other passengers also registered this concern with Cunard.

 

The ship is still in good shape, although we did notice some of those mysterious "holes" appearing under spots of carpet in the Brittania Dining Room and elsewhere. And the herbal sauna in Canyon Ranch spa never worked properly.

 

One unfortunate problem: one morning I showed up for a Leica "photo seminar," along with several fellow photographers... only to discover that no one from Cunard returned the favor! After waiting 20 minutes, a breathless Cunard employee finally showed up and told us the seminar was "mistakenly" listed in the daily schedule and was "cancelled due to operational constraints" (whatever the heck that means). :rolleyes:

[Jimsgirl]

"operational constraints" means "the staffer forgot, but we are not going to admit we screwed up", I too went to a lecture supposedly to be given by spa staff, and same thing -no speaker. Then in the Chart Room one night the pianist never came.

 

Then there was the day we were in port in Southampton but the daily events had us in port in Hamburg!. Oh and let us not forget "those disembarking in Southampton must return their books to the library by 2p.m tomorrow" when we were not going to be in Southampton for another 6 days!

 

All these errors took place on same cruise. No one to blame of course, "computer error

or "operational constraints" (question WHAT OPERATION CONSTRAIT can a photographer possibly have???!

[ricki]

NYcruiser, thank you for your review. Did you like the location of your cabin? We had the corresponding one in the front 10031 last year. I liked being in that inner corridor as it seemed much quieter.

 

I think I read that QM2 is going for a refit next year? and the Kings Court will be revamped. I can't wait to see that because like so many have agreed, the KC is a big let down for QM2.

 

Sorry to hear about the service issue but that seems to be a common problem noted in reviews. We had that problem several times last year on our cruise and it left us feeling a bit put off. I hope Cunard does something with this as well....here's hoping!:o

 

Ricki, thank you for your additional review. That would have been so maddening to have the issue of trying to correct your card over and over again and have the attitude like you were causing the problem and creating work for them! I am sorry you had to go through that.

 

I think I would have been surprised to see Amish or Mennonite guests on the ship as well but I would have loved to hear about their trip experience.

 

We have never been on a TA yet but next year will finally get to experience one albeit on QE. As we are in Australia, it would be nice to have a (quick and easy) Transpacific equivalent to use to bypass flights.

 

Thank you Alibabacruisers. I can think of a better use of our time than waiting on line at the Purser's desk!

 

Ricki

[loma linda ca a & j]

Sailed on the Queen Mary 2’s July 21st 7 night Westbound Crossing from Southampton to New York. I was in an inside cabin: 10113. This was my first crossing.

 

If you have any questions let me know!

 

enjoyed your review !

 

we would like to try a westward TA on QM2 in couple of years

 

we only book inside cabins on all our cruises so we can afford excursions,

casino, drinks, etc. plus land travel before and after cruises

 

were you able to select your cabin or did cunard assign your cabin ?

 

we always choose traditional dining for table of 8 so we can meet other cruisers

 

am confused about the "classes" & choices re where we can eat

depending on our inside cabin choice :confused:

 

thank you for any info re this concern ??;)

Edited August 14, 2014 by loma linda ca a & j

[Jimsgirl]

enjoyed your review !

 

we would like to try a westward TA on QM2 in couple of years

 

we only book inside cabins on all our cruises so we can afford excursions,

casino, drinks, etc. plus land travel before and after cruises

 

were you able to select your cabin or did cunard assign your cabin ?

 

we always choose traditional dining for table of 8 so we can meet other cruisers

 

am confused about the "classes" & choices re where we can eat

depending on our inside cabin choice :confused:

 

thank you for any info re this concern ??;)

 

 

 

I also only book an inside cabin. You will be assigned a table in Britannia dining room for dinner, time depends on your choice and the availability when you book (I usually choose early sitting which allows for early show time ). Breakfast in Britannia is open seating , you go in main entrance and Maitre d' will tell staff where to seat you again depending on whether you wish to share or not.

 

You can also dine in Kings Court. Golden Lion for lunch, Sir Samuels or light lunch. Dinner in Kings Court , or alternative restaurants. ($10 for Kings Court special area, about 35 for Todd English )

 

Light snacks during day in Sir Samuels (you pay only for drink). Any bar other than Grill Lounge.

 

Those passengers who have cabins in the Grills, have their own dining rooms, but as a Britannia passenger (which will be you) can go anywhere on the ship, other than the Queens Grill Lounge area. The "class system " is not obvious in any way other than for dining. Most passengers are Britannia class,

 

Perhaps the dividing fact is not "class" as dress. No, you do not have to wear top hat and tails or $$$$ "ball gowns", but reading and being sensible re the code for the dress after 6p.m is what will set you apart if you disregard the minimum suggestion.

 

To wear Jeans and T shirt after 6p.m will really shout "I am an outsider, and I do not care what you think".

[loma linda ca a & j]

I also only book an inside cabin. You will be assigned a table in Britannia dining room for dinner, time depends on your choice and the availability when you book (I usually choose early sitting which allows for early show time ). Breakfast in Britannia is open seating , you go in main entrance and Maitre d' will tell staff where to seat you again depending on whether you wish to share or not.

 

You can also dine in Kings Court. Golden Lion for lunch, Sir Samuels or light lunch. Dinner in Kings Court , or alternative restaurants. ($10 for Kings Court special area, about 35 for Todd English )

 

Light snacks during day in Sir Samuels (you pay only for drink). Any bar other than Grill Lounge.

 

Those passengers who have cabins in the Grills, have their own dining rooms, but as a Britannia passenger (which will be you) can go anywhere on the ship, other than the Queens Grill Lounge area. The "class system " is not obvious in any way other than for dining. Most passengers are Britannia class,

 

Perhaps the dividing fact is not "class" as dress. No, you do not have to wear top hat and tails or $$$$ "ball gowns", but reading and being sensible re the code for the dress after 6p.m is what will set you apart if you disregard the minimum suggestion.

 

To wear Jeans and T shirt after 6p.m will really shout "I am an outsider, and I do not care what you think".

thank you for your quick and thorough response !!!!

 

your remarks make me feel a lot better that we shall not be

the only ones in the britannia "class" !!

 

we love to dress a bit for dinner as it is not something we get

to do very often in our retired life - everything is sooooooo

casual nowadays !!!:eek:

what is your advice / suggestion for the choice of inside cabin ??:confused:

[landre1020]

NYcruiser,

 

I think I read that QM2 is going for a refit next year? and the Kings Court will be revamped. I can't wait to see that because like so many have agreed, the KC is a big let down for QM2.

 

 

I received an email the other day from Cunard and it was about changes I would like to see in King's Court. I was given choices, like: Did I like Classic or Contemproary design? (Classic). Would I be willing to pay $200.00 per person to be wined and dined by a chef as he/she prepared the meal? (NO!)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Ray66]

I received an email the other day from Cunard and it was about changes I would like to see in King's Court. I was given choices, like: Did I like Classic or Contemproary design? (Classic). Would I be willing to pay $200.00 per person to be wined and dined by a chef as he/she prepared the meal? (NO!)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Classic for me too. My notes from the survey regarding ideas for Kings Court and the Winter Garden

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=43599376&postcount=55

[alibabacruisers]

I received an email the other day from Cunard and it was about changes I would like to see in King's Court. I was given choices, like: Did I like Classic or Contemproary design? (Classic). Would I be willing to pay $200.00 per person to be wined and dined by a chef as he/she prepared the meal? (NO!)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I agree with your choices! They must be kidding with that kind of charge!

[PathfinderEss]

Great review, thanks for posting.:)

[nycruiser80]

Hi! I had Cunard assign my stateroom (I was on an inside guarantee). I booked the least expensive inside and was upgraded to deck 10. In reality all inside cabins are the same size. The location was the difference. I enjoyed the inside cabin, smartly laid out with a lot of storage space!

 

enjoyed your review !

 

 

were you able to select your cabin or did cunard assign your cabin ?

 

;)

Edited August 20, 2014 by nycruiser80

[nycruiser80]

Thanks everyone for your words and the extra insight on the Amish people aboard. I miss being onboard!

 

 

alibabacruiser - I did like the location. The inner corridor has a more private feel. Also I like to sneak a peek into the suites on deck 10 while they are being cleaned in the morning! lol