Major QM2 interior refit 2016

[pepperrn]

I recall one of the barmen in the Casino bar telling me it dropped off as soon as they stopped allowing people to smoke in the casino area.

Hi Mr. Toad :)

 

Yes, you are quite correct, that is what I was hinting at, but didn't want to turn this into a smoking right/wrong thread :eek: . I've had quite enough of those!

 

I'm quite certain every cruise line looks at every space on board as potential $ revenue per sq foot.

Once potential single cabin booking income appeared greater than earnings from the casino space, out the casino came.

Same I'm sure with the Winter Garden, would it generate more money as a intimate entertainment venue/extra charge supper club? (or whatever they do with it), then time to rip it out and start again.

 

Best wishes :)

Edited September 21, 2015 by pepperrn

[Ray66]

Equally the number of passengers using the Winter Gardens may not have fallen but it's always seemed to me to be very sparse. As to another bar, aren't there enough already.

 

The ship has always lacked a proper cinema and the space would accommodate one very well.

David.

 

Illuminations? It's the QV and QE that don't have a dedicated cinema.

 

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The following is from a survey I received a while ago about possible uses for the Winter Garden in the refit:

 

Cunard is considering whether to change how the Winter Gardens is used, and dividing up this space to offer guests an improved choice of dining alternatives.

If you were on board again, how interested would you be in eating at, or using the following?

 

Healthy eating venue

Sushi restaurant

Healthy eating venue including a dedicated space for spa users (enabling spa users to book longer or full day spa packages as they could relax and dine there too)

Gastro pub

Venue with barista serving speciality teas and coffees, cakes and pastries

Seafood/oyster bar

[Cruise Liner Fan]

Does anyone know if the nightclub/disco will be moved to another area of the ship? The current G32 Club is o.k., but I remember the Yacht Club aboard the QE2 and I have always thought that the QE2 Yacht Club was better than the G32 Club aboard QM2. Regards,Jerry

[balf]

Illuminations? It's the QV and QE that don't have a dedicated cinema.

 

 

 

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QUOTE]

 

 

Illuminations is first a planetarium, second a lecture theatre. They only show films there because they have nowhere else suitable. Having a dedicated cinema running afternoon into evening would release Illuminations for other uses in the evening.

 

David.

[pepperrn]

Illuminations is first a planetarium, second a lecture theatre. They only show films there because they have nowhere else suitable. Having a dedicated cinema running afternoon into evening would release Illuminations for other uses in the evening.

I'm not totally convinced that evening lectures would be that popular, much more of a daytime thing... Same goes for the planetarium shows.

I've seen a few people fall asleep during both in daytime, they'd have entire rows of snoring passengers, sat comfortably in a darkened theatre, after a big evening meal!

 

Or put another way, ceasing the lectures and the space-films late afternoon releases Illuminations for evening film shows (;)).

 

Judging by many posts here about watching films on board, passengers already have a dedicated cinema; in their own cabin (and/or ipad/laptop/phone).

 

It is not on QM2 (with two theatres) where I felt the lack of a dedicated cinema, it was on QE & QV, having only one theatre each. That single venue has to cater for films, lectures and the big evening song and dance show!

 

Like inside pools, dedicated cinema-only rooms have seemingly vanished, never to return.

 

Best wishes and happy sailings :)

Edited September 21, 2015 by pepperrn

[ToadOfToadHall]

One thing I've never done is watch a film on board. I've been to quite a lot of lectures mind you. I think that's because I can watch a film anywhere when on land (not that I ever go to the cinema anyway, but I could) but the same is not true of listening to someone stand up and speak.

 

The casino does not seem to get used that much I feel. A lot of the time it's closed, especially during the day (I think that's a customs/gaming laws thing). I have used it (both on the QV and QM2), but only slot machines. And hardly anyone seems to use the tables.

 

The only time I've taken part in a casino event is when I played tournament blackjack on the QM2.

[SEFlyer]

I read the PR release on the decorators appointment with interest. I like the idea of more art deco and following some of the lines and looks of the original Queen Mary. But having spent a night on the original this spring I sincerely hope they don't adopt any of the dark and dreary colour schemes of the Queen Mary.

 

I hope Illuminations gets a decent projection screen for lectures. I've never attended a movie there but I presume the use the same screen for movies as are used for the lectures. It is tiny compared to the size of the room and buried at the back of the stage. The space and its presentations would be much enhanced by the installation of a very large retractable screen at the from of the stage which would provide the audience a much improved visual experience.

 

And, of course, I live in hope that the love seat couches in Britannia cabins, which were to be removed 4 years ago, finally depart to the dump to be replaced by more modern and comfortable furnishings.

 

We are thinking of a TA crossing in September next year so we look forward to a new and even more impressive experience.

[lannp]

I quite often go to the movies in the evening in Illuminations. I really like the tiered seating. Showing movies in a room like the Winter Garden wouldn't entice me.

On a crossing when the weather is bad the Winter Garden is very busy in the daytime with people forced indoors but in the evening it is definitely an empty room.

Being a sometime casino user in the evening, yes when smoking was banned the usage dropped dramatically.

[Toffeegirl68]

I can concur with BlueRiband's comments - I went to a small focus group in London in early summer.... all attendees had been on board recently - some for the first time, others had sailed more often.

 

As well as fixing broken things, they plan a tweak of cabin décor and also an over-haul of deck 7 public areas.

 

We will be on board in January '16 and not likely to return to QM2 til 2018 (Jan '17 TA will be on QE) - so will await everyone else's photos to see the outcome.

Edited September 27, 2015 by Toffeegirl68

[kendon]

I'm not sure what would work in the Winter Garden area. It's so off the beaten track. Couldn't they just incorporate it into the buffet somehow with large windows all around? Making it a stand alone destination might not work as it's "out of sight, out of mind".

[BlueRiband]

I'm not sure what would work in the Winter Garden area. It's so off the beaten track. Couldn't they just incorporate it into the buffet somehow with large windows all around? Making it a stand alone destination might not work as it's "out of sight, out of mind".

 

One plan shown to our group completely remade the Winter Garden into a stand alone destination. We were also presented with about a dozen or so proposed new names.

 

Cunard is well aware that the space is underutilized in this current incarnation. But those who like is just the way it is will be sorry to see it go.

Edited September 27, 2015 by BlueRiband

[SeaFlint]

That it is :D

 

When we were aboard this summer it was full most of the time. Which was nice. Nice space - and different from most of the ship - that should be used.

 

Some people were there drinking. Some sat there instead of the Kings Court. Some were there reading or knitting or whatever. My kids sat there to read of play cards.

 

Would be nice if they added a "café" or something that fit the current style and layout. But I certainly hope they do not get rid of it.

 

Also, someone posted they had heard from an onboard travel agent that most of the new cabins are going up top. An officer-friend said the same thing and, with a tug at his drink, said we wouldn't even notice them. Meaning they will not change the shape of the profile much. As for "lost" deck space, I suspect they'll replace whatever is covered with space atop the new cabins.

[BlueRiband]

It's not that the ship has not tried to use the Winter Garden. It was used for art auctions - anybody want to see those return?:rolleyes: Champagne Afternoon Tea was offered there on my TAs in June. But in over 11 years of service it never became any kind of social hub. I agree it's long overdue to re-purpose this space.

[old nutter]

I think that the Kings Court has to be at the top of the list for a refit. I remember wandering round trying to put a bespoke plate together for a poorly other half once. One of the lecturers on the ship explained that the problems are primarily caused by having to have those huge pillars that had to be put into the design to make sure she was strong enough to withstand a major Atlantic storm. Those pillars prevent an true open-plan style of buffet and nobody seems to be able to design a logical way to build a plate of food in there.

 

Perhaps it will be re-designed in the refit, fitted with a special wi-fi and guests can be given a gps with a map of the food so that they can find what they want on a single lap of the area:)

 

The Winter Garden was used when we were on her during Wimbledon to show some of the key matches, but although it gave us the authentic style of being at Wimbledon, the light was awful on the TV screens. Maybe the refit could keep that wonderful bright light atmopsphere, but make it a more flexible space.

[JollyJackTar52]

Anyone know where the outdoor tennis courts currently on Deck 13 will end up?

[tv24]

I believe there are rumours that the Winter Garden is indeed going, and a new bar or intimate show-lounge is being built there instead. But that could just be gossip (which I'm helping to spread :o )

 

I also used to dislike the Winter Garden on QM2, but in 2010 on a cruise, I couldn't find a seat in the Chart Room or Commodore Club one evening, so sat in the Winter Garden. Since then I've been back many times and the place has grown on me (esp since they stopped the auctions of so-called "art").

 

The Winter Garden is a good refuge for people like me who detest the atmosphere in King's Chaos. I grab the food I need (yogurt, juice, coffee) and dash into the Garden for peace and quiet. Works for me.

[Bell Boy]

Well the first preview of the new refit has just been unveiled this morning ! See the New Grills on You Tube or the Cunard corporate Facebook .:)

[jimmybean]

The Winter Garden is a good refuge for people like me who detest the atmosphere in King's Chaos. I grab the food I need (yogurt, juice, coffee) and dash into the Garden for peace and quiet. Works for me.

 

Ditto. DH and I have often enjoyed the Winter Garden as a quiet place to carry our trays from King's Court. Yes, the decor is funky, but nice to be able to find a table quickly and eat in a more soothing (if not particularly attractive) setting.

[Bell Boy]

Well make the most of it Guys ;) ..... Now this could only be gossip, but according to an 'Executive Food & Beverage Manager,' when I complained recently (July) in the Todd English, regarding folks taking a short cut back and forth through the restaurant to the aft pool ( in sort of swim wear )

 

Reply... "it'll all change after the refit".... "plans to move the speciality restaurant to the Winter Garden" . ;)

 

Let's see.:)

[3rdGenCunarder]

Well make the most of it Guys ;) ..... Now this could only be gossip, but according to an 'Executive Food & Beverage Manager,' when I complained recently (July) in the Todd English, regarding folks taking a short cut back and forth through the restaurant to the aft pool ( in sort of swim wear )

 

Reply... "it'll all change after the refit".... "plans to move the speciality restaurant to the Winter Garden" . ;)

 

Let's see.:)

 

The Winter Garden is so far from the kitchens. Do they have space to put in a kitchen for it?

 

One thing I wish they'd do in the refit is connect the hallway to that pool area so people wouldn't have to cut through TE (or whatever ends up there).

[eroller]

 

Reply... "it'll all change after the refit".... "plans to move the speciality restaurant to the Winter Garden" . ;)

 

Let's see.:)

 

 

I've also heard rumors that the Winter Garden will become a speciality restaurant. In addition I've heard the atrium glass elevators elevators will be removed to make more room on Deck 7 for the King's Court. Perhaps this will open up more space for a small galley next to the Winter Garden to support a new speciality restaurant.

 

It's a possibility that the current Todd English space will become the new Britannia Club restaurant. QM2 will have added capacity and I'm not sure more space can be carved out of the existing main Britannia Restaurant to support a larger Britannia Club. Space will have to come from somewhere and with assigned tables reserved for every passenger onboard, more dining space will be needed.

[JollyJackTar52]

Well make the most of it Guys ;) ..... Now this could only be gossip, but according to an 'Executive Food & Beverage Manager,' when I complained recently (July) in the Todd English, regarding folks taking a short cut back and forth through the restaurant to the aft pool ( in sort of swim wear )

 

Reply... "it'll all change after the refit".... "plans to move the speciality restaurant to the Winter Garden" . ;)

 

Let's see.:)

 

Interesting. When we went on Queen Elizabeth, I did really like the little outdoor fast food bar at the Pavilion Pool. Perhaps we'll see something similar on Queen Mary 2? You could get some more oceanview staterooms in the restaurant space by the outside windows too.

 

Plus, that would take some pressure from Kings Court (Or whatever it ends up being) on warm sea days.

Edited September 30, 2015 by JollyJackTar52

[david,Mississauga]

...

 

It's a possibility that the current Todd English space will become the new Britannia Club restaurant. QM2 will have added capacity and I'm not sure more space can be carved out of the existing main Britannia Restaurant to support a larger Britannia Club. Space will have to come from somewhere and with assigned tables reserved for every passenger onboard, more dining space will be needed.

 

The deck plans effective 21 June 2016 show a second Britannia Club on the starboard side.

 

http://www.cunard.com/cruise-ships/queen-mary-2/

[Underwatr]

Interesting. When we went on Queen Elizabeth, I did really like the little outdoor fast food bar at the Pavilion Pool. Perhaps we'll see something similar on Queen Mary 2? You could get some more oceanview staterooms in the restaurant space by the outside windows too.

 

Plus, that would take some pressure from Kings Court (Or whatever it ends up being) on warm sea days.

QM2 has one, topside aft. The Boardwalk Cafe. Edited September 30, 2015 by Underwatr

[eroller]

The deck plans effective 21 June 2016 show a second Britannia Club on the starboard side.

 

http://www.cunard.com/cruise-ships/queen-mary-2/

 

 

Thanks for the info. I really didn't think the main dining room had enough space to carve out additional Britannia Club seats while still having a table for every Britannia passenger onboard. I guess either tables will get tighter as more are added, or the space was designed larger than necessary from inception.

 

Based on this, it would not surprise me if QM2 ends up with two speciality restaurants. One where the current Todd English sits, and other in the current Winter Garden. More choice for passengers which is what it's all about these days, and more onboard revenue for Cunard.