Queen Mary 2 ~ Reflections of a Grand Transatlantic Crossing

[KenC]

So much has already been written about Queen Mary 2 so here are just a few personal reflections and pertinent observations on the westbound Transatlantic Crossing of 8 September 2005.

 

Embarkation was so effortless that it felt as if there was no one else sailing. Arriving at the QEII terminal around 12.40pm we were checked in immediately, onboard by 1.00pm and in receipt of luggage and unpacked by 1.30pm. We were offered but declined the offer of an escort to our staterooms.

 

Sailaway was a jolly affair and on a warm late summer evening had more Caribbean flavours than Transatlantic. Yes the live group played YMCA and a string of modern songs, but strangely they didn’t seem out of place in this party atmosphere, that is unless you prefer to stand to attention and listen to museum pieces used to send off the Titanic. Much champagne was drunk and everyone on the packed aft decks seemed to be having a good time.

 

The ship was immaculate, maybe the carpet didn’t have that unused spring of the maiden voyage but everywhere sparkled. Much has been written on the interiors but for me on second sight they are tasteful, timeless and on the grand scale, as I imagine a transatlantic liner should be. Our seasoned travelling companions on seeing them for the first time were blown away. The only downside was the lingering smell of stale cigarette smoke in some bars – when will cruise lines realise that allowing smokers to use the full length of the serving bar is akin to making the whole bar smoking? (Perhaps when they fall in line with US and many European governments’ ongoing plans to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces – I’d give it 10 years maximum!)

 

Dining in the Britannia was so much improved on our first time. We ate at second sitting on a table for four (table 95) on the lower level at the foot of port side of the staircase. Location was perfect, food ranged from good to excellent and the service by Stephen and Michelle was amongst the best we have ever received onboard a ship. A good selection of wines was available at prices comparable to other cruise lines. Dress code was almost entirely observed - the only exception being an Italian family who not only dressed down for dinner but arrived late at 9.00 - 9.15pm every night. A complaint to an assistant maitre d managed to raise a shrug of the shoulders and an assurance that the story that they did not have suitable clothes had been checked out – presumably by the QM2 clothes police? I didn’t believe him.

 

Lunch was taken everyday in the Kings Court which, apart from a few rude fellow passengers and an odd luke warm hamburger, was still an enjoyable experience. Except for the odd 5 minute rushes there were few lines and plenty of tables to sit at unless you absolutely must have one of the bay windows! We found that the large seating area between La Piazza and Carvery serveries always had space. I think this is an attractive casual dining facility and with new signage is very easy to use – I really can’t understand why anyone would dislike it unless they are extremely impatient, or perhaps lunchtimes are more laid back affairs during Crossings? The choice and quality of food here was still extremely good inspite of the fact that they never had shepherds pie once this trip!

 

Staterooms were adjacent outside C2’s, aft on Deck 5. They were both wheelchair accessible so the bedroom space was less than I’d hoped having previously seen other cavernous C2’s. This was compensated by the vast bathroom with walk in shower, but no tub. The beds and bedding are still probably the best on the high seas, space was more than ample and the huge window (it can hardly be called a porthole) gave us more than enough view of the grey Atlantic every day. Both cabins were in pristine condition and were kept so by the very attentive Raul who was always on hand for even the smallest request.

 

We had seen and enjoyed both production shows before (Appassionata and Rock @ The Opera), but somehow they were performed with even more style and enthusiasm than the more nervous maiden voyage renditions. Juggler ‘Edge’ and solo violinist Claire Grogan were not our cup of tea, but the show given by Maurice Clark, an excellent vocalist, was very enjoyable. The demand for Planetarium shows was as strong as ever, with tickets for the early afternoon shows running out well in advance (you can pick up tickets for each of the daily shows from the desk in ConneXions on the day). We didn’t come across any broken seats in visits to three shows, but Cunard really should introduce some new shows before too long. Carly Simon was returning to the US following her recording on the previous eastbound crossing and gave an interview with Cruise Director Brian Price – not being huge fans, we decided to give that a miss.

 

Not much has been written about the Black and White or The Ascot Balls. Let me just say that there was something of a party spirit on this crossing and both balls were very well attended with dress codes largely adhered to. There was standing room only in the Queens Room on both nights but the Ascot Ball, with its hat parade and champagne fountain, had a party atmosphere akin to New Years Eve the like of which I had never seen onboard a ship for many years. As I expected, G32 came into its own later in the evening of a crossing – it had been dead on most nights of the maiden voyage.

 

Brian Price was a bearable cruise director and was obviously of the old school with previous experience on Cunard. His disembarkation talk joked about being easier to go down one box and give full marks for everything, but at no stage did he ask outright for such. He did suggest that passengers not mark a whole department down for one less than perfect experience but rather use the comments box to highlight the problem and mark that department based on the remaining experience – which I thought was a fair comment to make.

 

Queen Mary 2 made the crossing itself seem effortless. Commodore Warwick was in command and not a Princess Captain to be seen anywhere infact, to my surprise we sailed under the blue ensign!!!. Inspite of Force 7 storms on days 1 and 3 (we were told we were sailing in between two hurricanes – and they could be clearly see on the bridge radar), she maintained a steady 24 to 25 knots throughout the voyage. The windows along the forward section of Decks 2 or 3 were still the best vantage points to get the thrill of the ship slicing through those rough seas. Some of the outside top decks were closed during the bad weather, but Deck 7 promenade proved to be a haven for an outside stroll in all types of weather. The weather on Day 5 infact turned out to be more Caribbean than Atlantic and we sun worshippers got 6 or 7 hours of uninterrupted sunbathing.

 

The kennels were in use but I was amazed to see how small and cramped they were! There appeared to be about 6 or 7 cages but arranged in 3 levels one above the other – my late red setter Oscar would not have been amused to travel this way! One section of the deck was gated off when the two pouches onboard had their free time, but given the size of the ship I think it is a small and mean facility.

 

There were approximately 2,300 pax onboard and 2,200 pax booked on the following eastbound crossing. This 84 to 88% of capacity, plus the summer crossings being mostly full, must be good news for those who wish to see the QM2 transatlantic service survive and flourish. These figures also represent a 20 – 30% increase on QE2’s maximum transatlantic capacity, so who can say that the demand is not there? The Commodore commented that the 2006 round South America to Hawaii and back season now has only limited availability – he also mentioned it would be his first time around the Horn and joked that it was a long way to take the wife home for the day!

 

Our last day came and went far too quickly but there was one more highlight to look forward to. Unfortunately no one told us that it would be pitch black when we sailed into New York!!! It was interesting to see the Narrows bridge, Statue of Liberty and Manhattan lit up – but its not like seeing it in daylight! We docked at Pier 90 and quite frankly I don’t know how anyone can argue about the ship moving to Red Hook when the facilities in Manhattan are so dilapidated – that neighbourhood of Manhattan isn’t exactly Park Avenue either. Temporary or permanent, a move was surely inevitable given the state of these facilities?

 

This is a superb service on a superb ship. A truly Grand Transatlantic Crossing and quite frankly, the only way to cross. It may have been our first Queen Mary 2 crossing but I have a feeling it won’t be the last.

[mufi]

Ken - thanks for an interesting report. I think we have to accept that the fact that the ship is sailing near to capacity is because of the deals on offer. Why not. Let us eat cake. Also so glad to hear your views of dining in Kings Court that we found like you to be a good quality buffet. And it was pretty dark when we came into NY in July, so can well imagine at early September.

 

I get the impression that QM2 has got over the statup phase and is settling in for many years as a classic.

 

We hope to sail on her again in 06.

 

David.

[Linerguy]

Ken:

 

So glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip! I have to say, your comments certainly peaked my anticipation for my eastbound crossing next month! I'm also thrilled to hear that QM2 has ironed out most of her 'growing pains'.

 

Russ

[Linerguy]

Ken:

 

So glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip! I have to say, your comments certainly peaked my anticipation for my eastbound crossing next month! I'm also thrilled to hear that QM2 has ironed out most of her 'growing pains'.

 

Russ

[nitnyleo]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time...thank you for sharing.

 

I'd just like to know a little more about the "hat parade"....do I need to pack my Easter bonnet too!?!?!?

[gracecarmo]

Ken: could you elaborate on this event? Do we bring a hat, or do they have them for sale?

We sail on Oct.8, eastbound, and I hope to see the statue of liberty as we sail away...hope it will not be too dark!

 

Grace

[KenC]

David ...... I don't think Cunard is discounting the high and mid transatlantic seasons other than normal early saver (lets face it who pays brochure price anywhere these days). The fare for our booking (through normal Cunard TA) didn't change from January until sailing. The November crossings are attracting some great offers because who but the hardy want to cross at that time of the year!!! We expected service etc to have improved since the maiden voyage but were pleased to see that it was consistently excellent across the board - you got the impression that the crew were happy in their skins!

 

Russ ...... You are going to love it!

 

nitnyleo & Grace ...... don't know about Easter but the hat thing is a purely voluntary event where the ladies can wear and parade either pre-bought or improvised or ship made (think they had classes) 'headgear' at the Ascot Ball in the Queens Room. My sister and cousin lovingly carried their hats for the duration of our holiday to prevent damage but in the end didn't wear them because 'Rock @ the Opera' clashed with the time of the parade and we chose to go to the show then onto the Ball. Hats aren't generally worn outside of the ball - though I did spot 2 ladies in Kings Court with black lace garters around their heads and large feathers sticking up from the side!!! Wouldn't worry about it though - just a bit of fun.

 

The day we arrived we went down to Battery Park to watch QM2 sail (around 6.00pm off the Statue of Liberty) - that was some sight. She looked so huge sailing down river past lower Manhattan.

 

Ken

[guernseyguy]

KenC,

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts & delighted to hear you enjoyed your crossing. Sure we can't tempt you onto MV RUSTBUCKET in January?:)

 

Peter

[KenC]

KenC,

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts & delighted to hear you enjoyed your crossing. Sure we can't tempt you onto MV RUSTBUCKET in January?:)

 

Peter

 

 

Peter ..... Not even if you gave us Q class for free!!! The future is here, it is brilliant and it is QM2. Anyway, we will be onboard Queen Victoria 1 (sorry Arcadia) sailing through the Panama Canal enroute for Barbados while you lot are heaving over the rails!!! But hope you enjoy it while you can.

 

Ken

[Transatlantic Tom]

Ken:

 

I too am pleased to hear that you had such a wonderful voyage aboard QM2. There's nothing like crossing the Atlantic !!!

 

I hope you located a spot in the Commodore's Club for us to have that drink someday !!

 

Tom;)

[STAM4NICK]

I was on the Aug 27 Westbound.

 

Some more on the Ascot Ball might be helpful here.

 

There were not as many hats as I would have expected. Those that brought thier own were picked out from the crowd to come to the center stage (Queens Room) for juding. I would say nearly 100% (of those who had hats) did not put on thier hats until arriving in the Queens Room--post dinner, I believe. One lady even had blinking lights and fruit and flowers on herx. Mind you it was surly quite heavy.

 

The classes as I recall were really just arts and crafts type events with construction paper, glue, scissors, paper streamers, glitter etc.... Some did bring thier own embellishments from home to attach to thier own made hat on ship. They are held in the bowels of the ship, Deck 1 in the Chelsea etc.. Rooms I believe. You do have to watch the programme to check the time and location on the day of the ball.

 

If you do make your own thay can be a chore to bring off ship and home especially if it is quite fragile.

 

In the end it was really a nice event to attend. Crossing the Atlantic, out in the middle of nowhere, and here were, are formally dressed showing off our Ascot Hats.

[elaine61]

Hi Guys

 

Will report back on my return, but just a couple of quick messages. Grace C and Grace W, I cannot seem to get my e mails here on board so have not been able to reply regarding us meeting up. LuAnn has sent me a note and I am just about to head off for cabin to arrange a meeting. Anyway, if I don't see a reply here about cabin numbers then I shall just ask for reception to get a message to you ladies. It is Grace Wardle and Grace Carmody isn't it???

 

Now on to the handling of the QM2. Whilst there are some things I shall elaborate more on my return to the UK, the one thing I have found is that she handles the rough weather magnificently. We had a force 9 wind and some really deep swells coming across the atlantic and there was only some slight movement. I am very impressed with the handling!!!!! My regular cruise ships would have been bobbing away in them conditions!!

 

Anyway, must go and get ready for dinner. Chilly day today in Sydney Nova Scotia, but lovely and sunny. If the wind had not been there it would have been an ideal autumn day!!

 

On our return from NY I was pretty well cream crackered (cockney for knackered)!!!!! Every one brought something except for me!! Oh well good job we go back there!!

 

Elaine

[elaine61]

Ken:

 

I too am pleased to hear that you had such a wonderful voyage aboard QM2. There's nothing like crossing the Atlantic !!!

 

I hope you located a spot in the Commodore's Club for us to have that drink someday !!

 

Tom;)

 

I love the commodore's club. Hubby prefers the chart room because they play jazz pre dinner!!!!!

 

Elaine

[JGR01]

There are classes for the unprepared! Paper hats with sparkle are not toooo classy.

 

The 'refined' have hats MADE and then bring them along. I did not attend the judging but saw one obvious contestant that same evening before dinner at the Senior Officer's cocktail party (invitation only and on the third formal night).

 

The lady had a cutout of the QM2 with photos of the ship attached to both sides of the hat (think of cardboard cutout of ship that was the QM2!). She had waves for the ship to ride on .. and PLENTY of purple plumage (yes FEATHERS) all surrounding the hat. Then to make it slightly over the top, she had battery operated white Christmas lights in and around the ships outline and then into the feathers themselves. Her dress was pretty traditional purple 'gown' .. but the hat was the THING. Supposedly she was a repeat cruiser and the crew were getting tired of her giagantic hat! But she was having a GRAND time with all the attention!

 

The other question/comment I have .. my crossing was from NYC to Southampton. Upon departure under the Verizano Narrows bridge .. we were led/shadowed/inspected/protected by a NYC police helicopter. It flew below my deck 9 balcony vantage ... and then buzzed around and around .. finally departing when we were WAY past the bridge. There also was a police car on the bridge (could see the red lights) I think to stop people from stopping as we passed 2-4 feet under the bridge!

 

Just wondered if this was common post 9/11 security for the Queens???

[gracecarmo]

Hi Elaine: so good to hear from you, and that you are enjoying the cruise so far.

You got our names correct, and my cabin # is 5202.

I am trying to pare down my luggage, but keep adding items! My motto is "what doesn't fit, I must forget". Now I am thinking of creating a hat. Did you participate in the Ascot Ball?

See you next week.....

Grace C.

[elaine61]

Hi Elaine: so good to hear from you, and that you are enjoying the cruise so far.

You got our names correct, and my cabin # is 5202.

I am trying to pare down my luggage, but keep adding items! My motto is "what doesn't fit, I must forget". Now I am thinking of creating a hat. Did you participate in the Ascot Ball?

See you next week.....

Grace C.

 

You must be just down the hall to me. We are deck 5 midships. I have become familiar with the aft end of deck 5 as this is where the laundry room is!! Even though we have brought enough clothes for the rest of the year (;)), I still have to go down there to wash through sweaty gym clothes!!!! I don't suit hats so haven't done anything like that. Just back from a tour of corner brook in newfoundland. I don't think Tom realised it was an all day thing and we were actually late back for the ship (it was supposed to leave at 5.30pm and we didn't get back until 5.45 ish)!! Oh well time for another shower and pre dinner drinks!! Gosh they sound expensive in dollars!!!!!

 

See you soon.

 

Elaine

[JM1]

I am leaving NY on 10/20/05, is there anyone else sailing on that date?

Ellen

[KenC]

Tom .... I thought one of the seats by the windows overlooking the bow from on high??? I don't believe you can do that on QE2 - oh well, .... I look forward to it one of these days!!

 

Hi Elaine .... come on - at give least a clue as to whether you are having a good time or not!!! Next time in NYC try the handbag department in Macy's (Ground Floor - 7th Avenue side?) it will blow you away (unless you aren't into handbags???) - none of us had ever seen anything like it!!!! Also keep remembering that $5 is less than £2.90!!!

 

JGR01 .... we got the helicopters and coast guard cutters from before Verrazano all the way up the river - so guess it is now standard and probably like most noticeable US security, post 9/11.

 

Grace .... only do the hat thing if you really want to do it - otherwise it's a chore not fun like it should be!!!

 

Ken

[Linerguy]

Ellen,...

 

I'll be on the same sailing. If you go to the 'Roll Call' section for 'Other Lines', there is a thread started for this sailing date. So far, I think there are about five or six of us,...

 

Russ

[Vic The Parrot]

Thanks Ken, for your great thoughts on QM2.

 

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed to do a crossing on her.

(If not this year, then next year .... next year will look more promising)

 

Good job!

 

 

:)

[Vic The Parrot]

The November crossings are attracting some great offers because who but the hardy want to cross at that time of the year!!!

 

 

 

 

And we 'are' a rare breed, aren't we?

 

.... (and proud to be so..)

 

 

:D

[KenC]

And we 'are' a rare breed, aren't we?

 

.... (and proud to be so..)

 

 

:D

 

Vic ........ Regular Pilgrim Fathers!!!!

[Transatlantic Tom]

 

Tom .... I thought one of the seats by the windows overlooking the bow from on high??? I don't believe you can do that on QE2 - oh well, .... I look forward to it one of these days!!

 

Ken

 

 

Ken:

 

You've got yourself a deal !!! As the saying goes "It's not if, but when", so I look forward to that first drink with you with that (as I understand) wonderful view !!!

 

Yes, I wish QE2 still had the original lounge/bar with the view of the bow.

 

Tom

[KenC]

Ken:

 

You've got yourself a deal !!! As the saying goes "It's not if, but when", so I look forward to that first drink with you with that (as I understand) wonderful view !!!

 

Yes, I wish QE2 still had the original lounge/bar with the view of the bow.

 

Tom

 

OK Tom that's a plan ..... guess with QM2 being around for the next 40 odd years we've got plenty of time to work on it!!!

 

Just seen some 'new' old photos of QE2 taken in 1969-71 (Sea Lines - mag of Ocean Liner Society) and it is surprising how the 60's modernist style was so very stark and uncompromising - no wonder today's interiors look like 'Aunty's frontroom'. There is one shot of the former 'Look Out' overlooking the bow - how could anyone turn such a lounge into a kitchen? It beggars belief.

 

Surprised no one has picked up the confirmation that QM2 is flying the blue ensign at the moment. I was really surprised and delighted to see it - took me back to my childhood visits to see the old Queens in Southampton.

 

Also surprised that the criticism of the Manhattan facilities didn't raise much of a comment. Is there any plans to refurbish (more like rebuild) them or are they going to be allowed to carry on rusting away into the River???

 

Regards

 

Ken

[Jim Avery]

Hi Ken:

Your post brought back pleasant memories of QE2 in 1969. I too was staggered when my favourite lounge, the Lookout, was turned into a kitchen. It was every bit as nice as the Commodore Club is on QM2. Can you imagine that being used as a galley? I also remembered that what is now the Queens Grill was the 736 club, the disco where many a celeb was seen. QE2 is still the most beautiful ship afloat but times do change and so do we. Still hope to do one more QE2 transat before shes gone.

All the best,

Jim.