QM2 post-refit TA log

[david,Mississauga]

Yes, the deck 13 cabins are scheduled to be occupied starting July 13 with boarding at Southampton. The new deck 14 observation area means that those in them will be awakened from all the foot traffic when the ship enters port.

 

...

 

Although it appears that the walkways are directly over the balconies, the deck is bare metal and I have to wonder if noise will carry through to the actual cabin. We don't sleep late, so it may not be a problem for us early in the morning, although it may be for others. I hope the walkways are closed off overnight.

Edited July 5, 2016 by david,Mississauga

[BlueRiband]

At the Noon update Captain Wells announced that some accelleration tests would be done to evaluation the rebuildin of the pods. I heard some loud rpms and saw water going by at greater speed but didn't feet any rolling or pitching of the ship. Perhaps Rolls Royce engineersare on board are taking readings.

 

If hearsay is to be believed, Cunard isn't going 5 years again between drydocks. One of the spa employees told me that the next one is in 2019 when the entire Canyon Ranch facility is to be redone. (This past refit involved re-doing the floor in the reception area. A fountain that could not be kept in repair was removed, and some hair services equipment replaced.)

[jimmybean]

What an interesting and informative thread! Thank you, BlueRiband for all the detailed descriptions :)

 

Most of our boarding (at Brooklyn and Southampton) have ranged from "very easy" to "not unreasonable." In comparison, QM2 embarkation in 2009 at Ft Lauderdale was a nightmare. People literally fainted in the long queue. Poor orchestration of (some) embarkation and disembarkation ports isn't a new short-coming for Cunard. Hopefully, this will be addressed, because it is something that can be improved (other cruise lines manage). It is a big deal to make either a bad first-impression or last-memory. (Are you listening, Cunard?)

 

No personal sailing plans for the QM2 in our near future, but I look forward to seeing all the changes discussed. Probably, by then the carpeting will be completed. (Hurray for return of computers to the library! Hurray for improving King's Court! Hurray for all of BlueRiband's posts!)

[BlueRiband]

In reviewing this post, I made the statement that Chopard was replace by Michael Kors. It's true that the stand-alone shop is now Michael Kors but Chopard still has a counter in the port side jewelry store.

 

I must vent on a big disappointment. Much has been said that the best CC gatherings are the "flash mobs" in the Commodore Club, 2PM first sea day. On this TA nobody showed up on the 22nd (embarkation at Hamburg) or the 24th (boarding at Southampton). Yet comments posted in other threads indicate that several members were also on this voyage.

 

Though the post now seems to be gone, a prolific poster mentioned being a member of a non-official Cunard social media group. (Some of us choose not to be members of those sites as we consider the cost to personal privacy to be substantial.) That's unfortunate. Nobody is interested in the CC time slot because they're already happily socializing with their private group.

[Cassandra14]

In reviewing this post, I made the statement that Chopard was replace by Michael Kors. It's true that the stand-alone shop is now Michael Kors but Chopard still has a counter in the port side jewelry store.

 

I must vent on a big disappointment. Much has been said that the best CC gatherings are the "flash mobs" in the Commodore Club, 2PM first sea day. On this TA nobody showed up on the 22nd (embarkation at Hamburg) or the 24th (boarding at Southampton). Yet comments posted in other threads indicate that several members were also on this voyage.

 

Though the post now seems to be gone, a prolific poster mentioned being a member of a non-official Cunard social media group. (Some of us choose not to be members of those sites as we consider the cost to personal privacy to be substantial.) That's unfortunate. Nobody is interested in the CC time slot because they're already happily socializing with their private group.

I went to 2 M & G....same place and time on QM2 on the WC segment from Sydney to Cape Town last year and on both occasions only 2 other people turned up. However on QV from HK this year the meeting was well attended and everyone was very friendly. ..

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Solent Richard]

In reviewing this post, I made the statement that Chopard was replace by Michael Kors. It's true that the stand-alone shop is now Michael Kors but Chopard still has a counter in the port side jewelry store.

 

I must vent on a big disappointment. Much has been said that the best CC gatherings are the "flash mobs" in the Commodore Club, 2PM first sea day. On this TA nobody showed up on the 22nd (embarkation at Hamburg) or the 24th (boarding at Southampton). Yet comments posted in other threads indicate that several members were also on this voyage.

 

Though the post now seems to be gone, a prolific poster mentioned being a member of a non-official Cunard social media group. (Some of us choose not to be members of those sites as we consider the cost to personal privacy to be substantial.) That's unfortunate. Nobody is interested in the CC time slot because they're already happily socializing with their private group.

 

Good morning BlueRiband.

 

I wonder if the member you referred to is actually me?

 

As an administrator of two of the four most popular Cunard sites I'm curious about your comment regarding the... "cost to personal privacy."

 

If you are a member of Facebook then you will be aware of its 'privacy settings. Your 'privacy' is surely dependant on the level of 'private' information you yourself add.

 

The funny thing is that Social media cruise groups are often a lot safer than posting on Cruise forums. Trolls are easily weeded out and 'meets' aren't snooped upon by unknown screen names who join a roll call and then don't appear.

 

In the main, members do tend to socialise more easily and I guess that is where you are coming from with your..."Nobody is interested in the CC time slot because they're already happily socializing with their private group."

[BlueRiband]

Good morning BlueRiband.

 

I wonder if the member you referred to is actually me?

 

As an administrator of two of the four most popular Cunard sites I'm curious about your comment regarding the... "cost to personal privacy."

 

If you are a member of Facebook then you will be aware of its 'privacy settings. Your 'privacy' is surely dependant on the level of 'private' information you yourself add.

 

The funny thing is that Social media cruise groups are often a lot safer than posting on Cruise forums. Trolls are easily weeded out and 'meets' aren't snooped upon by unknown screen names who join a roll call and then don't appear.

 

In the main, members do tend to socialise more easily and I guess that is where you are coming from with your..."Nobody is interested in the CC time slot because they're already happily socializing with their private group."

 

While Facebook has multiple controls that let users think they are limiting how much personal information they choose to share, all the while Facebook collects marketing information on members likes and habits - which is how they make money. They know when you are sleeping. They use facial recognition technology on photos. The "scrapbooking" feature means that even children and friends in photographs are identified. And if you type and decide not to post...Facebook knows that as they want to determine "why members self censor". If you're fine with that it's your perogative. For me, the last straw came then it become increasingly difficult to get past login without surrundering my cell phone number. Then it became a pain to get the damn account deleted and not just deactivated.

 

But yes, operating a Facebook group does have "gatekeeper" advantages - one can reject trolls but also anyone else who isn't wanted. People do have the right to associate and not associate with whom they please. I just hope that none of these groups are presenting themselves as part of "Cruise Critic" while on board. Because they certainly are not when they are organizing and communicating outside of the CC community while picking and choosing the members they want.

 

I suspect a lot of this is going on and explains why Cunard M&Gs tend to be busts. Those on other social media already feel more closely connected to their private group and don't feel motivated to meet the members who only post here.

Edited July 12, 2016 by BlueRiband

[Solent Richard]

While Facebook has multiple controls that let users think they are limiting how much personal information they choose to share, all the while Facebook collects marketing information on members likes and habits - which is how they make money. They know when you are sleeping. They use facial recognition technology on photos. The "scrapbooking" feature means that even children and friends in photographs are identified. And if you type and decide not to post...Facebook knows that as they want to determine "why members self censor". If you're fine with that it's your perogative. For me, the last straw came then it become increasingly difficult to get past login without surrundering my cell phone number. Then it became a pain to get the damn account deleted and not just deactivated.

 

But yes, operating a Facebook group does have "gatekeeper" advantages - one can reject trolls but also anyone else who isn't wanted. People do have the right to associate and not associate with whom they please. I just hope that none of these groups are presenting themselves as part of "Cruise Critic" while on board. Because they certainly are not when they are organizing and communicating outside of the CC community while picking and choosing the members they want.

 

I suspect a lot of this is going on and explains why Cunard M&Gs tend to be busts. Those on other social media already feel more closely connected to their private group and don't feel motivated to meet the members who only post here.

 

 

Good afternoon BlueRiband.

 

Thank you for your lengthy response particularly on facebook's own agenda which of course I personally have no issues with. It is now a fact of life that the majority of corporate businesses harvest client data: supermarkets and credit card companies leading the way.

 

Here in the UK we have witnessed thousands of ex cruise forum users migrate to Facebook groups having become sick to the teeth of 'faceless' members making various unsubstantiated claims and crying wolf when challenged.

 

I would expect that that is also the reason why your gripe that more and more CC members are avoiding meets while social Facebook groups are in the ascendancy and stealing the show.

 

Anyway, I trust you are still enjoying your time onboard and apologies for the digression on your otherwise excellent thread.

 

Richard

[wenlyn]

 

As an administrator of two of the four most popular Cunard sites I'm curious about your comment regarding the... "cost to personal privacy."

 

"

 

Could you suggest a good fb group for QM2 Solent Richard I'd be interested in joining?

[BlueRiband]

...

Here in the UK we have witnessed thousands of ex cruise forum users migrate to Facebook groups having become sick to the teeth of 'faceless' members making various unsubstantiated claims and crying wolf when challenged.

 

I would expect that that is also the reason why your gripe that more and more CC members are avoiding meets while social Facebook groups are in the ascendancy and stealing the show..

 

Humm...if it is so much better one can only wonder why people from Facebook groups even bother to post over here.:confused: You're missing our unique online personalities?:D

[Salacia]

PARTIAL QUOTE

...Here in the UK we have witnessed thousands of ex cruise forum users migrate to Facebook groups having become sick to the teeth of 'faceless' members making various unsubstantiated claims and crying wolf when challenged...

 

 

 

Wow, that Brexit stuff sure is far reaching:eek:

[Solent Richard]

Humm...if it is so much better one can only wonder why people from Facebook groups even bother to post over here.:confused: You're missing our unique online personalities?:D

 

Good morning Blue Riband.

 

Not necessarily better but certainly more sociable: which I believe was the theme of your original gripe.

 

I would also point out that the groups tend to concentrate on specific cruise lines the joy of Cruise Critic, is the breadth of multi line discussion and depth of experience.

 

Each has their place, particularly if, like me, one doesn't confine oneself to one cruise line.

 

Have a nice day and again, apologies for the digression.

 

Richard.

[BlueRiband]

Good morning Blue Riband.

 

Not necessarily better but certainly more sociable: which I believe was the theme of your original gripe.

 

I would also point out that the groups tend to concentrate on specific cruise lines the joy of Cruise Critic, is the breadth of multi line discussion and depth of experience.

 

Each has their place, particularly if, like me, one doesn't confine oneself to one cruise line.

 

Have a nice day and again, apologies for the digression.

 

Richard.

Not everyone has the time and motivation to participate in multiple social media groups that each focus on a specific cruise line as you do. Because CC has member representation for multiple lines, I was able to make an inquiry on the Regent board. My question was answered without my having to search through several Regent fan sites and possibly have to ask a gatekeeper for admission just to post the question.

 

If you are right about social media groups being in ascendancy and message boards on the decline, you will eventually be the poorer for it. Multiple line boards like CC will shrink to the point that they are no longer financially sustainable and/or there won't be enough participation to make the information relevant. :(

[Solent Richard]

Not everyone has the time and motivation to participate in multiple social media groups that each focus on a specific cruise line as you do. Because CC has member representation for multiple lines, I was able to make an inquiry on the Regent board. My question was answered without my having to search through several Regent fan sites and possibly have to ask a gatekeeper for admission just to post the question.

 

If you are right about social media groups being in ascendancy and message boards on the decline, you will eventually be the poorer for it. Multiple line boards like CC will shrink to the point that they are no longer financially sustainable and/or there won't be enough participation to make the information relevant. :(

 

Good afternoon BlueRiband.

 

I do enjoy chatting to you and sincerely hope we could enjoy a beer or two on Cunard some day.

 

I would be the first to admit that if every Multi Line Board (MLB)/(Forum) had members of your quality and writing ability then there wouldn't be the issues that have arisen on other MLBs and Forums.

 

I personally enjoy the Cruise Critic environment, its diversity and management level.

 

I'm sure that you will agree that there are, in the cruising fraternity, those folk who religiously stick to either one cruise line or prefer to talk to 'real' people: it is to those whom Facebook has a greater appeal.

 

This of course brings us full circle to where I raised my initial point in answer to your criticism. It is the Social Media groups who are now making the running in onboard meets.

 

 

Have a nice weekend.

 

Richard

[pepperrn]

... But yes, operating a Facebook group does have "gatekeeper" advantages - one can reject trolls but also anyone else who isn't wanted. ...

Hi BlueRiband,

 

How interesting you should say this... I found out today that I am one of the ones who "isn't wanted" on one of the much-hyped Cunard facebook groups (it claims to be "popular"... it has 202 members... )

 

When I joined CruiseCritic ten years ago it took seconds.

I tried to join a "popular" Cunard facebook group early this morning; I am still waiting (8.15pm) to be admitted by either of the two admins.

 

Clearly I am being sent a message; "we don't want to offend by actually rejecting you, but if we wait long enough, you'll go away". So I will.

 

So, given my experience today, I'll stick with friendly, experienced, knowledgeable, fun and open (and actually popular) CruiseCritic.

 

Best wishes to you :)

Edited July 15, 2016 by pepperrn

[Salacia]

Hi BlueRiband,

 

How interesting you should say this... I found out today that I am one of the ones who "isn't wanted" on one of the much-hyped Cunard facebook groups (it claims to be "popular"... it has 202 members... )

 

When I joined CruiseCritic ten years ago it took seconds.

I tried to join a popular Cunard facebook group early this morning; I am still waiting (8.15pm) to be admitted by either of the two admins.

 

Clearly I am being sent a message; "we don't want to offend by actually rejecting you, but if we wait long enough, you'll go away". So I will.

 

So, given my experience today, I'll stick with friendly, experienced, knowledgeable, fun and open (and actually popular) CruiseCritic.

 

Best wishes to you :)

 

Pepper, their loss is our gain! To them I say :p

 

Cheers,

Salacia

[pepperrn]

Pepper, their loss is our gain! To them I say :p

Cheers, Salacia

:) Thank you Salacia, thank you :o Edited July 15, 2016 by pepperrn

[Host Hattie]

Pepper, their loss is our gain! To them I say :p

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

Definitely, glad you are sticking with us !

[pepperrn]

Definitely, glad you are sticking with us !

:) Thank you Host Hattie, this feels like "home", so many great people here :)

[Pushka]

Its the weekend - I dont think there are any hidden messages Peppern! But no reason why you cant be a member of CC and any other internet group you wish to join. I certainly am. Cruise forums, travel forums, plane forums...

Edited July 16, 2016 by Pushka

[pepperrn]

Its the weekend - I dont think there are any hidden messages Peppern! But no reason why you cant be a member of CC and any other internet group you wish to join. I certainly am. Cruise forums, travel forums, plane forums...

Thank you Pushka :)

 

I do so agree with you, and I do post on several cruise/travel groups and sites, as well as CruiseCritic, as you do.

 

It's just that I waited twelve hours yesterday for entry/a message/refusal... :confused:

(Nothing to do with time zones)

 

Either this particular facebook page was unmonitored (which shows how quiet and dull it must truly be), or monitored (and I was being sent a clear message by the admins; "No Riff-Raff" :o ).

 

If a facebook page is so lacking in activity that it goes unmonitored for twelve daytime hours (8-8)... well it must be truly exciting/buzzing once you're in... (not).

(I wonder how many low-number-of-members facebook groups are in reality "dead"... but no-one running the site has accepted that, and deleted the page?)

 

My experience with CruiseCritic (and a few other well-managed sites) is entirely the reverse: Easy and quick to join, lots of activity from many thousands of experienced, friendly members. Many of whom I've had the honour and pleasure to meet on board Cunard ships, and in a few cases, on dry land as well :) .

 

Thanks again Pushka, happy sailings :)

Edited July 16, 2016 by pepperrn

[BlueRiband]

Just recall that saying of Groucho Marx: "I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member." :D

[Mid-Atlantic Ridge]

Thank you Pushka :)

 

I do so agree with you, and I do post on several cruise/travel groups and sites, as well as CruiseCritic, as you do.

 

It's just that I waited twelve hours yesterday for entry/a message/refusal... :confused:

(Nothing to do with time zones)

 

Either this particular facebook page was unmonitored (which shows how quiet and dull it must truly be), or monitored (and I was being sent a clear message by the admins; "No Riff-Raff" :o ).

 

If a facebook page is so lacking in activity that it goes unmonitored for twelve daytime hours (8-8)... well it must be truly exciting/buzzing once you're in... (not).

(I wonder how many low-number-of-members facebook groups are in reality "dead"... but no-one running the site has accepted that, and deleted the page?)

 

My experience with CruiseCritic (and a few other well-managed sites) is entirely the reverse: Easy and quick to join, lots of activity from many thousands of experienced, friendly members. Many of whom I've had the honour and pleasure to meet on board Cunard ships, and in a few cases, on dry land as well :) .

 

Thanks again Pushka, happy sailings :)

I've always found on a Cunard ship if you have a civil tongue, show common courtesy and wear a smile on your face then friendships can follow should you wish.

 

I find Cruisecritic to be an open source of great information, witness recently all the superb contributions from those reporting the results of the remastering. I'm slightly less enthusiastic about the roll calls section though, perhaps it's through an irrational fear of name badges.

 

My need to belong to any restricted Facebook cruising community is nil although I respect those that use them and enjoy them, the open for all ones are numerous enough to glean all l want or need to know about Cunard. I am certainly not going to beg to join a site where I have to stand and be judged as worthy or otherwise for entry. Just not my scene.

 

M-AR

[Jacqueline]

Pepperrn, how do they know who you are on the FB in terms of linking your name here to your name on Facebook?

[Bell Boy]

Pepperrn, how do they know who you are on the FB in terms of linking your name here to your name on Facebook?

 

Well they wouldn't , but maybe those who request to join these fb groups don't provide a suitable mug shot ;) as part of their Avatar or the admin team who monitor them are not really convinced that the request is genuine.