First Impression of Remastering

[david,Mississauga]

...

 

The harpist was still there but this one sings what used to called in my youth 'Torch Songs' old sentimental numbers given her own very individual interpretation. Sometimes so individual as to be virtually unrecognisable. I did miss the old music only harpist.

...

 

Thank you for your informative posts. One question: is there still a string quartet to play at various times, such as tea in the Queen's Room?

[Merry Maid]

Thank you for your informative posts. One question: is there still a string quartet to play at various times, such as tea in the Queen's Room?

 

 

Yes David, I'm please to report the string quartet is still going strong. A different group from last year. 3 female and a male cello player. They play as usual in the queens room, chart room and MDR etc.

MM

[Happyboating]

Pepper - you are right about the wooden door to Churchill's Lounge - it is usually open. As you know it's been about 5 years since we were last on QM2 so, at times, we are struggling to remember what was here before and what has changed. I shall go down to the Chart Room shortly and look for the hidden opening. As you say though, once I've found it I'll always see it!

 

Patria21 - to be honest I would probably prefer that the pattern was on both sides of the corridor carpet but that's just my personal preference. I could, maybe, understand it if the new pattern was one colour, one side of the ship, and another colour the other side, so you knew if you were on the port or starboard side but, as it is, it just seems odd to me but I guess it's a trend thing as someone else has posted a similar one-sided design on another ship and I confess I am not very trendy.

 

3rdGenCunarder - there are two toasting machines on one of the central food stations in the main serving area so I guess, if you want toast, that's where you toast the bread. To be honest, we only go to KC for breakfast if I want an omelette and then I have it with a bread roll.

 

David, Mississauga - a string quartet was playing in the Chart Room last night so all is well there.

 

I will write up my next bunch of observations later.

[sfbearcat]

The small serving area was the La Piazza section of the old Kings court ..so there going back to serving pizza and pasta..good! I wondered how that section was going to be worked into this new layout..Have you noticed is this were they still have food late at night?

[BlueRiband]

The small serving area was the La Piazza section of the old Kings court ..so there going back to serving pizza and pasta..good! I wondered how that section was going to be worked into this new layout..Have you noticed is this were they still have food late at night?

 

The aft buffet is much smaller than the main section near B stairway, so it makes sense to use if for something specialized during the day and consolidate all the late night food service there. No doubt the galley crew had to adjust to the new setup too, and now that they have some paractical experience with it.

[Happyboating]

We finally got up on deck 12. The biggest change, we all know, is the removal of the Regatta Bar and the addition of the new cabins. We were able to climb the steps and walk on the roof of the new cabins. My observation here was that we were walking on metal - decking has not been laid up there. When we went back down, by The Lookout, and then turned back to come inside, the new corridor door was open. We ventured in and noticed that all the doors were sitting on the catch and weren't actually closed - I assume this was because a lot of invited guests, including photographers and a tv crew, were wandering around the ship today and I presume Cunard wanted to give them access to the new Britannia Club staterooms. A Cunard guide said it was ok to go inside one of the staterooms so, again, we had a quick peak. I particularly liked the mirrors that are on the two walls that surround the dressing table - as you know the original staterooms just have one framed mirror in the middle of the dressing table on the main wall. The new rooms looked very smart. The furniture is also in a different colour wood than the original stateroom furniture - I liked it.

 

We then went down to the Library and Book Shop. I particularly liked the new carpet in that area - it had what looked, to me, to be propellers on it which I assumed made reference to the blades you can see on the bow of the ship from the library windows. As others have already mentioned the book shop looked rather sparse compared to before, however, if you did manage to find something that you wanted to buy there was a notice on the desk to say that everything had a further 10% off - even that didn't tempt me and I've ALWAYS found something to buy in there before!

 

We then made our way back down to the Carinthia Lounge to see what their afternoon tea offerings were like. They had some interesting looking "scones" so I queried what they were. I was told that they were, indeed, scones that the chef had put lumps of chocolate on the top of. I was also told that they were unique to the Carinthia Lounge so we tried one. It was ok but, to be honest, I wasn't over keen but I accept that others may LOVE them. We then tried some other types of cakes which we liked much more.

 

We then went back to Kings Court as I really wanted just a warm plain scone with butter. I was therefore surprised to find that all the scones they had were already filled with jam and queen. In the end I asked one of the chefs' if I could please just have a plain scone and he said to come back in 10 minutes when he would have a couple for me - 1 each by the way! He was true to his word and they were ready waiting for me when I returned but I was surprised to find that they were cold - on the other ships the scones are stacked in a rotating display cabinet that also keeps them warm and you have to open the door to take one out. Once you've got your scone you then help yourself either to butter or a little dish that contains both jam and cream. I'm afraid QE and QV win the match on the scones!

 

We had a look at the new external kennel area but I shall leave someone whose pet is using that area to post their comments in due course. I have seen a dog on here today but as it was being walked through Kings Court I assume it's a service dog of some kind - it was wearing a coat but I didn't read what it said on it. Of course, if it's a service dog, it'll be staying in it's owner's stateroom and not in the kennels. I shall pop up there again tomorrow in the hope that at least one animal was boarded today and, if so, ask either a member of staff, or a pet owner, to take some photos for me inside. I will then learn how to post them to this board - I used to have an app on my old iPad that made posting photos easy but since that iPad died I haven't managed to get the app to work on my new one!

 

Apparently our departure from Hamburg has now been delayed until 01.30 tomorrow morning as one of the world's largest container ships is due in and it is forbidden for two large ships to pass in the river. That said, we're still having a sail away party at the back of deck 8 at 9.30pm and at 10.00pm a flotilla of small boats are scheduled to come up the river to see us - clearly they won't be sending us off.

 

We've eaten in Kings Court this evening and the tables have all been laid up with table mats with the cutlery either side and the napkin in the Centre of the mat. One of the staff even offered to go and get our drinks - and I don't mean the paid ones off the Kings Court drinks menu. We both had lamb shank and it was delicious. That said, we've liked everything we've eaten except for the unusual chocolate topped scone. To be honest, I guess it would be nice having a window seat if we were at sea.

 

Tomorrow night we're booked into the Veranda - we've tried that Restaurant on the other two ships so are looking forward to comparing this version to the others.

[BeakyBeer24]

Thank you for all of your fantastic posts! Anything more about the kennels will be brilliant as we are struggling to get first hand knowledge!

 

 

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[mtsublueraider]

We finally got up on deck 12. The biggest change, we all know, is the removal of the Regatta Bar and the addition of the new cabins. We were able to climb the steps and walk on the roof of the new cabins. My observation here was that we were walking on metal - decking has not been laid up there. When we went back down, by The Lookout, and then turned back to come inside, the new corridor door was open. We ventured in and noticed that all the doors were sitting on the catch and weren't actually closed - I assume this was because a lot of invited guests, including photographers and a tv crew, were wandering around the ship today and I presume Cunard wanted to give them access to the new Britannia Club staterooms. A Cunard guide said it was ok to go inside one of the staterooms so, again, we had a quick peak. I particularly liked the mirrors that are on the two walls that surround the dressing table - as you know the original staterooms just have one framed mirror in the middle of the dressing table on the main wall. The new rooms looked very smart. The furniture is also in a different colour wood than the original stateroom furniture - I liked it.

 

We then went down to the Library and Book Shop. I particularly liked the new carpet in that area - it had what looked, to me, to be propellers on it which I assumed made reference to the blades you can see on the bow of the ship from the library windows. As others have already mentioned the book shop looked rather sparse compared to before, however, if you did manage to find something that you wanted to buy there was a notice on the desk to say that everything had a further 10% off - even that didn't tempt me and I've ALWAYS found something to buy in there before!

 

We then made our way back down to the Carinthia Lounge to see what their afternoon tea offerings were like. They had some interesting looking "scones" so I queried what they were. I was told that they were, indeed, scones that the chef had put lumps of chocolate on the top of. I was also told that they were unique to the Carinthia Lounge so we tried one. It was ok but, to be honest, I wasn't over keen but I accept that others may LOVE them. We then tried some other types of cakes which we liked much more.

 

We then went back to Kings Court as I really wanted just a warm plain scone with butter. I was therefore surprised to find that all the scones they had were already filled with jam and queen. In the end I asked one of the chefs' if I could please just have a plain scone and he said to come back in 10 minutes when he would have a couple for me - 1 each by the way! He was true to his word and they were ready waiting for me when I returned but I was surprised to find that they were cold - on the other ships the scones are stacked in a rotating display cabinet that also keeps them warm and you have to open the door to take one out. Once you've got your scone you then help yourself either to butter or a little dish that contains both jam and cream. I'm afraid QE and QV win the match on the scones!

 

We had a look at the new external kennel area but I shall leave someone whose pet is using that area to post their comments in due course. I have seen a dog on here today but as it was being walked through Kings Court I assume it's a service dog of some kind - it was wearing a coat but I didn't read what it said on it. Of course, if it's a service dog, it'll be staying in it's owner's stateroom and not in the kennels. I shall pop up there again tomorrow in the hope that at least one animal was boarded today and, if so, ask either a member of staff, or a pet owner, to take some photos for me inside. I will then learn how to post them to this board - I used to have an app on my old iPad that made posting photos easy but since that iPad died I haven't managed to get the app to work on my new one!

 

Apparently our departure from Hamburg has now been delayed until 01.30 tomorrow morning as one of the world's largest container ships is due in and it is forbidden for two large ships to pass in the river. That said, we're still having a sail away party at the back of deck 8 at 9.30pm and at 10.00pm a flotilla of small boats are scheduled to come up the river to see us - clearly they won't be sending us off.

 

We've eaten in Kings Court this evening and the tables have all been laid up with table mats with the cutlery either side and the napkin in the Centre of the mat. One of the staff even offered to go and get our drinks - and I don't mean the paid ones off the Kings Court drinks menu. We both had lamb shank and it was delicious. That said, we've liked everything we've eaten except for the unusual chocolate topped scone. To be honest, I guess it would be nice having a window seat if we were at sea.

 

Tomorrow night we're booked into the Veranda - we've tried that Restaurant on the other two ships so are looking forward to comparing this version to the others.

 

 

 

Did you happen to peak in any of the new deck 13 interior rooms? I'm wondering if they look any different than a typical interior on the ship. Tv on the wall? Thanks!

[Salacia]

Thank you for all of your fantastic posts! Anything more about the kennels will be brilliant as we are struggling to get first hand knowledge!

 

 

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For a first hand report, don't ask a Golden Retriever - they won't say a bad word about anybody or anything...everything is absolutely wonderful to a Golden :D You might ask a Pug and a Poodle.;)

Edited July 16, 2016 by Salacia

[BeakyBeer24]

For a first hand report, don't ask a Golden Retriever - they won't say a bad word about anybody or anything...everything is absolutely wonderful to a Golden :D You might ask a Pug and a Poodle.;)

 

 

Maybe we need the whole Paw Patrol to get a fair and balanced report!

 

 

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[GUT2407]

For a first hand report, don't ask a Golden Retriever - they won't say a bad word about anybody or anything...everything is absolutely wonderful to a Golden :D You might ask a Pug and a Poodle.;)

 

I find a Border Collie best at giving you the straight truth.

 

German Shepherds are OK as long as you don't mention the War.

[Happyboating]

The flotilla of boats that we were told would turn up turned out to be half a dozen tourist boats and another half a dozen smaller boats. We had a good view of them arriving, whilst keeping warm, from the Atlantic Room - amazingly we were the only ones in there. When we heard a tannoy announcement we rushed outside to hear ours and their whistles being blown - one of theirs sounded like it had either come from a Christmas Cracker or was seriously ill - it was all good fun though and, or course, our whistles sounded the best. Then one of the tourist boats started playing God Save the Queen over their tannoy and when it ended there was a LOUD cheer from everyone on here - I was actually quite surprised how many people were out on their balconies and on deck. Apparently, had we left at our scheduled time the boats would have escorted us down the river. It was fun. I'm just sorry that we missed the hotel that makes such a fuss of Cunard further down the river - maybe they still did but I was asleep.

 

And of course, talking of whistles, it's just occurred to me that the new deck 13 staterooms are right in line to hear the full blast of the fog horns!!!!!!

 

A minor observation but I've noticed that the Britannia menus are no longer dated. I know, at one time, the menus were handed out to passengers as a souvenir, at the end of their voyage - maybe now they are reused again? Of course, it may just be a short voyage cutback.

 

I've just been up to the kennels and spoken to the kennel master, Oliver. He wouldn't take my camera and take photos for me but I will go back later and see if I can get one of the owners to do so - we clearly have dog guests onboard because I could hear them. We did have a chat though and he's very pleased with the new changes - the biggest one being that the kennels are now air-conditioned and CCTV'd. There are also now windows in the owners lounge looking out on to the original outside dog exercise area and also onto the large sun deck where Broadwalk Cafe have their tables and chairs. Oliver told us that they now have 24 units - 12 each side facing each other. As I volunteer for an Animal charity I queried how the cats coped with that and he said they put the cats in a corner cage - as a point of fact they have 2 cats boarding in Southampton. It appeared very obvious to me that because of the curvature of the back of the ship there are clearly blind spots on the newly extended outside dog area so MJM88 has, in fact, made some valid points. Oliver said that they now have a dual use reception unit/inside play area - separate to the owners lounge - so, if I can, I will quiz the owners on the size of the dual use area when I, hopefully, see them. Oliver has worked with an animal charity in the Philippines and also been a zoo keeper so I'm confident that if he was unhappy with the animals' welfare in any way he would say so although he did acknowledge the blind spots on the back outside exercise area - the poor guy couldn't really not acknowledge them as they are clearly obvious! I got the impression that, given the chance, he'd take command of some of the sun deck. He said he had free rein to order whatever the dogs want to eat - if it's on the ship he can order it - so it's good to know that the dogs can still order off menu when, as reported, the Princess Grills guests can no longer do so!

 

I've just been back up there but as its very windy - we're currently doing 20 knots (50 knots on deck - possibly to make up for our late departure last night?) - the owners and their dogs are currently sitting in the owners lounge. I see from the tv screen in the Golden Lion Pub - that is currently showing the Bridge Report (weather, temperature, speed, location) and that decks 14 and 11 forward, are closed.

 

Having just looked at the pub menu can anyone please explain why they would put "minted" mushy peas with the cod & chips? Personally, I don't even like plain mushy peas so I definitely wouldn't want "minted" ones, especially with fish - amusingly, when we gave the waiter our order, and specified "no peas please" he responded "no-one likes the peas!". And the chips now come in a fancy little basket in greaseproof paper - it all looks beautifully presented but I think DH would have preferred more chips! Of course he could simply have asked for more if he really wanted more but he didn't. In comparison, my cottage pie was delicious and was too big for me to eat all of it. You won't believe this but, for the first time ever, I read today's programme of events - we usually operate on manyana mode when on holiday - and so I saw that the Dixiland jazz band were playing here and as we enjoyed them so much in the Carinthia Lounge the other day, here we are to see them again.

 

Pepper - we've found the gangway entrance in the Chart Room. It looks like a storage cupboard by the last table at the bar end? Very cleverly disguised.

 

Thinking some more about the kennels, the reality of actually having 24 dogs in there is actually very slim as all cats have to have 2 cages - so 2 cages are opened up to to make one larger cage - to accommodate the cat in one cage and their litter tray in the other. Likewise for medium sized dogs, two cages will be opened up to make one larger one and I think I'm right in saying that with large dogs three cages can be opened up to make one large one, therefore, the likelihood of having 24 small dogs in each of the 24 cages is very slim although I accept that larger dogs need more space to exercise. Please note, these are only "my" thoughts.

 

We didn't appear to have either a tv signal or internet earlier but I'll now try posting this and then I'll go back up to the kennels to see if I can find an owner to gage their opinion and, hopefully, to get some photos and FACTS.

[BlueRiband]

Thank you for your wonderfully detailed posts! Your efforts are much appreciated.

[Jacqueline]

Thank you so much for your detailed observations !

[BeakyBeer24]

You are awesome! Thank you again!

 

 

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[Bell Boy]

Minted mushy peas ! They have been serving them here (with fish & chips) in my local pub for at least a year. I think they must be the latest thing in sophisticated 'Pub dining'. ;)

 

 

I'm enjoying my daily Cunard Fix, reading your observations, well detailed Thank You.

 

If you managed to read this before your Dinner this evening in the Verandah, can you check out if the 'circular Bar in the restaurant' is now in use'. i.e. are some people now enjoying a pre dinner drink around it ?

 

I've haven't seen this Bar area ever used, since the first years of the ships launch. I noticed on my day visit the other day, several smart looking new bar stools scattered around it. If it's no longer in use could you ask the Verandah MD was is the purpose of it.

[Bostonjetset]

Thanks for your wonderful, and continued, observations!

 

As far as the Britannia menus, last Sept they were also not dated. I did receive the full 7-day run to take home at the end of the crossing but only because I asked for them; no one else at my table got them. It was my first of what I hope to be many trips on QM2 so I wanted them for a keepsake. If you ask, your waiter will surely oblige; it would be nice if they continued that old liner tradition of presenting them to all passengers though.

[Happyboating]

I have just witnessed a lady with two dogs exercising them on the new curved aft 12 deck whilst the kennel master was exercising a single dog on the original exercise area. The gate between the two exercise areas was closed. She told me that the kennel area was good and that whilst they now have 24 cages - 2 x 12 each side facing each other - there is, in fact, a curtain in the middle of the room so the animals aren't actually looking at each other. I questioned her about the reception area/inside play area and she wrinkled her nose and said "it's small". That said, we witnessed two dogs in the owners' lounge earlier so I guess there is actually two areas that dogs can use in adverse weather conditions. She told me the kennels are fully booked between Southampton and New York but, as I said in my last post, that doesn't mean that there will be 24 animals onboard because of the requirement for animals to have space and that some cages will be opened up to make larger ones. I didn't, in fact, ask the lady to take any photos as, by the time we'd had a chat, one of her dogs was making it quite clear that she'd like to play ball. Obviously, all that said, it would still be best for an actual owner to post their own account of the kennels.

 

We've now come back to our stateroom and found the instructions for disembarkation tomorrow. I can't say that these instructions are carved in stone but, on the instructions that we have, guests on decks 11, 12 and 13 are the lucky ones who will be waiting to disembark in the new Carinthia Lounge.

 

Continuing on with the theme of disembarkation, these are the instructions printed on the back of the Daily Programme:

 

"UK Immigration inspection for all guests

 

On 17 July upon arrival to Southampton, it is a requirement of United Kingdom Border Protection to inspect all guests face to face against their passport/ID. To ensure a smooth inspection on the morning of arrival, please read this important information carefully.

 

The face to face passport inspection will take place as you disembark Queen Mary 2. When proceeding to the gangway at your allocated time slots as outlined in the Landing arrangements or written communication received by the Tour Office, please have your passport/ID ready to present to the UK immigration officials. Please use lifts on B and C Stairway, exit on Deck 3 if you are making your way to the gangway independently.

 

The gangway will be located on Deck 3 Grand Lobby. Directional staff will be in position to guide and assist you. All guests regardless of nationality, whether finally disembarking or continuing to travel with us are required to attend the inspection.

 

If you are continuing to travel with us and not planning to go ashore in Southampton we kindly ask you wait until the main disembarkation process is completed, then a final call will be made advising all remaining guests to proceed through the immigration inspection.

 

If you are going ashore for the day you will be processed as you proceed ashore, please be advised that the inspection has to be completed by 10.30am. Should you wish to go ashore after 10.30am you should complete the inspection separately.

 

At the inspection, you will be required to present the following documentation:

 

1. Guest Identification Card

2. Your Passport

 

Queues will be inevitable therefore we ask for your patience and cooperation to ensure a smooth disembarkation. We thank you for your co-operation in this important matter."

 

This is a new one on us in Southampton although, obviously, we've experienced it in New York, i.e., EVERYONE has to be processed. We met one guy today who is booked to catch a train from Southampton at 9.15am who is already worried that he won't make it! Obviously it doesn't bother us as our car is parked at the port.

 

I'm now going to start getting ready to go to Veranda as we're booked in for 6.30pm.

[pepperrn]

... If you managed to read this before your Dinner this evening in the Verandah, can you check out if the 'circular Bar in the restaurant' is now in use'. i.e. are some people now enjoying a pre dinner drink around it ? I've haven't seen this Bar area ever used, since the first years of the ships launch. I noticed on my day visit the other day, several smart looking new bar stools scattered around it. If it's no longer in use could you ask the Verandah MD was is the purpose of it.

Hi Bell Boy,

 

I've used the bar only once for a pre-dinner drink, on my second visit to Todd English (2007). Never been invited to use it since, even when arriving nearly 20 mins early on one occasion. Not seen anyone else sitting at it either, during several visits. As you say, what is the point of it?

[pepperrn]

... I did receive the full 7-day run to take home at the end of the crossing but only because I asked for them; no one else at my table got them. It was my first of what I hope to be many trips on QM2 so I wanted them for a keepsake. If you ask, your waiter will surely oblige; it would be nice if they continued that old liner tradition of presenting them to all passengers though.

Hi Bostonjetset,

 

A couple of years back I asked a maitre d' about this; why weren't the menus given to passengers as a matter of routine? His answer was that most passengers either:

Refused them.

Left them behind on the dining table as they didn't want to carry them around for the remainder of the evening.

Threw them away in the cabin rubbish bin (esp when flying; all that added weight and bulk).

I also asked my cabin steward about the last point. He said that often the cabin bins have little in them on the last morning, except discarded menus.

I've three sets (I think?) of menus at home (including from my first ever crossing in 2006). When I look at them, some actually bring back memories of a particular meal, or I can remember what I ordered.

In November I'll be on QM2 again; I shall ask if I can have the menus please?

 

Best wishes to you :)

Edited July 16, 2016 by pepperrn

[LGNYcamper]

There is a video of the kennel on the Cunard Facebook page.

 

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[BeakyBeer24]

There is a video of the kennel on the Cunard Facebook page.

 

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Yes, but the video focuses on art work and doesn't even show the playroom.

 

 

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[LGNYcamper]

But it does let you see the cages and curtain.

 

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[durante]

Happyboating, thank you for giving so much detailed info, much appreciated. The way you have written your posts is one of the reasons I enjoy using this forum.:)

 

Re the minted mushy peas, they were served with our fish and chips (also with a wally!) in the Golden Lion on both QV and QE quite recently. I don't know what brought about the change, maybe customer comment?, but we thought it was a big improvement in flavour to the non minted version. Apart from the m peas, we just smother everything in lemon juice, vinegar and Mayo, just fab. :)

[BlueRiband]

...

 

Continuing on with the theme of disembarkation, these are the instructions printed on the back of the Daily Programme:

 

"UK Immigration inspection for all guests

 

On 17 July upon arrival to Southampton, it is a requirement of United Kingdom Border Protection to inspect all guests face to face against their passport/ID. To ensure a smooth inspection on the morning of arrival, please read this important information carefully.

 

The face to face passport inspection will take place as you disembark Queen Mary 2. When proceeding to the gangway at your allocated time slots as outlined in the Landing arrangements or written communication received by the Tour Office, please have your passport/ID ready to present to the UK immigration officials...

 

This is a change from the previous practice when a UK Immigration agent would travel on the EB and do this while the ship was in transit. Somehow, I don't think the change was for lack of finding a UK agent who would want to do this.:D