Queen's Troubles in L.A.

[elaine61]

[quote name='Kindlychap'][I]Your key didn't work?[/I] Well, that is common with those dreadful card things. My mother managed to kill three in six days on the MS Midnatsol. She laughed about it and I laughed at her - it took moments to replace. If you want a real key try a real liner.

[I]Immigration was dreadful[/I] - well, that's Americans for you. Every time I have sailed into an American port it has been dreadful. Anything else - piece of cake. Didn't need to see anyone in Norway or Canada. If you don't want this bother, don't sail in America.

[I]Tendering was difficult[/I]. Think of the numbers. It's not an ideal way of getting ashore, but how do you expect to get 3000 people ashore in little boats in ten minutes?

[I]Steerage [/I]- that's an old ocean liner term. I thought you wanted to relive the "golden days of ocean liner travel"?[/quote]

Kindly chap

It wasn't the fact that my daughters card didn't work on several occasions during our 25 days on board, but the way she was treated when she went to report it!! Your right it doesn't take too long to get the card changed, but when you are the customer you shouldn't be lectured on your choice of evening bag!!

Elaine

[phileas]

Now now, children, lets drop the politics before someone gets hurt!

I dare say that we all have opinions as to who helped / hindered / invaded etc. who. I certainly have my opinions on the subject, but I prefer to keep them to myself unless in the right circumstances. I think most will agree, that this forum is not the correct place for politics.

So will all the offenders say sorry to the class, and as punishemnet for misbehaving, you will all have to come to the front of the class and hold hands, whilst apologising to each other and the rest of the class!

Phileas
Who thought his skool days wer ova!:(

[crispycritter]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Meluvdasea[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Thanks for the apology. It is appreciated. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Since you are sailing on that ship and have been forewarned, let me tell you what is good and some tips.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]1)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The shows were wonderful. The comedian was really funny (but he did make a lot of “stabs” at old folks not sure if any in the audience were hurt by it) Rock Opera was awesome and if you like Elton John…you should see that show. We really enjoyed it! We also got an extra peak…we sat on the left side of the stage and they did not lower the curtain while the dancers were changing and we got a full view of naked bodies…ha ha. The theater is small but with stadium style seating so every seat was a good seat. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]2)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]You must go to the Planetarium. You [B]HAVE[/B] to get tickets prior to it showing. That isn’t very well addressed for general knowledge. They go quickly. We forgot twice and waited on standby and still could not get in.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]3)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The boardwalk café on top deck was really good. They were making hot-off –the-grill burgers and hot dogs and freshly made French fries and onion rings. It wasn’t very busy either and sitting outside on the deck was really nice. Soda and drink service is very slow so don’t expect to get it when you are eating. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]4)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Spend the 10 dollars for the Chefs Galley for breakfast because they serve made-to- order eggs and omelets. The food was much better than Kings Court or Britannia which served some sort of powdered scrambled egg mix and awful pancakes. And I mean awful![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]5)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]I did hear that the Todd English food was much, much better than Britannia. I did not go there but I did hear a lot of good things about it from other cruisers. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]6)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]If your into Bingo (we are) bring your own bingo card markers. They ran out and plenty of people were upset. Fortunately, we got there early and got them. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]7)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The Library is beautiful and worth the adventure finding it. When in port the library gift shop is still open even when the other shops were closed. Close by is the control deck. That is fascinating too…but trickier to find. Take the adventure![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]8)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Bring your own pocket snacks. They don’t have a mini-mart type store with goodies, magazines, liquor etc. like I am use to on other ships. Since desserts were awful to us (tasting like Sara Lee from a box and soft serve ice cream was ice milk)I would have spent $5 bucks for a snickers bar![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]9)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Take the time to go to the Fox Trot lessons. They taught more in the 45 minutes than it took us 5 weeks to learn at the dance studio. Not too many people showed up. But we did watch the western line dance lesson and it was a full dance floor. My thoughts: I felt that somewhere on that ship they should have had a western music dance floor so that those people could have practiced what they learned ……and the dance floor was so full at the ballroom dance night that there was not enough room to practice our steps either. Midday with just a DJ would have been suitable for us and given us something to do. The room was empty the whole day so it wouldn’t have inconvenienced anyone. Maybe they do on longer cruises?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]10)[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]They make a really good “Miami Vice” drink. But you have to find the right bars to make it. Not all are capable of making all drinks. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman']The nickel slots do pay out. My Mom won about $100 total on them.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman']Have fun![/FONT]

[2moose]

[quote name='guernseyguy']Really, 2Moose! If it wasn't for us Brits you Yanks would be speaking French! (and if it wasn't for the French you'd be subjects of HM QEII, not George W.....)......and so on.....but one observation, my friend, terrorism did not start on 9/11 - in fact the UK survived a lot of it in the 70s & 80s - much of it funded from the US.......

Back on topic, I have actually found US Immigration a bit faster now what with all the fingerprinting & photo taking.....saves those questions one used to get asked......

Peter[/QUOTE]
You are right on all points !!! and the weapons used against all of us now were paid for and delivered by the usa., ( didnt mean to upset any one i just thought i'd stir the pot a bit!!!! best regards and tally ho jim

[phileas]

[quote name='MollyBrown'][/i]

I'm willing to bet you travel in the Grills, right? I doubt if you'd call Britannia steerage if you didn't. Ok, perhaps if I had all the money my family [U]used[/U] to have, I'd travel in the Grills too, because, at this stage, for me it seems like a waste of money, and Britannia seems more fun anyway.
[/quote]

Sorry to disagree, but to me, any cabins on the QM2 below deck 8 are "steerage" and those above for "posh" people. This is simplifying it a bit as I know there are the restricted view cabins etc., but we travel in the "steerage" and don't mind saying so. It is however in jest, as, you rightly say, conditions are hardly what was classed as steerage in the past. For "posh" read people who are prepared to spend the extra money for the dearer cabins, oops, sorry, state roooms and suites! If we get an upgrade, great, but if not, I like it in "steerage", particularly if it is a rough sea, as we will be far more comfortable in our "lowly" place!

Re money that you family used to have, they were lucky to have had it all! Some of us have to earn all their's the hard way! I do not begrudge those with more money and material possesions than me. I am just happy to be relatively healthy and look forward to seeing what new experiences the next day will bring!

I'm sorry Molly, but your post really sounds like sour grapes to me. money and breeding does not make "class", attitude and respect does that!

Phileas
Who is getting sick of fish, and thinks he will have a deep frozen pizza tonight, as he can't really afford a take-away!;)

[mufi]

[quote name='MollyBrown'][/I]


I'm willing to bet you travel in the Grills, right? I doubt if you'd call Britannia steerage if you didn't. .[/QUOTE]

Well you would lose your bet. I just fail to understand how anyone could be offended by the term which historically means the cheapest passenger accommodation on the ship, i.e Britannia / Caronia / Mauritania, in which you and I both sail.

David.

[phileas]

I can't believe I've posted 5 times already today in this thread. Apologies to all who fell asleep reading them all! Hopefully a few of you will appreciate some of the comments / sentiments.

Phileas
Who almost fell asleep writing them all!:cool:

[MeLuvDaSea]

Thanks for the interesting write-up, CC. I am really anxious to see what sort of trip we will have. It's not until December. I hope some of the things you mentioned can be improved by then. Is it safe to assume it can only get better with time?

We will go with open minds. Fortunately for me, I am not very discrimenating. My wife is just the opposite. If she smells cigarette smoke it's all over.... I am sure that will be a problem. Anyway, I do look forward to exploring, and there seems to be a lot to explore. :)

[crispycritter]

Tell her not to worry. No smoke smell in our room at all. In fact, the ONLY place you did smell smoke was in the casino or bars and yet it still wasnt near as bad as Las Vegas!

[LuAnn]

Phileas...it was a grand trip...the best tender experience was when we were on the last tender...coming back in the fog, and saw the QM2 emerge out of the mist.....awesome! LuAnn

[LuAnn]

Wow, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed or what? LuAnn



[quote name='Kindlychap'][I]Your key didn't work?[/I] Well, that is common with those dreadful card things. My mother managed to kill three in six days on the MS Midnatsol. She laughed about it and I laughed at her - it took moments to replace. If you want a real key try a real liner.

[I]Immigration was dreadful[/I] - well, that's Americans for you. Every time I have sailed into an American port it has been dreadful. Anything else - piece of cake. Didn't need to see anyone in Norway or Canada. If you don't want this bother, don't sail in America.

[I]Tendering was difficult[/I]. Think of the numbers. It's not an ideal way of getting ashore, but how do you expect to get 3000 people ashore in little boats in ten minutes?

[I]Steerage [/I]- that's an old ocean liner term. I thought you wanted to relive the "golden days of ocean liner travel"?[/quote]

[LuAnn]

Elaine...How are you? Great to see a post from you! What's up? LuAnn

[Bollinge]

[FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]Touché![/COLOR][/FONT]

[stowaway2k]

[quote name='crispycritter'][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Meluvdasea[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] forewarned,[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] awful [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] And I mean awful![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] awful [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I would have spent $5 bucks for a snickers bar![/SIZE][/FONT]
[/quote]

Well, at least you liked something... the hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, and fries. ;)

You can buy snacks in one of the shops on board if you must have candy readily available in your pockets. Or, as you suggested, bring your own as what the ship offers is not equal to the quality of a good ol' Snickers Bar.
And magazines? The library, easily found by refering to any one of the deck plans placed on every deck at every stairway and elevator, has thousands of volumes of books, newspapers, and magazines.

Really now, this is all a put-on, right?

[crispycritter]

[quote name='stowaway2k']Well, at least you liked something... the hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, and fries. ;)

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Well yes...it was being cooked fresh, right there on the spot. It was hot and tasty. Much better than any of the Kings Court food that was sitting in warmers for hours. Sorry you missed it![/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Comic Sans MS]You seem to revel in spinning people’s words into a sarcastic game. I’m out and you can have your ball. Geez…[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Go ahead..I give you the last word..it will make me and you feel good about [U]yourself[/U]![/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][/FONT][/FONT]

Happy Future Cruising Everyone..Bye.

[stowaway2k]

This was meant tongue-in-cheek, no offense is intended.

I, to, enjoyed a good burger at the boardwalk cafe for lunch one day.

Sometimes words don't travel over the internet in the spirit in which they were intended.

[MollyBrown]

[quote name='phileas'][I]Sorry to disagree, but to me, any cabins on the QM2 below deck 8 are "steerage" and those above for "posh" people.[/I] [/quote]

That is the silliest thing I ever heard. Money does not a "posh" person make! Many a Puritan New Englander from old money aritocratic lineage would disagree, as they usually have a tendency to find lavish spending rather tacky.

Anyone can win Lotto and travel in QG. Does that suddenly make you posh? I can travel in QG if I want also, but I prefer Britannia (although after all this talk about steerage" I'm beginning to wonder).

I have traveled in QG before on QE2, and did not particulary think it was that extraordinary compared to the other grades.

[patwell]

Geeeez...all this steerage stuff is giving me a headache! Steerage is how my parents arrived here very long ago. They were poor as church mice but full of hope for the American dream. They were allowed one small suitcase of their life possessions each, oh and bring your own fork, knife and dish by the way. But that's just my own personal knowledge of steerage. I don't expect that to happen in Britannia when we sail. But if it's considered steerage, so be it....I think I'll be in good company. We're booked on Deck 11 Britannia class....but I don't consider that "posh".I just think we were lucky enough to get a gorgeous balcony cabin high up to enjoy the view. I think the whole ship is a dream so please don't pinch me and burst my bubble. Penny

[tumeroll]

I must say after traveling on the QE2, this particular thread on the virtues and faults of the QM2 is very UnCunard. Are the ladies and gentlemen only to be found on the QE2?

[2moose]

[quote name='tumeroll']I must say after traveling on the QE2, this particular thread on the virtues and faults of the QM2 is very UnCunard. Are the ladies and gentlemen only to be found on the QE2?[/QUOTE]
yes i think you are correct!!!after sailing both ships the grande dam of the sea is for me!!! the modern behemoth will not see me for a long long time!!!

[2moose]

[quote name='patwell']Geeeez...all this steerage stuff is giving me a headache! Steerage is how my parents arrived here very long ago. They were poor as church mice but full of hope for the American dream. They were allowed one small suitcase of their life possessions each, oh and bring your own fork, knife and dish by the way. But that's just my own personal knowledge of steerage. I don't expect that to happen in Britannia when we sail. But if it's considered steerage, so be it....I think I'll be in good company. We're booked on Deck 11 Britannia class....but I don't consider that "posh".I just think we were lucky enough to get a gorgeous balcony cabin high up to enjoy the view. I think the whole ship is a dream so please don't pinch me and burst my bubble. Penny[/QUOTE]
my grand father fell off the boat from queensland( now cove ireland in 1908) in steerage I have his bill of lading (?) cost $ 10.00 usd and bring your own fork and knife. welcome to america

[travel-to-go]

[quote name='MeLuvDaSea']I didn't mean to. I guess my fear of having a bad cruise on the QM2 makes me look at negative comments in a somewhat fearful way. I am sure everything happened exactly as he said it did.



Crispy, I apologize. I am sorry for your misfortune, and for my gross misinterpretation of your comment. :o[/quote]

Luv, you are a true gentleman!
You have made me smile (tiredly, as I spent an hour clearing my car after work, only to have to come home and shovel the deck and the path out the driveway so Marc could get in.) We had six and a half inches of the white fluffy stuff today. And no, I dont mean whipped cream!

I am truly impressed.

My faith in humainty is restored.
I shall climb down off the roof now!
<G>

Karie,
who knows CCers are some of the best folks in the world!

[travel-to-go]

[quote name='MeLuvDaSea']Thanks for the interesting write-up, CC. I am really anxious to see what sort of trip we will have. It's not until December. I hope some of the things you mentioned can be improved by then. Is it safe to assume it can only get better with time?

We will go with open minds. Fortunately for me, I am not very discrimenating. My wife is just the opposite. If she smells cigarette smoke it's all over.... I am sure that will be a problem. Anyway, I do look forward to exploring, and there seems to be a lot to explore. :)[/quote]

Luv,
I have lung damage. I am fairly sensitive to cigarette smoke.
Stay away from the casino. It is VERY smoky!
at the pub, the tables inmmediately forward and to the right along the indows are smoking tables. I didn't really notice except one of our trivia partners was a smoker (and very conscientious and polite about it- and I'm not just saying that cuz she's on this board, either! <G>)

I really didn't have that bad of a time of it, but she definitiely needs to steer clear of the casino. I hope she is not also a gambling fiend! <LOL>
I loive twenty minutes from the two largest casinos in the world. I really rarely ever gamble!

You're going to love this trip. Yes, there will be glitches. Not usually enough to ruin the trip. And it's a lot easier to forgive the fauz pas in twelve days, as we had, than in three as the others had. Yeah- Our card key got zapped, too. And there I stood on 8 deck, shoes in hand, exhausted, dreading waltzing my poor sore feet back down the the pursers desk. But my sweetie came along and went down to exchange our cards. And I didn't have it near anything magnetic. I don't think!

As for those miffed at the steerage comments, I'm surprised you didn't catch a post of mine a while back. I called it cattle class!
And I guess all of my taste is NOT in my mouth-- I liked those Powdered? eggs. In fact, I wanted to ask them how they kept them so moist! (I probably don't want to know, do I - probably heep lard on them or something) As for the snickers, I too, was surprised at the stores. There were very few "sundries" like say, bags of peanuts or snacks and damn little for those who forgot something. Heck, I bought a bag of combos snacks in Panama!

Karie,
who much prefers cattle class to what some endured comng to America- We live near Mystic CT where the reproduction of the Amistad, the slave ship was built usng authentic methods such as handhewn timbers . I witnessed some work on it.
And my ancesters were here before your ancesters! (proud to be part Cherokee- and part descended from a famous Indian agent- they were known for cheating the natives. Also partly from the Hardwicks of England w-a-a-y back when. Okay, so my forefathers (and mothers) fooled around a bit!)

[travel-to-go]

[quote name='patwell']Geeeez...all this steerage stuff is giving me a headache! Steerage is how my parents arrived here very long ago. They were poor as church mice but full of hope for the American dream. They were allowed one small suitcase of their life possessions each, oh and bring your own fork, knife and dish by the way. But that's just my own personal knowledge of steerage. I don't expect that to happen in Britannia when we sail. But if it's considered steerage, so be it....I think I'll be in good company. We're booked on Deck 11 Britannia class....but I don't consider that "posh".I just think we were lucky enough to get a gorgeous balcony cabin high up to enjoy the view. I think the whole ship is a dream so please don't pinch me and burst my bubble. Penny[/quote]

Gosh, Penny,. Didn't you get your docs yet?
We had to bring our own fork and knife. We also brought straws (with little floral leis or umbrellas on them. to use in the mojitos) our own fresh mint, and limes, rum, and simple syrup. The only way to have a mojito party on one of those "posh" 11 deck balconies! not ours- we were <ahem> cattle class on 8 deck. Well, maybe not total cattle class.. but I swear there were people on the bus holding chickens in their laps.....Oh wait! No, that was a different trip!
Never mind!
<VBEG>

Karie, who can't help snickering at the mention of the word posh these days. All she can think of is Posh Spice. And how un-posh any pop star is in my book! I prefer Johnny clegg.

[lansonlady]

[quote name='elaine61']lansonlady

First of all despite all the issues we had with Cunard customer service pre cruise and during the cruise it cannot take away the beauty of the QM2 itself. We went as a family of 4 and had a great time despite some little niggles. We were on board for 25 days and we had a great time. I will not tell you about our niggles because there's no point. I guess the problems we experienced ourselves do not always happen on every cruise. Just go and enjoy.

Elaine[/quote]

[B][COLOR=magenta]Thankyou Elaine[/COLOR][/B]

[B]I am trying to rise above it all![/B] I found this site by accident and I have to say I have found it compulsive reading! - having never entered any kind of chat room in my life...I now [B]have[/B] to take a look inside everyday! I feel as though I am getting to know a whole bunch of 'odd-named' people really well - its quite funny to me and I've really enjoyed myself . However, there are some real 'piranhas' circling the posts aren't there? (I'm smiling now - just in case any piranhas are reading! - be gentle with me its my first time!)

I hope to be able to contribute more constructively when I have my first cruise completed.

I have to say I chose the QM2 as I thought I was booking 'the best' but these pages aren't pleasent reading on Cunard's service. That said I'm away to polish up my tiarra (only joking) and sort out my dry cleaning in preparation for my regal adventure!

[B][COLOR=magenta]Thanks again! [/COLOR][/B]