QM2 Mixed Review: Some deferred maintenance, poor food, but a delight otherwise

[sfred]

59 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

 

I thought it tasted OK. My main reaction was I found it spongier than French Toast I'm used to. I suppose the larger Texas Toast size of the bread had a lot to do with why I thought it was different as well.

 

On QE in PG, the menu describes this breakfast item as "brioche french toast", so presumably made from brioche bread.  I've had it once on our voyage and thought it was good,  although I prefer my typical double short blacks (espresso coffees) and a croissant or two.

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, bluemarble said:

 

I thought it tasted OK. My main reaction was I found it spongier than French Toast I'm used to. I suppose the larger Texas Toast size of the bread had a lot to do with why I thought it was different as well.

I think French Toast is what our family calls 'eggy bread'. I've had many different takes on eggy bread around the world, some good, some not so. One of the factors is the actual bread used. The bread I buy here is quite different from the bread served in some US hotels. Could be a contributing factor to the variations.

[chengkp75]

16 hours ago, gphb said:

It was the talk of the corridors and Kings Court; at first people were worried they had clogged it only in their cabin somehow.

While I won't dispute what the feeling was, or what the talk among passengers was at the time, I will dispute that there was a "shipwide" failure of the vacuum toilet system.  How do I know?  Because a ship the size of QM2 will have 4-5 independent vacuum systems, not connected to each other, with 3-4 vacuum pumps in each system, of which 2-3 in each system are in standby mode.  So, to fail throughout the ship, 12-20 individual pumps would have had to fail at the same time.

 

Now, if there were widespread failures in parts of the ship, followed by widespread failures in other parts of the ship, even continuing around to all, or virtually all, areas, that I can believe, but don't believe it was a pump failure.  A clog caused by one cabin, if that cabin is in a particular spot, can cause the failure of hundreds of cabin toilets.  This is because the size of the sewage pipes does not get progressively larger the more toilets that are connected to it, unlike a land based system.

 

I speak from years of experience unclogging vacuum toilets, and have first hand experience with massive system failures caused by a single cabin's acts.

[Winifred 22]

1 hour ago, Victoria2 said:

I think French Toast is what our family calls 'eggy bread'. I've had many different takes on eggy bread around the world, some good, some not so. One of the factors is the actual bread used. The bread I buy here is quite different from the bread served in some US hotels. Could be a contributing factor to the variations.

That’s what I thought French toast was 

[exlondoner]

27 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

While I won't dispute what the feeling was, or what the talk among passengers was at the time, I will dispute that there was a "shipwide" failure of the vacuum toilet system.  How do I know?  Because a ship the size of QM2 will have 4-5 independent vacuum systems, not connected to each other, with 3-4 vacuum pumps in each system, of which 2-3 in each system are in standby mode.  So, to fail throughout the ship, 12-20 individual pumps would have had to fail at the same time.

 

Now, if there were widespread failures in parts of the ship, followed by widespread failures in other parts of the ship, even continuing around to all, or virtually all, areas, that I can believe, but don't believe it was a pump failure.  A clog caused by one cabin, if that cabin is in a particular spot, can cause the failure of hundreds of cabin toilets.  This is because the size of the sewage pipes does not get progressively larger the more toilets that are connected to it, unlike a land based system.

 

I speak from years of experience unclogging vacuum toilets, and have first hand experience with massive system failures caused by a single cabin's acts.

Perhaps it would have been wise for them to make some sort of announcement, so people know the facts. Last summer on QM2, something went wrong with the water system, allegedly because the Med. was too hot, which resulted in hot water coming out of most (?all) of the cold taps. This is the opposite of what happened in various hotels I stayed in as a child. There was an announcement, and I think a notice in the Daily Programme, which soothed everyone.

[NE John]

3 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

I think French Toast is what our family calls 'eggy bread'. I've had many different takes on eggy bread around the world, some good, some not so. One of the factors is the actual bread used. The bread I buy here is quite different from the bread served in some US hotels. Could be a contributing factor to the variations.

The Great Pancake and French Toast Debate of 2023! I love how CC topics make twists and turns…

[fourmile.ranch]

5 hours ago, bluemarble said:

For the record, this is what the French Toast looks like in Kings Court on QM2. I tried it for the first time this morning (with syrup added after taking the photo) and found it a different interpretation compared to what I'm used to for French Toast as an American.

 

This is what I remember. Too much toast, not enough French.

[FritzG]

23 hours ago, gphb said:

Having recently completed a seven-day transatlantic voyage aboard the Queen Mary 2, our first Cunard experience post-pandemic pause and just after a couple of recent cruises on Holland America Line and Celebrity X, and we felt it useful to share a quick review. Our oceanic résumé is not devoid of experience with Cunard; we first sailed on the QE2 back in the early 1970s in tourist class and have enjoyed QE2 and QM2 since. Our opinions are subjective and your experiences may be different.
 

Ship's Condition and Ambiance

No surprise, the Queen Mary 2 exudes grace, with her public spaces and Britannia class staterooms still manifesting a timeless elegance. Despite the weather-beaten hull courtesy of the North Atlantic, the ship has maintained her lustre, particularly the spaces rejuvenated during the 2016 refit, such as the Corinthia Lounge and Kings Court. Classic venues like the Commodore's Club and the Library continue to enchant. As for The Verandah, it may not rival Celebrity's Edge-class dining experiences but offers a congenial atmosphere, apparently even attracting senior officers for the meals.
 

Crowding and Capacity

The ship's additional staterooms and trimmed public spaces render her a tad more crowded than originally designed. The feeling of congestion particularly manifests in the Corinthia Lounge and Kings Court, possibly exacerbated by the ship sailing near full capacity.
 

Day-Time Programming

The roster of daytime activities remains robust, if not improved. The insight lectures and guest speakers, particularly those focused on arts and culture, were engaging and well-selected, despite not always boasting A-list credentials.
 

Guest Demographics

Our voyage was predominantly comprised of first-time or novice Cunard travelers, along with a ~20% sprinkling of gold, platinum, and diamond tier guests. With 700 passengers extending their journey in Southampton, the voyage skewed toward an older demographic, which we found less diverse than previous Cunard experiences in terms of age, nationality, and lifestyle, impacting our enjoyment to a degree.
 

Dining Experience

The culinary offerings in Britannia and Kings Court were underwhelming. The menus were reminiscent of lackluster British school meals, brimming with comfort food slathered in uninspired gravy and custard. While the nostalgia is palpable, the execution leaves much to be desired. Breakfast in Britannia lacked options like waffles and French toast, and the versions served in Kings Court were unrecognizable.  In the past we would place HAL or Celebrity in similar overall quality, but would now rank Cunard a distinct third by comparison on this trip.  We actually couldn't wait to get off the ship for better food.  It can't all be about cost, as Cunard are the only line we've been on in 2023 that routinely still serves steak in the main restaurants, but unfortunately even this they managed to make un-tasty. 
 

Alternative Dining and Atmosphere

The Corinthia Lounge provided a decent lunchtime alternative, although some dishes were served lukewarm. Golden Lion Pub, however, remained consistent in its food quality. Britannia restaurant was sparsely populated during the second seating, resulting in a somewhat drab atmosphere.
 

Traditions and Social Events

Certain cherished rituals like the chef's parade have been discontinued, although it would have been hard to genuinely express the same awe that we used to given the current product;  the once universal Captain's reception has been replaced by a modest half-glass of sparkling wine left at your table on first gala night. Yet, World Club Party, Senior Officers' invitationals, and other events are still in full swing.
 

Boarding and Immigration

Boarding was fast with no health checks and no paperwork or pictures assuming one did these online.   Immigration onboard was rapid, its certainly the easiest way to get into the UK we've ever seen assuming you can pass the electronic background checks, as they didn't even match passports to what had been submitted online or even to stateroom cards just a quick glance at whatever photo you show them and wave you on.
 

Onboard Technology

The Wi-Fi service, fast and reliable in public areas, was surprisingly unavailable in staterooms, a point clarified only after speaking with the Hotel/Guest Services director as the official policy. Technical issues were addressed with ambivalence by the staff but ultimately resolved after some persistence.  Satellite service appears to already be using Elon Musk's Starlink Maritime service by SpaceX, but is let down by poorly maintained access points in the corridors.
 

Maintenance Issues

In five decades of sailing with Cunard, we've never encountered a ship-wide plumbing issue until now. Shockingly, the vacuum pumps that power the toilets failed, leading to a total outage. What's more, there was no official communication or updates regarding this pressing issue, making it especially inconvenient for those cabins housing three or four occupants. The problem was eventually resolved, but the lack of an apology or even acknowledgment from the ship’s staff was an oversight.   The engine maintenance issues earlier this year are already well documented.
 

Final Thoughts

Compared to recent voyages on Holland America and Celebrity, this Cunard experience lagged in culinary and technological standards while maintaining par in service quality. The removal of "White Star Service" from their website is perhaps a silent admission of limitations. While transatlantic crossings hold an irreplaceable allure, based on this experience, we’re inclined to explore other options unless opting for Cunard's Grills class, which we believe still holds promise.

 

We were on QM2 from Aug.18-Sept.11, and we agree with your review especially your final thoughts.  Also, we were in PG, and the food was a big disappointment.  

[escrick]

I have just read the comments with great interest because my DH and I have a deposit on a June QM2 cruise to Norway next year—our first with Cunard.  I am doubly excited because we had to cancel a QV cruise that leaves tomorrow.  Anyway, we will be in a QG suite, and I expect we will enjoy the food there and in other venues.  Food is so subjective, but I usually enjoy food that has been cooked for me.  In any case, I appreciate all the comments.

 

Additionally, can someone tell me how to start a new topic? I am sure Hattie, who seems to be the best host I have come across, can help.  I am not kidding about you, Hattie.  I am not a technophobe, but if there is a way to mess up, I will find it.😢

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Winifred 22]

41 minutes ago, FritzG said:

We were on QM2 from Aug.18-Sept.11, and we agree with your review especially your final thoughts.  Also, we were in PG, and the food was a big disappointment.  

What a shame I was on part of the TA crossing and loved every minute of it including food, entertainment and insight talks and so did the people I met. I was in the Britannia restaurant and couldn’t fault the food or the service. 

[Host Hattie]

22 minutes ago, escrick said:

I have just read the comments with great interest because my DH and I have a deposit on a June QM2 cruise to Norway next year—our first with Cunard.  I am doubly excited because we had to cancel a QV cruise that leaves tomorrow.  Anyway, we will be in a QG suite, and I expect we will enjoy the food there and in other venues.  Food is so subjective, but I usually enjoy food that has been cooked for me.  In any case, I appreciate all the comments.

 

Additionally, can someone tell me how to start a new topic? I am sure Hattie, who seems to be the best host I have come across, can help.  I am not kidding about you, Hattie.  I am not a technophobe, but if there is a way to mess up, I will find it.😢

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This might help, 

 I use an android phone and the new topic button looks like this -

 

 

 

[escrick]

Thanks so much for all your help.  I know that I will need advice as time goes by.

[BklynBoy8]

1 hour ago, escrick said:

I have just read the comments with great interest because my DH and I have a deposit on a June QM2 cruise to Norway next year—our first with Cunard.  I am doubly excited because we had to cancel a QV cruise that leaves tomorrow.  Anyway, we will be in a QG suite, and I expect we will enjoy the food there and in other venues.  Food is so subjective, but I usually enjoy food that has been cooked for me.  In any case, I appreciate all the comments.

 

Dear Escrick,

Welcome to Cunard and the QM2.

 

So happy you will be experiencing the Queen on the Norway Sailing next year. We did it on the QE2 and is one of the memorable voyages in our sailing trips next to the Panama Canal. A Trip to Remember. Make sure you take a lot of memory in your camera for those keepsake photos.

 

Many on Cruise Critics will help you along with their suggestions, opinions and comments of their experiences of the trip and just being on board. Your previous cancellation led you a wonderful trip.

[BklynBoy8]

4 hours ago, NE John said:

The Great Pancake and French Toast Debate of 2023! I love how CC topics make twists and turns…

 

WOW.....being part of "The Great Pancake and French Toast Debate of 2023!" Don't forget the waffles...

 

Yes, the way CC topics do make twists and turns…lol...

Edited September 18, 2023 by BklynBoy8

[BklynBoy8]

8 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

I think French Toast is what our family calls 'eggy bread'. I've had many different takes on eggy bread around the world, some good, some not so. One of the factors is the actual bread used. The bread I buy here is quite different from the bread served in some US hotels. Could be a contributing factor to the variations.

 

True..... Our French Toast is Eggs, milk or cream, freshly grated cinnamon and some day or two old bread. Some put a little butter in too. But the coating is egg, you're right.

 

We use with White Bread or Challah Bread.

[Pushpit]

There are some comments in post 1 about the Brtiannia and Kings Court menus.

 

This is what we are having tonight onboard QM2, in Britanna.

 

 

 

[exlondoner]

 

This all looks pretty nice, though I’m not sure we need two veggie mains, given there is a separate veggie menu. Nothing like what I had at school.

[escrick]

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Dear Escrick,

Welcome to Cunard and the QM2.

 

So happy you will be experiencing the Queen on the Norway Sailing next year. We did it on the QE2 and is one of the memorable voyages in our sailing trips next to the Panama Canal. A Trip to Remember. Make sure you take a lot of memory in your camera for those keepsake photos.

 

Many on Cruise Critics will help you along with their suggestions, opinions and comments of their experiences of the trip and just being on board. Your previous cancellation led you a wonderful trip.

Thanks for the welcome.  I hope that someone on the QV, that leaves tomorrow, will post a review or comments.  I can enjoy cruises vicariously at present.  

[gphb]

20 hours ago, TowandaUK said:

I’m not sure how recently you sailed with celebrity?  We sailed on Celebrity Silhouette in June this year and also July/August 2022. We saw a marked deterioration in food between the two cruises.

We sailed on Celebrity Apex in March 2023 in the North American region.     As you probably know, the Edge class ships (including Apex) do have a different restaurant selection than the other ships like the Silhouette, and while we wouldn't necessarily rate it above what we have experienced from Cunard in prior years, it was distinctly better than Cunard this year in our subjective opinion for the main restaurant offerings in terms of food quality.  All four X main restaurants were full every night.

I would say I have always found Cunard food good, hence why this recent crossing was disappointing.   The French Toast picture and pancakes being too dry are exactly what we found too.

I don't know if its reliable measure but I take it as a signal at least a large majority are "voting" with their feet, on all prior crossings Britannia has always been close to full in both early and late sitting, and on this crossing which was sold out it had only 33% of seats filled in second sitting on the first night down to 15-20% by the last two nights (including a gala).   We used to see the senior officers sitting at the large table in the center and did not see them this time either (but noticed a number at Verandah).    Either the food has deteriorated or expectations/tastes are not being met in some regard at Britannia for many passengers.

[Victoria2]

As a small matter of interest   gphb, did you have the anytime dining facility on your previous crossings?

[gphb]

22 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

As a small matter of interest   gphb, did you have the anytime dining facility on your previous crossings?

No.   My understanding was that Open Dining was introduced for 2023 and 2024 voyages that went on sale in May 2022 and then for all voyages on QM2 from 1 November 2022 onwards.  

I did wonder if this was why second seating was so empty, but I assumed that if the same number of people were still dining in QM2 from the same kitchens in the same general time frames that it would still be relatively full.  It appears fewer passengers are choosing to eat in Britannia than before or somehow they are turning tables more quickly.   

I also wondered if this trend continues if they can actually now go to a single seating for all fixed dining passengers?   This could be one silver lining to result as I recall dual-staged dining was one of the changes in moving from QE2's silver service in Columbia/Mauretania to QM2.   When my kids were younger on QM2 we would struggle to get to the 8pm sitting after dropping them off in the Kid's Zone which did not open until 8pm, so the 845pm last orders now feels awfully late, and I don't like it if that is a result of Open Dining.   I assumed it was more this particular ship's Master seems to favor noon clock changes instead of midnight, so more time was needed to break from lunch.

[bluemarble]

4 hours ago, exlondoner said:

This all looks pretty nice, though I’m not sure we need two veggie mains, given there is a separate veggie menu. Nothing like what I had at school.

 

I'm not sure when it started but yes, it has been the pattern during this voyage to have two veggie main courses each evening. One has been marked with a symbol indicating "plant-based" and the other with the symbol for "vegetarian". Someone who understands such details will need to explain that distinction for me.

Edited September 18, 2023 by bluemarble

[Victoria2]

gphb I know when the new system was introduced but didn't know if you'd cruised since then. It will be interesting to hear from any others, who might have been on one or more of your itineraries, to get their perspective. The other venues or indeed room service, must have been very busy if the number you indicate, were not dining in the MDR.

[TheOldBear]

We were on board last November first when the late seating transitioned from 'open dining' on decks 2 and 3, to assigned tables on deck 2 & open dining on deck 3.

For the preceding eastbound crossing we were able to secure a fixed table [#355 next to the podium] on deck 2 and bypassed the long pre-dinner line. Deck 2 remained well populated for the rest of our sailing. The lines for the deck 3 open dining seemed to diminish for the Norway segment and the return crossing - after the first couple of nights, open dining folks gravitated back to a 'usual table'.

 

As far as the Britannia dining choices went, out of the 26 nights we were only unhappy with one soup offering [almost entirely unlike lobster bisque]. We did avail ourselves of the 'always available' menu several time for tomato soup starters, and I think twice for entree. 

[SPacificbound]

Wow, this describes the food my very recent 24 nights on Celebrity Summit, really surprised to see it here.  QM2 Kings Court has been very good in my experience, hopefully this is a 1-off.

 

Looking forward to my QM2 bookings in 2024.