Review: QM2 TA - June 9th to 15th

[Jack E Dawson]

Your photos do an Outstanding job of capturing what a specular day it was. They are far better than mine. As previously mentioned, Dee and I were very happy with the 4 hour delay that allowed us to steam into New York harbor standing on top of the Queen Mary 2 in her full glory in the brilliant sunshine rather than sneaking in under the cloak of fog at first light. We will always remember this arrival. I like to think that it was our skilled use of Body English that once again allowed the QM2 to squeeze under the Verrazano Bridge with what could have only been INCHES to spare. 

Jack

[*Miss G*]

DISEMBARKATION DAY, continued

 

By 10:30am we are moored and people are antsy.  Multiple announcements are made to stop congregating at the gangway until your tag is called.  I’m guessing they have a car service or a plane to catch.  Those who have managed to sneak through disembarkation have quickly found out that their bags are not yet in the terminal.  

 

As @Jack E Dawson says, I too am happy that we had a brilliant sail-in, with gorgeous weather and extra time for iconic views.

 

As I await my turn, I watch as they load fresh fruit and vegetables beneath me.  It is an interesting process. The bags are removed from the ship further to the bow.  

 

At 12:00pm, Pink 3 tags are called.  My ship card is scanned for the final time and I am quickly in the terminal picking up luggage.  

 

There are two sets of lines for Customs & Immigration, with one section of kiosks labeled “Visitors”.  The lines seem to be separated into two baggage pick-up areas.  There are no longer any bags in that section, but the line is long so perhaps they have, indeed, separated out the visitors?

 

I join the line I have access to.  It takes about 20 minutes to get to the front.  The K9 has no interest in me and I am directed to the yellow line behind a kiosk.

 

During his announcements, the Captain had confirmed there would be 14 CBP Officers to process the ship.  I neglected to count the ones at the kiosks, but I would say about 7-8 of them were doing passport control, and a K9 and handler were working the lines.  Presumably a few would be onboard processing the ship.  There were at least two agents in Secondary and I could see a few people waiting in that room.  There was no Global Entry and no facial recognition.  It was old-school processing at this port.

 

Outside the terminal there is someone directing disembarking passengers.  I had pre-purchased the Cunard airport transfer and the instructions, along with my ticket, had arrived in my cabin the previous day.  I followed the throng to the coaches, which were to the right and across the road.  Make sure you check the front of the coach for the correct airport before standing in line.

 

I gave my ticket to the lady who was in charge of the JFK bus.  She did a count when we were all onboard, wished us safe travels, and we were on our way at 12:30pm.  Traffic was heavy.  By the time we had navigated the roadworks and construction at JFK, it was 2:00pm.  All told, it took two hours from disembarkation to airport drop-off.

 

Before I enter the terminal, I transfer my liquids and gels to the bag I will be checking.  I had kept those items out for the morning ablutions.  

 

Suddenly, the police appear and there is a lot of shouting.  A man is handcuffed and removed from the vehicle in front of me.  He is taken away while his vehicle is searched.  They were doing a thorough job!  

 

Next thing I know, a bomb squad vehicle, with police escort, cuts through traffic and backs up to the sidewalk!  Maybe they’d found a suspicious package.  I wonder if that area of the terminal will be cordoned off.  I have seen this happen at MCO, as well.

 

In the meanwhile, I have received four flight-delay notifications and I am in no hurry.  My sailing on Queen Mary 2 is over and I am on my way home.

Edited Monday at 08:45 PM by *Miss G*

[Host Hattie]

Thanks again for your great reports. I hope you're planning another Cunard sailing.

[*Miss G*]

11 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Thanks again for your great reports. I hope you're planning another Cunard sailing.

 

I hope it is in the cards, @Host Hattie!  I would LOVE to do another Cunard sailing.

 

I am currently working on my final thoughts and comparisons, so I have one more post to go!

[Clewgarnet]

I've thoroughly enjoyed your report, Miss G. It brought back so many memories of my first TA (which was supposed to be my once-in-a-lifetime Cunard voyage!) and has got me looking forward to my eastbound next year.

[Mudhen]

Although this is the first I've commented here, I've thoroughly enjoyed all of your reports!

As mentioned before, you have a delightful way of writing, I feel I'm right there with you!

Thank you for taking the time to write...truely appreciated!

[King Amo]

Agree, it was really refreshing to read of the element of surprise and delight, rather than expectation through experience. 

[*Miss G*]

FINAL THOUGHTS

CUNARD THROUGH THE EYES OF A HAL-REGULAR

 

Sorry for the delayed summary.  Life has a way of regulating your priorities.  I will be doing my final thoughts in installments as I document them.

 

I am a bit uneasy when it comes to drawing comparisons between lines.  It is completely subjective and, invariably, a flawed process.  There are far too many components and viewpoints to consider.  As such, they will never be complete or all-encompassing. 

 

That having been said, this is my take on the sailing coming from a HAL-regular perspective. 

 

 

THE SHIP

 

The QM2 is MAGNIFICENT.  It has the luxurious old-school feel I was hoping for.  When underway, you KNEW you were on an ocean liner.  It was intoxicating.  

 

The wide beam was obvious from the moment you stepped inside.  Every area was spacious, visually beautiful, and well cared for. 

 

I LOVED that there was a viewing gallery on the bridge.  How cool is that?!  I also found it fun that some venues were “hidden” behind other venues.  It added a component of mystery and challenge to my explorations.  There are places and venues which I never got to, let alone experienced or participated in.  It inspires me to sail on her again.

[DukeBeetle24]

42 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

FINAL THOUGHTS

CUNARD THROUGH THE EYES OF A HAL-REGULAR

 

Sorry for the delayed summary.  Life has a way of regulating your priorities.  I will be doing my final thoughts in installments as I document them.

 

I am a bit uneasy when it comes to drawing comparisons between lines.  It is completely subjective and, invariably, a flawed process.  There are far too many components and viewpoints to consider.  As such, they will never be complete or all-encompassing. 

 

That having been said, this is my take on the sailing coming from a HAL-regular perspective. 

 

 

THE SHIP

 

The QM2 is MAGNIFICENT.  It has the luxurious old-school feel I was hoping for.  When underway, you KNEW you were on an ocean liner.  It was intoxicating.  

 

The wide beam was obvious from the moment you stepped inside.  Every area was spacious, visually beautiful, and well cared for. 

 

I LOVED that there was a viewing gallery on the bridge.  How cool is that?!  I also found it fun that some venues were “hidden” behind other venues.  It added a component of mystery and challenge to my explorations.  There are places and venues which I never got to, let alone experienced or participated in.  It inspires me to sail on her again.

So pleased to hear you enjoyed your voyage, thanks for "bringing us along for the journey" it's been most enjoyable and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[Kordy]

Great summary ... love it.

 

One follow-up question - what were some of your favourite entertainment options? any "Broadway-like" shows, with dancing/music/singing?  Was there a magic show?  How about stand-up comedy?

 

I saw the daily program and was overwhelmed, would love to hear what are some of the "highlights" or must-see shows, that you recommend.

[*Miss G*]

2 minutes ago, Kordy said:

 

One follow-up question - what were some of your favourite entertainment options? any "Broadway-like" shows, with dancing/music/singing?  Was there a magic show?  How about stand-up comedy?

 

I saw the daily program and was overwhelmed, would love to hear what are some of the "highlights" or must-see shows, that you recommend.

 

Entertainment and activities will be one of the summary installments.  I don’t have that section completed, as yet, but I do have notes started. Thank you for your focused questions.  It will help me with the summary.

[*Miss G*]

PASSENGERS AND STAFF

 

Generally-speaking, passengers on the QM2 were well composed and more easygoing than the passengers on other lines I’ve sailed.  Except for the boorish behaviour of one passenger on the first night, everyone was friendly and kind and had settled in to enjoy the crossing.  

 

There were quite a few children onboard — all well-behaved —with involved and attentive parents.  I find the same on the HAL ships.  Well done, parents!

 

Staff and crew were fabulous.  They were friendly and kind and accommodating.  Kudos to a dedicated and involved management team for looking after their employees and passengers.  Their attitudes and commitment to service is reflected in their staff and, in turn, is passed along to the passengers.  

 

I visited the Purser’s Office, twice, and had a good experience each time.  The same gentleman addressed my queries.  He was helpful and professional and I am sorry I did not get his name for the end-of-cruise survey. 

 

I honestly believe I was gifted The Dream Team with Rateesh (Head Waiter), Jimmy (Waiter), Abner (Assistant Waiter), and Wesley (Sommelier) in the Britannia Restaurant. Their exemplary service and friendly dispositions made my cruise! They each went above and beyond to ensure my meals were free from an allergen and always delivered hot from the galley. That is quite an achievement!  

 

I also enjoyed how the Sommelier was able to introduce me to some new wines and always on the alert if my glass needed topping up.  I appreciated that my wine was already uncorked and waiting for me at my table.  That is the kind of service I used to receive on HAL but, sadly, no longer.  If the waiters were busy when I arrived, Wesley was always there to seat me and place my napkin. 

 

As a solo traveler, I especially enjoyed my table assignment: # 352.  It was perfect for me in that it was not within centimetres of others, yet it still afforded views of the ocean as well as the dining room.  I also appreciated not being next to a serving station!

 

I loved how nicely dressed everyone was in the Britannia Restaurant and about the ship in the evenings.  The Masquerade Ball was well-attended and participation quite high. It made me smile.

 

 

[Jack E Dawson]

2 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

The wide beam was obvious from the moment you stepped inside.  Every area was spacious, visually beautiful, and well cared for. 

Miss G,

Since I don't have experience with any other cruise line, I wonder if you would comment on how the QM2 felt to you when it came to crowdedness. It seems to me that many, if not most, of the passengers are not event oriented. After 4 Crossings, I'm still amazed how many people are spread out over the ship in various nooks and crannies curled up with a good book. 

Thanks

Jack

[*Miss G*]

9 minutes ago, Jack E Dawson said:

Miss G,

Since I don't have experience with any other cruise line, I wonder if you would comment on how the QM2 felt to you when it came to crowdedness. It seems to me that many, if not most, of the passengers are not event oriented. After 4 Crossings, I'm still amazed how many people are spread out over the ship in various nooks and crannies curled up with a good book. 

Thanks

Jack

 

The King’s Court Buffet crowds were comparable to any of the Lido buffets on HAL and Princess.  Normally, I avoid buffets and have workaround solutions.  For example, HAL has separate deli’s, burger, and pizza restaurants (takeaway) which are included in the cost of the cruise.  You can order from the app, television, phone, or in-person and you’ll be alerted when it’s ready.  The newer ships also have the Grand Dutch Café with included food (my coffee is extra).  When I get my morning coffee I pick up one of their breakfast offerings and take a seat in a quiet windowed alcove while the ship comes to life.

 

With the exception of the buffet and the Golden Lion, I felt no sense of the QM2 teeming with people.  I could always find somewhere quiet to sit, if that’s what I wanted.

 

The Music Walk on HAL is a popular night-time activity, so it’s usually standing room only at the favourite venues:  BB King’s, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and the piano bar.  I found the same at the Golden Lion.

 

What was notable about the QM2, was the wide open public passageways to the main venues.  There is not the beam width on Princess and HAL, so the main passageways are narrower, which means they can feel crowded at times.  Stateroom passageways are comparable.

[*Miss G*]

FOOD AND MENUS

 

On the whole, I would say my food preference lies with HAL.  Their diverse choices and fresh fish program are outstanding. They have an Indian menu, if you fancy a change, and they also have a separate vegetarian Indian menu.  Some nights, you can even have what the crew’s having.  In comparison, I found the QM2’s food (that I tried) was acceptable, but not great.

 

On HAL, when I request medium-rare meats, they come medium-rare.  All my meats came medium-well on QM2.  Likewise, my veggies came soft on QM2 vs al dente on HAL, which is my preference.

 

I disliked the communal self-service buffet in King’s Court.  This means that the food is open to passenger coughing and sneezing, as well as allowing for picking things up and putting them back.  I do not wish to touch serving utensils, which most likely have germs and other distasteful substances.  I realize this may seem a bit OC, but I find self-service a bit off-putting and unhygienic. (We’ve all seen people leaving the restroom without washing their hands.)

 

At a HAL buffet — with the exception of plated desserts and a few small-plate items — all food is behind a display case or cooked in front of you.  (Ice cream, both hard and soft, is also served this way.) The gloved crew serves the items you choose within the enclosed station. This division allows for better control and promotes a safe and sanitary environment.  As you can tell, hygiene is a top priority for me.  I do not wish to accidentally happen upon a norovirus, for example.

 

HAL also has a number of cook-to-order stations in a marché configuration, with lots of choices from different regions.  If I want British food, I go to that section.  Likewise, if I want Indonesian or Chinese or Italian or Indian, etc, I go to those stations.  I missed the totality of choices in Cunard’s buffet.

 

On a positive note, the fruit, cheese, and crackers were delicious!  For some reason, HAL has chosen to do away with crackers.  Some have even taken to bringing their own onboard.  A cracker exclusion is just weird.

 

I found the hamburger bar on the last sea day and my burger was fantastic!  I definitely would have had more of those had I happened upon them sooner.

 

I would love if the Golden Lion would extend their food service hours.  Or maybe even a second seating.  Whenever I checked, it was always full, which speaks to its popularity.  I really wanted to eat there!

 

I would love if Sir Samuel’s — or any specialty-coffee venue — opened earlier, even if it was just for coffee.  It would have been great to have a selection of light and savoury breakfast items while there.  (I am not much of a sugar-based food person.)  Having said that, I now know to visit the Carinthia Lounge for light breakfast bites, so that will be my workaround.

 

The above would never dissuade me from sailing with Cunard.  Its just a matter of personal preference.  I haven’t had time to try all the food venues, so I’m sure I could find “my place”.  I never went hungry, that’s for sure!

 

Edited 6 hours ago by *Miss G*

[Kordy]

Love your food summary. I was on a HAL cruise last year and loved the food, much more than on Celebrity the same year. It's currently my top choice for food and I liked that their desserts were not too sweet.  I am a European so maybe that helps. 

 

Quick question. Any standout dishes you recommend on QM2?  I wonder if they do lamb well. I find that lamb in the UK is cooked better than lamb in the USA. 

[*Miss G*]

30 minutes ago, Kordy said:

Love your food summary. I was on a HAL cruise last year and loved the food, much more than on Celebrity the same year. It's currently my top choice for food and I liked that their desserts were not too sweet.  I am a European so maybe that helps. 

 

Quick question. Any standout dishes you recommend on QM2?  I wonder if they do lamb well. I find that lamb in the UK is cooked better than lamb in the USA. 

 

HAL’s no-sugar-added Black Forest cake is awesome!!  I definitely break my no-desserts rule when I see that on the menu. 

 

QM2’s fish and chips are excellent!  They’ve got HAL beat on that dish, that’s for sure.  I also enjoyed the made-to-order hamburger.  I can count, on one hand, how many times a year I eat a burger so I am glad I had a craving that day.  I also really enjoyed the Chinese noodle soup from the buffet.

 

The only time I saw lamb on the menu, it was en croûte.  I requested it MR but was told my choices were medium or well done.  I ordered it medium and it came well done.  Oh well.  I am not a pastry person so I cut that away and just ate the lamb.  Hopefully, you will have better success than I did.

 

Oh wait!  I think I saw lamb shank on the menu once.  I chose something else as it didn’t appeal to me.  I prefer my lamb medium-rare.

[Kordy]

1 hour ago, *Miss G* said:

 

HAL’s no-sugar-added Black Forest cake is awesome!!  I definitely break my no-desserts rule when I see that on the menu. 

 

QM2’s fish and chips are excellent!  They’ve got HAL beat on that dish, that’s for sure.  I also enjoyed the made-to-order hamburger.  I can count, on one hand, how many times a year I eat a burger so I am glad I had a craving that day.  I also really enjoyed the Chinese noodle soup from the buffet.

 

The only time I saw lamb on the menu, it was en croûte.  I requested it MR but was told my choices were medium or well done.  I ordered it medium and it came well done.  Oh well.  I am not a pastry person so I cut that away and just ate the lamb.  Hopefully, you will have better success than I did.

 

Oh wait!  I think I saw lamb shank on the menu once.  I chose something else as it didn’t appeal to me.  I prefer my lamb medium-rare.

 

Wow! a lamb shank in the MDR - that is awesome.  Looking forward.  I would take a good & large lamb shank over a filet mignon steak 🙂  

 

One thing I'm looking forward to is: Beef Wellington ... not generally available in the USA.

 

Oh yes ! black forest cake -> again, not really available/popular in USA and when they do have it, it's way too sweet.  I'm looking forward to that on QM2.

[*Miss G*]

2 minutes ago, Kordy said:

 

Wow! a lamb shank in the MDR - that is awesome.  Looking forward.  I would take a good & large lamb shank over a filet mignon steak 🙂  

 

One thing I'm looking forward to is: Beef Wellington ... not generally available in the USA.

 

Oh yes ! black forest cake -> again, not really available/popular in USA and when they do have it, it's way too sweet.  I'm looking forward to that on QM2.

 

I didn’t see Black Forest cake on the QM2 menu.  I did see Beef Wellington on the menu for the first gala night.