Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #26 Share Posted October 22 Thanks for your perspective. I would have to agree that the food and preparation have been suffering in recent years. We sail about 4 month out of the year and I have to say the menus in Luminae can really get boring. In the last year we have been on E-Class ships and I'm pretty sure I will never book another E-Class unless it is an incredible itinerary. Luminae was inspired by the concept of each meal cooked to order. Due to the increased passenger load in Luminae on E-Class ships I fear that they are cooking banquet style and it is noticeable. I've actually been served entrees that were cold inside while being served on piping hot plates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #27 Share Posted October 22 5 hours ago, DaisyUK said: Looking forward to following along Thanks Daisy - feel free to jump in any time. Sometimes it get boring just writing if members don't jump in and help keep the thread interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #28 Share Posted October 22 23 minutes ago, Victoria2 said: If inside area of a QM2 balcony cabin is around 250 sq ft and a Q5 is twice the width...🙂 Interesting - I didn't realize the Q5 are 2x the size of a balcony cabin. That would support the circa 500 Sq Ft. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaisyUK Posted October 22 #29 Share Posted October 22 2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said: Thanks for your perspective. I would have to agree that the food and preparation have been suffering in recent years. We sail about 4 month out of the year and I have to say the menus in Luminae can really get boring. In the last year we have been on E-Class ships and I'm pretty sure I will never book another E-Class unless it is an incredible itinerary. Luminae was inspired by the concept of each meal cooked to order. Due to the increased passenger load in Luminae on E-Class ships I fear that they are cooking banquet style and it is noticeable. I've actually been served entrees that were cold inside while being served on piping hot plates. I don't think you'll have that problem on QM2. Look out for Osman, the Maitre'D. He is a force of nature, and runs a tight ship (forgive the pun!) He works very hard, making sure everyone in the dining room is happy - and if there are any problems, he makes sure they are resolved. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NE John Posted October 22 #30 Share Posted October 22 33 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said: Looking forward to an enjoyable crossing. I'm really interested in seeing the difference between and Ocean Liner and a Cruise Ship. We enjoy nostalgia. I"m also really looking forward to comparing the food selection and quality. One of my main concerns with Celebrity is that the menu in Luminae is limited and boring. Luminae also takes liberty with descriptions to sound exotic and often looks nothing like the description. Make sure you spend time in the Cunard “history” decks between decks 2/3. There are plenty of nostalgic pictures and stories from yesteryear in those corridors. While there, you’re also right at the waterline of the ship so get mesmerized by the sea going by. Just be prepared to get lost, no matter how well you study the deck plans. Orientate yourself via A,B,C,D stairwells rather than decks to get around. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted October 22 #31 Share Posted October 22 (edited) 34 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said: Interesting - I didn't realize the Q5 are 2x the size of a balcony cabin. That would support the circa 500 Sq Ft. I just looked at deck plans to see the double width 🙂 edit I've also stayed in a balcony so know the sq ft. Edited October 22 by Victoria2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion B Posted October 22 #32 Share Posted October 22 Jim, Wishing you and Iain fair winds and following seas. I hope your days onboard Queen Mary 2 will be as special as mine have always been. $4,000 per person for the Queens Grill? Super deal. Fourteen days out to sea (and across the pond) during the final frenzy of the election? Priceless. Marion 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chebby Posted October 22 #33 Share Posted October 22 You should never be bored with the food in QG. I suggest looking ahead to the menu for the evening, then if nothing takes your fancy speak to Osman at lunchtime - he will usually visit each table - and ask him for something off-menu. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TouchstoneFeste Posted October 22 #34 Share Posted October 22 3 hours ago, Jim_Iain said: Interesting - I didn't realize the Q5 are 2x the size of a balcony cabin. That would support the circa 500 Sq Ft. I wonder if the smaller measure either 1) measures "usable" space - that is, ignores the closet and bathroom or 2) saw 506 and deducted the size of the balcony ? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 22 #35 Share Posted October 22 7 minutes ago, TouchstoneFeste said: I wonder if the smaller measure either 1) measures "usable" space - that is, ignores the closet and bathroom or 2) saw 506 and deducted the size of the balcony ? I’m sure 2 is correct. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare D&N Posted October 22 #36 Share Posted October 22 38 minutes ago, exlondoner said: I’m sure 2 is correct. I think Cruisedeckplans have done that with all the balcony cabins. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #37 Share Posted October 22 Some of our experienced Cunard cruisers can help explain how their fares work. Pricing - I had always though that Cunard was a fairly expensive cruise line and was pleasantly surprised when I discovered their prices were quite competitive. Cunard offers a choice of two prices for U.S. Bookings in Queens Grill. Per AI ( and still don't understand) The main difference between Cunard Fare and Explore with More is that Explore with More is a promotion with additional benefits, while Cunard Fare offers flexibility and priority services Explore with More A promotion that offers additional benefits like onboard credit, a drinks package, and free prepaid gratuities. For example, the Explore with More promotion may offer up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom, a drinks package for Grill Suites, and free prepaid gratuities. Cunard Fare A fare that offers flexibility and priority services, like choosing your stateroom number, priority for stateroom upgrades, and flexibility to change your booking. You can also add extras like onboard spending money, priority dining preferences, shuttle buses, or free car parking. They also often offer promotional fares. I don't quite understand the difference as the Cunard Fare was $400 more but the Explore for more was not only $400 less expensive but included a $400 OBC, Gratuities and a Drink Package. For this voyage we initially quoted $9,339 and our agent offered to discount it up front to $8,648. Cunard required a 25% deposit when we booked. For our cruise the Cunard Fare was about $400 more expensive but seemed to have fewer perks. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #38 Share Posted October 22 (edited) Today was our last day prior to departure. I took my daily walk from Sunnyvale to Mountain View Starbucks (5 miles each way). Silicon Valley is an incredible area. While it is a highly populated high energy location there are hundreds of miles of urban trails and forests. On my walk I pass Apple, Google and Linked in. Most industrial parks have manicured grounds and often parks that are open to the public. Another interesting activity is Waymo (Google's Autonomous Ride Share Development). It can be an unusual experience seeing a driver-less car for the first time. The second half of my walk is along the Steven's Creek Trail - an urban trail is adjacent to a freeway. With the sound barrier walls one would never believe that just on the other side are 1,000's of cars bumper to bumper. My walk is also like a farmers market. Local residents often put out boxes of fruit for neighbor's enjoyment. Today's highlight were Pineapple Guava's. Small but really yummy. Edited October 22 by Jim_Iain 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #39 Share Posted October 22 While at Starbucks, I got an alert that it was time to check in. Boarding pass issued and meals selected. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #40 Share Posted October 22 7 hours ago, DaisyUK said: I don't think you'll have that problem on QM2. Look out for Osman, the Maitre'D. He is a force of nature, and runs a tight ship (forgive the pun!) He works very hard, making sure everyone in the dining room is happy - and if there are any problems, he makes sure they are resolved. I've heard some really good things about Osman. It is always a positive to have a Maitre'D that runs the dining room as oppose to a dining room running the Maitre'D. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #41 Share Posted October 22 6 hours ago, NE John said: Make sure you spend time in the Cunard “history” decks between decks 2/3. There are plenty of nostalgic pictures and stories from yesteryear in those corridors. While there, you’re also right at the waterline of the ship so get mesmerized by the sea going by. Just be prepared to get lost, no matter how well you study the deck plans. Orientate yourself via A,B,C,D stairwells rather than decks to get around. I'm sure we will be like lost sheep the first couple days aboard. Iain is much better at navigation than I but once I get it down am ok. Really look forward to exploring the Nostalgia of a wonderful ship. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momzcruzing Posted October 22 #42 Share Posted October 22 Hi Jim & Lain, I'm Martie, Cupertino resident for 40 years and RN at El Camino Hospital the entire 40 years. I am now retired and residing in San Ramon, but my kid & friends are in Santa Clara so I'm there whenever I'm not cruising. I'm joining you on this cruise, but I will be on the ship the entire 26 days until the ship returns to NYC. I did the entire World Cruise on The Queen Mary 2 and am so very excited to experience her again. I'll see you on Friday. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #43 Share Posted October 22 5 hours ago, Marion B said: Jim, Wishing you and Iain fair winds and following seas. I hope your days onboard Queen Mary 2 will be as special as mine have always been. $4,000 per person for the Queens Grill? Super deal. Fourteen days out to sea (and across the pond) during the final frenzy of the election? Priceless. Marion You would have to remind me about the Elections. I truly try to stay clear of politics. The problem will be not knowing the results of the election until we awaken in the morning. I purposefully posted some pictures of how lovely and safe Silicon Valley is as oppose to some of the comments by one of the candidates - "Paradise Lost" struggling with homeless, water shortage, crime and high cost of living. I can agree with water shortage and high cost of living but the positive side of cost of living is that appreciation in home value far outstrip most places in the U.S. Example - I bought one of our rental's for $99,000 25 years ago and now live off my rental income of $3,600 a month and use our Social Security for cruising. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covepointcruiser Posted October 22 #44 Share Posted October 22 If you would like the Peking duck, order it from Osman 48 hrs. in advance. It is worth it. Look at the dinner menu at breakfast and if you are in doubt then order what you really want for any course. Don’t feel constrained by the menu but be sure to check the additional pages with menu items you should order in advance. Certainly hope Osman will be on for our B2B2B in December. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #45 Share Posted October 22 5 hours ago, chebby said: You should never be bored with the food in QG. I suggest looking ahead to the menu for the evening, then if nothing takes your fancy speak to Osman at lunchtime - he will usually visit each table - and ask him for something off-menu. Look forward to doing just that. I suspect as a Cunard newby we will be trying out every thing on the Menu. When I say that Luminae on Celebrity has a fairly limited menu - they have 4 Appetizers and 4 Entrees nightly. On M and S class ship you have to options of ordering from the MDR menu and Blu Menu. Like Cunard if you request something off menu the Maitre'd will accommodate if possible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 22 Author #46 Share Posted October 22 4 hours ago, TouchstoneFeste said: I wonder if the smaller measure either 1) measures "usable" space - that is, ignores the closet and bathroom or 2) saw 506 and deducted the size of the balcony ? I'm going with the 506 which would make Queen's Suite larger than both the CS and SS on Celebrity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 23 Author #47 Share Posted October 23 29 minutes ago, momzcruzing said: Hi Jim & Lain, I'm Martie, Cupertino resident for 40 years and RN at El Camino Hospital the entire 40 years. I am now retired and residing in San Ramon, but my kid & friends are in Santa Clara so I'm there whenever I'm not cruising. I'm joining you on this cruise, but I will be on the ship the entire 26 days until the ship returns to NYC. I did the entire World Cruise on The Queen Mary 2 and am so very excited to experience her again. I'll see you on Friday. Welcome neighbor. My father lived in Cupertino next door to Apple's Original Headquarters. He would meet his buddies at the Donut Wheel every morning. I'm guessing it is still there. Hope we get to meet. I'm guessing you will be on the 26 day Norway and Northern Light round trip from NY. Sounds like an incredible journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted October 23 Author #48 Share Posted October 23 15 minutes ago, Covepointcruiser said: If you would like the Peking duck, order it from Osman 48 hrs. in advance. It is worth it. Look at the dinner menu at breakfast and if you are in doubt then order what you really want for any course. Don’t feel constrained by the menu but be sure to check the additional pages with menu items you should order in advance. Certainly hope Osman will be on for our B2B2B in December. It is going to take some time to realize that there will be so many choices. I have to say I'm looking forward to a nice Dover Sole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momzcruzing Posted October 23 #49 Share Posted October 23 Donut wheel is still there, unfortunately for my waistline. They have a much expanded selection of donuts and I can assure you they are all worth the calories. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NE John Posted October 23 #50 Share Posted October 23 (edited) 29 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said: Look forward to doing just that. I suspect as a Cunard newby we will be trying out every thing on the Menu. When I say that Luminae on Celebrity has a fairly limited menu - they have 4 Appetizers and 4 Entrees nightly. On M and S class ship you have to options of ordering from the MDR menu and Blu Menu. Like Cunard if you request something off menu the Maitre'd will accommodate if possible. Based on this menu, you both should be blown away by the QG offerings each meal. As for special orders, if you like Indian food, ask for a special Indian banquet dinner. English lamb and turbot are big winners too and usually on the a La carte menu. Wonderful! Edited October 23 by NE John 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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