Just returned from London after May 23 Eastbound Crossing...

[cunardfirsttimer]

And we had a MARVELOUS time!! Even my kids -- aged 8 and 5 -- had a blast. They absolutely loved the Zone..thanks to Paul and Tanya who kept them very busy with a lot of interesting activities. They actually counted the minutes to when they could return, and hated when they missed a morning session (because they overslept!)

As I said, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, including our server at dinner (Denisa, whom our two boys really enjoyed :) ), a lunch and a dinner at Todd English, a few spa indulgences...mmmmm!), the Planetarium, library, Commodore club (wonderful), and just exploring the ship. We were blessed with a very smooth crossing (one of the crew told us that it was one of the best ever).

 

We did purchase a few souvenirs on board, and here comes my question: I bought a lovely coffee mug with the QM2 logo on it, so that I could remember my trip every morning when I have tea (yes, I know, I drink tea from a coffee mug!) However, I've decided to give it to a friend who I know will like it. The question is, how can I purchase another without actually having to sail the QM2 again -- even though we have promised ourselves to book another QM2 trip, perhaps a Med -- but not for another year or two.

 

If anyone has any idea how to purchase QM2 merchandise, I'd really appreciate it.

 

In the meantime, I have my pictures! Oh, and for any who might have been on the May 23 sailing to Southampton, we were the family in kilts (Buchanan tartan) on the formal nights -- daddy and his two sons, at least!

 

Thanks!!!

 

Frances...who now understands those Celebrity Cruise line ads!!

[SeaFlint]

I don't know if you can order mugs. You'd think so. But, if not, let me know and we'll pick you up a couple and mail them when we get back in July.

[CruiseFever]

And we had a MARVELOUS time!! Even my kids -- aged 8 and 5 -- had a blast. They absolutely loved the Zone..thanks to Paul and Tanya who kept them very busy with a lot of interesting activities. They actually counted the minutes to when they could return, and hated when they missed a morning session (because they overslept!)

As I said, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, including our server at dinner (Denisa, whom our two boys really enjoyed :) ), a lunch and a dinner at Todd English, a few spa indulgences...mmmmm!), the Planetarium, library, Commodore club (wonderful), and just exploring the ship. We were blessed with a very smooth crossing (one of the crew told us that it was one of the best ever).

 

We did purchase a few souvenirs on board, and here comes my question: I bought a lovely coffee mug with the QM2 logo on it, so that I could remember my trip every morning when I have tea (yes, I know, I drink tea from a coffee mug!) However, I've decided to give it to a friend who I know will like it. The question is, how can I purchase another without actually having to sail the QM2 again -- even though we have promised ourselves to book another QM2 trip, perhaps a Med -- but not for another year or two.

 

If anyone has any idea how to purchase QM2 merchandise, I'd really appreciate it.

 

In the meantime, I have my pictures! Oh, and for any who might have been on the May 23 sailing to Southampton, we were the family in kilts (Buchanan tartan) on the formal nights -- daddy and his two sons, at least!

 

Thanks!!!

 

Frances...who now understands those Celebrity Cruise line ads!!

 

 

We were there too, happy to hear you had a good time!

[cunardfirsttimer]

I don't know if you can order mugs. You'd think so. But, if not, let me know and we'll pick you up a couple and mail them when we get back in July.

 

I will continue to search the web -- no luck so far. Have also inquired on the Cunard site, and will see what response I receive from them. Really appreciate your offer; hate to burden you with having to do that, but will most certainly take you up on it if I come up empty. Just let me know how to get my contact information to you.

 

And enjoy your trip. Ours was over far too quickly...the anticipation was so great, and the trip flew by before we knew it!

 

Frances

[SeaFlint]

Just post your e-mail address here and I'll use it to contact you.

 

Getting them and bringing them won't be a big deal. Just put them in the bags we're shipping home.

[travel-to-go]

We were there too, happy to hear you had a good time!

 

So Chris, as a veteran traveler, but first time QM2 experience,

 

How was your trip? Give us your review!

 

Karie,

Who DOES care what you think here!

[cunardfirsttimer]

Just post your e-mail address here and I'll use it to contact you.

 

Getting them and bringing them won't be a big deal. Just put them in the bags we're shipping home.

 

Thanks very much....still trying, with no luck. My email address is fkeefe@us.ibm.com. Appreciate your helping me out with this!

[CruiseFever]

So Chris, as a veteran traveler, but first time QM2 experience,

 

How was your trip? Give us your review!

 

Karie,

Who DOES care what you think here!

 

Ok, you asked.

 

It was surely a unique experience, unlike any other cruise I'd been on before. Just as surely, IMHO, it's not for everybody. All in all we enjoyed it and would do it again...just not too soon.

 

Here are some of the memories and impressions I come away with:

 

• There IS a class system for sure. I tried to get a peek in the upper level areas and was turned away by the bouncer. I don't think this is a bad thing but it does exist.
  
• I wonder if the food was better in the upper levels. Ours was just ok, no better than Carnival, Princess or the rest; often not as good.
  
• I was anticipating being blown away by the service and food, I wasn't.
  
• I was surprised at how cold it was on deck, rendering deck areas useless. This website did not fully prepare me for that which is odd, that never happens.
  
• I was totally prepared wardrobe-wise thanks to this site, could have used another formal outfit though.
  
• I loved our "in the hull" balcony cabin. It was the right tool for the job. I think we would never have used an unsheltered balcony at all.
  
• I loved the layout of the ship. Lots of fast elevators; never a wait. The walking tour was both interesting and educational. I didn't think I would care for that.
  
• Great casino staff, very helpful and friendly, some of the best service on the ship. Maybe because it is an area shared with the upper class?
  
• Embarkation about the same as anybody else, line moved along slowly unless you were in upper class and used express check-in
  
• Disembarkation less than expected; like it was the first time they'd done it.
  
• Cabin steward was unremarkable, nothing special there
  
• Really fast and good room service- love that Club Sandwich and Caesar Salad.
  
• Disappointed and surprised that there were no substitutions or special requests allowed in the dining room.
  
• Wireless Internet not exactly speedy, Ships machines worked pretty good though
  
• Loved the planetarium and lecture topics/speakers.
  
• Glad to read here that children could have a good time, wouldn't have guessed that.
  
• Great experience, certainly something everyone should do once, not sure how soon I'd want to do it again though. I wonder if 6 days was just not long enough to fully appreciate the experience for me...maybe for others, maybe I need more time on board?

[robken]

We di the April 29th crossing and had a wonderful time, I myself got a QM2 mug. We wnated to buy a QM2 travel alarm clock, but they where sold out. Asked if we could order one and they said NO!!!! You should have bought it earlier in the cruise. oh well maybe next time we sail on her:)

 

Ken

[merryecho]

Firstimer and cruisefever- did you go directly from the airport to the ship? We were on this crossing too (loved it) but came close to missing it as we couldn't get a cab to take us to Brooklyn.