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Just Returned From Qm2 Transatlantics

deck chair

By deck chair,
in Cunard Line

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deck chair

deck chair

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Hi Gang:

 

I sailed eastbound on 7/6/07 and returned on the westbound sailing on 7/28/07 after spending 15 days in Paris.

 

I have sailed many times on the QE2 including 10 crossings and five cruises. Last summer, I crossed twice on the QM2 with a 12 day Mediterranean cruise between. I think the QUEEN MARY 2 is a fabulous ship!

 

The following are my brief thoughts about my most recent crossings on the QM2. (July 2007)

 

EMBARKATION: Without flaw. As a platinum level CWC member, we were on the ship within 15 minutes of arriving at the pier. The check-in staff was helpful, patient and very efficient. It should be noted that we arrived at the pier at about noon so there was not at that point a big crowd at the Brooklyn Pier.

 

CABIN: I booked at B2 cabin on five deck. The cabin is big enough but do wish there was more counter space in the cabin for odds and ends. I also wish CUNARD would install hooks on the walls on which to hang items. The shower stall is a bit tight and a bit dark. Closet space is adequate. Beds are very comfortable. Soundproofing is very good. I very rarely heard any voices or other noises from adjoining cabins or from the hallway. I chose a 5 deck cabin to avoid noise from either 7 deck or from 3 deck. The in hull balcony was just fine for me. Lets face it, on TAS one is not going to spend much time hanging on on a balcony so I question the value of the more expensive Britannia category cabins.

 

CABIN STEWARD: My cabin steward DAVID was just fabulous. Aside from doing an excellent job keeping up the cabin he also found my misplaced passport on sailing day. I had carelessly put it back in my carry-on. Of course, tipped him beyond the gratuity that is charged to your shipboard account. I didn't learn it from DAVID, but discovered that the cabin stewards are responsible for 15 cabins each. No wonder most of them look a little stressed out most especially on sailing day. CUNARD should consider reducing their workload. On my return crossing, my cabin steward was CARLOS who also did a great job.

 

ROOM SERVICE: Unlike the Caronia grade cabins on QE2 in which I sailed which offered a vast room service breakfast menu including omelets and other hot dishes, the breakfast room service menu on QM2 was very limited and hardly worth the bother. The only hot dish you can order is scrambled eggs. Given that CUNARD promotes itself as a LUXURY brand, I recommend that the breakfast menu be expanded. Given its limitations, I went up to the dining room or CHEFS GALLEY. The room service menu for other meals is equally limited. Even though HAL has gone down hill otherwise, it still has great room service menus.

 

DRESS CODE: There is a lot of discussion on these boards with respect to the manner of dress on CUNARD ships. By day, the QM2, like the QE2, is a VERY VERY casual ship. Almost anything goes. I observed shorts, tank tops, sweat pants, jeans etc. At night, the ship is transformed especially on the formal nights of which there are three on the crossings. On my crossings, 85% of the men were in black tie. The others were in dark suits. On formal nights, I observed about 95% of the ladies wore long gowns. The others wore cocktail dresses. Of course, as on almost any ship, you will always observe the disrepectful slobs who can't be bothered to dress appropriately.

 

FELLOW PASSENGERS: On the eastbound crossing, there was over 1300 Brits who came over from England on the ship and then spent four days in New York before returning with me back to England. The QM2 was on a July 4 sampler cruise for those four days. On the return westbound sailing that departed 7/28/07, there were over 1,200 german passengers who had embarked in Hamburg. Mixed in were other passengers from all over the world. Americans seemed to be in short supply on both of my crossings. Although it is great to meet others from other nations, I missed my fellow Americans!!! It should also be noted, that on both of my sailings, there were many children and teenagers on board. I think that is great as they add more life to the ship.

 

DINING ROOM SERVICE: On the eastbound sailing the dining room service at my second sitting table was great. The table was served by a waiter and his assistant. The section supervisor, a woman named LAWRENCE did a great job overseeing her section of the dining room and helping out when needed.

The service on the return westbound sailing were very hardworking but for whatever the reason, much more time elapsed between courses. This was not a very big deal for me but I found myslef checking my watch to make sure I got out of there in time for an event I wanted to attend.

I learned that tables located on the upper levels are farther way from the kitchens therefore it takes the waiters longer to come and go.

 

Service for breakfast and lunch for the open sittings was excellent.

 

DINING ROOM AMBIANCE: The Britannia dining room is a great space with many windows overlooking the sea. For dinner, at least on the second sitting, the lights were dimmed. On formal evenings, each table had candelabra with five or six candles or tealights. This added greatly to the tone of the room.

 

KINGS COURT: As everyone who has sailed the the QUEEN MARY 2 knows, this eating area is a total stress filled mess and a disorgnized noisy zoo. The food is good, however. For me, I enjoy a quieter atmposphere when I'm eating. The Kings Court is far from quiet. I can still hear all the racket. I did not try the KINGS COURT for any evening meals. Will CUNARD EVER DO ANYTHING TO IMPROVE UPON THIS SPACE????

 

COMMODORE CLUB: My favorite lounge on the ship. A wonderful place to read during the days. I especially enjoyed CAMPBELL SIMPSON who played the piano in the evenings. Service in this venue is good enough. My only complaint about this space was the country western music that was beign played one day. After I complained, they switched to another much more suitable music channel. BTW, MUZAK on the QUEEN MARy 2 is limited and restrained and not a nuisance as it can be on other ships.

 

 

GOLDEN LION PUB: Another good lounge. I especially enjoyed the Dixieland Jazz band that played there once on each crossing. The food offered in the pub including the cottage pie was really good. The service was good in the pub.

 

CHART ROOM: Another favorite room. Good service and fabulous jazz music at night played by very talented musicians. They were often joined by other musicians from the other orchestras on the ship. The CHART ROOM is rather bland and I do wish CUNARD would brighten it up.

 

LIBRARY: A fabulous ammenity with many books to check out. Also, many comfortable chairs to sit in and watch the sea go by. Staff was very nice and knowledgeable.

 

QUEENS ROOM: A wonderful place for tea and dancing at night to fabulous orchestras.

 

PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS: Unlike most cruise lines including HAL, THERE WERE NO ANNOYING INTRUSIVE PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS URGING THE PASSENGERS TO GO TO BINGO OR ART AUCTIONS OR THE LATEST SALE IN THE SHOPS. Announcments were limited to the noon commentary from the captain re: weather, sea condtions, location of the ship and sea depths etc. Unlike most lines, CUNARD appreciates that the passengers know how to read and don't need to be constatnly reminded on the PA system about shipboard events. This is one of several reasons I will never sail on HAL again. If you love intrusive PA announcements you will LOVE HAL!!!!!

 

THE BIGGEST PLUS: Without a doubt, the biggest reason I will return to the QUEEN MARY 2 again and again: Can anyone guess? No? The Queen Mary has many many fabulous musicians who play on the ship. The ROYAL COURT ORCHESTRA, THE QUEENS ROOM ORCHESTRA and PAUL RITCHIE, the QUADRIVIUM STRINGS, the CARIBBEAB BAND VIBZ, the MARK HODGSON TRIO, and pianists PAUL MADDEN, JOSEPH BOWLBY and most especially CAMPBELL SIMPSON. If you like great music and love to dance, you will love this ship.

 

WEATHER: People often wonder what kind of weather to expect on a transatlantic crossing. On my two recent crossings, like all crossings, the weather was all over the board. It was cool and warm, foggy, rainy, misty sunny, overcast, partly clouded, partly sunny and very windy. We had high seas and seas calm as a lake. Always bring a sweater for those cool days that come along even in the summer.

 

PURSERS DESK: A great group of hard working professionals who handled my requests with great competence and patience.

 

OVERALL: I must conclude. I'm sure I have left things out. Let me say that Queen Mary 2 is a great ship with some flaws as outlined above. I will certainly book her again espcially because of the musicians. If you have any comments or questions please let me know.

 

DECK CHAIR, who would have survived the sinking of the TITANIC.

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patwell

patwell

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Thanks Deckchair...great review of my favorite ship. You were kind to share this helpful information with all of us. Glad you had a great time on her!! can't wait for my turn again.:D

 

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

 

November 10,2007...the “Affair” continues....

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jgsmuzzy

jgsmuzzy

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Will CUNARD EVER DO ANYTHING TO IMPROVE UPON THIS SPACE????

 

 

You should have seen it in 2004 before they moved things around to make it easier to move. It was sheer bedlam! You should try it in the evening though, it is a complete transformation, especially the Lotus.

 

Thanks for the review, I am getting withdrawal symptoms as I have not sailed on her since last November and have to wait until January until I am on her next!:eek:

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3rdGenCunarder "Live from...." Rare

3rdGenCunarder

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KINGS COURT: Will CUNARD EVER DO ANYTHING TO IMPROVE UPON THIS SPACE????

Sledge hammer?

 

The space needs a complete redesign, and even so it may be hopeless, as you have the combination of buffet people looking for tables and other passengers coming in from the outside deck, and just hoping to find stairs or elevators. Too many people moving through one space.

 

I took my buffet lunch back to my cabin and ate in my sheltered balcony twice when I did a TA on QM2. Glad to hear breakfast and lunch in the dining room have improved. I found the open seating at those meals to result in chaotic, slow, annoying service, which is why I resorted to Kings Court. (Too many good programs on the TA to spend nearly 2 hours having lunch.)

 

PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS: Unlike most cruise lines including HAL, THERE WERE NO ANNOYING INTRUSIVE PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS URGING THE PASSENGERS TO GO TO BINGO OR ART AUCTIONS OR THE LATEST SALE IN THE SHOPS. Announcments were limited to the noon commentary from the captain re: weather, sea condtions, location of the ship and sea depths etc. Unlike most lines, CUNARD appreciates that the passengers know how to read and don't need to be constatnly reminded on the PA system about shipboard events.

 

YES! I completely agree. I find the frequent and very loud advertisement announcements to be obnoxious. Princess does it, too. If I want to go to Bingo or (shudder) the art auction, I'll find it. If not, please let me relax in peace!

 

Do they still have the RADA program on TAs?

Kathy

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Namvet4

Namvet4

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Thank You deck chair for your review. It certainly heightens the anticipation my DW and I share for our first cruise aboard the QM2 . . .You reported that the Dixieland band played only once in the Golden Lion Pub. . . what type of music was offered on other days/nights in the Pub? Thanks in advance for your reply.

(I too enjoy good music and am glad to hear your enthusiasm for the performance skills of the musicians aboard QM2 ! )

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deck chair

deck chair

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Hi :

 

Thnks for the response:

 

Yes, RADA still stages plays on QM2 although I did not attend any. In addition, RADA ran some workshops for passengers.

 

AS far as Golden Lion Pub, I was never there for lunch except when the fabulous dixieland band played. According to my ship's program, "LUNCHTIME MELODIES" were schedulted each day at 12:15. I assume one of the pianists came in to play. In the evening, a pianist would play and then karaoke was scheduled from 10:45 until late. Passing by, karaoke seemed to draw quite a crowd.

 

I should also mention that during the crossings, piano concerts with mostly classical music were held which attracted a nice crowd in the ROYAL COURT. Also, in the QUEENS ROOM, there was a very nice tea dance held once on each crossing that was very pleasing to the passengers.

 

I should also point out, that on the eastbounnd crossing, the cocktail party for platinum level CWC members was held in the evening in the WINTER GARDEN, a great space for such an event and a big improvment over last year when it was held in G32. It was very well attended and everyone seemed to have a good time. For whatever reason, unfortunately, the Platinum cocktail party on the westbound crossing was held at 11:30 in the morning. I did not attend that function because I don't drink during the day and had other things to do. I doubt that many people did attend. Is Cunard trying to save money with such timing? Anyone know the answer?

 

I would also like to commend RAY ROUSE, the cruise director for a job well done.

 

Now if CUNARD would only improve the breakfast room service menu and fix that horrid KINGS COURT, QUEEN MARY 2 would almost be a perfect ship! Yes????

See you!

 

DECK CHAIR

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Paul NH

Paul NH

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COMMODORE CLUB: My favorite lounge on the ship. A wonderful place to read during the days ... My only complaint about this space was the country western music that was beign played one day. After I complained, they switched to another much more suitable music channel. BTW, MUZAK on the QUEEN MARy 2 is limited and restrained and not a nuisance as it can be on other ships.

 

DECK CHAIR, who would have survived the sinking of the TITANIC.

Deck Chair,

 

In 2005 they once had Pop Diva music blaring from the Commodore Club at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and equally loud music in most of the other lounges that early. It's nice to hear that the MUZAK is more restrained.

 

Glad to see you round trip transatlantic was enjoyable.

 

I am also glad you *would have* survived the Titanic, making it possible for you to proceed to travel the QM2 and write the fine review above. :)

 

Paul

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deck chair

deck chair

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Hi!

 

Last year I wrote down what I wanted on the room service card but I got a call the next morning telling me that only items on the card were available. This year, keeping that disappointing call in mind, I didn't even try. I guess I should have. Perhaps I will if I sail on the QM2 in February 2008 on the 13 day cruise out of New York.

 

The sound level in the CHART ROOM didn't seem that loud to me. One could certainly carry on a conversation without shouting. I liked the candlelight in the CHART ROOM at night. I do wish this space had more color. One night, the MARK HODGSON TRIO was jointed by several other fantastic musicians plus PAUL RITCHIE the singer with the QUEENS ROOM ORCHESTRA for a really great night of music. That never would happen these days on HAL, sadly, mainly because HAL ships hardly have any musicians anymore. BTW, all the musicians on QM2 appear to be having a really great time.

 

I loved the fog horns blasting away when we encountered fog on several occassions...

 

A minor negative: Given the large number of children/teens sailing on the QUEEN MARY 2, CUNARD should remove the EMPIRE CASINO gambling table that juts out and intrudes into the hall on two deck. First of all, it looks sloppy, garish, carelessly placed and second, its impossible to miss as families with kids are walking by. Some families don't want their kids exposed to such enticing gambling facilities.

 

Another point, even on the nicest days, it was always possible to find a deck chair on 7 deck. There did not appear to be many deck chair hogs. There is plenty of outdoor deck space on the QUEEN MARY 2 unlike many newer ships these days. I wonder about the QUEEN VICTORIA. It appears from the deck plans that the outdoor deck space is going to be much more limited.

 

Another thought: Always try to schedule your sailing when there is going to be a full moon. There is nothing more beautiful on a ship at night sailing across the North Atlantic out in the middle of nowhere than a full moon lighting the wonderful sea....

 

DECK CHAIR

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Namvet4

Namvet4

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Hi!

 

One night, the MARK HODGSON TRIO was jointed by several other fantastic musicians plus PAUL RITCHIE the singer with the QUEENS ROOM ORCHESTRA for a really great night of music. That never would happen these days on HAL, sadly, mainly because HAL ships hardly have any musicians anymore. BTW, all the musicians on QM2 appear to be having a really great time.

 

DECK CHAIR

 

DECK CHAIR - That "Sounds" Great ! On a side note... The orchestra in the Queens Room...Do they play Big Band music every once in a while? I really enjoy the music of that era! Thanks in advance for your reply

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deck chair

deck chair

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Hi Namvet:

 

During the crossings, there was big band music in the QUEENS ROOM on four nights. On one night the ship's two main orcehstras banded together for BIG BAND NIGHT. It was fabulous and very well attended. On another night, the last, the orchestra played music from the 70s which is not my cup of tea. On another night, the caribbean band VIBZ played in the QUEENS ROOM. if you like big band music you will love the QUEEN MARY 2, the QUEENS ROOM and the orchestras that play there. Take care.

 

DECK CHAIR

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deck chair

deck chair

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Hi Namvet:

 

During the crossings, there was big band music in the QUEENS ROOM on four nights. On one night the ship's two main orcehstras banded together for BIG BAND NIGHT. It was fabulous and very well attended. On another night, the last, the orchestra played music from the 70s which is not my cup of tea. On another night, the caribbean band VIBZ played in the QUEENS ROOM. if you like big band music you will love the QUEEN MARY 2, the QUEENS ROOM and the orchestras that play there. Take care.

 

DECK CHAIR

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lexxity

lexxity

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Are you absolutely sure that Paul Madden was one of the pianists? Only he told us he was retiring last year! I hope he is still onboard though, he is fantastic. If anyone does see him tell him Alex and James would like Jerusalem played and can we have the card back?:D

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Oahucruiser

Oahucruiser

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Like Deck Chair, I also just returned from 2 crossings ( June 10th to England and a July 28th return to New York with beautiful weeks in Italy, Switzerland and Paris in between). I totally agree with all that he said in his review. This was my 5th time on the QM2 and I still rated it nearly flawless except for the melee in the King's Court.

 

Many of you may remember Mary Mastony, the "Diva of the High Seas" who is always on the QE2's world cruise. She was on board and sang in the passenger talent show and will again be on the QE2 January 13th for the last world cruise.

 

Paul was in the Commodore Club bar on the way over but on vacation in July. What a wonderful person! I told him that he is frequently mentioned on CC.

 

The only thing I missed was the availability of Limoncello which I loved in Italy. It's on all the bar lists but wasn't stocked and the bartenders said they never get it. Delicious treat.

 

Aloha, Patti

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travel-to-go

travel-to-go

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Like Deck Chair, I also just returned from 2 crossings ( June 10th to England and a July 28th return to New York with beautiful weeks in Italy, Switzerland and Paris in between). I totally agree with all that he said in his review. This was my 5th time on the QM2 and I still rated it nearly flawless except for the melee in the King's Court.

 

Many of you may remember Mary Mastony, the "Diva of the High Seas" who is always on the QE2's world cruise. She was on board and sang in the passenger talent show and will again be on the QE2 January 13th for the last world cruise.

 

Paul was in the Commodore Club bar on the way over but on vacation in July. What a wonderful person! I told him that he is frequently mentioned on CC.

 

The only thing I missed was the availability of Limoncello which I loved in Italy. It's on all the bar lists but wasn't stocked and the bartenders said they never get it. Delicious treat.

 

Aloha, Patti

 

Wonderful Paul is still about. Hope he wont be gone yet when we hit October 31. I don't know if hey have to go over the the Vicky early to get things ready. He was on vacation last year when we were on for Labor Dya. And had just gotten promoted then,. Looks like he got promoted again! That boy gets lots of vacations and lots of promotions! Both well deserved, I assure you! Still haven't seen his banana dolphins!

We went to the trouble of bringing You're a Star card on board with us in Sept to mention him from January! (We put the date and voyage on the card) I believe it was RChambon or Rickter. Can't remember, who got his last name for us! (Rickter, i think) Well, thank you anyway!

 

 

Uh Oh, Was it Malcolm who wanted the limoncella? Better call ahead my dear! Doesn't sound good for you! BTW, the creamy Limoncella is great over crushed ice in the jacuzzi! (Drunk there not poured into it!)

 

Karie,

who needs to go to bed before she gets some out.

Actually, there is a bottle on the floor behind me in the computer room. Reason it is still there though is this brand is really awful.

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