QM2 April Transatlantic

[ggo85]

My husband and I are considering a crossing in late April. For anyone who has done it at or near that time. . .

 

How did you find the weather? I realize it's not summer and April/early May can be problematic, but is it warm enough to lie out on deck (if not get a tan)?

 

Is there an indoor pool? This wasn't clear from the deck plans.

 

Is the spa good and reasonably priced?

 

Is there enough to do during the day if you don't gamble. :)

 

Any other suggestions/recommendations?

 

Thanks.

[rebeccalouise]

My husband and I are considering a crossing in late April. For anyone who has done it at or near that time. . .

 

How did you find the weather? I realize it's not summer and April/early May can be problematic, but is it warm enough to lie out on deck (if not get a tan)? Probably not. You'll get some sun but it will be windy and chilly.

Is there an indoor pool? This wasn't clear from the deck plans. Yes there is an indoor pool

Is the spa good and reasonably priced? The Spa is good but not "reasonably" priced. Most 50 minute treatments are $ 145. 90 minute treatments are over $200. Haircuts $ 90-107 depending on length of hair.

Passes to the spa pool, steam room, sauna are $ 40 for one day and $ 75 for two day. Canyon Ranch Spa is onboard and they are very good. I got a terrific haircut onboard (Mandrill from South Africa). The aromatherapy massage was fantastic.

Is there enough to do during the day if you don't gamble. :) I don't gamble and yes- there is plenty to do. There are games, trivia, the planetarium, two heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, the indoor pool, a well-stocked library, shops, movies, shows, etc. I didn't get bored on my TA at all. I met so many nice people. I walked the promenade every day.

Any other suggestions/recommendations? In the past few years I have only sailed in balcony staterooms and thought I could never settle for an outside cabin- let alone an inside. But this past cruise I saved money by booking an inside. Much to my surprize- I LOVED IT! I liked the bed configuration (we had twins). I liked sleeping in late without the sun shining in. When I did the TA on QM2 and the 4 night Caribbean cruise in Feb on QM2- I felt like I was still on the ship for a week after I got off. This commonly happens to me after sailing on ships. Well, if this happens to you- definitely book an inside. I have experienced none of this because you don't feel the motion as much in an inside stateroom. So for those that suffer from seasickness or "land legs" when getting off... do inside. I wouldn't hesitate to book another inside. In fact, I am looking forward to it!

[pb82]

My husband and I are considering a crossing in late April. For anyone who has done it at or near that time. . .

 

How did you find the weather? I realize it's not summer and April/early May can be problematic, but is it warm enough to lie out on deck (if not get a tan)?...

Here are some photos from May,June 2006. Everyone will agree that the transatlantic weather is best described as unpredictable.

 

...

Is there an indoor pool? This wasn't clear from the deck plans...

The pool on Deck 12 has a retractable roof, but as far as I know it never has been.

 

...

Is the spa good and reasonably priced?

My wife loved it. Here are the January, 2008, prices.

 

...

Is there enough to do during the day if you don't gamble. :)...

Thanks.

Lots. Read these transatlantic Daily Programmes.

 

Bon Voyage!

[sullaRaffaello]

I agree with just about everything posted already. I was on last year's E/B April crossing, and encountered 7-12 foot seas the first day, which is nothing really. It got progressively calmer and warmer as we got nearer to Europe. I had a balcony which I went out on everyday, but I couldn't sit there long due to the wind. I think you will have a great time.

[keelhauled]

Here are some photos from May,June 2006. Everyone will agree that the transatlantic weather is best described as unpredictable.

 

 

The pool on Deck 12 has a retractable roof, but as far as I know it never has been.

 

 

My wife loved it. Here are the January, 2008, prices.

 

 

Lots. Read these transatlantic Daily Programmes.

 

Bon Voyage!

The retractable roof is open in warm weather. I've seen it open on Caribbean and Med voyages.

[xander]

We're booked on the April 28th 2008 departure from New York to Southampton, and we've also been wondering what to expect weatherwise. But then we're British so we always pack for all eventualities......

 

Are you planning on joining us or are you planning ahead for 2009?

[Brit and proud]

The Pavillion pool is situated on Deck 12 stairway B

 

The room gets warm and the roof retracts to cool down, let the sun in, it was open when in the Carabbean and the ship was docked, not sure if it opens whilst moving.

 

There are approx 6 rows of sunbeds...3 on each side of the pool, around 50 max, pool towels are provided, however during the 1st and last 2 days of the Caribbean Cruise, towels and books, lotions etc where left on unattended loungers for over 2 hrs to keep them booked :eek:

 

Someone approached the pool attendent who noted the time (possible to confirm they where not being used) but the guest moved them himself...

 

you have to be quick to get a bed.....good luck

 

 

steve

[AnnieC]

during the 1st and last 2 days of the Caribbean Cruise, towels and books, lotions etc where left on unattended loungers for over 2 hrs to keep them booked :eek:

you have to be quick to get a bed.....good luck

steve

 

You don't have to be quick to get a lounger; simply remove the paraphernalia left behind by inconsiderate people and make yourself at home.:)

[Brit and proud]

You don't have to be quick to get a lounger; simply remove the paraphernalia left behind by inconsiderate people and make yourself at home.:)

 

 

I would give 30 mins max (they could have had to dash to the toilet etc) then their stuff would be dumped at the bar.....the time of 2 hrs which i was reffering (sp) we didnt want a lounger...we where sat at the small bar area, enjoying a few cocktails, chatting and watching the band vibz....just my observations

 

I cant say it was a particular nation as i saw Europeans as much as North Americans...doing the towel laying run...

 

steve

 

 

steve

[Jim Avery]

My experience on April Transatlantics have ranged from chilly to SNOW. Keep in mind that the North Atlantic at those latitudes that time of year is just above the freezing point. What you miss in laying out in the sun, you will make up with an experience like no other.

[tangodancer8]

We are doing the Transatlantic cruise on QM2 on Apr. 27 from New York to Southhampton. Can someone suggest a more economical way than the $395 for a minivan (quoted in the Custom Transfer Booking Form we got from Cunard) to go from Southhampton to London center. We will be staying in London for a couple of days for sightseeing and will have our luggages from the ship.

[cinta]

My husband and I are considering a crossing in late April. For anyone who has done it at or near that time. . .

 

How did you find the weather? I realize it's not summer and April/early May can be problematic, but is it warm enough to lie out on deck (if not get a tan)?

 

Is there an indoor pool? This wasn't clear from the deck plans.

 

Is the spa good and reasonably priced?

 

Is there enough to do during the day if you don't gamble. :)

 

Any other suggestions/recommendations?

 

Thanks.

We crossed in mid April & had mixed weather, fog, rain & one afternoon that was glorious. We led on the sun loungers & drifted in the sunshine. Perfect!

There is so much to do on a TA, you won't worry about sunbathing. We are doing a back to back TA in June & I'm packing for all weathers. It's an unpredictable sea, that North Atlantic!!:D

We didn't even go into the casino.

The crossing experience is amazing. Enjoy it.:)

 

Sharon

[travel guy]

Tangodancer8,

How many of you are there? I am on the April 16 East bound TA and we are catching the train from Southampton central station non-stop to London Waterloo station. It cost us $46 per person for regular class (2nd class). From London Waterloo station you can catch a taxi, or take one of the several Tube lines that connect there to the neighborhood/hotel where you are staying. If you have a lot of heavy luggage then this may not sound attractive. At the very least you should be able to take the train from Southampton to London and then taxi to your hotel.

[xander]

The train is a good option and would save some $. You could also take the Cunard coach to Heathrow and take the train into London Paddington which is closer to most of the tourist hotels, depends where you're staying.

[Cruise NH]

We are doing the Transatlantic cruise on QM2 on Apr. 27 from New York to Southhampton. Can someone suggest a more economical way than the $395 for a minivan (quoted in the Custom Transfer Booking Form we got from Cunard) to go from Southhampton to London center. We will be staying in London for a couple of days for sightseeing and will have our luggages from the ship.

Re: your question on a cheaper transfer from Southhampton to London...I don't remember who did it but someone on this forum posted information from a previous TA. These information sheets were handed out while on the voyage. In it, there was info on taking a coach from the pier to London Waterloo Station and Victoria Bus Station. It was quoted as costing $85 per person. I don't know what the price might be this year.

 

We're hoping Waterloo has been changed to St Pancras (new home of Eurostar) for this year.

[vtbobby]

We are doing the Transatlantic cruise on QM2 on Apr. 27 from New York to Southhampton. Can someone suggest a more economical way than the $395 for a minivan (quoted in the Custom Transfer Booking Form we got from Cunard) to go from Southhampton to London center. We will be staying in London for a couple of days for sightseeing and will have our luggages from the ship.

 

We are on the 16 April crossing. You can take a train direct to Waterloo Station...or to Paddington Station, with a change at Reading...or a bus to Victoria Station...depends which station is closer to your hotel. :cool:

[cruisegal101]

We have just booked with a private car company for transport and it is much cheaper than what you were quoted. smithsforairports dot com It is costing roughly $144 Total from Southampton to Heathrow and I would imagine that it would be similar for other locations in London. Email them for a quote from their website.

[Cruise NH]

We are doing the Transatlantic cruise on QM2 on Apr. 27 from New York to Southhampton. Can someone suggest a more economical way than the $395 for a minivan (quoted in the Custom Transfer Booking Form we got from Cunard) to go from Southhampton to London center. We will be staying in London for a couple of days for sightseeing and will have our luggages from the ship.

I found the link with the information from the 2006 season. Hope it helps.

 

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/*****2006%20QM2/?action=view&current=006.jpg

[xander]

We have just booked with a private car company for transport and it is much cheaper than what you were quoted. smithsforairports dot com It is costing roughly $144 Total from Southampton to Heathrow and I would imagine that it would be similar for other locations in London. Email them for a quote from their website.

 

Wow that is a great price ! I tried several companies and they were all about £ 150 or more. Are you sure they quoted in US $ and not in GBP ?

[tangodancer8]

Thank you ALL for your suggestions. I'll explore all the suggested possibilities and will keep you posted on the results.

 

Thanks again.

[tangodancer8]

We have just booked with a private car company for transport and it is much cheaper than what you were quoted. smithsforairports dot com It is costing roughly $144 Total from Southampton to Heathrow and I would imagine that it would be similar for other locations in London. Email them for a quote from their website.

 

I tried going to the smithforairports dot com website as stated above and some variations but both google and yahoo search engines found no matches. Can you please review and see if this is the right address. If not, can you please give me the correct one or at least their email address so I can write them.

 

Thanks again!!

[tangodancer8]

Tangodancer8,

How many of you are there? I am on the April 16 East bound TA and we are catching the train from Southampton central station non-stop to London Waterloo station. It cost us $46 per person for regular class (2nd class). From London Waterloo station you can catch a taxi, or take one of the several Tube lines that connect there to the neighborhood/hotel where you are staying. If you have a lot of heavy luggage then this may not sound attractive. At the very least you should be able to take the train from Southampton to London and then taxi to your hotel.

 

This looks like a viable option but we do have heavy luggages (2 each plus hand carry). If we decide on this option inspite of the luggages, how do we get from the pier to the Southhampton central station and how far is it from the pier? Our hotel address is 41-51 Inverness Terrace Bays, GB

 

Thanks for your help!

[xander]

Inverness Terrace, Bayswater is just around the corner from London Paddington station ( 2-3 min in a cab). A cab from Waterloo would take 20 - 30 min depending on trafic thus making costing more.

[vtbobby]

I tried going to the smithforairports dot com website as stated above and some variations but both google and yahoo search engines found no matches. Can you please review and see if this is the right address. If not, can you please give me the correct one or at least their email address so I can write them.

 

Thanks again!!

 

http://smithsforairports.com worked just fine this morning. After misspelling, Google suggested the correct site.

Email: bookings@smithsforairports.com

[cruisegal101]

I tried going to the smithforairports dot com website as stated above and some variations but both google and yahoo search engines found no matches. Can you please review and see if this is the right address. If not, can you please give me the correct one or at least their email address so I can write them.

 

Thanks again!!

 

It is www.smithsforairports.com