Friends Want to Cruise -- Cunard?

[JohnEZ]

A few friends and I are at odds with each other. We're planning to go on a cruise to the Caribbean within the next two or so years... but the issue of "Which line?" came up. To explain a little further:

 

--One member of our party has cruised before and has a strong attraction to Royal Caribbean. Personally, it's not my favorite line.

--One member of our party hasn't the slightest clue about cruise ships.

--I have never cruised, but have always been attracted to Cunard over all other lines.

 

The Concerns:

 

--The person who likes Royal Caribbean is concerned that we'd be the youngest passengers on Cunard--we'll be ~21, but are by no means a party crowd. We are well-behaved, respectable young adults.

--She also perceives Cunard as being "boring."

 

Clearly, the above concerns don't concern me. :)

 

...As a result, the options we have are MAYBE an AB Penthouse on the Norwegian Dawn (...which I will admit is a very nice cabin) OR a sheltered balcony on the QM2.

 

Naturally, I'd prefer QM2. My question is, how would I pitch her to my friends in such a way that they'd prefer the Cunarder, as well?

[ovccruiser]

QM2 is an ocean liner not a cruise ship, if there is any lumpy water out there, I know what ship I would like to be on:D Seriously, I have sailed QM2 on a number of accasions to the Caribbean andCunard cater for all age groups. Have a look on the Cunard web site and click on the virtual tour, you will see lots of things specifically not aimed at the older set, like gymnasium equipment:D G32 disco:D Also, the in hull cabons, decks 4, 5 & 6, don't go on 6. Immediatley above is the promenade deck and early morning joggers pound through the roof. We always book 4 or 5. Main restaurant is on 2/3, spread over 2 decks and the self serveis on 7, so you are right between them.

[Darrell6t]

The downside of Cunard in the Caribbean is that they have deck parties wearing formal clothes. If I were you, I would go with a more casual atmosphere for warm places.

[Cruachan]

The downside of Cunard in the Caribbean is that they have deck parties wearing formal clothes. If I were you, I would go with a more casual atmosphere for warm places.

 

Hi Darrel6t,

 

I'm not trying to be nasty or anything here, but in view of the amount of heat that has been generated on this board down the years at the mere mention of the word "formal", I think it would assist the OP if you were to define "formal" in this context.

 

My own experience of Cunard is limited to the Med and Northern Europe so I have no knowledge of what goes on in the Caribbean. However, I kind of assume you don't mean deck parties where you are required to wear dinner jackets, bow ties etc.

 

Jimmy

[JohnEZ]

I think it would assist the OP if you were to define "formal" in this context.

 

 

Dress codes aren't a problem. :) Formal means a tuxedo (or dark suit) for men, or a formal gown for women (alternatively, a dressy cocktail dress). And let's not forget that White Dinner Jackets are acceptable in the Caribbean summer. :p

 

I've always known Cunard is more formal than other lines. That's one of its drawing points for me. :)

[patwell]

Good choice JohnEZ.....I wish you luck in your persuasive techniques!

 

I've sailed QM2 twice in the Caribbean. I'd not be concerned about deck parties in formal wear. First of all, in the Caribbean on a 10 day voyage 2 of your formal nights will be on sea days, thus no deck parties planned. Only 1 port night was also a formal night and while we did see a couple of people in formal wear at the sailaway party on the stern, they were only there as they were heading to first seating. The rest of us were in a variety of casual pool attire or what we had worn for excursions on shore that day.

 

In addition, one of the port nights was what Cunard call Informal which is cocktail type attire. The rest were Elegant Casual which on Cunard leans toward the more elegant side of casual.

 

And a final note...QM2 is far from boring...very far. You will come away from 10 days wondering where the time went and how there were still so many things you never got around to doing. I plan to remedy that in October and again in December!

 

Perhaps you might want to have your friends read my review of my first Caribbean on QM2....the link is in my signature.

 

Cheers, Penny

 

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

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

 

November 10,2007...the “Affair” continued...did it ever!

 

October 16,2008...the “Affair” goes transatlantic as we sail in tandem with the grand QE2 on her final transatlantic voyage...what a thrill!

 

December 9, 2008....the “Affair” resumes again....Life is good!

 

August 7, 2009....the “Affair” goes on...this time “home” to Norway

[Guest Anorak33]

An AB on NCL is very nice, 2 bedrooms, 1 big bathroom, 1 shower-room ensuite with the small bedroom, lounge area, balcony, numerous flat screen TV;s, great coffee maker etc etc. Butler and Concierge etc.

Plenty of truly excellent restaurants, plenty happening. Quite informal if that is what you want, formal if you like but don't expect others to be formal. Probably more fun.

We have done AB's on other NCL ships but not actually Dawn. Our favourite cabin.

 

QM2 - more $$$ for an equivalent cabin

Others on here who are QM2 enthusiasts will say different no doubt, have they tried NCL recently is all I can say?

 

I like both Cunard and NCL, very different lines but both interesting and good in their way.

 

If money is no object then go for Cunard and try NCL next time, then you will know what is right for you.

[Cruachan]

Good choice JohnEZ.....I wish you luck in your persuasive techniques!

 

Hi Penny,

 

just back from QV - loved it, and heard many people saying very very positive things about your ship!

 

Jimmy

[billet]

I have just finished the Independence day cruise. The upper deck parties were relaxed and many people wore smart, casual, clothes after changing from the dress of the evening. However inside the ship the dress of the evening was very much in force, even in G32 (until 1am when coats and bow-ties were shed).

[pb82]

My question is, how would I pitch her to my friends in such a way that they'd prefer the Cunarder, as well?

Look in my photobucket for a bunch of Daily Programmes, menus, photos, etc. from a QM2 Caribbean cruise in January this year. Perhaps some of that information may help you.

 

The point about QM2 being a liner, not a hotel on a raft, is important. And QM2 offers more public area space per passenger than any other large ship.

[The Real PM]

My husband and I cruised to Panama and the Caribbean in March. Our cabin was a B3 which is a cabin with a sheltered balcony. We absolutely loved the ship, the lovely details, the public rooms. The QM2 is simply beautiful. If rough seas come along, the ship will handle it with ease. There is a wonderful spa, gym, nightclub and many bars to entertain you--not to mention the shows, the pools and casino. There are speakers, deck games, a wonderful library, board games, a planetarium and a whole very large beautiful ship to explore. So there is really a great deal to keep you busy. If you go to the Caribbean there will be a good many days you will be getting off at ports, so your QM2 entertainment on those port days will be limited to the evenings after dinner.

 

Our Caribbean deck party was rained out, so we never did see what people would have worn. If I remember correctly, it was to be elegant casual, which is the most casual it gets on the QM2 in the evening.

 

The average passenger will be much older than you and your group (with the exception of children of passengers, and there are not hordes of them).

 

We have been on Royal Caribbean six times, years ago. We always enjoyed the cruises, but the experience is very different. The Royal Caribbean is much livelier, louder, with a much younger crowd. One thing my husband and I came away from the QM2 with was the ship is very civilized--there is no hawking of drinks on the deck or any where else, there are no loud bands marching through the dining rooms in the evening, and most of the passengers are very well behaved and respectful of fellow passengers.

 

So I guess it is up to you as a group. I would advise you to book the QM2, but I am very much older than you--I can't really say for sure what I would have said as a twenty one year old. Which ever you choose, I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

[flag fan]

You might consider searching youtube for videos. There usually are some posted and they might give you an idea of the types of people on the ship, what they wear, and what they do--which might help your cause.

[patwell]

Hi Penny,

 

just back from QV - loved it, and heard many people saying very very positive things about your ship!

 

Jimmy

 

Hey Jimmy....so glad you had a great time. I thought of you being pampered while the rest of us had to fix our own meals!:rolleyes:

 

OK...I'll email you....photos I"m sure?

 

Cheers, Penny

 

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review

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

 

November 10,2007...the “Affair” continued...did it ever!

 

October 16,2008...the “Affair” goes transatlantic as we sail in tandem with the grand QE2 on her final transatlantic voyage...what a thrill!

 

December 9, 2008....the “Affair” resumes again....Life is good!

 

August 7, 2009....the “Affair” goes on...this time “home” to Norway

[jcl410]

John -

 

I have been on a lot of different ships from the QE2 on a transAtlantic to the Amazing Grace on a 13 day freighter cruise. I wear what ever is appropriate for the ship I'm on (tux to barefooted shorts)

 

I have enjoyed ever single one of them . My next ship (in about a month) is going to be the QM2 from Southampton to NYC.

 

I'm 47 now, but have been cruising for 15 years.

 

From my point of view Cunard does the ocean crossings the best. That being said, when I look at "regular" cruises, I look at other lines first. I preder a slightly less dressy (overall) experience overall. In addition, the shows tend to be a bit more lively. I like RCI. The ships decor is not too splashy, and its a good product.

 

What is it about Cunard that interests you the most? To make every one happy, have all three of you make out a list of what you want/expect from the cruise, and let the negotiations begin!

 

It's too bad that Premier Cruises stopped sailing; they had a good collection of older liners that were great to travel on informally.

 

Aloha,

John

[Guest Anorak33]

jcl410 - You jogged my memory there, our first ever cruise was on a Premier ship, Big Red Boat (2?) just a short Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral in the very early 90's.

 

It didn't sink in at the time but I don't remember any dress code at all!

 

I do remember being bombarded with heavy hints about tipping for 3 days though, and memories of how the food service was contracted out and not the quality and variety we have now come to expect as standard.

 

 

Ahhhh.. Happy Days........... we loved it and it led to so many more wonderful cruises.

[Rotterdam]

One reason to choose Cunard (IMO) are the options on QM2....I am 50 & have been on ships since the early 1970's...over 50 cruises on many different lines & ships.....I tried RCCL & it was not my favorite..we sailed on QM2 13 day carib this past FEb...I prefer smaller ships but I was very happy with QM2....it is a big ship but there was so much to do & so varied ...anyone would find something to do...even the nite club was great(yes we still stay up late a few nites and dance).....

 

the other plus is space...RCCL has more passengers on similar size ships...our cruise was completely full but we never had a problem getting a seat or hardly any lines....

 

the other plus was the new Brooklyn terminal....easy boarding etc...one thing I did think was that if we had been on a ship with more passengers..it would of been a nightmare...instead we were in our car withing 45 of leaving the ship...

 

enjoy!

[Darrell6t]

My own experience of Cunard is limited to the Med and Northern Europe so I have no knowledge of what goes on in the Caribbean. However, I kind of assume you don't mean deck parties where you are required to wear dinner jackets, bow ties etc.

 

That is exactly what I am talking about. I was on the QV from NYC to LA and the evening of the outdoor Caribbean dance party it was a formal night. Men were out on the deck in dinner jackets and ties. I didn't see anyone having any fun, but I didn't stay out there for very long. It was just too uncomfortable.

[Cruachan]

That is exactly what I am talking about. I was on the QV from NYC to LA and the evening of the outdoor Caribbean dance party it was a formal night. Men were out on the deck in dinner jackets and ties. I didn't see anyone having any fun, but I didn't stay out there for very long. It was just too uncomfortable.

 

Ouch! I see what you mean. Must be very uncomfortable in that climate.

 

J

[happyscot]

I definately won't be sailing Cunard. The people on here won't let me. I don't know why.

 

Anyway, got to go, the wrestling's on the tele.

 

Oh, if you do go, take a stuffed toy. It keeps the regulars from troubling the Phillipino deckhands.

 

Have fun whatever you do.

 

xxxx

[Cruachan]

I don't know why.

 

I do.

 

J

[happyscot]

I do.

 

J

 

 

Ah! Our resident non-com. All stripes and no pips. Still bitter (can't afford gin). A poem.

 

There once was an aged Argyll

Lacking wit or semblance of guile

Who sailed once round the med

Without getting out of bed

And became expert, Queen of the Bile.

[DKNYC]

Hi JohnEZ

Are you all planning to stay in the same cabin? If so i would maybe book the suite on NCL. You will have more room than in the QM2 balcony cabin. I have done QM2 balcony (B5 obstructed) as a triple. It was very cramped at night when the sleepsofa was out.

Cunard was my first Cruiseline (at the ripe old age of 37) and be aware it is very addictive. Just read my signature and that of many others on this board. So they must be doing something right.

 

Happy Persuasion

 

Denise

[Cruachan]

Oh HS,

 

sniff! Sometimes you say such nice things about me i just... fill up!!

 

J

 

Ah! Our resident non-com. All stripes and no pips. Still bitter (can't afford gin). A poem.

 

There once was an aged Argyll

Lacking wit or semblance of guile

Who sailed once round the med

Without getting out of bed

And became expert, Queen of the Bile.

[happyscot]

Oh HS,

 

sniff! Sometimes you say such nice things about me i just... fill up!!

 

J

 

 

I'd say something apposite in Latin if there was the faintest chance you'd understand it.

 

Now. Be nice.

[Cruachan]

I'd say something apposite in Latin if there was the faintest chance you'd understand it.

 

Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem.

 

Ask Jane if that's causing you difficulty.

 

J