First timers questions

[alibabacruisers]

Hello all! My husband and I are taking our very first cruise (and it's on the QM2 in May 2009 to Mediterranean) and were hoping you could try to answer our questions. Anyone else going to be there?:)

1. We have read about rooms upgrades and were wondering if you are

offered them, do you have to take them or do they automatically

change your room? I have read many threads and still am trying to

understand.

2. What are the options for transfers from Heathrow to Southampton

hotels? Has anyone used limos or taxis, and how much?

3. Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Southampton? Any better

suggestions? We may choose Hilton because they supposedly have

transfers to the ship.

4. Any helpful hints for first time cruisers? We love reading all the

threads on these forums!

5. We are thinking about booking C4 cabins (Oceanview)...did you like or

dislike?

This is great for starters...thanks in advance for your help!:)

[juliecat]

Hello all! My husband and I are taking our very first cruise (and it's on the QM2 in May 2009 to Mediterranean) and were hoping you could try to answer our questions. Anyone else going to be there?:)

1. We have read about rooms upgrades and were wondering if you are

offered them, do you have to take them or do they automatically

change your room? I have read many threads and still am trying to

understand.

 

If the upgrade fairy visits, your Travel Agent will let you know (unless it is at check-in). You can turn it down in advance. If you don't want an upgrade, have your TA mark your booking "no upgrade."

 

 

 

2. What are the options for transfers from Heathrow to Southampton

hotels? Has anyone used limos or taxis, and how much?

 

Heathrow is a LONG way from Southampton. Taxi is out of the question. Budget option is National Express (bus) 90 minutes at ~$25 per person direct from the airport. You can take the train, but you'd have to change at Woking with your luggage and no porters. Limo will run you $120-200, there are other threads on this board with recommendations for agencies. Cunard does sell transfers, but only if you're coming in on the day of the cruise

 

3. Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Southampton? Any better

suggestions? We may choose Hilton because they supposedly have

transfers to the ship.

 

The Hilton Southampton is way out of the city center. It would be very inconvenient for sightseeing and dinner. A taxi from a city center hotel to the pier will cost you ~5 GBP (~$9) so a close in hotel might be a better option. Never heard of any hotel in town offering a free shuttle to the pier, I'd ask for confirmation on that. There are lots of hotel options; what are your requirements, budget? You might look at the DeVere Grand (posh, but you can find some good rates depending on your dates).

 

Julia

[Beyondships]

Hello all! My husband and I are taking our very first cruise (and it's on the QM2 in May 2009 to Mediterranean) and were hoping you could try to answer our questions. Anyone else going to be there?:)

 

1. We have read about rooms upgrades and were wondering if you are

offered them, do you have to take them or do they automatically

change your room? I have read many threads and still am trying to

understand.

 

2. What are the options for transfers from Heathrow to Southampton

hotels? Has anyone used limos or taxis, and how much?

 

3. Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Southampton? Any better

suggestions? We may choose Hilton because they supposedly have

transfers to the ship.

 

4. Any helpful hints for first time cruisers? We love reading all the

threads on these forums!

 

5. We are thinking about booking C4 cabins (Oceanview)...did you like or

dislike?

 

This is great for starters...thanks in advance for your help!:)

 

1 Upgrades are one of life's mysteries. They appear to happen totally at random. I believ it helps to have a well-connected travel agent.

 

2 It is probably best to go into London. There are a number of options from there including the railroad. The best option is to avoid Heathrow altogether and take QM2 from New York to Southampton.

 

3 There are several hotels in the center of town, some not far from the cruise terminals. There is no problem getting a taxi to the terminal.

 

4 Be open and talk with the people at the parties, at the tables during breakfast and lunch, and in the bars. It makes the cruise much more interesting.

 

5 I have had an oceanview stateroom and liked it very much. It seemed to have more room than the balcony cabins.

[Oahucruiser]

Also, look into the Holiday Inn Southampton. Great location across from the DeVere Grand Hotel.

[alibabacruisers]

Thank all you kind people for responding to our questions...we really appreciate it! We did book the cruise and now will wait for the paperwork, etc to follow. How exciting!