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Jack E Dawson

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Everything posted by Jack E Dawson

  1. While no one ever wants to see a medical emergency occure, you have been granted a gift. Being able to sail up the Solent during daylight hours and enjoy this beautiful passage should be a real treat. We always do west-bound TA's on the QM2 and really enjoy the departure down the Solent. May I suggest viewing the passage from the the forward observation deck on deck 11. The late arrival will also allow you a much more relaxing breakfast on disembarkation day. It's obvious from your postings that you guys are having a GREAT time. You attention to detail and insights are very much appreciated. Jack
  2. Yay for the PA!!!!!!!!! Absolutely LOVE your itinerary. Will be on your every post. Thanks Jack
  3. If you could manage departing and returning to Rome, I would suggest V514C, 28 days exploring the eastern Mediterranean.
  4. We are booked in Princess Grills cabin 4096 for an upcoming cruise on the Queen Victoria and are trying to determine if it is a connecting room. When I look at the QV "Detailed Deck Plans" on the Cunard web site the is no icon in the legend to denote connecting cabins like there is on the QM2 deck plans. Is this because there are no connections rooms on the QV or is this information just not provided? Thanks Jack
  5. Please let us know what you find Winifred 22. Like you, we are BIG fans of Pol Acker. Thanks Jack
  6. Thanks for the great review. It's always interesting to hear the thoughtful experience of others. Jack
  7. The Cunard website is not completely clear on the use of power strips. When I go in to My Cunard for my upcoming cruise it says, "Surge protected extension leads are not accepted". It makes me think that non surge protected power strips ARE allowed. We have have a "Cruise Line Approved power strip that we got on Amazon and have never had it questioned on our 5 previous Cunard cruises. Jack
  8. Meliador, Just wondering how you boarding day and cruise went? Jack
  9. Here are a couple of thoughts. 1. Make reservations for the major attractions. 2.Try and do a Saturday tour of Parliament which allows you on the floor or the House of Commons and the House of Lords 3. If you tour Westminster Abby include the Queens Jubilee exhibit in the attic, very impressive and well worth the extra $5. See if you can find the WWII bomb shrapnel hole in the Royal Air Force alcove. Look for Stephen Hawking marker next to Sir Isaac Newton's. 4. Reserve an early time at the Tower of London and hit the Crown Jewels exhibit first before the line gets long. 5. Take the water taxi to Greenwich, lots to see there. (google Cutty Sark). Go to the observatory and the Queens House (quite the she-shack, FREE) 6. Eat in Harrods food court and explore the store especially the basement liquor dept. 7. The Royal Mews (the King's Stables) is a really cool tour. It is down the left side of Buckingham Palace. I highly recommend!!!! 8. Use the Tube, it's the best way to get around. You can either get an Oyster Card or use a touchless credit card. The Oyster Card works on the Water Taxi and buses as well. There is a daily cap on how much you will be charged. 9. Since you are staying near the EYE (Marriott County Hall???) make sure you walk through the Graffiti Tunnel.Also, to get to Buckingham Palace from your hotel, walk across the Bridge by Big Ben then go through St. James Park. A beautiful walk. 10. Churchill's Underground War Room is very interesting but pricey (but worth it) and you REALLY need a reservation hear. Nobody does history like the British. Read about the places before you visit them to get the most out of your tour. We've been to London countless times and we are still discovering new amazing places. We love the markets and pubs. Mind the gap and look RIGHT!!!! Jack
  10. I am also watching the weather in the tropics as we leave tomorrow for a 10-day bareboat cruise in the BVI. Fortunately for us, that area of weather disturbance you are watching is already well west of there. While I'm not a meteorologist, I think you will be fine flying to Orlando on the 4th and out of Orlando on the 6th. While the waters in the Gulf are still very warm, wind shear conditions will make it difficult for a hurricane to form. But even if it does, it doesn't look like it would track towards the Orlando area. So, my money is on Plan A. We have flown Norse to London on 2 occasions (back when they were Norwegian and flying direct from Chicago) and really like that airline. Their premium class is only a few hundred dollars more and well worth it in my opinion. Jack
  11. Thank you dthompsond1, I've been having difficulty getting an answer to that question. Jack
  12. Thanks HH for taking the time to bring us all along through you wonderful live travel log. It was descriptive, informative and so enjoyable to follow. From your report, and the reports of others on CC, my impression of the QA is that Princess Grill may be the sweet spot for us. Thanks again, Jack
  13. I believe that 7150 is a corner cabin at the stern of the ship. You should have plenty of afternoon sun (when not cloudy or overcast). Jack
  14. Bon Voyage Meliador, Looking forward to more reports as you "discover" the QM2. Thanks for the above tips. Jack
  15. Rome may be a busy place next year. 2025 will be a year long Vatican Jubilee and they are expecting 35 million pilgrims. With that said, we are on on the QV cruise next May that disembarks in Civitavecchia. We still are still planning to spend 3 days in Rome but, having been there twice before, will be staying and visiting in more off the beaten path areas.
  16. GOOD PLAN. I'm sure you will enjoy your crossing and I would be willing to bet it won't be your only one on the QM2. You may be surprised just how much there is to do and how full your days will unexpectedly become. I have especially enjoyed the water color classes. They are offered in the morning or in the afternoon and you can alternate to fit your schedule but is every day and cumulative. My wife and I also enjoy the Insights lecture program and usually attend 2-3 each day. The food and service in the Grills is outstanding but be sure to have breakfast in bed at least once and the Golden Lion Pub is great fun for lunch (recommend the fish&chips). However, our favorite venue is the Promenade Deck. We try to walk at least 2 miles (6 laps) each day and will challenge the weather to do that (bring a hoodie). We especially enjoy just sitting in the deck chairs, if the sun is out, and watch the Atlantic Ocean go by. On our last crossing in June, we spotted 2 pods of wales. Quite exciting. Jack
  17. Meliador, Sailing in the Grills is a wonderful experience. From my personal experience I would suggest arriving at the terminal at 12:15PM. Once onboard meet your butler, let him familiarize you with your cabin and the Grills experience. After that, enjoy a relaxing lunch in the Grills dining room. Following lunch, you can unpack, with your butler's assistance if you like, and then consider taking some time exploring the QM2 (including how to get to the Queen's Rm & G32). For departure, you may want to join the festivities on the aft decks but I highly recommend being on top of deck 13 forward as the ship approaches and passes under the Verrazano Bridge. After passing under the bridge you can leisurely make your way back to your cabin to dress for dinner and then head to the Grills lounge for a pre dinner beverage. After dinner there will be numerous venues offering all types of music and dancing. Can't wait to read your feedback. Jack
  18. Here is the what Cunard says on their website about bringing dogs onboard. Note that it specifically says that "Emotional support dogs are not recognised as an assistance dog by the above organisations and are not permitted on board." Jack Assistance dogs Cunard accepts registered assistance dogs on board for the benefit of our guests, subject to compliance with international travel regulations. Please note: we can only accept assistance dogs on Southampton to Southampton cruises, or on Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York. Cunard accepts registered assistance dogs on board that have been specifically trained to assist a person with a disability and has been certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the accrediting bodies for assistance dog organisations worldwide. All assistance dogs are carried free of charge. You can notify us that you will be bringing an assistance dog in the on board needs questionnaire, available on My Cunard for you to complete before you sail. Emotional support dogs are not recognised as an assistance dog by the above organisations and are not permitted on board. We can only accept assistance dogs that are fully trained. Assistance dogs may not be permitted ashore in certain ports of call, in line with current Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) regulations which apply in the UK. If you indicate within your questionnaire that you will be taking an assistance dog on board, we will forward on the relevant paperwork for you to complete and return to us with any supplementary information that is required. Please refer to the DEFRA website for the most up to date information. We would advise all owners to carry their dog's identification card, or similar, with them at all times in case local authorities require proof. Guests with an assistance dog are not required to travel with a companion provided they are able to undertake day to day tasks independently.
  19. Have you tried a "Chocolate Affair"? Make sure they put the chocolate shavings on top. Also, wondering if there are any gin or vodka martinis available for $12 or less. We have the complimentary drinks package on an upcoming voyage and I saw a recent posting saying there were none. Thanks HH Jack
  20. It was open during our May 2017 WB Crossing and we did use it once (hamburgers and fries). Not open on our WB Crossings in 9/2018, 5/2022 or 6/2024. I agree with Stephen, some sort of outside food service would be nice or at the least a beverage service. However, I don't blame Cunard for not wanting to get ketchup or red wine stains in the teak decking. Maybe just white wine, beer and clear sodas??? Jack
  21. We absolutely love the Insights program. It is a VERY diverse program but typically 3/4 of the speakers will pique out interest. Some of our favorites have been: Jim Kennedy, former director of the Kennedy Space Center who had a 4-part program Michael Howard, former Leader of the British Conservative Party who spoke on Churchill Sandra Howard (wife), who spoke on being a super model in the 60's and now an author Concorde Pilot who had a 3-part program The Chairman of the Bank of England in 2008 who spoke on how close we came to a global financial meltdown during the Great Recession. There have been many many more. Some, if not most, of the speakers make themselves available for 1-on-1 conversations.
  22. Foodsvcmgr, Your reporting and photography are excellent. Very much enjoying your postings. Thanks. Jack
  23. Codakrome, Despite the commonality of the ship, the QM2, these really are two different experiences. I've always found that the toughest decisions are those where you have two GREAT choices. However, on a transatlantic you will meet many many passengers for whom this is their second, fifth, tenth plus Crossing. There is a reason for that. Of course I'm a bit biased as we are currently planning our fifth Crossing. Jack
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