Jack E Dawson

All traditions have to start somewhere....and I'm pretty sure that Cunard would be happy to sell more martinis. Heck, I don't really like martinis but how cool to be sitting the Queens Room with a couple of egg salad sandwiches, a string quartet playing and have a martini delivered to your table on a silver tray, shaken, not stirred, of course. Go for it Wedgie Wedgie. Jack

EuropeanAmericanTraveler Depending on what promotions Cunard has going on for a particular cruise, there may be 2 or even 3 different prices for the same category cabin. Often the lowest price is non-refundable. I've always seen it clearly stated when a promotion is non-refundable but my modus operandi is to ask Cunard for a quote and a 3-day courtesy hold. The quote will clearly state the refund policy. You can do this directly with Cunard or through a TA. That way you have the policy in writing from Cunard, no confusion, no misunderstanding. Jack

If that is the bane of your life, then you lead a very good life Bell Boy. But seriously, you make a good point, one that I had not thought about. We just booked a cruise on the QV that came with the drinks package. We will certainly try to be considerate in our ordering, for sure ordering together and not playing tag-team with the sommelier. Thanks, Jack

Doug, I don't think there will be a problem at breakfast and lunch in the MDR as it is open seating for those meals. Dinner might be more of a problem. If you cannot make arrangements with Cunard prior to the cruise then I would approach the Mater d on embarkation day. Is your daughter traveling solo? Of course you will be able to dine together in the evenings in the speciality restaurants. You may want to consider rebooking in Club or hope for a chance to bid on an upgrade. Like BigMac1953 noted, the open dining with the same table/staff is one of the main perks of booking in Club. Good luck, Jack

We were in PG on the QE back in September and there was a bottle of Grand Imperial, a French sparkling wine, in our cabin upon arrival. On 2 occasions during the voyage, a bottle of Pol Acker was left in our cabin refrigerator. The Grand Imperial was nice but not nearly as enjoyable as our beloved Pol Acker. Jack

Wow, great information, would never have thought to do that. Thanks Jack

Maggielou362, As I write this you are already more than 3 hours into 2024. How is the year going so far? Is it shaping up to be better than 2023? If it's not going well, I still have time to catch a flight to California and get an extra 2 more hours in 2023 (hmmm, let me rethink that). What's the next "BIG Thing" in 2024 that I can invest in while it's still 2023 here in Chicago? Thanks for being the first person I've talked to in the future, 2024. All the best for the New Year Jack

Thanks Gomac, We thought you would like the step-up to PG, like you we were blown away by the difference from Britannia, especially the dining. However, one surprise with your comments was the lack of service on the Grills terrace. Our one experience on the QE (4 months ago, Panama Canal)) was just the opposite. Chilled fresh fruit kabobs were brought around at 10:00, finger sandwiches at 11:00, ice cream 14:00 and full tea service at 15:30. In-between we were often approached for drinks. Your cabin was most impressive. Besides the balcony door, I see you also had a window. Thanks for the feedback and I still wouldn't give up hope for your upgrade bid being accepted. Jack

Good morning Gomac, I apologize if I have missed a posting but I was wondering how your QE voyage went and what your impressions of PG were. Thanks, Jack

e&mcruise I have ordered flowers twice, once for my wife's birthday (QM) and once for our anniversary (QE). On both cases they were beautiful. The second time was on a 14 night cruise and about 8 or 9 days into the cruise I called the Purser's Desk and asked if the arrangement could be freshened up a bit. It was almost completely redone and the service was complimentary. We also once sat next to a couple celebrate a birthday and they had preordered a birthday cake which they shared a pieces with us. It was absolutely amazing, one of the most delicious cakes I've ever tasted. It was a yellow cake with a fruit custard icing. The flowers were $60. I don't know how much the cake was. I had to call Cunard to order the flowers. Hope this helps Jack

I would strongly recommend that you go for it eqshadimar. The Alaskan cruise on the QE will be an amazing adventure. Just understand that Dinner in QG is something special so let your friends know that you understand that. Then I would suggest that you request a table of 6 or 8 in the MDR. This way you will meet some wonderful people and have your own special time at dinner. When in Britannia Class, we always request a larger table and have made many great friends. Find out what time your friends normally like to dine and then select early or late dining accordingly. Besides the restaurants mentioned in the above posts, don't forget the Golden Lion Pub, our favorite. Please let us know what you decide. Jack

So true Bell Boy.

I couldn't agree with you more Bell Boy. However, we have always check the box for full category upgrade only. In August we were moved from Britannia unobstructed balcony to Britannia Club on the QE. Later we successfully bid on an upgrade to PG. Jack

rj1227 We are originally from Houma, moved to NO after graduation from LSU and then eventually migrated to Beau Chene in the 80's. We now split our time between Chicago and Florida. You are absolutely going to love your crossing on the QM2. As a matter of fact, I'll bet you a shrimp Po-boy and onion rings at Pontchartrain Po-boys that this will not be your only crossing, There are three things that a Crossing on the QM2 shares with South Louisiana, GREAT food, LOTS of music, and GOOD people looking to have a good time. Trust me, this will be a special time and you will want to rise to the occasion. Explore the ship, every nook and cranny, try EVERYTHING. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Jack PS: please post back here on your experience

Once again, good advice.

I strongly suggest opening a bottle of Champagne, your packing issues will become much clearer. Enjoy your voyage Jack

Thanks Pear Carr, Great to hear all is well with our favorite ship as well. We always sail with our rose colored glasses as well. Have a wonderful voyage Jack

We were in PG on the QE for 14 nights and Aug/Sept of this year. There was no offer from the wait staff to order off menu and we did not see anyone near our table do so. However, we did mix up the menu a few times by selecting side items from different dishes to go with the main that we wanted. Hope that makes sense. Besides the nightly menu, there was also an extensive a la carte menu that changed weekly. Between the two the number of choices was quite extensive. Here is an example of one night's offering: In addition to all of the above, we were told that salmon, ribeye steak and chicken breast were also available any night. Hope this helps Jack

I thought the asymmetrical pattern of the corridor carpets was pretty cool and liked the blue/gray colors. However, I can see where others might think it did not fit the overall decor of the grand QM2. Isn't "style" latin for, you can't please everyone???

Thank you Victoria2. Very helpful. Jack

Wow, GREAT review s.s.France. Especially appreciate all of the details regarding your Q2 suite. Some really surprising information. Just curious, how broad was your selection of wine/sprits for the complimentary in-suite bar? Thanks again for taking the time to post. Harold

Thank you very much Jack

Gomac, We got off the QE last month having sailed for the first time in PG. We were amazed and thought the value proposition was definitely there. It exceeded all of our exceptions which were quite high. However, it is all what you make of it. My comments on the voyage are in the attached thread.

I believe the cursing speed is around 26 knots and flank speed is close to 30 knots. This was told to me by Deputy Captain Aureliano Mazzelis on the QM2 in 2017.

WOW, that's right at 29MPH. That's moving! Would love to know what you top out at. Jack