Jack E Dawson

Following the incident on June 2nd, where a large cruise ship lost steerage and crashed into a dock and river cruise boat (a few very minor injuries), there was considerable local discussion about restricting cruise ships from using the Grand Canal. We will be sailing out of Venice on the Viking Sea next April and wonder if anyone has heard any more about these possible restrictions. When Viking first started their TV commercial showing one of their ships sailing up the Grand Canal, I wondered how this would be viewed by the locals. I have to admit that when I first saw that commercial, such a large ship seemed out of place. 

Jack

We were in 4128 this past September and it was VERY quiet, also a good location.

Jack

When I am on vacation I tend to be a moderate to heavy drinker. A beer at lunch, a cocktail/wine before dinner, a couple of glasses of wine at dinner then a couple of drinks in in the evening. Sometimes even a very late nightcap. All this puts me right at the break point or better for signing up for the drink package. Most of the cocktails I drink, such as a Manhattan or Jack&Ginger, do fall within the price range. So while this seems like a good deal for me, I choose to pass for the same reason I've stopped going to Chinese Buffets. I tend to feel self pressured to "beat the house". And I can tell you, in 69 years, I've never felt bad in the morning for under drinking.

Jack

Actually Tonopah, John747 did not state that the theater "should" be open to casual dress. He only "suggested" that Cunard consider doing so. 

Jack

John474,

It's a big ship and there is room for everybody, especially folks like you and your wife who march to the beat of your own drummer but at the same time respect the passengers (and the formal areas) who feel differently. Especially appreciate you taking the time to write such an informative and positive review. 

My wife and I do love the formality of the evenings but you will find us in shorts/slack during the day. Ditto on the Golden Lion Pub for lunch. Im curious why you didn't eat in the MDR on non-formal nights, when only a sports coat and cocktail dress is required? Same with the shows at night on non-formal nights.

Thanks,

Jack

Thanks Bell Boy, the press release sounded a bit more exciting but, as they say in Marketing, mostly just smoke and mirrors. 

Roy, by chance would you have photos of the drink menus from any of the bars. Im just wondering if there have been any changes in the prices for beer, wine (by the glass) and spirits.

Thanks again for the excellent log.

Jack 

This is a joint venture between Canyon Ranch and Cunard, exclusively branded for the Queens. Apparently it will be a bit more zen-like and sea oriented .

Jack

Congratulations David and have a great trip. 

I just looked at the weather forecast and you should have a specular day departing NYC on Friday.

Looking forward to your trip report. 

Jack

ChezR,

You mentioned, in your original post, that you had taken "several" voyages on the QM2. I can only guess that your past experiences had been positive if you were attempting to book another trip. Unfortunately, sometimes a relationship can be irrevocably poisoned by just one bad experience. It sounds like this is the case and that is why you are moving on. But, as you said, there are better ways you can spend your money. Enjoy.

Jack

On the first night of a Crossing that we took last September, I asked the waiter in the Britannia MDR if they ever had Rum Raisin ice cream. He asked me if I liked Rum Raisin, to which i replied that it was my favorite. He then asked me, if they had it, how many nights would I eat it. I told him ever night. He then replied that starting the next night, I would have my Rum Raisin ice cream. It was amazing, easily the best I ever had. I had two scoops every night. On the last night he brought me three scoops. I was told later that it was made on the ship to my order.

Jack

David, I just had a glance at the QM2 deck plan and noticed that your cabin is is on the inner row of inside cabins, directly over the keel. This location will ever further reduce what little motion there might be on the ship. Also, remember that the main dining room, Queens Ballroom, Royal Court Theater and many of the other venues that you will spend much of your time in, are all located on Decks 2 and 3. You and your TA have done well in planning your first voyage. Don't forget to register with your Cruise Critic Roll Call and attend the gathering on the morning of the first full day. It is usually held in the Commodore's Club. This is a great way to make life-long cruising friends. 

Jack

Yes David, Deck 6 is a lower stateroom deck, only two stateroom decks are lower. You will find your cabin very stable. 

Looking forward to your trip report.

Jack

Mark,

Here is a link to a great article on the origin of Irish Coffee and the role the Buena Vista played in it. 

https://www.kqed.org/news/11621844/the-true-history-of-irish-coffee-and-its-san-francisco-origins

Hope you enjoy.

Jack

7 hours ago, MarkBearSF said:

A great post - but if I may offer a bit of a correction and amplification... (us SF folk get touchy around our lore)

Yes, the CABLE cars are great. Lots of fun and very interesting. Even for natives! But they aren't street cars (those are the other ones that run on rails on the street, but run by electricity, like along the Embarcadero and down Market St.) nor trolleys (more of a generic term and technically only applies to our "electric buses")
 

Not surprisingly, Irish Coffee was first invented in Ireland (but I assume not by that name) but was brought back to the US by a SF Chronicle columnist after he enjoyed one at the Shannon Airport. The bartenders at the Buena Vista Cafe worked with him to duplicate the recipe and serve gallons of them daily since.
 

MarkBearSF,

Please accept my apology, I meant CABLE Car, not Street Car, I know better. Being from New Orleans, where we have STREET Cars, I sometimes slip up. But I promise NEVER to make the ultimate faux pas and refer to your great city as "Frisco".

Jack

You probably won't have feces thrown in your face in the Fisherman's Wharf area but you will be very aggressively hustled by homeless and druggies. SF has long had a large homeless population and sadly, the past couple of years have seen it grow. However, there are so many great things to see and do there. I would recommend taking a Gray Line bus tour the first morning to get a good look at what the city offers, then go back and spend time at the points that peak your interest. You may also want to take a  day trip across the Golden Gate bridge to John Muir Woods and walk among the Giant Redwoods, some of the tallest trees in the world. On your way back, stop in Tiburon, a small artist colony on the north side of SF Bay and enjoy a meal with a super view of the City and the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, ride the Street Car all the way down to the waterfront and then take a tour of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Then stop in to the Buena Vista bar for an Irish Coffee. Believe it or not, that is where it was invented. 

SF is going to be very busy during that time period due to the 4th being a national holiday and public schools being out for summer holiday. Also, hotels in SF get a premium price. We usually stay at either Hilton or Marriott properties. Book as soon as you can!

Would love to hear your impressions of SF after you get back form your voyage.

Jack

We typically bring 6 bottles of wine/champagne and there is no need to be discreet. Cunard knows exactly what is going on.

Enjoy your voyage.

Jack

Jeffrey1950,

Last September we flew direct from Chicago to Gatwick then took the train round trip from London to Edinburgh. We paid a little extra for First Class on the train but it included a nice meal and complimentary wine. It was a very nice train ride with beautiful scenery. We spent 3 nights in Edinburgh. The highlights for us were the Castle, Holyrood and the Royal Yacht Britannia. We also had a very "educational" evening in the Scotch Bar at the grand Balmoral Hotel. After taking he train back to London, we spent one night there then caught the Cunard Coach to Southampton and boarded the QM2. I realize this is reverse from what you would like to do but it worked very well for us. If you would like to see our photo montage of Edinburgh, go yo YouTube and search HGEdinburgh.

Jack

I found your OP a little confusing, sorry, but I think you a looking for one-way non-stop flights between NYC and Edinburgh. United offers direct one-way flights for about $850. However, as Underwater noted, Air Lingus has one-stop flights for around $450 and, my preference, Norwegian Airlines connects in Gatwick and a one-way fare runs around $250 NYC to Edinburgh. If you wanted to fly Business Class on Norwegian, the cost would be around $900.

We did a crossing on the QM2 this pass September, had boringly calm seas an temps mostly in the 60's F. We pretty much lived on the Promenade Deck during the day.

Hope this helps but I apologize if I completely misunderstood your intent. 

Jack

We were in 4138 last September. Found it very quiet. We actually liked being lower, closer to the sea. No motion. Would not hesitate to be on Deck 4 again.

Jack

LovetotravelTX,

My wife and I are foodies as well. We grew up in New Orleans and live for good food. We both think the food on the QM2 is excellent. However, rafinmd (above) is absolutely correct, it is a very subjective thing. Also, because of our New Orleans and Cajun backgrounds, we focus a lot on seafood which we think Cunard does very well. Maybe I got hooked on their seafood when on the first night of our first crossing I was served some of the best seared scallops i have ever had. I just raved about them to the waiter. The next night I ordered the broiled Sea Bass stuffed with crab meat. When the dish came out there were 4 seared scallops added to the plate. The waiter thought I might enjoy them. He was right. One of my favorite dishes is the pastry wrapped salmon. Perhaps the best piece of salmon I have ever had.

Thanks all.

According to the NCL web site, My wife is allowed to bring a hot curling iron. Is this correct? I just don't want to have it confiscated at boarding.

The web site also says absolutely NO alcohol but others have told me that one bottle of wine or champagne per person is allowed. Is that true?

We are on the Epic, with a balcony room. Will there be 110 plugs?

Thanks.

Jack

Great review Chuck. I share your love of doing a crossing on the QM2. 

Just wanted to add one more highlight to your trip, you missed two snow storms while you were sipping tea in the Queens Room. Each was 4"-6" up here in Riverwoods.

Jack

Be aware that Cunard allows you to bring your own alcoholic and non-alcoholic  beverages onboard for consumption in your cabin.. If you decided to bring your own bottle of wine to your dinner table there will be a corkage fee of $20-$25 I think. We always enjoy a glass or two of wine while dressing for dinner. 

Jack