Jack E Dawson

Just a follow-up here. We moved our cabin from 8132 to 8170 which is in the port-stern location. We've never been in this type of location but think it might be very interesting. Thanks again to everyone for their input. We will be sure to post a review when we return. Jack

Thanks all. Jack

Thanks lindylooellalouise. Jack

Does anyone have any experience cabin 3032 on the Mars. We are looking at Panama Canal cruise. Thanks Jack

Does anyone have any experience with cabin 8132 on the Queen Elizabeth? I notice that it is above the back of the Lido. We are looking at the Panama Canal cruise. Thanks Jack

NancyDrew1953, We sailed as A2's but ate in the more private section. Jack

D&N, You are correct, we do like the tube because it is directly across the street from the Conrad St. James and of course we have our Oyster cards but I don't think we can get to Waterloo directly. So I think we will take a London Cab to Waterloo then the 10:35 train to SH. Thanks all for the usual excellent advice and Host Hattie for the link. Jack

I know this has been discussed in detail before, in fact I have participated in those discussions, but I can't seem to find the threads through the Search option. I'm sure it's my fault so I apologize. We are looking for options for getting from London (Conrad Hilton St. James Park) to Southampton. In the past we have used the train out of Victoria Station (25 stops and 4 hours) and the Cunard Bus. Would appreciate any suggestions on car service or better train options. Thanks Jack

PurpleMoonlight, Just a small point here. The actual balcony of a sheltered balcony cabin is about 1 foot deeper than the balcony of a glass front balcony. The width is the same. There is no difference in the cabins (living space) themselves. We have sailed in a sheltered cabin, non-bulkhead, and did not notice any noise from the neighboring cabins. Hope this helps, Jack

The actual balcony of a sheltered balcony cabin is slightly larger that the balcony of an obstructed view cabin. The balconies are all the same width but the sheltered balcony is about a foot or so deeper. This does not take away from any cabin space. The cabins are all identical in size and layout. We have found that less natural light gets into the room of a sheltered balcony cabin. There is also a distinct difference in the view from a sheltered balcony cabin. Being below the promenade deck means that you can look directly down to the sea plus you are a lot closer to the water. We liked that experience. The major drawback, for us, of a sheltered balcony cabin is that because of the height of the balcony opening, you cannot see the water when you are sitting down either on the balcony or in the cabin. All you see is sky. You have to be standing in order to see the ocean and horizon. Hope this helps Jack

Yes, you can bring your own mixes, wines and spirits as desired.

We stayed in Southampton overnight before departing on our TransAtlantic last year. We took 4 cabs, train station to hotel, hotel to dinner, dinner back to the hotel and hotel to the ship. In all cases we paid with a credit card and never had a bit of trouble. For what its worth, we found the fares very reasonable. Hope this helps, Jack

I spoke with Sealy U.S. customer service directly and was told that the Cunarder model mattress is not available here. However, the agent did look at the mattress' components and said that the Posturepedic Plus Hybrid Firm would be the closest match here in the States. The "Hybrid" means that it is a combination of foam and (individually pocketed) springs. He also said that the only component that mattress didn't have that the Cunarded had was the hand tufted top. Jack

I second Cruise NH's recommendation about economy bulkhead seats on long-haul flights. Also, is there a possibility of buying a economy ticket and then using points to upgrade to business? Most of the major airlines have significantly upgraded their premium economy in the past 2 years. On some airlines Premium Economy today is almost equal to what Business Class was 10 years ago before that class got lay-flat beds. If Business Class is out, Premium Economy is a very good compromise. See the flight as a chance to indulge yourself. Bring that book you have been trying to get through or a stack of magazines, maybe there are some letters you would like to write. This is also a good time to organize your pictures and chronicle the trip while it is still fresh. Hope this helps, Jack

We have sailed BC on the QM2 on a Crossing and very much liked it. The anytime dining with a dedicated table and staff was nice. Although a form of anytime dining is now available in the MDR, the upgraded dining experience in BC was worth the additional cost for us. There are also other subtle enhancements to BC. Yes, the BC cabins are on decks 12 & 13 towards the front but we didn't notice significant movement even in rough weather. While the BC cabins are on the small size (exact same size and layout as Britannia class), the sitting area is perfect for two and the glass front balcony provides for a lot of light and an open feeling. We think BC is a good value proposition. Hope this helps Jack

These are the candied ginger that we take. Important to note that the first ingredient listed is ginger, not sugar. Jack

I checked with Dee on this one and she says that she was very glad she had brought the appropriate dresses for the color theme galas. Said she would have felt more disappointed rather than uncomfortable had she not. Dee also said that a "40's" era dress for the Roaring 20's would be fine as that seems to be the least followed gala theme. The Roaring 20's was also the theme that caused her the most pre-cruise stress but she did participate and said it turned out to be a lot of fun. We have also had gala themes change prior to sailing during COVID. The Masquerade Gala is the easiest. Dee used a hand held mask and I have always chosen not to mask. However, in the Queens Room there will be some very extravagant masks. Hope this helps. Jack

We also encountered force 10 winds and very rough seas on a May crossing. Even under these conditions the ship was amazingly stable. Champagne was still poured to near the top of the glass at afternoon tea. While you should be OK in the July time period, it is the North Atlantic. I strongly suggest bringing a bag of candied ginger. Pop a piece an hour before you first board and then every morning. If you do run into heavy seas you can add an additional piece in the afternoon. It never fails. Jack

Ah. Thanks chengkp75 Jack

Thanks chengkp75. Your link is excellent. I tried to Google this but with no success. My Mom and Dad sailed on the QM in the late 50's but I have no idea which class they were in. In the picture below, taken by my Dad, my Mom is centered. The second picture is of their cabin but I can't tell which level it is on. Both pictures were taken on embarkation day. Jack

I know this is a long shot but would anyone knows if the passenger cabins on the Queen Mary (not the Queen Mary 2) ALL had en suite bathrooms? Thanks Jack

We sailed this past May (westbound TA) after a 4 year hiatus and found the food to be as good or better than previously. There was no cutback in menu offerings. Service in all of the food venues was slightly off because there were so many new staff members but it wasn't from a lack of trying. The entertainment seemed even better and there was more of it. I'm thinking they may have booked additional entertainment in case of COVID cancellations. The Cunard Singers and Dancers were were outstanding. We only used the laundromat once but all three washers were open. Never had that happen before but we were sailing with a reduced passenger load. No charge and laundry soap provided. The insights program was excellent, as usual, with good diversity in their lecturers. Finally, Cunard continues to maintain their usual standard of internet, -D I'm sure that Cunard is trying to offer the same consistent product experience that they did pre COVID but this is hard to do in the hospitality industry right now. We had a wonderful Crossing. Jack

In 3 crossings I've never seen anyone turned away bluemarble. On our May Crossing there were quite a few people on the first day but a lot of people thought it was a one and done program and class size drops about 1/3 on the second day. I really like that if you have a scheduling conflict with the morning class you can drop in on the afternoon class for that day and vice versa. Jack

You do not need to register, just show up. They will definitely happen on a transatlantic. The classes are progressive and cover all 6 sea days. All (or no, in my case) skill levels are welcome. Enjoy. Jack

So how did the Crossing go kshannon? Would love to hear your feedback. What was the best advice you got and where did we miss the boat. What was your biggest "ah ha" moment? Thanks, Jack