Jack E Dawson

10 hours ago, Lakesregion said:

Would love to read more about life in Britannia class rather than just Club. PG and QG. I am sure others would like that also.

Lakesregion, I just looked at the most recent QM2 reviews (appx. 20) in the Review section and all but one were written by passengers in Britannia. Here is a link to mine from May-22

Jack

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=687388

8 hours ago, 2BACRUISER said:

We enjoyed Cunard but we could clearly see that they are at a crossroads and not sure which way to go.

2BACRUISER, I think you have hit the nail on the head. Every great business has a corporate culture that drives everything from strategic planning to day to day operations and it has to come from the top. I'm not even sure that the position of Cunard CEO/President has even been filled (or ever will be). I think the head of Carnival UK is currently taxed with that duty as his time permits. To a certain degree, I think it can be said that currently the corporate culture of Cunard is being driven by its core passenger base.

Thanks for the excellent review and followup. 

Jack

LadyL 1

While I do not have the measurements for the under-bed storage area, I can tell you that we normally store 4 bags under the bed (pushed together configuration). Two of the bags, we call them our "checked" bags are 76.2cm X 48.3cm X 30.5cm. These bags are accepted by all major airlines for checked luggage. In addition, we also have two "carry on" bags that fit into the overhead bins on the airlines. We are able to store ALL 4 of the bags under the bed on the QM2.

Hope this helps

Jack

Thanks CPT and gentlemancruiser, good advice.

We typically tank-up at the hotel breakfast then skip lunch when traveling to help offset European food costs or else by a baguette and some cheese. In any case, the price of wine in Europe is a great offset.

Jack

Thanks lucky cal, good information especially the point about not taking the coach back to the hotel in Paris and Zurich. 

Jack

We are booked on the Viking River Cruise from Zurich to Paris starting April 5th for 11 nights. Currently holding our place with $25 deposit. This will be our first ever river cruise and were enticed by promotions offering free airfare (Chicago) and heavy onboard credit. However, we are having some second thoughts and would appreciate advice as we transition from Ocean to River cruising. 

1. Is the weather going to be too cold to enjoy alfresco dining, sitting on the observation  deck and sidewalk cafes. 

2. We are a little turned off by being in a hotel the first 2 nights and last 2 nights (packing and unpacking). Will these hotels be in  good locations?

3. We are also responsible for lunch and dinner and drinks those 4 days. Now wondering if this is still a good value despite the promotions.

Thanks

Jack

On 8/8/2022 at 10:52 AM, exlondoner said:

 

Well, they certainly appeared on QM2 last month, whenever we had fish, usually accompanied by an ordinary knife for the non-fish elements.

I hope this admission of a lack of sophistication doesn't cost me my sailing privileges on Cunard but while I had heard of a fish knife I really didn't know what one looked like until our recent crossing in May. I had fish almost every night for dinner and when I asked our waiter (Clark) about an extra knife at my place he graciously explained that it was the fish knife. It appeared to be a larger version of my butter knife which added to my confusion. 

Jack

We love Cunard although we have only sailed them 3 times, all westbound crossings on the QM2 (2017, 2018 & 2022). If nothing else, being on this magnificent ocean liner on the North Atlantic would be enough for us. Cunard, like most corporations, has its own culture and it suits us well. A nod towards British tradition, exemplary service, formality, great food and drink and music of all kinds everywhere. Activities include ballroom dancing, water color classes, fencing classes and a planetarium. There is understated elegance and the QM2 has an amazing ratio of public space per passenger that provides an atmosphere of calmness. Of course the success of these cultural efforts is dependent on the attitude of the passengers and for the most part, they rise to the occasion. However, like all cruise lines, Cunard is struggling with staffing. This means that there will be hiccups in service and a dilution of the culture, especially since the new staff includes supervisors and managers. Cunard's weak points, even before COVID, are their web site, the boarding process and the onboard WiFi. However, our crossing in May was wonderful and there was no lack of effort by the crew to meet out exceptions. We look forward to our next Cunard sailing. 

3 hours ago, Yorkshire Mike said:

To be honest, the very best thing you can do is to pop over the pond, head somewhere UK coastal and try them for yourself.

 

Absolutely brilliant Yorkshire Mike. I couldn't agree more.

Jack

So in the States it would be:

Potato Chips - Bought in bags and usually eaten at home with a sandwich.

French Fries - Served at most US fast food chains eaten with burgers 

Steak Fries - Served at better restaurants with steak

Absolutely loved your review but one question, in UK vernacular, what is the difference between fries and chips as we would understand in the States?

Thanks

Jack

Thank you MosesO for your excellent review, it very much mirrors our experience on recent May 8th crossing. Like you we felt "We were so blessed to be back on QM2." One question, while there were nights the Royal Court entertainment did not suite our taste, we did find the QM2 singers & dancers outstanding. What was your impression. 

Thanks

Jack

When we were onboard the QM2 in May the tux rental was still around $125 for the 2 formal nights. A friend traveling with us had planned to rent onboard and had confirmed the price. The tuxedos can be adjusted somewhat for size. The issue was, Cunard would not guarantee that the rental shop would be open due to COVID/Staffing issues. As it turned out it was open but our friend had decided to purchase instead. 

Jack

1 hour ago, kshannon5 said:

 Not for everyone I know, but for us it is good. 🙂

You are exactly right. A lot of us just think in terms of the alcohol beverages but if you enjoy the specialty coffee's, hot chocolate and soda, that adds a whole other dynamic to the equation.

When you look back on this voyage I think you will find that it began not on Jan 3rd but on the day you made your booking. We so enjoy the prep and planning, the anticipation and excitement that happens between the booking date and the sailing date. 

Congratulations and well done kshannon5

Jack

5 hours ago, RJChatsworth said:

Then after a restless night, this morning we did a Covid test and we both have it.  The medics confirmed it with PCR tests. 

So sorry to hear this but fortunately you have completed more than 80% of the voyage. In these times with the new sub-variants so contagious, you are probably lucky to have accomplished that COVID free. Hope both your cases are mild ones. For Dee and I it was a couple of days of feeling "out of it" then pretty much back to normal. 

All the best,

Jack

5 hours ago, njguy_south said:

 

Yes, the crew were new to their positions. They were not the best in the trade. However, they were also not being directly supervised.

njguy_south,

On our May 8th Crossing we also noticed the large number of new crew but we had the opposite experience with supervisors. For us they seemed to be everywhere. I would also add that the new crew were trying very hard but yes, the learning curve had a bit to go.

We also share your appreciation for a well made cocktail. Our normal habitat is the Commodore Club and I can report that Dee's Cosmos and my Manhattans were perfectly prepared. However, we did have drinks in G-32 one night and the results were disappointing. I wonder if the better bartenders are first allocated to the Commodore Club???

Jack

On 7/7/2022 at 10:32 AM, belfblack said:

 

Also, does anyone know off the top of their head where COVID test locations are located in Southampton, and would we need to make a time reservation for them?  We'll be staying at the Moxy, fwiw.

 

 

Belfblack,

We used Lloyds in Southampton to get our COVID tests, specifically the one located at 9 St. James Road, Shirley. Its directly across from the Sainsbury's grocery store. They were efficient and this store has Saturday hours. Highly recommend that you make a reservation which is easy to do on their website. We did find them a bit expensive (around U$30 I think) but we did not want to do the on-line testing. They gave us a printed copy of the negative (thankfully) test and promised to e-mail us a digital copy which they never did. 

Hope this helps.

Jack

Spectacular photograph Roy.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

Jack

4 hours ago, WestonOne said:

The testing company I have booked - Lloyds Pharmacy - hasn't asked at all who I am travelling with, but I assume would if I did not pass the test.
 

WestonOne,

We used the Lloyds Pharmacy (Shirley location) on May 7th for our May 8th boarding of the QM2. They were very nice and efficient. Fortunately, we tested negative but Lloyds would not have notified Cunard had we tested positive. They gave us a printed copy of our negative test and took our e-mail addresses to forward a digital copy. None of the 4 in our group ever received an e-mail with the digital copy. So you will have to call Cunard or your TA directly. 

Jack

bracedodge,

We were on the QM2 7 weeks ago. About half the gentlemen did not wear a jacket on casual nights. You will be fine. A long sleeve dress shirt more than meets the requirements. Interestingly, of the half that did wear a sports coat/blazer, a large number also wore a tie. I enjoy wearing a blazer to the casual nights on the QM2 but like for you, it is a packing issue. My solution is to wear it on the plane and on my non-ship travels. One of the benefits of this is that we have often been treated a little better than those meeting minimum dress requirements. This has included flight and hotel upgrades and seating preferences in restaurants. And it is so easy to do. 

Hope this helps.

Jack

Magicmallard, I like the way you think., turning lemons into lemonade. If you have your doctor's OK, I say go for it. At 59 you're just a kid! You will be fine. If it fits your budget, try Britannia Club. This gives you a step up into a little bit nicer dining experience with anytime dining, a specific table and staff assigned to you for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the MDR as well as a little broader menu selection. This will all help in managing your food allergy issues. Exlondoner is right, request a table for 6-8. Cunard will usually place multiple singles at the larger tables.

Enjoy

Jack

19 hours ago, kshannon5 said:

 

 

I guess my question has two parts: 1 - Jan and May pros/cons as choices Irregardless of covid,  and 2 - the ability to switch easily to a later cruise if masking issues arise - is it easy.

 

Thank you all,

Kris

Kris,

We have made 2 Crossings in May (2017 & 2022), on both we had generally very good weather. However, on most Cunard bookings, final payment is due 90 days before sailing so you are correct in your though that booking in January would give you a fall-back position but you would have to do so by October. As carlmm pointed out, predicting what COVID, the cruise lines and the CDC will throw at us 90 days out is going to be difficult. 

For us, one of the draws of the QM2 is it's great promenade deck. We walk laps almost every day as well as relax on the beautiful teak deck chairs and watch the North Atlantic Ocean go by. There we have seen whales (actually just one whale), sea turtles and porpoises. We also have had many enjoyable conversations with new found friends.   And yes, there has been the unanticipated naps following an evening of being over served. My point is, you might have a better chance of enjoying this part of the QM2 Crossing experience in May than in January.  Either month, I'm sure you will have a grand time.

Jack

Sounds like a great trip.

If you go to Westminster Abby be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance highly recommend including the extra 4.50Pounds for the Queens Jubilee Exhibit in the attic of the Abby. Very interesting. 

Jack

On 6/17/2022 at 2:27 PM, High C's said:

 

- the never ending conversation about bringing wine on board!!! - I just want to clarify that we can bring on one bottle each without packing it away in our suitcase?

 

High C's,

You can bring on as much wine as you want or any beverage.

Jack

32 minutes ago, ClefsDor said:

 

I'm sure this is covered elsewhere but in terms of the wine package is this just a discount of say 20% off the marked prices on the wine list? One other thing I'm curious about is if we bring wine on board (I realise it's just 1 bottle each - although some say people they bring on much more than that) I presume we can have this served in the restaurant and pay a corkage? If we do push the rules and bring on say 4 bottles will they still serve a bottle each night and charge corkage or will they stop after 2 nights/2 bottles?

ClefsDor,

You can bring on board as much of any type of beverage as you want for consumption in your cabin. This has been the practice for decades and was still the practice when we were onboard the QM2 a few weeks ago in May. There is no need to hide your conceal your beverages during the boarding process. Also, our cabin steward was more than happy to bring us wine buckets with ice to chill the Champagne we had brought on board. You can also bring full bottles of wine to the MDR. They will charge you a one time $25/bottle corkage fee per bottle. If you do not finish that bottle the first night it will be properly stored for you and served as requested until empty, with no additional fees. I would recommend bringing your bottles of wine early in the day rather than lugging them into the MDR in your finery. Bell Boy makes an excellent point with the wine package but even if you don't follow that advice, you are better off ordering wine by the bottle at dinner in the MDR rather than wine by the glass. It will save you money and offers you greater selection. There is no corkage fee and if not finished, it will be stored and served another evening at your direction. D&N also makes a good point as these are crazy times for cruising and not everything is going to plan. On our Crossing we found the pouring of both wine and spirits to be very generous by the staff.

Jack