BoiiMcFly

RCI's Voom Internet service is using newer satellite technology from OB3 Maritime Networks. It uses medium earth orbit satellites with steerable beams on the satellites. This allows the satellite signal to be aimed more directly at the ships using the service, greatly increasing the available bandwidth. From what I have heard, RCCI invested a ton of money in the system.

 

It will take some big spending on the part of CCL to improve the internet speeds on Cunard, and their other brands, as launching satellites is massively expensive. I heard that Cunard spent around 12 million USD on the shipboard upgrades to QM2's Wi-Fi network, so I would hope they have some plans to improve things on the satellite end in the near future. As a network engineer, it's kind of sad to see QM2 equipped with the latest and greatest onboard Wi-Fi system, only to have it hamstrung by their very slow satellite Internet connection, leaving guests to assume that the Wi-Fi system is the cause problem. Each of the Aruba Networks 270 Series outdoor access points that they installed all over the outside decks of QM2 go for about $1400 each at list prices.

I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before they make the switch, maybe during its next dry dock. As you said, why get such expensive routers without pushing them to their full potential.

BoilMcFly - you were the one originally asking about dress codes generally (on another thread) and I had not sailed on Cunard at that time. I have now and I can tell you that yes, to dine in the main dining room or drink in the main bars you will need a jacket and nice trousers and shirt on informal nights and a dark suit, shirt and tie on formal night.

 

BUT don't be scared off - I nearly was. The nights we didn't go to Britannia Restaurant were wonderful. Yes, we put on suitable clothing ie, nice casual clothes, but it was just so relaxing and the food in the Lido Buffet (we were on QE) was fantastic! Every night different choices that were equally as good, if not better, than the offering in the main restaurant. We sat out on the back deck in the evening until dark and there was absolutely no worry about what we were wearing.

Even in the theatre later at night we noticed many men without jackets - my husband still took his but it was way too hot too wear it. We noticed many people slipping into the theatre more casually dressed and no one seemed to notice or care. I was only looking/noticing because after reading this forum I was more aware.

 

Once you are on board you will realise you were worrying for no reason.

Hi there! Well that's a definitely a big relief, so it seems that Cunard is actually not as strict about dress code as many make them out to be. Good to know. We definitely want to partake in at least one formal night, but it is nice to know that there are still more "casual" options available to cruisers. I hope you had a great time on your cruise aboard the QE.

Awesome guys thanks. Was kinda worried about having to wear a suit by the swimming pool :D

Sorry if the question may seem silly, but with the dress code being enforced after 6 pm, are you still allowed to hang by the pool in a bathing suite or what are the rules when it comes to evening swimming?

From a technical perspective, the Wi-Fi aboard QM2 is blazing fast, though the ship's satellite Internet connection is incredibly slow. During the refit, the ship's entire Wi-Fi network was completely replaced with state of the art Aruba Networks 801.11ac access points which provide comprehensive total Wi-Fi coverage throughout the entire ship. Unfortunately, the amount of satellite bandwidth aboard appears to have remained the same. Until they either upgrade the satellite arrays atop the ship, or subscribe to a faster satellite internet provider, the Internet connection will be terribly slow during periods when large numbers of guests, and crew are trying to use the Internet. If you attempt to use the system at an "off" time such as during the first or second sitting of dinner when the theater shows are in full swing, it is sometimes possible to get a reasonably fast connection. During the Christmas Caribbean cruise I was able to upload photos and videos to Google Photos to share with friends back home, but I was only able to do so during periods when most guests were busy with activities and not trying to use the Internet.

 

I work in IT and maintain the campus Wi-Fi network for a small private college, so I'm familiar with some of the difficulties Cunard's technical staff face in order to provide guests with a good Internet experience. I'm currently installing the same Aruba Wi-Fi gear that the QM2 is using, and it is a top shelf system, and it appeared to me like the installation aboard QM2 was well designed. They now just need to upgrade the satellite bandwidth available to the ship to be able to provide a good Internet experience to guests.

Damn now this is a thorough answer, thank you! So do the RC ships that offer Voom just have better satellite dishes installed?

Wow, it didn't take RC very long at all to create a bigger ship than Harmony of the Seas. I would love to sail on one of these floating cities, they look like a lot of fun.

There's many answers to this question online, but I haven't seen any recent ones. Is the internet faster now (similar to Voom) or still slow as many say it is?

These are all great stories and I appreciate you sharing them with me. I know we are all different, but it is still nice to hear from people all over the world since everyone has a unique story to share.

Thanks people, will look into some of the cruises you mentioned.

Blessed Monday Shipfam!

Quick question, besides TA crossings, are there any one-way cruises? For example, are there any cruises that depart the US and end in Mexico, or are there only return trips? TIA.

You ignore two facts:

 

When QM2 crosses in seven days, she is doing it wearing her cruise ship hat. Her ability to cross in four days (the primary speciality of ocean liners -- which is not used).

 

Other ships - cruise ships - can cross in seven days - look at Celebrity's Autumn repositionings - 8 days Southampton to Boston - which could easily (but perhaps not as economically) be done in seven days.

 

Even when QM2 is doing her seven day crossings, she is cruising. If a falcon consistently walks like a duck and does not fly like a falcon, you can insist that she is still a falcon - but there is no point in her being a falcon.

So she is a relaxed ocean liner. She still is the only ship to do regular transatlantic crossings, since cruise ships aren't built for that. Would be nice to have some more dedicated ocean liners, but like many have pointed out, it seems that there isn't enough demand anymore. I know flying is way faster, but it's just not the same experience as being on a ship.

I can't speak for world voyage segments or other port-intensive voyages, but on QM2 transatlantic crossings, movies are shown most days in Illuminations. The typical schedule for crossings is for movies to be shown at 5:00pm, 8:00pm, and 10:30pm. Usually it's the same movie shown at all three of those show times on any given day, but occasionally they mix it up with one of those time slots showing a different movie from the other two. Occasionally other events are scheduled for Illuminations which preempt the movies. This is especially true of themed voyages just as the "Jazz at Sea" crossings where Illuminations might be used for some of the themed performances some evenings.

 

There could be a magic show scheduled for one of the evening's shows in the Royal Court Theatre, but there is none that is regularly scheduled as far as I know. More typically the shows in the theatre are singers, dancers, musicians, and comedians.

 

Regards,

John

Thanks John!

I hear they show movies in Illuminations, how often do they play them in the theater? Is it a daily thing or only on specific days? Also, is there a magic show on QM2? TIA.

I've always wondered why cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or Princess haven't built an ocean liner dedicated to transatlantic/transpacific crossings. I know it is more expensive to build, but the Queen Mary 2 seems to stay very busy and people still have a genuine interest in ocean crossings. Cunard has the traditional/upscale atmosphere which keeps it unique, now if RC created their own liner with all the activities/entertainment that their ships possess, we would have the choice between two unique ships catering to different demographics.

It would also give passengers more options during the summer and winter months when cruise ships are not re-positioning.

Would anyone be interested in an RC/Norwegian ocean liner?

I loved afternoon tea! The whole vibe of the ship (I was on the Queen Victoria) was really relaxing and quiet, I couldn't get over how quiet the ship was...

 

Every other cruise ship I've been on has been so busy compared to Cunard. Other ships seem full and compared with gimics where are Cunard really is about relaxing:?

 

Also try the free room service!! I loved that. Yum yum.

 

Also also, too much to write in this box ha ha... http://cruisingisntjustforoldpeople.co.uk/2016/11/06/8-things-you-should-know-before-cruising-with-cunard-2/ here's some more stuff which I liked about Cunard.

 

(Is your username mcfly like, the band? Or back to the future? Or just the name... Haha) :-)

 

 

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Yeah just from looking at videos it seems like the common areas are spread out nicely and have less crowding than other ships. We will definitely try out the room service more than once, gotta love room service! Your blog is very cool and I will definitely read up some more later, you've been on several ships that interest us.

And BoiiMcFly is actually my stage name. It was inspired by Back to the Future since that is my all time favorite movie :D

I totally understand the fears!! I recently went on my first Cunard cruise, I'm more used to freestyle dining. I'm 22 so probably not traditional a Cunard passenger but I still had a lot of fun.

 

The dress code did get annoying after a while, people like to take the mick out of me when I say that it was a surprise... but it really did surprise me! I knew they had formal nights but I didn't realise how ship wide the dress code was, how seriously people take it and that the informal nights are still REALLY formal!

 

If you want to have a look at what I wore/thought about the whole thing: http://cruisingisntjustforoldpeople.co.uk/2016/11/08/cunard-dress-code-what-to-wear/

 

You will have a good time but please realise how seriously the cunarders take their dress code!! I love the Cunard ships and there are a lot of good points about sailing Cunard in my opinion :)

 

 

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Thanks for your helpful post Eleteace! Yeah we figured the dress code would be quite strict, which is why we are planning and shopping in advance. We definitely want to check out RC and Norwegian ships with their freestyle dining options and entertainment, but how can we pass up a cruise on the famous Queen Mary. What did you like the most about your voyage on Cunard?

Thank you all for the answers. Some interesting debates as well. I believe the guidelines are clear now and we will have no problem with the dress code after 6pm. I also think people should never be judged on how they dress, that is a personal choice and does not make someone better/worse. Have a great weekend shipfam.

Hi there McFly.

 

Having read down this thread and spotted your statement on 3rd February..." but my irrational anxiety disorder is making me overthink everything..." I really feel Cunard is not for you

 

My best advice would be to save your money, especially on new clothes which may never get another airing, and head off where you will feel more comfortable. Royal Caribbean or Norwegian could be just up your street.

Thank you for the advice, we are still deciding. We definitely want to try Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, and maybe HAL. But I have always been fascinated by Queen Mary 2 and ocean liners in general. I find the traditional customs interesting and would love to participate. I am sure I can find certain occasions that will allow me to re-use the clothes we purchase. But whatever cruise we choose we will approach with a positive mindset and the excitement that is building up within me. It is time to overcome those irrational fears ;)

You are wise to seek advice ahead of time. But you should always stick to what you like! I hope you enjoy your voyage.

Thanks!

Hi - no we are not sailing Queen Mary (sadly) but on Queen Elizabeth... not a liner but a cruise ship. Never mind, I'm sure it will still be an absolute thrill. I too have been out shopping to make sure we are all correctly kitted out for our time on the ship. Just bought more trousers for the man and an evening top for me. I think we are ready... just over a week to go and I'm pretty excited!

The Queen Elizabeth looks very nice as well, then again all the Cunard ships do. Have a blast!

[bold is mine] The elegance of QM2 (or QE and QV) comes only partly from the ship itself. The passengers who dress according to the dress code are definitely part of that ambiance. If we all walked around QM2 in shorts and flipflops at night, there would be no elegant vibe.

Agreed, that's definitely a big part of it as well. We look forward to that part as well, it is definitely something different for us.

Thanks for all the helpful responses, it seems like we need to step our "formal" game up for this trip. :D

I agree totally with what you just said. Have you never cruised before? Cunard does seem to have the strictest dress code but then that is one of the main things that attracts people to the ships. I'm finding it incredibly difficult to get agreement on what you can wear after 6pm in the buffet. I am thinking jeans and polo are OK in the buffet and adjoining lounge. Informal on Cunard really means "less formal". You still need dress pants, shirt and jacket for a man and cocktail type clothing for the woman.

I've cruised once so far, but I was 7 years old so I don't remember much. I am very excited to get back on a ship, and especially on the only true ocean liner left. Ok yes I figured that their version of informal would be nowhere near our version of casual. I suppose we will have to go clothes shopping for our trip! When are you sailing the Queen Mary?

In answer to the title of your thread - yes, you can wear jeans and polo shirt or tee shirt DURING THE DAY. After 6pm, there is either an informal or formal dress code which is clearly stated on the Cunard website or your travel documents. I admit that while I like to dress up (and will do on our upcoming cruise) I much prefer to be slightly less "dressed up" in order to wander the ship or attend a show.

 

On the other cruises we have been on it has been totally acceptable for my husband to have dress trousers and shirt but no jacket for both dinner and a show. He could also walk from one part of the ship to another or get a drink while not wearing a jacket. I'm pretty sure this upcoming cruise will be our one and only on Cunard. It is something I've always wanted to do but once done I think there are other cruise companies that are a better fit for us :)

 

Having said that, I totally "get" why Cunard has the dress code and I like that they are carrying on the tradition.

Thanks for the info. So even informal nights do not allow casual clothing? What about in the buffet? And yes, when it comes to dress code, RC or Norwegian is probably more up our alley, but I feel like no cruise ship can capture the elegant vibe that the QM2 exudes (and we haven't even been on her yet.) I can respect the traditional ocean liner customs they have kept, and we do look forward to dressing up and stepping out of our ordinary day to day clothing (as long as it's not every day :D). I believe being aboard the QM2 must be quite a unique experience. Then again, being on any cruise ship must be a great experience. We have heard so many good things about Mary, and are very excited to have her as one of our options. I wish you guys a great time aboard her as well.

Happy if they would just bring back actual Formal nights, and large screen movie theaters.

I agree, there should be a dedicated movie theater on every ship. It would be very cool if they had D-Box seats or even a 4-D theater.