moses0

I thought perhaps it would be helpful to some to give y’all some of my thoughts and observations. I had read so many negative comments prior to our trip I was even looking for ways to cancel without penelty. I am thankful I did not cancel. It was the first time that we used Luggage Forwarding and I’m glad we did. Saved us a lot of hassle. Mind you we are not home yet and hope the luggage returns as efficiently as it went out. Arrived in NYC the day before and got a cab to the terminal. I braced myself for an horrendous time at Brooklyn but it was not so. Boarding was smooth and we were in our room together with our forwarded luggage in 45 minutes. We had steeled ourselves to expect strict Covid restrictions so we were ready for the mandatory mask order and complied albeit not really willingly. Our crossing was calm and lovely with only one hiccup as a passenger had to be airlifted off shortly after we had set sail. The second day If my memory serves me well. We were so blessed to be back on QM2 and looked forward to our voyage to the UK and around the Mediterranean. Happy that my wife and I could have some quality time together. We rented a car in Southampton and made our own way around the New Forest at our first port call. Great day. The time in the Mediterranean was lovely. Calm seas sunny weather meant we could spend time on the deck doing nothing but reading a book and relaxing. Took Cunard excursions at each port except Southampton. Least favorite place Rome most favorite Lisbon. Cunard did an adequate job with excursions. I could go on more about our adventure but I think it might be more useful if I report on some of the things you ask about. Food is excellent for the most part with an occasional dud. Its a nice experience to be waited on in the Britannia Restaurant but in Kings Court you will find a much greater selection. We particularly enjoy breakfast in Britannia. Entertainment is sometimes excellent but mostly average. Afternoon tea is wonderful especially when the harpist is playing. Covid and Masks. Started out mandatory then after Southampton rules were change and masks became a matter of choice. Now most people do not wear masks. I have not heard of a lot of covid cases. I think the most likely place to catch covid would be on an excursion via bus. The rules are becoming more relaxed and one can even serve your self drinks in Kings Court now. Surprises. More young people, teenagers and children than I have ever seen before. Children in Queens Ballroom on the dance floor! Dress. Most people comply to the dress code. Most look nice, some spectacular, some flamboyant, some men flamboyant bordering on the ridiculous. Wi-FI. Lower your expectations. You are at sea. Usually it does not work in the cabin. I manage elsewhere and although I get bumped off often I just reconnect. I have been able to stay in touch with home and accomplish anything I needed to do. I pay $20 to connect but I have $80 credit so It’s not cost much. Ship. QM2 is a wonderful Ocean Liner. I do not mind the quirky lay out and find my way around easily. Although the seas have been mostly smooth it is not always so and I would not want to cross an Ocean on a cruise ship. She is still mostly in good shape but showing signs of wear. Yes there is rust on our balcony and she is looking a little tired. Time for a little more TLC. Over all it has been a wonderful voyage. I have photo’s of glorious sunsets. I’d be happy to try to answer any questions you may have.

It would be much more useful if they would include a way to contact others in your party like some other lines do. May be one day😊

Lower your expectations for Wi-Fi . It may not work at all in your cabin. Most other places you can usually connect. You may have to keep reconnecting as you may get bumped off often. I have a deal with my cell provider for $10 a day I get cell in almost any country. I also get a signal often near land. If I use cell I turn Wi-Fi off.

Its ok if you want to check your account etc. I don't use it much. Just as a way to get online

Can't say what those voyages will be like but I have seen more kids and young people on board during this present trip than at any other time I have sailed

I am presently on QM2 and the service has been excellent overall. However I am not in Grills. The guys and gals serving in the restaurant are terrific. Very friendly obliging and efficient. I even hear them singing. Nothing seems too much trouble. I have been to pursers several times and each time I have been politely treated. That goes for the tour desk too. The fellow doing our cabin has been friendly and efficient. I was on in April and the staff seemed stressed with Covid. Also seemed understaffed then. This time much more like what I am used to on Cunard. I love this ship but I have to say she is looking a little tired and in need of some TLC. Over all our voyage of 28 days has been wonderful.

No explanation. Didn’t someone say it needs dredging?

Right now

Not mandatory right on QM2

I would agree going well thus far. We got on in NYC. Masks were mandatory for the crossing so it was quite a shock to see all the Brits boarding sans masks. All right by me. Southampton was terrible for us boarding after a day out in the New Forest. Re boarders were not accommodated at all. Still no big deal.. Sun is shining seas are calm like a lake. About to set sail. We are blessed.

Getting on tomorrow and I have brought my mask 🙂

If that's the case then they must have known for awhile ugh

Did you get an email? I did not?

Bit of a drag. I wonder why. Is it because of Covid?

Yeah we are going for it unless we fail the test. Not really too bothered about Covid I just struggle breathing through the mask. Gonna make the best of it

Just got my letter the 4th we sail the 8th what to do what to do.

Was that for today sailing or a future one?

I wonder if anyone could answer a mask question for me. Are you allowed to remove the mask when seated or only when eating? On our last trip in March we were able to remove them when seated. Is this still the case?

Mostly because they DON'T have all the "stuff" I see on big cruise ships. There's one in our port that has a rollercoaster. Yikes! I love kids but not on my Cruise these days. I can always jump on Disney if I want to hang with my grandkids. 🙂 I love QM2 because I can always find a quiet place to hang out. Read my book or write on my computer. I don'tusually dress formally so Cunard is a nice change. Food is ok. Afternoon teas are a treat and very well done. I don't often do the shows but have occasionally seen some outstanding artists. Crosby, Stiles and Nash once. How great is that. I avoid the ballroom owing to being dragged to the Blackpool Tower ballroom every year as a kid. But lots of folks love it. We are taking the Grand Med trip coming up and I guess we will see some stuff but honestly I prefer the crossing and not having to get off for a week.

I do believe it was a joke

i would not be happy either. The offer to reschedule comes too late. Luggage may have been fowarded (mine has) flights booked, overnight hotel booked. If there is enough Covid onboard to warrent masking everywhere I wish we had been given notice earlier.

Boarding on the 8th July. Any idea of the Covid situation? Thanks

It seems like it. That is what happened to us in March. Stepping onboard QM2 maskless following the latest Cunard Web page instructions got us severly rebuked. Was pretty upsetting. I guess its all left to the Captains discretion but I do wish the web page would keep up.

Appreciate the updates. Not sounding too good. As we are boarding July 8th for three weeks it's nice to know the state of things. If we make it through with no isues maybe I'll get a tee shirt that says "I survived QM2" 🙂

Sorry but that's not possible. Try as you may. Many on this very Board have done everything possible including double masking quadruple vaxing staying away from others , kept all the rules and still caught it. Soon it will have to be treated as we treat colds and flu