jimmybean

We really didn't go out on our own in South American ports---stuck with Cunard tours, which were very satisfying. Lunch was provided. So, no need of currency or credit card. Small purchases (such as postcards from vendors near the dock) were made with US dollars.

Cunard made everything very easy. No worries.

Thanks for sharing the photos, Underwatr.

Nice gifts and a nice voyage (I am sure).

Happy New Year!

Jimmybean

Go to San Francisco. The City. The setting. Family. (Plus, the canal).

DH and I also love QM2 best, but we spent 36 days on the QE and found ourselves very comfortable and completely satisfied. There is a Cunardness to all three ships, which made us feel at-home on the smaller ship, too.

Congratulations (in advance) on your anniversary!

Have a lovely celebration!

Do you mean their scheduled dining time isn't what they want and they are waitlisted for the other time? I'm not sure I understand why there would be a problem for them to eat in Britannia… ???

It really is nicest (I think) to eat in the dining room on a nightly basis. Your in-laws would be seated at the same table with the same people, which makes conversations grow comfortable.

In the buffet, there are issues of tray carrying and it just isn't as relaxing. The food isn't bad, but one of the luxuries of being on the ship is having dinner served.

It isn't at all necessary to eat in any of the extra cost venues.

What a nice gift for you to have given your in-laws! I am sure they will enjoy it.

Yes you're correct, two chairs (one desk, one with arms).

 

Standard QM2 inside cabin seen here:

(showing both chairs and the small table).

 

Inside accessible cabin shown towards the end of this set:

 

(Of course some of the furnishings have changed since the photos were taken, and will change again next summer)

 

A very Merry Christmas to you, jimmybean :)

Without the glass elevators in the lobby, I would imagine those atrium cabins will have more privacy. I would think that would make them more desirable.

Merry Christmas to you, in your part of the world, Pepper!

Jimmybean

Peace on Earth. Good will towards our fellow man.

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year to come!

Jimmybean

On one of our longer voyages, there was lots of laundry activity and a queue of chatty people in the hallway, waiting to do washing. Some of the folks in nearby cabins must have complained, because staff put up a sign that the laundry wouldn't open until 9 am (and kept it locked until then).

We also (like Ray66) had a cabin, once, with an incompetent inter-connecting door seal and could hear every word the people said next door. Thank goodness we had packed our earplugs! (We really should have said something to staff about this---it was probably fixable).

That is correct. No sofa. There is a small round table and chair that is used for the desk and the table. The bathroom and closets are the same as in most other Britannia cabins.

I believe there two chairs. One is under the desk and one is by the small (but always in-the-way) table.

We have asked for the small table to be removed (stored in service area by the steward).

Jimmybean

I always find it interesting that four of her Q2/Q3 suites are as forward as one can get!! - and they are not cheap!!

Agreed!

your welcome. i am really from new jersey and after 30 years of racing corvettes it was time to slow down......so i bought a porsch:eek::confused:

I am taking your word for it, newjoisey :)

Happy Sailing (and fun driving)!

Jimmybean

Hi newjoisey,

From my observation (of Lifetime movies :) ) it is the confession, not the indiscretion, which gets people into trouble.

It is a good thing we write incognito here. (I picture you actually living in California and driving a VW beetle.)

But, as Bell Boy pointed out: an honest review is always appreciated.

It isn't like you LOVED RCI, the way you obviously love Cunard.

Welcome home. All is forgiven!

Thank you for sharing your experience. I enjoyed reading it.

Jimmybean

I'm with Peppern regarding location. Closer to the bow and there is a little more (and little different) movement. Maybe, more "roll."

We stayed under the Chef's Galley once and there was a 3 a.m. noise that sounded like a giant cheese grater (scraping noise) which might have been a floor buffer (???) It wasn't a loud noise, but it occurred nightly.

One needs to study deck plans and see what is above and below. No matter, pack earplugs, just in case. There are things you can't see on a deck plan, like loud people who have extended conversations in the hallway late at night across from your cabin….

Inside cabins on the QM2 are cozy. I don't find this objectionable in any way. Storage is adequate. Price is usually good. And, views are available elsewhere on the ship. I don't think your crossing would be adversely affected if you gave up the balcony.

My feeling is that there are actual wheelchair-dependent people who should be given first crack at the wheelchair accessible rooms. We had a fellow in a motorized chair next door on one crossing whom we could hear occasionally bumping into the wall. He really could have used more space for maneuvering.

Location does seem the factor that categorizes a cabin (and the price) with more expense in the ship's midsection. We have always felt a well-placed inside cabin was preferable to a balcony at the far-ends of the ship. But, there are some who report being lulled by the ship's more extreme movements, having wonderful sleep. Choice of location comes down to personal preference whatever category one books.

Have a wonderful voyage, underwatr!

Hi Hattie, gosh is this thread still running? I have to concur with Violetta58, the recent grand caribbean cruise was a wonderful trip and for me, the on board temperature on this particular cruise during the 28 days was an almost constant comfortable temperature both in Todd English and in the Britannia MDR. This was good news as I would much prefer to keep a jacket on at the table. I also choose to sail Cunard because it's one of the last cruise lines to uphold the smart formal dress code.

Good to hear your post-voyage report, robbie_3. Thanks for beginning this thread full-circle.

Hello everyone:

 

I asked to be placed on the waitlist for the QV segment from LA to Sydney on Feb 5, 2016. I was told by the Cunard agent that I was #265 on the waitlist but that this number was for all waitlist stateroom categories and segments, so a bit misleading. I am wondering how l can really find out where I am on the waitlist for my particular segment. If it does not look promising, I will have to think about the flight to Santiago, Chile to get on the QM2 also headed to Sydney. I would much rather have the shorter flight to LAX. Can anyone assist me? Thanks in advance.

What a quandary!

I wonder if you could get travel insurance on your flight in case you never actually are sold a ticket for the cruise… Have you asked about this? Does this count as a legitimate reason for having to cancel the flight and get a refund through travel insurance?

I also don't understand if folks on the waitlist are under any obligation to purchase a ticket, if one became available. If not, maybe a number of the 264 people in front of you will book alternative vacation plans before February and drop off the waitlist.

Do the 264 people on the waitlist actually mean 134 cabins need to come available? That doesn't sound quite so daunting.

DH and I have had to cancel a Cunard voyage two months before sailing for medical reasons. While number of people are forced to cancel last minute, 134 cabins still seems a large number of people to have medical (or other emergencies) in the next 7 weeks.

Personally, I would be nervous arranging airfare for a voyage with actual booking still uncertain---without travel insurance in place.

Our only waitlist experience was to change dining hour preferences---we moved up some 120 spaces without any trouble, but I think this happened in a longer time span.

Wishing you luck with your dilemma! Please let us know what you decide.

Crossing my fingers that you will move up on the waitlist.

Jimmybean

Waking this thread up - we are looking at making the round trip on QM2 [no air] with three options

• July Basic roundtrip [M612A]
  
• July with layover [M610A & M611B]
  
• Sept with layover [M617 & M619]
  

 

If you were doing the four day layover, would you prefer July or September?

 

What are some "don't miss" things to put on a 4 day layover itinerary? [other than not missing the ship for the return crossing ;) ]

 

[looks like I need to update my sig]

Hi TheOldBear,

Good to see another of your posts.

I suggest you store one of your suitcases with Cunard in Southampton, while you have your four-day sojourn. It's about $60 per bag and they pick-up on the last night before arrival in England, then return the bag to your cabin on the afternoon you re-board for sailing west.

DH and I stuffed our formal attire into one large suitcase to store and found two smaller bags made travel during an interlude between QM2 crossings (in 2012) so much easier. Whether on trains or climbing to the second story of a B & B, downsizing to a smaller suitcase will make your life easier.

Two of our favorite places in southern England were the Cotswolds and Cambridge. I would recommend either location for part of your four-day adventure.

The Cotswolds have wonderful B&Bs and opportunity to walk in the English countryside, if that appeals to you.

If you go to Cambridge, look at the King's College website ---you can arrange to stay in King's College, while the students are on holiday. We enjoyed that tremendously, as well as seeing the church Henry the 8th had built and (most of all) punting on the Cam. There are tour-guide punters, who fill you in on historic particulars (Self-punting is another option, but it is a practiced skill and for the young).

Cambridge is very walkable and interesting and charming, historic, some nice shops (for Mrs.OldBear), restaurants… A wonderful place to spend a day.

Then, of course, you ought to go to London. So many (free) museums and places of interest!

Our favorite activity, though, was taking the riverboat from near Parliament (the dock across from the Eye, the huge ferris wheel) to Greenwich. It isn't a tour, but it gave us more of an understanding of London's geography than the hop-on/hop-off bus (which we didn't enjoy). You pass Tate Modern, see the Tower of London, the Gerkin (building) all from comfortable (and inexpensive) seating. Plus, we found Greenwich interesting (Maritime Museum--free--and the observatory---plus being at Zero-zero-zero-zero was kind of fun). Then, the Tube back to central London was relatively quick--and, most important, easy to figure out.

You can arrange theater tickets in London via the internet, picking the tickets up at the theater. We've done this twice and were very pleased to have evening plans without any last-minute bother. We took the Tube to performances. Amazing how quickly you can scoot around huge London, as long as it's not the height of rush hour.

Taking the train back to Southampton is not difficult. Look at Mega-train for cheapest fares (in 2012 DH and I rode one-way for a total of about 21 pounds)…. You have to book with Mega-train way in advance, but it is certainly budget friendly. The train from London to Southampton is about an hour and a half or two hours (depending if you book a commuter with more stops).

England is beautiful! Anything you do with your four-days will be satisfying and memorable.

Jimmybean

Joking aside, I have one of these fitness bands. Taking the Stairs makes more of a difference than I'd realised & a good brisk walk of a few miles does wonders for ones health.

 

A Daily routine of, say 8 laps of the promenade and completely ditching the lifts during your voyage will do wonders.

I have worn my Fitbit at sea for several years now. One does get addicted to having the feedback.

While the "steps" feature might be fairly accurate, I believe the "flights of stairs" count can be greatly enhanced by the ship's motion. ….Or, did I really climb over a hundred flights in single day? (I only wish)

If I keep using the stairs, maybe I won't need a diet?

You're right, they've increased the number of mirrors that currently exist between the lifts to cover the whole wall.

Just one more reason for all of us to conform to the dress code ; )

We have sailed TA in both September and once in late August (I think it was the third week of August).

I'm sure each voyage is unique in terms of passenger demographics, but we didn't notice appreciably more children in August (2012) than on September crossings.

There have always been children on our Cunard voyages--always well-behaved.

As for the weather, we have been treated to some fabulous weather on September crossings and found the August weather similar. Nice on deck and sunny for many (probably the majority) of days. Not hot and uncomfortable, but people definitely were wearing shorts.

It is a big ocean, however, so you cannot count on the weather being completely consistent during an eight-day voyage, all the way across.

And, weather (year to year) can have great variation.

Our experience was favorable in terms of weather. But, if it had rained the entire crossing, we would have just stayed inside the QM2 and enjoyed ourselves in different ways.

Have a wonderful time, whenever you go, babs135.

Jimmybean

How wonderful! Have a great time!

Jimmybean

Some of us who have had privy to one or two things, have been trying to drop a few hints to you all, that in this refit you are in for a treat ! ;)

 

Isn't that right BlueRiband ;);)

Many of us who haven't been privy appreciate the information that has been shared (and are excited to see changes and treats : )

Thank you, fellows.

Could Cunard transfer baggage straight to the airport after picking in up in the ship's hallway?

(I've never flown after being on a ship…. So, I don't know how baggage is handled between the ship and the airport)

Because I am ignorant, I see baggage as an obstacle to Jim Avery's suggestion (which is really a good idea---the ocean in Florida is such a highlight) But, maybe baggage isn' the problem I think it would be..

(DH tells me I have to drag my suitcase off the ship---that it is good exercise for me).

If you are "up" for driving on the right (if not correct for you) side of the road, I would suggest taking a taxi to the airport and hiring a rental car for the day.

A taxi from the cruise terminal to the airport is about $20 (depending on which terminal will be used). Then, returning the car would be conveniently at the airport (if you are indeed flying from Ft Lauderdale).

One really can't "get around" Ft Lauderdale on foot or with public transport.

Your bags are another issue. I doubt you could leave them at the airport so long before your departure. But, with a car, you could just place them in the boot.

If driving on the other-side-of-the-road is daunting, booking a hotel room (as suggested by cruiseluvva) seems like an very good idea, provided you would like a day by the pool or (depending on the hotel's location) at the beach.

I think it is excellent that you want to see-a-little/do-a-little before flying home.

Have a wonderful voyages and safe travels!

Honestly, Salacia, I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve here. I am sorry that you find what I am doing to be so confusing, but you don't have all the facts and I am not obligated to share them with you. Further, many of these facts came to light after I started both of these threads.

 

If Cruise Critic thought that I had done the wrong thing, the mods would have taken my post down. If you would like to pursue that with them, then please do.

 

I do know how many bags remain unclaimed from my voyage (two). One of them is identical to my bag. Both of them belong to these people (who were in my disembarkation group, which was a very early one, so very few people were off the ship before us).

 

I'm sensitive to the internet privacy issue; I really am. I'm 33 and I work in technology...this ain't my first rodeo on the interwebz. However, I am going to do whatever I have to do in order to find my bag - which by the way contains a number of items that I would rather not have out in the public, such as my work laptop and all of the data stored on it (I packed it in there accepting that it might break but never thinking it might disappear altogether).

 

There is no significant personal information on my other post. Just a relatively common name and a very rough location. If it were that easy to identify and track these people down, I guarantee I would have achieved it by now. I am fairly confident that no one's privacy is truly at stake.

Your thread, as posted,has made perfect sense to me. Your problem was stated clearly enough for me to follow both the events and frustrations. You asked for help from a group that might be able to help. In your shoes, I would have done the same thing. I am sympathetic to issues of privacy, but in this situation, including a name might be the only way to achieve resolution. It is a sticky problem because time has passed, thus creating growing worry and doubt. I think your messages have been carefully worded not to assign blame unnecessarily. You are the victim of someone else's (probable) mistake which has created more than a minor inconvenience. You have, in my opinion, been levelheadedly working to solve something that never should have happened in the first place.

Others may have different opinions, but this is mine.

Jimmybean

I'm sure that those lessons have been hard learned. I wouldn't be surprised if some preparatory work is already going on behind the scenes, both on board and at Blohm & Voss.

 

For example, the new structure on Deck 13, and those new staterooms on that deck are likely to be pre-fabricated structures. They'll probably be sitting on the dockside ready for installation as Queen Mary 2 arrives.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing a deck plan of 7 & 8 now to better understand how these changes will work.

 

The problem for me about Todd English in comparison to the Verandah on Queen Elizabeth is the location. If it were off The Grand Lobby, it would be much more special and have better views. If she were my ship, I'd have perhaps switched Todd English / The Verandah's position with the Empire Casino, or perhaps the Winter Garden/Carinthia Lounge as part of this refit.

I think you are correct, JollyJackTar. Large changes, like adding new staterooms, will be more a matter of installation, then starting from scratch with raw materials onboard.

It is going to be fun to see how everything turns out. : )