jimmybean

Can anyone remind me of the brand of shampoo currently supplied by Cunard? Thanks!

tallfir, What helpful information!

We aren't headed to Maui ourselves, but have wonderful memories of previous visits (once via cruise ship and once via airplane).

In 2013, we docked and found the car rental was only a couple blocks from the ship---a very easy walk. We arranged the rental months in advance via the internet and paid less than for two people on a tour. Really enjoyed scenery as we drove to the beach. (Did a pineapple tour in '84 on a different island---it was interesting.)

It is such a beautiful island! Have a wonderful day there, Liv4Beach!

We've done two previous Celebrity cruises and seven on Princess. Enjoyed each and every voyage. We pick by itinerary, price, and the date...

Some Princess ships have been a little worn-looking. But, their desserts are (IMO) better than those on Celebrity. We've had great dinner service on both cruise lines. Celebrity cabins had a better lay-out (IMO). In-cabin movies can be paused on both cruise lines. Celebrity showers (in my experience) are larger. Princess has (pay with quarters) laundry facilities. With Celebrity, you can wash your socks in the sink or pay their laundry by the garment (if you need something laundered).

I think the experiences on either line are comparable. The vibe is a little different, but we have found both cruise lines to be pleasant.

Yes, there are a lot of older people on cruise Ships! Seniors have the time to travel and Florida ---with all it's cruise ports---also has lots of older people. It's not surprising we have met many Floridians taking advantage of proximity to embarkation. That said, there have been people your age on every cruise we've taken, too. There are always active-tours offered (and I've never actually seen anyone playing shuffleboard on any ship). There is always a gym onboard.

It is a very easy way to have a great vacation.

Have fun choosing your first cruise!

Excellent, detailed review! Thank you for sharing your observations.

….As far as the OJ mystery, I remember reading (probably on CC) that some cruise line mixed orange juice with Tang and that's what it tasted like to me…

If it isn't "real" fresh squeezed, I'm not interested...

Laugh and the world laughs with you! Always room for a positive attitude in my suitcase.

I agree with the sunshine mentioned, but I also have learned from the occasional complaints I read.

For the most part, having people share their experiences honestly has taught me some pitfalls to avoid and how to launch my own expectations.

But, I agree: being positive (and having a sense of humor) makes life better. (in my opinion ;))

 

Sorry that I will miss you, I embark in Auckland.

 

Bon Voyage![/quote

 

Have a wonderful, wonderful time, Pepper!!!!!!!!!!

Delicious!

Never experienced until our 2016 crossing east… Easily sussed the day it was repeated returning west.

It was sweet...

Reading news articles about their adventure, I thought: I would never fear a 30 ft wave on the QM2. DH said there was a choppiness to consider and not just the wave height. Nonetheless, she (the QM2) gives me a marvelous feeling of safety…

Still, with all the predictions, one wonders why the Breakaway didn't choose the better part of valor?

Sounds like a good decision. Some people love drama but I'd do the same in your situation. The cost will be far less than travel to the next port.

You are so correct, BlueRiband. Peace of mind is a great thing to have when you begin any journey. Sets the tone for a most enjoyable sailing.

Have a wonderful time, PenyFan1960!

John Watson's suggestion of two different cruise ships has been our tactic a few times. One way on the QM2 and the other on a repositioning cruise ship. This has had influence on the time of year we have crossed (repositioning is a spring and fall event), but worked out very well. Also, there are times the ship (QM2) takes a short-cruise before beginning another crossing. In 2016, we traveled east and spent 4 days in London before returning to the US. Look for a similar offering on the US side, so you have more than a day in NYC. You really won't know all the enjoyments of the ship itself (alluded to by Pepper) until you try it. It is a very, very pleasant experience! (And, like you, I prefer not to fly. DH and I have found that "getting there" is more than half-the-fun on a ship)…

Happy Travels to you!

Happy Sailing, Pepper!

I have frequently walked the hall on deck 6 and agree the mentioned cabin should be a quiet location. The observation deck above should create no noise problems.

My perception is that the motion at the front of the ship is different/greater than in the rear, but many people find motion gives a nice, rocking sleeping experience.

Have a wonderful time!

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to post your honest review.

Top of the ship for best experience swooshing under the bridge. It is a thrill.

We always sign-up for first dinner seating. I agree: timing of dining is a matter of personal preference.

I struggle with time-changes going east. I'm good for about four days and then feel like a zombie. My suggestion to you is: nap.

Don't miss the day-time lectures. Really! Cunard arranges the best speakers.

You will love the ship!

Happy Sailing!

Jimmybean

We have been to both by ship. Both were great!

The sea days to Hawaii in January/February are not warm (which was a surprise to me) but Hawaii is. I do prefer "warm" if given a choice. And, it is beautiful. Whales swam alongside the ship.

Alaska is fascinating. Such scenery. It is magnificent.

Poor you having to choose between two wonderful voyages! You absolutely can't lose either way.

And, unless this will absolutely be your last-ever cruise: go one place this year and the other next year.

I would probably pick the best-value price as where to go first.

Happy Sailing! Jimmybean

:D

 

We've always been given a full bottle (Britannia balcony) :o

Inside cabins get a full bottle, too, if occupants are repeat customers.

49 days until my birthday cruise on the Royal. We leave in 47 days.

We are boarding the Royal in 18 days and will return the ship to Ft Lauderdale for your birthday cruise. (If my calculations are correct, you now leave in 28 days??? Have a great birthday, geoherb!)

Jimmybean

We booked an inside cabin at the rear of deck 10 two years ago. It was a quiet location, but the third and fourth bunks, attached to the wall (not recessed into the ceiling), were a big problem. There was no walking-room with the lower beds positioned as a queen without danger of running into these protuberances (which were metal and painful to bump).

The inside cabins are tiny, which is fine, but I suggest avoiding the extra beds unless they are actually needed.

Happy Sailing!

Jimmybean

We did "around South America" on the QM2 in 2009. (According to DH: best trip ever!!!)

Never spent a penny of local currency. Booked tours through Cunard, which included lovely luncheons (great food with wine/beer).

We didn't venture out on our own and felt safe and happy under Cunard's wing.

Bought a couple trinkets near the dock in Chile and paid in dollars. Bought paper flowers in Mexico (at a market further from the ship) and paid in dollars.

Most "nice" shops and restaurants, world-wide, take plastic. Most vendors near ships (full of Americans) take dollars.

I think your currency needs will depend on what you like to do, but I can tell you: it doesn't need to be complicated.

Happy Sailing! Jimmybean

Wonderful speakers have always been number one for DH and me.

Then, the ambience: less frenetic and more relaxed. Live classic music instead of something blasted on loud speakers.

Comfortable chairs in public spaces. (Boy, are the chairs on the Celebrity Equinox uncomfortable for sitting and reading!)

Good service. Good food.

Oh, and the LIBRARIES! Love the wealth of reading matter, particularly on a longer voyage.

And, if the QM2, the most magnificent passenger ship on the sea!

This would have been a much more difficult thread, if it had asked "what don't you like?" I'm not sure I could have answered that :)

Happy Sailings to you all.

Jimmybean

I'm sure that you speak for us all.

 

 

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Agreed.

DH and I have trained both ways---Waterloo to Southampton and Southampton to Wateroo. We have booked through Megatrain (or is it Megabus?) and saved scads of money (note: you need to sit in your assigned train-car, but not in a particular seat).

Never sat in first class, but sat near end of train car to have adequate room for large suitcases.

Look at the train schedules online. There are both commuter trains, which stop more and take longer, and quicker trains.

You do need to be able to handle your own bags. There is a small step, or two, onto the train and you might need to be able to lift your own bags up if a conductor isn't nearby.

At Southampton station there is an elevator, which helps connect you from tracks to depot. Easy to manage because there are signs directing.

We have never had to wait for a taxi to get to the ship---plenty are waiting by the depot. (I believe this was about 10 pounds November 2016). We have met fellow travelers on the train and shared a taxi, halving the expense.

All in all, taking we have found the train from London to Southampton easy and reasonable in price as well as comfortable.

Happy Sailing!

Jimmybean

We last travelled on QM2 8 years ago and are due to travel on her next month. Can anyone tell me how the Kings Court has changed since we last travelled on her?

Back on your last QM2 voyage, the KC offered FREE alternative dining at one of the four venues in the evening. Now, there is a charge for the alternative meal and their menus have changed from 2009…

Physically, the remastering improved the flow of chaos (IMO). Also, the new area replacing the Winter Garden is lovely. I was one who thought I would miss WG for old-times-sake, but the change was such an improvement. Look for the counter which offers lighter and quick food items, away from the hub-bub of the main KC.

Last October & November, KC had a chocolate extravaganza in the afternoon (unadvertised) which we had never stumbled upon during other voyages. I don't know if this was altogether "new" or just something we missed previously. A lotta calories available!

Happy Sailing, Jimmybean

Hi ShellbackX3,

Our one May transatlantic was fine. Weather misty and cool (not making deck time very appealing) but the ocean was generally smooth.

I worried about seasickness years ago, before my first QM2 voyage. Never has happened.

As a precaution, however, I suggest you book a cabin midship or to the rear (aft) and on a lower deck. There is a bit of roll in the forward locations (which I feel is a bit more disconcerting--but some people actually love this---rocks them to sleep).

You and your wife will have a great time on the Queen Mary 2. Best ship, ever (according to my experience).

Jimmybean

This world is full of choices. It is also full of rules, rules that are usually based on civility and courtesy. If you select to buy a cruise on a Cunard ship you also select to abide by their rules. Removing a man's jacket in the MDR is not in comportment with those rules. So far, I cannot recall seeing a gentleman at dinner on a Cunard ship remove his jacket during the meal. Of course, one is free to dine at the buffet without a jacket. But, please, don't sign on and then try to change the rules that the others of us gladly accept and enjoy.

Wonderfully said, newcruise!

I think the OP's husband has already spoken of his intention to comply, so the OP's question is now both answered and resolved.

Erniebernie, I'm sure you and your husband will enjoy the MDR.