eroller

Thanks for the balanced review.  Definitely paints a picture.  

47 minutes ago, NE John said:

Groovy man…never thought that phrase would describe QE2. That video was certainly groovy. 

QE2 was never designed to be a stodgy, old school, traditional ocean liner.  She was very forward thinking in design and decor.  Think black carpets and white bulkheads.  How she was at the end of her career (ocean liner theme) was never the original intent. 

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

It's always to see other's opinion - even if it is different than ours.  As a reference point we are Double Zenith and had sailed exclusively in upper suites for 24 years.

 

After spending 13 weeks on Apex and  Edge in the past year, we have decided we will never sail on an E-Class ship ever again.    I agree with you the ships are beautiful but they have some major downsides in our views.    Notable the sound issues with all of the specialties dining rooms.  No Walls--- open to loud Lobby with ear splitting "Light Show"  

 

The other main issue is the sheer number of passenger in Luminae.   Unlike the M and S class ships were they cook your meals to order -   On E-Class the cook more cafeteria style and I have had numerous dishes that were totally inedible or cold on the outside while on a piping hot plate.

 

We will be taking out first cruise on QM2 in October and wont' be trying to comparing it to Celebrity but experience it as a new chapter in our life.   After 24 years with Celebrity We have booked 2 Cunard Cruises, 2 Oceania, 1 Silversea and 1 Celebrity so far this year.   We definitely are no longer and exclusive Celebrity Fan.

 

On the brighter side we just returned from 5 weeks on Solstice and love it with the exception of some small but noticable cut backs --- 1  QTips so thin stems you can't use them (had to buy my own).    No Butter in OVC Grill -  they have switched to little tubs of a butter blend,   Butter in Luminae Cut back to 50% of normal size and Ice Cream in Luminae that was totally inedible,   Icy, bad taste and texture of ice milk.  

A difference of opinions and tastes is what makes the world go round!

I’m not loyal to any one line.  I sail them all.  I love ships and they are a hobby so I’m really into experiencing different types of ships under the various cruise lines.  Especially prototypes. The grass isn’t always greener, and I’ve found every cruise line goes through ups and downs.  Some years they are great, and others not so much.  It’s all cyclical.  Depends if they are in cutback mode or enhancement mode.  Since Covid all the lines have made cutbacks and are charging more. Some worse than others.  For me Princess has changed the most and not for the better.  All the lines are trying to make up for years of losses.  If people are willing to pay the higher prices and get less, well good on the cruise line.  
 

I’ve been sailing Cunard since the 80’s. I’ve seen them go through many ups and downs.  My last experience on QM2 was dismal so I’ve put Cunard on pause for a few years.  I’ll be back in early 2025.  Sounds like you’re doing the same with Celebrity.  Sometimes time away is a good thing. You won’t notice the cutbacks on Cunard as frankly you didn’t know how it was before.  That works in your favor.  The same is pretty much true of every cruise line I’ve sailed.  Good years and bad years but I keep sailing so that tells you something.  

2 hours ago, Ditchcrawler said:

Hello all,

I should mention that in my TA's correspondence with Cunard that their rep did say that something would be delivered to our stateroom. I missed that in my elation of the massive problem being resolved.

 

I feel I must air that publicly. It is only fair.

 

My now wife however does make the point that a day in Venice was more or less wasted with me dealing with the issue. 

 

Would it be unfair to ask for complimentary thermal suite access for the duration of the cruise on account of it?  It's something she would genuinely love. We did miss a few activities in Venice we had planned while I dealt with the issue when it reared it's ugly head. Surely such a thing couldn't cost Cunard too much to facilitate?

 

What are your thoughts?

Absolutely ask for it. The worst they can say is no.  But be sure to ask the right person.  Ask to speak with the Hotel Director/Chief Purser upon boarding.  Nicely explain the situation of which they might already be aware.  
 

Keep in mind the spa is an outside concession and not run by Cunard, so they may or may not be able to make that happen for you.  Regardless it’s a good idea to bring your issue to ship’s upper management and let them know it’s your honeymoon (which should be on their paperwork).  At the very least they may comp a nice dinner in the specialty restaurant.  

5 hours ago, QuestionEverything said:

eroller!

Thanks so much for spending time to update us on your QM2 experience.

We are Blessed to have you. 👋

QM2 is a real ship, not a cruise ship and for that my spouse and I she is the BEST.

Q - eroller - you said you like the Celebrity E class. I do not, no forward view, to big, restricted access to the entire ship.

Could you advise us on what you like on this class of ship?

You are a ship expert, so I am Most interested in your assessment.

 

You are too kind thank you. 

Regarding Celebrity's Edge Class ships, I'm a big fan of high design and these ships are truly a work of art.  At every turn I was so impressed with the design, the incredible attention to detail, and the art.  Even the little things that most people don't notice like ceiling design was just gorgeous.  And the designers actually took the time to create some interesting ceilings.  I'm a big fan of designer Nate Berkus and his beautiful designs were quite evident onboard.  Every detail was painstakingly thought out I felt.  

Physically I loved the layout of the ship, the cabins, the bathrooms, the massive main pool, and the upper decks.  Even Destination Gateway where you get on and off the ship via tender ... how incredible thoughtful.  And tenders with a/c?  Wow I've never had that even on Regent.  I never felt like there were large areas cut off, and no I wasn't in the retreat.  To me it felt no better or worse than the Grill areas on Cunard in that regard.  It's true there is no forward facing observation lounge, but I had spa access the entire cruise and that facility did face forward and even had an open deck with an unobstructed forward facing view so I never felt I missed out on that.  Also the incredible Eden Lounge aft with those fantastic views of the wake.  Just loved that as much as looking forward and what a spectacular space.  

Lastly the dining was fantastic.  We didn't do any specialty restaurants but I loved there were four MDR's, each with a different theme.  Being an ocean liner lover of course I fell in love with the Normandie Dining Room.  I also enjoyed superb cuisine, and what a treat to have Beef Wellington (my favorite) not once, but twice.  In two different dining rooms so the preparation was a little different with each, but equally fantastic.  Unfortunately I can't get Beef Wellington even once on Cunard now.  They have dumbed it down to Salmon Wellington.  Just not the same. 

So for me everything just excelled on Celebrity.  I've sailed on Celebrity probably as much as Cunard, and they have become my go-to line.  I just love their ships (M & S Class too) and the way they do things.  They are a good fit for me, and for now.  Things change and someday that may too as cruise lines are ever evolving, but for now I quite enjoy them and frankly have since my first Celebrity cruise back in 1996.  Like all lines they have gone through their ups & downs, but I feel with the Edge Class ships they really got it right in pretty much every respect. 

47 minutes ago, Tattycoram said:

Merci!

 

I had heard things about her looking a bit shabby, particularly in the spa, but others here have reassured me much (all?) of that was taken care of in a 2023 (I think) refit.  I believe there's a bigger one coming up too?  

 

I certainly don't mind a bit of rust--to be expected on an ocean liner, especially in places like the North Atlantic--but I do care about the food!  I'll go for quality over quantity every time.

 

As an adult I've been on only two cruises, both sort of for business but with friends too:  one on Holland America to the Caribbean (I enjoyed myself well enough but wouldn't repeat it on my own dime) and a Crystal cruise to Hawaii (basically fabulous but more than I'd usually be comfortable paying).  I think, from descriptions I've read, that Britannia won't be up to food I had on pre-bankruptcy Crystal but I absolutely love the sound of life onboard:  I like to read and look at the view, hear an enrichment talk or two, stroll around, enjoy more-than-superficial conversations over dinner, and not be crowded or wait in endless lines.  I like dressing for dinner and don't need elaborate (or any?!) post-dinner entertainment.  

 

You've inspired me to take a look at Celebrity too!

I think you will love the experience.  It’s like no other.  QM2 is a one of a kind true ocean liner and a crossing is what she was built for. She is quirky and that is a big part of her charm.  Large and grand open spaces. High ceilings.  Very spacious.  
 

I personally don’t feel the cuisine and selection is up to the standard of other lines (certainly not Crystal) but you certainly won’t starve!  

22 minutes ago, Tattycoram said:

Dear eroller--

 

You write:  "I’ll always be drawn to QM2 and crossings because they are such a unique experience (but my last QM2 crossing was a big letdown)."

 

I'm about to take my first TA (and Cunard) trip in July, so I am quite interested in hearing your experiences!

 

 

2 hours ago, QuestionEverything said:

Greetings eroller!

Thank you so much for this information and your many posts on CC, I have learned much!

You mentioned your last QM2 crossing was "a big letdown".

I am doing a crossing end of June.

Could you highlight what specifically concerned you?

Thanks!

My apologies if my post concerned you.  My last QM2 crossing was May 2022 so not recent.  It was a poor crossing not up to Cunard standards.  I've sailed on QM2 10+ times and that crossing was by far the worst.  The ship never looked so bad and was covered with rust everywhere you looked.  That made me sad as I absolutely love the ship.  Food was not up to par and the menu selection had been paired back.  I had just sailed on Celebrity prior and it was night and day difference.  So basically I put Cunard on pause after that crossing and probably won't go back to QM2 until after her next major refit.  I have booked QA for a crossing in January. 

Keep in mind that crossing was still during the last phase of Covid so Cunard was still operating under restrictions (much more so than Celebrity and other lines which was odd).  Also I've since read many reviews on QM2 and things seemed to have improved a great deal.  So I would not worry.  It was also time for me to give QM2 a break.  As they say ... too much of a good thing.  I've sailed on her so many times so was losing her sparkle for me.  Good indication a pause was needed. 

In any case please don't let my one experience worry or concern you.  It was a while back and things were different then.  QM2 is an amazing one of a kind ocean liner.  I have no doubt you will enjoy her and the crossing.  It's a fantastic and unique experience.  Bon Voyage!

I can understand certain disappointments with Cunard.  I’ve been sailing them for many years and tend to be forgiving because I do enjoy the Cunard style of cruising (which does seem to be changing in many respects).  This being said over the past 40 years I’ve sailed on most lines from Carnival up to Regent and most in-between.  First of all I don’t classify Cunard a luxury line.  It’s not Regent, Crystal, Silversea, or Seabourn by a long shot.  And yes many lines do things far better than Cunard (from cuisine quality & selection to entertainment). Cunard is hardly the end all be all.  But they do offer what has been a unique experience at sea on some truly lovely ships.  A more traditional, formal, and structured experience. Basically the style of a bygone era. Unfortunately they are getting away from all that in which case I’ll have to ask myself what the draw is when other lines do things better?  I’ll always be drawn to QM2 and crossings because they are such a unique experience (but my last QM2 crossing was a big letdown). I’ve got a QA crossing booked in January so I’ll see how that is.  I’ve already sailed on her sisters over at HAL the ROTTERDAM and NIEUW STATENDAM.  Will the Cunard version be worth the premium for essentially the same ship?  I guess I’ll find out. Meanwhile I’ve fallen in love with the Celebrity Edge Class ships.  Beyond stunning and a lot of bang for your buck.  

Perhaps making the issue public on CC worked in your favor.  They do read these boards and social media.  Better for them to move on to someone else less vocal.  
 

in any case I’m glad it worked out, but it’s still concerning it happened in the first place, and is likely happening to someone else.  Only a very small percentage of cruisers participate on CC so odds are they get someone else not as connected.  

WOW complete BS on the part of Cunard.  You have every right to be furious, I sure would be.  And on your honeymoon too I'm so sorry. 

I've sailed on Cunard probably 20+ times and such a thing has never happened.  I have been bought off an oversold sailing before to where I received a full refund and a free cruise.  That was awesome no complaints there (QV maiden crossing). 

Regardless of whether you booked a guarantee or specific cabin should not make a difference.  You booked and paid for a certain category.  In your case even a specific cabin which is more puzzling.  I wonder if it was just your cabin or a group of cabins and how they decided who would be downgraded?  If it's just your cabin and due to some technical issue with the cabin then Cunard should be transparent about it.  That is quite different then overselling the category.  I would be much more forgiving knowing it was a one-off circumstance that was out of their control and they were upfront about it.  I don't feel it was that.

Needless to say it's horrible way to start your first Cunard experience.  I wouldn't blame you one bit if it becomes your last.  If you can't trust the integrity of the booking process (getting what you paid for), it would be difficult to trust Cunard in the future.  

I do hope they go above and beyond for you once onboard the ship.  They absolutely should and any good company would.  It's called service recovery.  They need new future Cunard cruisers to fill these ships, and you are just that.    

On 5/6/2024 at 9:20 AM, Beamafar said:

On Poesia (her sister ship) there was a separate area in the MDR  - with better spaces between tables and service - for Aurea guests.  It’s likely to be the same case on Magnifica as there’s no way that just one of the MDRs could accommodate non-Aurea guests.

 

 

This is exactly how it is on MAGNIFICA.  I believe the lower level dining.  A small section in the front.  

On 4/26/2024 at 11:40 AM, tofubeast said:

Great review. I especially appreciate the description of the scent. Very thorough! 🙂

Thank you!   I’m not sure everyone appreciates the “scent” but I love it.  Let’s me know I’m on a ship.  It’s nothing offensive and very faint.  

I would love to see a Deluxe Oceanview cabin on Deck One.  These have the two bathrooms.  I have one for a crossing in January.  

Voyager’s drydock isn’t canceled.  Just being moved from when Regent originally planned.  Stay tuned.  

On 4/24/2024 at 12:49 PM, cruiseboys said:

Great review and pics!!!  Doing our first MSC sailing on Magnifica this Friday!  Your review really helps temper our expectations.  Not sure if you’re a drinker but wondering if you remember how the bottled beer is served.  Are they regular 12 oz bottles or larger cans (Carnival serves the larger cans). Wondering for koozie planning purposes.  LOL. 

Thanks again for a great review. 

Glad you enjoyed the review and pics!

I do drink but not a beer drinker so can't help you.  I can tell you that a Bacardi and Diet Coke is $10.62 total including tip.  That is more than Virgin ($6) but less than most mainstream lines like Royal, NCL, and Carnival. 

Bon Voyage and enjoy your cruise!

21 hours ago, SeaHunt said:

Wowser!  I hope everyone clicks on your "Pictures Link" in the OP, because your photos are the best ever! 😁

Thank you!  Much appreciated.  

Attached are some preview photos from taken from my full photo album. 

Attached below in a link to ship photos, menus, daily programs, and a few videos.  I tried to photograph most of the ship.  This cruise departed Miami on April 12, 2024 for three nights to Key West and Nassau.  MSC MAGNIFICA is a midsized ship at 95,000gt and 2550 pax (double occupancy).  She recently turned 15 years old so definitely not brand new. MSC has used her twice for world cruises and this is her first ever season in North America.  

Like all MSC ships she is very well maintained.  She is showing her age in the decor department but somehow I find it quaint, because it reminds me a little of how cruising used to be. One lounge flows into the next and there are an incredible amount of bars (17 I think).  Even a traditional disco. There are also 4 sets of elevator/stair towers spaced evenly along the length of the ship.  Ships are just not designed this way anymore and you’re lucky to have two sets of elevators/stairs on the mega ships of today.  This was a full sailing and she feels quite spacious and never a wait for an elevator.  There is a traditional promenade deck under the lifeboats and it’s wonderful, but it’s void of any seating which is unfortunate.  It’s great for strolling though and while not full 360 wrap-around it’s a horseshoe around the front. 

On this short 3-day cruise MSC puts on three full production shows and they are damn good. A big cast and some really excellent singers (more Broadway quality than cruise ship). MSC tends to excel at entertainment and puts on some great shows. Live music is prevalent as well and you literally stroll from one lounge to the next with a different genre of live music playing.  This ship is very alive at night. 

I was in cabin 10060, a standard balcony cabin.  As blue is my favorite color I absolutely loved the cabin.  If you like blue, pick on cabin on Deck 10 as they are all blue.  They will be a different color on other decks.  The cabin was cozy and nicely finished, with a standard bathroom with small shower and the dreaded shower curtain.  The balcony is quite narrow but large enough for a couple chairs and a table.  A/C worked great and I never heard anything from other cabins.  I also loved the location close to the forward elevators and my cabin stewardess Connie was excellent.  I was originally booked in an obstructed ocean view on Deck 8, but bid for an upgrade ($35 per person/$70 total) for a partial view balcony.  About 2-3 days prior to the cruise the upgrade came through, and I was assigned this great cabin with no obstruction.  I highly recommend it. 

Service was friendly and efficient and food just ok. It’s not superb but you won’t starve.  We ate in the dining room each evening and it tends to feel very busy.  I felt the buffet has improved since my previous MSC cruises. There still isn't the variety and selection like you might find on NCL or Royal Caribbean, but it was certainly adequate. As always on MSC the pizza was excellent as was the soft serve with unlimited toppings  I quite liked the burgers and fries as well. Cuisine has never been MSC’s strong suit and it still isn't, but it's catching up especially as the other mainstream lines dumb down their dining budget.  

Back to decor, MSC loves red, purple, blue, green, rust, brown, mustard, and burnt orange.  You will even find these colors on the new MSC ships.  Lots of suede and velour seating and plenty of shiny surfaces.  While not new any more, it's all very well kept. This style of decor is typical of MSC and some of it reminds me of Home Lines and the Italian Line from a bygone era.  The ship also smells like a true ship. It’s a combination of varnish, fuel, a/c, a hint of cigarette smoke, and MSC’s cleaning solution which I love. Carnival’s ships used to have a certain smell as well (that I loved) but those days are over.  

Anyway those are the highlights.  Overall a great experience on a nice ship for an inexpensive getaway. Lastly a very international passenger mix for a short cruise and very diverse. Again this is more typical of MSC.  They attract a lot of Europeans and South Americans but I was surprised to see so many on this short cruise.  Even India and the Middle East were represented. Everyone was well behaved and I witnessed none of that horrible behavior another nameless cruise line is becoming notorious for.  Just people from all walks of life enjoying themselves.   

Would I recommend this cruise?  Absolutely but you have to put your expectations in line with what you’re paying and remember it’s not a brand new ship.  Also MSC beats to its own drum and for me at least that is part of the charm. They are not NCL, Carnival, Royal, etc. They do things a bit differently and you shouldn’t expect a clone of those other lines. As the saying goes … when in Rome.

Pictures Link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eroller/albums/72177720316239370
 

1 hour ago, mrstanley said:

We can’t wait to board tomorrow!

Lucky!   I love a crossing and I love the Grandeur.  Win win!!

In NY on business and I couldn’t resist a stroll to the West Side Piers to see my girl Seven Seas Grandeur. I just got off her a few weeks ago and now she is headed to Europe.  Looking fabulous which is no surprise.  I have so many childhood memories of these piers from the 70’s and onwards.  Many an afternoon spent touring ships here and sailing in and out of these terminals.  I would drag my grandmother up to NY and we would walk through Hell’s Kitchen from Port Authority to the piers.  Then usually lunch and a play before heading home.  Some of my favorite memories of my grandmother and childhood.  I can tell you the terminals haven’t changed much.  I walked into one and I was brought right back to my childhood and the 70’s!  
 

It was these piers, touring the ships, and taking sailings out of NY that started a lifelong fascination with passenger ships and the cruise industry.  Here we are some 45+ years and 150 cruises later.  Thank you grandmom!  ❤️

9 hours ago, oceanviewer21 said:

May I ask if the usb outlets on the Grandeur are the old A type or the new C type? Not sure which cables to bring.

Both.  
 

10 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

No, I meant Voyager. 

Not from what I’ve heard.  

5 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Two new ships will be hybrid so they can go into Norwegian fjords and other protected waters.  Voyager will be gone in 2026. 

I think you mean NAVIGATOR.  

The two new ships are going to be larger but the ratio of passengers is far higher than any Regent ship. The space ratio is enormous so these new ships are going to be incredibly spacious.  
 

Seven Seas Grandeur 
55,000 gt
744 pax 
73.9 space ratio 

Newbuilds
77,000 gt
850 pax 
90.6 space ratio

On 3/27/2024 at 7:41 PM, SWFLAOK said:

Your cabin looks great. That's a great concierge cabin, and we have more than a hundred nights onboard Regent with 20 nights more coming up next week. We did 30 nights on Splendor in 2022 and really enjoyed it. We loved having 3 specialty restaurants to choose from. We previously enjoyed 32 nights on Voyager in a Penthouse B, which had a great layout for its square footage.

But our last 14 night cruise in April 23, and our upcoming cruise next week are on Navigator. We booked them based on itinerary, its small passenger capacity, and our previous Regent experience. Navigator is OK for us since we like small ships, but we really liked Pacific Rim on Splendor,

Based on your review, we will be taking a look at Grandeur cruises to book for a future cruise while onboard Navigator a week from now. Thanks for your review.

The cabin was awesome.  I think the Superior Suites/Concierge Suites on the Explorer Class ships are some of the best designed cabins afloat.  I love the bed faces the balcony, and the closet and bathroom are awesome. 

Have a fantastic time on the NAVIGATOR.  She seems to have a strong following and that small size must be nice.  So far my only Regent cruises have been on the Explorer Class.  It would be interesting to try out one of the old ships. 

Bon Voyage!