maggiemou

I also was around at the time of Queen Victoria’s arrival back into the Solent waters. I was waving to passengers onboard from my vantage point on the ISLE OF WIGHT. 

Good to see her arriving mid morning makes a change and a chance to get some photos.

On 2/6/2020 at 6:23 AM, safarigal said:

I just brought 6 bottles of champagne on board with me in Dubai and there was no problem

Loving following your blog. Excellent  .x

On 12/14/2019 at 9:57 PM, MarkBearSF said:

When I read "South America" for the QM2, I was desperately hoping that she'd go around the Horn as she did one time only, in 2007. She was a sensation when she docked in San Francisco and I was hoping we'd see her again!

(From what I was told, when we took the Celebrity Infinity around South America - that, yes the seas can be unpredictable and tricky, but with modern ships, it's not nearly as problematic as it had been in centuries past.)

The last time QM2 went round the horn was in 2009. I still have my T Shirt to prove it.😊

3 minutes ago, safarigal said:

Thanks so much, I'll check what colors my stylist uses! I do so wish you were going to be on board :). I am a little bit scared of getting my highlights done on the ship, but with the way the timing works out, that's what I will need to do. Ah, first world problems at their best.

I feel confident you will be in good hands. The staff have to be able to cope with all clients needs. Don’t let it worry you and enjoy your wonderful cruise . Love to you both . X

22 hours ago, safarigal said:

Has anyone had experience of getting foil highlights done at the beauty salon on QM2? Do you know what products they used?

No never had my colour  done on QM2 so can’t answer that but if you unsure I am happy  to come a, long with my foils and comb and do your highlights.😉. Any excuse to be onboard with you.😂😂 Hope you have a good cruise. Xxx
BTW. I think they probably use Wella colours, but it doesn't matter as long as you know the number you like as all brands are international , numbered colour coded. So lightest blonde is always a number 12.etc.

On 11/11/2019 at 9:47 PM, Bigmike911 said:

 

On 11/11/2019 at 9:47 PM, Bigmike911 said:

I presume you will use the evening suit (tails) at some land based occasion. Were you to wear it aboard you would likely be mistaken for the Maitre d'. In 18 voyages on Cunard, I have never seen any guest wearing one. 

 

Hi Bigmike911. My husband always takes his white tie and tails on all our Cunard Cruises. I must say he has never been mistaken for  the Mairte D.

He loves his jackets and more so his colourful ties. 
He has also been known to wear his morning suit with his top hat and tails to the Royal Ascot Ball. 
You can never have too many jackets and  nice clothes on a Cunard cruise, and my husband would never,  ever,  dream of taking his jacket or tie off during the evening.

Hi Hattie, if you in the Commodore before second sitting dinner , I will be there seated near the  at with a forum lady friiend . Come and say hello. We are easy to spot . Short bright red hair on my friend and I am colourful purple red . 😂 My hair will be up in a formal style . Long sparkle dress . Would love to meet you. X

I have cruised in Alaska and I can see why the dress code is dumbed down. 

The long hours of daylight when it doesn't go dark until after 1-0am in the morning, means people are more often out on deck watching the stunning scenery. 

I am sure people will still dress in formal wear but I would guess there will be far more people in jeans and Anoraks, and casual wear wandering around outdoors.

I love formal nights and personally, I would dress up and ignore those that don't want to do so. Just enjoy as Alaska is stunningly beautiful.

Hi Roscoe. Thank you for your posts and more so for your fantastic blog which was just great to read. I am still catching up on a couple of post but will read them all again as they were so good. Loved the photos and your pairing of shoes to amazing clothes. You stole the show.

Many thanks for posting. X

On 2/20/2019 at 10:24 AM, rakkor said:

We had the same issue in November on Victoria, Fencing was replaced by Zumba, which was a shame. I'm curious to know if the gym refit has gone ahead and all the old broken gym equipment has been replaced? - it was a sorry looking area with treadmills out of position and half the bikes not working.

 

https://blog.rakkor.uk

 

 

The gym equipment was replaced in November at the start of the Caribbean Cruise. It was replaced whilst in Southampton. The new equipment is really nice. I was first to use some of the machines.

The Spa also changed on the 5 th December, . 

to a brand-new spa brand in partnership with Canyon Ranch, called Mareel Wellness & Beauty 

Hi Roscoe, I spotted you at the World Club Party . Not that I was there. Wish I was. 

Top sailor,  Terry Quack Quack Waite. 😄

You were looking very dapper/ handsome  in your Black and gold  Kurta. 

Where did I see you? 

On the FB forum where Harry posts. 

Photos posted up of the party and I spotted you. Centre of the Queens lounge. Well, it is the only place to stand, get a few drinks and network 😂

Loving your blog. X

16 hours ago, roscoe39 said:

 

thanks MM hope you have caught the special secret message in them for you

Yes, Roscoe39. I certainly did pick up your little message to me. How could I overlook those fabulous shoes? Wonder if they make them with heels? 👠 I hope you bought them all. I am loving your blogs, you do make me chuckle.😉 

Hi Roscoe 39. Caught up with your wonderful blogs. Enjoying them very much as I always do. Thanks for letting us all cruise along with you. X

I always wear my work out clothes to go to the gym. I use the shower room in the ladies facilities or the sauna. 

I would wear my bathrobe to go to the outdoor jucuzzi, or for after a swim, or going to the thermal spa although if you hand in your key card you get to use a locker in the spa so can change your clothes and get clean bathrobe.

I would never walk around the ship in my bathrobe. I only walk from my cabin to the elevator and straight to the spa /pool area.

17 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

Thankfully the Screen printed tiles are not as ugly as this.😂😂

On 10/15/2017 at 2:34 PM, Palm Bay Cruise Couple said:

Why oh why do some people refer to Holland America or Holland America Line or even HAL as 'Holland'.

Holland (Netherlands) is a country in Europe.

I always refer to it as ”Holland Americ Line ” because this is what I have always known it as. 

I worked on Holland America Line 40 years ago and that was what it was known by.

Holland America Lines still use that name for their face book and other forums. 

Regarding tiles. The one's they give out today are a poor imitation of then Delf ware ones that were given out some years ago. Today they are just scream printed. Still nice to own though. I have quite a collection .

On 1/24/2019 at 11:32 PM, roscoe39 said:

spot on Bluemarlble, the chart room was a very popular venue in the past for jazz and for the WC sectioned off area, its loss is sadly felt. 

I have to agree with your comments. The chart room was a great place to meet and on QV maiden world  cruise it was very popular as meeting place for world cruisers. I was recently on QV. Nov/ Dec 2018, and  since her refit and find  it hard not think of the Chart Room the way it used to be.

Hi Tampa Girl,

I have done a world cruise on all three different Cunard ships over the last ten years. I have no preference as all three ships are wonderful. I tend to 

go for the intnerary. The the best world cruise in my opinion is when you do the full circumnavigation.

Other world cruises, or grand voyages are very nice also. We did a world cruise on QM2 which was 108 night and we circumnavigated Australia twice before heading off to Asia. I have also done the WC voyage around South America. That was the one I least preferred.

So all World cruises on Cunard are very special, and all three ships are great, however for me the best one was on QE 120 nights. Just my personal taste and it was a lovely world cruise as far as ports of call were concerned and I go for the ports, itinerary first rather than the ship. Which ever you choose it will be fabulous!

8 hours ago, Pennbank said:

Same company just different branding.

https://www.canyonranch.com/at-sea/

 

 

Yes, true but new products, some new prices , new uniforms new relaxation beds in thermal suites and new aqua colours.  Lots to love about this. ❤️

The Spas on QV and QE has now changed to the new name of MAREEL.

Christmas and New Year you will see some outstanding dresses. More glizt and glam. You can really go for it as you are never overdressed on Cunard. Christmas is the ultimate time to dress up. Glizy sparkle. Full length dresses stunning!

On 12/12/2018 at 5:14 PM, LadyL1 said:

There were no postings that this was to be in the Lido. We heard that the lobsters were taken on when there was a huge food delivery in Barbados, and both delicious feasts were on the way home! The food has been exceptional!

 

I will do a final post this evening (or tomorrow morning) with answer to the biscuit quiz trivia question.😉

Thank you Lady L for you comprehensive review.

We were on this cruise and found it very enjoyable. We have done this twice before on QE and this time the weather was so good to us, all the way there and back, plus  good ports of call.

We booked a shore excursion in Matinique which was probably the right thing to do, regarding all the issue that people seemed to encounter with taxi etc. Our tour was excellent and the island was really beautiful, classy and chic. It reminded me of Reunion Island.

We also took a ships tour in St Vincent as I wanted to go to the island of Mustique. One of the few islands I have never visited over the last 40 plus years.

It was stunning and very peaceful.  A millionaire's Paradise that one  had to see.

The food on the ship was outstanding compared to cruises on Cunard taken in the past few years. We cruise Cunard regularly and since 2015 the food became very dull, boring, and bland. In my opinion. It was a joy to have wonderful food served nicely and such variety back onboard. Yes, the lobster was amazing! 

No problem with service,  but our table for right  became a table for two after people seemed to disappear to the Lido and alternative venues. One couple moved as they where hard of hearing so opted  for a two. 

No problem for us as we were happy where we were. 

The lectures were excellent, some good entertainers. The comedienne seemed to struggle to get a laugh, but he was placed at the end of the cruise in a graveyard slot. Second show near end of the cruise. I have seen him before and can be very funny.

The group The New Amen Corner played to a packed theatre for first sitting diners. We attended this show as we had been to the Verandah for lunch and did not want a full dinner.. We are told the first sitting theatre show was always full to capacity. Second show was not always well attended. 

I found the aft deck where the pool and cabanas are quite funny to watch people who had obviously got up at the crack of dawn to hog the cabanas.

They looked ridiculous laid there with towels piled on top themselves, and huggled up and snuggled up like two love birds,  as if they were in bed! 

In fact I felt embarrassed looking at them. Cabanas look good in movies with body beautiful movie stars not overweight seniors who think they are in a hospital bed. 

I wish Cunard had not placed the cabanas on the ship.

Needless to say I never spent much time there having my own preference to find a quiet spot.

The gym had new machines installed  the day we boarded and the new equipment is excellent. 

All in all no complaints about this cruise except I found the pillows very uncomfortable. I found the same on QE twice this year and even worse on QM2 early in the year. I have left my comments about the pillows with Cunard. 

I also was in the fashion show with you Lacy L. It was fun. 

I agree with others it is a shame  this cruise will not happen next year. 

Happy Christmas. everyone. 

The mattresses and pillows are great in the Grills, but Britannia are not.

 If you have a King Size bed it is usually twins linked together and should have a foam topper over .My recent Cruise a week ago on QV did not have this and I found it uncomfortable.

I am usuallly happy with the  mattresses, and I have had back surgery in the past and sleep on a Tempur mattress at home. 

The pillows in Britannia are dreadful! The metre square one is very soft and floppy and the longer than average regular shape pillow is very hard. I made these comments in my survey feedback only yesterday,

The pillows have changed a lot over the last five years. They are lower in  quality and lesser of them. You used to get two regular ones plus a bolster and a metre . square one. 

On QM2 last year, Christmas cruise the regular pillow was filled with cut up pieces of foam. The same pillows were on QE in summer and autumn this year. Dreadful!

Take your own if you feel unsure. Or check them out when you board and ask for ones that you Prefer.

Food discussions are always difficult as what one person enjoys and finds good, some one else may dislike.

I am not the best person to for giving a good food review as I eat a very simple diet. However, I like good quality food and I have found over the last couple of years the food on Cunard has become less tasty, less quality, less choice, and less imagination and presentation.

On our Christmas cruise 2017 on QM2, my food was dry bland and boring.

I always ask for a side order of steamed green vegetables to give my plate some colour as it can often be very bland looking on your plate.

Recently we were in QG on QM2 (we have saiked on her over 200 nights) The food was more like we used to get in Britannia. Bigger portions, presented nice, and on the general menu most of the food we have had in Britannia over the years. Only major difference was the al a carte menu,or the fact you can order what you like and it will be served.

There is a definite difference in the quality of the food in Britannia.

We spent some time in a one to one meeting with the food and beverage manager on QM2 as he gave my husband an interview for an article for a newspaper. Of course any manager, or member of staff will always be upbeat about the the food they prepare and the company as a whole. They are never going to say anything negative as it is their job not to do so.

The truth is in the pudding.

We enjoy Cunard, but like many things in life, times change and the bean counters have to do their best to save money.

I just hope that the food bills don't get cut any further.

There a shuttle bus when QE docked there three weeks ago. I believe it was free. There was also a HOHO bus and you could buy the tickets on the ship the day before, or buy as you board it was charged to our onboard account as we boarded. i Think it was about $ $35 .

We enjoyed the HOHO bus lots to see along the way.

We got off near the large square and walked around the main area of Helsinki. Enjoy your cruise.