sand dollar26

I have sailed on the Victoria, numerous b2b t.a. crossings on the QM2 and i have sailed numerous Caribbean Christmas/New Year sailings. I have sailed on the SS Rotterdam, the MS Rotterdam and several other H.A. ships. I have sailed Princess and Celebrity. Nothing compared to 2017/18 Christmas voyage.The standards were way off. Not what I would expect from Cunard.

We have traveled on the QM2 every Christmas/ New years for the past 8 or 9 years. We considered ourselves loyal Cunarders. We have never encountered a Christmas cruise as awful as the 2017/18 cruise. In fact, we looked forward to the sailing since we had wonderful experiences in the past. After that cruise, we decided never to sail again on the QM2 at Christmas. Maybe never. Sad, because we had come to love the ship. We did not complete the survey but instead decided to vote with our feet. There are other choices out there and maybe for us it is time to try a new line, one not owned by Carnival. We have seen a deterioration over the years of all lines owned by the company. I too caught the cough and sat people watching while I drank several cups of tea every afternoon. What I observed amazed me at passengers' behavior. For us it is time to let go.

Hi sand dollar26,

 

Thank you sincerely :) . I am very concerned on reading your comments, so sorry to read that you had such a disappointing and poor time on board. I was last on board QM2 in Nov/Dec 2016 and standards were as they had always been. Although I was in QG, I heard nothing around the ship from other passengers to indicate that things were less than they should have been. So very sorry to read that you didn't have a similar recent experience.

 

I've very recently (last week) been on board QE (QG) and came down with a cold and cough after a couple of days on board. I noted a couple of other passengers also had similar symptoms. I know it was "man flu" but it did make me feel pretty dreadful for the last few days of the cruise, and somewhat spoiled my enjoyment of excursions ashore. Thankfully it was short lived and has now cleared up.

 

QE is my second favourite ship (I needn't tell you number 1), the service was superb and almost faultless everywhere I went on board. The ship was well maintained, and I saw almost constant cleaning in all the public rooms.

I am about to book another TA (in Britannia grade) on QM2 for next year, I hope I find things far better than you did; again, so sorry to read that your experience at Christmas was less than we've come to expect.

 

All best wishes.

Hi Pepper, Thank you for your kind words. My husband and I traveled transatlantic last July/August on the QM2. We thought everything was perfect. All of the crew knew us by name and welcomed us "home." When I came down with "whatever was going around" at Christmas, the head waiter came to my table every day to ask how I was feeling. I told him white lies that I was feeling better but after breakfast I returned to my cabin. We appreciate all those little touches about the QM2. But other things occurred that caused me to raise my eyebrows. I won't even mention them here. As I stated in my last post, the food was very disappointing. We went to the specialty restaurant one evening with another couple we have met over the years. They now charge $19.50 pp for a terrible meal. We are diamond level and therefore did not pay for the meal. My husband hated his dinner of 3 shrimps and 2 scallops. To think people give up their Britannia meal for a dinner at La Piazza for 19.50 pp. My dinner of chicken parmigiana was not good. During the 175th anniversary celebration, the Victoria came through NY and we embarked to Southampton. We loved that ship too. My husband preferred it to the QM2. I still loved the QM2, my favorite ship. Now I am not so sure. We have never been on the Elizabeth. I hope that your future voyages do not reflect my own. Have a great time whichever ship you travel. All the best. S.

Count me in as "loyal to Cunard"... mainly because QM2 is so very far from "Vulgarity of the Seas", thank goodness :D .

I always agreed with you, Pepper. The QM2 was the best ship I ever sailed upon. My husband and I sailed last Christmas and I have to tell you we were very disappointed. Something has changed. The food was one of the worst I ever experienced on any ship and i have sailed on many cruise ships over the years. As far as the QM2 being a sick ship, at Christmas time a horrible cough and cold seemed to be everywhere. Even the crew was ill. I cannot tell you the exact number of ill passengers, but after the third day I spent the entire cruise in my cabin. i am not certain if it was the flu but everywhere I turned passengers were coughing. I missed many dinners and did not disembark at any time until New York. My husband caught it from me but did not seem as debilitated as I was. We loved the QM2. The crew is the best, the service is wonderful, but it isn't what it used to be.

I had a personal cruise consultant for several years and found her to be extremely helpful. Unfortunately, she left and every time I called Cunard for help I received misinformation from the person at the other end. On one occasion the woman looked at a future booking of mine, which wasn't the reason for my call, and dropped off my deposit. She fixed it but knocked off some onboard credit on my account for that booking. I had to argue with a supervisor to put it back on my account. I could enumerate the various occasions I dealt with the misinformed Cunard consultants but I won't. I no longer call Cunard directly for help. I deal with an outside agency who has been more than wonderful.

Oh yes, that high volume of music! Hearing and speech happens to have been my occupation for thirty five years. I am retired now but I refuse to subject myself to unnecessary "noise." That is what happens when the music is too loud and and it becomes distorted. I don't know why they think it is necessary to raise the volume but I have left many performances as a result. If we are not deaf yet, we will be if we continue to listen to it. You are wise to avoid it.

I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to Salacia's husband and family. I too am a Brooklynite and related to many of her posts. I will miss her witticisms and intelligence. I regret I never had the opportunity to meet her in person but had hoped that one day I would. So sorry to learn of her passing. Thank you Pepper for posting this and informing us of this very sad news. S.

In all the years I have been sailing on Cunard ships, I have had cruise vacation planners who were terrific and one who never returned my calls. My most recent, an excellent and very helpful vacation planner, has been on leave. Whenever I call Cunard to ask a question or attempt to make a new booking, I encounter the rudest, least knowledgeable, and unprofessional individuals I have ever spoken with. As a result I have taken my bookings to an outside T.A. Cunard needs to be aware that this is going to hurt them in the long run.

If the weather is warm and sunny it is wonderful to walk along the boardwalk in Halifax. Yes, there are shops and the Titanic museum. If you have never been there, I highly recommend the museum. However, the last two voyages we stopped in Halifax the weather was dreadful. Unless dressed for heavy rain with boots and an umbrella, which we were not, you had to be prepared to be drenched. Enjoy the trip no matter the weather.

S,

We all seem to agree that taste in food in very subjective. I have tried Aztec, Coriander and Bamboo, previously known as Lotus. I have not tried La Piazza since I can easily make Italian food at home. Asian is my favorite of those that i have tried. I believe that if you take stairway C you will find the maitre d' at his desk along with menus posted on a shelf behind him. The menus are displayed in order of presentation. I have been told that it is up to the chef what themed cuisine will be offered from week to week.I don't know if this is really true. The maitre d' is very pleasant and you can speak to him and make your reservations. I have watched the prices climb over a short period of time and wonder if the 17.50 is truly worth the price.

I was in cabin 11118 in October and the vibrations were terrible. It lasted for three days then settled down. It started the second we left NYC. The TV looked like it would fall off the wall. Coming back in 11133 there was nothing. I would love to know the answer as to what it might be.

 

 

I have stayed in cabin 11118 and the only time I felt vibrations was when I put my head down on the pillow at night. Otherwise I liked the cabin. The vibration never bothered me enough to disrupt my sleep. I have no idea why it would be a problem now.

S.

I too received an e-card a few days ago. I also noted that Captain Oprey's daughter designed the card. It appears from the numerous postings here that those on the other side of the pond received the Cunard year book while we in the US only receive cards. I can't complain; we are usually onboard the QM2 at Christmas time and do receive a token for our loyalty.

Hi Shellback. I have taken several t.a. voyages. I did one on the QV two years ago in May, a smaller ship than the QM2, and it was fine. Last July on a t.a. rt NY we had rain almost everyday. The weather was horrible. My point here is that you can never predict the type of weather you will have no matter the season. The QM2 is a very stable ship and I wouldn't hesitate to sail on it at anytime. If you decide to take the trip you are considering, enjoy your voyage. It is a beautiful ocean liner. S.

This American certainly won't flame you, despite your obvious dig at Americans incorporated in your response regarding a terrorist bombing. Nevertheless, I believe your comments directed toward Americans are inappropriate. Your comments are well noted, as are nonexistent expressions of solidarity and concern for those injured.

Salacia

Thank you. Salacia. As an American, I totally agree with you. On board the QM2 I have witnessed many digs at Americans. But I always refrain from responding to these inappropriate comments. I could say many things but always hold back and try to enjoy myself.

My husband and I, both retired, have sailed Princess, Celebrity and H.A. We return again and again to the QM2, even if it is only a round trip T.A. That in itself should tell you something. We found the crew on the QM2 to offer the best service and to be the most friendly. We sailed on the Victoria last year and found the staff also wonderful. I don't know who reported that this ocean liner is quiet and asleep after nine or ten p.m. We have late sitting and some evenings we are not served before 9 or 9:15. Dinner ends at 10:30 and then we are off to the evening's entertainment, the show or the Queen's Room for music and dancing. After we sailed on Cunard we never went back to the other lines. If you have never sailed with Cunard, you will be pleasantly surprised if you do. They have a library that is outstanding. Regarding the older demographic, it depends on the itinerary. Christmas onboard is filled with young families and children. Summer sailings have similar groups of passengers. I can't wait to be back onboard. Happy sailings.

This has been my experience...

 

1. On a cruise, when the ship is merely visiting a port for the day, and most passengers are off the ship on shore excursions, the Britannia Restaurant will be open as usual for lunch for the few passengers still on board.

 

2. On embarkation days/major change of passengers, the Britannia Restaurant will be closed to new passengers for lunch (as Salacia says, the buffet is open).

 

On cruises on four Cunard ships I have have never known the dining rooms to be closed on "port" days (either because I've been on board and used the restaurant myself, or have noted that they were "open" recorded in the Daily Programme).

 

On major embarkation days (in say, Southampton before a crossing to New York), I have read that the MDR is often open for in-transit passengers only (as I mentioned above, not to new passengers). However, I have also heard that, on certain rare occasions, the MDR was closed even to in-transit passengers. (I hope I am correct, and I am very willing to be corrected by other experienced people here, with greater knowledge, I have never been "in-transit"). I've headed for the Kings Court, Golden Lion or Boardwalk Cafe on embarkation days.

 

Hope this helps :) . Have an a great time on board the astounding QM2.

Pepper, You have it exactly right. On turnover days in Southampton there may not be enough passengers in transit to keep the MDR open for lunch. I have also been told that they are shampooing the carpet on that day. Therefore, it will be closed. I think it depends on how many are actually doing the round trip cruising.

No doubt, Holland is a good Country. But ships differ, even within the same cruise line. For example, twice I sailed on ms Veendam - never again. To each his or her own. -S.

As a result of our last two sailings on the Veendam, we will never sail on any Holland America ship again. I think Cunard is far superior to any of the Holland America ships we have ever sailed on.

S.

I am wondering when you are getting off the ship. If you are doing the self checkout and getting off early, taxis are scarce. I have seen one or two keep pulling in after the ship docks when walking around deck 7. (Yes, I paid attention because this discussion has been held before). Things pick up sometime before 10am when cabs are bringing new passengers to the terminal. There is usually a very long line for taxis - I was grateful for the limos lined up out there one time when it was snowing to beat the band and we were able to hop right in. A year ago, in a taxi on the way to the ship, the driver's dispatcher was almost begging his drivers to go to the terminal - my driver stated they hate to go there, too much congestion. You will of course, eventually get a cab, but it probably will be a wait. No problem being taken to Penn Station............Sorry to contradict the other poster, what they described is not my experience........................

Keuka: I agree with you about getting a taxi to the ship. That could be a problem but that was not the question posed. Sorry I disagree with you about the wait for a taxi. Never a problem no matter when I leave the ship.

S.

Hi rix, I see that there are numerous suggestions regarding car services to NYC. I live in New York, outside of the city, and I take early walk off, aka self checkout. I have never found a problem getting a taxi even in a snowstorm. Sometimes people line up ahead of me and there is a two minute wait. I have been on more than 15 cruises with Cunard. Princess sometimes leaves out of the same terminal and I have never had a problem. That has been my experience but the use of a car service is your decision. If you do use a taxi just be sure to ask the different rate for a metered taxi or the flat rate. It is something new, a scam actually, that we discovered after our Canadian cruise in late September. We found a metered rate was better for our destination. Compare before you enter the cab.

S.

Hi rix, There is no problem getting a taxi at the cruise terminal. When you walk out of the terminal just cross the street and they are lined up waiting to take you wherever you want to go. There will be no problem going to NYC. Don't let anyone tell you differently. I have never had a problem and always need a ride to where I want to go. Enjoy your cruise.

S.

rka-I have sailed numerous times on the Caribbean Princess and more times on Cunard. I have not sailed on the Elizabeth but have sailed on the Victoria, her sister ship. We are New Yorkers and no longer wish to fly. That is the reason we have sailed on the Caribbean Princess. The Qm2 also sails out of New York (Brooklyn). After sailing numerous times on Cunard we no longer sail on Princess. To our minds there is no comparison. The Qm2 happens to be my favorite ship. My husband prefers the QV. Either way it is Cunard for us and if it leaves from Brooklyn or Manhattan, we want to be on it. If you don't mind formal dress you will love Cunard. Enjoy your cruise no matter your decision.

S.

Thanks for your reply, Salacia. I did know that it was not your quote but that you seemed to agree with the statement. You may be right about your opinion for that itinerary but I think you will also agree that it is what you make of your time on the voyage. After all, it is the QM2 and that alone makes me feel upbeat.

Hi Salacia; We are active New Yorkers (definitely not boozers). We are planning to take the QM2 September,2015 cruise, rt NY because of the ships's two night stay in Quebec. I love that area, visited it many times, but am always drawn to it. I wondered at your statement that this is a "snooze cruise." By the way we have done a New England cruise, usually 7 days, rt NY on another line and were never disappointed. We are planning for the end of September and beginning October. Hopefully we will view autumn colors.

S.

Thanks - I'll report back if I fall over but that might be related to sea conditions/alcohol consumption rather than pot holes !

I sailed the QM2 on a westbund voyage from Southampton to NY, on May 3rd to May 10th. The ship looked great to me. I too was concerned about pot holes since I wear high heels to dinner every evening. The pot holes must have been filled in since I found none every place I walked. The leaks on deck 5 seem also to have been corrected. I saw no trays in use in the Kings Court. I do not like buffets and avoid them but on day of embarkation we were told we had to eat in the K.C. Morning coffee and ice cream is the extend of my visits to the K.C. I hope this helps. Have a great trip Hattie.

S.

I sailed four times on the Veendam. The last voyage went round trip New York to Bermuda. The ship was delayed for a full day for completion of dry docking but was not really ready for sailing when it arrived late in the afternoon on the second day. This last sailing resulted in my "jumping ship" to Cunard. We have not sailed on H.A. ever since and have become loyal Cunard fans.