tmee

Yes it is, right by the atrium.

Here is a link to a...not so great video view ;) ....I tried... but boy midday is crowded:)

tmee

So, I wasn't going to mention this, because I thought someone else may have already... but I tried to do a quick search and I didn't see anything....so if this repetitive please forgive me I was just so excited!

The ship's bell has returned to the atrium on the Queen Mary 2. It is complete with eight bells at noon. I was onboard at the end of last month…. and there is was….in the atrium. And right at noon she was chimed. I was so excited as I missed it last November L

I tried to take a video everyday… but I seemed I was always in the wrong place… someone would walk right in front of me J

tmee

Hi Ladies I just got back and I ended up wearing a bracelet with vintage charms...(I guess that is the best way to describe it) and small drop earrings. I also added a long silk scarf with Japanese motif I bought on the trip.

tmee

Congratulations! I feel your pain, I "overpack" but I usually do not take a lot of luggage just a lot of stuff...and I too am the go to when people forget things.

One technique that works very well for me is to write down EVERYTHING I want to take...plan for each day, look over the list make changes...until I'm satisfied. Then begin packing...documenting what is which storage bag im putting it in and check each thing off the list.

(When I say everything I mean anything that goes into my suitcase...Bobby pins, tape, twist ties, soap)

When I'm finished I feel confident that I don't need that....one more thing or that just in case..last minute thing I shove on at the last minute, because with my little list I have accounted for everything. That's when end up carrying too much stuff at the last minute I think...oh...I may need an extra blouse or another necklace.

Plus (this is generally my problem) I have so much stuff that looks similar i.e. black tops...I can't find it when I want to wear it. But because my list is labeled I know exactly which bag to look in.

But I am certainly proud of you, it is such a good feeling knowing you carried just enough..not too much and not too little:D

tmee

Thank you guys very much. I think you guys are right about nixing the necklace.. and I like the idea of the bracelet... and the earrings...

I was sort of wondering if I should wear a jeweled pin or dress clip at the center of the V?

The dress itself, is snuggly packed in my luggage :( as I like to pre-pre pack :) I will see if I can find something similar online.

tmee

OK fashion guru's I am having a momentary lapse....

What kind of necklace or jewelry should one wear with long halter neck evening gown?....or maybe none at all? The dress is simply tailored, no embellishments (beading or sequins)

Thank you in advance for the suggestions :)

tmee

It depends on the cycle, but in my experience it has taken approximately 45 minutes.

tmee

THANKS DIVAS!! :D

tmee

Hi Shoe Divas! I am in the middle of deranged packing…:) and I am really really trying to reduce my shoes… (to only three pairs of evening shoes) :D So I am having difficulty deciding between two pair. They are the identical shoe, but one is shiny pewter color and the other silver sparkly…

They are peep toe pumps. I am thinking that that the sparkly shoes may overpower my cocktail dresses maybe…

But two of the dress are single colour with a small sparkly detail either on the belt or the shoulder… so I thought the sparkly shoes would pick up the sparkle…

But I have an organza skirt that is this sort of pewter gold iridescent colour that I am wearing with a strapless black satin top… so I think the sparkle shoes would be too much for that. But I could wear my black satin shoes with that instead of the peep toe ...sigh

shoelemma :)

(I would not wear either pair with my long evening gowns only with my cocktail dresses)

What do you guys think?

tmee

I actually asked this same question :)

There is an existing thread with a lot of very good suggestions :)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2333440&highlight=packing+jewelry

tmee

Thank you guys very much for the information! I will be ready with, a book of stamps :) and my address book :D

(I will stop by the pursers to see if I can get the QM2 stamp)

I love writing letters and sending postcards... it seems as though I receive so few these days

tmee

Hello all,

I have a question regarding mailing letters and/or post cards from the QM2. I will be sailing westbound to NYC and I would like to have the special QM2 stamp on my correspondence. The question I have is this; how much is a first class postage to the USA from the ship? I assume the letter will be posted in the US upon arrival in NYC (but please correct me if I am wrong) Previously I purchased the postage onboard, (I don’t quite remember the cost) But I thought I would think ahead  and have the correct US stamps already.

Also do you know if you can drop the letter in the little red postage box? or does one need to take it to the pursers office?

Thank you in advance for your help.

tmee

The shoe itself is cloth. The bows are patent leather (or something like it). Here's a picture I got off the internet that shows them better. I found these on a sale rack at Macy's.

 

Those are so cute they look almost 1940s with the pattern platform and heel

they could almost go with my dress :)

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/www.neimanmarcus.com/Black-Halo-Belted-Polka-Dot-Sheath-Dress-Black-White/prod190480160/p.prod

tmee

I do the same thing, but I just carry small quantities. I even have gotten to the point I carry "what ifs" for my travel companions.

I carry a very small first aid kit (contains things that if I needed them I would want it RIGHT THEN not *to have to go *find a store or sundry shop) I also carry brand new small inserts for shoes (in case my feet hurt or start rubbing in my shoe) I have never used them but my friend has :)

a tiny flashlight super bright but very very small. A petite sewing kit about the size of half a credit card.

A small amount of duct tape wrapped *around a pencil.

Disinfectant wipes, tissue, small amount of soap (like those Soap sheets), swim suit, hand sanitizer, compression travel socks, disinfectant spray, rubber gloves (my mom started me with that...I thought she was crazy..but I actually used them I was really glad I had them :( ) extra quart size zip Lock bags, a collapsible tote bag with zipper, a sarong, *extra luggage locks, zip ties...I could go on :D

Everything in my what ifs *I have wished I had traveling (so the next time I shoved it in my bag) or it is something someone who was with me used (I should make them carry their own stuff :))

Most of the stuff I leave in my luggage and just Check it before my trip to see if it is expired or if I need more.

All of these thing together are smaller than a brick (although may weigh as much lol)

I have never once said "I wish I didn't bring that....." I think the key is to carry a small amount to get you through in case you really need it. (All the above mentioned items go in my carry on)

My problem sometimes are the clothes...the last Minute clothes that get shoved in, literally TEN MINUTES before I leave for the airport....maybe it will be colder than I think...maybe it will be warmer than I think....what is one more pair if gloves...lol

That's what I need my lists for...and to make sure I don't pack at the last minute...

tmee

Those are very cute! What is the material? I love the "bows"

tmee

Thank you, I was reading that, but I was wondering the pieces did stay in place and not bend? If so that would be great! I have on particular necklace that I have been sitting here trying to untangle for the past hour from the last time I tried to travel with it :D

tmee

OH, I just thought about it. I could put something stiff behind it so that it doesn't move. Then attach the plastic wrap surround piece to the stiff card, board... or something so it would not bend!

I love this board so helpful :)

tmee

I was wondering, do you have a special way of traveling with multi-strand graduated necklaces? I have several that always seem to get tangled within themselves. It is the type with about eight very thin strands of stiff wire and small beads.

tmee

Okay so as the perpetual wearer of heels, I needed to find a pair of “sensible” black flats as my only pair that fits me finally reached its end. I have been searching desperately for something that would stay on my feet, actually fit and not be too boring :) I found these... These should make it on my next cruise vacation :)

tmee

I agree with both of those suggestions :). There is also the Tudor House and Garden museum in Southampton. (you can purchase tickets that cover both Sea City Museum and the Tudor House)

Depending on with Transatlantic you are on in November, the Christmas market in Winchester begins in on the 18th of November, this would be also be something to do in Winchester.

tmee

Thank you so very much for the point of views and information so far. It is certainly helping me ponder!

Thank you very much for the information regarding the weather, it is helping get a better grasp of what the experience may be like.

I do agree that there is a lot of history in Caribbean, some quite fascinating but the difficulty for me has always been finding a “tour” that has that sort of content. Most excursions seem to focus on scenic, (quite beautiful) and surface history. (Perhaps that is what most people are looking for when going to Caribbean) So the tours are catered to what the majority is looking for.

I suppose I could try to find a very good local guide/historian that focuses on my interests (Although I have yet to find one :))

It is a very good point regarding the number of ships in port. I actually have looked at the ships in port, and it really isn’t too terribly bad for the Caribbean

I was looking at the ports for the “European” legs and one goes to the Canaries and Portugal... all places I have not been… (At least I don’t recall going there) and the other is more Italy, Spain, with a smidge of France, (a few new ports of call for me but have been to most)

I should mention that I don’t want to lay out by the pool but just maybe enjoy/swim in it for a day, and participate in deck activities. When I was aboard the QM2 the deck was so windy… I could not comfortably walk from deck 12 across, And the boardwalk café, etc were closed… I felt as if I was missing out on that particular experience of enjoying the decks…. But maybe that is over rated.

The winter garden sounds nice, on the Queen Victoria. Maybe I am one of the few people who liked the winter garden on QM2 I thought it was nice to have a space such as that… in contrast to the other spaces… often times, even though spaces are separate bars, cafés or lounges it seems as if it is one location with slightly different decoration on a different deck. So it was nice, to me to have a distinct space that was quaint and with a completely different feel from the others (it sort of reminded me of a Conservatory almost)

At this point I am leaning to one of European sailings partially because I may like to sail on another ship, and then switch to QM2…. And also to be able to see a least one port I have not been to before.

But the draw (in my head :D) of wandering around on the warm (not hot) decks of the staring off into the ocean without being blown across the deck. Finding at least one beach to swim in. Does have a bit of an allure.

Another question I have, is there outdoor dining on the Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth?

tmee

Questions questions always questions!

So I would appreciate some direction, information and opinion.

I am very fortunate to be able to cross on the QM2 later this year. I had also planned on sailing on her to the Caribbean this winter. However I was having… not second thoughts per se but additional ideas.

I have thought of sailing on the QE or the QV in Europe instead of the Caribbean Sailing. So I have a few queries, so that perhaps I can make a more informed decision:

Basic: What are the differences between the QE and the QV (I realize this question has been asked previously but I was not sure what still applies after the refits, refurbishments, etc.)

Are their still special activities events aboard one and not the other?

Weather…? Deck time… beach?

One of the reasons that I have selected the QM2 Caribbean sailing is that I would have the opportunity to enjoy open decks (my previous crossing and my current crossing have been and will be in winter/late fall and the upper decks were too windy to enjoy.. and the pool would have been quite impossible)

Are the upper decks and pools open on the QV and QE in late fall in Europe?

So I do wish to enjoy the ship, in but I did want to visit the ports as well. My interest are in history, culture, I am semi active, I do enjoy beaches, I have been fortunate to sail to the Caribbean many times so the ports are not particularly exciting to me (as far a being “new” to me) but that is not to say I do not enjoy them.

I have not spent any time in the Canaries or in the south of France (but I wonder what the weather would be like at this time) I have also looked at the historical weather forecasts and I can see the weather should be in the mid 60sF/18C but honestly I am not quite sure how that translates to beach viewing/swimming or historic site seeing/roaming

I would very much like to read your thoughts and opinions regarding the difference between the QE and QV, the weather on the ship and shore in the southern Europe during very late fall/early winter, and any personal experience you would like to add.

Thank you very much in advance for your perspectives

tmee

But to the OP point, my experience on a Cunard crossing was amazing. My dinning companions were wonderful. I was worried initially, as I had not had traditional dining Solo in quite some time. But, at my table we were all traveling Solo, all from different backgrounds, nationalities, a wide range of ages, and we all got along. We even planned breakfasts together, tea, we went to the balls, a themed Casino night, Someone of us would break off and do things in pairs or in a trio. We "resuced" each other from less than delightful experiences from other passengers if we saw one of us giving that "help me" look from a distance. It really was the most cohesive set of dining companions I have ever had.

People thought we all knew each other from somewhere... and we would say no "we just met at dinner three days ago" :)

I have to say that experience has definately spoiled me. But I say the OP is right, Be open to meeting people (if that is what you desire) try the dining in the dining room and if you end up with much less than delightful dinner companions (or maybe YOU are the less than delightful dinning companion :)) make a change at that point.

The transatlantic crossings do bring and interesting mix of people who are choosing this mode of transportation for various different reasons which in most cases can at least be the beginning of an interesting conversation.

tmee

P.S. to anyone who has sailed Holland: If you've attended a "singles and solos meet" function onboard, can you share how it went?

I went to one HAL solo/single luncheon once. Prior to going I had met a very nice flight attendant at breakfast one morning and we kept running into each other all around the ship talking, do the same activities, etc. So he kept insisting that we try to go to one of the single/solo luncheons...to meet other solo passengers. I was not interested but I finally agreed to go. ...Well my new friend (in his 50s) outside of me ( at least 25 years his junior) was the youngest person there. There was one other man in his 80s (at least) all the rest were women. I have to say it was the most bizarre luncheon I had, had. Sandwiched between my new friend and I, was a woman who was offended by almost any subject matter other than the food we were eating. She complained the entire meal, but would be annoyed if you wanted to talk to someone else at the table. I also had a very well meaning women (I keep telling myself she was well meaning), who kept INSISTING that the "young couple" (my flight attendant friend and I) should reaaaalllly get together and we would make such a cute couple, she kept stating this over and over ad nauseam ....Although we tried to explain that in addition to age discrepancy that I was missing a certain chromosome that made me uninteresting to him in that way.

It is his story to tell about what was happening to him at his end of the table (he was not interested see above :))

It was one of the longest lunches, not to mention my "friend" mouthed to me across the table "I'm sooooo sorry" :) He learned his lesson and we chuckled about it later. But, we did keep seeing that one single elderly man surrounded by at least three of the women everywhere he went like he was Hugh Heffner . :D So the solo luncheon was very successful for him :)

Luncheon was a bust but entertaining, I/we had better luck meeting people more suited to our interests, by just doing activities and regular open seating, breakfast and lunch dining or at tea.

I have never done one again (not that I wouldn't try again, but I just haven't)

one girl's experience

tmee

Okay... I saw this thread.... and I knew it WAS NOT for me... I don't love shoes...I don't have that many...compared to ...a shoe store

Then I realized... I was in denial...I realized my cruise clothing almost always revolve around shoes. I wear heels all the time... atheletic shoes do not adorn my feet unless I am doing something athletic even then my feet reject them :D The first thing I notice are the shoes that complete the outfit... sigh....

so if you will have me... I humbly submit my memberhip.

I love shoe clips, I bought some shoe clips last year at a resale shop...I thought they were earings :) and I wondered why they hurt my ears.... my mom pointed out "those are shoe clips tmee, and those other "earings" you bought, are dress clips" Who knew :)

Now my evening shoes have a little bit excitement added.

tmee

Hey guys I want to thank you again for all of the suggestions. On her actual birthday I gave her a "Murano glass inspired" keepsake box (the tangible item) and inside of it was an invitation to dine in Normandie along with a menu. (I think only I got the pun :D)

I wish I had taken a picture of it, it came out very nice. :)

I am still working on some onboard things(based on your suggestions) ...;)

tmee