a very personal view of sailing on QM2

[SALAD MUNCHER]

I have recently been reading many of the posts on CC regarding the pros and cons of sailing onboard the QM2 and thought I would contribute to them. Firstly let me state I love the QM2 and in no way is the following trying to criticise it in any way. It is written from a personal viewpoint and I’m just trying to give anyone thinking about booking on the QM2 a few pointers to consider. I have travelled on the QM2 only 3 times – once in AA Category, once in Britannia B4 and most recently in Princess Grill. Our first journey in AA Club was wonderful. We loved the lectures, the entertainment, the feeling of grandeur and most of all we loved the open dining times for AA Club category. After this trip I couldn’t wait to book a second trip. I took this with my mother and this time decided to book Britannia B4 in hull balcony. Again this was a wonderful trip and once again the lectures and entertainment was fantastic. What I didn’t enjoy as much though was having to queue to be seated for breakfast and lunch in the Britannia restaurant rather than just going to ‘our’ reserved table. We had also requested second sitting for dinner as we both usually like to eat at around 7 – 7.30ish at home and felt 6.30 would be way too early. Although this was not bad it was just too late as by the time we had finished it was nearly 10pm and by this time my mother (78) was ready for bed!

Recently I booked again (this time with my HB) and we managed to get a Princess Grill suite for a reasonable price for November 2010. I was so looking forward to this trip because as well as having the open dining times we had enjoyed previously in AA Club category, we also had a larger suite. Although there are other advantages such as preferential boarding, use of Queens Grill Lounge and use of Grills deck, I don’t think these are particularly important to the enjoyment of your voyage!

I have to say that this trip did disappoint. The entertainment was awful, the lectures were not on a par to previous journeys and the food in the Princess Grill was not as good this time as when we dined in AA Club category previously. Yes there was a larger ’A La Carte’ menu to choose from, but the daily set meals were so unimpressive and unappealing we found ourselves choosing from the A La Carte menu most of the time. Considering on this menu there was five main courses – Duck, Lamb, Steak, Pork and a Vegetarian option it soon became a chore to pick something ‘different’. I believe that the set meals are usually the same in all dining rooms, with each higher grade categories having a few more items to choose from on A La Carte. I cannot comment on other dining rooms but I have seen comments on the CC Notice board that others were also disappointed on this cruise. At lunchtimes the A La Carte menu was not given as an option but the set choices were not that great either. It must have been below par because on about the seventh night one of the main waiters came to our table and said they realise the menu was not very extensive so they had decided to add ‘crepes suzette’ as a desert choice to make up for this! This was kept as a choice every night from then on. The second to last evening we were served lobster, I was so pleased as I love lobster. Unfortunately it was tough and chewy so again we were disappointed. However the caviar for first course was very good. Although most of the food chosen was cooked well it was just disappointing that the choice was limited.

Anyway enough about the food, what about the PG dining room? First of all, unless you walk from your suite to the far aft lifts, you have to walk right the way through Kings Court to get there. Once in, I was surprised at how close the tables were to each other. Some of the tables were in a terrible position and I would certainly have complained if I had been assigned to one of them. At least 30% of the tables were well away from any external windows with low natural light and single deck height ceiling as opposed to the magnificent height and open feel in the Britannia dining room. These tables must have felt very clostraphobic. However, thankfully we were lucky as we were allocated a table right next to a full sized window looking out over the aft deck. However, as this was the promenade deck walkers and joggers were continually passing the window looking in, giving us the feeling of being in a goldfish bowl.

One of the main reasons for choosing Cunard for us was the dress code. As we live in quite an isolated area of the UK we don’t often get the chance to put on the tux and ball gown and when we do we both absolutely love it. The dining experience on Cunard is like going to a grand ball every night and we revel in it. However this last cruise seemed strangely lacking in this department. It was only towards the end of the cruise that the penny dropped for me. On the two previous trips on QM2 I dined in the Britannia. Walking down the central walkway towards the Britannia, along with hundreds of other fellow cruisers, was magical, and entering into the restaurant itself, seeing everyone dressed up and enjoying themselves was all part of the fun. We did not get this with Princess Grill dining. As I mentioned, to get to our dining room we had to walk right through Kings Court, where cruisers who choose not to adhere to the dress code would be eating and who would be dressed informally. No problem with that, it’s their choice, but it did spoil it for me as immediately opposite Kings Court was the door into the Princess Grill restaurant so there was no build up or mingling with other formally dressed guests prior to entering the restaurant. This must also be the case in Queens Grill as that is next door to PG. Of course we did go down to the bars close to the Britannia DR on occassions prior to dinner, but it was an anti climax to have to leave to get to the PG dining room on deck 7.

In conclusion, in my honest opinion, category AA is the perfect choice for us on QM2. Although the AA Club Dining Room is a smaller room off the main Britannia Dining room you do get the same experience of Grandeur as you have to walk through the main restaurant to get into the AA Club. Having a toe in each grade, you get the open dining for each meal, as well as the Britannia Restaurant experience.

As I said previously, this is my personal experience.

[capnpugwash]

I think that your comments are very valid, I have only travelled in Britannia on QM2 and once in QG on QE, that was very nice but I didn't have to put up with the goldfish bowl experience. It is bizarre to me that Cunard would have their best grade so overlooked. I am now back to steerage and I enjoy it. The one sitting dining would also suit me as 8.30 is a wee bit late for me as well.

[yojimbo]

Your views are well expressed.

 

It has always seemed a bit "odd" to me that on QM2, one of the grandest rooms on the ship (Britannia DR) is reserved for non-Grill dining.......and the grill dining rooms, though charming and intimate, seem pedestrian by comparison.

 

(I am just sharing an observation.....not suggesting that it could or should be any other way)

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[shorebilly]

Having only sailed on QM2 once just recently I have to add that the service in AA or Brittania Club was excellent, I wish I could say the same for the food, but to us service is just as important. The first time we had lunch we did not realize we could just go to our table and instead we were seated with another couple in the main dining room. They left before they got their lunch because after 45 mins we had nothing. Same with our first breakfast, we were in the main dining room and while not as slow all four orders arrived different from what was ordered. We then discovered that we could go to "our" table for any meal and service was always perfect. Thank-You Michael and Stefano!

[turquoise 6]

The QM2 has been sailing the 7 seas for about 7 years and she has been doing a damn great job.

The QM2 is one of the most beautiful, sleek, grand , and of course

A TRUE OCEAN LINER as per construction and navigational equipment.

The QM2 revived and revolutionized the TransAtlantic experience.

This is a SHIP,OCEAN LINER...not a landlocked resort. Your expectations

of this vessel is that of a Las Vegas resort..That is a mistake, and why some of you are not enjoying the sea experience!

The BRITANIA ROOM was made to be the Grand,Majestic,dinning room

for the majority of passengers..the Princess and Queens Grill are the more intimate,expensive ,private dining areas for that type of passenger and its done very well.

The France (French Line) was similar to the QM2 in this respect.as well as some other Ocean liners.

Maybe the right vacation for some here would be to take a nice package deal to a resort hotel,all inclusive ,(Air FARE ,too)

[guernseyguy]

Your expectations of this vessel is that of a Las Vegas resort.

 

I think that is a most unfair characterisation of a thoughtful, balanced post.

 

It had not occurred to me that for some passengers access to the Grills would be via the Kings Court - that is certainly a very different ambiance from the entrance to the Britannia restaurant.

 

Cunard at least has learnt - the location of the Grills on QV & QE is superb.

[Salacia]

The QM2 has been sailing the 7 seas for about 7 years and she has been doing a damn great job.

The QM2 is one of the most beautiful, sleek, grand , and of course

A TRUE OCEAN LINER as per construction and navigational equipment.

The QM2 revived and revolutionized the TransAtlantic experience.

This is a SHIP,OCEAN LINER...not a landlocked resort. Your expectations

of this vessel is that of a Las Vegas resort..That is a mistake, and why some of you are not enjoying the sea experience!

The BRITANIA ROOM was made to be the Grand,Majestic,dinning room

for the majority of passengers..the Princess and Queens Grill are the more intimate,expensive ,private dining areas for that type of passenger and its done very well.

The France (French Line) was similar to the QM2 in this respect.as well as some other Ocean liners.

Maybe the right vacation for some here would be to take a nice package deal to a resort hotel,all inclusive ,(Air FARE ,too)

 

turquoise 6, on what do you base your statement that "your expectations of this vessel is that of a Las Vegas resort"?

 

My experience of QM2 is limited to 8 voyages. However, at no time either on board QM2 or on this forum have I hear or read any comparision from fellow passengers between QM2 and a Las Vegas resort.

 

I have noticed several postings by those who, like you, suggest (in less polite terms) that consideration be given to cruise lines other than Cunard, and/or land-based vacations such as hotels and all inclusive resorts.

After some research, I have found that such suggestions have merit and I intend to expolore those options further. Thanks to those who have little responses to valid criticism other than to critize the critic and advise them to go elsewhere, perhaps others will also follow advice such as yours to seek other vacation options.

 

Salacia

[Bigmike911]

First I am sorry that your expectations for Princess Grill were not met. But here are some of my thoughts. It is not necessary to walk to the Grills on QM2 through the Kings Court. In fact, it is undesireable. Walk from your suite aft to the D lifts and then decend to seven deck and enter the grills with out muss or fuss. It is after all the same distance from your suite. You can also stop in the Grills lounge for a pre-dinner drink, if you choose.

 

I have traveled on QM2 ten times always in QG and I have yet to have a bad meal in the Queens Grill, I greatly appreciate being able to dine when I want to, and to have the same servers for all three of my meals. Very quickly they learned my likes and dislikes and tried to make sure they provided me with what I wanted. I have always given a bit extra to the wait staff at the end of the cruise, because they have never failed to do an excellent job.

 

I prefer the intimacy of the grills to the larger dining room as I don't like to queue for food. I usually have a window table, and never have thought the walkers a bother to me. They do their thing and I do mine. Fortunately I was taught good table manners at an early age and have never embarassed myself or my companions, so I don't think anyone has been looking at me as they walk.

 

I have found the menu's appealing and the only problem I have had with them is having to choose from several of my favorites on the same day. I appreciate being able to order off the menu and always choose to have lobster on a day when it is not being served by the hundreds. With vast quanities being prepared at once its not surprizing to get a tough one. But, if you do, ask them to bring another, you will be made happy.

 

Finally I don't look for 'Las Vegas' style entertainment, far from it. I want my peace and quite, time to read a book or have a drink with new friends, so I cannot comment on the shows. I have found the lectures to be interesting from time to time and don't go to something that I have no interest in.

 

I would hope new readers will give full consideration to the fine qualities of the QM2 and her sisters. I note that some potential travelers have been put off by somewhat negative reviews.

 

Cheers Mike.

[Louise D]

Thanks Mike,

 

Very sensible and good advice, especially as starting next month I will be spending 5 weeks on QM2 and have never been on board her previously. I had already worked out how to get to QG without walking through King's Court! I am sure I will have a wonderful time.

[turquoise 6]

turquoise 6, on what do you base your statement that "your expectations of this vessel is that of a Las Vegas resort"?

 

My experience of QM2 is limited to 8 voyages. However, at no time either on board QM2 or on this forum have I hear or read any comparision from fellow passengers between QM2 and a Las Vegas resort.

 

I have noticed several postings by those who, like you, suggest (in less polite terms) that consideration be given to cruise lines other than Cunard, and/or land-based vacations such as hotels and all inclusive resorts.

After some research, I have found that such suggestions have merit and I intend to expolore those options further. Thanks to those who have little responses to valid criticism other than to critize the critic and advise them to go elsewhere, perhaps others will also follow advice such as yours to seek other vacation options.

 

Salacia

"IT may be an option for some people . But this people ainte me"

Stephen Sondhiem,,,,

[turquoise 6]

turquoise 6, on what do you base your statement that "your expectations of this vessel is that of a Las Vegas resort"?

 

My experience of QM2 is limited to 8 voyages. However, at no time either on board QM2 or on this forum have I hear or read any comparision from fellow passengers between QM2 and a Las Vegas resort.

 

I have noticed several postings by those who, like you, suggest (in less polite terms) that consideration be given to cruise lines other than Cunard, and/or land-based vacations such as hotels and all inclusive resorts.

After some research, I have found that such suggestions have merit and I intend to expolore those options further. Thanks to those who have little responses to valid criticism other than to critize the critic and advise them to go elsewhere, perhaps others will also follow advice such as yours to seek other vacation optiions

Salacia

my point is , there are some people here who do who do not appreciate

the the vacation /sailing on board the QM2.

An Ocean liner is limited as to offer ,what Las vegas can offer.

"Lobster that is too tough to eat'.. and full scale " Bette Midler" shows

nothing wrong with that

But an Ocean liner ,as QM2, has so much to offer

so for those critics , do you research about Ocean Liners ,

you may appreciate a real voyage

[Louise D]

so for those critics , do you research about Ocean Liners ,

you may appreciate a real voyage

 

Yes, you get a lot more on an ocean liner that you can't get in a hotel. On the QE2 World Voyage after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, I enjoyed speeding through potential terrorist waters so fast that the US navy ship (and rumoured US submarine) escorting us could not keep up.

[turquoise 6]

I also love the the Ocean Liners. That was some experience on QE2

That's why I love to sail:)

[Salacia]

Yes, you get a lot more on an ocean liner that you can't get in a hotel. On the QE2 World Voyage after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, I enjoyed speeding through potential terrorist waters so fast that the US navy ship (and rumoured US submarine) escorting us could not keep up.

 

Yes, that was certainly worth the money, being able to speed away like that. So much better than being in New York with the rest of us.

 

A US Navy ship couldn't keep up as you fled away from the NY Harbor? I seem to remember the harbor was rather crowed that day...with ships (mostly local) trying to rescue people from lower Manhattan.

 

Bragging rights go to the QE2: she got away faster than the US Navy on Sept.11.

 

Salacia

[Louise D]

Salacia, that was the World Cruise that started in Jan 2002, 4 months after the attacks. The security for that World Cruise was very intense and many US passengers never even came on board as they were too afraid to go on the World Cruise. So they cancelled and it was a World Cruise of Australians, English and other nationalities and a sprinking of some hardy US nationals. (I only went as in late December 2001 Cunard starting bombarding papers in Australia with all sorts of offers to try to fill the ship at the last minute) But it was my favourite World Cruise so far! The terrorist threat for QE2 was thought to be anywhere - especially in Asia and the Middle East so we went tearing around seemingly at top speed. And the Gurkahs were always on show.

[Salacia]

[

 

Salacia, that was the World Cruise that started in Jan 2002, 4 months after the attacks. The security for that World Cruise was very intense and many US passengers never even came on board as they were too afraid to go on the World Cruise. So they cancelled and it was a World Cruise of Australians, English and other nationalities and a sprinking of some hardy US nationals. But it was my favourite World Cruise so far! The terrorist threat for QE2 was thought to be anywhere - especially in Asia and the Middle East so we went tearing around seemingly at top speed. And the Gurkahs were always on show.

 

Louise, I don't know how you came to the conclusion that "many US passengers were too afraid to go on the World Cruise". I can understand why US passengers might have cancelled a world cruise after the events of 9/11, but I would not assume it was because they were "too afraid". Of course, you are entitled to your own conclusions, but from my viewpoint, priorites changed and a world cruise even four months after 9/11 was not in keeping with the situation: it was a time of mourning for many Americans.

 

Glad that it was your favourite World Cruise. No doubt made all the more enjoyable by the demographics of that voyage.

 

BTW, I share your appreciation of the Gurkahs.

 

Salacia

[Louise D]

[

 

 

 

Louise, I don't know how you came to the conclusion that "many US passengers were too afraid to go on the World Cruise".

Salacia

 

Hi Salacia, there was one lady from the US who I got to talking with. She was supposed to be in a big group with other US world cruisers but everyone else in the group cancelled at the last minute. She said they were all too afraid to go on the World Cruise but she said she was still a bit fearful but determined to go on alone.

 

PS - I have often wondered whether Cunard waived the cancellation fees for that World Cruise or if the poor people who cancelled ended up forfeiting their fares.

[guernseyguy]

PS - I have often wondered whether Cunard waived the cancellation fees for that World Cruise or if the poor people who cancelled ended up forfeiting their fares.

 

I crossed the Atlantic to Boston (the New York West Side Piers were being used for WTC debris) a month after 9/11 and was told by Cunard in no uncertain terms that the ship was sailing so if I chose not to go that would be entirely up to me - and normal cancellation charges would apply. It was an interesting crossing - a packed ship with many who had switched from flights.

[Cruachan]

...so fast that the US navy ship...escorting us could not keep up.

 

On QE2 in 2007, as we were eastbound nearing Gibraltar, this bad boy came out to have a look at us. It's the Algerian Navy Nanuchka II class corvette Rais Ali, formerly Burun of the Russian Navy.

 

Although, in it's younger days, theoretically capable of a top speed of 32 knots, I McN put the pedal to the metal and left it struggling in our wake!

 

This photo was taken as the Algerian captain conceded the honours to QE2 and turned away :)

 

J

 

[Underwatr]

rumoured US submarine... escorting us could not keep up.

I assure you that wasn't the case.

[SALAD MUNCHER]

First I am sorry that your expectations for Princess Grill were not met. But here are some of my thoughts. It is not necessary to walk to the Grills on QM2 through the Kings Court. In fact, it is undesireable. Walk from your suite aft to the D lifts and then decend to seven deck and enter the grills with out muss or fuss. It is after all the same distance from your suite. You can also stop in the Grills lounge for a pre-dinner drink, if you choose.

 

Hi Big Mike

 

My point was just that. I know I could walk down the corridor to the aft lift, but my cabin was right at the front of the ship so my choice was walking down a corridor of some length or walking through Kings Court - both actions amount to the same thing - you don't get the same feeling of being on the QM2 surrounded by other cruisers formally dressed milling around waiting to go in or coming out of the Britannia Restaurant. You just arrive at Princess grill as you get out of the lift!

 

I have traveled on QM2 ten times always in QG and I have yet to have a bad meal in the Queens Grill, I greatly appreciate being able to dine when I want to, and to have the same servers for all three of my meals. Very quickly they learned my likes and dislikes and tried to make sure they provided me with what I wanted. I have always given a bit extra to the wait staff at the end of the cruise, because they have never failed to do an excellent job.

 

I never said the meals were bad (apart from the lobster - and all four of us had that and all four were chewy!!) - just the choices were limited

 

I prefer the intimacy of the grills to the larger dining room as I don't like to queue for food. I usually have a window table, and never have thought the walkers a bother to me. They do their thing and I do mine. Fortunately I was taught good table manners at an early age and have never embarassed myself or my companions, so I don't think anyone has been looking at me as they walk.

Table manners have nothing to do with this. I didn't say they were watching me eat - I said they were peering in at the restaurant!

 

 

Finally I don't look for 'Las Vegas' style entertainment, far from it. I want my peace and quite, time to read a book or have a drink with new friends, so I cannot comment on the shows. I have found the lectures to be interesting from time to time and don't go to something that I have no interest in.

 

The point of the QM2 is, it is marketed as a cruise 'holiday' which means that 2000+ passengers have to be catered for. Some might like to read a book, others like lectures, some like shows, most people like all of these. I realise it is an 'ocean liner' but when you book a cruise 'holiday' to the Carribean or some other place (even transatlantic) you expect to be entertained in some way as per the marketing info that is published on both the Cunard site and other cruise travel agencies. The shows on our particular cruise were not only awful, they were the same shows that had been running on there for months. Many past passengers had already seen them and so avoided going to see them again. Surely that can be compared to a cinema showing the same film for 6 months - it just wouldn't happen on terra firma - the cinema would soon go out of business!

 

I would hope new readers will give full consideration to the fine qualities of the QM2 and her sisters. I note that some potential travelers have been put off by somewhat negative reviews.

 

My views were certainly not meant to be negative - just constructive and from my personal viewpoint. As I said in my original posting I do love the QM2 as a ship - BUT - I think as this notice board is to inform other potential cruisers, members have a right to voice both their concerns as well as their praise!

[Seacucumber]

I agree with big Mikecomments. However QM-2 needs refubrish badly to fix carpets and rust spots etc. I hope she will be as good as a new ship after Nov-Dec 2011 refurbish.

[Bigmike911]

Salad, I didn't mean to offend you, and hope you took no offense. I thought reading your original post that you were put off by 'having' to walk through the Kings Court on the way to dine, I must have misunderstood you. On a couple of occasions I have been in suites at the very front of the ship and it never occurred to me to go down to seven deck and walk though the throng of people to get to a meal. I will say, it is a mighty long walk though if your far forward.

 

As for walkers peering in, it seems to me no different that dining near the window of a restaurant, or even on the sidewalk at a cafe and having passers by look. To me it means nothing, and I take no offense. As I said they are doing their thing and I am doing mine.

 

Cheers Mike

[vjmatty]

I didn't say they were watching me eat - I said they were peering in at the restaurant!

 

In the daytime you can't really see inside, if that makes you feel better. I am one of those dreaded walkers who makes rounds every morning to counter the effects of all the decadence. Most times I am just looking at my reflection to see how much of my hair is flying up over my head in the wind :o

 

Besides, is it really any different from sitting inside a sidewalk cafe, or a window table in any other restaurant including the most expensive kind?