QM2, will it "make it"?

[nyca]

Just completed a first time 3/25 QM2 cruise out of Manhattan. Other then some minor issues, it was a great trip. A full house on this Easter week cruise, 2800 people (400 children).

 

But based on some observations, I am wondering how well this great ship is doing. The cruise that boarded to depart tonight (4/2) has only 1800 passengers according to the staff. They are apparently discounting heavily for the crossings. The most surprising think I heard, was that at least 1 in 4 of the crew members we spoke to plan to leave their jobs - they are apparently burned out from work. I thought our waiter at Britannia was going to collapse from exhaustion at the last dinner. Our cabin steward is leaving, so was our casino blackjack dealer, and another waitress we talked to. Why are all these workers trying to get off? I think this gratuity policy has alot to do with it. I am convinced the staff is not getting that money. Our cabin steward told us that of the 16 cabins he takes care of, only 5 gave supplemental tips. Not sure how many people at Britannia gave supplemental tips to the waiters.

 

The selection of itinerary is also questionable in my view. We were dissapointed that for Spring 2006, the format calls for these south america runs instead of caribbean cruises - so we were not able to rebook for next spring. If they can't fill up cruises from NYC to a popular spot like the caribbean in the spring, how many passengers are going to take these Cape Horn cruises?

 

What do people here think, is this ship doing well financially? There will probably never be another oceanliner like this ever built again, especially if this one does not do well - I'm thinking of doing a crossing on it now, it may be a once in a lifetime experience.

[susietb]

As far as I know, the April 2nd voyage was sold out. I had several friends that were unable to book this trip.

 

As far as the crew turnover is concerned, I think it is pretty normal for most cruise lines.

 

We were on the 3/9 cruise and gave extra tips to the dining room and cabin staff, and we saw many other people tip extra as well.

 

We will probably be going on the Panama cruise leaving on January 3rd next year and wish there were more Carribean choices, but there is a big market for the South American/Cape Horn market, so they must be filling a need.

[travelgals]

I was also on the 3/25 cruise out of NYC, but heard different sentiments from the crew. While they all commented on how hard they work and the limited time off, they all said they love their jobs and are proud to be on QM2. We were booked in a Q5 room with outstanding service, but we talked with the staff all over the ship (certainly every bar) and got consistent comments. The week we chose was the prime spring break week because it was the only week offered on the 8 day runs that didn't involve missing any school. The prior sailing left on a Thursday, so given the choice, most would not pull the kids out for 2 days. I had a difficult time booking this cruise in January and a friend on the 4/2 sailing had limited choices. I certainly hope the ship does well, because I would love to sail again-it was clearly the best cruise we've ever taken. We are now very spoiled.

[nyca]

all I can tell you is what I heard today - 1800 people on the cruise going out today. there were 400 children (and their parents) on the 3/25 cruise because kids were off from school. let's see if anyone on the current cruise reports in.

 

and regarding the tips - I am only reporting what our cabin steward told us this morning - 5 of his 16 cabins tipped, 11 did not.

[nyca]

I was also on the 3/25 cruise out of NYC, but heard different sentiments from the crew. While they all commented on how hard they work and the limited time off, they all said they love their jobs and are proud to be on QM2.

 

Almost every crew member we talked to - they all dislike the crossings (from their perspective as employees) - they don't get to go ashore for all those consecutive days at sea.

[travelgals]

I think most people are confused about tipping. I can see how when told tips are included many may not tip additionally. We tipped just about everyone, and I think well, because our cash tips at the end were more than what was automatically charged to us, but no one seemed overwelmed. We did have great service.

[sbcs5390]

We rewarded individuals who we felt deserved an extra token of appreciation. Anyone know what's happening with the 4/2'ers? Did they pull out? The radio said there were 5 hour flight delays out of Newark. I want to do a crossing on QM2. But not in April or November- our waiter said that during the summer months it is much smoother. Our tablemates were fairly convinced that I'm insane. To quote them, "I can't help but think that those four days at sea were four days wasted." Uhh... cruise != airplane. I don't think they'll be returning to cruising soon, at least. For me at least, the ports are nice places to visit, sure. But the destination is almost always the ship, especially when aboard a Cunarder. Six days at sea- woo, sign me up! Enjoy all the ship has to offer without interruptions.

 

Also to note, Queen Vic comes out Jan 2008, I graduate June 2008. :)

 

Anyone know why dogs were on our sailing- I thought that they were only on the Translantics.

 

-Brian

 

PS- Rain terrible here in PA. Roads closed, flood warnings, creek around our home filling up.

 

PPS- Did you get to sign the CC log? Neat entries... the one who signed it backwards, the woman who had her luggage end up on QM2 instead of QE2 during Tandem. As we signed... "Finest ship at sea... ready to be a repeat traveler of Cunard."

[guernseyguy]

Almost every crew member we talked to - they all dislike the crossings (from their perspective as employees) - they don't get to go ashore for all those consecutive days at sea.

 

Its worse than that - body clock gets shot to bits with 5 1 hour changes over 6 days, then reverse the process......however, it was worse on the old Queens - sailing year round, not stabilised, up to 16 to a dorm directly above the propellors, crossing in 5 days...but then you did get a day and a bit lay over at either end - none of this out again within 10 hours! I suspect the staff attrition rate may get worse in the Trans Atlantic season.

 

Peter

[tandemtourer]

We watched the sailaway last night on the NYPST web cam. QM2 was about a half hour late in leaving the dock. There was rain on the camera lens but we could see that the lights were on by the time she sailed.

 

Chuck and Phyllis, enjoy your trip. I hope you'll post while on board.

[travelgals]

I'm with you Brian, couldn't care about the ports, give me the ship anytime. We loved it. I have heard the transatlantics can be quite rough; a crew member told us about a wave that went over the ship so I think I'd plan the season carefully and hope for the best.

 

Speaking of water, we went to Pocono region today to pick up our dog and were astounded at the floods around the Delaware Water Gap. Cars underwater- completely and water halfway up houses.

 

Signed the cc log book the last day. It was fun to read.

[nyca]

I would like to see some video/photos of the wave washing over the deck.

 

my impression is that they keep to the schedule no matter what - if there are 40 foot seas, they sail right through them.

[sbcs5390]

That's the case with crossings on a Cunarder. The show goes on and the ship needs to get in on time.

 

Where do you leave your dogs? We're in the Poconos, as well. It was SNOWING!!! Yes, how ever many days ago we were getting thoroughly sunburnt and today I felt the snowflakes melting in my face. Unbelieveable. But I think we'd rather have the snow up here than the rain we were getting Saturday- those rivers were in poor shape. Traffic was closed off near the turn off to the old Mount Airy Resort because of the flood waters. Might just be delaying the inevitable, I'm afraid. Good thing our home is far from those major rivers we hear about on the news.

 

Take care.

 

-Brian

[Bobgaffney]

We just returned from the March 25th Cruise. The QM2 far exceeded our expectations. My only comment is that the tipping/gratuities was very confusing. First there was the gratuity charge tacked on to our folio. Who gets that money? Then there was a gratuity charge added to every drink we bought. Who gets that money. Then there was a line on the drink charge slip to add a tip. Who gets that money if we added a tip? The only thing I was sure of was when we personally handed cash to our room Steward and waiters. Even then I was not sure how much to tip them. The cruise staff worked very very hard and 99% of them were extremely friendly.

[Jane Pond]

I think one factor relating to less passengers on a crossing is that the BP is essentially $2.00. That makes UK destinations much more expensive. The Euro is also pricier against the dollar as well. I think it would be interesting to compare the W>E and E>W crossing numbers. I think it's a much better buy for those in the UK and Europe than for those of us here.

 

Jane in PHL

[The Golds]

Interesting tidbits on this thread:) ....have been on an aircraft carrier and taken blue water over the bow in the North Atlantic:eek: and still looking forward to our crossing in August, even with the rate of exchange being what it is. Have flown several times both ways and enjoyed the land trips in all of Great Britian and the rest of Europe. But the crossing on the QM2 is something different and exciting to look forward to.

[apfra.]

I just returned from the 3/25 as well. The ship is operating very well-- much better than our cruise one year ago. We were in Q5s and we thought the Queen's Grill especially had improved tremendously.

[nyca]

We just returned from the March 25th Cruise. The QM2 far exceeded our expectations. My only comment is that the tipping/gratuities was very confusing. First there was the gratuity charge tacked on to our folio. Who gets that money? Then there was a gratuity charge added to every drink we bought. Who gets that money. Then there was a line on the drink charge slip to add a tip. Who gets that money if we added a tip? The only thing I was sure of was when we personally handed cash to our room Steward and waiters. Even then I was not sure how much to tip them. The cruise staff worked very very hard and 99% of them were extremely friendly.

 

indeed, the tipping is confusing. and I think its a thorn in the side of the staff. the way I looked at it, was that the "included" service fees are spread across the board - to all the workers you don't directly see (busboys, cooks, etc). your waiters and your cabin steward, the people you see every day, deserve a direct tip in my opinion. In fact, I now don't believe I gave them enough. But then to hear from our cabin steward that 11 of his 16 cabins gave no direct tip - no wonder the guy is quitting.

[alita]

I just returned from the 3/25 as well. The ship is operating very well-- much better than our cruise one year ago. We were in Q5s and we thought the Queen's Grill especially had improved tremendously.

 

I was very interested to see your comments... I shall be crossing next month in QG and would be most grateful for any information you could add about your QG experience. This will be my first time on the ship and am not sure what to expect, esprecially in view of the mixed reviews I've read during the last year.

 

Thanks,

 

alita

[travelgals]

QG is outstanding. The cabins are terrific, cabin service very attentive and the dining 1st rate. Service very personalized. I generally skip desserts unless they are low carb (won't bore you with the details) so after noticing the low sugar desserts on the menu, I jokingly asked if there would be a no sugar cheesecake on the trip and the waiter said--"no problem, Sasha will make one, I'll send him right over". Sure enough, Sasha came right over and said" I will be happy to make you a no carb cheesecake, although not tonight (we were at dinner) I will have it for you tomorrow" , which he did.He presented it with fanfare, and I enjoyed it all week! After the first evening, wine waiter knew what we drank and it appeared within a minute of our arrival- always.

 

Brian, My in-laws live in Brodheadsville and love to take the dog. Frankly, the dog loves the visit too--lots of table food and attention. BTW I was surprised to see some dogs near the kennel on our trip, I thought the kennel was closed.

 

All you 3/25ers, where were you? I see screen names now that I don't remember from before. It would have been nice to meet you all on the trip. I met SBCS5390- Brian and his lovely family and it was nice to run into them from time to time on board.

[alita]

Thanks travelgals, great info! I'll be travelling on my own, do you have any words of advice for me? I'm curious about seating in the dining room... hope I'll be seated at a table with lively cruisers (or is that an oxymoron?).

[sbcs5390]

Thanks travelgals, great info! I'll be travelling on my own, do you have any words of advice for me? I'm curious about seating in the dining room... hope I'll be seated at a table with lively cruisers (or is that an oxymoron?).

Surely you're kidding! QM2 is not a floating old age home - far from it- it's full of life and vibrance, plenty of people having fun. If you really want lively times, there's the G32 nightclub- so much for you to do! Have fun!

 

-Brian

[MattInFLL]

I made friends with several bartenders on QM2 and they assured me the tip, and any extra I wrote on the slip went to them... the cabin attendants and dining staff share in the pool.. and it's hardly a conspiracy. Cunard would be breaking a lot of laws if they charged for tips and did not distribute them... if tipping is included on the bill, then I feel you should give a supplemental tip if it's deserved. I did tip my waiter and my cabin attendant extra, but they really deserved it.

 

The crossings are getting heavily discounted.. they may just cut back on her crossings and do more profitable itineraries. But she is certainly not going away.

[sbcs5390]

I should add that a fellow teacher that works with my mom was on the sailing with us and talked with the friendlier of the ladies in the future cruise sales office- who told them that Cunard isn't eager to do more Carib's because they see it as a waste of the ship, it's just not as profitable. I guess port charges are high, especially verus the home port.

 

But I'm sure if the transatlantics aren't filling up they'd prefer these filled to the brim Carib's than half empty transatlantics.

 

-Brian

[travelgals]

Alita, QG dining room seems to be fairly small and intimate, at least from our vantage point. Most were seated with their own travel companions, at tables of 2,4 or 6 and all surrounding tables were very friendly. We had conversations with those seated at all the tables around us every evening. It was the most civilized, polite and socially astute group I've encountered on any ship. I am certain there are tables of people traveling solo or with 2 who prefer to sit with others and am confident you will enjoy their company. I did notice some meet and greet singles events which may be helpful if you are so inclined. Another thought; if you are traveling in warm weather, queens grill passengers have access to a private sundeck- the greatest advantage to this in my opinion is that for someone traveling alone it offers an easier opportunity to meet people because it is fairly small so you meet the same people you see in the dining room and when you see people several times it is just easier to get to know them. Of course the larger pool areas are far more fun and lively, but I tended to only meet the people on either side of me on deck chairs and never spot them again. Everyone has their personal preferences, but no matter what your style, you can have a great time.