Back from QM2 crossing

[Bluenoser]

Hi all:

 

Have just been catching up on some reading here and wanted to post a few comments about our recent crossings (August 9 eastbound and August 27 westbound on QM2).

 

We drove to NYC from our home and parked our car at the pier so we had our ride waiting for us upon our return. On driving along the Hudson River approaching the ship we could easily see the QM2 funnel in the distance. As we got closer we also realized it was the ship itself we had been seeing and not some massive building in front of her. Her size is truly impressive! We were in stateroom 4017 on both crossings - a far forward outside location which was fine. The cabin was quite large enough for the 2 of us, lots of room for storage of clothing and empty luggage under beds. In fact there was space in the room they could have used for more furniture or a larger bathroom. We had chosen second seating for dinner in the Brittania Restaurant - a table for 6. Our fellow diners were a couple from Australia and 2 chaps from Scotland - making for an international mix along with us Canucks. The food was very good. We had decided to try some of the alternate restaurants so only had a couple of dinners in Brittania eastbound. We had a very enjoyable experience eating in Chef's Galley twice. There is a surcharge of $30.00 per person which includes wine (sparkling wine with canapes before dinner; white wine with the appetizer and red wine with the main course) and they are generous with the wine. The Chef's Galley seats about 20 diners max. There must be a minimum of 8 or they will not do a "show". We found this out on our return. We had booked 2 nights but got a call cancelling the first night for lack of patrons. In any case the "show" is well worth it. Chef Brent is from Capetown and quite an entertainer as well as a good chef. They give you the menu for the evening which incudes the recipes for each of three courses. The chef then prepares each course explaining his methods etc. All in all we had two of our most enjoyable experiences of the crossings at Chef's Galley. They do a different menu each night - we had the Thai menu (Thai BBQ beef with picked cucumber; cilantro crusted sea bass, bok choy with lime sesame vinaigrette; caramelized banana with passion fruit sorbet & crispy wontons) and the International menu (Lobster civiche with sevruga caviar; lamb ribeye with crispy polenta, haricot vert & black truffles; grilled pineapple with chili-rum reduction). Yes, you may keep the menus with the recipes. Chef Brent informed us on the westbound crossing that he has been promoted to the Princess Grill Restaurant so he was training someone new. If you try the Chef's Galley, and I highly recommend it, take your video cameras for a treat you can enjoy when you get home.

 

We thought we would be used to the Kings's Court area after the first crossing but found it just as confusing on the second. This area consists of 4 separate eating areas (The Carvery, Lotus, La Piazza and the above-noted Chef's Galley). Although they are located together it is very confusing especially if you enter form a different direction.

 

As stated above the ship is huge. In fact we found it to be too big simply because of the feeling of not being at sea any time you could not actually see the sea. No movement of the ship to speak of. Both crossings were smooth and the weather quite warm. We enjoyed the Oxford Discovery lectures a great deal - some very interesting lectures.

 

It was a very relaxing way to go to/from England. A great way to avoid air travel and all that that ensues.

 

Captain Bernard Werner had the helm on the eastbound and Commodore Warrick on the westbound. Speaking of which, on 12 deck (I think) there is a small observation area you can visit which looks into the bridge.

 

Cheers

[guernseyguy]

Hi Bluenoser,

 

Thanks for your thoughts & recommendation for the Chef's Galley - I hadn't really thought of trying that, but after your enthusiastic endorsement (and repeat visits!) I will now on my next crossing.

 

Peter

[heywood]

Thanks for the input- it's good to read these things. I'm glad you wrote about the Chef's Galley- we hope to do that next August on our crossing to New York. I assume it can only be booked once aboard. I had read about the experience before and our children (adults) wanted to buy it as a treat for their dad who takes cookery lessons. They were hoping to prebook as a surprise but from your remarks hopefully we'll be in with a chance if we book as soon as possible after embarkation.

[Mustangs]

Bluenoser,

 

Thanks for the review, you have provided some valuable input.

 

We have friends and family in the UK, and would love to get there using the QM2's transatlantic service. Perhaps in 2006!

 

We are looking forward to our booking of the December QM2 caribbean sailing out of New York city.

 

Anne and Alan