Queen Mary 2 for younger passengers?

[cagefreewill]

On 5/28/2021 at 5:03 PM, Germancruiser said:

Just to add my two cents- I sailed Cunard for the very first time at the tender age of 35 - the old QE2- to be honest she was tired and outdated by then but a great experience anyway- for me as a ship buff that is. A little break and  then for the first time QM2- and I was hooked.

I started with RCI when they did not have all the bells and whistles - loved it- then their ships got bigger- not to my liking so I went to X- Celebrity- and stayed there until i switched - about 10 years ago to Cunard with the occaisonal Celebrity Cruise thrown in.

Cunard is still on hold for the time beeiing so I turn to X in three weeks time to join the Apex on her Maiden Voyage.

I am quite sure you and your spouse will like the QM2- as already mentioned- if you are not a big fan of hairy leg contests, ice rings, Flow Rider and so such things.

 

We are sailing on the Apex in January for my birthday.  I can't wait!  I could probably win the hairy leg contest if there really is one.  😛

[cagefreewill]

Wow!  What an outpouring of information.  Thank you to everyone that responded!  Much of what was posted I had suspected.  Jamie and I really enjoy each others company and so I should not be too worried about anything.  I think that I'm going to give it a go and book it.  With that being said...when is the best time?  Months to avoid?  New York to Southampton or the reverse?  I lived in New York City for 14 years so I've seen the Statue of Liberty, but it would be nice to sail into New York, I reckon.

[Tonopah]

52 minutes ago, cagefreewill said:

Wow!  What an outpouring of information.  Thank you to everyone that responded!  Much of what was posted I had suspected.  Jamie and I really enjoy each others company and so I should not be too worried about anything.  I think that I'm going to give it a go and book it.  With that being said...when is the best time?  Months to avoid?  New York to Southampton or the reverse?  I lived in New York City for 14 years so I've seen the Statue of Liberty, but it would be nice to sail into New York, I reckon.

Well, you could do a back to back round trip. Heading east you lose time as the time changes, but heading west, you gain. We’ve gone east. Next year we’ll be heading west (in November!) to get back those hours we “lost”. It is a wonderful experience.

[navybankerteacher]

2 hours ago, cagefreewill said:

Wow!  What an outpouring of information.  Thank you to everyone that responded!  Much of what was posted I had suspected.  Jamie and I really enjoy each others company and so I should not be too worried about anything.  I think that I'm going to give it a go and book it.  With that being said...when is the best time?  Months to avoid?  New York to Southampton or the reverse?  I lived in New York City for 14 years so I've seen the Statue of Liberty, but it would be nice to sail into New York, I reckon.

If you are thinking of a one way, I would suggest westbound from Southampton to New York - for a number of reasons:  it is good to get the trans-Atlantic flight over with first , and it is better to have five 25 hour days rather than 23 hour days to accommodate the time zone change.  I would avoid the very  few crossings between November and May (much of that time QM2 is doing her two Caribbean cruises from NY or engaged in her world cruise).

 

If you are thinking of spending time in the UK (usually best in July through October, when the ocean is also at its warmest) you might want to build you crossing around that.

Edited June 1, 2021 by navybankerteacher

[ace2542]

8 hours ago, cagefreewill said:

I lived in New York City for 14 years so I've seen the Statue of Liberty, but it would be nice to sail into New York, I reckon.

Indeed it would but you will probably miss it. They don't like making announcement not even for that. They try to say when they will sail in. But we have been up at 5am and missed it on a westbound crossing.

[PORT ROYAL]

On 6/1/2021 at 11:16 AM, ace2542 said:

Indeed it would but you will probably miss it. They don't like making announcement not even for that. They try to say when they will sail in. But we have been up at 5am and missed it on a westbound crossing.

The $10.00 Room Steward Alarm, activated 20 minutes prior to passing worked for us.

 

[BklynBoy8]

2 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

The $10.00 Room Steward Alarm, activated 20 minutes prior to passing worked for us.

Never heard of a Steward Alarm.. Know cabins have alarm clocks in them.

Or in past, ask front desk to call you at a certain time.

Think those days do not exist.

[ClipperinSFO]

As a fellow ship nerd, you will love the QM2.  Just being on the N Atlantic on a Cunarder is such a thrill.  I have to be careful not to over schedule my days, as between the meals, cocktails, teas and after dinner drinks and gazing at the sea, there isn't all that much free time.  And as for drinking, it's not so much that it's an activity, so much as an excuse to sit, relax and people (or sea) watch in some beautiful public rooms.  Our favorites: Commodore Club before dinner, then Chart Room after dinner - or occasionally Churchill's for a cigar (for DH, not me - I refer to it as the 'First Class Smoking Room' just to make it bearable.)  Mostly the bars are not crowded, but I wouldn't call them dead either, there just will be no stress of wondering "will we get in?".  If you and your spouse enjoy each others company there will be countless wonderful places and settings of all kinds to do so aboard the QM2.

 

As for direction. I am native NY'er, so am wired for Eastbound.  I want to sail away from NY (so exciting!) and arrive in Europe sans jet lag.  The clocks being advanced an hour each day is annoying however, but a small price to pay.  DH is a Brit, so he prefers Wetboiund with the longer days and the o'dark hundred arrival into NY harbor.  For me its a bit of a let down, as we are home, wonderful though that may be.  To each his own. 

 

Also, we both prefer winter crossings as the seas, skies and weather tend to be more dramatic.  The North Atlantic and the QM2 are the destinations for us, so why not see them in their full glory? You'll be on the same route with same vistas of changing seas and skies as seen from the decks of the Normandie, Bremen and countless other Atlantic liners through the years.  

 

I am sure you guys will have a wonderful trip, and I would bet a round of drinks at the CC (probably around 5p) that this will be the first of many crossings for you.  

[cagefreewill]

I did it!  I booked a West Bound Crossing in April 2023.  I realize its a little too early to be in the ideal "summer" season, but we will fly over a couple of weeks early to visit family in England and then zip over to Paris for a few days.  I love Paris in April.  We will be in cabin 11003 on the starboard side.  I can't wait!

[cagefreewill]

2 hours ago, ClipperinSFO said:

As a fellow ship nerd, you will love the QM2.  Just being on the N Atlantic on a Cunarder is such a thrill.  I have to be careful not to over schedule my days, as between the meals, cocktails, teas and after dinner drinks and gazing at the sea, there isn't all that much free time.  And as for drinking, it's not so much that it's an activity, so much as an excuse to sit, relax and people (or sea) watch in some beautiful public rooms.  Our favorites: Commodore Club before dinner, then Chart Room after dinner - or occasionally Churchill's for a cigar (for DH, not me - I refer to it as the 'First Class Smoking Room' just to make it bearable.)  Mostly the bars are not crowded, but I wouldn't call them dead either, there just will be no stress of wondering "will we get in?".  If you and your spouse enjoy each others company there will be countless wonderful places and settings of all kinds to do so aboard the QM2.

 

As for direction. I am native NY'er, so am wired for Eastbound.  I want to sail away from NY (so exciting!) and arrive in Europe sans jet lag.  The clocks being advanced an hour each day is annoying however, but a small price to pay.  DH is a Brit, so he prefers Wetboiund with the longer days and the o'dark hundred arrival into NY harbor.  For me its a bit of a let down, as we are home, wonderful though that may be.  To each his own. 

 

Also, we both prefer winter crossings as the seas, skies and weather tend to be more dramatic.  The North Atlantic and the QM2 are the destinations for us, so why not see them in their full glory? You'll be on the same route with same vistas of changing seas and skies as seen from the decks of the Normandie, Bremen and countless other Atlantic liners through the years.  

 

I am sure you guys will have a wonderful trip, and I would bet a round of drinks at the CC (probably around 5p) that this will be the first of many crossings for you.  

The Normandie has always been my favorite liner.  Sigh.  Thanks for suggesting Churchill's.  I will totally get a cigar and some brandy!

[Jack E Dawson]

2 hours ago, cagefreewill said:

I did it!  I booked a West Bound Crossing in April 2023.  I realize its a little too early to be in the ideal "summer" season, but we will fly over a couple of weeks early to visit family in England and then zip over to Paris for a few days.  I love Paris in April.  We will be in cabin 11003 on the starboard side.  I can't wait!

WELL DONE CAGEFREEWILL!!!! You won't be disappointed. And by scheduling the voyage not until 2023, you will  negate a lot of the concerns you had about being too young for Cunard. My only suggestion would be to try and switch to a Port side cabin. This will put your balcony on the sunny side of the ship and give you a view of the Statue of Liberty from your cabin, when you arrive NYC. 

In the words of Cole Porter, "I love Paris in the Spring Time."

Congratulations,

Jack 

[navybankerteacher]

3 hours ago, Jack E Dawson said:

…

 

My only suggestion would be to try and switch to a Port side cabin. This will put your balcony on the sunny side of the ship and give you a view of the Statue of Liberty from your cabin, when you arrive NYC. 

In the words of Cole Porter, "I love Paris in the Spring Time."

Congratulations,

Jack 

Seconded -port side, especially that time of year when sun (if clear skies) all day everyday makes the balcony a lot more usable.

[Nick&Simon]

I am 53 and have over 70 Cunard sailings under my belt (at least I did the last time I checked). I always find it difficult to answer when people ask me what sort of things I do onboard. I reality I do very little...

 

I have never been to the Theatre. Never been to a lecture. Never been to a class of any kind. Only twice been to an officers party. Only ever go to the Queens Room to get somewhere else. Hardly ever get of the ship at port stops. Don't shop onboard. I gave up reading the Daily Program years ago... and yet the day whirls past and I have a great time.

 

I think people find their own space, pace and place onboard.

 

 

 

[Tonopah]

44 minutes ago, Nick&Simon said:

I am 53 and have over 70 Cunard sailings under my belt (at least I did the last time I checked). I always find it difficult to answer when people ask me what sort of things I do onboard. I reality I do very little...

 

I have never been to the Theatre. Never been to a lecture. Never been to a class of any kind. Only twice been to an officers party. Only ever go to the Queens Room to get somewhere else. Hardly ever get of the ship at port stops. Don't shop onboard. I gave up reading the Daily Program years ago... and yet the day whirls past and I have a great time.

 

I think people find their own space, pace and place onboard.

 

 

 

How about the planetarium? Have you seen that? We have yet to attend but it is on the “next time” list, along with fencing, because why not?

[mcloaked]

59 minutes ago, Nick&Simon said:

I am 53 and have over 70 Cunard sailings under my belt (at least I did the last time I checked). I always find it difficult to answer when people ask me what sort of things I do onboard. I reality I do very little...

 

I have never been to the Theatre. Never been to a lecture. Never been to a class of any kind. Only twice been to an officers party. Only ever go to the Queens Room to get somewhere else. Hardly ever get of the ship at port stops. Don't shop onboard. I gave up reading the Daily Program years ago... and yet the day whirls past and I have a great time.

 

I think people find their own space, pace and place onboard.

 

 

I believe it is called enjoying the atmosphere whilst chilling out and feeling good.  It is nice to be able to spend time doing very little rather than having an exhausting pre-mapped 'schedule' of multiple tasks that have to be completed each day - taking each day as it comes and simply enjoying soaking up the enjoyment of a timeless holiday is something few of us do very often - we enjoy experiencing the atmosphere but we also do ballroom dancing at every opportunity. We enjoy taking time over a meal rather than wolfing down max sized portions as fast as possible, having a slow walk either around the ship or around a port of call. Simply sitting in a park in one of the ports listening to the birds, and perhaps having a drink for an hour - fabulous.  You can certainly enjoy life without a bucket list of to-do's, at any age.

Edited June 4, 2021 by mcloaked

[Nick&Simon]

2 hours ago, Tonopah said:

How about the planetarium? Have you seen that? We have yet to attend but it is on the “next time” list, along with fencing, because why not?

No. But I have sneaked in for a siesta in there.

[Nick&Simon]

2 hours ago, mcloaked said:

 

I believe it is called enjoying the atmosphere whilst chilling out and feeling good.  It is nice to be able to spend time doing very little rather than having an exhausting pre-mapped 'schedule' of multiple tasks that have to be completed each day - taking each day as it comes and simply enjoying soaking up the enjoyment of a timeless holiday is something few of us do very often - we enjoy experiencing the atmosphere but we also do ballroom dancing at every opportunity. We enjoy taking time over a meal rather than wolfing down max sized portions as fast as possible, having a slow walk either around the ship or around a port of call. Simply sitting in a park in one of the ports listening to the birds, and perhaps having a drink for an hour - fabulous.  You can certainly enjoy life without a bucket list of to-do's, at any age.

 

 

Each time I travel on Cunard I make a point of doing something I have never done before. There are so many things I still want to experience.

[mcloaked]

The nice thing about a cruise is that everyone can choose to do as much or little as they want. If everyone has a fabulous time doing eating or drinking, lazing around, watching the sea, socialising, being alone, having coffee, sitting on deck asleep, swimming, or five hours a day in the gym, every one of those activities is perfectly OK.  We can't wait to get back on board and do our own thing!

 

[BklynBoy8]

1 hour ago, mcloaked said:

The nice thing about a cruise is that everyone can choose to do as much or little as they want. If everyone has a fabulous time doing eating or drinking, lazing around, watching the sea, socialising, being alone, having coffee, sitting on deck asleep, swimming, or five hours a day in the gym, every one of those activities is perfectly OK.  We can't wait to get back on board and do our own thing!

Many Thanks in Little Words...

 

Very well describe the few of the many tasks one can partake during a sailing.

[navybankerteacher]

5 hours ago, Tonopah said:

How about the planetarium? Have you seen that? We have yet to attend but it is on the “next time” list, along with fencing, because why not?

The planetarium is a good way to spend an hour on a sea day - you just have to discipline yourself to get the tickets a bit in advance - which means planning a somewhat larger chunk of your day than is usually necessary.

[BklynBoy8]

3 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

The planetarium is a good way to spend an hour on a sea day - you just have to discipline yourself to get the tickets a bit in advance - which means planning a somewhat larger chunk of your day than is usually necessary.

The tickets do go out around 9AM outside of Connextions on Deck 2 - Port Side.. I believe looking at a old programme the showings are each half hour from btw 1 & 4 PM. They want passengers to arrive 10 min early before enterting.