Observations from the latest crossing

[Cruise NH]

First, let me say that I saw someone else has also talked about this crossing.  I think their comments were great, I just wanted to add a few things.

 

We are diamond members and have done over 10 crossings.  Last time on the QM2 was the 2020 World Cruise.  We were in a sheltered balcony cabin.

 

Embarkation - was very smooth, as diamond members we flew through the process.  We were never asked if we took covid tests (we did and they were negative) they just asked if we had any changes to our previously submitted health assessment.

 

On Board -

No diamond welcome party by the Captain, or any other party of that type. Typically we're not big party people but we really missed this aspect of the crossing.  We never did see the Captain or any of the senior officers.  Felt off from a crossing veteran perspective.

 

There were no classes offered in the Connections area (previously would have excel, photoshop type stuff).

 

Games are not left out by the tables on deck 2.  You have to go to the library and 'check them out' and only for two days at a time.  Of course you can do that numerous times during the trip.  Jigsaw puzzles were set out however, go figure.

 

Insight lectures were not great.  We were so disappointed we love that aspect of Cunard and always find something interesting.  Among other things, there were two lectures, by two different people on Princess Diana's death...IMOP one would have been to many. 

 

Mask wearing by the crew appeared to be optional.  We were okay with that.

 

The internet was spotty.  It used to be diamond members got 8 free hours of internet, worth $135.  The $135 is the same but there is now a premium plan offered for the whole voyage for $140.  So if you're diamond, and you choose that plan, you're paying $5.  

 

The food was good but somehow the choices weren't at time.  A few times we chose not to eat in the main dining room because there simply wasn't anything on the menu we really liked.  On one night I ordered the always optional chicken breast with baked potato and veggies.

 

Disembarkation - 

 

We self disembarked and were walking off the ship at 6:33 AM.  Could not have been easier but it did cause a problem with our Luggage Forward pick up.  The great on shore staff from Cunard helped us with that problem.  So glad we decided to take the train to Boston rather then fly, the fog cancelled a lot of flights.  We used Dial7 for a private transfer, they were great.

 

Other things...

 

Driving up to the ship in Southampton we thought the ship looked it's age but we love her anyway.

 

For years on this forum I've read posts from UK cruisers talking about a 'hob' and there need for it.  Previous to getting on the ship, we traveled around Ireland, Scotland and England for several weeks.  Now we get it!  You need a hob!

 

Please don't read this as a negative review, it's not, but I wanted to point out what's changed from previous crossings.  We love Cunard and the QM2.

 

I mentioned we both tested negative just before the cruise.  When we got home Tuesday night my husband started having chills and a fever.  We tested him and sure enough he has covid.  I tested negative and feel fine. He's feeling a little better today but he's in isolation now.  We didn't wear masks on board, the vast majority of folks didn't, but we did keep our distance from people and felt we were otherwise careful.  You just never know.

 

 

[exlondoner]

Sorry, as a UK cruiser, I have no idea what a hob is!

[Windsurfboy]

10 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Sorry, as a UK cruiser, I have no idea what a hob is!

 

I've  a gas one on my cooker ,  I  suppose it's an alternative to taking everything but the kitchen sink with you.

 

Seriously I also have no idea what a hob is.

[Host Hattie]

As it's related to the travelling round the UK part of the post rather than the cruise I'm assuming it's about being able to cook.

 

Thanks for reporting back and I hope your husband feels better soon and you stay negative.

[exlondoner]

24 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

As it's related to the travelling round the UK part of the post rather than the cruise I'm assuming it's about being able to cook.

 

Thanks for reporting back and I hope your husband feels better soon and you stay negative.

I am even more baffled.

[Host Hattie]

Hopefully @Cruise NHwill be back to solve the mystery!

[PORT ROYAL]

6 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Hopefully @Cruise NHwill be back to solve the mystery!

Think the OP could see the need for a HUB when touring.  Predictive text possibly ruled.

[exlondoner]

10 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Think the OP could see the need for a HUB when touring.  Predictive text possibly ruled.

Some bit of a car? Surely you’d need four? Still mystified.

[PORT ROYAL]

9 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Some bit of a car? Surely you’d need four? Still mystified.

A convenient central point, from which all the places of interest could be easily radiated from.

Consider also using the word “Base”.

[Bell Boy]

Clarification Re the Games ;

My reliable Cunard source informs me,  "'Due to 'one or two' unscrupulous Cunard guests who occasionally remove them into their luggage"  "This method allows everyone to enjoy them"

😉    

[Cruise NH]

Blame it on my grandmother, I was going to say kettle,  but remembered she called it a hob and wrote that.  She was from Leeds, maybe it was a brand name?  I know she used to call vacuum cleaners hoovers for some reason.

[Cruise NH]

1 minute ago, Bell Boy said:

Clarification Re the Games ;

My reliable Cunard source informs me,  "'Due to 'one or two' unscrupulous Cunard guests who occasionally remove them into their luggage"  "This method allows everyone to enjoy them"

😉    

Seriously!  People steal them?  My goodness.

[Bell Boy]

1 minute ago, Cruise NH said:

Seriously!  People steal them?  My goodness.

Unfortunately yes , not only the occasional game ,  but Robes, Towels and anything else they fancy 😉 

[Host Hattie]

2 minutes ago, Cruise NH said:

Blame it on my grandmother, I was going to say kettle,  but remembered she called it a hob and wrote that.  She was from Leeds, maybe it was a brand name?  I know she used to call vacuum cleaners hoovers for some reason.

Well nobody had considered that ! So one of these, not those 

 

[PORT ROYAL]

Just now, Cruise NH said:

Seriously!  People steal them?  My goodness.

Yes, miscreants lift anything, teabags, condiment sets, plastic glasses, trays, cutlery, towels, cushion covers and even artwork from walls. The list is endless.
Their mantra is, if I can lift it, I can steal it.

Just not Cunard…..

 

[Windsurfboy]

A nice diversion about a hob , presume you put an old non electric kettle on a hob to boil, hence name.

 

a prize to anyone who can segway from this into a dress code discussion, as normally  happens

Edited October 26, 2022 by Windsurfboy

[exlondoner]

23 minutes ago, Bell Boy said:

Clarification Re the Games ;

My reliable Cunard source informs me,  "'Due to 'one or two' unscrupulous Cunard guests who occasionally remove them into their luggage"  "This method allows everyone to enjoy them"

😉    

I know some people will steal anything they can, but really…

[exlondoner]

27 minutes ago, Cruise NH said:

Blame it on my grandmother, I was going to say kettle,  but remembered she called it a hob and wrote that.  She was from Leeds, maybe it was a brand name?  I know she used to call vacuum cleaners hoovers for some reason.

Never heard of the word. Russell Hobbs is a manufacturer.

And I still don’t understand why you need to take one with you. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a hotel room without one, though not always in an obvious place.

Edited October 26, 2022 by exlondoner

[exlondoner]

20 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Well nobody had considered that ! So one of these, not those 

 

Now why out of all the delicious things you could choose a picture of, did you have to choose the devilish broccoli? I’m with the first President Bush on this, although, like a good girl, I eat it because it’s good for me.

[BklynBoy8]

 

Have to admit I am this last time a Cunarder Thief.......I took several packages of the Hot Chocolate home.

 

I like it very much I wanted to enjoy it at home and have a package to refer to. I found it on AMAZON and ordered it. Now I can enjoy QM2 Hot Chocolate from now on. It is really good. Belgium Chocolate is really tasty.

 

At least I admit to it for a good reason. Memories last..lol.....

Edited October 26, 2022 by BklynBoy8

[Windsurfboy]

32 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

A nice diversion about a hob , presume you put an old non electric kettle on a hob to boil, hence name.

 

a prize to anyone who can segway from this into a dress code discussion, as normally  happens

 

Auto Spell check strikes again,  segue turned into Segway

[Windsurfboy]

15 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Now why out of all the delicious things you could choose a picture of, did you have to choose the devilish broccoli? I’m with the first President Bush on this, although, like a good girl, I eat it because it’s good for me.

 

I'm with you on that, my wife loves broccoli,  I call it the devils vegetable.

 

Ever since the kids left home when I no longer had to set an example, I  generously  donate mine to my wife or the bin. Yes I  know its good for me, but there are limits

[Gretchendz]

I was on this crossing as well.

 

We tried a Princess Grill suite this time (we were in Britannia on a preCovid crossing).  We really enjoyed the Princess Grill experience. Our cabin was very spacious. Loved the walk-in closet.

 

Staff was terrific.

 

I was slightly disappointed that (but I understand why) they have slightly liberalized the dress code. And only  two gala nights :).  

 

Internet quality was probably the biggest annoyance. 

 

Certainly none of the changes were sufficient to diminish our enjoyment of the voyage.

 

We boarded in Hamburg, and there was a lecture by Dr. Steven Payne, the designer of the QM2.  He gives a fantastic talk about his personal history, the history and design of the QM2. 

[RICHARD@SEA]

40 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

A nice diversion about a hob , presume you put an old non electric kettle on a hob to boil, hence name.

 

a prize to anyone who can segway from this into a dress code discussion, as normally  happens

I can't resist;

 

After the waiter poured the hot water from the HOB into the teapot, he accidently spilled the tea onto my suit ...as I left the restaurant someone said " what a shame - your suit is ruined & hardly anyone wears a suit to tea anymore on CUNARD!!!!

[Cruise NH]

16 minutes ago, Gretchendz said:

I was on this crossing as well.

 

We tried a Princess Grill suite this time (we were in Britannia on a preCovid crossing).  We really enjoyed the Princess Grill experience. Our cabin was very spacious. Loved the walk-in closet.

 

Staff was terrific.

 

I was slightly disappointed that (but I understand why) they have slightly liberalized the dress code. And only  two gala nights :).  

 

Internet quality was probably the biggest annoyance. 

 

Certainly none of the changes were sufficient to diminish our enjoyment of the voyage.

 

We boarded in Hamburg, and there was a lecture by Dr. Steven Payne, the designer of the QM2.  He gives a fantastic talk about his personal history, the history and design of the QM2. 

That’s a lecture I would have liked.  Totally agree about the staff!