QM2 Cancellation 23rd & 30th April

[eroller]

3 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

 

 

 

But, if it is multiple failures, these don't appear overnight, nor do they all happen at the same time.  This means that it was known for quite some time that the systems were failing, yet Cunard did nothing while it could have been repaired in service, and that it just finally collapsed the house of cards.  I'm surprised the class surveyors were not aware of the failures, and didn't require repairs sooner.

 

It is unfortunate if this is the case, and you can be sure Cunard will never admit to it.  The fact they are providing so few details does lead one to speculation, and not in a good way.  
 

The ship was in such horrible external condition during my sailing in March of last year, that I can’t say I’m surprised something more severe occurred.  There were obvious ongoing deferred maintenance issues that were very visible.  I wondered about the areas I couldn’t see.  Very sad to see on such a great ship.  

[cagefreewill]

1 hour ago, watsonbeau said:

No doubt I will be shot down in flames, but would point out that despite regular scheduled maintenance the unexpected can still happen ! Only Cunard know the issue that caused QM2 to stay in port for repairs and as Victoria2 says, all is speculation until Cunard provide information. 

Watsonbeau, I could not agree more with you that even in the best of times and with attentive maintenance, things can and do go wrong.  As a hobby, I collect vintage automobiles and I can tell you that maintenance is a continuous and expensive process.  In fact, my oldest car is a 1956 Lincoln and when it breaks it often means having parts custom built from scratch.  Talk about expensive!
 

That said, my beef with this whole situation is not that the Queen Mary 2 broke down, but rather it is the manner that Cunard has handled things.  Mind you, I’m not a bystander watching this unfold from my iPad in the comfort of my own living room.  I am a passenger that was displaced only moments prior to my scheduled embarkation time.  When unable to reach Cunard customer service on the telephone, I walked straight to the pier to talk to an agent.  
 

I was told directly by the company representative that I was welcome to stay on board for one night as a gesture of good will and that staff were not able to assist displaced passengers, but rather, their role was to attend to the comfort and convenience of those passengers on the ship.  I was instructed to contact my TA or the cruise line directly.  Because I booked directly with Cunard, I had to wait nearly 36 hours to speak to someone.  Reminder, this is not speculation.  This is fact.  I was there.  This happened to me.  Even since that time, the very first communication from Cunard not instigated by me was today, a full four days after the voyage was cancelled in the form of a refund for all of the add-on bookings that I made for the voyage (drinks, specialty dining, spa packages, etc.).
 

While I was busy making expensive travel plans in order to both salvage a holiday that my spouse and I have been looking forward to for nearly 2 years and to repatriate to the United States, Cunard was busy attending to passengers that were on board and otherwise went about business as if it were just another day.  I can’t help but recognize a distinct double standard in the practice of business on the part of the cruise line and yes it stings just a little bit.  Again, this is not speculation, but fact, as published by multiple passengers across several social media platforms.  
 

I realize that there are many people on this forum that are fervent supporters of Cunard, and I respect that.  But, I also understand that there are many people who, much like I, use this website as a guide when attempting to make an expensive decision regarding holiday plans, and they are entitled to fair and balanced commentary so that they can make a decision that is right for them.

[3rdGenCunarder]

5 minutes ago, cagefreewill said:

That said, my beef with this whole situation is not that the Queen Mary 2 broke down, but rather it is the manner that Cunard has handled things.

 

For me, this is the most important point. Things can go wrong with any service provider, from cable TV to a cruise line. What happens next is what shows how well the company is run. There should have been more information in the initial contact and better availability of people at Cunard to answer questions. 

 

5 minutes ago, cagefreewill said:

While I was busy making expensive travel plans in order to both salvage a holiday that my spouse and I have been looking forward to for nearly 2 years and to repatriate to the United States, Cunard was busy attending to passengers that were on board and otherwise went about business as if it were just another day.  I can’t help but recognize a distinct double standard in the practice of business on the part of the cruise line and yes it stings just a little bit.  Again, this is not speculation, but fact, as published by multiple passengers across several social media platforms.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by double standard? Cunard was busy attending to passengers on board because that's what the ship's staff does. Except for the onboard booking staff, which is generally only 2 people, there isn't anyone onboard who is set up to help in a situation like this. And I'm not sure even they would have been able to make your travel arrangements. 

 

[Insights]

Well folks here is the latest on the coronation cruise... Gone in a blink of the eye

This voyage has sold out

Due to popular demand, this voyage is no longer available, but the Cunard Queens offer many other short cruises from Southampton throughout the year for a convenient and luxurious getaway.

 

[Insights]

We have friends still on QM and they are totally enjoying the extra time onboard.. They.are making the very best out of an unexpected occurrence. Looking at it in a clearer light, it would have taken 7 days to do the crossing, instead, they have been given 4-5 days extra onboard at no cost and have the bonus to explore the beautiful British countryside and towns. They will be home around the same time as planed only difference, they have a transatlantic non-stop flight instead of a NY flight. Their luggage has been sent home and they have been given a full refund plus 20% of the crossing fare. Cunard have done their best in this unexpected situation. In life there are those who moan n groan in every unexpected event and there are those who make the most of each situation that comes along... La-De Da!

[cagefreewill]

4 minutes ago, Insights said:

We have friends still on QM and they are totally enjoying the extra time onboard.. They.are making the very best out of an unexpected occurrence. Looking at it in a clearer light, it would have taken 7 days to do the crossing, instead, they have been given 4-5 days extra onboard at no cost and have the bonus to explore the beautiful British countryside and towns. They will be home around the same time as planed only difference, they have a transatlantic non-stop flight instead of a NY flight. Their luggage has been sent home and they have been given a full refund plus 20% of the crossing fare. Cunard have done their best in this unexpected situation. In life there are those who moan n groan in every unexpected event and there are those who make the most of each situation that comes along... La-De Da!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[JSR]

@cagefreewill - very well put. I wish you the best in your journey to save your holiday. 

 

@Insights - this is a perfect example of the double standard, while the guests already on the ship are enjoying their holiday, those that were not on the ship are left to their own devices to arrange housing as well as transportation with little notice. Not to mention those that are unable to fly either for health reasons or are traveling with dogs, etc. are truly in a predicament. I am happy for your friends however, compassion for those in more difficult situation is called for. 

 

 

[watsonbeau]

There is a post on the book of visages that those with dogs are to be flown on a private jet. Others who cannot fly for health reasons staying on board and return on next TA. Obviously no idea how true this is as am not in contact with anyone onboard but the latter seems to be happening as per Insights post

[Insights]

Certainly always compassion for all who have not been able to make the appropriate arrangements, however whenever we undertake any type journey, we have to make possible plans for unexpected events that may come along and if we will be unable to cope with any dire situations that may occur, then it is best to not to take that journey. That is why being intrinsically forewarned of any future possibilities makes a person consider the risk- reward of going on the journey and if it is really worthwhile?

[vjmatty]

53 minutes ago, Insights said:

Certainly always compassion for all who have not been able to make the appropriate arrangements, however whenever we undertake any type journey, we have to make possible plans for unexpected events that may come along and if we will be unable to cope with any dire situations that may occur, then it is best to not to take that journey. That is why being intrinsically forewarned of any future possibilities makes a person consider the risk- reward of going on the journey and if it is really worthwhile?

Lol I don’t think your friends’ “preparation” is what allowed them to be lucky enough to get a 7 day floating hotel stay on the QM2 while others, even the most prepared with insurance and the ability to get flights home, did not get to have that opportunity. Surely you can see the difference….just because someone is disappointed in getting disparate treatment doesn’t mean they didn’t prepare.  Those are two different things that are not mutually exclusive. 

[3rdGenCunarder]

12 minutes ago, vjmatty said:

Lol I don’t think your friends’ “preparation” is what allowed them to be lucky enough to get a 7 day floating hotel stay on the QM2 while others, even the most prepared with insurance and the ability to get flights home, did not get to have that opportunity. Surely you can see the difference….just because someone is disappointed in getting disparate treatment doesn’t mean they didn’t prepare.  Those are two different things that are not mutually exclusive. 

 

It desn't seem fair, but the difference is based on Cunard's T&C. If your cruise is interrupted, they have to take care of you in some way. If it's cancelled before it starts, even very close to boarding, they don't have that same responsibility. 

[majortom10]

Just been informed of a free 13 grade update from inside to balcony on our roundtrip TA on QM2 on 18th May. Just hope she is repaired and has no problems on her Coronation and Fjords cruise. First upgrade with Cunard since 1997.

[vjmatty]

11 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

It desn't seem fair, but the difference is based on Cunard's T&C. If your cruise is interrupted, they have to take care of you in some way. If it's cancelled before it starts, even very close to boarding, they don't have that same responsibility. 

Right, I wasn’t meaning to call it unfair, just understanding the frustration of those who didn’t get that benefit, and pointing out that being prepared had nothing to do with it. 

[3rdGenCunarder]

12 minutes ago, vjmatty said:

Right, I wasn’t meaning to call it unfair, just understanding the frustration of those who didn’t get that benefit, and pointing out that being prepared had nothing to do with it. 

 

You can't prepare for everything, and this certainly was a surprise. It pays to be nimble, though. If I had been at the port when I found out about the cancellation, my first move would have been to grab my phone and make arrangements for a hotel for that night to buy myself a little breathing space while I sorted things out. 

[Insights]

I always welcome folks with opposite opinions, as it help all viewing to make their own decisions on what make sense to them. For the few that do not understand what it means making plans for the unexpected, they would do well to heed the words of the greatest statesman that ever lived, Winston Churchill... "Expect the best while making plans for the worst"... The only certainties in life are the uncertainty of it all.

[cagefreewill]

36 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

You can't prepare for everything, and this certainly was a surprise. It pays to be nimble, though. If I had been at the port when I found out about the cancellation, my first move would have been to grab my phone and make arrangements for a hotel for that night to buy myself a little breathing space while I sorted things out. 

Yeah, so I actually extended my hotel booking before I even left my hotel in Southampton (The Moxy) before I even left for the pier to try and sort things out because it’s not my first time traveling, thanks. 
 

@Insights I’m very familiar with the works of Sir Winston Churchill as he died on my birthday and I’ve spent my life studying his works.  And to be clear, I did plan for the unexpected (or rather the expected) by making my own travel plans to get home.  I guess missed that when you studied my previous posts.  I mean.  People make mistakes. 

[exlondoner]

Irrelevant but fascinating. Why does someone dying on one’s birthday make one interested in or familiar with their works? I think Bertrand Russell died on my birthday, but must say I’ve always struggled…Sorry, HH.

[cagefreewill]

11 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Irrelevant but fascinating. Why does someone dying on one’s birthday make one interested in or familiar with their works? I think Bertrand Russell died on my birthday, but must say I’ve always struggled…Sorry, HH.

Oh, one finds a connection and develops an interest.  Then one rolls with it.  I’m sorry that you’ve struggled.  

[Starstruckharper]

13 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

 

Update: right on schedule, QM2 has moved berths at the Southampton Ocean Terminal.

[Mercruiser]

28 minutes ago, Starstruckharper said:

Update: right on schedule, QM2 has moved berths at the Southampton Ocean Terminal.

 

See a video replay here. Ship movement starts at 18:00 per the timestamp on the upper right. Switch the playback speed to 2X for the fast version. This is a "live" feed so I think this only works for the next while.

 

 

Edited April 27, 2023 by Mercruiser

[LouChamp]

Aloha.  Have been sailing with Cunard for decades. That said and this is just my humble opinion, I find how they handled this situation inappropriate. If the ship had mechanical issues they used the issue to cancel voyages to replace it with a coronation voyage without properly compensating those who have planned holidays around transatlantic crossings.  Yes they are offering compensation but their customer communication department should be fired for lack of transparency. 

[majortom10]

42 minutes ago, LouChamp said:

Aloha.  Have been sailing with Cunard for decades. That said and this is just my humble opinion, I find how they handled this situation inappropriate. If the ship had mechanical issues they used the issue to cancel voyages to replace it with a coronation voyage without properly compensating those who have planned holidays around transatlantic crossings.  Yes they are offering compensation but their customer communication department should be fired for lack of transparency. 

How did they cancel voyages to replace with Coronation cruise. The TA from Southampton was cancelled to facilitate repairs. After consultation with company doing repairs they knew when it would be completed. They wouldn't have enough time to get to New York to carry out 30th April TA to Southampton. Therefore rather than the ship sitting in Southampton doing nothing and not earning money they managed to arrange Coronation Cruise with a port stop at Liverpool. Good business practice especially in how Carnival are in such debt. They didn't use the issue to cancel cruises they had to get the ship repaired at Southampton. I am sure they would have preferred to carry on as scheduled and would have made far more money in doing so.

Edited April 28, 2023 by majortom10

[Starstruckharper]

1 minute ago, majortom10 said:

How did they cancel voyages to replace with Coronation cruise. The TA from Southampton was cancelled to facilitate repairs. After consultation with company doing repairs they knew when it was completed. They wouldn't have enough time to get to New York to carry out 30th April TA to Southampton. Therefore rather than the ship sitting in Southampton doing nothing and not earning money they managed to arrange Coronation Cruise with a port stop at Liverpool. Good business practice especially in how Carnival are in such debt.

Is there any indication the port stop in Liverpool is also a repair stop? I know Cammel Laird is up there in Birkenhead - anyone know if QM2 is due in?

[majortom10]

3 minutes ago, Starstruckharper said:

Is there any indication the port stop in Liverpool is also a repair stop? I know Cammel Laird is up there in Birkenhead - anyone know if QM2 is due in?

No the QM2 has now had her repairs completed. It was reported that they wouldn't be allowed to sail anywhere until repairs were completed. Liverpool is just a normal port call and is Cunard's spiritual home so makes sense.

Edited April 28, 2023 by majortom10

[Saab4444]

8 minutes ago, Starstruckharper said:

Is there any indication the port stop in Liverpool is also a repair stop? I know Cammel Laird is up there in Birkenhead - anyone know if QM2 is due in?

No yard in the UK has a dry dock facility suitable for QM2. This is why they usually go to Germany or the Netherlands.