QM2 - First Time Cruisers!

[SeaLegs23]

My new husband and I are heading to Norway from Southampton on the QM2 for our honeymoon, and we’d love any tips you have for first timers who’ve never done this before! 
 

My immediate question is about cash - do I need to take some USD with us for tips for things like room service, or is this included in the auto-tipping system I’ve read about…?

 

Aside from that, though, I really don’t know what I don’t know, so anything you think would be useful for newbies to Cunard to know, or specific recommendations for the QM2 would be super welcome! 😊

[exlondoner]

3 minutes ago, SeaLegs23 said:

Hey all - I’m heading to Norway from Southampton on the QM2 with my new husband for our honeymoon - any tips for the QM2 that you can think of that we should know before we board? 
 

An initial question I have… do I need to take USD with me in cash for tips for things like room service, or is that covered by the auto-gratuity system I’ve read about? 
 

We’re both super new at this though, so any tips very gratefully received!!

It’s covered by the auto tip, but if you want to give something extra, it doesn’t have to be dollars. 
 

The main thing is: if there is something you want or something that is not right, ASK.

[NE John]

Take part in Gala Nights and get dressed up. There are so few places that replicate the scene in the Queen’s Room when in full swing during Gala Night. 

Are you In Britannia, Club, Princess Grill, Queens Grill?  
I like picking a set dinner time when eating in Britannia. Try to create a good relationship with your wait staff, they’ll treat you well. 
Afternoon Tea of course too. 
 

There are quite a few things that Cunard offers vs other lines so take advantage of them. 
 

[CruiserBruce]

28 minutes ago, SeaLegs23 said:

Thank you so much for that link, @CruiserBruce - I’ll nip over and have a look now. 
 

Thought that as all the trips, packages etc that I’ve brought have been in USD, that was the preferred currency… 

The official currency might be dollars...I am not sure. That is why I am curious about it.

[SeaLegs23]

45 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

It’s covered by the auto tip, but if you want to give something extra, it doesn’t have to be dollars. 
 

The main thing is: if there is something you want or something that is not right, ASK.

Ah, that’s super useful, thank you! Means I don’t have to take currency I’ll never use, I’ll just make sure I some GBP in cash on me. Thanks for the clarification. 😊😊

[SeaLegs23]

37 minutes ago, NE John said:

Take part in Gala Nights and get dressed up. There are so few places that replicate the scene in the Queen’s Room when in full swing during Gala Night. 

Are you In Britannia, Club, Princess Grill, Queens Grill?  
I like picking a set dinner time when eating in Britannia. Try to create a good relationship with your wait staff, they’ll treat you well. 
Afternoon Tea of course too. 
 

There are quite a few things that Cunard offers vs other lines so take advantage of them. 
 

Really looking forward to the Gala Nights. We have 2 standard ones, a Roaring Twenties-themed one and one a Black and White Gala night. Means we’re both taking so much luggage with us, but it’ll be worth it!! 😊

 

We’re in Britannia Club, so I think we’ve chosen a set time for our meal, and chosen a table for 2. Good call about the wait staff - I’d not clicked that it’ll be the same person looking after us through our cruise. 

[StollyBolly]

Have you filled out the pre cruise info and advised this is a special occasion?  I know other cruise lines ask if it’s an anniversary, birthday etc to help you celebrate in style.  
 

if tips are included in your cruise a little something extra for your suite attendant is a nice gesture and something to the Crew Fund that can be put on your credit card.  This fund is shared amongst the crew you may not see, but keep things running smoothly.  My understanding is the ship uses it for outings or if a crew member has a hardship.  
 

Congratulations and Bon Voyage!   Cruising can become addictive. 

[Host Hattie]

In Britannia Club you can go for Dinner anytime during evening opening hours.

Have a wonderful honeymoon and welcome to Cruise Critic. 

[exlondoner]

7 minutes ago, SeaLegs23 said:

Really looking forward to the Gala Nights. We have 2 standard ones, a Roaring Twenties-themed one and one a Black and White Gala night. Means we’re both taking so much luggage with us, but it’ll be worth it!! 😊

 

We’re in Britannia Club, so I think we’ve chosen a set time for our meal, and chosen a table for 2. Good call about the wait staff - I’d not clicked that it’ll be the same person looking after us through our cruise. 

And they are usually marvellous. After a couple of days, they’ll know your tastes.

[GonzoWCS]

We are going to be onboard the QM2 later on this year for the first time on Cunard.  Looking forward to all of the tips here and thanks for the great response so far.

Cheers

[exlondoner]

20 minutes ago, SeaLegs23 said:

Ah, that’s super useful, thank you! Means I don’t have to take currency I’ll never use, I’ll just make sure I some GBP in cash on me. Thanks for the clarification. 😊😊

And there is no compulsion to give anything.

[moses0]

I like to have dollar bills to tip guys who bring room service. 

[exlondoner]

3 minutes ago, moses0 said:

I like to have dollar bills to tip guys who bring room service. 

But you are US?

Edited May 5, 2023 by exlondoner

[SeaLegs23]

37 minutes ago, GonzoWCS said:

We are going to be onboard the QM2 later on this year for the first time on Cunard.  Looking forward to all of the tips here and thanks for the great response so far.

Cheers

I’ll keep an eye out while I’m there and I’ll post anything I find out for you! 😊

[SeaLegs23]

32 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

And there is no compulsion to give anything.

Ah, OK - so it’s not like a hotel where I *need* to tip every time  they bring the items…? All of that is covered either by the auto-tip or a tip that I’d leave in my room as we leave to say thank you for looking after us so well, if I so desire?

 

I won’t annoy the staff or appear unappreciative if I don’t tip them as I go?

 

(Yes, I’m aware as I type this that I’m overthinking this. 😂😂😂)

[SeaLegs23]

49 minutes ago, StollyBolly said:

Have you filled out the pre cruise info and advised this is a special occasion?  I know other cruise lines ask if it’s an anniversary, birthday etc to help you celebrate in style.  
 

if tips are included in your cruise a little something extra for your suite attendant is a nice gesture and something to the Crew Fund that can be put on your credit card.  This fund is shared amongst the crew you may not see, but keep things running smoothly.  My understanding is the ship uses it for outings or if a crew member has a hardship.  
 

Congratulations and Bon Voyage!   Cruising can become addictive. 

Thank you - we’re both super excited. A wedding one weekend and now this… We’re having quite the April/May! 😉

 

There was a minor problem when we booked, and I mentioned then that this would be our honeymoon, which the advisor on the phone said he’d note. We’re not expecting anything, but it’s nice he said he’d make sure the team were aware. 
 

Do you tend to tip the suite attendant as you go, or in a lump sum at the end of the cruise?

[exlondoner]

5 minutes ago, SeaLegs23 said:

Ah, OK - so it’s not like a hotel where I *need* to tip every time  they bring the items…? All of that is covered either by the auto-tip or a tip that I’d leave in my room as we leave to say thank you for looking after us so well, if I so desire?

 

I won’t annoy the staff or appear unappreciative if I don’t tip them as I go?

 

(Yes, I’m aware as I type this that I’m overthinking this. 😂😂😂)

No, there is absolutely no need to tip, but, at the end, if you feel you’ve been well looked after, you might give a bit extra to whoever has looked after you so well.

[Victoria2]

Just now, SeaLegs23 said:

Ah, OK - so it’s not like a hotel where I *need* to tip every time  they bring the items…? All of that is covered either by the auto-tip or a tip that I’d leave in my room as we leave to say thank you for looking after us so well, if I so desire?

 

I won’t annoy the staff or appear unappreciative if I don’t tip them as I go?

 

(Yes, I’m aware as I type this that I’m overthinking this. 😂😂😂)

No, you're not overthinking. You want to 'get it right' and the absolute truth is, auto grats cover it all but, and there's often a but isn't there, if you want to add extra it is entirely between you and any staff member you wish to 'reward'.

 

Don't listen to any onboard chat [if you do hear any] or any comments about how much will be given extra; It is personal and up to each individual.

 

May I suggest though, if you do want to give a small token, use a major currency. Roubles and the Manet for instance are a tad too country specific🙂

[neeuqdrazil]

Apart from the money side of things: 

 

Explore the ship. If you're able to do stairs, start at the top and work your way down - poke into the nooks and crannies (and there are a LOT). Especially forward on decks 2-3 there are all sorts of little passageways and interesting spots. I think that I've only been above Deck 9 twice in my 3 TAs, and I always regret it when disembarking. 

 

Have lunch at the Golden Lion. The food is included, and it's always a nice change. 

 

Check out the different breakfast options. MDR at least one morning, check out Carinthia Lounge for their nibbles (both breakfast and lunch), breakfast in bed... 

 

Afternoon tea in the Queen's Room is a must-do, at least once. (And then have a late dinner.) 

 

The Library is a lovely place to sit and read during the day. The Carinthia Lounge has comfy couches and chairs, and is a frequent gathering spot on sea days.  

 

Going out on deck at night, especially in your gala night finery, is something that I try to do at least once every trip - there's something magical about staring out into the darkness while dressed to the nines. 

[BklynBoy8]

2 hours ago, SeaLegs23 said:

My immediate question is about cash - do I need to take some USD with us for tips for things like room service, or is this included in the auto-tipping system I’ve read about…?

 

 

We do take cash in different dollar values to use for on board tips. If they help carry your carry on to your room, room service as an example do appreciate the extra gratitude you show to them.

 

We also keep on hand money, if you go on any tours, some passengers due show a gesture toward the tour guide and the driver of the vehicle.

 

Then we do at the end of the sailing if the waitress, asst.'s, wine steward and also room steward, if they showed exceptional service. And the longshoreman taking your luggage out of the terminal to the street side.  

[JSR]

I would add if they have afternoon tea with ballroom dancing with the orchestra, go early to get a seat where you can see the dance floor. It is worth the extra effort. 

[starquake]

Also don't feel bad about the following;

Ordering breakfast in bed & visiting the Britannia other restaurants.

 

Quite often we wake up to a delivered pot of nice coffee, juice, and some pastries or fruit, then wander down to breakfast at Britannia a hour or two later for a fresh omlette, or other egg dish.    It's perfectly fine to do BOTH and it's one of the best tips in enjoying your mornings if you are an early bird, as there is something special about having NICE, not instant coffee on the balcony in the mornings before everyone is up.

 

Interestignly on our last QM2 trip, one of the deliverys of the above morning breakfast ALSO was our waiter in the evening (a very nice man called Soloman), showing he worked a very long shift!   In topic of tips, this crew member got our largest (additional) tip at the end given we saw him twice a day for at least 5 of each 7 days.

 

 

[9tee2Sea]

3 hours ago, SeaLegs23 said:

My new husband and I are heading to Norway from Southampton on the QM2 for our honeymoon, and we’d love any tips you have for first timers who’ve never done this before! 
 

My immediate question is about cash - do I need to take some USD with us for tips for things like room service, or is this included in the auto-tipping system I’ve read about…?

 

Aside from that, though, I really don’t know what I don’t know, so anything you think would be useful for newbies to Cunard to know, or specific recommendations for the QM2 would be super welcome! 😊

first off...CONGRATULATIONS!  My very first cruise was Cunard QE2 ( somewhere in the 1990's).  All  can say about Cunard is it is an experience to be had. It was like cruising , when taking a cruise was the only way to get to far away destinations.  Time went by slowly at sea , but service and food onboard was spectacular.  It's a bit formal for meals ( at least when I cruised, same table for every dinner, and a certain dress code).  I remember the afternoon teas on QE2.  Just pretend you are back in time, and cruising is the " Only way to go".  Hopefully you might get a treat and see the Northern Lights ( depends on time of year and solar activity).

[Petulia]

Hi, I don’t know if you are cruising for the first time or on the QM2 for the first time, but either way I would just say that a cruise to Norway and the Fjords is an excellent choice. 
 

The QM2 is such a tall ship that the views from all the decks (and try the very top one) are spectacular. She looks very majestic whilst slowly sailing down a Fjord. 
 

Hope you both have a great time and perhaps take a sweater or two etc in case the temperature dips which it can do even in summer. Like they say in the Rockies …’you can have four seasons all in one day’. 

[SeaLegs23]

2 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

No, you're not overthinking. You want to 'get it right' and the absolute truth is, auto grats cover it all but, and there's often a but isn't there, if you want to add extra it is entirely between you and any staff member you wish to 'reward'.

 

Don't listen to any onboard chat [if you do hear any] or any comments about how much will be given extra; It is personal and up to each individual.

 

May I suggest though, if you do want to give a small token, use a major currency. Roubles and the Manet for instance are a tad too country specific🙂

<puts the Hungarian pengō back in the drawer> 😆