Complaint Department

[Ribble]

With what seems to be the overwhelming majority of our posters complaining about one thing or another, why in the world are any of us sailing on Cunard and specifically QM2?

 

I also have wondered how representative those posting on boards are of the entire cruising population - those who don't know the boards exist.

 

Oh, I almost forgot - - I will be selling jeans at the dock on July 3 for those who forgot them at home.

[lannp]

Last year the CC's wondered if we had made a mistake in booking. The comments were so negative that I had real doubts about spending so much money for a crossing.

But on the final day we gathered to say farewell and all agreed that there had been some little glitches but we couldn't understand the negativity we'd been reading about. We wondered if we were sailing on the wrong ship. So I read the comments but I don't dwell on them and I go aboard and form my own opinion.

[heywood]

Sorry Ribble - I don't wear jeans! However thanks to my upbringing and schooling I am aware of social niceties- how to behave and be appreciative. I am one of those rare posters who cruise but once a year in a less expensive inside stateroom (all I can afford) and am very grateful and happy that I can afford it! I do not possess anything encrusted in rhinestones, clothes that are designer made or indeed made of silk but I will enjoy my vacation along with those others who do not know or care about these boards.

Don't forget to stick the rhinestones on before you sell your jeans- remember you will be sailing with quality folks!

Heywood

[Bramcruiser]

Ribble:

 

Totally agree. A few of us have decided to stay away from the threads on the Cunard board simply because of the negativity. We just decided we are far too excited about our own vacations which we had booked for our very own reasons. There may or may not be legitimacy to the matters brought up but lately the negativity has been far outweighing any positives. Its enough to make one want to rethink their vacation plans which I suspect would be a mistake.

 

So a bunch has been sticking to our roll call only. Why am I here to reply. Who knows!

[garycarla]

Okay, some REALLY complain. Just life, here and elsewhere. Besides, it is so easy to complain and carryon here since nobody will tell you to SHUT UP or WALK AWAY from you, usually.

 

Some talk about issues that would not keep them from cruising, but they still want to discuss them. Might seem like negativity, but often this is just a place to vent.

 

Lots of people are just looking for information. And these people are the ones we all love to chat with.

 

Don't give up.

 

And, here are some nice jeans to buy

[patwell]

Well said Bramcruiser....this used to be a fun place to hang out as a Cunard first-timer. I got lots of valuable information and people were really helpful to each other. I loved the vicarious enjoyment and the genuine sharing of tips and advice. Now the "venting" has a mean spirited tone to it laced with sarcasm if someone says something that someone else doesn't like. I hope other first-timers like me don't get put off.

 

The very first posting I read here almost made me change my mind. It was negative beyond all reasoning. Thankfully I stayed with it, found more reasonable threads and information but I'm with Bramcruiser here in that I think I'll just hang out on our Roll Call...it's a lot more user friendly over there with fellow travelers offering their advice and experience. I'm not looking at this up coming trip with rose colored glasses and nostalgic illusions. For us it has very special meaning and I AM looking forward to it with enthusiasm and excitement. I'm not finding a lot of that around here lately.

 

Flame me if you wish....I just had to get this off my chest. Penny

[travel-to-go]

Oh, I almost forgot - - I will be selling jeans at the dock on July 3 for those who forgot them at home.

<LOL>, Ribble!

 

And GaryCarla, (Which one ARE you?) Are you looking at the jeans or the model!

 

Karie,

Who despite all of the negativity (and the conviction she is just not good enough for the queens, or at least some of her passengers)- Here in the preppie world of Connecticut, we say "NOKD!" Not Our Kind, Dear! (said with upper crust, old- money, jaws frimly and properly clenched!) will be on that ship 2 September, ready for a GREAT time, even if I am not in grill, have to put up with the smoke in the Golden Lion to play trivia with my smoking (but considerate) friend, and can't wear my thousands of pairs of designer fat-chick jeans to the Captain's fancy ball and the audience with the Queen!

 

Life is good!

[Ldybrnwyn]

I actually came to this board on a recommendation from my friend Colleen. She was trying to find helpful hints for our QM2 Hawaii trip. And in defense of cruise critics, it's been REALLY helpful for that.

 

It was pretty easy to get sucked into the negative stuff (especially after the Ft. Lauderdale incident) in an attempt to rally around Cunard and defend the QM2's honour a little. But, you know, when all is said and done, if you enjoy the cruise then it was a good one. And I honestly have to say that I've enjoyed each of the QM2 cruises I've been on. So much so, I look forward to the next time! (I've only been on one a year too) Of course there were scr*w ups now and then. But, the ship is staffed by human beings and....well.....who of us doesn't scr*w up once in a while.

 

I can be as nit picky as the next person but it's just so hard to do that when I can feel the tension melt away with each nautical mile. Even when a fellow pax presents me with a challenge, it's difficult to dwell on it. It's just so darn NICE being at sea!

[phileas]

Karie,

Who despite all of the negativity (and the conviction she is just not good enough for the queens, or at least some of her passengers)- Here in the preppie world of Connecticut, we say "NOKD!" Not Our Kind, Dear! (said with upper crust, old- money, jaws frimly and properly clenched!) will be on that ship 2 September, ready for a GREAT time, even if I am not in grill, have to put up with the smoke in the Golden Lion to play trivia with my smoking (but considerate) friend, and can't wear my thousands of pairs of designer fat-chick jeans to the Captain's fancy ball and the audience with the Queen!

 

Life is good!

 

Firstly, about the negativity of many posts. Like newspapers, bad news creates more interest than good news. This will always be the case whilst those pesky 2 legged upright walking mammals exist in this planet! I decided to join this forum in the first instance because of all the negativity. No, not because I wanted to compound those comments, but to inject some positive comments and observations from personal experience. Were were on the "Splendour of the Falls" trip last year, which had a real slating by some. Yes there were some annoyances, but none seemed to be life threatening, and they were more than offset by the fantastic time we experienced. I try to see both sides when there are problems. As Stellrchef says, we are all human and make mistakes. Those errors that can be relatively easily forseen are the ones that should attract comment, but others can be seen wonderfully well with hindsight, but not in advance!

 

Secondly, on a totally different note, Karie, you refer to being on the ship on 2nd September. Do you mean the QM2? If so, I presume that you will actually be aboard a few days earlier, as according to my brochure, she is in mid-Atlantic on the 2nd, and the QE2 is also at sea that day! :confused:

 

Phileas

Who puzzled brain must be the size of the scrawny pheasants brains'! ;) (see near end of thread 'Disappointed' for more pheasant details!)

[Job 534 Clydebank]

Here's the 411 from my little corner.

First of all, I have been refraining from posting much on this forum lately.

This has to do with the style of responding taking place at times. There's too much INVALIDATION of poster's opinions, almost like some persons feel they must have the last word and contradict what ever has just been said.

Regarding QE-2 and QM-2, here's my take:

Since 1979, I've sailed on QE-2 24 times and on QM-2 just twice.

I have no serious problems with the services oon QM-2, although I concurr with the majority that the Kings Court displays some areas of "potential improvement".

I realize that the world of today is not the world of 35 years ago when QE-2 first came on line, so thhe QM-2 product can not be identical to QE-2.

HOWEVER: I note that the biggest difference between QE-2 and QM-2 is the passengers and the behavior.

QE-2 and Cunard are not "rich peoples SNOB products", conversely, QE-2 has always had a very diverse passenger list, including many hard working, nickel scraping ordinary people like myself.

The COMMONALITY that has usually bonded QE-2 passengers has been one of CIVILITY. In short, rich or poor, QE-2 passengers always seemed to know how to behave aboard a ship. This means treating total strangers with the same friendliness and respect one wants to be treated with themselves.

Sadly, from my observation, this is not true aboard QUEEN MARY 2.

It seems that the generation that grew up hearing our parents preach: "Never talk to strangers" has grown to translate this into "ALWAYS BE RUDE TO STRANGERS". Behaviour that may be appropriate in a yuppie office building i.e. "don't make eye contact with ANYONE in elevators and in hallways" seems to have seeped onto the corridors of QUEEN MARY 2.

In short, the CIVILITY one has become accustomed to on QE-2 seems to be lacking on QM-2. I know I'm not alone in these feelings. I've heard the same concerns voiced both aboard and on these forums.

Of course, I'm not saying that all or most QM-2 passengers are thus guilty, but it only takes a few bad actors to turn an otherwise nice holiday iinto a chore.

For first time cruisers who may come aboard with an open mind:

Please be POLITE to the "strangers" you have to share your "space" with. They paid the same good money for their holiday that you did. We all come aboard to enjoy ourselves, and this includes sharing pleasantness with our fellow passengers.

We're all in the same boat together.

[castlewood]

Very interesting comments on shipboard civility, Clyde . . .

 

Here's what I do: on every cruise I've taken (including two on the QM2), I have made it a point to ask anyone and everyone with whom I share an elevator, "How are you enjoying the cruise?" The little bit of inane conversation evoked by that question creates a little bit of a social bond. Same goes for the people I talk to on line while waiting to board. Next time I see that person or persons, we exchange greetings. Then we see them at the art auction, or the casino, or whatever, compliment them on their formal-night finery, etc., etc., and next thing you know, sort of a relationship has formed--fleeting, for sure, but one that makes the voyage a little more fun, brings some human warmth into the equation. Before you know it, dozens and dozens of people are saying hello to me, smiling, etc. Not once has my elevator friendliness been rebuffed. My wife calls it my "cruise personality."

[Job 534 Clydebank]

Castlewood:

That's pretty much exactly what I've always done, and it's usually worked quite well.

I'd be delighted to be seated at your table aboard any ship.

[Ldybrnwyn]

Very interesting comments on shipboard civility, Clyde . . .

 

Here's what I do: on every cruise I've taken (including two on the QM2), I have made it a point to ask anyone and everyone with whom I share an elevator, "How are you enjoying the cruise?" The little bit of inane conversation evoked by that question creates a little bit of a social bond. Same goes for the people I talk to on line while waiting to board. Next time I see that person or persons, we exchange greetings. Then we see them at the art auction, or the casino, or whatever, compliment them on their formal-night finery, etc., etc., and next thing you know, sort of a relationship has formed--fleeting, for sure, but one that makes the voyage a little more fun, brings some human warmth into the equation. Before you know it, dozens and dozens of people are saying hello to me, smiling, etc. Not once has my elevator friendliness been rebuffed. My wife calls it my "cruise personality."

 

I tend to do the same when I'm on board. I do have to admit, however, that there are times I like to be in "my own little world". Really one of the reasons I find ocean travel so appealing is the isolation from the rest of the world. My cell phone doesn't work, the television doesn't have to be on and there's not a computer screen staring me in the face 8 hours a day.

 

When I'm in that kind of private "space" my lack of greetings/communication doesn't have to do with being anti-social so much as just wanting some private time. I do hope that doesn't come off the wrong way (I try not to let it seem like I'm being "huffy") I just really do value those moments.

[heywood]

Thanks Castlewood- that's what I like to hear. I do think it is good to say 'good morning' etc and take it from there.

I am fairly new to cruising and our first (Celebrlty) had similar views aired on that forum- snobs; dress; money; jeans; comparisons with good old Celebrity travellers compared with various others and on and on... I found everyone we met delightful. I don't know if we were lucky or not but at that time I formed the opinion that the Americans as a group were very polite and really friendly. (I don't mean to sound patronising there I am genuine). On the other hand we were with Canadians (one of whom was a particular pain) who insisted that USA folk were ****.

Heywood

[colleency]

I thought one of the best parts of sea travel was the cameraderie! Our trip was stormy, and it felt kind of like all of us against the sea. I met people on elevators, in hallways, etc. I especially liked seeing people from yoga class or a tour in other parts of the ship.

[castlewood]

Cruises are social events on a grand scale. Where else do you meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life? And in luxurious, pampered surroundings, with everyone wearing their finest clothes and on "best behavior" (well, usually), and being served awesome food? Wonderful meals and great conversation and laughing--this is what it's all about.

 

I consider myself blessed that my wife and I have the means to take a cruise now and then. The next one's in May, and we're counting the days.

[cruiserking]

The thing that always amazes me about ship travel is that despite the fact that you are traveling with several thousand people you frequently bump into the same folks throughout the day. So often you encounter your Pub Trivia Pals at the Pavillion Pool or your table mates wandering around in town. This in effect is what makes cruise travel such fun, it's the wonderful friendships made aboard ship and sharing good times with these new chums throughout your voyage.

 

Cruiserking

[travel-to-go]

Clydebank,

I have never experienced the "yuppie aloofness" (to make it short) that you experienced. At least not so's I would notice. But then, as I am sure most of you know or can tell, I usually pipe up before they've had a chance to be "eyes straight ahead, don't make eye contact or speak" In fact, I'm known for doing it in my office building elevators too! I like to break that tension of silence, like the surface tension of water. I try to make people laugh, or at least smile- If they ask me to hit their button, I say, Don't forget to tip your elevator operator, and laugh!

 

On the ship,or in queue (Why do I feel I have to use British terms and spelling here? <LOL>) I ask people where they are from, is this their first time on this ship, etc. One cruise critic member can tell you that I walked up to them on deck, and asked, "Are you so-and-so?" just from overhearing their conversation and knowing what one of them did for a living- This in the freezing whatever as we waiting to leave in NYC on 3 January! I've gotten to be close enough to one fellow cruiser from Pub Trivia that I let her "badger" <G> me into going on the labor day cruise! (Oh, the suffering!<G>)

 

I do like the first part of your civility descriptuion, though. Elegant and well said.

 

Karie, who ignores fashion rules and elevator rules. (well, maybe not the fashion rules, but only because I WANT to dress up!)

[MollyBrown]

I tend to be a private person, but I find it much easier and more fun to be sociable on QM2 and QE2 than I do in NYC. Perhaps it's because everyone is relaxed and we're all there for the same reasons; and we're all in a good mood, for the most part.

 

There's a difference in attitudes about sociability in America than in Europe. Europeans tend to be more private and reserved, warming up to people more slowly. I am like that, and have had quite a few struggles living in America, where reserve is often viewed as antisocial. I've found it difficult to maintain my sense of personal space in a country where one is expected to smile and chat with everyone.

 

Having lived in the US awhile, I have learned to be more sociable with strangers. However, there are still times when I am in my own thoughts, and wish people here would be more inclined to notice other people's body language, and see whether one appears open to conversing, or not. When it's obvious one wants to stay in one's thoughts, it is overlooked here, it seems, and people will just talk to you anyway. or else be very offended. Maybe they're right, and it's healthier to be open to chatting.

 

So I've found it's safer to just be friendly, but I so much prefer real conversation to small-talk.

 

As I've said, I don't really feel this way so much on the Queens, so perhaps it is just that NYC is so cramped and crowded, one needs all the space one can barely manage to find here.

[castlewood]

I've lived in Connecticut most of my life, and newcomers often comment on what they perceive as unfriendliness among the "natives." But it's really a just a natural reserve. There's another contributor to these boards who often comments on Fairfield County snobbery (which is where I live), but I'll bet in 9 times out of 10, it's just that reserve in play. People here open up slowly, and it's a wonderful thing to experience.

 

I too am leery of saccharine friendliness and pushy people. But I think in the course of everyday life, it never hurts to exchange pleasantries, nod, smile, or otherwise acknowledge the existence of other people in a courteous manner. It doesn't mean I'm looking for conversation or friendship: it's just good manners, plain and simple, and it makes life a little more enjoyable--and maybe puts a little happiness in another person's day.

[Zajdie]

Just briefly because I'm tired.

We had a fantastic time; everyone was very friendly. Noone was rude or aggressive. Perhaps people from California are more laid back.

 

Kings Court was a bit of a scrum but then not really different from any other self-service restaurant. No complaints about the food. The Brittania food was very nice. The Italian at night very good. Todd English was very good but not considerably better than the Brittania.

 

The two main shows were excellent, the other entertainment was different some very good , some I didn't like as much but that,s a matter of taste.

 

All the staff were very friendly and helpful.

Had a great table at dinner with two Americans and two others one English and one Austrian and we had a wonderful time.

 

This ship is different from others..just do your research.

[Olls]

We have just returned from the West Coast Break and the Royal Hawaiian Liner - 14 days on the most magnificent ocean liner! Our expectations were very high and QM2 exceeded all of them. We were lucky enough to be in Princess Grill and the only negative thing I can say is: "how do you follow 14 days eating in a 5 star restaurant?"!!! For those not in one of the Grills, Britannia has to be the most beautiful restaurant at sea. And, speaking of the Grills, I think it's incredible to have one ship with accommodations suitable for everyone's taste and budget. We loved everything about the ship and I'm wondering if those who complain about her have not, perhaps, been on her at all.

[travel-to-go]

I've lived in Connecticut most of my life, and newcomers often comment on what they perceive as unfriendliness among the "natives."

 

There's another contributor to these boards who often comments on Fairfield County snobbery (which is where I live),

 

Castlewood,

I'm sorry I meant to reply on Friday, but we were on our way to Maine and I didn't have time.

Guilty as charged, I am the one who has been known to mention Fairfield County, and I suppose that is not fair of me. Of course I know plenty of people from Fairfield county. I have worked for SNET /Cingular for 27 years and have been all over the state!

And Fairfield is a rich (and I don't mean moey) and varied area. And yes, there are some preppy types and some very moneyed types, including one old money gent I deal with regularly from Stamford - got an email from him today, in fact. Yes he talks very clenched-jawed- like the "hill people" in Herman Wouk's "Don't Stop the Carnival" (a good read for those who love the Caribbean and Manhattan both!) But there are also a lot f new immigrants, and people of color, and all manner of people! I shouldn't stereotype. Bridgeport is as far from Fairfield or Stamford as Manhatan is from Red hook! (Ane I am not talking about distance here.)

 

So sorry. Honeestly, I am originally from Tennessee. And I have not noticed any more unfriendliness here as I have in other places on occasion. CT is a friendly and caring place.

 

So sorry.

 

Karie, who once again, only opens her mouth to change feet!

So I apologize. No intent to offend.

[mufi]

When Americans meet on a cruise they almost always say "where are you from" while the British say "how much did you pay". An old joke that has some truth.

 

The problem is, when you tell them where you live, if it is anywhere that is not London you get a blank look. Americans do not do European geography.

 

David.

[ladymacwilly]

Gosh, and here I thought we were going to land in Southampton, Germany. :rolleyes:

 

As an American who has been to the UK over half a dozen times I thought the old joke would be that the Scots ask, "How much did you pay?" ;)

 

Anyway, having Scots-Irish descent, I've already "bragged" on this board that we found our balcony room at 70% off the brochure rate plus recieved the $100 ship board credit. (Feeling quite British at the moment...)