Just Back From QM2 - July 4th Trip - Hear Our Other's Responses...(Answer Questions)

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Just got back from the QM2 4th of July Cruise to NE/CANADA. It will take time to settle in at home but can't wait to hear from my other fellow Cruise Critics that were on board my cruise and their responses and reviews.

 

I will also gather my thoughts and post my impressions in the coming days.

 

It was a honor and a pleasure to meet all those that were on board, met at the Commodore Club gathering and also passed by each other while walking through the hallways/rooms.

 

If I could be of assistance as a First Timer on the QM2 to answer any questions to any others interested in this ship, I would be happy to attempt to answer them....

[JDGGG]

Just returned from the July 4th cruise as well. Overall it was a great trip. The weather could have been better but at least we had calm seas.

 

A couple of negatives:

Our waiter in the main dining room was the worst. I have been on over 15 cruises on many different lines and never had such bad service. I was forced to eat at Todd English two of the nights (I know it could have been worse).

 

My cabin (6130) was under a fountain on Deck 7. I heard rushing water for the entire cruise. I couldn't imagine being on a world cruise in this cabin. DONT BOOK IT!

 

Some of the passengers were rude. I guess they figure they are rich and on Cundard so they have to act the part but it became ridiculous. Every time I was exiting an elevator people just pushed their way in before I could get out. My advice to these rude passengers... LIGHTEN UP!

 

 

Postives:

Food was great!

 

Crew was great besides my waiter!

 

Ships is beautiful!

 

Email me at JDGGG@aol.com with any questions!

[deck chair]

Hi Eslo:

 

I have very much enjoyed your posts regarding yoru QM2 experiences on the July 3 cruise. I have sailed many times on QE2 and will be sailing on my first ever QM2 voyage on 7/24 for the 24 day round trip.

 

I'm wondering if you can recommend one section of the BRIT dining room. Are some locations better than others? How was the food and service? Can you get a hot breakfast from room service? (You could on QE2.) Were there long lines to get into the BRIT dining room for open seating lunch and breakfast?

 

How were the musical groups in the various lounges? Were there many annoying announcements about Bingo and Art auctions? (only announcements from the bridge regarding weather and position on QE2.) Are there any quiet lounges on board where there isn't MUZAK being played during the day.

 

Thanks so very much for any help you can provide and thanks for your postings. YOu have been very generous.

 

Patrick

[ljs0928]

All in all, a wonderful trip.

 

Embarkation: We arrived at LGA early morning and were guided to our bus transfer to the pier without any hitches. Did have one in the group who thought she had a bus transfer but did not even though she thought she paid for one - must have been an error on the part of her agent. The transfer took 25 minutes, hardly any traffic. We were then led into the terminal waiting area...very spacious - to get your on-board cruise card with photo - be aware that it is fairly cool in certain areas because there are large air ducts with strong air flowing down on you. The doors to the ramp didn't open until after 12:30...but once you got on, you were directed to your rooms, not escorted. Your dining room assignment was in the room and we then went to check out where our table was located - we were satisfied.

 

Rooms: We had an inside cabin on deck 5, mid-ship. Very spacious, plenty of closet/drawer space - even had plenty of hangers. Underbed storage was large enough to put rolling duffle and rolling carryon under each bed. Beds were comfortable, robes were the waffle-weave type and extremely soft. Bathroom well-equipped and supplied with Canyon Ranch amenities - but learned to wet the plastic shower curtain to make it stick to the door to keep water from spraying out. Even had a pull-out clothes line for hand-washables or swimsuit. We decided to check the room out before going to lunch and we were pleasantly surprised that our luggage arrived within 5 minutes of us opening our door. Our cabin steward/stewardess kept our room impeccable, clean towels each day, beds made up, fresh ice twice daily, and responded to paging within minutes - seems we had a team of 2.

 

Dining: Ate mostly in the Britannia room for dinners-first breakfast, had the full English breakfast, was offered sweets one of which was a chocolat croissant - I declined since I wanted a plain one - a few minutes later my waitress brought me one without my asking for it - that was service! Sampled the Kings Court for early breakfasts when we had early morning shore excursions - although you had much more to choose from the buffet especially desserts. Had fish and chips in Golden Lion Pub for a lunch, the fish was good but had a bit too much oil - be aware that they charge for an iced tea $1.00 + tip for one glass..it's free in the Kings Court. We found that evenings in the Kings Court changes - buffet is in a different station on rotation and other station become a sit-down service area (restaurant style with linens, candles, and wait staff). The Lotus was Chinese fare, La Piazza was Italian, and the Chef's Galley was chef specialties - all recommending reservations.

 

Public rooms: Thoroughly enjoyed all the artwork and murals. Wonderful fresh flower arrangements - witnessed re-plenishing when needed. Even though we had 2700+ passengers, it didn't seem overly crowded - the only crowds I encountered were the shopping area and the 1st seating showtimes.

 

Quiet spot locations: Lounging on deck 7 was very peaceful...we even had afternoon tea served to us - they brought the service trolley out on deck - tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours (no cream, must regular milk). The tea itself was OK, I had expected individual teapots with loose tea - so thought maybe it was just for deck service. The other location for a quiet spot (at least during the day) was in the Commodore Club with it's comfortable leather chairs and a spectacular view.

 

Canyon Ranch Spa: Had a make-up creation and up-do for the R,W&B - was very impressed with the make-up - I would have loved to have the makeup artist again but he was booked for the other nights! Did not have the time to do any of the massages...when I enquired on embarkation day for massages on the "at sea" day, they said all was booked! So if you want a session, recommend booking online ahead of embarkation.

 

Shore excursions: Only did excursions in Bar Harbor and Halifax.

In Bar Harbor, we were tendered to the harbor pier (we were on tender 11) - interesting to listen to how the tenders were guided through the fog and back to the QM2...we were dodging lobster pots and small craft. We took the Cadillac Mountain scenic motocoach and then boarded the Mary Todd, a 4-masted schooner for a sail around the bay - was very foggy "thick as pea soup" but the sailing experience was great - go through fog and then would burn off. Several pax (mostly women) "helped" with raising the 4 sails. It was interesting to watch the crew when securing the sails at the end of the trip...2 women and 2 men. The 2 women secured 4 sails in the same amount of time the 2 men did the front smaller ones, although they had to stand out on the tip of the bow...

 

In Halfax, we took the Tides and Fine Wines tour. Mostly a scenic motorcoach ride through the country side from Halifax to Hall's Harbor on the Bay of Fundy, lunch at Hall's Harbor (fish and chips were adequate, not special), and then a winery tour / wine tasting at Domaine de Grand Pre - excellent wines.

 

Disembarkation: Went smoothly except that there was a miscommunication on time and location for the airport transfers. The envelope that arrived 2 days prior to disembarkation contained instructions and luggage tags (in our case, Red 1) indicated to vacate rooms by 8:00 and be in the Royal Court Theater, lower level, by 8:15. Since we usually try to get to things early, we decided to have an early breakfast with carryon packed and ready to go. We went to the designated area at 7:30 and were told to go to the upper level - I asked to see their sheet. They had all transfers to be at opposite locations but for earlier times with 7:45am disembarkation time. We were called to disembark at 7:40 and were led to buses that were lined up at the pier - as soon as they had 30 pax onboard we were off to the airport...took no longer than 40-45 minutes.

[cq6]

Just returned. Ed it was so nice to meet you and your family. We really enjoyed this trip. I can't wait to return, it just feels like home as soon as you walk through the Grand Lobby. The highlight was definitely seeing everyone dressed in red white and blue on the forth of July and watching the fireworks up on deck twelve.

We were seated upstairs in the Britannia for this trip and I must say I would request this spot for a future cruise. The upstairs dining room does not afford the grand view of the downstairs dining room but it is much quieter and more intimate. I recommend ordering room service on excursion days for a quick meal. They do have a wonderful hot breakfast. All of the food was wonderful. I enjoyed both the fish and chips and the chicken korma in the pub but check the Britannia menu first because you don't want to miss the chilled soup for lunch. Our waiters at dinner in the Britannia were the best we have ever had.

 

On the last cruise we were bothered by the incessant Muzak in all of the public rooms consisting of bad techno and dance music with some heavy metal thrown in. On this trip we heard none of that Cunard must have headed all of the complaints. I agree with ljso928 the commodore club is the place to be if you want a quiet lounge with a great view during the day. It's also the least crowded at night and there is usually a wonderful piano player performing. Other than the noon announcement there are no constant interruptions to announce bingo or anything like that.

 

The move to Red Hook on a whole seems like an improvement both embarkaion and disimbarkation were much smother than at the Manhattan pier. Not having to wait on a long line to hand in the customs form at Illuminations was also a big plus. Our bags were easy to find and there were plenty of porters unlike in Manhattan. Walking out to the balcony and seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was a treat.

Once again an unforgetabl trip aboard the QM2.

[ESLO]

Hi Eslo:

I have very much enjoyed your posts regarding your QM2 experiences on the July 3 cruise. I have sailed many times on QE2 and will be sailing on my first ever QM2 voyage on 7/24 for the 24 day round trip.

 

It was my pleasure to write these reports each day but it was alot of work especially doing them at about 12-1AM at end the day. It was hard to try to recall everything and didn't want to miss anything. We too were on the sistership (QE2) 14 times and loved it and sad to see her recommissioned to the European market. We used her for NE/CANADA, Transatlantic, Panama Canal, Norway and mostly Caribbean to name a few. Yes, this was our first trip on the QM2 and was not sure what we were going to find. After looking at photo's from different photo galleries, cruise books, reviews pro/con and magazines we jumped into the pool to try the experience and was glad. With the potential of a return, but 5 days were not enough on a designated party cruise. We are wishing to find a 10-13 day Panama Canal or Caribbean Cruise that would be satisfying. You definitely need alot of time to learn the ship especially days at sea and we didn't. Your 24 days should be right without too many landings on land that eat away the opportunity.

 

I'm wondering if you can recommend one section of the BRIT dining room. Are some locations better than others? How was the food and service? Can you get a hot breakfast from room service? (You could on QE2.) Were there long lines to get into the BRIT dining room for open seating lunch and breakfast?

 

Hot breakfast were also OK in the Kings Court, the buffet area. But we were very satified with the hot breakfast and hot cereals in Brit. They will even give you brown sugar or warm milk. Both Oatmeal & Cream of Wheat our favorites. We do not use Room Service for breakfast but as a alternate Tea Time - tea, sandwiches and sweets. My favorite - QM2 Special - Bacon, Egg, Ham, Tomato & Lettuce Club Sandwich.

We were assigned Table 40 on the left side of the dining room. It is located in the middle of that section. Remember, the Brit is made up of 3 sections: lower, upper & upper sides 3L. I know one person that liked the upper since it was very quiet and isolated. We also requested and got Early (6PM) sitting. On the first night we entered the side entrance and they verified your assignment which was left in your cabin table. The table assignment is in chart form with the table circle on the layout of the room. We always entered that way for each dinner, others liked to go up and down the main stairs. Breakfast and Lunch you do have to go thru the main entrance for the Brit Mgr to assign you a table thru his table chart and you are escorted to the table by a waiter and sitted. We always went at the beginning of the meals. You will not sit at one locate more that one time for the Breakfast & Lunch. Each day you go to a different open table. When you come at the beginning of the meal time you do not wait. When we use to leave, there was abit of a line for those latecomers.

Our food & service was examplory to old style liner service. Never disappointed with one meal at all. Our Waiter Jacob was 1st class professional at each meal. He was the best! Our asst waiter was Renalto his assistant. We were blessed with their assignment to us. Our Wine Steward was Cranston. He was johnny on the spot with ever order. I know there were parts of reviews that really were not happy with their service. Not us.

Remember, King Court also services breakfast and lunch buffet. Dinner is also served with tablecovers and waiter service which you will have to make reservation as suggested. There is no Midnight Buffet but Late Night Snack. Each evening is a different cuisine - nations meal ex. American, Italian, Asian etc....... Oh, the one thing we alway liked was there variety of Pizzas. When you go for lunch survey each of the 4 sections Lotus (Asian), Chef Gallery (Sandwich), Cravey (Meat) and La Piazza (Italian). Don't have tunnel vision on one particular section. Also someone should hold a table which can be hard to get and then you are stuck with food and no place to sit. We were lucky to get on early and dropped our stuff in our room and headed up there fast. By the time we were finish, you could not believe the line that was neverending.

Also remember for on deck eating when sunning weather permitting 12 Deck is Broadwalk Cafe. Hamburger, Franks, etc...

 

How were the musical groups in the various lounges? Were there many annoying announcements about Bingo and Art auctions? (only announcements from the bridge regarding weather and position on QE2.) Are there any quiet lounges on board where there isn't MUZAK being played during the day.

We were landing each day so there were very little activities like BINGO or Art Auctions till the last day at sea. The PA was quiet except for certain announcements from the Cruise Director. The Captain only once a day. We did have his Noon Time Announcement like any cruise.

Yes, there is BINGO held in the Queens Room 3Deck Rear. They sell tickets 1 hour earlier than the game if you wish.

Also Art Auction was also held, we did not have the time to sit in but I can tell you that the prices were $$$$$$$$$. We never saw them that high on our Holland America trips.

Quiet locations we found were Commodore Club with a piano player. Also a area that is under used called the Winter Garden with piped in music. It does have a bar. A very lovely area with nature sounds and the waterfall.

The choice is yours

 

Thanks so very much for any help you can provide and thanks for your postings. YOu have been very generous.

If you need anymore information I would be glad to assist you.

eslomka@earthlink.net

 

Patrick

 

Regards,

:) ESLO

(Ed & Bev)

[CruiseShelly]

Eslo -- it was great to meet you and Beverly and your folks, along with all the other Cruise Critics! It was like being part of a private group! I can't wait until 6 January to do it again.

 

I liked the QM2 better this time as Cunard had listened to its passengers on some issues. It still could improve King's Court's traffic flow, but I guess I will have to overlook that.

 

I'll look for your posts on the HAL board re Noordam soon.

 

--Shelly & Janet

[ESLO]

Eslo -- it was great to meet you and Beverly and your folks, along with all the other Cruise Critics! It was like being part of a private group! I can't wait until 6 January to do it again.

I liked the QM2 better this time as Cunard had listened to its passengers on some issues. It still could improve King's Court's traffic flow, but I guess I will have to overlook that.

I'll look for your posts on the HAL board re Noordam soon.

--Shelly & Janet

 

Hi Shelly & Janet,

First I would like to say hello and hope your trip home was safe. It was a honor and a pleasure to have met you and Janet at the Meet & thru out the trip. Not many of us ran into each other. I thought we would see more of each other.

 

Second, sorry that Brit from England bashed you on the other board. I got the same thing about Memorial Day from the other side (England) that also did not understand Americans. Wish people would read and not over react. This is a forum for open discussion and constructed opinion. We don't create the situation but experience it and talk about it for assisting others in the future.

 

Have you read the reviews on the original Roll Call thread yet. I had a very delightful and wonderful cruise experience. Faultlesss except for cocktails int the dining room not tasting like in America. That does not say they are not better in another bar or part of the ship.

 

After reading them, Were we on the same ship? Was our experience a dream or a very special gift with not faults. We even entered our Jacob-Waiter & Dante-Steward into that Star Employee Program. They deserve it.

 

I am not sure when I will do a last review, comments or reflection as we are still settling in back at home. Yes, we are considering to return on board for a longer cruise since you do need more days at sea to do some things which we did not have. Also not sure if we would be Brit or Grill experience. We are looking at the 2007-2008 book from cruise sales office.

 

I will be keeping you in mind about our Noordam cruise. We do have a thread for this Roll Call.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=292262&page=2

 

I am not sure if I would do a everyday like for this past cruise since it took alot of time and also this one will be 11day. I always did it at Midnight and hard to write it. I don't know if anyone else would do a Live. Will play it day by day.

 

It was again a pleasure to meet you and also your dear friend, Janet. Keep cruisin alive.............

 

If you like to keep in touch:

eslomka@earthlink.net Personal Email

 

Regards,

;) ESLO

(Ed & Bev)

[Shellie1964]

QUOTE

'Second, sorry that Brit from England bashed you on the other board. I got the same thing about Memorial Day from the other side (England) that also did not understand Americans. Wish people would read and not over react. This is a forum for open discussion and constructed opinion. We don't create the situation but experience it and talk about it for assisting others in the future'.

:mad: It seems that only certain people are allowed the privilege of contributing to open discussion and constructed opinion. It seems a bit of a closed shop on this forum and that people 'from the other side' (England) are not accepted or valued; especially if their opinions differ from others. My intention was not to 'bash' anyone!! It is a shame that the person who wrote the original thread has not accepted my invite to explain what she meant for herself. I would like to suggest that 'understanding' cuts both ways. We all have our own idiosyncrasies and tolerance from all would be preferable.

[Norfolk Brit]

QUOTE

'Second, sorry that Brit from England bashed you on the other board. I got the same thing about Memorial Day from the other side (England) that also did not understand Americans. Wish people would read and not over react. This is a forum for open discussion and constructed opinion. We don't create the situation but experience it and talk about it for assisting others in the future'.

 

:mad: It seems that only certain people are allowed the privilege of contributing to open discussion and constructed opinion. It seems a bit of a closed shop on this forum and that people 'from the other side' (England) are not accepted or valued; especially if their opinions differ from others. My intention was not to 'bash' anyone!! It is a shame that the person who wrote the original thread has not accepted my invite to explain what she meant for herself. I would like to suggest that 'understanding' cuts both ways. We all have our own idiosyncrasies and tolerance from all would be preferable.

 

 

Sorry Shellie, but (as a Brit) I really feel you are perhaps being a little over sensitive. The vast majority of the posts on here are simply people trying to help each other, with the occasional misunderstanding thrown in to enliven things. I've had considerable cause to be grateful for the advice from both here and the US.

 

Mary