QE2 Jan 2008-April 2008 World Cruise

[ColumbiaSC]

Thanks, Maxor6, for noting my signing Roll Call for 90-Day QE2 NY to NY Jan-April 2008 SAPOO. I have read your other boards on www.cruisecritic.com. I note you are on Deck 4 in an M1 Single Inside, and I am on Deck 2 in M1 Single Inside. It'll be a lot of fun, a new adventure for me -- the first world cruise and the first time on the QE2. Let's be sure to meet asap after sailing. My cabin is 2014.

[durangoscots]

I am here!!! Still working on that denim evening dress idea. A few years ago the radio show Prairie Home Companion was broadcast from Durango and featured a song "Durango ladies sing this song, denim, denmin". And, that same year some fashion guru voted us the worst dressed city in the U.S.A. Anyway, a friend and I have booked an M1 cabin on deck 4 ..... we are doing 77 days of the cruise, New York to Los Angeles. (She has a condo less than a 100 miles from LA, so we disembark there and I find my way home to the wilds of southwestern Colorado). We promise to mind our dress manners on the cruise and not go in for Southwestern glitz.

 

Susan and Susan

[maxor6]

have arrived:D Well at least one of them :) Welcome aboard Susan and Susan--Looking forward to meeting you on the cruise..

 

Max

[KarenR_UK]

deluxecruises.com is a good site but you need to be a bit careful as the QE2 deck plans are not up to date re grade classification (M4s listed as M5s (or was it the other way round?) etc.). Best to go to Cunard's site to get the latest deck plans, then cross reference individual cabins for size etc. on deluxecruises ignoring the cabin categories

 

If you go into the online booking system for a voyage and ask for cabins of a particular grade, a list of 5 or 6 cabins in that grade (presumably what the Cunard system considers the best of the remaining cabins) is displayed - that list includes details such as the size

 

For example, only cabin 4003 is still available on E707 in MO grade : the information given is

Position: Fore / Starboard / Outside

Size: 92sqr. ft.

Berth Facilities: Shower

Max Occupancy: 1

Max Berth Config.: 1 Lower

Deck: FOUR

 

(Interestingly it also says guarantee cabins are available - if there is only one cabin, how can you buy a guarantee, unless they are guaranteeing an upgrade :) (Damn should have waited and not booked a specific cabin:D)

 

Unfortunately :( this info is only available for the first 5 or 6 cabins (after that you have to use the link posted before:) )

 

There are also, somewhere on this board, a link to actual (circa 1969?)deckplans of the QE2 - I have found these very interesting.

 

Karen

:D

[ColumbiaSC]

Thanks ColumbiaSC for checking in at our roll call:) Maybe we can entice Durangoscots (and her denim evening dress;)) to join us?

 

Max

 

Just interested to note that there seems to be only 4 (me and durangoscots pair) of us on roll-call for QE1 2008 SAPOO voyage or major portion of it! Odd that no one else has responded. Any other South Carolininians? Or anybody? Maybe I don't know where to look for Roll Calls. Tell me.

[ColumbiaSC]

Not much interest in this tread, it seems. Not sure what to expect but thought Maxor6's posting of Roll Call for QE2 Jan-April 2008 Voyage around the Horn to the Pacific and the Orient and back to Hawaii and California and through the Panama Canal to New York City and back to Southhampton would have attracted some entries. Apparently only 4 people have signed up for the Roll Call as Dec 09, 2006. I guess I'm just too excited about the trip of a lifetime!

[travel-to-go]

Not much interest in this tread, it seems. Not sure what to expect but thought Maxor6's posting of Roll Call for QE2 Jan-April 2008 Voyage around the Horn to the Pacific and the Orient and back to Hawaii and California and through the Panama Canal to New York City and back to Southhampton would have attracted some entries. Apparently only 4 people have signed up for the Roll Call as Dec 09, 2006. I guess I'm just too excited about the trip of a lifetime!

 

Not to worry, Columbia.

I imagine those who can affrod the World ruise on the QE2, are by and large those wealthy citizens who have their butlers do things for them. (and the Butlers don't have time to post) or perhaps, since it is the QE2, they are the type who prefers the classic manner of communications, pen and embossed staionary, and couldn't figure a way to scan it onto the Cruise Critic pages!

Rest assured, you will not be alone!

 

Karie,

who wishes she had both the time and the money- recognizing she would need to book two cabins minimum- one for the clothes!

[bobby1119]

Not much interest in this tread, it seems. Not sure what to expect but thought Maxor6's posting of Roll Call for QE2 Jan-April 2008 Voyage around the Horn to the Pacific and the Orient and back to Hawaii and California and through the Panama Canal to New York City and back to Southhampton would have attracted some entries. Apparently only 4 people have signed up for the Roll Call as Dec 09, 2006. I guess I'm just too excited about the trip of a lifetime!

 

As to the 2008 cruise, the itinerary of which I like very much because of South America, the reason why there seems to be little interest, at least at the present, is that it is early. Also, alot of world cruise first-timers (like me) lunged at the 2007 world cruise thinking it would be the last. In many ways it might be the last true world cruise in that it is making a complete circumnavigation of the globe whereas 2008 is a grand swing around the Pacific and back. At the end of the day, it is the QE2 afterall and that is what matters most.

 

Enjoy!

Bobby

[durangoscots]

We selected this cruise for that itinerary and the fact that it was the QE2. I last crossed the Atlantic in her in the 1960's, only a year or so after her launch (and I still have by carrybag to prove it). The next year is going to spent shopping .... and hoping the time flies past!!!

 

Susan (the Durango variation) :D

[ColumbiaSC]

Thanks so much, travel-to-go, durangoscots, and bobby1119, I needed that slap across the face! LOL. Yes, it's early for 2008. Yes, my butler hasn't reported to duty, being off until February, so I am on my own, so I do silly things on the web. Hope Bobby1119 will at least consider taking the NYC to Santiago segment of the 2008 QE1 SAPOO. Surely hope the Susans have plenty of time to get suitable tiaras. I have a photograph of me and Her Majesty that will bring all conversation to a halt at an appropriate moment in the Chart Room.

 

Don.

[bobby1119]

Hope Bobby1119 will at least consider taking the NYC to Santiago segment

 

Don.

 

Don, I am already booked on the Southampton-New York segment to witness the tandem crossing of the Queen Victoria and the tandem arrival in NY of QE2, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2. I am considering staying on until Valparaiso for the tandem departure of all three Queens. I am retiring at the end of the month, then I have the 2007 QE2 World cruise, then I will have to go back to work to pay all the bills! LOL.

[durangoscots]

Well, you should stay on for the trip down around the "Horn". Then go back to work if you have to. Just think how much of the world you will have seen by then.

 

Susan (Durango) who is really enjoying this retirement thing - it is addictive ;)

[durangoscots]

... and here I am just talking to myself. Thought now that the World Cruises for 2006 are underway, I would remind you all of this thread which started in December. There are several of us here who will be on the QE2 for what is being sort of set up as a world cruise (it is long) but really isn't... it is circular. Anyway ... here are some of us who will be boarding the QE2 in N.Y. ( hopefully westside piers .... what pandimonium..) on January 13. Did any of you see the CBS/CNN news snipet on Norovirus tonight ... pointed out how is so widespread and showed the QE2, all light, gliding into either LA or SF. Cheers.

 

Susan

[Kindlychap]

About gratuities. For the 90-day voyage 2008 Cunard has assured my TA that all gratuities for room and restaurant and "hotel" are included in what I am paying. I realize that a gratuity is added to bar bills or bills in the spa, for example. I therefore have no intention of tipping my room steward or waiter, etc. anything else, as I believe that my TIP has been already paid in my bill. Am I not right in this? After all, what is the purpose of the policy if this is not true? Any reactions?

 

 

That's what they say.

 

It's not the case. Well, it isn't upstairs. Tips are expected. No doubt someone with greater experience of the Mauritania than me can assist.

 

Matthew

[songanddance]

Glad someone re-energized this page. I was looking for it. Just booked the full 90 days NYC to NYC in an M1 single with a complimentry up grade and a few other goodies offered to World Club members. Last year I did a leg of the world cruise in Caronia and loved the diningroom and the entire experience. I have a wait list for Caronia but will certainly settle for the M1 plus if that is what it comes down to.

 

With only 87 sq. ft. of space it looks like most of the luggage will be left with the Baggage Master.

 

Sounds like a great start with so many singles. While I am of retirement age, I am far from idle so this voyage will be a well earned rest.

 

Add my name to the CC list

 

Charlie

[planetcadillac]

That's what they say.

 

It's not the case. Well, it isn't upstairs. Tips are expected. No doubt someone with greater experience of the Mauritania than me can assist.

 

Matthew

 

I have never done the full cruise but up to two weeks onboard. I am strictly Mauretania unless they plan on upgrading me as I go along... I once lived on a hammock like bed apparatus on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Phillipines in 1991 so I can deal with anything else.

 

Otherwise, I think one would expect to tip, at least to a small degree, any personnel who might have given you personal service on a consistent basis if you were on for the full ride. Not that they would be expecting it for regular pay, but if they were your waiter, butler, preferred steward or host/hostess that you frequented then it might be a gesture of goodwill. ESPECIALLY if you become a regular CUE-NARDer many of the staff will remember you year to year. Good and bad. So while you do not need to tip alot of people or even tip alot of money, a few $$$ to a few key people will be well worth it especially if you plan to be on again soon.

 

I travel the rails on Amtrak quite often in the Southeastern US (Charlotte is at a centrally located point) and travel either First/Business/Sleeper and you become known by the staff much the same way. Nice gestures, a few coin and good manners ensure that you become a well-loved and well-taken care of passenger.

 

My suggestion is if you want to minimize the expectation of tips then patronize a few key people establish a good rapport and tip accordingly. :)

[ColumbiaSC]

The point is -- repeat, the point is -- that someone of the full voyage of at least 90 days HAS PAID THE PRIMARY GRATUITIES FOR ROOM AND BOARD -- not the barman -- and therefore the tipping has been taken care of. Can't Americans learn this simple fact? Can't North Carolinians learn this simple fact? THE TIPPING HAS BEEN PAID FOR UP FRONT.

[ColumbiaSC]

I want to apologize at once for the tone and gist of my just-posted reply. I have had a bad hair day. Forget what I said. Cheers.

[durangoscots]

well it is late where you are ... frankly I would have turned into a pumpkin by now. Cheers back to you and I am glad we have got this thread going again. I don't know about the rest of you, but am counting the days and beginning to keep lists. :D

 

Susan (of the Durango variety)

[songanddance]

Good monring all. Hope you all had a restful sleep. I dug up the Roll Call thread last evening from page three and it is now on page one but slipping as other threads get visited so we need to spend a moment or two over there to keep it fresh so as to attract a lot more 2008 World Voyagers. Would love to get 50 -60 for a CC meet on board.

 

Coming into NYC early to attend the opera, have breakfast at Norma's in the Meridian Hotel (expensive but just the very best) and some museums on Saturday before shoving off to Brooklyn for the sailing. In 2006 we sailed from Manhattan, so much more civilized but with all three queens at dockside it will be very festive. Maybe this time we can toss streamers and they could have a band?

 

How would one go about pushing for a band on the dock for send off as all three ships sail out of the harbor? The QM2 leaves two hours after we and the VIC depart but I think the entire sailing really needs to be made historic and very festive. IDEAS?

 

Maybe a return to the dress styles of the early days of sailing? I am a big fan of real traditional cruising and full dress at all times. One can be casual and still be nicely attired and I do enjoy the many formal nights. Makes playing in the casino that much more fun.

 

This promises to be a long year. I keep telling myself not to spend so much time this early on thinking about it so as to not have Burn-out but it is an exciting experience so why not get two years out of the event.

[ocngypz]

Pax who book the full world cruise have gratuities included for restaurant and cabin staff.

 

Those who book the Grill categories also receive complimentary shoreside events.

 

And if you happened to book through an agency who has group space, you would also receive additional onboard perks, but only if they have group space.

[Kindlychap]

The point is -- repeat, the point is -- that someone of the full voyage of at least 90 days HAS PAID THE PRIMARY GRATUITIES FOR ROOM AND BOARD -- not the barman -- and therefore the tipping has been taken care of. Can't Americans learn this simple fact? Can't North Carolinians learn this simple fact? THE TIPPING HAS BEEN PAID FOR UP FRONT.

 

It isn't just Americans. I'm English.

 

Until Cunard make it a policy that tipping is FORBIDDEN then tips will be expected.

 

Matthew

[planetcadillac]

I want to apologize at once for the tone and gist of my just-posted reply. I have had a bad hair day. Forget what I said. Cheers.

 

I was going to say I would avoid you when I am in Cola on the 18th of Feb. but OK.

 

Yes, primary gratuities are accounted for, on the current full cruise would amount to an extra $1,188 on top of what you paid for the room & board. With that said, especially for such a long voyage, it is often helpful and pleasing to make fast friends with a few key people and offer a little something extra to them specifically if they have gone above and beyond. I wouldn't begin to estimate what that figure might be but a fraction the above figure. Of course this is predicated on one becoming unusually close to a staff member and they would be definately looking out for your during the cruise above and beyond standard service.

 

I have only been so fortunate to take one-to-two weeks voyages on the QE2, or any other ship for that matter, and I can't begin to imagine how intoxicatingly comfortable I would become after 3 1/2 months. Knowing I would be on for such a length, I would probably fall into some general routines as I established day-to-day living for such a length of time.

[ColumbiaSC]

I don't know how to do it, but it would be wonderful if someone could organize a Roll Call for people who are booked for the January-April 2008 SAPOO (South America, Pacific, and Orient Odyssey) on the QE2 -- and for major portions thereof. This link is wonderful, but it is getting mired down (with my help) on matters that make it difficult to know who will be on board. I know of several people from this link who are booked (for example, durangoscots ladies), but it is would be great to establish a clear link to those who are booked, so that perhaps we might be able to get together (or have the opportunity to do so) from time to time on the voyage.

 

Don

(Lord Kay of Shandon)

[pnhmrk]

Until Cunard make it a policy that tipping is FORBIDDEN then tips will be expected.

 

Until last May tips were expected. The Restaurant and Cabin staff were positively begging for money on the last day (so much so that it spoilt an already watered down breakfast). Sometime between Christmas '05 and May '06 things were changed to stop that begging (at least in Princess and Caronia, It could LL be that Cunard thing those in QG have so much money they deserve to be fleeced:D ).

 

THE TIPPING HAS BEEN PAID FOR UP FRONT

 

I agree - you don't need to tip twice for the same service.