QM2 - So Carib Liner - 16Dec 06 - My Views

[Vic The Parrot]

Good morning, everyone .. and Happy New Year!

 

I'll be posting some tidbits here about my recent sailing on QM2. The good, and 'kinda not so good' ... But, before anyone wonders about the not so good, it's really like what many (myself included) would consider something to be a peeve.

 

 

 

So once the champagne bubbles leave my head, I'll be putting my notes together. Hope everyone is having a safe holiday weekend.

 

 

:)

[molly361]

Good morning, everyone .. and Happy New Year!

 

I'll be posting some tidbits here about my recent sailing on QM2. The good, and 'kinda not so good' ... But, before anyone wonders about the not so good, it's really like what many (myself included) would consider something to be a peeve.

 

 

 

So once the champagne bubbles leave my head, I'll be putting my notes together. Hope everyone is having a safe holiday weekend.

 

 

:)

 

Ok!!! We're waiting:D Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Ellen

[travel-to-go]

Ok!!! We're waiting:D Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Ellen

 

Well, Gosh, Ellen, If your bubbles have subsided, why don't you get the jump on Vic, and post YOUR views! You were on the same cruise, after all?.And which Key are you from? Just finished one of your (maybe) neighbor's latest book- Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen. I drive the Keys every year! (and have a few friends who live there)

 

So Vic. We're still waiting!

 

Karie,

who doesn't need the Florida Keys at the moment,. Up here in CT we have the kitchen door open. It is too damn hot! (But here IS NO GLOBAL WARMING!- It's just a hot January 1 here in New England!<G>)

[molly361]

Well, Gosh, Ellen, If your bubbles have subsided, why don't you get the jump on Vic, and post YOUR views! You were on the same cruise, after all?.And which Key are you from? Just finished one of your (maybe) neighbor's latest book- Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen. I drive the Keys every year! (and have a few friends who live there)

 

So Vic. We're still waiting!

 

Karie,

who doesn't need the Florida Keys at the moment,. Up here in CT we have the kitchen door open. It is too damn hot! (But here IS NO GLOBAL WARMING!- It's just a hot January 1 here in New England!<G>)

 

Karie

We live in Marathon - We very much enjoyed our December 16th QM2 cruise and meeting all our cruise critic buddies- Everything was great from embarkation to disembarkation-

[Vic The Parrot]

Embarcation:

 

I arrived at 3pm in order to try avoiding the crowds. (All thanks to the front desk personell at the Ft Lauderdale Grande hotel who accommodated my request for a late check-out .. ) It seemed there were only about 40+ people waiting in the general check-in line, and 10 in the Grill/Platinum line. I made my way to the Grill line, and was on board 6 min afterwards.

 

Walking up the gangway, I was stunned at the sight of that enormous black hull that stretched for an eternity down the area of Pier 21. At that moment, I knew I was in for something special, as the hairs on the back of my neck tingled with an excitement that I enjoyed on my first sighting of QE2!

[Vic The Parrot]

Cabin:

 

 

 

I occupied cabin 6265, 6 deck aft. Very good location, close to the aft stairtower, and easy access to the outside deck overlooking the wake. My cabin steward, Bert is a treasure! If you’re lucky enough to be assigned to his group of rooms back there, you’re in for a treat! He kept my cabin spotless, and will bring you anything you need with a smile, and a “Good morning/afternoon/evening , How are you today?”

 

Upon unpacking, noticed there was more than adequate storage for everything. Good closet space, and ample room for toiletries in the bathroom. Should you run out of space on the bathroom shelf (no medicine chest in the wall) the cabinet under the sink will hold anything extra.

 

The layout of the cabin was excellent. More than enough room for just myself, and no problems should an extra person have bunked with me. Very pleasant details abound … soft, light paneling ; wood trim ; nice prints on the walls ; neutral colouring (no screaming reds or blues) ; comfortable furniture consisting of a small couch, chair, and a table for drinks or enjoying a quiet meal from room service.

 

One thing I’ve noticed was the size of the bathroom. A bit small compared to some of the standard cabins I’ve occupied. But I got used to it after a couple of days. And as I’ve mentioned before, plenty of storage in there as well. (Leave it to great marine engineering!) The Canyon Ranch toiletries were a nice addition, although the soap reminded me of Ivory, but with sand granules :rolleyes: :D … no strong aroma, but it really lasted a loooong time! But the shower gel is in a league of it’s own! Citrus-y and gentle. After bathing with that gel, I wound up smelling like a tropical drink! So soothing.

 

 

I’ve noticed that the plastic/resin loungers on the balcony were replaced with better-looking webbed-fabric patio chairs that recline. And if you desire to stretch out ,and relax, plenty of room for that.

[Vic The Parrot]

And a Happy New Year to you as well!

 

 

I have to finish something for work, so I'll be back later with more.

See ya!

 

 

:)

[dianancolin]

We are reading your QM2 report and notice you will be on the same crossing as us on October 25th. We are booked into a Brittania Club suite so we may be close neighbours.

 

Our plan is slightly different to yours. After visiting brothers in UK for 5 days in UK we are returning on the RCI Jewel of the Seas to Fort Lauderdale. Our car will have been left there (our fifth wheel is in Tampa and ijmmediately on return we must drive back to Ontario). Our tow vehicle stays in Florida waiting for our return - we go up and down several times a year. Florida is our play area and Ontario is our residence and where we have to go to earn the $$ to play!

[mufi]

HEY Vic - when are we going to get to the peeve.

 

David.

[Vic The Parrot]

HEY Vic - when are we going to get to the peeve.

 

David.

 

 

 

Patience, my dear sir :) :D

 

I'm saving the best for last. ;)

 

And to David, and everyone ... sorry about the delay, but got busy with work.

I'll have everything done by this weekend. Hope everyone is having a happy New Year so far.

 

 

:)

[Vic The Parrot]

Britannia Restaurant:

 

 

 

Have to admit, all the myths regarding the food and service of fine room were just that …

Every meal was superb in every way! Our waitstaff couldn’t do enough to make our table of 4 (which started as 6* … ) enjoy each and every evening!

 

All the meals were of the finest quality, with fresh vegetables, excellent sauces, and one of the best service around. I was expecting that in many ways, from my previous trip on QE2 two years ago. And our table was never disappointed! (One night, our entrees got mixed up, but a friendly smile corrected the mistake in less than a milli-second.

 

Overall, I have nothing but praise for this so-called “steerage” restaurant. To those who tend to knock it, I challenge you to get a seat in Britannia, and see for yourself. :-D

;)

 

 

 

* Juicy details on that coming up ....

[Vic The Parrot]

Other eats:

 

 

 

And, I have to mention the rest of the different options that are available.

 

Kings Court – In my opinion, nothing really spectacular, but it’s good food that’s always available. (Some of the best cheeseburgers I’ve tasted!) Good options for salads, veggies, fruits, etc. Like in the main restaurant, excellent quality. Not bad for fast food!

 

Golden Lion – Loved the cottage pie! And the fish and chips made a nice lunch as well!

This pub offers a different dish every day as a special, but one can order the aforementioned anytime during their regular lunch hours as well.

 

Room service – Breakfast in the cabin is a nice option to start the day. And mine was delivered on time, piping hot, and all the coffee I could drink. (The extra carafe is nice to enjoy on the balcony, as you plan your day.)

But one morning, they never picked up my card, which I put on the doorhandle before 2am ….. but a quick fix in Kings Court made my day. ;)

 

 

And thanks to patwell, and others … tried the club sandwich for lunch one day.

 

H-E-A-V-E-N :) Next time, I’ll order 2! :D

[Vic The Parrot]

We are reading your QM2 report and notice you will be on the same crossing as us on October 25th. We are booked into a Brittania Club suite so we may be close neighbours.

 

 

 

 

Hi Diana

 

 

Thanks for the note! Hope and yours are having a Happy New Year.

I'm looking forward to my 1st crossing on QM2, and it looks like we'll have more company joining us!

 

So check out the roll call for this sailing, and say hi when you get a chance.

 

 

:)

[Johnsy81]

Embarcation:

 

Walking up the gangway, I was stunned at the sight of that enormous black hull that stretched for an eternity down the area of Pier 21. At that moment, I knew I was in for something special, as the hairs on the back of my neck tingled with an excitement that I enjoyed on my first sighting of QE2!

 

Heah Vic...just reading this gave me the goosebumps - I feel the exact same way about QM2. Unfortunately, I've not (yet) had the pleasure of sailing QE2 but am thinking about it in 2008. Will definitely be back on QM2 and hopefully soon.

 

Enjoying your review. Hope all is well.

[Vic The Parrot]

Heah Vic...just reading this gave me the goosebumps - I feel the exact same way about QM2. Unfortunately, I've not (yet) had the pleasure of sailing QE2 but am thinking about it in 2008. Will definitely be back on QM2 and hopefully soon.

 

Enjoying your review. Hope all is well.

 

 

 

Happy New Year, Jo!

 

 

Thanks for the note. As you can see, QM2 won me over big time as well! :)

Did you get my email? Hope all is well with you and John.

[Vic The Parrot]

The ship:

 

 

 

After stepping on board this new Cunarder, I began to notice some familiar details that reminded me of QE2. The wood-like paneling in many areas … comfortable public rooms … a friendly hello from a staff member. Only I realized after setting foot onto 6 deck, that this gargantuan vessel was NOT QE2!

 

The length of that passageway still boggles my mind! Even though I used the 3rd stairtower going aft, it seemed like a long walk to the cabin. But I started to enjoy that feeling of discovery while locating my room. Upon my further explorations, all cabin passageways seem to have that classy air. The dark, woody trim to the cabin doors (which are the same veneer) … soft-coloured carpet … subdued lighting that bounces off the bulkheads.

 

A good way to get the feel of the length is to stand at the aft, and look forward (or vice-versa). It’s a sight one can’t forget.

 

 

 

I must admit that this was my first time on a ship of this size. And wondering about the passenger capacity made me a little apprehensive about sailing on QM2. But my fears were put to rest after the 1st night. What a nicely designed craft! There’s no way to tell that there are 2,600 people with you. All the rooms seem to absorb everybody comfortably, and I hardly noticed crowding anywhere. Except in the Kings Court, when it gets busy during meal times. But patience goes a long way, and I always got a seat.

 

 

 

 

The way that the architects designed this marvel is something to be admired. One of the most amusing activities is getting lost on the ‘tween deck’ – deck 3L … and it IS possible to get lost down there on the first day! Once you find the few stairs going up to either the foyer area of the Queens Room, or by the casino, you get your bearings straightened out.

(I admit to still having a hard time getting to the G32, even on the last night! ;) :D )

 

 

 

 

more to follow …….

[mufi]

 

 

 

The wood-like paneling in many areas … QUOTE]

 

Plastic.

 

David.

[travel-to-go]

The wood-like paneling in many areas … QUOT

Plastic.

David.

 

And your point is?

He said "wood-like"

Did you really feel you had to get in a dig?

That was mean-spirited and obnoxious.

He gave us his honest opinion- He made the point that this was not the "holy" QE2. He gave deference to her majesty the only "real" ship.

I do not understand why some people feel the need to tear down what others like. Why can't we live and let live, and accept that to like one doesn't mean one has to reject the other, and it is okay to have different tastes, and to enjoy more than one thing? Do we have to have a fight to the death here? It is not disloyal to earlier ships to like a new one, which subscribes to the SOLAS regulations, meant to keep us safe from devastating fires at sea. I am not a big fan of petrochemical plastics, but nod to their necessity in some cases. Christmas trees with live candles were undoubtedly beautiful (and authentic) and they undoubtedly took many lives, and destroyed many homes in the dead of cold winters. And people used candles because electricity had not yet been invented. If you REALLY want to go back to the golden age of travel, let's remove air conditioning, flush toilets, and good quality mattresses. Straw packed mattresses should give you a good night's sleep on a hot muggy airless night, or better yet a storm tossed sea with coal smoke and rain being drawn into your cabin on a dank dark night, with only kerosene lamps or maybe gas lamps (I'm not really sure) to light the night, soot smudges on the walls where the sconces were, with enough light to find the chamber pot.

 

You may have thought you were being pithy. I thought you were being rude, David.

 

I come here to escape, in part, to live vicariously from those planning, reviewing, or sailing, until I can manage my next trip. I am starting to think I should not aspire to sail the QE2, especially on a transatlantic. Not if all the people on her are rude, obnoxious, holier than thou, and snobbish. I don't honestly believe that, but there are some on this board that seem to want to make out as though their chamberpot don't stink, and other''s opinions and experiences, tastes and desires are somehow less than their own or invalid altogether.

 

I am sorry to pick on you, David, and you are definitely not the worst of the bunch. You just happened to catch my bad mood first. I admit that I am in a bad mood. I came her to find the solace of that shared joy. I lost someone I love today, I am having a very miserable time at work, when a year ago, I loved the job I was doing and got a lot of positive feedback and admiration from my peers and even high above. I guess I am sick of opinionated posts and negativity. (Now look at me. Who's being negative! I admit it. And I apologize right now. Again, David. You were the unlucky chap who was first to have a post that hit my hot button. I'm sorry for picking on you. Honest. But think before you say such things, you need to think about how it comes across. Vic was giving his honest opinion, his sincere review, and did, indeed give a nod to the fact that this was not your father's Oldsmobile! What you said to him, could have been hurtful and mean. He meant no harm. Why did you have to knock him down? Think about what you say! I spend the vast majoority of my time with feet planted firmly in mouth. But I do recognize when I have said something that came out in a way that I hadn't intended, (at least after it being pointed out) or when I was being a smart alec, and instead of being cute or clever, was only a social boob. I am the queen of that. Maybe it's why I am sensitive to other's mistakes- It is too close to those I make myself.

 

Alright.

Rant mode off.

 

Vic, the ship is beautiful and awe inspiriting, and you are right. I have been on ships with more people, and with less. This ship never seemed crowded to me, and yet her spaces seem most manageable, even to an old cripple like myself! I have my dislikes about the ship, and yes, I love real wood with beautiful patina and grain. My own home has no painted wood in it. I made the builder upgrade the wood, and have custom made sills, solid wooden doors and all trim is stained, not painted. I insisted. But I am a realist. I couldn't afford hardwood floors at the time (1 hall with two small linen closets cost me $1000.00 in 1987- I couldn't do the living/dining room and bedrooms and kitchen( ! ) like I wanted to.)

 

I appreciate your view. It made me smile, and your enthusiasm gave me a small jolt of pleasure. Marc and I are trying to figure out how to do another trip soon. We have three quarantined cats in the garage. We can't have just anyone in to care for them, if we go away. We had a rabid raccoon on our deck. And we are all being treated, Marc and I and the cats. Animal control wanted to kill the cats. We have gone to great expense to save their lives, and believe me, part of the discussion was that this canceled the plans we were making for another cruise, for the nonce.

 

Thanks for sharing your recent experience with us.

 

David, you should try her. You might even find things to like! Honest! She's not as "plastic" as you might fear. (and no neon or classic 50's cars on the grand promenade with a soda shop booth as the back seat!)

 

Karie,

Feeling sorry for herself, and sorrier for Marc. It was his beloved Aunt who died this morning, and we are presently planning a trip to Maine this week for yet another funeral. The last time we saw her was rushing home from Maine, where we had gone to celebrate a friend's 50th birthday, after getting a phone call from my sister that my father had been taken back to the hospital in an ambulance and she was following the ambulance to the hospital. Yet, we still made time to stop and see Aunt Christine.

 

I hate all of the negativity and one-up-man-ship in this world today. When we all have so much to be grateful for. We need to step back, and appreciate what we have, and those we love, And give a hand up to those in need, emotionally, or otherwise. We need to walk in the other man's shoes, and maybe come to see why they feel as they do, and find a mutual passion to come together over. If we fight over cruise ships, how can we ever solve the hatreds and fears that cause wars and horrible loss, destruction, and despair?

[molly361]

Karie

 

Very sorry for your loss!!! Ellen

[pnhmrk]

Did you really feel you had to get in a dig?

That was mean-spirited and obnoxious.

 

Karie - I read your post and thought "what's biting her?" Then I read:

 

I lost someone I love today

 

You have my sympathy and my condolences. You know that there is a lot of solace to be found here:)

[Bramcruiser]

…

Every meal was superb in every way! Our waitstaff couldn’t do enough to make our table of 4 (which started as 6* … ) enjoy each and every evening!

 

* Juicy details on that coming up ....

 

Oh I can't wait. Sounds like you might have had a Joanna and Cliff at your table too!:D We had the same on our Dec 2 cruise. But really, when those two left after night 1 and found another table for the remainder of the cruise the 4 of us who were left all talked, found that we all felt exactly the same about those two and hit it off well for the rest of the week.

 

As for the food. I agree Vic. Having done Carnival, Holland America and now Cunard I will definitely say Cunard wins hands down on the food. The Brittania is a beautiful restaurant. Even if our table was in a back corner we had a window and a wonderful view of the rest of the room and it was our special corner. The service was good - I wouldn't exactly say exceptional but it does equal that of a nice restaurant and when they get things right they really do. How they know your names and when you disappeared one night because you went to Todd English I will never know. I think they have spies following us. :) The Brittania was one of the highlights of the cruise.

 

David

[Bramcruiser]

dreaded double post. Sorry

[patwell]

Karie...and my sympathies to you and Marc for your loss. This has been a very bad year for you but know that your CC friends are here for you when you need us.

 

And although you felt you were on a rant, your comments were well founded. We aren't always nice to each other, sometimes unintentionally. And no, it isn't "real wood". I remember the real wood and it was gorgeous. But what it does is deliver the essense of what was and under today's restrictions that's as good as it's going to get folks.

 

Take care Karie and hold on to the good things.

 

Penny

[travel-to-go]

Karie - I read your post and thought "what's biting her?" Then I read:

 

 

 

You have my sympathy and my condolences. You know that there is a lot of solace to be found here:)

 

Malcolm,

You are so righthere.

I know you folks were my rock, when i wasn't even calling other friends when my father died. And I know how supportiv this group was at Vic's recent loss. Others, too. We are defintiely a caring community, even if we squabble like siblings at times.

 

Thank you, And Ellen, thank you too. (And I am sure more on the next page. I just know the marvelous people here.) I just got a call from Marc's sister. The funeral will be Saturday We'll drive up to Maine on Friday (probably take the day off) and come back Sunday. Despite the circumstances, it will be good to get away, and see some of Marc's family. (Although fewer each time, sadly This is the same funeral home we went to for his Uncle's funeral a few years ago.) There is a nice little place with an indoor pool and jacuzzi where we have stayed before, and Marc stays when he is up there on business. The funeral is in Wells, and we will be in Ogunquit, just down the road a few miles.

 

Thank you all.

Karie

[Vic The Parrot]

My dearest Karie

 

 

Sorry to hear of your loss. If there's anything we could do, please let us know.

 

 

 

-hugs-

 

 

 

vic