QM2: Reflections

[Linerguy]

Just a few comments....okay, perhap more than a few, on my recent trip on QM2. I'll not go into every detail but rather give an overview of my impressions. As my wife couldn't go, I took my good friend, Dave, and we had a splendid time. We spent a night in NYC, went to the top of the Empire State Building, checked out the wonderful collection of liner models at the Walter Lord Gallery (at the South Street Seaport Museum) and, before boarding QM2, watched her come in for the first time.

 

The ship:

 

She is, without a doubt, the most beautiful ship I've been on to date. Sure, Explorer of the Seas wowed me but, QM2 has won my heart. Her interiors are lovely and her exterior is, by far, the most pleasing of any modern passenger ship in service. Yes, she does appear to be top heavy from certain angles but, so did NORMANDIE so, I have no problem with that. For the most part, her layout makes it easy to get around.....though initially finding The Queen's Room and G32 was a bit of a challenge. About G32....this is the perfect disco at sea; it just belongs on another ship. IMO, it seems out of place compared to the other public rooms. I'm also not sure about how much it's actually going to be used. The Britannia Restaurant is arguably the second most beautiful dining room ever....NORMANDIE, once again, taking top honors (though L'ATLANTIQUE's comes close). Having been in both the original QM and now QM2's dining rooms, I'd have to say that I prefer QM2. No doubt some will chide me for that comment but that's how I feel.

 

I loved all the public rooms,.....with the exception of King's Court. Quite simply, I didn't like the decor or the layout. It seemed bland and a bit on the confusing side. The Winter Garden is lovely and The Queen's Room, well, that's going to be a tough act to follow.....

 

The cabins:

 

Dave and I had an inside on deck six; stateroom 6095 to be exact. I thought it was great. Lots of storage space, beautiful blonde faux wood....no complaints. The only weirdness was, when I turned on the shower to full blast, the metal rod the shower head was attached to would spin around and the shower head would hit the wall. I had to fold up a wash towel and shove it between the wall and the rod to keep it in place. We told the room steward and, by the next day, it was fixed....no problem. One last thing about the cabin: The bed and bed linen were, by far, the most comfortable I have ever slept in. The sheets, pillows, and comforter were to die for. I had the best sleep in years. I've always said that you can tell if a cruise line or hotel really cares about it's guests by the quality of the bed linen and towels....in this, Cunard shines.

 

Service:

 

After hearing about the many nightmares regarding this topic, I have to say, I just didn't see what the fuss is all about. I'm sure service was lacking at the beginning but, I saw and experienced nothing but wonderful service from everyone. No one had a chip on their shoulder, no attitude, no whining....everyone, and I mean everyone, was as pleasant as can be. Our waiter was fast, the orders accurate, and we were in and out of the dining room in about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. At every meal but lunch one day, we had a table for two. Honestly, I just wasn't in the mood to play the "So, where ya from?" and "Whatta ya do?" game. The one time we did share a table, this lady from Long Island had me so pi**ed with her b*tching that I almost got up and left. She moaned that they "missed their mawk with the buffets" and "NCL was so much better" and, when the waiter forgot to ask if we wanted coffee, she screamed "Oh, that's a soyvice flaw". I felt like saying, "No, that's being human....remind the guy that you'd like some coffee and you'll get it". Bottom line: no problem with the service; from the purser's desk to bar staff to our room steward, it was exceptional.

 

Food:

 

While King's Court decor and layout were not to my liking, I really had no problem with the food there. Breakfasts were typical (great selection of fruit) and the late night burgers and entrees were very good (we never ate there for lunch). At least the scrambled eggs weren't runny (a pet peeve of mine). I wasn't too impressed with the pizza...nothing has come close to the pizza I had on NORWEGIAN MAJESTY.

 

Food in the Britannia Restaurant was VERY good. No major complaints. The lentil soup with mustard oil was incredible. My steak was cooked the way I like it (rare) and the Sheperd's Pie was great. I did send a shrimp dish back as I simply didn't like it....there was no problem, I just wanted something else.

 

A few words about portions. Portions are exactly the size they should be. The whining I hear that portions are small must come from the same type of folks who think that going on a cruise is the perfect excuse for practicing one of the seven deadly sins. I never got up from the table not satisfied and I never stood up feeling like I was going to blow up and rain body parts all over my fellow passengers.

 

Liner or Cruise ship?:

 

Well, some may argue but, this ship is a liner, hands down. Yes, there many aspects that are typical of the normal cruise experience (i.e. casinos, Vegas-style shows, art auctions, etc.) but the difference is more of an intangible. There is a feeling that I felt while aboard QM2...a feeling that I hadn't had since my trip on NORWAY, and before that, QE2. You just know that you are on a great ship. Forget the nit-picking, forget the "it's a Carnival-type experience" (what a load that is), get over the fact that Mickey Arison and Carnival own QM2.....that stuff simply DOESN'T MATTER. What matters is that you are on a Cunard QUEEN, you know it and there's never any indication otherwise.

 

In concept, on paper, in photos, and now, in life, QM2 astonishes.

 

Can't wait until July....

 

Russ

[LouChamp]

Russ,

Great comments. I was on her on Thursday and echo your thoughts. Sailing in two weeks. Will hopefully have the same opinions.

All the best!

 

30+ Cruises and Counting

Queen Mary 2 - May 2004

Pride of Aloha - August 2004

Caribbean Princess - February 2005

[KenC]

Hi Russ

 

Glad you enjoyed the QM2 experience - but knew you had to GET it

 

It's a pity, but some of those who are more concerned about the size of their portions just don't GET it

 

Don't know what they're missing do they

 

Regards

 

Ken

[CASHIPman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KenC:

Hi Russ

 

Glad you enjoyed the QM2 experience - but knew you had to GET it

 

It's a pity, but some of those who are more concerned about the size of their portions just don't GET it

 

Don't know what they're missing do they

 

Regards

 

Ken<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Hi Russ...

I echo your and Ken's thoughts. The QM2 is a great, enjoyable destination unto herself.

 

I'm from "Lawn Guyland" and you visually got the accent down pat! :-)

 

Craig

[Ken_W]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> About G32....this is the perfect disco at sea; it just belongs on another ship. IMO, it seems out of place compared to the other public rooms. I'm also not sure about how much it's actually going to be used. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

The answer, at least on the inaugural transatlantic, is "a lot". G32 was hopping after midnight. Now me, I hate nightclubs in general, loud ones in particular (you know the type, the ones that everyone else just loves, it's just not my thing). My one night there the place was packed, and I was told it had been like that for the previous nights as well. I have to agree about the audio bleed between the Queen's Room and G32; when the doors are closed it's minimal, but as the evening gets later more and more folks head for G32, those doors swing a lot.

 

Truly a wonderful ship and a wonderful crossing. Oh, a memory just popped into my head, it has to do with on-board rumors. One of my favorite moments was just after the deployment of the stabilizers when the winds got up to Force 5 on the Beaufort Scale... while those puppies are being extended a moderate jolt can be felt. I overheard one passenger swearing that we had hit a whale, and that Commodore Warwick was "gunning it" to get away from the scene.

 

Did you get to the Atlantic Room on Deck 11? I got to sit there for a bit when the bridge players were not in residence, a lovely quiet space that seats no more than 24, I believe, facing forward, and usually empty outside of card playing hours. I could pretend I was alone... at least for a few minutes!

[Linerguy]

Well, there you have it....G32 is a winner!

 

I did get to the Atlantic Room....seeing all the inaugural visit plaques and keys was really cool. It was pretty dead in there while I was on board so, yes, I did steal a few moments of quiet.

 

KenC:

 

She's everything you said she is and, yes, it's nice to be able to GET IT....the folks who don't are really missing out.

 

Wish I was back on board (but must take comfort in knowing that I will be in about two months).

 

Russ

[juneann]

Linerguy, thanks so very much for your comments. I have been getting so tired of reading the nit picking complaints.

I have 2 months to go before my crossing and I am thrilled. Reports like yours only add to the excitement.

Thank You

[sandramerle]

Thanks for the great report. Can you make a suggestion of the best place to sit in the Britannia for a table for two and if you were requesting sunchairs in advance where would you ask for them to be placed Thanks again. We are leaving May 24th

[juneann]

I spoke with a Cunard rep and she told me that chairs could only be reserved when you're onboard. Is she wrong?

[Linerguy]

Hi Folks:

 

Didn't really inquire about the deck chairs...frankly, it was too darn cold! I can't imagine that there would ever be a problem as they seem to have plenty. But, again, not sure.

 

As far as the best place to sit in Britannia, my preference is on the lower level, any place where one can see at least part of the wonderful tapestry. Either there or along the rail of the balcony.

 

For lunch one day, the open seating allowed us to pick a table in the center of the room, right in front of the tapestry......very cool.

 

I have to be honest and say that, if one looks for things to nit pick over, they're going to find them. But, for me at least, what's RIGHT about the ship certainly overshadows what's WRONG with her. It's all in the approach, I guess.

 

Any other questions, please ask...no problem.

 

Wishing you calm seas and wild "Knights".

 

Russ

[Crouton]

(Aboard QM2, Mid Atlantic, Tandem Crossing)

 

Inspired by Linerguy's post:

 

A man in the King's Court at lunch today saw me admiring some of the artwork and we shared our mutual awe at the details of the ship -- the carpeting, the art, the furniture....

 

Even if there's something here and there that might not be to my particular taste -- it certainly is someone's idea of what should be aboard a state of the art ocean liner in 2004 -- and that makes it interesting to me.

 

This man was in his 80's. He had been a passenger on the original Queen Mary. He had been a soldier on Queen Mary in 4 high canvas bunk beds suspended from metal frames during WWII. He had travelled a number of times on QE2. AND....he loves QM2-- really loves the ship -- and has no issues about comparisons with the other ships or hard feelings -- but just appreciates what she is..what she represents about our time now in 2004.

 

His story and his views were, honestly, music to my ears. Not because I agreed with everything he said (which I pretty much did), but because he was affirming that QM2 -- in some way that does not need to be described in detail here-- has captured the soul and the lineage of her ancestors in a beautiful, authentic, and very different manifestation of steel, fabric, wood, and technology. It's like: all the fundamentals are in this ship somehow. And he was the best witness to it all that I have met.

 

IMHO, Queen Mary 2 a ship of our time -- with all of it's flaws and beauty -- in very much the same way that the original Queen Mary was a ship of her time. But more importantly, perhaps, the ship "works" somehow -- and offers the same feast for the senses, attention to detail, and state-of-the-artness of earlier generations.

 

Someone -- many different people -- have put a great deal of thought into nearly every sqare foot of the ship....every individual table or seat....where every individual painting is hung. You can stand almost anywhere on the ship and be amazed by the thoughtfulness of the art, design, technology, layout or simply the entertainment value of what's immediately around you.

 

That is, of course, if you want to be...

...and I haven't even mentioned the food.

 

Crouton

[Linerguy]

GREAT story Crouton. It's nice to know that people exist who understand that QM2 is suppose to be a liner for her time and not a carbon copy of the past.

 

All the best,

 

Russ

[Shipping Out]

Hi Crouton. Since you are savoring the art collection on the QM2 so much, just wanted to send you a complete list of the marine paintings by Stephen Card. Don't miss the ones in the C staircase on the upper decks!

 

http://www.worldshipny.com/scardslideshow/

[dougnewmanatsea]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shipping Out:

just wanted to send you a complete list of the marine paintings by Stephen Card.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Is that all of them? I thought there would be even more.

 

No matter, that's still almost certainly more of his paintings than have shown up on any other ship. And the more the better!

 

Doug Newman

Cruise Critic Message Boards Host

e-mail: shiploverny AT yahoo DOT com

[copperpenny]

I am embarrassed to even admit that I had actually cancelled our sailing for Sept. After reading all of the negative concerning the ship I figured we would be wasting our money. Well I was frantically rebookied our trip yesterday morning and was actually able to get my same cabin back. I am tickled to read that Linerguy and Crouton have wonderful things to say about this ship. I am going to pass judgement on this ship myself and I am sure will have a wonderful time!

[Linerguy]

Good for you, C.P.! Glad to hear you were able to get back the same cabin.....that's amazing.

 

Russ

 

QE2

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Queen Mary 2 - 7/1/04

[eroller]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by copperpenny:

I am embarrassed to even admit that I had actually cancelled our sailing for Sept. After reading all of the negative concerning the ship I figured we would be wasting our money. Well I was frantically rebookied our trip yesterday morning and was actually able to get my same cabin back. I am tickled to read that Linerguy and Crouton have wonderful things to say about this ship. I am going to pass judgement on this ship myself and I am sure will have a wonderful time! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

 

I know how you feel. I canceled my QM2 booking which was made the day Cunard opened up reservations for the ship. I didn't cancel because of initial reports (I always take reviews at face value until I experience the ship myself) but because I felt the cruise was just too overpriced. Instead, we used the money to sail on NORWEGIAN DREAM for two weeks in Europe. You know what, we got exactly what we paid for with NCL and were not impressed with the ship or product. So now am rebooked by fluke on the same exact QM2 sailing that I was originally booked on. The price dropped, I had the time off, and all is well! Funny how things turn out.

 

I leave in 11 days!

 

Ernie

[copperpenny]

You go Ernie!! Linerguy and Crouton have me excited about our trip in September. I usually don't pay much attention to the negatives before I travel, but with the amount of money I was spending I got cold feet. I am not hard to please and am overall a very happy go lucky traveler. I like to travel in nice accomodations. I have been on quite a few cruises and always had a good time even though the ship or line might not have been to my liking. I look forward to your review.

[gaupin]

cheers for you guys (russ and tony)and i have been consistently telling people the same thing. yes, she's a great ship and i had not ONE service problem, bad food experience or any other negatives while aboard...to those who saw fit to complain so much, sorry you felt that way. to those who have enjoyed as much as we did, glad you can rebut the earlier negatives. and to those still thinking of going or already booked, GO and enjoy.

[Rotterdam]

I'm sailing 18 May 2004 - much earlier than I expected - I am spending an extended period of time in Europe - I originally booked RSSC 4/27 Ft Laud transatlantic - but due to time constraints & too much luggage - the ease of sailing out of NYC & not having to deal with airports - won.

 

I would prefer to sail QE2 - but I am interested to see how QM2 performs as a Transatlantic Liner.

 

I thought I would be sailing on her late this year or next - but hopefully there will be a smoother operation - I am sailing in a Princess cabin.

[cheshire]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by copperpenny:

I am embarrassed to even admit that I had actually cancelled our sailing for Sept. After reading all of the negative concerning the ship I figured we would be wasting our money. Well I was frantically rebookied our trip yesterday morning and was actually able to get my same cabin back. I am tickled to read that Linerguy and Crouton have wonderful things to say about this ship. I am going to pass judgement on this ship myself and I am sure will have a wonderful time! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

I openly admitted to having second thought too about sailing this summer. I have read with interest the posts from those who have actually sailied on the ship and I beleive that the issues that are casuing probelms can easily be identified. I also think that Cunard will by now know without doubt which areas of service delivery require more attention than just teething troubles. I certainly believe that they are and will address all areas of concern before I sail with the ship.

 

I will sail on QM2 with an open mind secure in the knowledge that there is far nmore they are getting right than wrong.

 

The recent delay transatlantic delay of fours hours can often be the norm if travelling by air. What a nice loaction to be delayed on and especially so when you think that Cunard moved all the passengers to where they needed to be with little or no fuss.

 

Credit where credit is due.