Cunard Newbie - need advice

[Adam_7]

LL is quite right - no photos in the casino. Although if you really must have a picture there nothing stops you standing just outside and using the casino as a backdrop;)

 

 

:confused: After spotting multiple policy signs throughout the casino i know that in Qm2 you were allowed to take photos in the casino, just no video. Don't see why QE2 would be any different.

 

 

Additionally, last week at the purser's desk they told me you could view the bridge on deck 12- not directly inside, but through the windows behind, however only on days at sea. I never went to check to see if the door was open, but if its not a part of the bridge i dont' see why it would be closed...

[Kindlychap]

Additionally, last week at the purser's desk they told me you could view the bridge on deck 12- not directly inside, but through the windows behind, however only on days at sea. I never went to check to see if the door was open, but if its not a part of the bridge i dont' see why it would be closed...

 

This facility is not mirrored on Queen Elizabeth 2, which is the ship that the OP is booked on.

 

Matthew

[Adam_7]

Sorry, i wasn't sure if they did in fact offer this as well on the QE2...

 

Well you learn something new everyday.

[Kindlychap]

Sorry, i wasn't sure if they did in fact offer this as well on the QE2...

 

Well you learn something new everyday.

 

Indeed. The only place you can watch Bridge Officers is when they are on the bridge wings. The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth suites have a good view, and 8001/8002 have a passable view as I recall. It gets less good as you go down the Signal Deck.

 

I shall certainly look at the facility on the Queen Mary when I'm on board early next month!

 

Matthew

[juliecat]

 

Another dumb question: Are there many Asians/Chinese onboard? Mother is guessing that we'll be the only two. LOL

 

That really varies from cruise to cruise. One European cruise on QE2 there were around 60 Japanese onboard, other times I've seen only a couple. Traveling on the QE2 is apparently seen as "having arrived" in some Japanese circles (part of the reason the World Cruise always stops in Japan). When there was a group onboard, they even had a chef preparing traditional Japanese foods in the Lido.

 

Julia

[whereintheworld]

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

As for photographs, I don't think they let you take pictures or video in the Casino.

I have a photograph of myself putting a coin in the slot at the casino. It was taken at about 10.30pm. There is only one other person in the shot and his back is to the camera, so I guess there was no invasion of privacy.

[keela1eva2]

Fantastic offer now on the QM2 but would be travelling alone and I am wondering about the wisdom of doing 12 sea days on my own. Have done T/A before with Celebrity but always with Ports of call.

Also this ship is much bigger than any I have cruised on. I think Golden Princess the largest and Caronia with Cunard the smallest.

 

She looks a beautiful ship and I do love the sea days which is which is my main reason for choosing the T/A with Celebrity.

Holding a room until this afternoon to give me time to consider it, Would appreciate and views on this.

 

Sue

[Kindlychap]

Fantastic offer now on the QM2 but would be travelling alone and I am wondering about the wisdom of doing 12 sea days on my own. Have done T/A before with Celebrity but always with Ports of call.

Also this ship is much bigger than any I have cruised on. I think Golden Princess the largest and Caronia with Cunard the smallest.

 

She looks a beautiful ship and I do love the sea days which is which is my main reason for choosing the T/A with Celebrity.

Holding a room until this afternoon to give me time to consider it, Would appreciate and views on this.

 

Sue

 

 

Do it. I would if I had the time and money - and the only thing that would stop me is the idea of being away from my wife that long.

 

Matthew

[pnhmrk]

The only thing that would stop me is the idea of being away from my wife that long.

 

Funny - that's one of the things that would make me want to do it:D (I do love Paul really:) )

[Avariel]

There are a lot among the crew, although mainly Filipino.

 

As for passengers, I would have thought that you would be one of a small number. But I am completely sure that it really doesn't matter one jot either way to anyone else. Queen Elizabeth 2 is a very friendly ship.

 

Matthew

I shall make it a point to learn how to say basic stuff in tagalog[ Filipino language]. It would be fun to say hello or something like that to the crew if they are Filipino but I think they'll look at me weirdly.

 

3rdGenCunarder: I'm perfectly alright with the ship's vibration. Like you mentioned, it gives a sense of power from the ship and that's something I like. One thing I always did when on cruises was to press my ear to the bulkhead/walls/bed and feel the engine vibration.

[songanddance]

The best way to find this gem is to find cabins 1016 and 1018. The Princess Grill bar is opposite. There is a smoked glass door to get in - it seems to be a state secret almost!

 

Notwithstanding the name, the bar is open to all passengers.

 

Matthew

 

No wonder no one knows this bar is available. It does not show up on the posted deck plans nor is it mentioned in any of the listings for bars and lounges. That plus the sign that indicates it is the Pricess Grill Bar would turn off all but the really intrusive that did not know it was available to all passengers.

 

I have included it on my list of places to visit come next January.

[juliecat]

No wonder no one knows this bar is available. It does not show up on the posted deck plans nor is it mentioned in any of the listings for bars and lounges. That plus the sign that indicates it is the Pricess Grill Bar would turn off all but the really intrusive that did not know it was available to all passengers.

 

Shh!

 

There are only a couple tables, so I think it would get overwhelmed if they did let people know about it (the opening hours are listed in the Daily Programme).

[keela1eva2]

Many thanks for the advice. I have decided to go ahead with booking QM2. Sounds too good an offer to miss. I do have the time and the dates are 12th - 24th July. I know it is only part of 1 day ashore and I will do a Cunard excursion as I would want to be absolutely sure that I got back to the ship in time for sailing out again. Looking forward to sailing in and out of New York. When I did it on Princess they played Galway Bay.

I am actually Irish although living in England and I thought it was wonderful! Just as with Irish Airlines they clap when the Pilot makes a good landing or at least they used to do.

 

Sue

[Avariel]

Shh!

 

There are only a couple tables, so I think it would get overwhelmed if they did let people know about it (the opening hours are listed in the Daily Programme).

That's one place I'll sure to be exploring. Not too sure if I'll stay for a drink though. *imagines the look on her mother's face when she gets back to the cabin, half drunk*

[Wadadli1]

I shall make it a point to learn how to say basic stuff in tagalog[ Filipino language]. It would be fun to say hello or something like that to the crew if they are Filipino but I think they'll look at me weirdly.

 

3rdGenCunarder: I'm perfectly alright with the ship's vibration. Like you mentioned, it gives a sense of power from the ship and that's something I like. One thing I always did when on cruises was to press my ear to the bulkhead/walls/bed and feel the engine vibration.

 

I know one word in Tagalog, and don't know how it's spelled so will do it phonetically.

 

Mah-boo-hi! Emphasis on the boo. Means Hello. To start you off.

[flag fan]

I think a B2B on the QM2 would be great as a solo. I went solo on a Transatlantic and found there was so many things to do I missed out on a lot of activities because there just wasn't enough time. The only bad part of the cruise was the end when I had to get off the ship.

[keela1eva2]

Thanks for the advice. It made me laugh and yes I agree (I think) I have done 2 T/A on Celebrity last year on the Galaxy Galveston to Rome and this year on Millennium from Fort Laud. to Southampton.

No problem being on my own and the reason I did both was for the long sea days 5 in a row on both cruises.

Now I am just waiting to see that all will be well and that the booking will go ahead at the price I have been quoted.

Called my regular TA and she said they could not do it for that price but if I can get it then grab it. My friend who will cruise with me on Century in October said if she didn't have a wedding in Scotland she would jump at the chance just for the shopping in New York. We are both very QUICK shoppers!

 

Sue

[Wadadli1]

Thanks for the advice. It made me laugh and yes I agree (I think) I have done 2 T/A on Celebrity last year on the Galaxy Galveston to Rome and this year on Millennium from Fort Laud. to Southampton.

No problem being on my own and the reason I did both was for the long sea days 5 in a row on both cruises.

Now I am just waiting to see that all will be well and that the booking will go ahead at the price I have been quoted.

Called my regular TA and she said they could not do it for that price but if I can get it then grab it. My friend who will cruise with me on Century in October said if she didn't have a wedding in Scotland she would jump at the chance just for the shopping in New York. We are both very QUICK shoppers!

 

Sue

 

Sue, are you aware there is a place about an hour or so north of NYC that actually has tour buses from the city to it?

 

http://www.nyctourist.com/info_woodburycommon.htm

 

The Woodbury Common Premium Outlet!

 

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7

 

A lady who is doing a crossing told me she was going. I was impressed--she is obviously a professional and not to be fooled with. :p

[keela1eva2]

I have had a look at the web site and it looks as though the bus returns at 6pm. I am on the BTB so the ship will sail again at around 5pm.

My friend told me that when she did the BTB they did a city tour and they then had 2 hours to shop. I would be terrified of missing the ship and the other thing is that my sense of direction if absolutely dreadful. I think I would need a skateboard for the ship alone as I walk miles in wrong direction no matter which ship I am on.

 

I have gone ahead and made the booking so am waiting on a call tomorrow from my TA to give me reference no's etc. Public holiday here but TA on telephone are open here 7 days a week early till late.

 

My friend unfortunately can't go because of a wedding committment but will travel with me in October. My Daughter has just told me tonight that I am crazy. Do I need 3 cruises in 7 months I don't NEED them but I want them and why not!

My money! Can spend it how I like! She did laugh about it as well.

 

Sue

[Wadadli1]

I have had a look at the web site and it looks as though the bus returns at 6pm. I am on the BTB so the ship will sail again at around 5pm.

My friend told me that when she did the BTB they did a city tour and they then had 2 hours to shop. I would be terrified of missing the ship and the other thing is that my sense of direction if absolutely dreadful. I think I would need a skateboard for the ship alone as I walk miles in wrong direction no matter which ship I am on.

 

I have gone ahead and made the booking so am waiting on a call tomorrow from my TA to give me reference no's etc. Public holiday here but TA on telephone are open here 7 days a week early till late.

 

My friend unfortunately can't go because of a wedding committment but will travel with me in October. My Daughter has just told me tonight that I am crazy. Do I need 3 cruises in 7 months I don't NEED them but I want them and why not!

My money! Can spend it how I like! She did laugh about it as well.

 

Sue

 

I had no idea about the timing of said tour, but you must admit if you are a shopper it looks quite tempting! I've never been there, it's pretty close to us, but I just don't have the urge to shop that others do. But I can understand the temptation, this year at least, as this year they actually have clothes and shoes for sale I'd like to wear. As long as I don't have to go too far. :)

 

I have an excellent sense of direction. I can navigate with moon, stars, sun, shadows....but put me on a ship and every time I will go the wrong way. No idea why. If the ship is moving and I'm outside it's not so bad. I get a lot of exercise going the wrong way, though.

 

Not crazy, maybe you DO need them, and yes, isn't it wonderful to get to spend the money on yourself for a change! Enjoy!:p

 

PS: Oh, there's plenty of great shopping to be had in NYC. But that goes without saying, so why am I saying it! :)

[travel-to-go]

Traveling on the QE2 is apparently seen as "having arrived" in some Japanese circles (part of the reason the World Cruise always stops in Japan). When there was a group onboard, they even had a chef preparing traditional Japanese foods in the Lido.

 

Julia

Ooh! I've got to find out when there will be a contingent of Japanese on board and go! Of course, I can't afford the world. or most other QE2 cruises, due to having to fly to Europe.

HAI!

 

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

As for photographs, I don't think they let you take pictures or video in the Casino.

 

Well, living near the two largest casinos (I think in the world, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, they do not allow cameras on the gambling floor for security reason. They are afraid of someone talking on a cell phone and/or relaying info on Blackjack hands and such. Although we do have antenna on both sites. I have been up to the ones on Mohegan trouble-shooting a problem with our antennas which may have been blown to a bad angle in a bad windstorm. But that is for using the phones outside the casinos or away from the gambling halls, where it is olay.

 

Karie,

who rarely gambles, but does know her cellphones!

[Toffeegirl68]

I have had a look at the web site and it looks as though the bus returns at 6pm. I am on the BTB so the ship will sail again at around 5pm.

My friend told me that when she did the BTB they did a city tour and they then had 2 hours to shop. I would be terrified of missing the ship and the other thing is that my sense of direction if absolutely dreadful. I think I would need a skateboard for the ship alone as I walk miles in wrong direction no matter which ship I am on.

 

There's a tour to Woodbury Commons on the Cunard site for in-transit passengers....

http://www.cunard.co.uk/CruiseItinerary_Tab.asp?CruiseID=2804&LeftNav=Planner&Active=&Sub=&OB=&Region=7&ShipID=QM2&CruiseDate=7_2007&Duration=&Tab=Shor

..... has a ship ever sailed without passengers late back from a Cunard tour?

[keela1eva2]

Many many thanks just what I need but I will have to watch the weight allowance for my domestic flight in the UK. OH I can always throw my old clothes overboard if I have a problem JOKING I will just pay excess baggage. That is me sorted!

 

Sue

[keela1eva2]

I am delighted to say that I have had my cruise confirmed. Got Ref no's etc from Cunard and room number so the guarantee is not obviously given to sole occupancy. I am mid ship where I want to be so I am over the moon. I kept waiting on someone coming back and saying no it is a mistake or that all the rooms at that price have gone. BUT NO! it is all done and dusted.

 

A friend from CC asked me if my usual TA would find anything out about this current TA. I did call Ali and she could not in any way get this deal but she said be careful.

I sent her an email on Monday and she was out of Office until today. This am I got an email asking which TA and she would check it out for me.

I emailed her this am and had an email back from her saying

Much as it pains her that I am not booking with her she has checked and she has pasted the information about them on her email to me.

She told me on Sunday if I could get it at this price then to go for it. She knows that she will always be my TA of choice and I am so fortunate to have her. I feel she has exceeded anything anyone could do for me.

 

Sue

[imacruizer]

Congratulations, Sue!!

 

I hope you have a wonderful crossing.

 

Beth