Pros and Cons Please for cabin location

[rxralph]

We are contemplating a voyage on the QM2 caribbean for 2009. Several questions.

I have looked at the ship plans and cannot locate the Princess grill. What deck is it on and is it forward or aft?

 

Postings on this page have mentioned plastic enclosed balconies. Please explain/describe.

 

Which deck is better for lounging on the balcony, deck 11 or deck 10?

 

In advance Thanks.

 

ralph

[cruiserking]

Ralph,

 

Both the Princess and Queens Grills are located on deck 7 aft. Most of the Princess Grill Cabins are on deck 10, they are larger than the standard balconies. So far that reason if you book a Grill then deck 10 would be preferable. Beyond the size of the balcony there is no difference to those balconies located on decks 10 or 11.

 

There are no plastic enclosed balconie on QM2. There are in hull balconies which are cut out of the ship's steel hull. You will have wide open balconies with a see thru glass rail on decks 8 thru 12.

 

Have a great voyage

 

Jonathan

[bobnatt]

We are contemplating a voyage on the QM2 caribbean for 2009. Several questions.

I have looked at the ship plans and cannot locate the Princess grill. What deck is it on and is it forward or aft?ralph

 

deck 7, aft for both the Princessa and Queen Grill.

[rxralph]

I see the grill now that i know where to look. Thanks

[JennAngel9]

Having just come off the last QM2 cruise in Princess Grill, I would highly recommend it. Also, if you or your spouse wears high heels, I would advise a room either central-rear or 3/4ths of the way towards the back of the ship, as I found from room 10048 it was still a bit of a walk to the dining room each evening. Then again, if you do not use the formal dining rooms and prefer entertainment in the front of the ship, my advice would be the opposite.

[ThatBelle]

There are no plastic enclosed balconie on QM2. There are in hull balconies which are cut out of the ship's steel hull. You will have wide open balconies with a see thru glass rail on decks 8 thru 12.

 

I am so glad that you explained this! I was on the phone w/a travel agent today who was telling me about hull balconies...and I thought he was saying HALL balconies---I just didn't get it!

I just want to make sure I understand...so instead of these balconies being along a flat wall where the balcony is an added attachment that sticks out, these balconies are sort of carved into the side of the ship, or recessed, almost?

 

I know that my FH and I won't be able to afford a suite or even a top-priced balcony, but we have decided on a balcony on the QM2 for our honeymoon (trans-Atlantic, Southampton to Brooklyn). Can anyone lend any guidance on good placement without going too high on the budget?

Thanks!

[cruiserking]

I am so glad that you explained this! I was on the phone w/a travel agent today who was telling me about hull balconies...and I thought he was saying HALL balconies---I just didn't get it!

I just want to make sure I understand...so instead of these balconies being along a flat wall where the balcony is an added attachment that sticks out, these balconies are sort of carved into the side of the ship, or recessed, almost?

 

 

Here is a picture of the QM2 hull balconies below the promenade deck. Above decks 8 thru 12 feature wide opend balconies with see thru glass rails.

 

 

 

 

 

I know that my FH and I won't be able to afford a suite or even a top-priced balcony, but we have decided on a balcony on the QM2 for our honeymoon (trans-Atlantic, Southampton to Brooklyn). Can anyone lend any guidance on good placement without going too high on the budget?Thanks!

 

I would suggest one of the in hulls on either decks 4 or 5. The higher you go the more expensive they run. Personally, I would think twice about deck 6 since you would be directly under the busy promenade deck and the Kings Court (Lido)

 

Have a great voyage.

 

Jonathan

[31cruiser]

We have sailed 39 times and found that on the crossing (east and west) :) that a balcony was not as nice as the weather can be quite wet and cold. We prefer balconies in the Carribbean or other warm weather sailings.

[ThatBelle]

Here is a picture of the QM2 hull balconies below the promenade deck. Above decks 8 thru 12 feature wide opend balconies with see thru glass rails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would suggest one of the in hulls on either decks 4 or 5. The higher you go the more expensive they run. Personally, I would think twice about deck 6 since you would be directly under the busy promenade deck and the Kings Court (Lido)

 

Have a great voyage.

 

Jonathan

 

Oh my gosh, this helps sooooo much, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!:D

[Caribe Lagere]

We have sailed 39 times and found that on the crossing (east and west) :) that a balcony was not as nice as the weather can be quite wet and cold. We prefer balconies in the Carribbean or other warm weather sailings.

 

On the other hand, balconies are preferred by some. If you feel a little green then a quick gasp of fresh air on the balcony is probably the best thing for you.

 

The in-hull balconies are far less open than the traditional balconies. Accepted wisdom is that they are idea for a transatlantic.

 

My preference would be for a B5 or B6 - more light, not too windy, and easy access to the lifeboat. As well as being the cheapest balconies.... (These are the "proper" balconies with lifeboats in front - which provide a degree of shelter!

[keelhauled]

Hiya!

Be v. careful with those B5s...you will look directly onto a lifeboat...I don't care what your travel agent tells you. However, the hull balconies on 4 and 5 are good suggestions for a trannie; they are less expensive and in difficult weather can be much better than the glass balconies...don't take 4 deck aft as you will be over the G32 and contend with noise from the nightclub. Also, much better to be lower if you or your beloved are prone to seasickness. Plus, you are closer to all the goings on on 2 and 3. For a Caribbean, I would suggest 11 or 12, but a trannie can be v. comfortable with more left over for casino, etc. on 4, 5, 6 (although, as someone rightly said, 6 is below the Promenade and one of the main dining areas, so you might have some overhead noise).

Enjoy your trip and have a brilliant time!

[ThatBelle]

Hiya!

Be v. careful with those B5s...you will look directly onto a lifeboat...I don't care what your travel agent tells you. However, the hull balconies on 4 and 5 are good suggestions for a trannie; they are less expensive and in difficult weather can be much better than the glass balconies...don't take 4 deck aft as you will be over the G32 and contend with noise from the nightclub. Also, much better to be lower if you or your beloved are prone to seasickness. Plus, you are closer to all the goings on on 2 and 3. For a Caribbean, I would suggest 11 or 12, but a trannie can be v. comfortable with more left over for casino, etc. on 4, 5, 6 (although, as someone rightly said, 6 is below the Promenade and one of the main dining areas, so you might have some overhead noise).

Enjoy your trip and have a brilliant time!

Ooh, this is also helpful....I didn't even post the original question, but I'm learning so much. Thanks!

[ThatBelle]

On the other hand, balconies are preferred by some. If you feel a little green then a quick gasp of fresh air on the balcony is probably the best thing for you.

 

The in-hull balconies are far less open than the traditional balconies. Accepted wisdom is that they are idea for a transatlantic.

 

My preference would be for a B5 or B6 - more light, not too windy, and easy access to the lifeboat. As well as being the cheapest balconies.... (These are the "proper" balconies with lifeboats in front - which provide a degree of shelter!

 

Here I am again possibly asking a silly question, but...I'm looking at a diagram on Cunard's website as well as a listing of prices for the cruise I am considering (Southampton to Brooklyn). It shows the B5 and B6's as being premium balcony with obstructed view as being the least expensive. So I understand that with what was said above about these being the cheapest, but it confuses me a bit because I understood the obstructed views to be the hull balconies. If that's the case, I'm confused as to the part above about these being the "proper" balconies. If the B5 or B6 ones are the least expensive but are proper balconies, where do the hull balconies fall into that?

 

Sorry...again, may be a silly question, and I apologize for possibly not explaining my question well. I'm just starting to learn about all this and want to make sure that I make a well informed decision before selecting my cabin.

Thanks!

[Cornus]

I have been on the QM2 about ten times and understand your confusion. I've always booked an obstructed view B5 or B6 on deck 8. The obstruction is the life boat, but a few of these cabins are between boats, so are really only partially obstructed. I much prefer the openness of these cabins to the in hull balcony cabins on the lower decks which are more expensive and don't have obstructions, but I find rather too enclosed. It's really a matter of personal preference and many prefer these in hull cabins, especially for trans Atlantic crossings. I was once upgraded to one of the in hull cabins and on future bookings requested *no upgrades* since I prefer the openness of the less expensive cabins on deck 8. It really all boils down to personal preference.

[ThatBelle]

I have been on the QM2 about ten times and understand your confusion. I've always booked an obstructed view B5 or B6 on deck 8. The obstruction is the life boat, but a few of these cabins are between boats, so are really only partially obstructed. I much prefer the openness of these cabins to the in hull balcony cabins on the lower decks which are more expensive and don't have obstructions, but I find rather too enclosed. It's really a matter of personal preference and many prefer these in hull cabins, especially for trans Atlantic crossings. I was once upgraded to one of the in hull cabins and on future bookings requested *no upgrades* since I prefer the openness of the less expensive cabins on deck 8. It really all boils down to personal preference.

OK, I think I'm starting to get it! Thanks! So the obstructed views listed on the price sheets are actually the B5/6 ones on deck 8, and the higher priced sheltered balconies are on lower decks, as those are hull balconies?

It sounds to me as if though the B5/6 might be the way to go, if we don't mind being higher on the ship. I'm gathering that the higher we are, the less stability if finding rough seas?

 

I keep seeing mention of this on the TA cruises, so I guess they must be pretty rough. Yikes....I had not considered this. I don't question the stability of the ship, just my stomach.:eek:

[keela1eva2]

I have just come back from a cruise and some people who had booked an obstructed balcony were going crazy because they did not have a view and yet they knew what they had booked.

They were back and forward to the Guest Relations but the ship was sold out. Just be wary unless someone can give you an exact no of a room that is only partially obstructed.

I would not like you to end up with something that did not meet your needs. For a T/A a lot of people like to be on a lower deck with a sheltered balcony as often you would not be able to sit out on it in any case. Too windy. Do the Caribbean and it is totally different then you would really want a GLASS balcony with that view to die for.

 

Me I just like to be on board!!

 

Sue

[keelhauled]

The confusion is v. understandable...B5s are obstructed view (looking at a lifeboat). Basically, the best place to be if you want some fresh air and an inexpensive cabin. However, there is basically no view unless you crane your neck. As was said earlier, look at the deck plans in your catalogue, and pick a cabin that either overlooks the Emergency boats (these are the smaller boats you see on the diagram just forward of midships on either side), or look for a cabin that is between the boats. The B6s are the ones all the way forward or aft (more movement, especially forward) that are just past the lifeboats. Also mentioned were "no upgrade" requests, which is a good choice if you've picked your perfect cabin and don't expect any upgrade onboard. Boarded upgrades are rarely available on cruises, more so on trannies. Obviously, there are always cabins available for emergencies (you are in a wheelchair and need a HC cabin or something of that sort). So, be aware that if you've picked a B1, you could be upgraded to a B5, and be unhappy with your obstructed view. Just for clarification, ALL cabins on 4, 5, and 6 are hulls, all B5s on 8 are obstructed by lifeboats in some way, B6s are on Deck 8 fore and aft, and 9,10,11,12 are glass balconies (except the Royal Suites on 10, which have no balcony but panoramic view 2 decks under Bridge). Have a brilliant time!

[pb82]

Here is an annotated deck plan that shows exactly how the view from each of the QM2 cabins 8013 through 8110 is obstructed.

[RobertGraves]

I know that my FH and I won't be able to afford a suite or even a top-priced balcony, but we have decided on a balcony on the QM2 for our honeymoon (trans-Atlantic, Southampton to Brooklyn). Can anyone lend any guidance on good placement without going too high on the budget?

Thanks!

 

Here are the main pros and cons of B5/6 and B1-4 cabins:

 

B5/6 obstructed view cabins. (plexiglas railing)

 

Pros: They are really A-category cabins with lifeboats restricting their view. So:

They are very bright. The wall facing the balcony is all glass.

If you can find a cabin between two lifeboats, the plexiglas railing allows views from bed or when sitting.(Otherwise, either standing or sitting, you see only the sky.)

The boats outside are relatively far from the cabins and not intruding (some 10ft/3m).

Suitable for sunbathing.

In some ports lifeboats are lowered, allowing full view.

The most economical in price.

 

Cons:

The lifeboats are there and they certainly restrict the view. You see only the sky. (Except if you can find a place between two lifeboats, then some sea view is possible)

Sometimes people walking on the promenade below can see you on your balcony.

When the crew does maintaining of the lifeboats, remember to close the curtains.

You can feel the movement of the ship more than in a B4-1 cabin.

 

 

B4-1 sheltered (in-hull) balcony cabins. (steel railing)

 

Pros:

Unlimited view when standing at the balcony.

Almost total privacy. You can be naked on the balcony and nobody takes notice.

The balcony is wider than B5/6 or A-category cabins.

They are located on the lower levels of the ship, presumably allowing for less rolling or pitching.

View straight to the sea below.

In a transatlantic crossing, nicely protected from the winds.

In warm climates, you can have your door open at night and hear the sound of the waves as the ship is moving...

Relatively economical in price.

 

Cons:

Steel railing. No sea view from bed or when sitting on the balcony chairs: you see only the sky.

Limited brightness.

Virtually unsuitable for sunbathing.

 

I hope this gives you a wider view of those cabins. I think if I were you and money did not matter so much, I would book a B3 category cabin and ask it to be in Deck 4, near the middle of the ship. You will have less vibration and the in-hull balconies are well protected for a transatlantic crossing. Plus you will be near the lounges/restaurant/theatre.

Otherwise go for a B5/6 cabin, and ask if possible to be placed between two lifeboats or over the smaller boats in the middle/front.

[cruiserking]

 

Otherwise go for a B5/6 cabin, and ask if possible to be placed between two lifeboats or over the smaller boats in the middle/front.

[/font]

 

We had cabin 8049 on the QM2 an obstructed view on deck 8 with a very clear view. Our friends next door in cabin 8047 had hardly any obstruction at all.

 

Here's a picture of the view from 8049 on the QM2, if it's available try and grab it.

 

[EastCoast]

I have enjoyed reading everyones posts here and thank everyone for their most valued information. I just wanted to inquire, if I booked a b2 guarantee, that a more valued accomodation would be a b1 or an a? One of the posts mentions a higher numbered b which conflicts with the price structure if I am reading correctly. Once again, thanks for any suggestions-

[keelhauled]

Britannia cabins are rated from D (lowest) to AA (highest) with numbers running from 7 (lowest) to 1 (highest). So, a D1 is better than a D5 and a C3 is better than a D1. Then there are the P and Q ratings which are for Princess Grill and Queens Grill. So anything in a P is better than anything D-AA, and anything Q is better than anything P. A Q1 is the best you can get. Hope this helps!

[Smokeyham]

 

There are no plastic enclosed balconie on QM2. There are in hull balconies which are cut out of the ship's steel hull. You will have wide open balconies with a see thru glass rail on decks 8 thru 12.

 

Have a great voyage

 

Jonathan

 

Hi Johnathan,

 

I currently have a B1 Cabin booked (deck 6), but have been reading extensively on these boards, and have seen a recommendations for a cabin on deck 8 which is the B5 class.

 

However, based on what you wrote above, can I take it that a cabin on deck 8 will a glass wall on the balcony (as opposed to steeel)?

 

I will be doing a crossing, and I see spending some time in my cabin, and being able to watch the Atlantic while sitting in a chair (as opposed to looking at a steel plate) would be preferable.

 

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

Gordon

 

P.S. The deck 8 cabins is one of the cabins with an obstructed view, but this particular cabin has less of an obstruction than others, and came highly recommended.

[keelhauled]

Hello Gordon!

Decks 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 have the glass balconies. Basically, anything above the Boat Deck (deck 7).

[Smokeyham]

Hello Gordon!

Decks 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 have the glass balconies. Basically, anything above the Boat Deck (deck 7).

 

Thanks so much! Now have to make a decision between a hull/steel balcony, and a partially obstructed glas balcony. I'm leaning towards the latter for a transatlantic crossing, thinking that I'll spend more time in the cabin, and so will want to look through the balcony at the ocean. Any thoughts?

 

Gordon