Cruise Talk: QM2 gliches

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»	Cruise Talk » Ocean Liners and Classic Cruise Ships » QM2 gliches

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Topic: QM2 gliches

CruiseShelly
First Class Passenger
Member # 4618

posted 04-09-2004 03:48 PM

Going on the May 10th QM2 cruise out of NYC.
Need anyone's recent experience on whether Cunard has managed to fix their "service" problems reported earlier this year with untrained staff and understaffing.

Posts: 28 | From: Philly, PA | Registered: Apr 2004 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 04-09-2004 05:07 PM

Good question! I’ve yet to here from any passengers, recently. Anyone?

To be honest many ships have such problems. I have experienced poor service and poorly trained staff on several ships, including the QE2.

Sometimes it is the luck of the draw as to which table your are at and who your waiter is. I supose like the QE2, it does depend on which grade you book?

I don't like the Cunard’s class division of dining. It gives them the perfect excuse to put the most inexperienced waiters and chefs, using inferior ingredients, into the Mauritania or Britannia dining room. The best staff get promoted to Grill class, so the basic grade dining room just becomes a training grounds.

When I have discussed this with fellow passengers, they often say that it is wise to pay the extra (exorbitant) fare for Grill class. Personally I think the Mauritania or Britannia grade is already expensive enough to pay for good food and service.

On a ship with one class of dining, the cruise line is compelled to ensure that all dining room staff and all the chefs are providing a high standard for everyone.

[ 04-09-2004: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 04-09-2004 05:33 PM

It does seem to have gone rather quiet on the QM2 front. I've not seen much said recently at all. I expect there will be a spate of reports after next week's mini-cruise ex Southampton though, as there are a few Cruise Talkers aboard.
When nothing is commented on, I suspect all is going well? For every bad report, many more have a wonderful time, just don't say anything. No bad reports, so people must be having a whale of a time. My theory anyhow

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 04-09-2004 05:49 PM

Well that's just about sums Pam and I up: Ms Optimistic and Mr.Pesimistic!

To put it another way, Pam’s glass is half full. I’m a ‘what glass’ kind of guy!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 04-09-2004 06:35 PM

CruiseShelly, don't listen to him! Malcolm's glass is as empty as mine is full. Mec1 and myself, along with others here on CT are all going on different cruises/crossings aboard QM2 before your sailing date. I am sure a wealth of current information will be posted over the forthcoming weeks. Keep looking in and check the reviews when they appear.
If you have any specific questions about life/things on QM2, fire away and I'll check them out for you when aboard.
Pam

[ 04-09-2004: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 04-09-2004 06:43 PM

No news, good news - could be that QM2 is on a pretty port intensive cruise until April 12.

With full days in Barbados, Dakar, Canary Islands, Maderia, and Lisbon. passengers only have 5 days to rest up and explore the ship. Hopefully we have some 'cruise talkers' on board.

Fingers crossed!

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

PHILPKH923
First Class Passenger
Member # 4064

posted 04-09-2004 06:46 PM

quote:
When nothing is commented on, I suspect all is going well? For every bad report, many more have a wonderful time, just don't say anything. No bad reports, so people must be having a whale of a time. My theory anyhow
Pam

"no news is good news"

I suspect that, as you say Pam, everyone is having a whale of a time and enjoying the experience. I can hardly wait myself!

...KenH

Posts: 259 | From: Shannondell | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 04-09-2004 07:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by KenH:
..everyone is having a whale of a time and enjoying the experience.

Is it not 'wail' or are we being nautical???

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Barryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 33

posted 04-10-2004 09:15 AM

I too have been searching for recent reviews, but have not seen much out there. There have been thousands of passengers by now that have been on QM2, so you would think there would be more reviews out there. Perhaps more will show up when QM2 & QE2 do their tandem crossing the end of this month.

Posts: 1851 | From: Bloomington, Minnesota (Home to the Mall of America) | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

joe at travelpage
Administrator
Member # 622

posted 04-10-2004 03:00 PM

I know of some CruiseTalkers that will be on board next week so we should have an updated report shortly.

Joe at TravelPage.com

Posts: 29976 | From: Great Falls, Virginia | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

mec1
First Class Passenger
Member # 4287

posted 04-11-2004 05:18 PM

Yes Pam I agree with you - have just watched the documentary and (although it seemed to start ten minutes early) was entranced.

I'll report back in May when I get home - but I can't wait. Like Pam, I will gladly help find out anything specific anyone is interested in.

Mike

Posts: 1675 | From: London, England | Registered: Nov 2003 | IP: Logged

CruiseShelly
First Class Passenger
Member # 4618

posted 04-15-2004 10:47 AM

Thanks for everyone's "hopeful" positive comments about QM2 solving their waitstaff problems.

Anyone else going on the May 10 itinerary out of NYC?

Posts: 28 | From: Philly, PA | Registered: Apr 2004 | IP: Logged

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