Embarkation:

What can I say, it was flawless. We stayed one night prior to the cruise at the Holiday Inn Martinique (lovely) and, the next day, took a cab to the pier; arriving at about 130pm. We surrendered our luggage to a porter, walked inside and, within 20 minutes, we were on board. It was perfect. In fact, I'd say that it was one of the smoothest embarkations I've ever experienced.

Our Cabin:

My wife and I were traveling with our daughter, 12, and our son who is 9. We had a quad inside cabin on deck six; cabin 6073 to be exact. No complaints at all. I know I've mentioned this before but, the beds and linens are absolutely top of the line; the most comfortable I ever had on a ship. There is plenty of storage space (at least for us), and, while the bathroom isn't the largest I've ever had, it's lay out makes it seem larger than it really is ... no problems. I did find it funny that there is a "No Smoking" sticker on the mirror of the bathroom and then next to the toilet, an ashtray is mounted to the wall. ??? The Canyon Ranch soap, bath gels, and hair products are all high quality and not in the least "Motel 6-ish". If I had to "find" something wrong with the cabin, it would be that the upper berths do not have rails to keep the kids from falling out at night. No problem with our 12 year old but, our 9 year old, Elliot, moves around in his sleep like he's dreaming about Big Time Wrestling. So, my wife slept in the top berth two nights and I slept up there the other two nights. I'm not sure if our room stewardess just forgot about the rails or if they just don't have them. In any event, it was fine.

The Ship:

Well, after the inaugural trip I took in April, I wrote just how wonderful QM2 is; and my feelings haven't swayed. She is remarkable ... except King's Court. They should rip it out and start over. It's not so much that we had a problem getting a table as much as how damn confusing the room is ...

We did have a bit of excitement during tea one day in the Queen's Room. Along the port side wall, above the ceiling, a sprinkler pipe burst (or came loose or whatever) and water was pouring through the light fixtures and onto the floor. And I mean a steady stream that lasted about 35 minutes or so. Officers and crew came in with ladders and removed part of the ceiling and shut it off. We passengers made light of it in a good natured way ... we knew the ship would stay afloat.

I will say, and this is just an observation and not a complaint, that QM2 didn't feel very British to me. Perhaps it's because on my QE2 trips, years ago, most of the staff were British and now, on QM2, they are not. Then again maybe it's because QM2 hasn't acquired that intangible "patina" just yet. Nevertheless, she is the grandest of the grand as far as today's cruise liners are concerned.

BTW, it was hard to tell if QM2 was actually moving. I understand that we were, for the most part, sailing at a very slow speed, and that the sea was like a sheet of glass, but, she is probably the finest sailing ship I've ever encountered. Even on the last night it was tough to tell we were cruising along at 26 knots.

Food & Service:

I understand that Desirod had much to complain about as far as the service in the Britannia. I guess we just had good luck of the draw (and he and I discussed this while on board), as the service we received was flawless. I suppose this means that service is still uneven and is, indeed for some folks, an issue. Perhaps we were just lucky or maybe some folks were just unlucky. Still, the service should be consistant throughout the dining room. As far as food in the dining room, I have nothing but praise to dish out. I wasn't disappointed at all. Soups were outstanding as were the desserts. Special requests were always met with "Absolutely, no problem". To my wife's disappointment, lobster wasn't served but it's wasn't enough to cause a black mark against Cunard. Personally, I think it's like eating a giant bug so, I couldn't have cared less. One other note: We never waited more than, I would say, five minutes between courses.

We passed on Todd English so I can't really comment on the food or service there.

Food in the King's Court (with the exception of that dreadful pizza) was very good; or at least on par with buffets I've had on Princess or Celebrity.

The service at afternoon tea in the Queen's Room was painfully slow; they simply didn't have enough staff. And while the sandwiches and desserts were fine, you didn't have a choice of tea as they came around and poured the tea from teapots for you. Not a big deal though and all in all, tea was lovely.

Fish and chips in the pub were wonderful, served timely and were very hot.

We didn't visit the Boadwalk Cafe.

Service in all the bars was prompt and courteous and yet there was no pressure. Like many folks, the Commodore Club was our favorite.

Entertainment:

First off, let me say that the pianist in the Commodore Club, Campbell Simpson, was nothing short of incredible. Hopefully, future passengers will get a chance to hear this chap as he's simply brilliant. In contrast, the two gents who traded off on the piano in the Golden Lion were just horrible. They both played like they were on speed. Everything they did seemed in double time.

We only saw the "Rock at the Opera" production show and, visually, it was fantastic. The stage, the lights, the effects, are all state of the art. And the performers dancing are also very good. It was the three main vocalists who made my skin crawl. They were either sharp or flat most of the time. Still, it was worth seeing ... though I doubt I would sit through it again.

Fellow Passengers:

For the most part, a lovely bunch of folks. I had several pleasant conversations with folks who were having a wonderful time. Of course there were a few whiners here and there but nothing to ruin the moment. There was one annoying, yet funny, instance when, during the Captain's cocktail party in the Queen's Room, a lady sitting in a chair behind us kept yelling to the guy standing next to me "Sir, MOVE ... I'm disabled, I can't see ... MOVE, I'm disabled!". She thought the entire world was suppose to get out of her way. Eventually, a few people around her picked her up and moved her closer ... actually, right next to the guy she was yelling at. "I hope someday you're disabled and people aren't as rude as you are!". He just ignored her. After the party was over, and the guy next to me left, the old bat got up and WALKED out of the Queen's Room! Now THAT was funny.

Also, just want to say how much of a pleasure it was to meet fellow Cruise Talkers, Desirod & Skyroom. Cool conversation and laughter was pretty much the norm.

Newport:

At first, I was very disappointed that we would not be viewing the fireworks in NY harbor. After a while I figured, what the heck, don't let it ruin the trip ... Newport will be fine. And fine it was ... more than just fine, actually. Had we gone back to NY, we would not have been treated to such a warm welcome. Hundreds of pleasure craft, sailboats, etc escorted us into the harbor and there were folks lining the shores to take a gander at the Queen. It was actually very emotional. I'm not ashamed to admit that a tear or two crossed my lips ... it was something right out of the liner books I own. After we dropped anchor, we were surrounded by what had to be at least a thousand boats. I'm sure that, from the shore, it had to be an awesome site. While I've seen more impressive fireworks, these were still lovely and a memorable time was had by all.

If Newport is as wonderful as it looks from the harbor, I feel a return visit is in order.

Disembarkation:

Again, flawless. We left our carry on luggage in the cabin closet until they called our group to leave ... something I always do. When we were called, we got our bags, walked off the ship, collected our luggage and were in a taxi within ten minutes. Couldn't have been easier.

Overall, a great trip. The Queen is marvelous and I'd sail on her again in a minute.

I'll end with a heart warming story: My Father in-law and his sister (my wife's Aunt) also went ... along with two other friends. Anyway, my father in-law and his sister took a cab from LaGuardia to the Holiday Inn for our pre-cruise stay. After the cab left, when he tried to check in, he discovered that he had left his wallet in the cab! His credit cards, ID, and $800 cash just drove away in a NYC taxi cab! I tried to run after the cab ... right, like I'd ever catch him, but no luck. Anyhow, 20 minutes later, the cab driver called and, within 10 minutes, came around the corner and brought the wallet back! His next fare had found it on the floor, gave it to him and he returned it.
Amazing. You gotta love New York. My Father in-law tried to give the driver $100 but he wouldn't take it. We insisted that he take at least $50 and he did. Honesty is a lovely thing.

Russ

[ 07-10-2004: Message edited by: linerguy ]

I love the story about NY and the cab driver (and rider) at the end. It doesn't surprise me one bit. NY is filled with great and honest people. I've always felt safe and welcomed there. Having lived in NY and LA, I would much rather take my chances losing a wallet in NY over LA. While I love LA, I think my odds of having the wallet returned in similar circumstances would be greater in NY.

Thanks again for the interesting read.

They need to rip out the alcoves and make it a wall of windows so the middle of the room is not empty and the alcoves are not jammed. There is no visual overview to the space. The different buffet cattle chutes should be of different color schemes so one knows where they are.

We did have a bit of excitement during tea one day in the Queen's Room. Along the port side wall, above the ceiling, a sprinkler pipe burst (or came loose or whatever) and water was pouring through the light fixtures and onto the floor. And I mean a steady stream that lasted about 35 minutes or so. Officers and crew came in with ladders and removed part of the ceiling and shut it off. We passengers made light of it in a good natured way ... we knew the ship would stay afloat.

We were with my brother when he remarked "It must be James Cameron since Irwin Allen just passed away" I did not have my cameras with me.

I will say, and this is just an observation and not a complaint, that QM2 didn't feel very British to me. Perhaps it's because on my QE2 trips, years ago, most of the staff were British and now, on QM2, they are not. Then again maybe it's bacause QM2 hasn't acquired that intangible "patina" just yet. Nevertheless, she is the grandest of the grand as far as today's cruise liners are concerned.

Does Cunard "dumb down" on cruises vs. crossings?

Food & Service:

I understand that Desirod had much to complain about as far as the service in the Britannia. I guess we just had good luck of the draw (and he and I discussed this while on board), as the service we received was flawless. I suppose this means that service is still uneven and is, indeed for some folks, an issue. Perhaps we were just lucky or maybe some folks were just unlucky. Still, the service should be consistant throughout the dining room. The service at afternoon tea in the Queen's Room was painfully slow; they simply didn't have enough staff. And while the sandwiches and desserts were fine, you didn't have a choice of tea as they came around and poured the tea from teapots for you. Not a big deal though and all in all, tea was lovely.

Screwing up table assignments was the big problem. Waiters were good, but the kitchen service was as reliable as a 1964 Triumph TR3

Fellow Passengers:

Also, just want to say how much of a pleasure it was to meet fellow Cruise Talkers, Desirod & Skyroom. Cool conversation and laughter was pretty much the norm.

quote:

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Originally posted by linerguy:
I did find it funny that there is a "No Smoking"

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They must be a new addition re the 'fire hazard', would probably leave unsightly holes if they removed the ashtray thing.

quote:

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.. it would be that the upper berths do not have rails to keep the kids from falling out at night.

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The Stewardess must have forgotten, there are some. They just slot in the holes and extend nearly half way along the bunk.

quote:

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... except King's Court. They should rip it out and start over. It's not so much that we had a problem getting a table as much as how damn confusing the room is ...

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I like KC Maybe the only person to do so, but I don't find it confusing. As far as buffets go, I think it's a good one.

quote:

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BTW, it was hard to tell if QM2 was actually moving.

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A friend of mine [on the same trip as bmajor] was most disappointed in how little she felt the movement.

quote:

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One other note: We never waited more than, I would say, five minutes between courses.

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We were the same...the friend above, is a regular Cunarder, & said it was the only trip she has never sent anything back.. on every QE2 cruise something has always been inedible, though QM2 did not reach Caronia standards. So I guess the restaurant is so large it varies greatly, in service & the food as the plates cannot all be ready at the same time. We had an Irish chap as waiter, who was excellent.

quote:

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Fish and chips in the pub were wonderful, served timely and were very hot.

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We never managed to get a table in there

quote:

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....the old bat got up and WALKED out of the Queen's Room! Now THAT was funny.

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I have experienced similar.. it is so annoying when people play on the 'disabled' bit, as it then makes one treat others with contempt wondering initially if they really are disabled or not

quote:

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It was actually very emotional. I'm not ashamed to admit that a tear or two crossed my lips ... it was something right out of the liner books I own. After we dropped anchor, we were surrounded by what had to be at least a thousand boats. I'm sure that, from the shore, it had to be an awesome site. While I've seen more impressive fireworks, these were still lovely and a memorable time was had by all.

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Sounds great.. await the photos

quote:

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Amazing. You gotta love New York. My Father in-law tried to give the driver $100 but he wouldn't take it. We insisted that he take at least $50 and he did. Honesty is a lovely thing.

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..and so were all the cab drives we encountered.. a great bunch [except the one who took us from the pier to hotel, he was misrable]. So nice when something like that happens.. most people are honest.

The thing that boggled me about King's Court was the fact that they didn't have signs above the different "stations". I kept having to look at what was being served in order to get my bearings. They should have signs that read "Carvery", "Lotus", etc.
Other that my confusion, I liked it ... especially the food.

With regards to the NY cab driver and his actions, I agree, most folks are honest. I have been to NYC so many times, I've lost count; and I've never had a bad experience. I love it, my wife loves it, and now, my kids love it (what nine year old could resist the Toy-R-Us on Broadway?).

Thanks again for clearing up the bed rail snafu.

Someone had handed it in untocuhed - even my QM2 chocolates were there.

Phew!

Someone had handed it in untocuhed - even my QM2 chocolates were there.

Phew! ""

MEC1 You are very lucky!!!! I wish I had the same experience. I just wanted to share something that happened to me on the QM2 on her maiden westbound crossing. On the final night after dinner my wife and I went to the photo area to check out our ship photos. My wife placed our new Sony DV video camera down and forgot to get it when we left. We went to out cabin and in about 20 minutes discovered what happened. When we got to the photo area it was gone. I was crushed. How could this happen, my video camera was lost the night before the maiden arrival into NYC. Frankly I really thought someone would have turned it into the Purser's Office the next morning but they didn't. If there is any positive here, just before dinner I changed the full tape and inserted a fresh one. Thank God, as that's the one with all the footage of those big waves.
The arrival into NYC was great and I was lucky to have a friend make me a copy of theirs.

In the end the video camera never turned up. Not onboard QM2 or in Miami or in Southampton. We've chalked it up to a lesson learned. After reading some of the above stories it sounds like I would have better luck if I left it on a bench in NYC.

PS Russ it was great meeting you and Dave onboard! Maybe we'll see you again next year.

[ 07-12-2004: Message edited by: Sky Room ]

On my January 31st cruise, We too lucked out in the Britannia Restaurant. Our waiter came from celebrity, and his skills were flawless. While all of the food was good (I lucked out because I asked his recommendations while others had some bad experiences) The best dinner was "Macadamia Nut Encrusted Mahi-Mahi" I wish I had the recipe!

I agree about the bed linens - the bed spreads being beautiful.

However - everyone seems to mention how smooth she sails. Most days, we were travelling at top speeds with high winds (they even closed the Boardwalk Cafe because of them). Alot of people on our cruise were really surprised by her rolling, sometimes signifacantly, and she always seemed to have a list to starboard - FUEL TANKS? Anyhow, I like it, especially in that beautiful dining room - Thought of the Poseidon Adventure.

The King's Court, while it could have been decorated better, was very convenient. But the best dining venue (not counting the Grill Rooms) was Todd English which was complimentary at the time. Is it still very good?

My only wish - that there was an easier way to get from the Todd English bar/ pool on 8 Deck aft up to 12 Deck. (A little difficult to climb all those stairs after downing a few at the bar!)

Definitly my favorite ship, it seems so long ago now. After you wait for something for 4 years, 2 weeks goes by fast!

Best Wishes,

Scott

[ 07-13-2004: Message edited by: ScottQE2 ]

How horrible that either an employee or passenger
made off with your camera ... someday, they'll get theirs.

It was great to meet you as well. As far as meeting nice folks, this cruise was pretty much top of the line. Would love one day to see pics of your models.

Scott:

I agree 100% ... the climb up those steps seemed to take forever; good thing there were a few landings to stop and catch my breath.

Also, I'd love to experience QM2 on a crossing ... I'm sure she rolls more than she did on the inaugural and the July 1st cruise; the sea was like glass.

Regards,

Russ

[ 07-14-2004: Message edited by: linerguy ]