QM2 and NewYork

 
Reviewed By: Michael, Uddingston on 15th Feb 2010
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Queen Mary 2 Sailed: July, 2009
Destination: Transatlantic Age: 46-55
Cabin: Balcony
We have previously cruised with P&O, RCCL,NCL and Celebrity so we were eager to make the comparrison with the Queen Mary, as some people say that this is real cruising? well here's my verdict.

This was also our first cruise from Southampton so we flew from Glasgow to Southampton and joined QM2 that morning to start our 9 day Transatlantic cruise to NewYork, Nova Scotia and Boston.
Boarding was quick and efficent. We went to our Britaniania Class Balcony room, which was not unlike all other balcony cabins we have been in with the exception of the balcony itself which is really enclosedand doesnot allow any sun in, apparently it's because these ships designed for transatlantic crossings so the balconies are more designed to be wind proof? The ship was equisite. We were a bit concerned that our fellow passengers might be a lot older than us and that the cruise might bea bit on the "snobby" side for us. On both accounts our concerns were unfounded. It's an old saying that real snobs are great company it's the wannabe snobs that are the pains.
The overall standard of food was very good but a bit behind p&o and celebrity. The entertainment was different with a lot of lectures etc which was quite good. The bars etc were really nice with prices much thesameas the other companies. As cunard travel the direct route across the pond its not thebest weather route although it was not to bad. One complaint was the the undercover pool solurium area was over run by around a dozen spoiled little brats who had littler espect for other senior guests using this area. There parents did nothing to help the situation or the staff who allowed the "little toffs" to run wild. But all in all the crossing was really enjoyable.
We arrived in NewYork were a lot of passengers departed and replaced by Americans joining for a three day "Independace day cruise" again the newpassengerswere really nice andwe had good banter with our new dinner guests. We loved New York it was everything we thought it would be, need to go back. We then headed to Nova Scotia, which is more Scottish than Glasgow, tartan and bag pipes everywere. We then headed to Boston for our flight home. We had a great time and all for under£1000 p/p.

Quality of Food4
We had breakfast in our room. Lunch in the buffet restaurant and dinner in the main restaurant.
Entertainment4
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff4
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities2
Cabins4
Overall Rating4
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Question by Brown, Louth (22 Feb 10 10:56) about this REVIEW
interesting to read reviews. first time cruisers in April / May to NY and return on QM2. anyone help with "themed ball" nights. does the ship have a "dressing up box / facility" or do you take all your own bits? and how seriously do guests take them. noticed a few mentions of bad weather, obviously that happens in Atlantic, how much does it affect everything. the brochures mention lots of day activities and seeing the size of the ship, how do you find everything.
Opinion: Agree Comment by Bradbury, Billinge, Nr.Wigan (17 Feb 10 16:54) about this REVIEW
Food on P&O must be something special as I found food with Cunard excellent although since I went on the QE2 some years ago up to Norway, I noticed that the menues were considerably reduced in options. However when I didn't fancy something our superb waiter always found me something I requested, especially if you give prior notice if you get sight of the next day's menu.
Question by dodd, wrexham (15 Feb 10 21:30) about this REVIEW
dear michael, have booked our first cruise this nov/dec new york followed by caribean any hints cost of drinks etc.. tours ? are they expensive ? do u pay for mini bar etc, a friend who I work with said not to pay gratis on credit card she said tell perser when u board u will pay yourself at end - feeling a bit moide by information givencan u help Jill wrexham.....
Answer by Bradbury, Billinge, Nr.Wigan (17 Feb 10 13:22) to a QUESTION by dodd (15 Feb 10 21:30)
As a life member of CAMRA Cunard's prices are not excessive especially beer unless prices are up on last year-(I went on the Baltic cruise on Victoria-excellent!) They could do with more Real Ale bottles so I am on the New York-Quebec cruise this Sept. so I will live in hope. Everything is charged to credit card and there is a standard charge gratuity for wine at table. Other drinks are as priced. Everything is in dollars so at first sight it looks expensive but the bar staff will give you the approx. £ cost if you ask. Yes you can waive the standard gratuity added to your bill at the end of the voyage, shared to ALL the "workers" on board (I hope!) and you need to tell the bursar with a form when you embark. I always pay this charge and pay cash at the end to those who give me good service over the voyage.
Comment by dodd, wrexham (17 Feb 10 21:22) about an ANSWER by Bradbury (17 Feb 10 13:22)
Thankyou Bradbury, things seem a little clearer now, have just joined cruise.co to try and learn and gear myself up for this first cruise after reading reviews, looks like I picked a good one to start with, thankyou for your tips - most helpful. might night. Jill -wrexham
Answer by wardrope, newbridge (16 Feb 10 12:43) to a QUESTION by dodd (15 Feb 10 21:30)
when in november are you going on the queen mary we are going on the 10th of nov then spending 3 nights in the marriot we are going on the 10th spending 2 days in southampton before we get the shop
Answer by Michael, Uddingston (16 Feb 10 10:54) to a QUESTION by dodd (15 Feb 10 21:30)
The cost of drinks onboard are much the same as you would pay in an upmarket bar in any city centre in the UK. All purchases on board, including anything you use from your minibar, are charged to your room using your Cunard keycard. All drinks etc incur an automatic 15% service charge. All charges are settled at the end of the cruise. You will need to give details of a credit card at the start of your cruise. When we cruise to the Caribbean we always do our own excursions, they are readily available at the ports, and will save you lots of money as the cruise companies are quite expensive for tours. Do your own thing in NY , but take good shoes as you can walk for hours, but its fantastic. Enjoy your cruise and dont get wound up about tips etc you will get great service and tipping is just part of cruising. Hope this helps

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