Is Cunard Right For You?

Subject: Re: Is Cunard Right For You? Fri Jan 09, 2009 11:45 pm

"I" am that person who just returned that Michele referred to. Smile

We do not recall anyone smoking anywhere indoors. With the exception of an ashtry in the bathroom of our cabin as well as an ashtray on our balcony. Our family had three cabins and none had a "smoke" odor.

My dh is sensitive to smoke and he only recalls smokers outdoors near the pool, but we do believe it was only "allowed" on one side of the ship.

As to the sleeping counselor, yes, dozing/watching TV and a "contract" college student of which there were others.

Imo, and our family, the food was also a bit disappointing, unless you love game. We were not looking for quantity, we were looking for more than half of a lobster tail and salmon which on three separate occasions was dry dry dry.

I am still gathering some notes and thoughts and will post them when I have everything together.

Guest

Good to note that smoking wasn't prevelant. But if it is allowed in cabins and on one side of the ship is that not more than on other ships ? I had the feeling on RCCL cruises that it was either in the casino or in dedicated smoking rooms ?

The comment about he food is a bit surprising for a luxury liner.

queen

Guest

Hey Lisa!!!!!! Welcome

Thanks, I was just coming to post your reply. Very Happy

Subject: Re: Is Cunard Right For You? Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:37 pm

DancingQueen wrote:

Good to note that smoking wasn't prevelant. But if it is allowed in cabins and on one side of the ship is that not more than on other ships ? I had the feeling on RCCL cruises that it was either in the casino or in dedicated smoking rooms ?

The comment about he food is a bit surprising for a luxury liner.

queen

I forgot about the casino! Embarassed

Yes smoking was allowed in the casino! Was only there once to make a "donation". Rolling Eyes

The visit did not last long.

There may some people who get really upset with me but in the opinion in of our family of six, sailing in a "B" category cabin on the Queen Mary 2. It MAY be a very different experience for those sailing in Grill Category cabins.

For perspective and history, my parents generally cruise twice a year. I have been on about 13 cruises. Perhaps because we are Americans? I do not know. We went into this 15 night voyage with open eyes and after seeing some menus on the internet, had an idea of what to expect in regards to cuisine. Needless to say you will not starve to death on any cruise. There is always the buffet. Smile

We choose to take dinner in the dining room.

From our history, there was no luxurious differences from our sailings on Princess, Costa, RCCL, HAL, NCL or Celebrity. Again, for our perspective, Not always Shocked

, but in the past, we have sailed in mini-suites on Princess, superior suites on HAL, junior suites on RCCL and sky suites on Celebrity, but for the most part sail standard balcony cabins. I suppose it comes down to one's expectation of luxury. My Mom was debating purchasing a tuxedo for my father to sail on the Queen Mary 2 and ultimately decided against it and going with a dark suit. This was perfectly acceptable.

In my mind, an example which comes to mind in regards to luxury were the tables in the center of the Britannia dining room (surrounding the captain's table), all had poinsettia centerpieces. All other tables had simple single stemmed lilies. On formal nights, all tables had tealight candles. Tables in the center of the room had candlelabras.

Dh had venison which was offered for dinner the first night and it was very good. He also ate goose, duck (two times) and lamb (two times). The surprise was that there were no "plaina" alternatives offered for an entree such as even chicken. One night we requested an alternative and were told because it was a "formal" night no exceptions could be made. Another night my Mom requested an alternative and our waiter stated he needed to check with his supervisor (assistant maitre 'd). He received approval for Spaghetti Bolognese, which when served was not the same as the Bolognese served earlier in the cruise Rolling Eyes

but edible nonetheless.

Our next to last day on the cruise we did have a conversation with two other families. One family was from the UK and the other were originally from the UK/Scotland and now living in the US. The family from the UK had sailed Cunard previous and felt though quality had declined, the food was still very good nonetheless. The other family thought the food much better on Princess which they had sailed on their previous 8 cruises. At least we knew it was not just us. Does this have anything to do with the fact that Princess "runs" the Cunard brand for Carnival? I do not know.

Again, I will be posting some additional thoughts. All in all she is the most beautiful ship we have sailed on. Christmas decorations were on par with RCCL and way above and beyond Celebrity. Christmas decorations and activities were nearly identical to HAL. Carolers upon embarking, midnight mass etc. All lines have done Santa on Christmas morning with gifts for children and cabin gifts for guests.

Subject: Re: Is Cunard Right For You? Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:44 pm

Slightly off topic but, board member Beyondships has an excellent website with tons of info on QM2, you all might find it helpful: http://www.beyondships.com/QM2.html

Guest

Thanks for your perspective. One other thing, having done 13 cruises did you find there were many more ballroom dancers using the dancefloor on the QM2 then other ships ?

The 'beyondships' site that was very informative and good to know of that site for other ship info.
queen