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By CHERYL BLACKERBYcblackerby@pbpost.comPublished on: 02/27/04
The Queen Mary 2's first Caribbean tour held as many pleasant, and untoward, surprises as its inaugural voyage across the Atlantic. So pour a cup of tea, read this report, and decide if the QM2 — the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive passenger ship ever built — would float your boat. My first impression on this 11-day cruise: The $800 million Queen Mary 2 is a whopping big baby girl. If you're at one end of an inside corridor you can see the other end in the distance, but you keep walking and walking and the end doesn't get closer. It's like that dream where your feet turn into lead. Everybody complained about the distances between the restaurant at the stern and the theater at the bow. The Queen Mary 2 is elegant, in fact the most beautiful ship I've ever seen, but it's not for everyone. The pluses • The ship is sophisticated, with red carpets, marble, chandeliers, very Old World but with sleek deco lines. Attention has been given to the smallest details, such as sinks made in Luxembourg by the fine china company of Villeroy & Boch. • Even though every cabin was booked and there were 2,539 of us — 1,731 Americans, 485 Brits, and the rest from Germany, Japan and everywhere else — there was always an empty deck chair around the five swimming pools (including one enclosed pool on the top deck for cold trans-Atlantic crossings). • And my cabin — the lowest priced at $1,600 per person double occupancy — exceeded my expectations; small but chic. (Prices vary widely and head all the way up to $27,000 for two-story suites.) • The theater was superb. London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts gave a wonderful performance of "The Importance of Being Earnest." • The ship's talented singers and dancers did a red-hot production called "Apassionata," which included sensual tango and a sizzling flamenco by Jonathan Martinez of Barcelona, Spain. Lindsay Hamilton, London West End actor and singer, kept us captivated with songs from Broadway and London musicals. • Todd English's restaurant was a great alternative to the main dining room. • Doug Cameron, a jazz violinist, played an eclectic range for this crowd — from "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" to "Orange Blossom Special" and Celtic music. • Onyx, the best Caribbean band I've seen on any ship, played in the nightclub. • A visit to the Canyon Ranch Spa for a Thai massage ($109) made me wish I could win the lotto and go every day. • The 8,000-book library, complete with bookstore, was one of the busiest spots on the ship. • The strolling minstrels would unexpectedly burst into song in the ship's lobby. They were always a delightful surprise. The minuses • Most nights, the food was lackluster and there was very little of it. Passengers complained from Day 1 to Day 11. You know you're in for a bad dining experience when you see a little pile of mashed English peas. • The petty annoyances didn't get resolved. After a while, we just expected to have to ask for silverware. On the tables, in the buffet lines — it became a running joke among passengers. Still, on a ship like the QM2, you expect those details to be worked out. • Smoking immediately separated the Brits, many of whom like to smoke, and the Americans, who don't. There were public spaces where smoke hung in the air, ready to jump uninvited into your lungs. • The cash situation was aggravating. No automated teller machines onboard meant passengers had to get money from the casino, which charged 3 percent and was closed when the ship was in port. Otherwise, we had to go to banks in the ports, which dispensed money in the local currency. • Having to dress up 11 nights in a row was a strain. By the fourth night, the novelty had worn off, and I found myself daydreaming of a Windjammer cruise, where you go barefoot to dinner. • Getting around was a royal pain. You really feel you're on the biggest cruise vessel on Earth. I vowed not to take the elevator while I was on board. That lasted two days. But of course there's nothing the ship can do about this, unless they put in moving walkways. • Getting ashore is an adventure. The ship is so big, it can't dock in a lot of ports or even in the harbor, so passengers have to go ashore in tenders. The little boats really rock outside the harbor, and some passengers got sick, including a woman who threw up near my feet. Passengers seemed afraid of the boats, too, and many screamed when we hit a wake. The tenders also really cut into your time onshore. Who should take the QM2? My cruise was overwhelmingly made up of retirees, which might have been because of the length and time of year. But the entertainment is definitely for older cruisers — Tony Bennett by the pool; 1940s music in the cyber center; and traditional tea at 3:30 p.m. Younger cruisers might find it dull, and older travelers, especially those who have difficulty walking, might be overwhelmed by the distances on the ship. So I would recommend this cruise to an older person in great shape, who has an intellectual bent. The program of lectures put together by Oxford University — topics included shipwrecks off the coast of St. Kitts, and Coco Chanel's impact on fashion — was a huge hit. Would I take the QM2 again? Sure. But I would probably take the trans-Atlantic crossing, and save the Caribbean for a small ship. Cheryl Blackerby is travel editor of the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post.
This is worrying! The food is obviously NOT improving.
Getting around was a royal pain....But of course there's nothing the ship can do about this, unless they put in moving walkways.
Now that is a good idea!
Cunard do not have any experience of opperating very big ships, but Carnival should know how to do it. Maybe they should ask RCI how is it done?
Thanks for sharing, Ernie.
[ 02-28-2004: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
Anyhow thanks Ernie for sharing it!
[ 02-28-2004: Message edited by: Keitaro ]
quote:Originally posted by Sokker14:Maybe she should announce herself as the ocean's best theater and leave it at that.
Cunard have certainly booked some top talent for the QM2's inauguaral months, but I doubt if that trend will last?
Airports are approaching the same problem - short of being a prize athlete, a marathoner almost, it's increasingly difficult and exhausting to get from point A to point B.
I come closer to cancelling my QM2 reservation.........
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:Cunard have certainly booked some top talent for the QM2's inauguaral months, but I doubt if that trend will last?
They'll probably revert to their normal practice of using the likes of Heathmore King and Craig Douglas.
Brian
[ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: bmajor ]
quote:By CHERYL BLACKERBYcblackerby@pbpost.comPublished on: 02/27/04? Having to dress up 11 nights in a row was a strain. By the fourth night, the novelty had worn off, and I found myself daydreaming of a Windjammer cruise, where you go barefoot to dinner. Cheryl Blackerby is travel editor of the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post.
? Having to dress up 11 nights in a row was a strain. By the fourth night, the novelty had worn off, and I found myself daydreaming of a Windjammer cruise, where you go barefoot to dinner.
Cheryl Blackerby is travel editor of the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post.
quote:Originally posted by PamM: I have no idea why she felt she had to dress up every night. Perhaps by dressing up she didn't mean formal wear, just getting changed for dinner, and is normaly someone who likes to eat barefoot? Anyhow.. I have just got the voyage info for our crossing, and it's definitely only 2 formal nights.Pam
Pam, This is sad to hear. A six-night crossing should be formal each night except the first and last. This is how it has been on QE2. Sorry to hear Cunard is going "casual" with QM2. I wonder if QE2 will retain the same dress code?
Like you, I also don't understand why the reporter felt the need to dress up each evening, as I know there are only two formal nights (max three) on a Cunard Caribbean cruise. I have a feeling she felt that "informal" attire was also too dressy for her. This does not surprise me as we live in a very casual society... especially in the US. None the less there are plenty of cruise lines which are casual. In fact most have done away with "informal" altogether and go with two formal nights, and all the rest casual.
Ernie
All I'll say, is she grossly exaggerated the problems. Also QM2 does not offer a midnight buffet - she does offer a snack service with veal parmigane in the King's Court until 4AM. She needs to get her facts right.
She also interviewed 2 EX-travel agents at our table who made a spectacle every night and always had a look of pain and disgust to their faces. They complained only to get discounts on future cruises and to have people waiting on them hand and foot. They were the talk of many people, because they were so ridiculous.
I printed her article aboard ship and distributed it to many crew members, just so they'd know what type of people they were dealing with. I also made sure Maureen Ryan, who tried to accomodate this Journalist, got a copy.
Many World Club members, including myself, described the voyage as magical. If someone didn't enjoy themselves, then, they're the type of person that can't be pleased. COMPLAINERS for the sake of complaining!
The crew WAS short staffed. Working very long days. They were werking 16, 17 and 18 hour days with no overtime. They were still so friendly, not jaded like on QE2, and tried so hard to make sure everyone was happy.
Before she speaks for all Brits and Americans, there were lot of smoking Americans, and non smoking Brits. So don't say 'WE DON'T'. Silverware was present, I don't know where she was.
Everyone at our table, in the center of the Brittania Restaurant, loved their food, except for the sole one nite. The chateaubriand was wonderful, but that was nothing next to the macadamia nut encrusted Mahi Mahi. I always asked our highly efficient waiter, Marcin what he recommended and he was always right on.
The staff in the Chart Room was wonderful- outstanding jazz, as well as Motty, a waiter in the Pub. Even though he was extremely busy, he was always friendly and made sure everyone was well looked after.
People like this just don't know how to enjoy themselves. I can't stand this kind if ilk aboard ships - people who think by criticizing, it make them look well travelled. WELL IT DOESN'T! It shows what horrible people they are and should be banned. Too many of us pay alot of money for the ship, and we want to enjoy it - and there are alot of people who agreed with me. This is my 8th voyage with Cunard, and there will be many more.
There! that's what I think.
Scott
[ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: ScottQE2 ]
However, to suggest that younger passengers would be better off on another ship is probably not the best advice to give. She's assuming that ALL younger folks like the same thing and QM2's enviornment will not be their cup of tea...sorry no pun intended. I know that, in my case, she's dead wrong.
Russ
quote:Originally posted by ScottQE2: All I'll say, is she grossly exaggerated the problems.
All I'll say, is she grossly exaggerated the problems.
Personally I did not find her report to be negative. On the contrary it was mostly positive, but pointed out a few items that need help such as the food and service .... and this has already been well documented. She also pointed out that QM2 is a very large ship and will not appeal to everyone, and this fact is certainly true. It's also true QM2 doesn't have the best layout in the world, and that the ship as VERY long corridors. Other then that the reporter seemed quite pleased with QM2.
I felt the review was balanced. It was not all praise for QM2 and not all negative either. Nothing is perfect (not even QM2) and nothing is all bad either.
People seem to take this ship very personal for some reason and get very up in arms when anything bad is written about her (even if it's true). It's the same way with QE2. I think diehard Cunard fans will always overlook the shortcomings of the line, no matter what the problems might be. It almost as if they have blinders on.
The QM2 is an beautiful and awesome ship, the interiors are magnificent, and the massive exterior is overpowering with respect to size (though I don't like the flat dull black hull paint. It seems more suitable for a less pretentious (not meant to be perjorative) ship).
I would dearly love to sail on her, but I am not sure she has a level of accessibility that I might require. However, 2005 is a ways off. Perhaps I will be more mobile than I think (I tend to plan for worst case). More research and realistic analysis is needed before I book.
Well, there are always other ships. Hey perhaps Queen Victoria!
...KenH
[ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: KenH ]
You're right, the review was very balanced. Eleven positive and seven negative comments seems pretty reasonable to me.
I just thought suggesting that QM2 is only for older folks was giving a bit of, well, bad advice. It's like suggesting that Carnival is only for young folks when, amoung the different age groups, it's pretty even.
Thanks for posting the review.
quote:Originally posted by linerguy: I just thought suggesting that QM2 is only for older folks was giving a bit of, well, bad advice. It's like suggesting that Carnival is only for young folks when, amoung the different age groups, it's pretty even. Russ
Russ,I agree, no need to be ageist. I'm only in my 30's and I enjoy Tony Bennett! Even so, I don't know if most people my age do or would even think about a cruise, let alone on Cunard. Cruises are just beginning to break the stereotypical mold of just being for retirees. Unfortunately, on this reporters cruise that is what her sailing was mostly made up of, therefore she came to the conclusion QM2 is geared towards an older crowd. I can't really blame her for that even if it's not entirely true.
quote:Originally posted by PamM:Don't even think about cancelling Green! Pam
I'm not really serious about that Pam - but admit to 2nd thoughts - absolutely nothing to do with dressing up - 2 Formal, 2 casual and 2 semi formal - I've received that info also. Mention of Windjammer made me think like you!
Seriously, it's the cost that's giving me 2nd thoughts - before I spend another penny, it's costing me about CA$800.00 per night - travelling solo sure adds to the price.......
I'm sitting tight until some objective reviews come in from 'crossing' pax like you!
Does sound though as if a scooter might come in handy for those long hallways
quote:Originally posted by KenH:I would dearly love to sail on her, but I am not sure she has a level of accessibility that I might require.
I am relatively fit, but even big ships wear me out. I often can't be bothered to wait for elevators so I do a lot of staor cases.
If I had a mobility problem, I'd pick a much smalller ship. For example Fred Olsen'd Black Watch, at 28,000 Tons was a pleaseure to navigate. Caronia is a similar size. to the Black Watch.
It is a pitty that giant ships get all the best press.
quote:Originally posted by KenH:I just spent 3 months in hospital and rehab, having had a below the knee amputation on the left leg. I had hoped to reward myself with a booking on the QM2 in 2005 (I will have had my prothesis for a year by then and should be mobile again). However, I am now hesitant to take on the QM2. Her sheer size and the distances one must undertake to get from A to B just seem overwhelming. And while I hope to be quite back in formby 2005, I must still consider the consequences of walking long distances. [ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: KenH ][ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: KenH ]
I'm so sorry to hear that. A very good friend of mine has two prosthetic legs... He got both his legs amputated up to right above his knees, and also has been amputated up to his forearms. It takes time and patients, but it is well worth it. He walks in the all the time! I will keep you in my prays for a good recovery! I hope you feel better, and enjoy your time at home!
~Brian
[ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: Beezo ]
quote:Originally posted by linerguy:However, to suggest that younger passengers would be better off on another ship is probably not the best advice to give. She's assuming that ALL younger folks like the same thing and QM2's enviornment will not be their cup of tea...sorry no pun intended. I know that, in my case, she's dead wrong.Russ
If there is something that has changed dramatically since the last ten years, then it has to be the definitions of target groups. Many well figured out target groups have shifted and mingled with one another. A youth full group does not automatically mean anymore they want fun or would despise a ship like the QM2. The same goes for an older group, there are a lot of older people who want a dynamic vacation simply because that is different and more adventures then everyday life.
Generalising groups by age, demographics, culture, sex etc simply doesn’t work anymore, the same goes for brand bonding. Manny companies have a hard time figuring out how to reach a target audience since it is hard to pinpoint a specific commonality between groups of people other than that they share the interest in the same product.
I’m 25 and I sure would like to experience the QM2 product. That I’m in my 20’s doesn’t automatically mean I would feel at home on let’s say a FUN ship and hate the QM2. neither does it mean I couldn’t enjoy both products. And I certainly would not decide not to go on QM2 because in someone’s opinion (that is all that it is) the QM2 is not for younger people.
Best, Onno
[ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: Onno ]
I found this review very interesting, though I think that there are several inaccuracies. I too wondered about her statement re the dress code. I expected the QM2 to have the same dress code as the QE2, but to my surprise not all nights at sea were formal. Their dress code is certainly more relaxed. I would not enjoy going to dinner anywhere in bare feet!
I also wonder why anyone would change money at the casino. We did all our money transactions at the pursers desk. When changing travellers cheques we were not charged commission.
The meal portions were small, but in top restaurants that is to be expected. We always find it difficult to eat the portions of food we are given in the US and the UK so we did not have a problem with this.
The ship is big, however, I feel that you do less walking on this ship than on the QE2. All the public rooms etc are very easy to access if you book a cabin midships near C stairwell. It is true that it is a long way from one end to the other on cabin decks, but who wants to walk from one end to the other? One of the people I travelled with walks with two sticks. He found the ship easy to handle because all the public rooms were very central to Band C stairwell. It was easy to access Kings Court because it can be accessed from several stairwells. The only hassle was accessing the Queens Room due to the stairs. There is a disabled lift but you might not wish to use it. You can still access the Queens Room by using the lifts at stairway D.
Ken don't dismiss travelling on the QM2 just yet, but look carefully at the deck plans and select a cabin that will be central to where you will frequent.
Although a cruise on the QM2 is a great experience, there are problems which need to be addressed. I am pleased to hear that Cunard is listening.
[ 03-01-2004: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
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