As to the cabin, M3 on Two Deck up forward, this was much nicer & larger than I expected. No complaints apart from the bathroom which was long and narrow, leaving little room when stepping out the shower to avoid wetting the toilet roll. Essentially square with a slice for the bathroom. Plenty of storage space, clean, and the stewardess was very good. It was on a slope which could become tiresome on a longer voyage, and when checking under the beds on leaving for anything that may have rolled up to the top, we did find an old, must have been there for sometime, dirty dusty glass, along with a number of coins.

Food.. they could have done a better job here, as it was supposed to be a taster cruise to entice us to sail on something longer. The Lido Buffet for Breakfast and Lunch was very good, plenty of choices and tasty. But it was noted that no fish/kippers were available for breakfast.. rather odd. The Lido was not open on the last night for Dinner, nor the final morning for breakfast, when one only had the choice of either eating in the restaurant or getting up early for a quick bite in the Pavilion [just rolls, cereal & fruit] which promptyl closed on the dot at 7.15am once the main restaurants had started serving. If one was late sitting in Mauretania, one had to wait until 8.15am to eat, I did hear a few grumbles about that. Whether that is the norm on the final morning, I don't know?

Mauretania Dining... imo very mediocre. In the main the food was bland, tasteless and not particularly well presented. Some dished were fine though. The salad I had was 'limp'. The choices available were very limited, and deviation from the printed menu was taboo. The service was abrupt, wine waiter acted as if he had better things to see to, and wasn't really interested. The wine list was so limited it was amusing to our tablemates, and pricey. However we did find a bottle each night to share. Plates were removed before all had finished eating, I know this is quite often the norm these days, but I did expect better here. Food did not arrive at once either, some 10 minutes between one main course arriving to the others. What happened to good manners of waiting for everyone to be served before starting? It would have been cold. One evening we gave up waiting for the coffee & Petit Fours to arrive, if it ever did. Tables are served at their individual speed, but for coffee it seems one had to wait for the whole dining room.

Chidlren's tea in the Pavilion was very good, a nice selection of eatable, healthy food, not just rubbish, was available, kiddies place mats & balloons too. The only problem was then what to do while Mum goes to dinner. H spent sometime sitting at our table eating nothing, but had the dessert and then sat in the cabin.

Food.. I had "Eggplant Dip with raw vegetable sticks", what happened to Aubergine? It was served in a sort of tilted brandy glass, not a very wide opening, with the stick covered in the dip. Did one use a fork and risk breaking the delicate looking glass, or cover one's fingers with the dip..
One can't ask for a dish off the menu without some of the items listed, ie H wanted the peas & carrots, but not the lemon sole.. no can do. As the peas were under the sole covered in a sauce they didn't get eaten anyway. Almost as if the food comes in little boxes ready prepared.
Coconut ice cream on the menu first night. H's favourite. Asked if it was possible to have the next night when only Vanilla or Choc were on the menu, and abruptly told, "No, it's finished". The tablemates were aghast. On any other cruiseline we have been on, & they [which have been many more than us]. the response would have been "Certainly Sir, I'll see what I can do", with the coconut ice cream arriving no problem.

I noticed some people moving cabins, this was apparently due to the vibration problem, moving at the slow speed we were doing. The whole time from about midships to stern she was vibrating.. I could hardly hold the camera to get some photos aft wards. The noise stopped some from being able to sleep, and although I didn't see it, some people dozed in the public rooms overnight. Up forward was very quiet & smooth.

There was no "Captain's Cocktail/Welcome Aboard" Party or similar event. As far as I was aware the Capt. never made an appearance anywhere. Not a single free drink or any description was handed out. Perhaps I expect too much, but at least one on either Sailaway or at a "Party" is usual surely? Crumbs on BP's mini cruise we had both Sailaway & Captain's Welcome Aboard drinks. Cunard are skimping here and it doesn't go down well [ I was not the only one making this observation].

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Originally posted by PamM:

Sounds like a bunch of moans & groans.. & I have gone on a bit.. sorry.. but we still had a great trip and enjoyed it very much, wouldn't have missed it for anything; I do not however think from this taster that I would choose to sail QE2 again, even accounting for the fact this wasn't a typical trip for her.
Pam

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Pam,
Your experience sounds very akin to mine during a crossing last December. While I loved the ship, the lectures, the history tours, and the library/bookshop..... the food and service were dismal. Possibly even the worst I have experienced in some 50+ cruises/crossings. For the prices Cunard charges for QE2, it was simply unacceptable.

I was in an M5 traveling with my brother. I knew the cabin would be small and we were prepared for the worst... or were we? It had been years since either of us sailed in an inside cabin, and I guess we were disappointed when we saw the cabin... and I picked the 2nd largest cabin in the entire category! It would not have been so bad were it not for the fact the cabin felt dirty, and there were little flying moths/bugs in the cabin. We went to the Purser's Office to see about *paying* for an upgrade. We were told very smugly that yes something was available. It would only cost an additional $10,000 and it was Queen's Grill. I questioned was there nothing else in-between? I was sternly told "no". Having been a Purser myself on Princess Cruises, I knew this was BS and that the ship was not full, but what are you going to do? I felt the Purser's staff wanted nothing more then to get us out of their hair. My brother could actually afford the $10,000 without much difficulty, but there was not way he was going to pay it and I don't blame him. This kind of treatment where the passenger came second seemed all to prevalent on QE2.

The food and service onboard in the dining room was completely unmemorable. Far worse then any Carnival ship I have sailed. The first night was especially bad and I figured at least I might lose some weight! I can't even remember the waiter as he did absolutely nothing except provide the absolute basics. Certainly no panache or even a personality. One night in the dining room my friend and I wanted another drink (we learned to enter the dining room with fresh drinks as it took forever to receive a new one), the wine steward/bar waiter basically blew us off and told us he was too busy to take our order. We did not feel like waiting so Rich went out to the Crystal bar and got our drinks. When the wine steward/bar waiter saw this he started giving me a hard time. He let up when I gave a look like he better quit while he was ahead. I was sooo close to really letting him have it and I think he realized it. Service actually improved slightly from him after that. Compare that to a recent Carnival cruise where the wine steward/bar waiter was so good we had a full round of drinks waiting for us at our table each night when we entered the dining room. That was excellent!

My cabin stewardess on the other hand had quite the personality. She was Scandinavian and worked on the RVL for many years. She did introduce herself almost immediately and when she found out we were American she started in on how she did not like the British or QE2, and how much better RVL was. At first it was a little humorous, but it quickly made me somewhat uncomfortable. The only time I ordered room service (the cabin was too small!), she said "oh, ordering room service are we?".... as if I were putting her out. She then said "make sure you put that tray and dishes outside the cabin door" in a tone that only my mother uses after she delivered the food!

Bartenders were friendly, but then again, so are bartenders on every other ship. At the end of the day, I felt QE2 was far overpriced for the product received. Yes the ship was fabulous in many regards *if* you like old ocean liners, and most of today's cruisers don't, but the service and food was severely lacking.

Some might say "you get what you pay for" being in M-grade. Again, BS! Traveling in M-Grade on QE2 for six days costs more than taking a seven day cruise on a brand new ship in a BALCONY! So, as you can see, M-Grade is no special value when compared to what else is out there. Of course Cunard fills QE2 as they do a great job marketing her on her past reputation.... possibly a reputation that is more a figment of someone's imagination then anything else.

I will sail on QE2 again, as even the best of ships can have an "off day". There is so much to like about QE2, from strictly a trans-Atlantic liner perspective, but there was so much to be disappointed with as well.

I'm sailing on QM2 in May, and I can only hope Cunard will have better food and service on this ship or she won't last long. Too much competition in the cruise market with other cruise lines that just seem to know how to operate better.

Ernie

ps - one last thing. It's now been nine months since my first Cunard sailing. I have yet to receive anything from them regarding the Cunard World Club, my membership number, card, etc. This pretty much meets my expectations of Cunard.

[ 09-10-2003: Message edited by: eroller ]

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I wasn't going to say anything, as our little jaunt a couple of weeks ago can't really be considered typical of what one might expect on a crossing or full cruise on QE2, but I've been tempted.

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Mercyful miseries Pam; not a cruise I would have found enjoyable. If I have ever entertained the notion to sail QE2 (and I haven't), this review of Pam's put the proverbial nail in that coffin.

I can't understand bad attitudes on the part of staff, especially diningroom staff. They constitute the one part of the crew with which we have the most contact. And since dining is one of the most important elements of cruising, to have it ruined by surly, aloof staff is inexcusable.

Hope this wasn't typical of QE2 and hope we don't see it on QM2.

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Originally posted by eroller:
...the food and service were dismal. Possibly even the worst I have experienced in some 50+ cruises/crossings. [ 09-10-2003: Message edited by: eroller ]

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I was honoured to be sharing Ernie’s table on this cruise, and I do not disagree with him! I’ve not done 50 cruise, but never the less the food is the worst so far.

Perhaps Cunard’s food and service is simply inconsistent in the M grade? The grill class passengers were certainly in no doubt about there quality of food and service, but they of course paid through the nose for it.

Personally I feel that have three classes of dining gives Cunard the perfect opportunity to use cheaper ingredients and deploy poorly trained wait staff and chefs in the Mauritania. In a one class dining room, Cunard would have to raise the standards for everyone.

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

I was honoured to be sharing Ernie’s table on this cruise, and I do not disagree with him! I’ve not done 50 cruise, but never the less the food is the worst so far.

Personally I think the main allure of the QE2 is her Transatlantic voyages. In 2004 she will not be offering these. After the May 04 refit, her currency reverts to Pounds, and I think her days will be numbered!

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Likewise Malcolm! Of course your charming and lovely wife also added something of beauty to a table full of men. She was a great sport and no doubt tired of all that "ship talk".

I agree with you in regards to QE2 after May 04. QE2 makes a wonderful transatlantic liner even though her food and service are lacking. She has no competition on the route, and this along with her reputation on name alone enables Cunard to charge exorbitant rates. Unfortunately, QE2 makes a horrible cruise ship. Marginal air conditioning, one tiny outdoor pool, limited deck space, no real show room, few balconies, and too many tiny inside cabins put her in a non-competitive situation. NCL's NORWAY actually makes a much better cruise ship thanks to her redesign, but even NORWAY could not cut it against the mega-cruise ships of today. I don't know how QE2 plans to?

Frankly, Cunard would have been wise to keep QE2 on the transatlantic run until her last days. QUEEN MARY 2 makes a much better cruise ship, so let her sail the cruises until QE2 retires and let QE2 continue to charge those exorbitant rates on the transatlantic run. I can almost guarantee she will not be a very popular cruise ship (except to a few diehards), and no doubt Cunard will not get anywhere near the per diems she now earns on the transatlantic run.

Likewise Malcolm! Of course your charming and lovely wife also added something of beauty to a table full of men. She was a great sport and no doubt tired of all that "ship talk".

She really enjoyed the male company!

I can almost guarantee she will not be a very popular cruise ship (except to a few diehards), and no doubt Cunard will not get anywhere near the per diems she now earns on the transatlantic run.

PS: Peid Piper who manages the charter does every QE2voyage. They have booked every one of the QM2 also. Barryboat stay away, you will have a nervous breakdown.

Ernie, The RotterdamV and Canberra also fare poorly against the new cruiseships for the same reason the QE2 does; except for deckspace.

The QE2 loses out since she has lost all of her original interiors. RotterdamV and Canberra are time capsules and well designed from the start.
Even SSNorway has some of the original France fittings to keep her somewhat interesting.

One will put up with the eccentricities and quirks of a classic liner if it still has the soul and un-quantifiable feel that made it special in the first place.

I hope the QE2 still has her original magic.

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Originally posted by desirod7:
Thank you all for your insights. I am taking the QE2 from Southampton to NYC very soon. On a gay charter that is

Ernie, The RotterdamV and Canberra also fare poorly against the new cruiseships for the same reason the QE2 does; except for deckspace.

One will put up with the eccentricities and quirks of a classic liner if it still has the soul and un-quantifiable feel that made it special in the first place.

I hope the QE2 still has her original magic.

In regards to food, shall I leave TUMS for the cockroaches?

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Desirod,
Trust me, you will enjoy QE2! There is nothing like a transatlantic crossing on a true ocean liner, plus the fact that Pied Piper has a group onboard will make it that much better. Just don't expect too much, especially if you are booked in M-Grade. QE2 still has many quirks, nooks, staircases, etc. that are missing on today's cookie cutter ships. For this reason I love the QE2 but only for the ship itself (the hardware), and not any of the software.

Be sure to take the organized Heritage Trail tour, it is a lot of fun and very campy! You will enjoy it and also get a good laugh out of it! I can only hope that Social Hostess Maureen Ryan will also be onboard. She *is* the Cunard Line, and started with Cunard on the QUEEN MARY in 1963. Fascinating and classy women. She is a credit to the ship and the line. She usually gives a lecture or two during crossings, so be sure to keep an eye out for her.

Regarding CANBERRA and ROTTERDAM V, I am with you 100%. As classic as QE2 is, she has been completely altered. I had the pleasure of visiting CANBERRA on several occasions and loved the ship. Never got to sail on her though. I finally got to sail ROTTERDAM V as REMBRANDT during a 16 day transatlantic crossing from Rotterdam to New York in 1998. It was fabulous and even included some very rough weather from hurricane Mitch. REMBRANDT handled it like the trooper she is. QE2 could not hold a candle to REMBRANDT. That ship had "ocean liner" written all over her, and of course she was 99% original. I must also say that food, service, friendliness, and cleanliness were all superior to Cunard.... and this was Premier Cruises we were talking about!

Hope you have a fabulous time on QE2, and be sure to give a report upon your return.

From my view of the QE2, up close and in pictures;
As original she had 2 pools and where the balconies cabins are was open deck space.

I heard the forward observation bar became a kitchen.

SSNorway's biggest problem is tendering and elevators.

The 2 Premier ships I had sailed: Sea Breeze and Rembrandt had excellent service for the money. Not up to pre-Carnival Princess, but far better than NCL.

I am sure the QE2 will take the Norway's tack and be the price leader. QE2 cannot do X-Atlantic for much longer due to stress cracks in superstructure.

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Originally posted by eroller:

Unfortunately, QE2 makes a horrible cruise ship. Marginal air conditioning, one tiny outdoor pool, limited deck space, no real show room, few balconies, and too many tiny inside cabins put her in a non-competitive situation. NCL's NORWAY actually makes a much better cruise ship thanks to her redesign, but even NORWAY could not cut it against the mega-cruise ships of today. I don't know how QE2 plans to?
Ernie

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Originally posted by desirod7:
Thank you all for your insights. I am taking the QE2 from Southampton to NYC very soon.

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I too really enjoyed the QE2 experience, overall. I certainly do not regret it! My gripe was more a question of value for money.

The M grade food was edible, I just expected 'very good' or even 'special'. Maybe I just fell for the Cunard publicity?

People had warned me not to book M grade in advance, because of small cabins, average food and service. However, if I went again I certainly would not pay Cunard anymore money!

I would not pay more for a higher class cabin, as afterall the rest of the ship is the same [ex QG Lounge], including the Lido, which on my 1 breakfast & 1 lunch in there was pretty good. Someone paying 5 times the rate gets exactly the same in there. Food is always subjective and some on the same trip thought the food in M excellent; they can't have sailed on any other ship imo. For what I paid for 3 nights, I could have had a week and better food/service elsewhere.... but I personally don't go on a ship just for the food or to be pampered, or for the entertainment.

I go for the ship, the destinations & the sea. As long as there is some edible food, a few people to chat to, and a deck chair I'm happy I was disappointed in the amount of open deck space on QE2. Although I had previously memorised the deck plans and read all about her I could find, I wasn't prepared for how little there was.. I expected acres of it for some reason. A chair was hard to find on Boat Deck unless it was in the evening or by the pool.

As to QE2 herself, I didn't find her worn or lacking in upkeep. She seemed in very good condition. A few of the displays were dusty, needing a good going over, some of the models were broken in part, and needed a bit of glue/nails... easy to fix. Yes, there were some leaking pipes with buckets underneath too, in the entrance to the Lido galley.. quite a flow of water actually, but that can happen anywhere.

Desirod I am sure you will enjoy.. she's an experience not to be missed, whatever the food Ernie, I too am sailing QM2 next year in April; I hope as a new ship she'll have better food & service too, but it won't get me down if she doesn't. I will enjoy the experience and hope all you "Over the Ponder's" will give us a fitting arrival!! I am expecting a grand day!

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Originally posted by Chris Cunard:
On my numerous QE2 cruises I have always found the food great, regardless of grade.

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Chris, on your various trips have you ever found anything on QE2 to be less than "great"?

If you see a large gay group, do not pontificate. If you pretend to be the 2nd son of God, they will make you prove it by walking on water, and it will NOT be the swimming pool

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Originally posted by Barryboat:
Desirod6 you may just see me on that QE2 trip! I have started a website specializing in planning QE2 & QM2 cruises and crossings. I'm leading a rather large group on QM2 in March...350 people. As for the dining on QE2 Maurentania...my opinion is the food is ok...large portions, but average food quality. I hope QM2 does better with the food quality.

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2nd, I have some friends who are gay and I do not pontificate or whatever you envision me doing.

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Originally posted by Barryboat:
Desirod6 you may just see me on that QE2 trip!

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Originally posted by Chris Cunard:
On my numerous QE2 cruises I have always found the food great, regardless of grade.

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Have you tried the Norway Chris? I'd be intereseted in your comparision. They are similar, yet completely different!

I might just change my login name to:

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Malcolm @cruisepage:
Have you tried the Norway Chris? I'd be intereseted in your comparision. They are similar, yet completely different!

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

Have you tried the Norway Chris?

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No I ahvent, do you think I will get a chance?

Well.. I much prefer P grade on QE2 then M, but on the cruise I paid for myself I didnt have the funds for anything higher

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Originally posted by joe at travelpage:

Chris, on your various trips have you ever found anything on QE2 to be less than "great"?

Joe at TravelPage.com

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Joe: I love that comment!! haha good one!

Actually... I do not like QE2's purser staff; I find them rude to anyone under the age of 40… which is not appreciated… There was also one very loud Canadian bar man (Chart Room) who I am sure thought he was a passenger on our last cruise he didnt seem to realise that his job is not to stand at the bar & whine about passengers but to serve them... he also commented on the fact he hates the ship which I find disgusting considering we had paid to be aboard her…

But as for the SHIP, as in the physical vessel - nah, she’s just great Specially now that CUNARD has money to maintain her