| |
Not as grand as I expected - big empty ship |
| Reviewed By: collins, hornchurch on 21st Jul 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Queen Mary 2 |
Sailed:
July,
2008 |
| Destination: Mini Cruises |
Age: 36-45 |
|
We were introduced to cruising with OV and have spent most of our cruises on RCI in inside cabins, so I thought a 2 night mini cruise on the QM2 with an excellent deal on a princess grill cabin was an ideal way to see how this historic cruise company competes with the best America all round cruise company there is RCI.
Well we were upgraded from P3 to P2 before the cruise and the literature was good and made you feel good. One pre cruise negative though when you ring up and ask a simple question re shore excursions you don't expect some posh snotty abrupt woman at the other end speaking to you like you are stupid telling you to wait for the pre cruise mailing - I was apparently the weakest link for asking and it was goodbye.
Embarkation was slick but independant from Cunard if you don't want a trek to get from your parking to the port think twice about the off sight parking options we chose. One Cunard negative was on arrival I was told Britania resturant passenger join the queue to have to say no I'm a grill passenger (I even put a casual suit on maybe I still have that steerage look).
The cabin was lovely and spacious BUT come on Cunard where were my sugar coated strawberries advertised, didn't see a cabin steward until pm on the second day and it was a little too late to ask then and anyway I shouldn't have to chase this.
The ship is beautiful externally and the woodwork and carpetting very plush, but it seems like a lot of corridors and open deck with not a lot in between as far as public areas and extensive bars. Frankly the Grand Lobby is a slight exageration more like a pleasant foyer. However the theatre whilst looking like any other quality cruise ship theatre had a hidden gem, not least a high quality resident act with a wonderful rock, opera show based initially on an Amadeus number later spins raises lowers and sets fire to itself on an amazing moving stage set. The casino has good tables and the normal selection of machines, all in dollars and $5 table minimums with absolutely no waiting for a table, sadly so few punters that it lacked a little atmosphere.
Food in the princess grill resturant is excellent, the best I have had at sea I think, serivce is good but day 2 was a little rushed, we had asked for a table for 2 and ended up 4, but having enjoyed some very charming and interesting company tried to stall our waiting staff so we could wait for them but got fed up being asked if we were ready to order so carried on. Room service was excellent and breakfast delivered to our cabin 5 minutes earlier than requested and hot and as ordered. Fish and chips pub style for lunch in the English pub is nice (food here is what you would get in a Harvester pub though don't expect a posh version of pub grub). The traditional pint glasses make the Bass Ale taste better to. However the kings court self service resturant is a sprawling load of chaos stretching it seems most of deck 7 with lots of good different food choices but if you fancy a bit of carvery and oriental mixed you will find yourself wandering up and down for ages. Desert choice here was virtually non-existent - no chance of over indulging here.
Drinks are reasonable but don't expect more than a single carefully measured shot of spirit with your drink unlike some of the American ships where doubles are the norm.
Cherbourg was okay for a mini cruise stop, not a lot to do unless you want to branch out on a coach trip. The highlight of the cruise was half of Cherbourg turning out to wave us off, definately an intersting experience.
So we didn't get fat, we didn't get drunk, I lost my money too quickly in the casino becuase the blackjack dealer only had 2 of us to deal to, I did enjoy one show, two good meals but this is the first cruise I have visited the cinema on and it was only 2 nights long.
Well done Cunard for maintaining dress standards, but please buy your staff footwear to go with their uniforms so we don't see waiters and waitresses with worn out non standard shoes. Is it this or the $13 per day gratuity that disappears to who knows which members of staff (if any) rather than gets handed to your own staff that makes them all seem miserable.
Cunard offers a certain type of cruising and don't get me wrong I don't usually complain, but this is a huge and very stable ship that has so much missed potential and has room for some serious scrutiny and improvement in today's competative market. If you are a first time cruiser (especially if you have kids of any age) try something else. I had one of the most expensive classes of cabin yet would have swapped my 2 nights on the QM2 for an inside cabin on any RCI ship especially Voyager or Freedom class ships where the Promenade is grand and the main resturant has the decor of a palace and service to match.
Sorry Cunard at least I tried your ship....
|
| Quality of Food |  |
| beef on first night excellent - kings court layout poor | | Entertainment |  |
| fantastic stage to complement high quality act | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff |  |
| miserable except casino staff and the fellow in the jewellery shop was far to pushy we were only browsing | | Children's Facilities |  |
| Didn't see any really, seems like the dogs onboard are better looked after | | Onboard Activities | |
| Massive ship not a lot happening - too stuffy to employ entertainments staff or a cruise director | | Cabins | |
| Fantastic if you splash out on a suite - shame about the strawberries and lack of matress topper to deal with the ridge between beds | | Overall Rating | |
|
|
|
