Cruise Reviews

Where has the service gone Cunard?
Reviewed By: Clarke, Emsworth on 20th Aug 2008
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Queen Mary 2 Sailed: July, 2008
Destination: Western Europe Age: 56-65
Having cruised 16 times before we have experienced many cruise lines and different types of ship. When we saw the short cruise to Hamburg advertised on the Queen Mary 2, we thought we would give it a try before booking our planned Trans-Atlantic voyage.
To start with the ship is breathtaking, like nothing we have ever experienced. The entertainment was superb both in the Royal Court Theatre and around the ship where up to five different kinds of musical group from Jazz to Classical could be playing at a time, all of them great. The Planetarium was an exciting experience we will never forget.
Here we go then, the cruise experience of a lifetime - unfortunately no !
After all the feel good factors of just being on this wonderful vessel, we dressed and went to the Britannia Restaurant for our first dinner ready for our palates to be treated. What arrived was the worst meal we have ever eaten on a cruise ship. For example my starter was a meatball of sorts; it came up as a single solitary ball, minute in size and swimming in a pool of watery tomato sauce. The whole table of 6 was experiencing the same disappointment culminating with my wife's cheese course which came ready served (no choice) and was dry, cracked and uneatable. The whole meal was served with unsmiling robotlike service - none of us went in the Britannia again. This offhand service was repeated on many occasions around the ship. Where have all those lovely Filippinos and Indians who make you feel so special gone.
The next day the breakfast buffet continued the disappointment with the smallest choice and worst quality we have received for many a day. The saving grace was that this food court is converted into several theme restaurants in the evening and although these lack the atmosphere of a dedicated restaurant as seen on most ships these days, the food and service was much better in these, especially the oriental one.
The traditional afternoon tea which was such a pleasure on the QE2 was chaotic on the QM2. Most of the 3000 passengers seemed to want to take tea and were all crammed into the Queens Room only. Long queues formed and when we eventually got a vacated seat, trying to catch the eye of a server was quite a challenge, by which time thay had run out of the nicer pastries.
To sum up, the most magnificent ship we have ever sailed on with some of the worst food and service we have ever suffered. Come on Cunard you are spoiling the ship for a half-pence of care and attention

PS We have since just taken another 2 day sample cruise on NCL's Norwegian Jewel and our faith in cruising has been restored. I urge Cunard to just go and look at the size, range & quality of foods in their buffet to see how it should be done.
Quality of Food1
Entertainment5
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff1
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities5
Cabins4
Overall Rating1
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW
Question by sanderson, chipping norton (28 Aug 08 19:57) about this REVIEW.
are you allowed to take a travel iron on cruise
ANSWER
Comment by NESBITT, CHARMINSTER (27 Aug 08 16:12) about this REVIEW.
This is what happens when tipping is compulsary i.e. taken directly from your account. There is no incentive for the staff to give good service, they get their money one way of the other. Also much staff used now is from the Russia/Ukraine regions and they are not known for subservient manners! Yes, bring back the Phillopinos - what lovely people and so well mannered.
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Comment by Robertson, Falkirk (06 Sep 08 10:15) about a COMMENT by NESBITT (27 Aug 08 16:12)
See below
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Opinion: Agree Comment by Nield, Manchester (27 Aug 08 13:33) about this REVIEW.
100% agree we sailed from newyork nov 2007,worst service ever.What a great disappointment,cruised 10times before never been treated by staff so bad.
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Comment by Robertson, Falkirk (06 Sep 08 10:15) about a COMMENT by Nield (27 Aug 08 13:33)
Sorry Nield, I meant to comment on Nesbitt. Clicked on the wrong button I'm afraid!
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Comment by Robertson, Falkirk (06 Sep 08 10:13) about a COMMENT by Nield (27 Aug 08 13:33)
The daily tipping charge is not compulsory. If you don't wish to pay it you can have it reduced or removed entirely. But just remember, that means most of the unsung heroes below stairs won't get anything from you!
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Question by Kenyon, Chandlers Ford (26 Aug 08 17:28) about this REVIEW.
Having just booked our first cruise I am extremely concerned now I have read your review, that we may have made a dreadful mistake. My sister and I are taking our elderly parents on what was meant to be a 'trip of a lifetime' on The QM2 next June. I only hope that Cunard read your comment and make improvements to food service before we board. Can you book at the Todd English and Royal Court Restaurants on the day?
ANSWER
Answer by Richard Okill, Lee on the Solent (04 Sep 08 14:32) to a QUESTION by Kenyon (26 Aug 08 17:28)
Hi again Hampshire neighbours- Have you read the review by Nemenyi on Brittania Restaurant dining on QM2, dated 3rd September? It will lift you I'm sure. Richard
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Answer by Richard Okill, Lee on the Solent (29 Aug 08 12:47) to a QUESTION by Kenyon (26 Aug 08 17:28)
A few points to help you, Hampshire neighbours. Do not be overly concerned by one review. As first time cruisers you and your parents will have a wonderful time on this magnificent ship. Use the toolbar above and look at a good cross section of QM2 reviews, which do include some glowing reviews of the Brittania Restaurant. Give it a try, particularly with an open mind. With regard to The Todd English, this is top drawer and worth every dollar of its supplement. Unrushed, individually cooked and impeccable service, at times to suit you and your entertainment programme. You can book it for as many nights you wish, in advance. Don't just take my word for it, go for it....but do try the Brittania first. Have a lovely time all of you. Richard
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT
Answer by Jim Clarke, Emsworth (27 Aug 08 01:32) to a QUESTION by Kenyon (26 Aug 08 17:28)
We have just had friends joyfully tell us that they have just booked on the QM2 before we had time to tell them of our experience. Therefore we say the same thing to you that we said to them very tactfully. The ship is magnificent and we have many good memories from it. To be forewarned is to be forarmed. Basically if you avoid The Britannia restaurant you should still have a wonderful time. We did not sample Todd English (something like $30 pp extra charge), but understand it is very good. Also the other restaurants were OK but need to be booked in advance. Someone below suggests that you book the Queens or Princess grills, but I do not think this is an option unless you have booked one of the top cabins
ASK A QUESTION
COMMENT

Add a COMMENT about     Ask a QUESTION about     ANSWER  Question

Agree with Review?            

Publish a Review
  • uk departure cruises
  • Special offers
  • Neil and Ida Down cruise blog
  • Special Caribbean Cruises
  • Exotic Cruises
  • MSC special offer
  • Special Meditteranean Cruises
  • Oceania
  • The Cunard Sale
  • Thomson Cruises
  • Berlitz Cruise Guide
  • Ocean Village Cruises
  • P O Cruises
  • Special Luxury Deals
  • Garden Cruises