Cruise Reviews

Southampton To New York August 2008
Reviewed By: Howarth, Burnley on 23rd Aug 2008
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Queen Mary 2 Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Transatlantic Age: 56-65
This was to be the trip of a lifetime. We had wanted to cruise for the past twenty years and never been successful in fullfilling this dream. However to celebrate our twenty fifth wedding anniversary nothing was going to stop us. We had a few hiccups deciding on the most suitable cruise as the dates seemed to clash with what we could fit in. So a transatlantic crossing became the best option and it gave us the possibility of enjoying the cruising rather than port hopping. This cruise exceded all our expectations. It ticked every box in making our holiday a trip to cherish and remember for many years to come. The only negative comments would be the trip from Preston to Southampton booked with cruise connect. The coach was late arriving, but despite making some time up the extra pick ups meant we did not arrive at the ship until 4.00pm 2 hours later than what we had expected. But having said that things only got better. The check in was smooth and quick and we were soon embarking onto this opulent vessel that was to be home for 5 days. The stateroom(far from a cabin) was spacious, well laid out, sparkling clean and light and airy. Almost straight away we were greeted by our butler who asked if everything was o.k and did we require anything more. What more could we want? Everything about this trip turned out to be first class. It exceded some of the five star hotels we have stayed in. Food and service in the princess grill was stunning. Our maitre d (despite being a yorkshire man) was a true professional and catered for my husbands egg intolerance with ease. Nothing was too much trouble. The head waiter also had to be commended for his skill and understanding of our needs. What a duo!!
Our daily programme of events proved to be acceptable and offered us a wide range of activities to choose from. Unfortunately we just could not fit them all in. Despite there being 2500 passengers it never seemed overcrowded. There were so many places to hide if you needed to do so. Evening entertainment was enjoyable and we were able to juggle eating around the shows. Not being disignated a specific eating time was an advantage. The library on board was absolutely unbelievable. There was every conceivable book title that you could possibly want.
The sea was kind and I stopped taking tablets after the second day. Weather was changeable but we were able to promenade most days.
I cannot recommend this voyage enough. Everyone should experience this trip including the afternoon tea. New York despite being hot and smelly was also amazing. Roll on our next cruise.
Quality of Food5
Entertainment4
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins5
Overall Rating5
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Comment by Waites, Wirral (31 Aug 08 15:51) about this REVIEW.
Pleased to see you enjoyed the trip. We sailed QM2 (Caribbean) Dec 07, for my 65th Birthday. Most enjoyable. I have booked (but not yet paid) Cruise Connect for our return journey from S'hampton to Chester, in Dec next. (QV Med-Home on which we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary also). Could you confirm the quality of the coaches/ease of journey. I have only travelled motor coach once in recent years (Countryside Rally)and assumed that cruise connect would offer the same quality of vehicle, but now have some doubts? regards, Ernest Waites. Heswall.
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Comment by Howarth, Burnley (01 Sep 08 08:23) about a COMMENT by Waites (31 Aug 08 15:51)
The coach was a standard, modern coach with toilet facilities. One driver plus an assistant who did the admin side. Some seats had been previously reserved at the front of the coach. I have spoken to cruise connect since our return who were a liitle unsympathetic to our problems. I would suggest you check if there are other passengers on the coach for a different cruise. Also I realise that we are unable to control traffic congestion but when the driver is aware of roadworks etc that he should consider this when planning his journey. Timing is so crucial when you have a deadline to meet. Hope this helps.
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Comment by Waites, Wirral (01 Sep 08 20:54) about a COMMENT by Howarth (01 Sep 08 08:23)
Many thanks for the info. As we are travelling home (Southampton-Chester) at the end of the cruise,(the outward journey being by air from Manchester to join the cruise) the timing is obviously less of an issue for us than it was for you. I think we will 'give it a whirl'and see how we get on!! Thanks again.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by NESBITT, CHARMINSTER (27 Aug 08 16:04) about this REVIEW.
Could not agree more. We did the transatlantic from New York to Southampton - this was due to my husbands love of shopping and having Maceys in New York!! - extra suitcase on way back. The only thing I have to disagree with is New York. We stayed for 7 days in July and at no time found it smelly. Yes, very hot and humid, bustling, noisy, vibrant, wonderful (2nd visit within a year) and would go back a 3rd time.
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