Queen Mary 2 to NY, anyone done it?

Encantador

Lokking for advice/tips, trip is only a possibility at the moment.

Priced up a B2 cabin on deck 5 for 3 adults, 240sq ft apparently, are they really big enough for 3 adults, bearing in mind there is no getting off for 6 days?

How comfortable is the bed settee for an adult?

Never cruised before, if it helps.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks

bcl999

There were only 2 of us so can't help about sofabed but we were in a B6 on deck 8 (obstructed view due to lifeboats but has a glass balcony instead of the one made out of the hull) which is the same size as B2 and I think it would be OK for 3. It was long but not very wide There is so much to do that you can be out of your cabin most of the time. I enjoyed the crossing but don't think I'd do it again. I've been on quite a few cruises and I found that the dress code for dinner in the Britannia Restaurant was way over the top e.g. one of the men on my table had 3 different dinner suits! I had one black suit for the formal nights and a blazer for the informal ones. There is a more relaxed code in the buffet restaurant but we never got round to going there. I usually have late sitting dinner but my travel companion on that cruise eats early so we booked for first sitting which I wouldn't do again as it means you sometimes miss an activity cos you have to be getting ready for dinner.

Oner thing I will say is the shows were in a different league to the usual cruise-ship standard. They really did compare to West End productions.

Don't know when you are planning on going but we went mid-July and had thick fog most of the day every day. It only ever brightened up around 6pm when we were going into dinner!

QM2 cruises are kind of aspirational for many cruisers so if it's your first, you will be starting at the top, as it were.

Happy to answer any specific questions if I can.

Encantador

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Looking at end of May at the moment with 4 nights in NY before flying back.

Just a couple of questions if you don`t mind.

How do the gratuities etc work. have read somewhere about £7 per day per person, does this cover all tips or do you pay extra at the bar as well?

Also read about having an onboard `account` which appears to have a sum of money in, any idea what that`s about?

Is there any tea/coffee making facilities in the cabins?

I am assuming that `full board` means all food and soft drinks are included and only alcohol is extra, is this the case?

If you wanted to avoid the formal eating every night, what other options are available?

Thanks again.

bcl999

The Cunard site has quite a good FAQs section here -
http://www.cunard.co.uk/FAQ/faq.asp?LeftNav=&Active=&Sub=&OB=&ArticleID=4
It's got 4 sections.

Will post full reply ASAP.

franklally

Lucky you - we went on the QM2 August 2007 - a really enjoyable and relaxing crossing - loads to do on board for all ages - the children were 8 & 10 at the time and are desperate to go back on it again.

The food in the Brittania restaurant is wonderful - 2 nights were black tie and the other nights smart suit - the children had 'american style' steak and chips each night as they will prepare anything you like.

If you do not fancy going down to the formal restaurant you just go and help yourself at the other restaurants (Kings Grill?).

Take a water bottle for each person and refill at any of the restaurants.

Only alcohol was extra (there would be nothing to stop you bringing your own I guess) . We found it very cost efficient and would love to do it again.

We were on deck 5 B2 balcony - and had 2 rooms which were joined by the balcony - it was very spacious (we got a great deal on it). I would be very happy to share a room for 4 and I would not be too bothered about having a balcony - it was too windy to sit out on accross the Atlantic. There are loads of really comfy areas of the ship (library, games room) to sit and watch the view.

We had a brilliant time - I cannot imagine anyone having a bad time - nothing negative to say about it - other than we could not go on another cruise (other than Cunard) as it would never live up to this experience.

Encantador

Thanks for the replies.

The best deal does`nt include transfers. I assume getting a taxi from close to the ship to the hotel won`t be a problem. Anyone know an approximate cost?

Thanks

colmil

It might interest you to know that I have just booked for two to fly to Toronto for four nights, including a visit to Niagra Falls, then fly to NY and come back on the Queen Mary to Southampton, balcony included,, the ship arrives back in Southampton on June 6th. Price £999 plus extra bits I have added such as an extra three nights in NY.

We have crossed the Atlantic twice, going the other way, and love it!

If you need any further information, just ask!

Encantador

Thanks.

Any idea on the taxi question?

bcl999

FRom the Brooklyn terminal to mid-town via tunnel was about $35 in mid-2007 - more expensive if you go over the bridge.

Encantador

Thanks for that.

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but never having arrived at a port before, just want to make sure.

We will have a person in a wheel chair, which means ideally we don`t want to have to go far before getting a taxi. How far from the ship are we likely to have to walk before getting a taxi?

getmore4less

There have been some good deals on QM2 recently so definately worth looking at various dates.

April had balconies under £600pp with flights,
Lowest price I saw was £499 april 8.

Not seeing any deals on TXT at the moment.

The balcony offer is still on for some dates
http://cunard.co.uk/OnOffer_Details.asp?ID=148