Next time please visit the places you missed: The Illuninations Theatre (forward of the Royal Court Theatre) The on board museum (Decks 2 & 3 forward) G32 the two deck nightclub (aft of the Queen Room) The pair of outside scenic/glass lifts (Deck 7-11) The Boardroom (Deck 9) The Art Gallery (Deck 2/3) The Atlantic Room (Deck 11) The Observation Deck (Deck 11) The Bridge viewing gallery (Deck 12) The wrap-round teak-decked promenade (Deck 7) (and a few others) Do have Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room I'm certain you'll enjoy and maybe love all on the above list. Happy sailings.
Seeing how many cruises you've been on I don't feel too bad missing some of those things in my 4 day cruise. Seems like you ve been exploring that beautiful ship for years. I ll definitely look out for most of those on my next cruise on QM2. I might give the night club a miss though 😀.
Tipping customs vary between countries. We live in France where traditionally small change was left as a tip. However we were used to tipping 10% in Scotland so we just do that here. Things are changing a bit though, I've read some upmarket places in St Tropez are not taking bookings from clients who are known not to tip US style. Cunard price in USD and carry lots of North Americans, particularly on QM2 crossings. The minimum expected tip in New York restaurants is 20%, and again I've read reports some places are pushing for 25%. We don't use buffets or pubs, but take three meals per day in a table service restaurant. Gratuities don't just go to one waiter and one cabin steward, all the restaurant staff and housekeeping staff who are supporting those you come in contact with share in the pot. When you consider that; $16 pppd isn't really much. I know P&O include it in price but Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are even higher. Glad you liked QM2 though.
I didn't realize some areas of the US are heading now towards 25% wow. I think because we normally include gratuities in when booking , (even with RC we do this )and we weren't expecting it it just felt a lot but Yes it's probably not too bad really , considering we are generally 10% tippers too. Thanks for watching and engaging .
I always go to the MDR (Britannia Restaurant) for meals (with a very few exceptions). I don't pay all that money to serve myself. (20 voyages with Cunard (4 ships), 15 of them on QM2 incl many transatlantic crossings)
Thank you for this video. My upcoming journey is only a few weeks away. I'll mention the main difference between an ocean liner and cruise ship, is the fact a ocean liner is similar to the commercial ocean liners that carry equipment/oil etc across the world. Ocean liners can go through all kinds of rough seas. It's basically safer being on an ocean liner than a cruise ship, because their construction is better and they weigh a lot more than a typical cruise ship. QM2 is the only ocean liner left in this world that takes voyages. The others either sunk, or are docked in long beach and dubai.
@@merseywhogirl3430 I'm doing 4 QM2 crossings during Oct and Nov through Dec 3. But I have some other voyages with a different cruise line booked too, during that time frame. When I'm disembarking on Oct 17, you'll be embarking. I'll be staying in Southampton a few days between voyages. I actually got upgraded to princess grill for my last cruise (13 nights in the Caribbean) in November. ENJOY your back-to-back cruises! 👍
We don't have another cruise booked until August 25 but I'm looking for a short one during next year that we can fit around work. This teaching lark does get in the way of cruising 🤣 . Can't wait for retirement..
@RetirementDreamsToReality The outdoor pools are *not* located on Decks 12 and 13, as you stated, but rather on Deck 8 (the adult pool) and Deck 6 (the “Minnows” pool for kiddies). My wife and I spent one week on the QM2 in July ‘24 (the “Independence Day” cruise), so we know. In addition, we are booked on the two-week Christmas and New Year’s Caribbean cruise later this year, and we look forward to that with great anticipation. Other than for the small error regarding the location of the pools, yours is a fine and well produced video, so thank you for sharing it. It brought back many lovely memories. Oh, and yes, it is pronounced Queue-nard ☺☺☺ .
@@parigino48 Hello, thank you for watching and the compliment. We caught the minnows pool error but I didn't put text on about the adult on 8. Wow, we are very jealous of your upcoming trips. We are going on our first virgin cruise at Christmas. We are also super excited. Glad the video helped you reminisce.
We love Qm2 but also like Queen Victoria ..Victoria has a 4 night to Amsterdam in November next year. We just did this cruise and you get 2 nights in Amsterdam and was fantastic.
I enjoyed your video. It is nice to hear one that isn’t so negative. I’m a little biased since I’ve been on her so Many times. Also- an fyi- you can do a self serve tea in the afternoons on the buffet deck if you don’t like the crowd in the Queens Room.
Thanks for your lovely comment. We always try to be honest but positive. And next time we ll check out the self serve afternoon tea. I can see why you've been on her so many times as she is beautiful.
Lovely review, I always decline auto tipping at the pursers office. It's an exploitative, morally questionable and outdated practice that cruise lines take advantage of. Until more passengers refuse to pay they will continue with this practice.
Thanks for watching and the positive comment. With regards to the service charge, we hadn't even thought of declining it as an option but in principal we are generally not against tipping however the option to make your own decisions would nice.
@@RetirementDreamsToReality yes, I will tip directly for good service. But it's the cruise lines responsibility to make sure All their team are paid properly. There are loads of industries that are low paid and require high standards that don't have a tipping culture or any scope to receive tips. It's the employer's job to take care of them.
@@RetirementDreamsToRealityThere are many heated discussions about the auto billed tipping. Most people say that this money goes to crew members who you don’t come into direct contact with, so they would be left out if you remove that from your bill.
Next time please visit the places you missed:
The Illuninations Theatre (forward of the Royal Court Theatre)
The on board museum (Decks 2 & 3 forward)
G32 the two deck nightclub (aft of the Queen Room)
The pair of outside scenic/glass lifts (Deck 7-11)
The Boardroom (Deck 9)
The Art Gallery (Deck 2/3)
The Atlantic Room (Deck 11)
The Observation Deck (Deck 11)
The Bridge viewing gallery (Deck 12)
The wrap-round teak-decked promenade (Deck 7)
(and a few others)
Do have Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room
I'm certain you'll enjoy and maybe love all on the above list.
Happy sailings.
Seeing how many cruises you've been on I don't feel too bad missing some of those things in my 4 day cruise. Seems like you ve been exploring that beautiful ship for years. I ll definitely look out for most of those on my next cruise on QM2. I might give the night club a miss though 😀.
Tipping customs vary between countries. We live in France where traditionally small change was left as a tip. However we were used to tipping 10% in Scotland so we just do that here. Things are changing a bit though, I've read some upmarket places in St Tropez are not taking bookings from clients who are known not to tip US style. Cunard price in USD and carry lots of North Americans, particularly on QM2 crossings. The minimum expected tip in New York restaurants is 20%, and again I've read reports some places are pushing for 25%. We don't use buffets or pubs, but take three meals per day in a table service restaurant. Gratuities don't just go to one waiter and one cabin steward, all the restaurant staff and housekeeping staff who are supporting those you come in contact with share in the pot. When you consider that; $16 pppd isn't really much. I know P&O include it in price but Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are even higher. Glad you liked QM2 though.
I didn't realize some areas of the US are heading now towards 25% wow. I think because we normally include gratuities in when booking , (even with RC we do this )and we weren't expecting it it just felt a lot but Yes it's probably not too bad really , considering we are generally 10% tippers too. Thanks for watching and engaging .
I always go to the MDR (Britannia Restaurant) for meals (with a very few exceptions).
I don't pay all that money to serve myself.
(20 voyages with Cunard (4 ships), 15 of them on QM2 incl many transatlantic crossings)
Thank you for this video. My upcoming journey is only a few weeks away.
I'll mention the main difference between an ocean liner and cruise ship, is the fact a ocean liner is similar to the commercial ocean liners that carry equipment/oil etc across the world. Ocean liners can go through all kinds of rough seas. It's basically safer being on an ocean liner than a cruise ship, because their construction is better and they weigh a lot more than a typical cruise ship. QM2 is the only ocean liner left in this world that takes voyages. The others either sunk, or are docked in long beach and dubai.
Wow I didn't know that. I always feel safe but nice to know it was super safe . Thanks for watching . Enjoy your upcoming cruise .
Mine too - Oct 17 Tranatlantic. I'm doing a double crossing!!! When are you going?
@@merseywhogirl3430 I'm doing 4 QM2 crossings during Oct and Nov through Dec 3. But I have some other voyages with a different cruise line booked too, during that time frame. When I'm disembarking on Oct 17, you'll be embarking. I'll be staying in Southampton a few days between voyages. I actually got upgraded to princess grill for my last cruise (13 nights in the Caribbean) in November. ENJOY your back-to-back cruises! 👍
We don't have another cruise booked until August 25 but I'm looking for a short one during next year that we can fit around work. This teaching lark does get in the way of cruising 🤣 . Can't wait for retirement..
I've booked a 14 day, Canary Islands cruise on the QM2 in February... I hope the pools are as uncrowded then
Fingers crossed. Remember there is always the indoor pool too if you get the odd ropey day.
@RetirementDreamsToReality The outdoor pools are *not* located on Decks 12 and 13, as you stated, but rather on Deck 8 (the adult pool) and Deck 6 (the “Minnows” pool for kiddies). My wife and I spent one week on the QM2 in July ‘24 (the “Independence Day” cruise), so we know. In addition, we are booked on the two-week Christmas and New Year’s Caribbean cruise later this year, and we look forward to that with great anticipation. Other than for the small error regarding the location of the pools, yours is a fine and well produced video, so thank you for sharing it. It brought back many lovely memories. Oh, and yes, it is pronounced Queue-nard ☺☺☺ .
@@parigino48 Hello, thank you for watching and the compliment. We caught the minnows pool error but I didn't put text on about the adult on 8. Wow, we are very jealous of your upcoming trips. We are going on our first virgin cruise at Christmas. We are also super excited. Glad the video helped you reminisce.
@@RetirementDreamsToReality Thank you for your lovely reply, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas cuise with Virgin.
There are pools on Deck 12 (under a open/close glass roof), Deck 8 and Deck 6.
Also a spa pool on Deck 7.
Have an explore next time.
We love Qm2 but also like Queen Victoria ..Victoria has a 4 night to Amsterdam in November next year.
We just did this cruise and you get 2 nights in Amsterdam and was fantastic.
We have so many cruises that we want to do. I've heard Amsterdam is fabulous. This will definitely go on our list . Thank you
I’m going in the transatlantic crossing westbound in March. Thanks for the channel.
We ll definitely do a transatlantic to NY in a few years. Hope you enjoy it and glad you like the Channel. Thank you .
I am very willing to list the differences between an Ocean Liner and a Cruise Ship, just ask :-)
I enjoyed your video. It is nice to hear one that isn’t so negative. I’m a little biased since I’ve been on her so
Many times. Also- an fyi- you can do a self serve tea in the afternoons on the buffet deck if you don’t like the crowd in the Queens Room.
Thanks for your lovely comment. We always try to be honest but positive. And next time we ll check out the self serve afternoon tea. I can see why you've been on her so many times as she is beautiful.
I think the generally accepted pronunciation is Queue-nard rather than Coo- nard.
@@Curmudgeoned I can only apologise for my wife's pronunciation. You should hear how she pronounces Michigan.
That is correct.
Quite correct "Queuenard" never "Coonard".
(there are dowagers in the Queens Grill Lounge clasping their pearls, and fainting)
Lovely review, I always decline auto tipping at the pursers office. It's an exploitative, morally questionable and outdated practice that cruise lines take advantage of. Until more passengers refuse to pay they will continue with this practice.
Thanks for watching and the positive comment. With regards to the service charge, we hadn't even thought of declining it as an option but in principal we are generally not against tipping however the option to make your own decisions would nice.
@@RetirementDreamsToReality yes, I will tip directly for good service. But it's the cruise lines responsibility to make sure All their team are paid properly. There are loads of industries that are low paid and require high standards that don't have a tipping culture or any scope to receive tips. It's the employer's job to take care of them.
@@RetirementDreamsToRealityThere are many heated discussions about the auto billed tipping. Most people say that this money goes to crew members who you don’t come into direct contact with, so they would be left out if you remove that from your bill.
Wouldn’t the cruise lines just pass that expense to the customers anyway in higher prices?
@@emb74and so they should. This would only have the impact of making cruise pricing more transparent.