A Cunard Transatlantic Is Different To What Most People Think
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- Опубликовано: 3 июн 2024
- I explore the 3 biggest concerns and fears people tell me they have about doing a Transatlantic Crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 between Southampton and New York during my latest Crossing.
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Cunard Queen Mary 2 Video: • I Put Recent Reviews O...
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#CunardTransatlantic #CunardCrossing #CunardCruiseLine
00:00 Start
00:40 Getting Bored
07:57 Not Fitting In
14:05 Weather And Motion
![TRASH or PASS! Eminem ( Houdini ) [REACTION!!!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cB1WrZcMwMc/mqdefault.jpg)
Mom and I had single-person cabins in the Princess Grill level (we both wanted bath tubs in our room). We knew which nights were which for the dress code, and we chose not to go to the Grill on the first formal night. Around 9pm, the phone rang in my room. It was the maître 'd for the Princess Grill and he wanted to know where we were. I explained that we had no semi-formal or formal clothing, and we were just going to eat elsewhere on those nights. Nonsense, he replied. You and your mother are welcome here for meals, and we'll work around your attire. When we went, we were usually put at a table for two off-center from the main portion of the restaurant, but we still very much received Princess Grill level of service.
@@ThePolaroid669 can't have the household staff dining with the gentry, now can we?
@@dave928 or maybe they wanted to spare them the stares and rudeness of stuck up other passengers.....
This cruise line used to have a dress code, and that’s when it used to be good. The whole point of Cunard was it was a bit more formal. If you don’t want to be formal, that’s fine go on a different cruise line. I just got off of this 39 days and I was disgusted by the lowlifes with tattoos piercings colored hair. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen in my 3500 days of cruising.
@@larssandvik1347 u anger
@@mahzorimipod nice way to speak English your typical of the type of lowlife that goes on Cunard nowadays. It was a whole bunch of homosexuals with babies, absolutely repulsive.
Gary you would not be out of place as a speaker on Cunard, your knowledge and presentation of cruising is outstanding.
Totally agree 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻
Thanks 😊
I agree. Insight into cruising, with background information, objectivity, and looking at all things from all angles - not only from a personal view, but what might be a concern for others.
This would also be something for travel exhibitions. Just an idea that popped up.
I agree and have said this in the past but not only on Cunard, Gary would be a great guest speaker on any cruise line especially for shore excursions and his cruising experience.
I was thinking that as I was watching
On the kids front, I’m 16 and have travelled on Queen Mary 2 3 times, twice when I was 4 and once when I was 13. I really enjoyed the crossings and I didn’t get bored at all. I will speak from my most recent crossing as that’s what I remember best. I enjoyed the Planetarium and I went to see the film Tolkien in the cinema, there was also a really interesting talk about the true history of Pirates. I actually found I didn’t need to visit the teen club at all and spent most of my time reading up on the history of the ship and Cunard or reading a book from the library on the lower promenade with great views out over the sea as it rushes past. I also didn’t sit on my phone all day and got to disconnect for the duration of the voyage. I think I should note that I am usually a rather shy person and can happily sit on my own with a book and read most of the day, so I can understand it isn’t for everyone. I also really enjoyed the formal nights and I’m slightly disappointed they’ve dialed them back. Overall, though, if you’re in your teens and don’t perhaps need to be social all the time I think you can find your way to really enjoying a transatlantic crossing.
The whole point of cunard is children do not belong there. I’m sorry your parents didn’t follow the rules and brought you there. It is a cruise for old people that don’t wanna be around children like you. Because you’re running around and screaming is disturbing. There’s plenty of cruise lines for people like you and they’re called carnival.
thank you from manhattan ©2024
I crossed 2 times on the QE2 and once on the QM2. The first crossing, we had 50 ft waves. We were told that if we were on a cruise ship instead of an ocean liner, we would be stopped or going backwards.
We attended so many lectures on the QM2, we were given a certificate from Oxford. My guy and I are over 70, and our first crossing on the QE2 was in 1996, so we were almost 50 then. We don’t need all the flash etc., that younger cruisers want.
We were lucky enough to be on a crossing when Bill Miller gave a talk on the history of cruise ships and ocean liners.
We've done the QM 2 crossing 6 times . On one crossing, someone jumped overboard. The Commodore turned the ship around to search.
The Queen Mary 2 is a liner , not a cruise ship. The sailing is incredibly smooth. I love this crossing.
Did they find the person who jumped overboard?
Did they at least have the decency to jump close to the Titanic’s coordinates?
@@raysomeusc No. They were not found.
I think it was Rose... no Jack to save her this time... :D
I have done the Atlantic crossing in both directions. One of the things that struck me was how much effort Cunard makes to cater for a huge range of people and interests, far beyond what I expected. I took books and music so that I would have something to do in case the activities didn't appeal to me, but they remained untouched. I'd be very surprised if every passenger couldn't find something that they liked.
Your comment about disconnecting and relaxing cannot be overstated. On my crossing a few years back from Southhampton to New York aboard QM2 I found activities readily available, but to tune out was the highlight. One daily occurrence which we looked forward aboard the ship was the noon announcement of our location by a member of the crew with a reading of a maritime literary passage. It set the mood and tempo of the day and made you feel connected to where you were on the map and seafaring history.
As someone with limited mobility, this cruise sounds absolutely ideal because I know it would be hard to get around most ports of call and the lectures sound sooo fun! Also, my great grandmother and immigrated from the UK to NZ at the turn of the 20th century and then immigrated from NZ to the West Coast of the US with her husband and my grandmother and her brothers on ocean liners much like this one at the beginning of the 1920's. I'm sure they were 2nd or 3rd class passengers, but I imagine it was still amazing to be on such huge ships on such massively long journeys seeking better lives!
Do you know the RUclips channel from Chris Frame? He's got maritime history content, including aspects of traveling on the historic ocean liners of the past. Saw a video he made about bathing,( or not bathing). Rather interesting, compared to what we expect today and may at first not realise when we have the pictures of Hollywood's Titanic in our heads.
@@co7580 well, on a nuclear submarine you get a "shower" once before your 6 hour watch and once after. But by shower, we mean, turn the water on for 1-2 seconds, turn it off. Put soap on. Turn water on for 1-2 seconds. Shower over. :)
This is because the two potable water tanks (on Ohio Class) hold a total of a little over 5000 gallons (the reactor can make a lot more water than that, but that's the size of the tank). 100 enlisted members and 20 officers have to share it so that's 41 gallons per day, for ALL your fresh water needs: flushing toilets, drinking water, coffee, soda, juice, washing dishes and showering. :)
Back in WW2 on diesel-electric submarines it was worse. The manual for the potable water system on one of them (the manuals have been declassified for the old WW2 boats) has a line something like "this is enough fresh water for every man on the submarine to bathe once every two weeks." lol :)
@@neutrino78x did it also say that during WWII these spaces were also used to store provisions, since this was logically far more important?
Dressing well is, for me, one of the attractions. These days opportunities to dress well are few and far between. On our last cruise, we had booked a dinner in the French specialty restaurant. We dressed for dinner, my wife in an evening gown and I in my tuxedo. Not long after we were seated, a party was seated at the table next to us. One of these passengers was wearing sweatpants. He was sent back to his cabin to change into something more appropriate. We had to suffer through his endless complaining. It really detracted from the experience.
I'm booked on a Transatlantic and after seeing vlogs with footage of dinner where a few of the guests were sat down wearing a hoody, I do hope they reimplement the dress codes. I do not wish to feel as if someone just came back from the beach. These people obviously chose the wrong line.
After seeing Gary's video, and reading your comment, I know that the QM2 is not for me -- or am I not for it (paraphrasing the Bard!). On the opposite side, although I follow the dress code rules on the cruises I do take, and avoid the main restaurant on formal nights, I have still been told off, more than once, by members of the dressy crowd, for daring to wear neat but not formal clothes (dress shirt, dark trousers, dress shoes) when going to eat in the buffet. That really detracts from my experience.
@@roundandroundmyworld Ken, you can get along on Cunard easy enough. I have crossed on QM2 8 times. Over the past few years, the dress code has slackened. The only places where the dress code is sort of enforced is Formal dining, Ballroom, and theater after 6 pm. However, there are places and event for those who want casual...they even have pajama parties for the bedtime story readings. The nice thing, there is something for everyone. Yes, you will run across people who frown if you are dressed to code, but you would have to violate the dress code rules for that to happen...so really if you would follow the where and when of the code in spirit, you would have no issues.
Peter good for you. I am glad to hear they are still some people that enjoy elegance . Sailing with a lot of fat , poorly dressed americans seems like fun to me
@@co7580 Or people who are ignorant about being considerate and who just never cruised in their lives and never heard of some basic etiquette.
Video review Spot on! We actually got on the QM2 in NYC on the day you disembark. We spent two lovely weeks going back and forth on the Atlantic and a week in the middle visiting Norway ports. Although we have been on QM2 on several crossings, this was the first time we stayed on through the whole voyage. Several travelers, like ourselves use the transatlantic time to fully unwind - limited internet, loads of afternoon naps, library seats on the bow and music interludes in the pubs & lounges. When we first started cruising eight years ago, we felt incline to participate in daily activities and evening programs. Now, it provides a much needed rest for us and others!
Excellent video... 👍 A lot of friends and colleagues don't understand why I like doing crossings so much... Pretty much for every reason you have covered. Afternoon Tea, dressing for dinner and time to relax and read are the biggest draws for me. I work in a very highly focussed service environment (private jets) and I appreciate being the one being looked after for a change. I have a B2B booked for 2023 and I can't wait to turn off the phone and laptop and be at sea for 2 weeks. Bliss. Also, as a gay man, I have never seen. heard or come across any sort of negative comments or behaviour towards gay people onboard, Cunard has always been extremely welcoming and I feel very comfortable onboard.
Informative lectures, Afternoon Tea, planetarium, live music! Perfect activities.
I don't care for amusement park rides, Bingo, trivia games, etc. on board a ship.
Walking the decks, watching the sea, exploring the nooks and crannies, and looking at the artwork are all great.
See if you can get to your muster station from various points on the ship. It will increase your safety if the worst should ever happen. Also will improve your physical condition. There is no need to rush - just amble along if you want. Or go as fast as you can and time yourself.
Take your needlework and work on it in a public place. It's a great conversation starter. (I've known several men who do some type of needlework.)
One thing I learned in the Navy is that an excellent way to counteract sea (and air) sickness is having ginger ale. It doesn't always work on everyone but it does calm down the tummy.
I'm really glad you brought up this not being suitable for children. I had the misfortune of having to endure a crossing on QE2 as a child and found it incredibly boring as there were very few other kids and I honestly felt I was an annoyance for the stewards who were far more accustomed to dealing with a much more mature and refined clientele. That being said, there were some wonderful experiences such as the ships, engine and bridge tours which probably went a long way to sparking my desire for a naval career but otherwise, I came to dread any mealtimes and if I remember right, children weren't allowed to any of the formal events and there was no child sitting so were pretty much left to our own devices and confined to our cabins while the well behaved folderol went on...
Interesting -- my mother always gave me ginger ale whenever I got sick to my stomach as a child. Wonder if she got the tip from my father, who was Navy in WWII?
You can buy ginger candies which do the same thing but are easier to carry with you. Personally, a scopolamine patch is what works for me. It requires a prescription in the US but quells my motion sickness.
Ginger has been known for a long time to settle the stomach, however you take it--powdered form in food or brewed (ginger tea) or in other beverages. It is a medicinal herb/spice, not just used for flavoring. If you don't want to take a prescription medication , it's worth trying as a natural remedy.
Go for fresh raw ginger for full treatment. A thin slice under the tongue.
The one in the RNLI are ginger nuts, and they go well with tea, which is a bonus. I take a pack when I go flying or across the channel, or Solent
We did a transatlantic crossing on QM2 in April 2022. It was absolutely the best experience we ever had and would do it again in a heartbeat! We were never bored. We explored every inch of the ship and loved it. QM2 was everything we ever dreamed of and more! We never went to the gala nights but we loved the restaurant so much. We felt so fancy, even if we didn’t go to the gala nights!
I was on a winter crossing on the QM2 with (announced) 28 foot seas. There was a noticeable movement side to side, primarily causing you to sway a little walking in the passage ways, but we did not find it at all disturbing. We have had much more noticeable motion in smaller seas on other ships while crossing both the Atlantic and the Pacific. We do book lower cabins near the center of the ship on all our cruises, and take Bonine to prevent motion sickness.
My sea sickness tip I'd like to share (in case it may help someone else). I was on a cruise to Hawaii and there was something loose in the engine compartment. Rattled the whole ship. I got sea sick every evening when I sat down to dinner. I finally figured out that if I sat without my back touching the back of the seat I didn't get sick.
Good advice to stay on land.
@@JetFire9 Dead people never get sea sick. I've just sailed across the Pacific in a 42' sailboat. I had a forward cabin, loud waves slamming into the bridge deck right under me (catamaran), bouncing me up 8 to 10x/minute. Out of Vietnam I was weightless every two minutes or so. I loved it. Slept like a baby. So much for letting sea sickness affect what I do and will do. Did I get sea sick? I felt queasy several times, vomited twice. (Two oomphs downwind and I always felt better.) Took OTC meds about 8 times. Mostly just in case. Haven't been on a cruise ship in 18 years, you gotta start somewhere, but you don't have to stay there. And, there are few things in life more amazing than waking up from a land dream; realizing you are in the middle of the South China Sea.
Very informative. We are on our first transatlantic crossing this summer. Having lived in New York for a few years we thought it the perfect way to head home and as others have mentioned the cost of a sheltered balcony suite for two is comparable to a single business class flight. Time to relax and not worry about all the luggage we need to take home!
I'm in my mid-30s, so likely not the target demographic, but the less gaudy and frenetic pace of a crossing sounds perfect for me (finding a nook in the library, lectures on history, and afternoon tea!) I may need to look into this (and find a ballgown)... Thank you Gary, as ever, for sharing your knowledge
We're a little older than you in our very early 40's (40 & 42) and have just booked our first ever cruise (with Cunard). It's probably much more 'old fashioned' than other cruise lines but that actually appeals to us. We can't wait for the experience and I know my engineering husband can't wait for the enrichment talks (I'm sure they're fantastic). The whole 'going back to another era' thing really appeals to us. We had a look at other cruise lines online but to be honest they just didn't appeal to us. I love Cunard for all the reasons that make it a very different style of cruiseline.
I have done the QM2 crossing return (14 days). I was not even close to getting bored. Loved every moment .The planetarium is magic, went to every performance. I have to agree they need to up their game with the performances.
Only boring people get bored! 👍
QE2 or QM2? 😄
@@lasuvidaboy I mean QM2 my, mistake ...opps
On the one hand, you state you weren’t bored; on the other, that the level of entertainment needs improvement. These seem contradictory. If I want entertainment, I’ll book a cruise on one of those floating ant farms with “Princess” in the name.
@@mencken8 I should have given more detail about the entertainment, It is good just that it needs a wider scope as they repeat them too often if your travel more than a few times a year The technical aspect is a little lacking compared to say P & O and Princess but you do get excellent enrichment lectures, none of the other cruise lines come close.
Very interesting video, considering a QM2 trip next year. Good to see same sex couples dancing together along with everyone else, often wanted to dance with my partner but was never sure it would be accepted with other guests, so didn't risk it. This video has answered a lot of questions, thank you.
I was on the May 1st crossing from New York to Southampton, this was my first time on any ship and the QM2 was fantastic. Gary I agree with everything you said, including the rubbish wifi. I am really glad the wifi was bad because it did in fact allow us to actually look up and experience the voyage. There are so many millennials who complain about the internet, maybe they should not travel on Cunard. I really hope Cunard does not change anything, no screaming kids, no fun rides, no loud music blasting out and rubbish wifi... So relaxing.
That was a fun crossing!
@@tomgamblemusic I am assuming that you are being sarcastic, but yes, it was very much a fun crossing. There really was a lot to do. Now if you are a Millennial, then Cunard is not for you. I hope that they never will pander to the self entitled mob, but then again I could be wrong.
Cunard fits my lifestyle, and I would be very happy to sail on any of the Cunard ships and similar.
@@garymiles484 not being sarcastic. I was one of the guest musicians on that crossing. Second time on board as a guest artist. We love it and they treat us very well. I love performing on cunard ships.
@@tomgamblemusic I apologize for the comment. I enjoyed the music on board very much. Didn't manage to get to the Royal Court theatre much, but the musical entertainment in the Queen's Room, Carinthia lounge etc were fantastic.
I was a dance host on the Queen Mary 2 and did many many transatlantic crossings, almost 70 cruises on this particular ship. Your review is spot on; never a dull moment. Lots to do and see, or just a great time to relax, depending on the mood. A great ship...one of a kind.
Hi. Good to know there are dance hosts on the ship.
I’ve been wanting to take an “ocean cruise,” as opposed to a 5-7 day vacation type cruise, of which we’ve taken quite a few, for years, and always imagined it would be a repositioning cruise. However, I’ve also wanted to take a Cunard cruise. We are great lovers of the “Teas on the Seas,” as I call tea time when cruising. This Atlantic crossing sounds perfect for me. My hubby and I are in our 70’s and, for a number of reasons (mostly health and finances), I don’t think we’ll be doing too many more cruises; so, this Atlantic crossing may be a lovely way for us to bid adieu to the ocean! Thank you so much for this informative video, Gary.
We (at the time both 57 years old) crossed from New York to Southampton in October 2016. What a fantastic trip! We were some of the youngest on board and our favorite part of the trip was hearing everyone else's stories about their travels on other cruises and on land, which is why we always opted to sit with other random travelers at breakfast and lunch.We had a Britannia balcony cabin, unfortunately on the north side, but still great for someone with claustrophobia like me. We were never, ever bored and just felt totally relaxed and pampered. I love all of your videos, but this is one of my favorites. Thanks for all of your really helpful info!
Did you ever felt seasick? That’s my biggest concern
Went a few years ago and glad I’ve ticked it off my bucket list. Generally found it pompous, for example went to the pub for a lunch time quiz, the quizmaster then informed the guests that the quiz will be on classical music, really! There was an obsession with the Titanic which considering it sank made my wonder why they were so proud of it. Cunard also make a huge issue that the QM2 is a liner and not a cruise ship, they make this same point over and over to the point of irritation. Overall I did enjoy the trip and glad I did it, probably wouldn’t do it again though.
You're right: the Wi-Fi is rubbish! But other than that, I just love the ship. To make up for 2 years with no travel,
I'm doing the crossing in both directions this summer, a month apart, with the eastbound to Hamburg.
A fine video; thank you! 😁
We recently completed a trans Atlantic on QM2. Arived in NYC on May 1. Had loads of fun and lots to do. You are absolutely correct! Oh! Bye the way. I won the first of the two black jack tournaments. $200 prize!
Fab on the win !
I haven’t been able to cruise as past 11 years and have to say my heart sank to learn how the dress code has been so relaxed on Cunard. I just loved the buzz of get dressed for dinner and admiring fellow passengers in their finery especially in the ball rooms. It made for a holiday that was different from everyday life.
pretentious flummery, the empire is gone . these ships are mass market apartment blocks.
@@vindicari Why renounce tradition when it doesn't hurt anyone. It is a great shame that the Cunard doesn't have dressed dinner events.
@@BigDymz i am not denigrating tradition but even when the great ships were at their peak most profit came from people seeking new lives and an escape from poverty /oppression/ destitution. cruises now are not about the experience it's pack them in cheap an cheerful and try get past the casinos and shops . and of course the class system very much still applies.
@@vindicari How many Cunard transatlantic sailings have you done?
@@happycat8721 quite a few, more than you I suspect. I worked on ships for 30 years.
I was on the same crossing as you, Gary.
First timer... I found the first few days a bit strange as you have to get used to the rhythm of everything. After that I loved it
Pretty surprised, tbh. Even enjoyed donning a DJ a few times
And the food... put on almost a stone despite a good workout every day
It didn't work out for us this year, but I can't wait to experience a transatlantic crossing on QM2! The planetarium, lectures, library, afternoon tea, and promenade walk especially appeal to me.
I'm 24, and I love Cunard and especially Queen Mary 2. And whilst yes during my crossings and other trips I may not have found cruises as young as me, it's always great to talk and spend time with more "experienced" passengers, some of whom I'm still in contact with.
I completely agree with your points made about not getting bored. My favorite of which is the speakers. I was lucky enough to have traveled on her first transatlantic crossing since the COVID shutdown last year and got to listen to 4 talks by Stephene Payne, her designer.
Looking forward to my next transatlantic crossing in December!
I was also on that December crossing as a guest musician. Really enjoyed Stephen Payne's talks. It was quite choppy for a few days but that made it all the more fun.
@@tomgamblemusic I love the winter crossings because of how rough it can be! Something about cruising through the choppy sea on a ship designed for it is very relaxing and exciting to me.
Though I do remember as the captain announced we were in a Force 11 storm my drink slightly spilling in the Commodore Club 😂
I did my first transatlantic crossing on ss France in 1968 at the age of 5. I Remember a few details and my mother preferred the French Line So we didn’t travel on the original RMS Queen Elizabeth.Second crossing was on board QE2 in 1970. I did five more crossings on QE two with my family and later as an adult. The older I got the more I enjoyed them. We’ve done three transatlantic crossings on board QM2 and loved every minute of it.
This is one of the best cruise videos I’ve seen. Thank you for being so thorough. You’ve covered everything I needed to know!
I love that you have included your partner's experience with cruising and unwinding for relaxation.
We love the transatlantic because it allows us time, which as two full time working parents is just amazing. We tend to do lectures, but otherwise our time is spent reading, eating together, swimming, etc.
Thank you so much for doing this. It answered many of my questions. I've been on the fence about booking this, but now I know to just go ahead and do it.
Loved this video, Gary…thank you so much. This is on our bucket list😍
Thanks so much for this one, 12 days before we sail to new York and back, what to do was definitely one of my concerns
Your videos are so informative and really help me to keep the perspective of more 'classic cruisers' while being a newcomer to cruising. You're definitely going to help me and my best friend our upcoming and future cruises!
Happy Pride to you and your partner Gary!
Great video, Gary! Thanks for sharing your insight about the QM-2. A trans-Atlantic crossing is certainly on my "bucket list."
Sailed on the QE II years ago. Between the lectures, tours and ship's activities we had to take a vacation from our vacation. Very memorable for us.
just love your comments and your impartiality on all cruises.
I have experienced the crossing from East to West and enjoyed every single minute of it. Simply the best way to travel !
Very interesting . These are the points that have put me off Cunard in the past . Very well covered and good tips on seasickness
We loved our crossing in 2018 and there was so much to do that I never got to the afternoon tea or planetarium. The speakers were amazing!
So informative , really enjoy your videos . Thanks
I loved my time on the Queen Mary. I hope to do a crossing again soon. One of my favorite features was the hot breakfast delivered to my room each day. I loved the ice cream like scoops of scrambled eggs!
Thank you for sharing. I’d love to take a transatlantic trip from England to New York to repeat the journey my great grandmother took to the ‘new world’.
Excellent video Gary! My husband and I have been considering taking a transatlantic cruise, but these were the reasons why we haven't booked one. Thanks for putting our minds at ease!
Thank you for reminding me of our wonderful QM2 cruise we did from Hong Kong to Dubai in 2011. We also had the same popular Concorde Captain All that time ago! All your points were 100% spot on. She is a beautiful ship...and experience.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Our crossing on QM2 was one of our favorite cruises
This sounds terrific. I find many ocean cruises so overwhelming because I don't want to miss anything, and I end up not getting enough sleep and getting exhausted.
Always enjoy your videos Gary and would love to do the QM Atlantic crossing one day. 😊
This is a useful video, Gary. I’ve been thinking about a Cunard cruise for a while. You covered my concerns in your guide, though. Many thanks.
That was very interesting video. Thank you for taking us along .
Brilliant maybe one day, so long as there is a pub I’d never be bored!
Thanks for the information. We are heading out on our first transatlantic crossing on the QM2, which we’re really looking forward to. Your content is packed with information to get us better prepared. I’m definitely concerned about motion on board, but you’ve reassured me somewhat. Thanking you again for the content 👍
Wonderful. I just watched your other video on the QM2 and fully enjoyed both of them. You definitely answered questions that I had. I have always wanted to make a trans Atlantic crossing on her. I'm 70 now, but, maybe. Thank You so much.
Your videos and info are amazing! Thank you, Gary!!
Thank you Gary appreciate your highly helpful take on QM ll crossings. We are seriously considering doing this once in a lifetime activity. Southampton to NY as you suggest.
Excellent information Gary, thank you. Like other posters this is on my bucket list and maybe, after this video, it moved up a few notches.
P&O Arcadia is a similar design to QMII. We were on it to the Arctic circle in Nov/Dec 2019 and there were force 9/10 gales. Yes, there were a good few with seasickness ( not us thankfully ) but the ship was remarkably stable in that sort of weather.
Personally jackets for gents on “smart” nights shouldn’t be optional. I was just in the Caribbean on QM2 in March and I saw some pretty horrible Hawaiian shirts that were allowed to pass for short sleeved collared shirts in the PG restaurant. If jackets were mandatory (the AC had the inside spaces perfectly cool) I think everyone would get the message to dress in more tasteful shirts!
Slobs will be slobs ! They have not concept of elegance . Yes , dress codes for the sloppy should be enforced .
Thank you for this video.
We also did a transatlantic crossing from Hamburg to New York via Southampton. We had booked the Princess Suite. On board it is exactly as you described 👍
Excellent review and most informative...thank you! I've wanted to cross on the QM2 and QE2 previously but never really had the opportunity. I'll have to do something about that now that you've schooled me. Cheerio!
Gary, returned several weeks ago from the Cunard Transatlantic, the Theater Specialty Voyage, it was completely amazing, what a rich and delightful experience. Several Olivier Award Actors interacted in classes with us and then we had the opportunity to perform with the actors in a performance. I was solo and enjoyed the solo travelers group. My solo only stateroom was beautiful. Can't say enough good about this voyage. Loved the people I met!
Thanks for the insights Gary.
Great vlog Gary, very informative. Thank you.
Gary! Thank you! As I have crossed the North Atlantic numerous times
on Queen Mary 2, I can attest that you perfectly encapsulated what the voyage experience is all about onboard this iconic vessel. Concise and lively presentation. One of your best.
Thanks! Great to hear. Really appreciate you watching
Good vid Gary! I've done the classical recital gig on QM2 twice, most recently in May. She's an amazing vessel! Hope to be back soon.
I enjoyed it several years ago. Weather was good (September crossing). Princess Grill. Just loved it. Your views are spot on.
Excellent video. We board on June 22nd and so look forward to experiencing everything QM2 has to offer. Sailing her again in October.
I have been watching Gary's videos and Cunard is one of my must do TA for a while. However, after watching this video, I am going to wait some more years to enjoy this 'Classic' cruise.
We sailed in December of 2018, a few quick points. First, definitely a more sophisticated crowd than other cruises I've been on, some snooty and stuffy folks but mostly friendly and sociable. Go-to afternoon tea to make friends!! Second, as Gary mentioned, the ship is an ocean liner, not like a 20 story Caribbean cruise ship, very smooth. On our December trans Atlantic cruise i saw by far, the largest waves I've ever seen, but the ship was pretty smooth. My wife who is sensitive got a little upset on a couple days but not any worse than a wavy Caribbean cruise, I was fine. One thing we noticed was that the inside cabins beds were perpendicular to the ship, not parallel to the ship as we normally have in ocean view or balcony cabins. This was our first inside cabin on any ship and it seemed to aggravate the motion/sea sickness. Thirdly, we loved the cruise and ship!!
The afternoon tea was my very favorite!!
Just disembarked from the Queen Mary 2, traveling from New York to Hamburg. Never bored for a single minute. We were Queens Grill passengers and were disappointed with the level of service in our stateroom. There were no extra hygiene or travel accoutrements, such as a small sewing kit, cosmetic items etc. Cleanliness and general service in the stateroom was also lacking. But we were never bored, in the least.
Thanks, Gary, for your as ever comprehensive, balanced and honest appraisal. QM2 is an art deco-styled liner for adults, which benefits from outstanding service irrespective of your passenger category. Other ships have other priorities. I have travelled the Southampton to NY route many times in both directions and even in winter with rough seas and a force eight gale, the modern stabilising technology effectively smooths the passage.
Wow, what a jam packed video Gary. Thanks so much. Trying to pick a time to go!!!
Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it so helpful!
Wow. This is definitely the type of cruise I want to experience.
Excellent as always Gary. The afternoon tea would lure me on!! Agreed on the switching off and getting away from it all.
Thanks for covering kids as well been tempted to try Cunard with them but think we might do a short one without. 👍
Thanks for the great info!
Great video… very informative. Thanks for sharing!
How could anyone get bored on it? I'd love the opportunity to try. She's ontop of my bucket list. I'd dress up every night to eat, if I could. I'd be outside in the pool weather permitting or in the library or dancing watching a musical show or doing crafts. The enrichment talks I'd give a wide berth though.
Beki , good for you. I think you understand elegance .
Thank you for another great video. I am planning on a fall crossing.
those lectures sound very interesting. I'm not surprised it was standing room only when they get people like that to come talk.
l took Queen Mary 2 in May of 2006 . lt was fantastic!! lt was very chilling when the Captain at the noon announcements said that the Queen Mary was 25 nautical miles from where the Titanic had sunk. Great entertainers. We had Alastair Greener as Cruise Director. He was fantastic.
We LOVE sea days. We did SF-Hawaii-SF just for the sea days. Never bored. More to the point, I didn’t have to be a place at a time. It was glorious.
My hubby and I did the 14 night return crossing late April this year and by far, it’s now my favourite cruise (crossing!). There is just something incredibly special/magical about the QM2 - I loved everything about her.
Hopefully , there was a dress code to help the fat and sloppy americans understand elegance ..
I'm not really a cruise person, although I'd make an exception for this ship. I've been especially intrigued since learning the film "Let Them All Talk" was filmed on a single crossing, and it seemed like the kind of calm, adult environment I'd enjoy. I've put a Transatlantic crossing back on my bucket list after seeing this video. Thank you, and I'm checking out the other one too!
I would love to go on a Canard cruise. I like that they have they offer enough activities to keep me happy. My absolute favorite would be tea in the mid afternoon.
Great video, thank you Gary. My daughter is taking me on the Cunard August 5.
We are doing a transpacific repositioning cruise this fall from Hawaii to Australia on Royal Caribbean. Lots of sea days during the 18 night cruise, but I'm very excited for it.
As someone who gets seasick/carsick easily, it's nice to know that the old queen won't make me throw up or anything!
2:56 If you take 16 slices of Battenburg cake and 24 chocolate buttons (12 dark / 12 milk) you can have a game of draughts if you exhaust all other entertainment options.
Excellent!
In terms of fitting in, 100% my biggest concern is average age. I often find as a 30-year old traveller, I can sometimes
‘stand out’ a bit on cruises, so do tend to stick to the megaships for this reason.
You’ve got me thinking though, and I have friends doing the Cunard experience later this year, so will be keen to hear how they also get on.
Hope you’re well!
Good to know all this. We have always hesitiated about an Atlantic crossing, but your details about the fact that the Queen Mary 2 is a liner, specifically designed to handle the North Atlantic seas, is enouraging. My wife, like Mark, is is prone to seasickness. Hope you're enjoying Alaska!
Gary you do a fine job , Thankyou, I’ve not cruised yet ,but in my future .
I agree with all you said….but still will go on her. I just did a crossing again in April this year and fell in love again.
Great content thanks for sharing your time with us brother 2 Canadians living on the Gulf of Mexico Yucatan Peninsula 🇺🇲🇨🇦🇲🇽♥️
sending support to you 🙏💚😍
Cheers J&D ✌️👫🐶
Great video - well made and full to the point info
Very well done and informative video.
Thank you for the video!