4th of July - 2009

Andy,

Actually, the cabins were already recalled, and I will set up the group again once I start getting bookings from all the people that were interested in the sailing. If you want current pricing, send me an email with what you are interested in, and I'll get that for you.

As for Cunard, the QM2 cruise was great. The guest speakers were terrific, as was the Planetarium. The entertainment is a big step up from Carnival and the other mainstream ships.

At the risk of facing the wrath of the loyal Cunard folks, I will say that I was dissappointed with the food selection and service in the Brittania dining room. The food quality was great. I had to complain about service each of the first 2 nights before things started getting better. As for selection, an example of what I mean is, there was one night that the Grills had choice of chateaubriand, filet mignon, prime rib and more. There was not a single beef selection on our menu that night. Now, what we did have was very well prepared and very tasy. As for selection though, the QM2 is definitely a 2 class ship.

The ship itself is amazing.

Even had I not won, I would not have hesitated to go back on the QM2 again.

Hi all......

The ONLY thing that worries me is the dress......I dont want to be out of place.I am used to RCCL and will need new clothes for this trip(and thats OK!!).....but I am concerned about what i need and how to pack it all with all the airline restrictions............

Kathy (It is Kathy right?) don't fret to much, go through the fashion thread to get started and just start asking questions. One of these days I'm going to video a packing demonstration and will post it here

Yes,it is Kathy and thanks for the advice.......

For those who might be interested, Tina has some pretty good photos of the ship itself (QM2) on the Christmas website:

http://www.cunardholiday2009.makeswebsites.com/3/gallery.htm

And actually if you go to the photos on "Around Queen Mary 2" - specifically page 14 - you will see real people - wearing shorts and typical day time wear.

There are more pictures of the QM2 on my webshots site at
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561632091isqJIV

Great pics....thanks so much ALL of you..........

Steve great photos! Thanks for posting them!

PaddyGoesCruising wrote:

Curvy Gal Cruises wrote:

Nina, I swear you find the coolest things to wear! Sigh...MAYBE by next summer I can finally start wearing cute things too (I'm dieting for those who don't know, 50 down and 50 more pounds to go... Remind me again what chocolate cake tastes like... )

You listen to me young lady, if you lose all that weight you're going to be a knock-out and your outer beauty will match your inner beauty! Don't give up and if you achieve your goal, I promise to be your dance partner at Christmas for the entire trip!

Thanks Patrick!

What type of availability do you have left? I'm not a contest winner, just someone possibly interested in booking.

Nina, how many days/nights are you planning to be in Manhattan?

Cat, we still have cabins in all grades available although some are more limited than others (B5 & D5 for example).

Nick, I'm planning on coming in 2 nights ahead of time for both July and Christmas. One day to run around making sure any loose ends are tied up and 1 day to party with everyone!

Cool

Where is everyone? It's soooo quiet!

Still thinking about booking. I guess with so many CFF members going this could be fun. I keep reading mixed reviews and that's my hesitation.

Well we hope you chose to join us, it's going to be fun! Anything in particular that is causing you to hesitate that we might be able to help you with?

My hesitation is mixed reviews. Some people say it's too stuffy and the food isn't great. Others rave about everything. Does service and quality vary from ship to ship?

Just wanted to give this a refresher!

I Cruise Do You Cruise wrote:

My hesitation is mixed reviews. Some people say it's too stuffy and the food isn't great. Others rave about everything. Does service and quality vary from ship to ship?

Stuffy? Not really. Cunard cruisers tend to be more intellectual and perhaps a tad more reserved and, while a few do fall into the stuffy category, thankfully, they are few and far between - but stuffy is not the way to describe a typical Cunard cruiser. Overall people who cruise Cunard are more educated, have higher income per capita, and, are more experienced cruisers and travelers, however, do not mistake this for meaning stuffy! The best cruises of my life have been aboard Cunard.

The food - always a subject of controversy. One common complaint is that food often arrives in the main dining room warm (opposed to hot). Personally, I haven't had this problem but, heard enough people complain to believe there is probably some truth to it. Does it depend on your server? My guess is yes. Food quality, any way you slice it, it is still mass catering and taking this into consideration, I do rate overall food quality as good to very good.

Does this help at all?

Yes Nick that does help! Thank you! I could only picture myself being surrounded by Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Howell III and being completely out of place. And, food, as you said is subjective but, if I don't try it for myself, I won't know, right?

It's amazing how many people have the same misconception about Cunard. We're not that way at all. True, I secretly wish that Tina made this exclusively a luxury board only but, I think people will be very pleased with their Cunard experience - they just have to try it first!

FormerlySanFranBayCruiser wrote:

It's amazing how many people have the same misconception about Cunard. We're not that way at all. True, I secretly wish that Tina made this exclusively a luxury board only but, I think people will be very pleased with their Cunard experience - they just have to try it first!

Not sure what you mean that you wished Tina made this a luxury board only???

Anyway, been awhile since anyone posted on here........where is everyone??

I'm here I've just been busy with Nina and Tina getting things set up for Pre-Cruise 4th of July, the shopping trips in 2009 and 2010 and also for Pre-Cruise London for the New QE Inaugural. Think of what I do as a concierge service for businesses - I have connections to make the best possible deals to make all these things happen.

So while I've been signing in, I've been busy PMing Tina and Nina and, I admit I've been bad about posting this past week or so.

Anyhow, is everyone getting excited for 4th of July? Is anyone bringing along extra friends or family?

I'm here too, just not sailing with you on 4th of July

Submitted my booking form for 4th of July! Whoo! Feeling nervous now!

So, exactly how many gowns will I need? Tell me anything else I might need to know.

Towanda