My husband and I are joining the QM2 in Dubai on 20 March 09 on its return journey to Southampton - a duration of 19 days. The cabin we have been allocated is B3, Premium Balcony. We will be spending 3 weeks in Dubai prior to joining the ship, and will therefore have several cases together with several rucksacks and computer etc. Can anyone tell us whether it is possible, when we have unpacked, to store empty or unwanted luggage (cases) elsewhere on the ship, or whether there is plenty of cabin space to put cases so we don't end up tripping over them? Any guidance on this would be much appreciated.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Hi and welcome to HT!

You should be able to store a couple of suitcases under the bed. Advise your cabin steward and they should be able to arrange storage outwith the cabin.

luci

Thank you luci - that's really useful to know.

Hi there,

We are doing a 19 day cruise on the QM2 in March 2009 - from Dubai to Southampton, and being on a limited budget I am getting myself is a tizzy over what I am expected to wear on the formal evenings (think there are 3 formal evenings during the course of the cruise). Seems really easy to sort my husband out (tux, dark jacket/suit, etc) but appears to be a bit more complex when it comes to us females! I am really reluctant to spend a fortune on expensive ball gowns that I am never likely to wear again, but have invested quite a bit (mainly via Ebay I might add) on evening tops, 3/4 length and long skirts, trousers and a few evening jackets. Would welcome comments from 'seasoned cruise travellers' on whether this will suffice?

I was really excited about this 'surprise cruise' but am starting to get a bit anxious. Can anyone allay my anxieties?

Thank you for reading.

Sparkly tops and a long skirt will be fine for formal nights.

I doubt you have any anxieties that haven't already been mentioned on here so you may find previous discussion using the Search box in the bottom left of the forum.

luci

Many thanks for your prompt reply. Sounds like I am not alone with my anxieties. Will have a good look around.

We have been on the QM2 on two occasions, and my wife says what you are suggesting is absolutely fine....but do spoil yourself with one new outfit!! The dress code, as outlined in brochure etc. is certainly adhered to on the QM2, but you whould have no worries with what you Propose.

Enjoy your cruise, it sounds fantastic, wish it was me.

Hamrag has it spot on have done 4 cruises on the QM2 it is brill!! the dress code is adhered to even in the kings court at night when they do a free of charge alternative dining, I really recommend you try this in particular the Chefs Galley, but it is not a stuffy ship very very enjoyable and the clothes you are planning will be fine, wish I was joining you.

Have just returned from the NCL Dawn much to causal, on our first dress night shared a table with a New York lady in her track suit, but it proved to be very relaxing cruise as it was in the Caribbean.

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my questions. Feel much more reassured now that my wardrobe will almost suffice.

QM2 have cancelled fuel surcharges after 17/12

Hi its me just arrived in Perth AU after 14 nights on the Celebrity Millennium. Interested in booking the QM2 for the BTB in May or if not even later. Does anyone have any idea if there are any good offers for the Med with QM or the QV? Not have access to a computer at my Brothers as it is not working. Have emailed Ali and called her but she if off . She did quote me a price of 1015 Sterling for an inside D8 but I would like a bit higher grade of room.

Any info would be appreciated.

Sue

sue, the qm2 has an excellent offer for singles on 24th july.

its a round trip transatlantic.

hth

kath x

Hi Sue, hope you enjoyed cruise.

Following prices are all for category D8 inside i.e. lowest price available.

The QM2 only has 2 med cruises...one on the 14 May for 11 nights, promotion price is £1079 less a further 5% for world club members
the other one on 14 September for 12 nights, at £1169 less 5%.

The QV has a number of med sailings, basically one each month between April and November, for 12, 13, 14 and 16 nights. Prices range from £899 for a 12 night in April, or £779 12 nights for late October to £1679 for a 16 nighter early September or £1195 16 nights early November. The other months are coming in about £50 to £100 less than £100 per night i.e. a 14 nighter at £1400 less £50 to £100 e.g. 20 July is £1339. All of these you would take off the 5% discount available to you.

I called Cruise Kings to ask about the single supplement and, unfortunately the reduced supplement offer is only on the transatlantic sailings from/to NYC. The normal single supplement would apply to all of the above which, as you will know, is 75% to 100%. Their telephone number is 0141 762 5555

Hi all thanks for the information. Will definately be interested perhaps both.. The computer is now working so can send and receive emails and check prices etc
Will speak ton Ali on Friday but I like to have all the information re prices etc to hand.

Yes I had a great cruise and now will be having to spend Christmas and New Year away from all that cold weather!

Graham I will write pm. Look at CC for the adventure we had on our cruise on the general X board!!!

Sue

Cunard's QM2 fails health checks

Cunard has issued a statement to explain why its flagship Queen Mary 2 failed health inspections in New York earlier this month.

The ship received an "uncharacteristically" low score in a recent surprise inspection by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to reports in the US press, officials found cockroaches in a food storage area, human hair in an ice machine, and dirty water in the splash pool.

The report is said to have used the word "filthy" several times.

These failings resulted in a score of 84 out of 100, which falls below the 86 pass rate.

In its defence, Cunard said: "On most previous inspections she has scored over 95, on three occasions achieving the maximum of 100.

"The poor assessment on June 10 resulted largely from one small area of the ship's overall operation. All the issues raised in the report were immediately addressed and have now been corrected.

"Ship and shore management have now redefined certain roles and responsibilities to clarify accountability and the company's already rigorous training schedule has been stepped up. The company is confident that failings of this nature will not occur again, and that the ship's VSP scores in the future will return to the customary consistently high level."

With permission from Travelmole