CENTURY AT CHRISTMAS... MMM - ??

As you will know from earlier postings, we had dithered about booking on Century for Xmas 2005 after reading very poor and mixed reviews about the quality of on-board management, and the state of the ship which is about 8 years old and due for a refit in early 2006. But as the Millenium was booked and then there were some good reviews we did. So this review on a similar cruise to the one we booked from Xmas 2004 wasn't very good news... psted by James on CruiseCritic..

"Dec 24 2004 sailing on Celebrity's Century:

Sailing at Christmastime is always a gamble for people who enjoy an upscale cruising experience (my vision of a good cruise usually does not include large families with many children -- a given on holiday cruises). Still, when selecting Celebrity (based on 2 prior experiences with them -- once on Summit and another on Century in 2003) my wife and I (experienced cruisers with over 20 cruises) felt it would be well worth the extra cost to enjoy the premier service we had received in the past. This was not the case.

HIGH holiday prices = LOWER level of service?

I could not have been more disappointed however, as the ship was severely understaffed for the holiday cruise despite significantly higher prices. Service outside the formal dining room was truly terrible -- bar service was only adequate at the pool, nowhere else, drinks were being top-poured after tight measuring of each shot (even the Amstel light beers were 11.1 oz not 12), and to get a decent martini ($8.95 plus 15% auto gratuity) one had to endure the sports bar with its "Carnival decor" and crowded atmosphere. Smoking is not allowed in the Michaels Room cigar bar (they can sell cigars but you can't smoke in there now -- what gives)?

"Not in my job description" attitude or just POOR MANAGEMENT?

Piles of trays from the Islands Cafe (Deck 11) constantly littered the pool and public seating areas, and I had to help a little old lady with Parkinson's Disease clear her own place to sit on the aft deck (this was not an exception -- this mess was the rule). There were no service personnel to be seen, and to make matters worse, there was nowhere to leave the trays and dishes if you wanted to be self-responsible and keep your stuff from blowing overboard.

Treated "INfamously" made worse by RUDE PASSENGERS POOLSIDE

No line can be blamed for the percentage of social misfits aboard its ships but when people are saving deck chairs for their kids for 2 hrs and then threaten to go get security if you don't move out of their (absent) kid's chair, there's a need for policy revision. Celebrity needs to make it clear to their self-important clientele that 15 min. is the max duration for their ambiguously stated "reasonable time" when holding limited deck-chair space. Perhaps a poolside sign with the old adage of "do unto others as you'd have them do unto you" would be a great addition to the multitude of other useless signs throughout the ship.

Aquaspa:
Thassolotherapy pool use for $60 pp + 15% auto gratuity (for the whole cruise) was not enforced by the useless front end staff at the Aquaspa. Once they took our money for cruise-long we found ourselves among others who clearly decided to beat the system. They should either charge or not but don't be arbitrary and steal my money for a service you're allowing others for free.

Entertainment:
My wife and I have given up shows a long time ago so I have no comment on the entertainers other than to say that the Pool Band did a decent job: They have a very good lead vocalist and played a fun variety of music. It's true that the band didn't play long enough or at seemingly appropriate times (earlier on days at sea), but this again is a management level issue and has nothing to do with the band. Other musicians were very talented but the highly compartmentalized nature of the Century made it hard to be in the right place at the right time unless you wanted to relax in a crowded hallway or otherwise busy thoroughfare.

Ports and shore excursions:
These were excellent. St. Thomas: Having already been to the big islands several times, the wife and I decided to take an Eco Hike on St. John (led by a native American named Thunder Hawk who is a highly knowledgeable bush medicine expert and ecologist with 12 years on the island). I could not give a higher recommendation to his tour (yes you have to walk so if you'd rather stay on board and reserve your 15 deck chairs please do so). We returned in time to enjoy some properly prepared "Bushwhackers" near the port. Don't miss them - it's the island's unofficial Cruzan rum drink.

St. Maarten: We took the high-speed ferry ride from near the dock to St. Barths -- a very rough ride over (VERY!) but worth it after about an hour of cooling down once on land -- and catching our wits. I recommend finding the little Boulangerie (bakery) near the far corner of town and buying one of their pre-made fresh sandwiches on a French baguette roll for about $4. They were excellent and portable if you wanted to walk out to Shell Beach -- which also was excellent. We had a whole section to ourselves. The ferry ride back was with the current and much smoother.

St. Kitts -- the frou frou-y crowd didn't like the far quieter and realistic town as much as the modernized other ports but we love it. Be sure to check out artist Kate Spencer's gallery and elsewhere read the tombstones outside the church -- many fascinating stories are told there. On this trip, we spent the $98 each for a time on the Catamaran Fan-ta-Sea shore excursion and it was worth every cent. We enjoyed some of the best snorkeling followed by a well prepared and tasty lunch on Nevis (spectacular location -- great coconut salad, bbq chicken and open bar with local rums worthy of distinction). The trip out and back was almost entirely under sail on the 1.5 million dollar "Spirit of St. Kitts." Crew were excellent, choice of music was good, and I've never had a better time on a shore excursion.

Back to the Century:
The wife and I lingered in port each day basically dreading getting back on the ill-maintained and poorly staffed Century. RCI has truly succeeded in devaluing its (historically) premier line while improving RCI in many ways. The only thing that stood out positively about our Celebrity cruise was the dining room food, and even then I found myself ordering shrimp cocktail and grilled salmon more than once from disenchantment with the menu items.
To conclude, the overall experience was only good because we had great table companions (Thank GOD!) and great shore excursions. Basically, I feel ripped off by a company I'd switched to (Celebrity) after 19 RCI cruises (We're RCI Diamond Members). The problem is, since RCI owns both companies, where do I switch to now to get the service that's advertised so prominently?

Final notes for those interested:
-- 2 of the 3 recumbent bikes were broken in the gym -- at least put a sign on broken equipment! -- ceiling was peeling and moldy in the Aquaspa Thassolotherapy pool. -- safe in stateroom constantly needed resetting and was hell to close. -- lots of mold in shower. -- bar mismanagement was evident in each location: Recommend large martini's be available in all bars (after all they're "trendy"). Celebrity cruisers will pay for quality but don't like to be herded around to seedy sports bars for a good drink. -- if it's true that the Century is being relocated outside the US ports due to emissions from its diesel engines, RCI should stop booking cruises on it until they decide to live up to their advertised standards. The loss of vision for distinguishing Celebrity from RCI is apparent and RCI should be ashamed of themselves for their false advertising"

NOROVIRUS: A CRUISE PROBLEM...

You will have seen in the reports of teh "Aurora" world cruise cancellation, it also talks about a problem the ship had last summer when a lot of the passengers came down with the "norovirus" bug (which is a stomach upset that seems to spread easily when people are confinde and interacting on places liek crusie ships). When we were on the Aurora in the buffet areas for example, we had to wash our hands with that anti-bacterial gel and then were handed a tray etc.

If you look ona site that list mishaps at sea, this seems to be the most common reported issue. Spookily it appear this morning after I ahd been thinking about the virus and how it would be awful if it spread on one of the cruises we have booked...

This press release form today sums it all up well:

"Increased Reports of Norovirus, Known as the 'Stomach Flu,' Are SeenWorldwide

Source: International Council of Cruise Lines
Tuesday January 25, 2:04 pm ETInternational

Council of Cruise Lines' Members Prepared for IncreasedIncidents of Norovirus and Encourage Everyone to Exercise FrequentHand Washing to Stay Healthy

Press ReleaseARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- There is an increase innorovirus incidents across the country in hospitals, day care centers,nursing homes and schools, according to Dave Forney, chief of theVessel Sanitation Program of the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC). With the reported increased number of noroviruscases on land, reported from Virginia to Colorado, Canada and Japan,the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) has observed acorresponding increase in norovirus incidents on board cruise ships.

The CDC estimates that 23 million people in the United States everyyear contract norovirus, or 8 percent of the U.S. population.Annually, less than 1 percent of all cruise ship passengers have beenaffected by norovirus, however, the cruise lines encourage allpeople -- cruise passengers or not -- to practice good hygiene bywashing one's hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warmwater.

According to Forney, cruise lines have taken a leadership role in addressing norovirus, the second most prevalent illness in the UnitedStates behind the common cold. "Cruise ships have rigorous protocolsand procedures in place to manage and eradicate transmission ofnorovirus," Forney said. "In addition to being held to the highest sanitation standards in the world, cruise lines have worked meticulously and effectively to actually break the cycle oftransmission during most cruises, which requires a lot of effort andexpertise."Rigorous procedures are in place to disinfect and sanitize publicareas including door handles, railings and elevator buttons. Passengers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently andhand-sanitizers are offered on some ships. Passengers are encouragedto minimize their contact with others during the period when theillness is likely to be passed on.

"We want to educate passengers as to measures they can take toeffectively prevent this temporary but uncomfortable condition," saidMichael Crye, president of the ICCL. "The most preventative measurepeople can take is washing their hands frequently. If they areexperiencing symptoms, they should follow the medical staff'srecommendations to prevent the spread of illness."S ymptoms of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach crampsand may last from one to two days. The most common way of transmissionis through person-to-person contact."

ICCL member cruise lines identify the safety and well-being of theirpassengers and crew as their highest priority," said Crye. All ICCLmember lines are part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control andPrevention's (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) and are required toreport each incidence of gastrointestinal illness."The reason you hear about norovirus on cruise ships is because theyare required to report every incidence of gastrointestinal illness,"Forney said. "Nowhere else in the public health system of the UnitedStates is norovirus a reportable illness.""Norovirus is not a cruise-ship illness, but an illness commonly seenin many settings throughout the United States," Forney noted.For tips on how to stay healthy on your cruise vacation, moreinformation on norovirus and proper hand washing techniques, pleasevisit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov or the Vessel SanitationProgram's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp. ."

I AM QUOTED IN THE UK "SUNDAY TIMES" ABOUT QE2

I am quoted in the UK "Sunday Times" newspaper in the Travel section ... but not that accurately......... this is the result of the email that I was sent (see an earlier posting)..

This is what the article says:

"January 23, 2005
QE2 'past its best'Chris Haslam

The venerable QE2 cruise ship may be drifting into her twilight years, according to reports from Sunday Times readers.

One couple returned from the November 2004 Falklands cruise with a litany of complaints: “The ship is definitely past her best, and it felt as if they were economising all the way — it’s nowhere near as good as it once was.”

The couple last cruised on the 70,000-tonne liner in 1994, before the American cruise firm Carnival’s 1998 takeover of Cunard.

“The food was still good, but not as plentiful as before — a rack of lamb is down from four chops to two! “The boat was also so crowded — there were 1,600 guests, compared with 1,200 the last time we were aboard — that the waiters could hardly get round the tables.”

They also reported problems with the heating: “Everyone wore jackets in the cinema, but the theatre was boiling hot.”

Gary Bembridge, a veteran cruise fan from Chiswick, west London, has recently switched his custom from the QE2 to the 150,000-tonne Queen Mary 2. “The QE2 is clearly in its twilight years,” he says. “There were towels around leaking windows, chairs with threadbare arms, sun-faded portraits and unpredictable plumbing (hot water from the cold taps on most days). And the loos behind the Queen’s Grill smelt a lot like a public lavatory.”

Last New Year’s Eve, the ship suffered a power cut for almost two hours in stormy seas in the Bermuda Triangle, en route to New York from Puerto Rico. The breakdown was caused by the automatic shutdown of an overheated transformer. Cunard has received no passenger complaints about the matter.

The QE2 was launched in 1969 and has carried more than 3m passengers over 5m nautical miles. Nick Leach, the assistant editor of Ships Monthly magazine, is not surprised by the difficulties: “The QE2 dates from the 1960s, and if you drive a car from the same era, you don’t expect everything to work perfectly all the time.”

There are rumours that the ship may soon be retired. Amendments to international maritime safety law, coming into force in 2010, would require the QE2 to undergo an extensive refit, and Cunard will take delivery of the 85,000-tonne Queen Victoria in December 2007. Cunard says: “There are currently no plans to retire QE2, which continues to receive high ratings from passengers and a high level of repeat business.”

QUEEN MARY LONG BEACH - REVIEW

Stow away aboard the Queen Mary for an uncommon hotel stay (article on presstelegram.com)
By Eric Noland, Travel Editor

"LONG BEACH - To ventilate the room, just swing wide the heavy, cast-iron porthole, and allow in a cooling breeze of salt-scented air.

When it comes time to nod off for the night, incline an ear to the harbor lullaby of foghorns and crying gulls.

And for a quiet spot to sip coffee in the morning, climb to the Sun Deck, find a steamer chair in the stern and drink in the view of the Long Beach skyline across the water, gleaming in the morning light.

As hotels go, there is nothing the slightest bit conventional about the Queen Mary, which has been moored in Long Beach Harbor since 1967 and welcoming overnight guests since 1972.
When the ship was plying the Atlantic Ocean a half-century ago, it provided one of the most luxurious travel experiences on the seas, and welcomed aboard British royalty, European nobility and Hollywood glitterati. It's difficult to walk the Queen Mary's hallways and decks and not reflect on those glory days - or its use as a troop carrier in World War II, when its decks were crammed with soldiers en route to Europe to combat Nazi Germany.

Spending the night here is a decided novelty, and it's probably not for everybody. There's no pool to sunbathe around (and I found only two lonely steamer chairs that morning in the stern). The staterooms reflect what was considered elegant in the 1930s - with rich, dark-wood paneling and dim lighting. The ship is also a floating museum, which means it is aswarm with tourists during the day, particularly on weekends.

But it has abundant charms, too. If you're planning on taking a voyage on the glistening new Queen Mary 2, it might be advisable to spend a night here just to better appreciate the contrast of then and now.

The best times for hotel guests are before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., when the tour crowds aren't on board - although some of the ship's most interesting areas (the bow, the bridge) are closed during these off hours.

Plan to splurge on dinner at Sir Winston's, which combines fine cuisine with a romantic setting. It sits high in the stern, with windows that overlook the twinkling lights of the harbor and the city skyline beyond. The highly buffed wood surfaces and indirect lighting of the art deco motif heighten the enchantment.

Small wonder that this has become a special-occasion restaurant. When we ate there in early December, no fewer than three birthdays were being celebrated, and at the next table there was a marriage proposal.

Afterward, another signature Queen Mary room beckons. It is the Observation Bar, a dark, cozy art deco lounge in the bow that also has harbor-view windows (as well as seating outside). Clark Gable used to spend a good part of an Atlantic passage perched on a stool here, according to tour guide Roy Sorge.

The Queen Mary has many such rooms and features, but unfortunately not all of them are accessible to guests. During my visit, a great number were blocked with signs that read, "Private Function," though they were vacant.

The famed Verandah Grill in the stern can only be glimpsed through the windows. And for a look at the Grand Salon, the former first-class dining room, the best bet is to sign up for the ship's renowned Sunday brunch. The room's most distinctive features include a wood marquetry panel of the North Atlantic, where passengers could once track the ship's progress, and a faded tapestry depicting English country life (the Queen Mary 2 continues this tradition in its Britannia Restaurant with a towering tapestry of the QM2's prow).

Other important rooms, including the first-class ballroom and often one of the suites, can be seen on a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship ($6 for hotel guests). Meanwhile, the ship's comprehensive self-guided tour (free to guests) is recommended to any visitor.

When reserving a room, it's advisable to specify a first-class stateroom (from $169). They're the ones with antique furnishings and wonderfully decorative wood paneling - features that have made the Queen Mary distinctive over her 69 years. I had a room in what used to be the second-class portion of the ship, with wallpapered walls and nondescript furnishings; it was about as interesting as a motel room along an interstate.

It's also a good idea to request a stateroom on the starboard side, so as to have a view across the harbor to the city.

To fully appreciate the sounds and scents of the setting, be sure to swing that porthole open before you drift off to sleep.

IF YOU GO:
GETTING THERE: To reach the Queen Mary in Long Beach, take the 710 Freeway south until it ends and follow the signs to the ship.
COSTS: From $109 for an inside cabin, from $169 for a first-class stateroom (rates subject to change and can vary with availability). Parking is $10 per day."

Although I did not stay there, I visited the ship in December. See my pics: click here

MY BOOK REVIEW: "CUNARD'S LEDGENDARY QUEENS"

I like this book, and would recommend it to anyone interested in getting an understanding of the famous Cunard ships.

Unlike many of the more detailed books about Cunard and it's close to 165 year old history, this book focuses on the more recent history that people are more likely to be familiar with - and probably interested in.

What makes this book different to many of the books I have read is:
1) He focuses on the "Queens". By this it means he focuses only on the ships that Cunard have called "Queen". So that 5 ships: Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria (due to be launched in 2007).
2) Taps into different sources of photographs than many books, using some from his own collection and Southampton museums - and, therefore, has many different shots than most other Cunard books.

The writer has real passion for the topic, and tells us early on that he has personally travelled at some point on all of the Queens that have been or are in service. He also manages to reduce the long history of each of the ships (many having 30+ years) into short and sharp paragraphs. What he also does is reflect more on the impact that each of the ships had on the world and society that they operated in (e.g. the area they were built in, their role in society - especially war, and in the fortunes of Cunard).

He takes this approach as clearly he sees each of the ships and the history of Cunard as something much more significant than just a series of passenger ships.

This is an easy to read book, with a good balance of image and text. It would be ideal for people who have an interest in or are planning to travel on one of the current Cunard "Queens" in service to help them appreciate the rich history without having to plough through a thick volume and in depth history.

AURORA WORLD CRUISE CANCELLED

I have reported already the trials of the P&O ship "Aurora" (who we went on in August) whose 2005 world crusie had to finally be cancelled after setting off 10 days late when they found the repairs to the propulsion system had not worked.

The media is running a "doomed ship" line, all based on the jinx from the naming ceremony when the champagne bottle did not break.

One of the best and most detailed reports running this morning (the ship limped back and got to Southampton just before midnight last night) was in "The Independent" newspaper:

"They had boarded with dreams of sailing through the Strait of Magellan, eating soft-shelled crab in Osaka and being entertained by fire-eaters in Aruba during a three-month round-the-world odyssey.

But the memory the 1,367 hardy souls on board the ill-fated cruise ship Aurora will take home will be of the free drinks chugging about in the drizzly English Channel watching the emergency cabaret by Jimmy Tarbuck and Paul Daniels.

After 10 days of limbo caused by a faulty 176-ton motor, the £200m liner was due back in Southampton last night after sea trials revealed more problems. And the owner, P&O Cruises, finally cancelled the 103-day Grand Voyage, ending the fiasco that will cost it nearly £23m.
The ship had pulled away from Southampton's Mayflower terminal on Wednesday night bound for the Portuguese island of Madeira, but got no further than the Devon coast before engineers found a week of repairs had failed to fix the propulsion system fault.

Philip Price, brand manager for the company, which is part of the world's largest cruise operator, Carnival, said: "What has happened is regrettable. But these are very complex pieces of machinery which very occasionally go wrong. We felt we owed it to our customers to do everything to ensure the Aurora could undertake the voyage but it was not possible."
Marine engineers were hoping overnight "endurance tests" on Wednesday would allow the Aurora to sail at the 20 knots required to complete its reduced 94-day itinerary. Instead, the ailing ship could produce only 16 knots before vibrations in its vast motor, one of two which drive the shafts for the twin propellers, exceeded acceptable levels.

Passengers, whose number had been reduced by 375, were told of the cancellation at 9.30am yesterday over the intercom as the Aurora sat 25 miles off Start Point. If the ship had stuck to its original schedule, the travellers would have been preparing today to arrive in Rio de Janeiro after coral reef-diving off the Brazilian coast and a stop in the tropical Cape Verde islands. Instead of a voyage of 26,000 miles, the Aurora had sailed 220 miles.

The problems began shortly before the 76,000-ton vessel was to leave Southampton on 9 January when engineers reported excessive vibration in the faulty motor and managers ordered emergency repairs. To placate customers who had paid up to £41,985 for the 40-port "epic voyage", P&O Cruises offered free drinks during the delay. The bar bill for the nine days last night stood at 9,000 beers, 9,140 bottles of wine and champagne and 7,250 cocktails.
A "comedy cavalry" of Tarbuck, Daniels and the veteran comedian Tom O'Connor was also drafted in by P&O Cruises to provide extra entertainment, along with a performance by the West End doyenne Elaine Paige.

But there was little sign that when the remaining passengers, with an average age of 56, disembark at 8.30am this morning, they will do so with broad smiles. Joyce Adams, 68, a retired nurse from Wolverhampton, who paid £9,800, said that despite "exceptional" service, the complimentary gin and tonics could not subdue the sense of disappointment among her co-passengers. By phone from the ship as it limped back to Southampton, she said: "People appreciate the way they have been kept informed and let's say some have made the most of the free booze.

"There have been a few bottles of champagne ordered to cabins. But I arrived here expecting to come home with stories about far-off places. All I've got is the story of how I spent 10 days in Southampton and saw the Isle of Wight. Many people feel the same. It will take a bit more than a few bottles of Moet to make up for that."

The owners of the German-built Aurora, which has been plagued by mishaps since its launch in 2000, said all passengers would be given a full refund and up to 25 per cent off another cruise.
Now the Aurora is being sent to a German yard for five weeks of repairs. But P&O is keeping faith with its floating public relations disaster. First the champagne bottle the Princess Royal swung to launch it failed to break; on its maiden voyage, a propeller failure left it stranded in the Bay of Biscay, then there were two outbreaks of a vomiting bug. A P&O spokesman said: "There is no question of putting a 'for sale' sign on her. Actually, we're very proud of her."

BOAT TO NOWHERE

* 9 January 1,759 passengers board the Aurora expecting to weigh anchor for a 103-day Grand Voyage to 23 countries. They are told the ship has a technical problem and is subject to a 24-hour delay.
* 10 January After a sea trial which takes in a circuit of the Isle of Wight and the Fawley oil refinery, P&O Cruises informs its customers they will get free drinks for the duration of the delay.
* 12 January Managers announce they have identified the fault but it will take a further six days to fix. Thirty-five passengers leave the ship.
* 14 January A "comedy cavalry" of Jimmy Tarbuck and the magician Paul Daniels is brought in to provide weekend entertainment, along with Elaine Paige.
* 18 January The revised departure time of 5.30pm comes and goes, complete with a military band and waving passengers. But Aurora stubbornly remains.
* 19 January Captain Hamish Reid finally eases the Aurora out at 8.30pm with P&O Cruises "confident" the repairs have been a success.
* 20 January Passengers are told at 9.30am that the repairs have not been a complete success and the voyage is cancelled. "

MORE BACK STORY ON ARCADIA

I had not realised there was more history to the new P&O Arcadia that is due to be launched in April (and we are going on in July). I did know that it was going to be Cunard's Victoria but in a review of new ships due in 2005, CruiseCritic reported a more complex history!

"Will Launch On: April 14

Backstory: Arcadia has more incarnations than a comedic impersonator. First, the ship was intended to serve as the last Vista-class vessel in Holland America's fleet. Then it was transferred to the Cunard umbrella of ships -- where it was announced it would debut as Queen Victoria. But after the splashy success of Cunard's Queen Mary 2, designers who wanted to incorporate some of its pioneering design features into the new vessel found that its design platform (or ship's general layout) wasn't terribly compatible. So Arcadia found a home at U.K.-based P&O.

All cruise lines involved, incidentally, are part of the Carnival Corp. family.

Quirks & Highlights: Arcadia will replace P&O's Adonia (which is returning to Princess' fleet) as one of the industry's few adult-only vessels. In lieu of lavish kids facilities, then, expect a more sophisticated ambience, a larger-than-usual spa facility, and a variety of dining arenas.

Itineraries: Arcadia will spend the summer sailing a variety of European itineraries, from the Western Mediterranean to the Adriatic to the Baltic Sea."

REACTION TO THE SUNDAY TIMES RESEARCHING?

Around the time I got the email from "Sunday Times" (see below) ther was a new topic started on CC asking what people thought about the state of the QE2. I am guessing it is linked to researching for the article outlined in the email I got.

It has got some great and very passionate responses - which sum it all up for me. The QE2 is perfect for people with passion for liner history and wanted to take part and try a travel icon. I am not sure it is ideal for people new to cruising and wanting to go on a summer cruise for example. The crossing was magical, and as you will see from my reviews and comments of others - it is on this that you are less worried about the faults and the issues of age.

Here are some of the postings!

IDTDAVID: " I think it is important to make a distinction between "Crossing" on the QE2 and "Cruising" on the QE2. There is nothing else like a crossing on the QE2.The ship was built to take everything the North Atlantic can throw in it's path, and it does. The atmosphere is completely different on a crossing. There are no ports. The weather is cool, so air-conditioning is not really a major concern. The passengers a crossing attracts are different than those on a tropical cruise. Passengers who choose to do a crossing usually do so for the unique experience of a "vintage" liner clipping across the Atlantic at 28 or so knots. I think that when you are on board for that crossing "experience" you are more likely to forgive the faults. But, when you're on board for a what is billed as a luxurious holiday cruise and spending a lot of money, more than most other luxurious holiday cruises, you're expectations are different. Am I making sense or am I just rambling?Also, as long as I mentioned money, it also depends on what class you've booked and how much money you're spending on your cabin."

SFO-JOHN: "Perhaps I boarded the QE2 for the December crossing having already decided that I was going to enjoy each minute and be able to overlook any flaws, because that's pretty much what I did. Of course I noticed a few bits worn and torn and cracked here and there, but as stated numerous times above, it all comes with being a 35 year old ship. To be honest, my first impression (and this was my first time on QE2) was how subdued and refined she seemed inside. She seemed dignified and even the remnants of her original late 60's style I found to be charming. I even was pleased with my inside M grade cabin (3053). It had lots of wood panelling and was very cozy. I had no problem with any shortcomings or quirks that I noticed, although I could see how someone who was expecting a modern, glitzy mega-ship may have been disappointed. I don't want to be on a ship that exactly resembles a resort. I still think that QE2 is a "must do" for anyone with any interest in the ocean liners of the past. For others, I guess she may fall short in the "wow"factor department. I was thoroughly engaged, relaxed and amused for the entire six days."

STOWAWAY2k: "For those who are uncomfortable in surroundings that aren't sparkly, shinny, fresh, and brand new, fine, QE2 is not for you! I very much enjoy and appreciate her understated sophistication and elegance.

Yes, she's old! So what? A chair that's a little threadbare, a bit of carpeting that worn, that's not going to ruin my holiday, I'll leave the whining and pouting to others. I recently sailed on QE2 for three weeks, the Dec. crossing followed by the Caribbean cruise and I wonder if all these posts complaining about QE2's condition, as I thought she looked gorgeous, inside and out! What do people expect when they book a 35 year old ship??

Either people are greatly prone to exageration, or are simply too spoiled, bored, or overly sensitive, but I find all the quirks and foibles of QE2 to be endearing. The air conditioning that I've heard people complaining about didn't bother me the slightest. Were we on the same ship? QE2 does have plumbing issues, such as leaks, as she has had for many years. It's no secret. It's no big deal. At all. Why let it bother you? Rust spots? Yes, of course! She's a ship! The deck crew is constantly touching up, as they should, and as they do on EVERY ship. NO ship is immune to rust. Period. Why is it upsetting to see it on QE2?

As for her short, and insignificant power loss on New Years, this is not a sign of her imminent end. P&O's Aurora, a four year old ship, is making headlines right now for her world cruise being delayed for 10 days, and possibly cancelled, because of mechanical problems. Several months ago, passengers were called to boat stations when the Rotterdam lost power for four hours in a hurricane. Just a hurricane, like the ones QE2 slices through like a hot knife through butter. Another P&O ship, the Pacific Sky, had to turn back to port a few months ago and the cruise cancelled, after a thirty hour delay, because of mechanical problems. The point is, IT HAPPENS! QE2's problem was minor, and no, she was not adrift in stormy seas as one poster said. I know, I was there. It was only for two hours, in a low swell. This does not spell her doom, as people want very much to believe.

QE2 is an easy target because of her age, and her iconic status. It's human nature to want to trash and target an icon. We see it every day. It's the same as when a star athlete has a bad day, when an actor stars in a bad movie, people are so quick to gleefully trumpet the end of their career.How sad when people are ready to turn their backs. Fair weather friends?

If you want bright, shiny, sparkly new, don't sail QE2. If your style is a brand new mini van rather than a classic Mustang, don't sail QE2. If you strive for that large cookie cutter tract house with the faux facade instead of the older elegance of the historic district of town, don't sail QE2. If you have no sense of adventure, of living for the moment, if you don't understand that newer and bigger does not necessarily mean better, don't sail QE2. If insignificant, minor issues don't ruin your day, if you prefer the real thing to a pretender, then QE2 is still there, waiting for you.Sure, there are only a few years left.

Yes, her glory years are over. But QE2 still has something that QM2, and no other ship will ever have. Actually, the internet is ripe with constant complaints about QM2, will she even ever have any glory years?Just my two-cents worth folks...just my own humble opinions"

MY BLOG CHANCE FOR FAME....

Well, someone is reading my blog it seems!

I got this email from a writer at the UK "Sunday Times" newspaper:

"Dear Gary,

Just read your blog and I'm wondering if you would be willing to share your experience with our readers?

My name is Chris Haslam and I'm a travel writer for the Sunday Times in London. We are investigating reports that the venerable old lady is beginning to show her age and are keen to read passengers first hand accounts of their cruises.

Did you experience any power cuts whilst aboard? How was the plumbing and the A/C? Did you notice any other signs of age and/or disrepair?

I would be delighted to read your comments or call you.

Many thanks,

Chris Haslam
The Sunday Times "

I replied to him - and we shall see......

2005 AURORA WORLD CRUISE CANCELLED

I feel sorry for the gang on the P&O ship Aurora World Cruise... after setting off after 10 days sitting in Southampton while repairs were underway they set off last night..... to have the trip cancelled and they are heading back to Southampton.

The BBC report read:

"The troubled £200m luxury liner Aurora is returning to England after P&O cancelled its ill-fated world cruise.

Hundreds of passengers, who paid up to £41,985 each for the 103-day trip, are heading back to Southampton after work failed to fix its propulsion problems. They have spent 10 days on the cruise ship, which was due to take in 23 countries but got no further than the Isle of Wight.
P&O said passengers would be refunded and offered money off another cruise.

Aurora is expected to be back in Southampton by midnight on Thursday and the passengers will disembark on Friday morning.

Apology
She was en-route to the Portuguese island of Madeira when P&O announced it had been cancelled. Overnight tests on the repairs showed that the vessel could not "achieve the required speed to complete the Grand Voyage". A spokeswoman for P&O's parent company Carnival, said that the cancellation of the cruise was likely to cost the company around £20m.

P&O apologised to passengers after cancelling the world cruise
The company said: "P&O Cruises apologised for the disappointment this has caused passengers and offers its assurance that everything possible was done to get Aurora's Grand Voyage under way before this difficult but unavoidable decision was taken."

It said that passengers would be refunded their full fare and receive "cruise credit" worth 25% of the amount they paid for their holiday if they booked another cruise holiday before the end of January 2007.

Free drinks
More than 1,750 passengers were booked on the trip of a lifetime, which had been due to depart on 9 January to take in 23 countries and 40 ports of call.

Of the 1,752 passengers booked on the cruise, 385 chose to leave because of the delays.
Those who remained were treated to free drinks and entertainment while the ship was stuck in port.

The German-built ship, launched in 2000, has suffered bad luck since it was named by the Princess Royal and the champagne bottle did not smash, which is considered a bad omen.
P&O said the Aurora was likely to be out of action for a month while repairs are being carried out in either the UK or Germany. "

NEW BOOK...

Released in November 2004, I have just received this book ordered via Amazon.co.uk. Although it says 1st edition, it looks fairly dated in style and I had initially thought that it is an update of an earlier book. As soon as I have read it, I will post my review. You can read reviews of books I have read on cunard and cruising meantime at: My book reviews

SOME ADVICE GIVEN AND TAKEN..

After being on the receiving end of lots of great advice as we planned our QE2 trip, it was nice to be able to give some to others.

A lady had posted this on the “WeLoveCruising” site:

“Definitely going on our first cruise this year, but where, when andon what! Advert in today's paper for QE2 Mediterranean Mosaic freeinsurance and free upgrade. My husband is 52 (well, 53 tomorrow butwho's counting) and I am 48. Like to think we are young at heart.Like to be sociable. Like good food and nice wine. I have readgood reports about the QE2, but is she for the same clientele who goon her every year? Would we be on the young side to go on the QE2?Anyone know of any advantages/disadvantages e.g. is the alcoholexpensive, can you walk all the way round the QE2 (to get rid of theextra pounds). Any particular cabins to avoid. Is it very over-the-top service wise. Does the QE2 have, say, library, cinema,entertainment? I understand she will be no longer around after 2007and should we take the opportunity whilst we can.Janet”

I wrote back saying:
“Janet
Read your query with interest. We are new to cruising and have (so far) been on a short trip on P&O Aurora and the QE2 December transatlantic crossing. We loved both.

However, the QE2 is an old ship and while we absolutely loved the experience and relished the history and the style (which is dated and quirky). But we met a few people who did not like it as missed the format and structure that newer ships have.

Also, as other posting have stated - a lot depends onwhat "class" you travel. We were in Queens Grill in a penthouse suite and it wasquite amazing. The restaurant was fabulous, the pampering etc. But the lowerinside cabins are not at all appealing. There are (unlike newer ships) manycabins (even at the higher grades) with balconies. The only ones being the penthouse suites.I wrote a review of our QE2 trip and have posted a lot of photo that may be of interest.

I also wrote a comparison of the QE2 vs. Aurora experience that may help. Thelinks are below.The QE2 does have some problems due to her age (like plumbing and airconditioning), and I would personally only recommend the QE2 to people who are"cruise buffs" or want to experience the history of the ship and Cunard beforethe ship is retired (probably in 2007 as the Qe2 will no longer meet newregulations coming in that year).Photos of QE2: http://www.bembridge.co.uk/QE2_04.htmMy review of the QE2: http://www.bembridge.co.uk/QE2_04_review.htmComparison of QE2 and Aurora (I cut and paste the review I had here on my blog here).

She wrote back:

“Thanks very much for your advice. Have read your review on QE2(plus the others) and have decided not to go with QE2. The choiceis either P & O or Celebrity. Because of not booking in advance, Iguess it is a case of finding what we can.Thanks againJanet”

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO THE QM2

Source: Cunard Line
Thursday January 13, 3:05 pm ET

Britain's Flagship Celebrates First Year of Service

Press Release

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Queen Mary 2 celebrates her first birthday after entering service and making worldwide headlines in January 2004. The first transatlantic liner to be built since QE2, Queen Mary 2 is the biggest (151,400 tons), the longest (1,132 feet),
the tallest (236 feet) the widest (135 feet) passenger liner ever and, at a cost of $800 million, the most expensive passenger ship in history.

And what a year it's been!

Four days after being named by Her Majesty The Queen during the most stunning naming ceremony ever, this record-breaking ship set off on her Maiden Voyage and has been making headlines ever since. Her first year has seen her complete 13 Atlantic crossings, sail 125,000
nautical miles and carry almost 130,000 passengers. She has been a crowd-puller at every port she has visited for the first time and almost three million turned out when she sailed up the east coast of England at close range in July.

Passenger reaction to Queen Mary 2 has been overwhelming with passengers rating the ship highly when it comes to dining, service and on board facilities -- which have no equal at sea today.

Queen Mary 2 has entertained a range of celebrities including Antonio Banderas, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Elizabeth Hurley, Esther Rantzen, Sir Jimmy Savile and The Muppets. Her Royal Court Theatre has been the venue for shows from Dame Shirley Bassey,
Jon Bon Jovi, Harry Connick Jr. and Beyonce Knowles while eminent visitors have included Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent, the Rt Hon John Prescott MP, Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg and Senator Hilary Clinton.

She was the flagship vessel at the Athens Olympics in August where she played host to Queen Sophia of Spain, former President George Bush and Olympic athlete royalty including Great Britain's gold medal winner Ben Ainslie.

She's now so famous, in fact, that already four books have been published about her!

Queen Mary 2 is fast proving to be the destination in her own right. Everything about this ship is superlative and she offers a whole host of 'firsts' and exclusives. 79% of cabins feature private balconies. There is over $5 million of artwork on board. The world's first floating Planetarium offers virtual reality rides through the galaxies. A cultural academy is operated by the University of Oxford.

She has the first suites with private lift access, the first Canyon Ranch Spa at sea, the first Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar at sea, the largest Library at sea (with 8,000 hardbacks, 500 paperbacks, 200 audio books and 100 CD ROMs) and the largest ballroom with the biggest
dance floor at sea. Workshops and master classes are performed by RADA (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts). She also boasts the longest jogging track at sea, the largest and most extensive wine cellar at sea -- and, if that's not enough, the 'Queen Mary 2' signs near the
funnel are the largest illuminated ship's name signs in maritime history!

Queen Mary 2 will sail 26 Atlantic crossings in 2005. Crossing the Atlantic on the only scheduled service by sea is an experience and an adventure. Nobody knows this more than Cunard: the company's ships have crossed the Atlantic every year, without fail, since 1840. Queen
Mary 2 is the first transatlantic liner to be built since her elder sister, Queen Elizabeth 2, entered service in 1969.

An Atlantic 'steamship' crossing is a 'must do' journey -- one that has been undertaken for over 160 years by everyone from emigrants to film stars, from Dickens to the Duchess of Windsor. A crossing enables passengers to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers and is a relaxing and rewarding opportunity to savour. The past comes to life on board Queen Mary 2 with the Maritime Quest exhibition -- the first ever permanent exhibition on an ocean liner where deck upon deck and corridor upon corridor trace Cunard's proud history since its founding in 1839.

The journey to New York has the added benefit of 25-hour days as well as the never-to-be-forgotten experience of seeing at dawn the most famous cityscape in the world. Fares for the six-day cruising (including flight to / from the ship) start from $1,499 per person.

In addition Queen Mary 2 offers a variety of cruises to Northern Europe, the Mediterreanan and the Caribbean. More records will be broken in winter 2006 when she becomes the largest passenger ship ever to circumnavigate South America and visit the US West Coast and
Hawaii.

For more information on Queen Mary 2, consult a travel professional, call 1-800-7CUNARD or visit the website at www.cunard.com. AOL Keyword: Cunard.

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since 1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. Queen Victoria joins the fleet in 2007.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations

QE2 CARIBBEAN XMAS 2004 - NOT JUST TECHNICAL PROBLEMS..

As you know if you have read my ramblings, one of the things we regretted was not having thought ahead when we went on the December 2004 Crossing on the QE2, and booked to stay on for the Caribbean Cruise.

Vic the Parrot (a regular poster to CC and one who gave us lots of tips before our crossing) did stay on.. and although he does not seem to have been worried about the technical problems others reported.. did not have much good to say about the trip.... because of the people. This is interesting as we had noted (and are still seeing) so much proce promotion on the QE2 and maybe it is attracting a different mix (especially on the warm weather cruises)..

Here is what he wrote - and you can tell how unhappy he was by the length too!

"Just as I mentioned in my previous posting, a voyage on this ship is an experience to remember.

All the same aspects of the crossing were apparent in the holiday sailing, which left NY on 12/21. Had my same cabin, enjoyed the company of my table companions and the guys who took care of us for 19 days. But, there was a different feeling upon departing on 12/21. Something that a friend brought to my attention as I was enjoying the last hours of daylight on the boat deck. He said he ran into the most rudest people he ever encountered on that ship. If you said 'hello', they would ignore you.

Then he mentioned (in his words), a 'big fat a-h*le' who gave my friend a hard time in the pursers lobby.This 'rotund monster' said in a real huffy tone ... "Excuse me, there's a queue here!" And my pal was shocked, as they were the only 2 people in the area. I was aghast as he was describing the scene. I kinda thoght the guy was having a bad day, and he needed time to really mellow out. But, as it turned out, the nasty enormous man was just the tip of the iceberg......

After my friends encounter with the 'passenger from hell', I started thinking that with some people, it takes around a couple of days for them to unwind, and eventually break out of thier shell. I've run into many people who said hello, after they managed to 'loosen up' a little.But it seemed the majority of the folks who came on board in NY were extremely uptight. Even I encountered some who treated me like I was a bowery bum after saying hello to them. There really is no cause for that type of behaviour!

Many of us from the crossing started noticing that that there was 'a new breed' on board for this leg, and those morons only proved that by behaving badly, they would get attention.... which they did.I have to say, from the UK to NY, if there was no seat in the Lido, there would be an invite from a table to join them. And I always did the same. Buuuut....... these 'triboro trash' would give you a look of death if you approached them. I swear to God, folks .... I was given a look by one gorilla that said "You BETTER not sit here!"Nice, huh? LOLHappy f%&*#$%@! holiday to you too! I mumbled as I walked away.

Another friend, said it might be because, many of these people have been doing this Christmas cruise for the longest time, and WE were invading thier territory. Ummm.... I just might believe that, but no.If someone brings a guest to my house, someone I've never met before, I should follow the lead of these inconsiderate cretins, and treat that guest as a dangerous invader? There's something REALLY f**ked up in those little brains of those people.I guess thats what happens when a company slashes prices at the last minute. All the scum from the greater NY area flock on board, and take over. Wait ..... this gets BETTER!

As it turns out, my 'scum' theory was beginning to take shape. One of my fellow pax decided to take something that belonged to me. I had a large shopping bag with my purchases from St Thomas. There was a smaller bag, that was stuffed on the top of the bigger bag, stuffed as much as it could go, so that it won't protrude that much. But guess what .....the guy at the x-ray machine on board turned it on its side, because the bag was too tall. upon leaving the area, all seemed well. Didn't really notice the missing bag til Christmas day.After tearing my cabin apart, I finally realized that the other bag was history. I know, I'm to blame as well, but didn't think of double-checking after claiming it. I'm on a cruise ... my head's in the clouds. And the thieves know when to strike.It wasn't a significant loss, about $40 in mdse.

But why... and WHY would a fellow passenger .... someone who is ALSO ON HOLIDAY to relax and de-stress, take something that doesn't belong to them? How can someone like that sleep at night??This took me almost the rest of the trip to get over, and I'm sorry to bring this up again. But I had to tell everyone out there what happens when you have 'trash' sailing with you.I DID let it go .... I sure did, but thinking about this got me riled up again. So it's time to move on to the final topic.

Man, where can I begin?? Oh yea ..... the majority of the people on that ship SUCKED! I feel better, thanks for listening. LOLOn the last note, met quite a few 'interesting' folks. Of course, there were a good number of decent people that I had the pleasure of meeting, and socializing with. This was my 1st exposure to 'English trash'..... never thought I'd hear that phrase, but it looks like THEY DO exist.There was this one guy, he was constantly DRUNK from day 1.I mean real, nasty, foul, vile! I think a conversation with Ozzy Osbourne would make more sense, but this guy!His face would violently contort, trying to spill out his sentences. I didn't quite understand him, but I almost heard the word 'queer' as he finally stumbled away. Then a few times, he was sober, and beyond mellow. Even had a drink, and an enjoyable conversation. When I wasn't around for the fireworks in the Yacht Club one night, I heard this guy, and his travelling companion where starting fights with people! They would get so ****faced, if you said hi to them, they wanted to punch you out!

I tell you, this is the 1st time I've seen a trainwreck on a luxury liner. It scares me to think that there are pieces of s**t like that who want to start trouble while on vaca. I've run into nasty, drunk people many times on a ship, but they'd pass out, or stumble away down the hall.But these guys ..... a little alcohol, and they were extremely dangerous.

Ok, now that everyone knows my extended stay on my fav ship turned into a nightmare, just want to say that I've learned my lesson. Never set foot on that ship during the holiday season.Don't get me wrong ..... I WILL sail on QE2 again, even tho this last voyage left a bad taste in my mouth. I'll just be a little more choosy on the itinerary, and when they start offering discounts, I'M OUTTA THERE!!To think that by offering a good rate, lots of people, like me, who enjoy a classic experience..... would, SHOULD be able to relax. Not be victims of crime, and verbal abuse. It's normal people like me, and the 'liner nuts' who should benefit from price cutting. Cunard better make up a new questionnare. It's time to weed out the trash already"

CELEBRITY "CENTURY" - SKY SUITE DEBATE RESOLVED

The Celebrity Boards on Cruisecritic.com are so fast! So much faster than the Cunard Boards - the postings certainly fly along.

After posting a request about if we should go for a sky suite on Penthouse or Sports Deck (there are only about 20 of them up there) and I was worried if there may be too much traffic on the deck between the pool and the bar (see the picture above) - but we got a flurry of really helpful tips. And so booked cain 1205 (changed my booking). Here are what people said:

Kirstin: "The Sports deck Skys have partial cover, so there's some shade/privacy if that's something you look for. The lower "Sky" suites used to be called just plain Suites, but now they're all called Sky, you have to be careful. The lower deck suites are the same cabin but have a small, narrow veranda. For someone wanting more privacy and less sun, that's great. If you want more space, partial shade/privacy and more sun, and fewer cabins around you, go for the upper suites. There are also 2 smaller cabins, 1200 and 1201 I believe, that are in a lower price range but have most of the benefits of the Sky Suites next to them (except slightly smaller cabin and veranda.) If price is a concern, they might be an attractive option. We've had 4 Skys and 1 Royal and we LOVE the Skys! The Veranda is larger than my living room (sad to say.) ;>"

and DDL "It's also a perfect location! We were in 1206 and couldn't have asked for a better first cruise".

CELEBRITY "CENTURY" BOOKED FOR XMAS

So we are hooked!! We have made the booking for another cruise. This time it is on the Celebrity Line ship "Century".

This is a 9 night Eastern Caribbean that departs from Fort Lauderdale on 24 December and gets back on 2 January.

We booked a "sky suite" on the Sports Deck (the top) as advice from the groups (calud925) said "Choose Sports Deck without a doubt. Yes - the verandahs are 3X bigger than the sky suites on Penthouse Deck.Also, the Sports Deck is more exclusive because there are so few suites and staterooms - it affords much more quiet and much less pax traffic.I would not get a sky suite in C-class (Mercury, Galaxy, Century) unless I could procure one on that 12th (Sports/Sky) Deck"

24-Dec-2005 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
25-Dec-2005 At Sea
26-Dec-2005 At Sea
27-Dec-2005 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
28-Dec-2005 Castries, St. Lucia
29-Dec-2005 Bridgetown, Barbados
30-Dec-2005 St. Johns, Antigua
31-Dec-2005 At Sea
01-Jan-2006 At Sea
02-Jan-2006 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

MORE REVIEWS OF OUR CROSSING: VIC'S VIEW

Always interested to see how others found the crossing we did on the QE2 in December.

Here are the thoughts of "Vic the Parrot" who had given us a lot of tips and advice before the crossing - but we never did get to meet on the ship in the end! (he has implied the 2nd part of his trip - he stayed on for the Caribbean leg - was not at all good... so eagerly awaiting his take on the problems others have reported...)

He wrote:
"Embarcation: Have to be honest, this was the 1st time I've seen a madhouse at the Southampton terminal! By the time our bus got there (around 2pm ... 3....) the check-in area was mobbed. It was like all of the coaches arrived at the same time.The sight did overwhelm me, I must admit. But the line was moving at a pretty good pace, so I was on board by 4pm. Guess it seemed longer because my feet were KILLING me! LOL Been told that's a good sign of seeing London .... Our sailing was delayed by a few hours. Many of the provisions were still being loaded at 6pm. Good thing Capt McNaught kept us up to date (and entertained) with the occasional message on the tannoy.

My cabin:I was occupying cabin 2034, a 'CA' grade single in 2 deck fwd. As it turns out, 2034 was the very 1st cabin I had on my 1st ever trip on that ship! It seemed bigger from what I remembered.But that was ages ago! LOLIt was a tight squeeze trying to manoeuver my bags in order to unpack. But luckily, there was enough room to hold all the stuff I brought with me. Bags fit under the bed, nice closet space for 1 person, deep drawers, etc. The bathroom threw me for a loop.Since this is a CA, there is a bathtub. When you stand in the cabin, the bathroom seems to take up half the space of the cabin.The steward was a pleasant chap who took care of everything with a smile. I found out he was 'new' after I realized a few things were'nt replenished. Such as ice, only left me 1 towel.LOLI just shrugged it off, and went on enjoying the crossing.

The ship:For a 35 yr-old, the ol gal still has it!I was impressed with the upkeep, and even tho there were some 'worn spots', the ship still looks great! The refit in May made a big difference. Some new furniture here and there, the new Funnel Bar, plasma TVs in the pub. And a nice treat was the lunch being offered in the pub! Good selection of pub favourites.I recommend the cottage pie! :-)Overall, she looks just as good as I last remembered her!Let's hope that she makes it to 2010! (Keep your fingers crossed that the QV will have a few more delays......)

The crossing:All I can say is 'WOW' ...... We went thru some rough weather a few times, and she did what she was built to do with flair!40 ft swells kept some pax below, as I went all over the ship enjoying the sights, and sounds of her making her way thru the rough Atlantic.A crash of china here, creaking woodwork there..... the grunting of a chap as his cup of coffee flew into his lap.It was a great voyage!After seeing some people struggling with thier trays in the lido, I mentioned an old trick to keep everything on it.Lightly soak the paper mat with water, then add a few wet napkins. That should prevent any plate from sliding around.(And keep your blouses and trousers clean....)

Food and service:I don't know how they do it, but it works!All meals were beyond SUPERB! From the burgers in the Pavilion, to the dinners in the Caronia Restaurant, every thing was a pleasure! Cunard did a great job in hiring the chefs. It's like each time I come aboard, it only gets better.The waitstaff were excellent, made you feel like a friend visiting thier home rather than a 'customer'. I just hope Florin and Vijay will be on for my next cruise! Thank you guys!!

Overall impressions:This is a must to experience! I know the 'other ship with the square stern, and stubby funnel' will be doing the majority of crossings, but if an oppurtunity comes along to sail QE2, DO IT!

The 'other ship' will be around for a long time, but this lady won't. So I have to say that I'm looking forward to being on board again. Not sure when that will happen, but I'm shooting for 2006. It is a real treat to sail on QE2, and I will do it again!

Coming up next: my 'Caribbean Holiday' portion of my 19-day sojourn. The Christmas cruise that would make the SS MINNOW seem like a relaxing holiday..........

IS IT OUR EFFECT - THESE BREAKDOWNS..NOW AURORA

After we got off the QE2 in New York, it had a complete breakdown on the next leg (see posting below) - and now the P&O "Aurora" which we were on in August is sitting in Southampton - and is likelty to be there for a week after engine problems. This means that the world cruise is goign to set off at least one week late... although the passengers are on board and did get one day of sea trials...

This was what the BBC originally said when the news broke: "A scheduled round-the-world cruise has been halted because of technical problems on board a luxury liner.

The 1,752 passengers on the Aurora were due to leave Southampton on Sunday but problems with the propulsion system have delayed the 80-day trip. A spokeswoman for P&O said repairs had been carried out but the ship now needed to undergo a sea trial for at least 24 hours.

The company says a new start date for the voyage has not yet been confirmed. Passengers have been allowed to remain on board while the repairs and sea trial are being carried out.
"Passengers are being keptfully informed of the progress of the work," said the spokeswoman.
"P&O Cruises regrets any disappointment caused by the delay to the start of this cruise holiday and the ship's staff are continuing to ensure the comfort of passengers on board Aurora."


It seems the poor ship has had a few blips. When being named the champagne fell in the sea instead of hitting the ship, and then broke down on the maiden cruise.

We loved the ship (as my report says earlier)!

WHY WE CONSIDERING CELEBRITY FOR XMAS 2005?

Celebrity Cruises Secures Position as Top Premium Line in Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (Oct 2004)

At the October 7 presentation of the coveted annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, Celebrity Cruises again took top honors in the premium cruise category.
According to results to be published in the November edition of Conde Nast Traveler, Celebrity ranked third -- behind only luxury lines Crystal Cruises and Radisson Seven Seas -- in the "Top 25 Cruise Lines: Large Ship Lines" poll.

Subscribers' responses resulted in Celebrity's rating of 85.8 out of 100, up from last year's score of 82.9. Celebrity's total score has increased every year since 2001.

The annual poll asks the magazine's subscribers to evaluate cruise lines on a combination of itineraries, crew/service, cabins/design, food/dining, activities/excursions and entertainment/events.

Celebrity attributes its steady rise over the last four years to its extensive series of brand enhancements; a new category of accommodations introduced in 2003, "ConciergeClass;" and an accelerating momentum building on this year's launches of "Celebrity Xpeditions" and the line's exclusive partnership with Cirque du Soleil.

"We are absolutely thrilled with this award, which validates the enhancements we've made to-date, and encourages us to continue to present our guests with new and innovative cruise experiences," said Celebrity's President and COO Jack Williams. "We are honored to have the endorsement of the sophisticated readers of Conde Nast Traveler."
Celebrity is the industry's highest-rated premium cruise brand with a taste of luxury. The cruise line has nine ships in its fleet, which is the youngest of any major line. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Bermuda, California, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal and South America."

QE2 IS CUNARD'S LONGEST SERVING EXPRESS LINER

Not sure how I missed this news! I found it in the news archive of cruiseline.co.uk when looking at news about celebrity lines (who we are thinking of going on for Christmas/ New Year 2005. The item is dated 17 November 2004 and say:

"Milestone For QE2 ~ Queen Elizabeth 2 Is Now Cunard's Longest Serving Express Liner

Having recently completed 35 years, six months and three days in service Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 has reached a notable milestone in her life; she is now the longest serving Cunard express liner in the company's history. QE2 took the record from the company's Aquitania which served Cunard Line, in peace and war, from May 1914 to December 1949.

QE2 entered service in May 1969 and has been the world's most famous ship ever since - as well as its fastest merchant vessel in operation. Milestones are not new to QE2 - in August 2002 she completed more than five million nautical miles - a world record for any ship ever and the equivalent of sailing to the moon and back nine times, sailing around the world 230 times or sailing 1570 consecutive transatlantic crossings.

During her service she has carried almost three million passengers, completed 797 Atlantic crossings and completed 20 full World Cruises.

Critics and legions of loyal passengers claim that today QE2 is in great shape and the ship's consistently high ratings reflect this. QE2 cost just over £29 million to build in the 1960s but since then Cunard has spent more than 15 times that amount on refurbishing, re-engining and refitting QE2 to ensure that what she offers is ahead of the rest."

This is a picture of the Queen Elizabeth lying on her side in Hong Kong harbor on the 10 Jan 1972 after the fire (see posting below) 

QUEEN ELIZABETH: FIRE DESTROYED 32 YEARS AGO TODAY

It is the 33rd anniversary today (9 January) that the old Queen Elizabeth was set alight by an aronist during her refit from a passenger ship into a floating university.

This is an overview of what happened from the site called Classic Liners :

"In 1967, the decision was made to retire both Queens. The Queen Mary was withdrawn in September 1967, and then a year later, in October 1968, the Queen Elizabeth was withdrawn.

As with the Queen Mary in Long Beach, the Queen Elizabeth went to America to be a floating hotel, convention center, and museum in Port Everglades, Florida. Her buyers (note that Cunard still had an 85% interest in her) proposed that she could be the Atlantic end of the "matching pair", with the Mary in California, and the Elizabeth in Florida. While it was thought that she would become quite a tourist bonanza, the venture became a disaster. After two years, the financial situation was grim, and the Queen Elizabeth was deteriorating. She was rusting, sun-scorched, and all in all neglected. As a result, she was placed on auction, and sold to the highest bidder.

The lucky buyer was the Taiwanese shipping giant C.Y. Tung. He had big plans for the Queen Elizabeth...

Tung's big plan for the Queen Elizabeth was to rebuild her as a floating university that sailed around the world. The first step towards this goal, though, was giving the Queen Elizabeth a new name. She was renamed Seawise University ("Seawise" was a play on the owner's initials), and was registered under the Bahamian flag.

She only made one voyage as the Seawise University. With the large letters that read "Queen Elizabeth" removed, and smaller letters reading "Seawise University" installed on her bow, she made for Hong Kong. However, the voyage was not without its problems, with her breaking down on several occasions. One of these breakdowns left the Seawise University anchored off of Aruba for two months while repairs were made.

Once on Hong Kong, workers descended on her to convert her from luxury liner to an institute of higher education. She was essentially stripped down and built back up. She was fitted with new equipment in order to bring her up to code, and her interiors were rebuilt with a very oriental look to them.

On January 9, 1972, as she was nearing completion, and would soon sail to Japan to be dry-docked and begin her maiden voyage, an arsonist was able to gain access to the ship, and set her on fire. The fire spread rapidly on that fateful day, and with her fire-suppression systems still incomplete, there was nothing to stop the fire from consuming the luxurious wooden interiors, and causing her superstructure to melt and cave in on itself. Fireboats did their best to try to put the fire out, but with the same careless miscalculation that put the Normandie on her side on the bottom of New York Harbor, so was the Seawise University in Hong Kong Harbor. As more water was poured on her to try and extinguish the blaze, she started to list to starboard, and then the next morning, she was on her side in Hong Kong Harbor.

In her capsized state, she was considered a total loss. Talk of salvage and rebuilding were based on optimism more than feasibility. The only thing left to do was scrapping on the spot. However, before the Seawise University was scrapped, she had one more chance in the spotlights. She was featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" as the secret Hong Kong headquarters of the MI6. While this was filmed in 1973, by the time of the movie's premiere in 1974, the Japanese scrappers had already removed her from Hong Kong Harbor"

ARCADIA SEA TRIAL VIDEO - NICE

The P&O site has a 2 minute video of the new Arcadia (which was originally going to be the Cunard Victoria) on her sea trials. The ship looks HUGe and amazing... cannot wait for our July/ August 2 week trip to the Med!

Links:
The P&O website now has a 2 minute video of Arcadia on sea trials: click here
Or use this link and it should launch in your windows media player: click here

CUNARD QUEEN VICTORIA DELAY..

Looks liek the Queen Victoria (crrently being built in Italy for Cunard) will only be launched end of 2007. So effectively into service in 2008.... so that may mean the QE2 goes until end 2007?

This was part of a press release: "Carnival Corp's latest European ship order--a 112,000-ton ship for Costa to be delivered in Spring 2007--has ramifications for the North American market, prompting changes in delivery dates for the Carnival Freedom (being moved up three months to February 2007) and the Queen Victoria (moving back from July 2007 to December 2007)."

MY QE2 CROSSING REVIEW: ONLINE!

I submitted my thoughts/ review of the crossing in December to a number of cruise sites.

Here is where it has been posted!:

Cruise mates: http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/memreviews/cunard/qeII-10.cfm

Cruise Critic: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=8051

Cruisereviews.com: http://www.cruisereviews.com/CunardLine/QueenElizabeth214.htm

REACTION TO MY REVIEW OF QE2 #2

Peter from the Yahoo QE2 group wrote in response to my review/ observations:

"Thank you Gary for your frank and honest review. Generally, I nodded at all you had to say.

QE2 does indeed creak at night - and my wife and I love it. She (QE2 !!!) is showing her years now, and I therefore urge anybody who wants to enjoy the last hold we have of Liner travel to take their opportunity now - on QE2 - the last of the great Ocean Liners.

The passengers on a transatlantic tend to be more varied than on a world cruise - hence I suspect that they tried to put on entertainment which suited all in some way or other.Can't wait 'til April........... mmmmmmmmmmmm :o) Pete"

MY BOOK REVIEW: "THE FLEET 1840-2004"

This is really comprehensive and well laid out little book. It is nicely put together, very visual with just enough text and key facts for each ship to give you a good feel for the history and how the trends developed over time.

It is split into 7 sections that starts with "The Atlantic Steamers 1840-1869", into "Emigrant Ships to Luxury Liners 1870-1899" through "The Elegant Edwardians 1900-1914" and onwards. The last 2 being "Built for the Sun 1946-1996" and finally "New Queens for a New Millennium 1997-2004".

There is a nice mix of photographs of and on the ships, along with adverts for the ships, anecdotes and quotes.

It is perfect for someone that has passion for cruising and ships, and Cunard in particular but does not the desire to read a large volume of facts, figures and history.
Highly recommended!

REACTION TO MY QE2 VS AURORA THOUGHTS

Transatlantic Tom wrote this in comment to my comparison of Qe2 and Aurora:

“Thanks GaryI have not managed to get on a P&O ship yet, something else comes up each time I am about to book a P&O cruise (often a good deal on QE2!).

The Aurora cruise I almost did was the one that got hit with Norwalk virus and was not allowed to dock anywhere.....I was so glad we had not booked it.

A couple of my relatives did the Aurora world cruise last year. They traveled around Australia at the same time as QE2 and they commented on how shabby she looked on deck in comparison to Aurora. They also commented on "looking down" on QE2 also from the physical point of view.

One thing they didn't mention was that QE2 arrived in port before them and left after them, overtaking them at sea every day, giving the QE2 passengers longer in port.

I admit to being a "QE2 junkie" as you put it. The old girl keeps calling me back, twice in 2004.

Now that you have been on board you understand what QE2 is all about. She has her problems - the accommodation is inferior to modern ships and has plumbing and air conditioning issues - but she has so much character that the modern ships do not have. Long may she reign”

QE2 VERSUS P&O AURORA - MY THOUGHTS

I was asked by someone in the Cruise Critic Boards what I though of Cunard versus P&O. This is what I wrote:

 

“I am comparing QE2 versus Aurora as the examples of the two as these are the only 2 that I have experienced.

In reality, it is hard to compare as they were both very different and very enjoyable experiences. On one side many things were "similar" as I guess:

1) All major cruise firms are picking up and using the features and things that they know passengers like or have come to expect
2) P&O and Cunard are owned by the same company and so they may be starting to share learning etc?

So the real difference came down to what one wants to get from your trip, and both offer a lot:

The main differences I think are:

1) Going on the QE2 (and also it would be true of QM2) you feel you are part of something "bigger" and more "significant" when you step on board.

There is a history and expectation you have due to the history, kudos and history of Cunard and the QE2 itself. Nothing can beat that. When you step onto Aurora you do not have that same sense of "event" - you are (of course) excited but it is more the anticipation of the trip and going to sea than the ship itself.

2) P&O Aurora is probably better value is that is important in the decision making process.

We had a mini-suite on the Aurora that would cost less than the Queen's Grill Q2 we had and yet the mini-suite on the Aurora was larger (not a lot), brighter and probably decorated to the same or better standard. By nature of the age of the ships or last renovation it was in better condition. The bathroom was almost identical to the one on the QE2 (both of which are amazing). The beds and pillows on the QE2 were VERY comfortable indeed and that is definitely better.

3) Food. The food and service on both the Aurora and the QE2 was excellent, but they have differences.

The QG dining and choice on the QE2 was much much wider as you have the set menu, plus the a la carte plus the option to make further requests. The waiting staff look after fewer tables in the QG than they did on the Aurora, and one thing that was noticeably different was that in QG therefore the waiting staff spend a lot of time talking and getting to know you and your likes, whereas on Aurora the approach is to make the service almost invisible and you barely notice the comings and goings after you have placed your orders.

Also on the QE2 in QG you have the full menu for that meal that you can order room service in, while on Aurora they have a fixed room service menu.

Therefore, the QE2 Queens Grill overall food/ service experience is probably more special and pampering due to the time the staff can take getting to know you and also the huge choice. However, we also really enjoyed the Aurora food a lot.

The Aurora has more choices for alternative dining beyond buffet and pub fare.

3) Entertainment was very similar with the Aurora "winning" this time!

For evening entertainment, the Aurora was better. This was largely due to the fact that their on-board "west end/ hits" troupe were so much better than the QE2 "Broadway Bound". Interestingly, yesterday we were at lunch with the husband of someone who runs a troupe that does some of the Qe2, Crystal and other cruise lines shows but they go on as guest artists versus the resident "Broadway Bound" - and he commented about how universally bad that troupe is regarded.

I think the issue here is that there is clearly a "ship evening entertainment" circuit and until one of the cruise companies makes a real effort the fare across ships is going to be basically the same. (Interestingly P&O for their new ship - Arcadia - that launches in April 2005 and we are going on in July has formed partnerships with producers like Cameron McIntosh to develop a revue of his shows, a tie up with Circ du Soil for a similar show to theirs etc).

The QE2 lecture and enrichment program is better. They seem to attract better and more interesting speakers - which I guess they can do because celebrity speakers will be much more drawn to a QE2 assignment than an Aurora one!

The daytime fare of bingo, daily quiz, bridge lessons etc is the same and at the same level.

The library on both ships was very good. The QE2 is larger in terms of number and variety of books. The Aurora library is larger in physical size and has more areas to relax, including big reclining chairs by huge windows were you can plug in a CD from the library and watch the world (I mean sea) glide by..

I think both are comprehensive and would meet eager reader's needs. Though the QE2 has more books and so more choice of subjects.

4) Maintenance and condition of the ship

The QE2 is unique. The look and design is "iconic" and so the QE2 wins hands down on that front. The Aurora is another ship - very nice indeed. But like many others.

The Aurora is newer and in great shape inside and outside. It was always immaculate and yet we only once saw anyone doing cleaning in the public areas. The QE2 was also always very clean and spic and span at all times, and the only issue is that the ship is old and so has more general maintenance problems and hassles. This (assuming you are a Cunard or QE2 junkie) you take in your stride and take as part of the overall experience of the ship. But if not and you are more used to newer ships then you will take very negatively (e.g. the people on either side of us in the QE2 QG restaurant though it was terrible they saw things like leaking windows etc).

5) Shops

Both ships have rubbish shops! I really feel there is a missed opportunity, but guess they know what they are doing. I still am not sure why they don't use the duty free shopping experience from a place like Heathrow to replicate - with more electrical, etc

6) Suitability for cruising

For a cruise holiday, I think that a ship like Aurora which has been designed for cruising in hot climates would probably be more suitable for a warm weather cruise than the QE2 for lolling around the pools (as there are 3 pools on the Aurora).

I loved the QE2 on the crossing with the walks on the beautiful decks and the stunning "layered" decks at the rear of the ship. However, the Aurora is designed for cruising and so while dramatically less stylish than the QE2 in these areas there would be more chance to be by the pool.

It is interesting, as we chose to go on the new P&O Arcadia (which was originally going to be the Cunard Queen Victoria) for a summer cruise in the Med over choosing other options from Cunard as we felt that (in addition to trying a new ship months after going into service) that the ship itself may be better suited to enjoying the weather as it had more pools and outside facilities.... time will tell as one thing that we were amazed by was the huge amount of outdoor space on the QE2!

7) Passengers
As there were so many UK people on the QE2 it was not that different in mix of people. The Aurora seemed to have a slightly younger mix of people as it attracts a lot of extended families - and by that I mean grandparents, parents and their kids from teen to young and then usually some friends as well. So there were a lot of "groups" traveling together.

Summary

I liked both a lot. I guess I can say I loved the QE2 and really really enjoyed the Aurora... so therein lay the key difference!

I loved the QE2 for the uniqueness, the "quirkiness" and the whole sense of experiencing the ship and the experience. The crew is outstanding, and made you feel individual and special.

I really enjoyed the Aurora. It is a well run ship, with great food, great cabins and the same level of formality (as you have lots of formal nights).

I would go on both again!”

 

QE2 MAINTEANCE DISCUSSION CONTINUES

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The debate continues about the state of the QE2. Here was a long review by WINCHESTER on the boards (although like many QE2 fans they still feel passionate and loyal to the QE2 over the QM2!!)

 

“Just before the Christmas holidays I got off the QE2. For those who have nothing better to do but keep track, YES, it was 2 cruises in 2 months.

QE2 is still a fine ship to sail on. While a lot of the faces have changed, some important ones stayed the same. All are doing their best to give the passenger the best time onboard.

Well the next LAST transatlantic provided all the sea states I’ve been told about for a December crossing. I’ve been bounced before, but she did a bit of moving for several days followed by a calming and even warming, before cooling off to come into port.

Carnival/Cunard is letting the onboard maintenance go. There’s a big spot on the deck above the lido where the wood has all puffed up. Spot like you could put 3-6 deck chairs on it. The rugs on some of the inside decks is worn down. In spots it’s pulling away from the walls. Chairs in the Chart Room have the covering pulling away from the sides. There are spots where the wood veneer in the stairwells and elevators has holes in it, or is missing altogether. She is an old ship, and things like the elevators needing to be repaired occasionally are understandable, but several were having problems getting the doors to stay closed, and move on to the next stop.

The public toilets smelled bad and odd. They were not a pleasant place to visit.

Logo Shop had a limited variety of things on sale. There used to be much more variety. And I asked what they had seen for the world cruise and was told they hadn’t seen much else!

In the cabin the closet doors need more help to stay closed in the bouncy conditions we experienced. The bath door needed extra help to latch or it too would swing back and forth & there was no magnet to allow me to keep it open if I was going in and out while dressing etc... I used a bungee cord I carry and attached it to a spot on the TV!!!

The inside temperature on this cool weather crossing was unpredictable. My cabin could be warm one hour and cool another. Same in the public rooms where, on several occasions I had to remove my jacket in the evening to survive the temperature. I wonder how the AC is on the Xmas/New Years trip to the islands.

Unlike the QM2, I did not see or hear of much about Princess People looking over the Cunard staff’s shoulders or mucking things up. Crew drills occurred regularly as I had seen on previous trips.

AND it was entertaining to hear QE2 staff talking about “the OTHER ship” as the one with the stubby funnel and the funny stern. I have placed another Cunard booking, next July on QE2, not the overpriced and single passenger unfriendly QM2”

QE2 POWER LOSS ON NEW YEAR EVE AT SEA

Stowaway2K who is on board the QE2 on the Christmas/ New Year trip that set off when we disembarked in NYC on 21 Dec, posted this on a Yahoo group about a power loss on the QE2 at 2am on the New Year Eve into New Year night. Interesting after the discussion that there has been from people on the crossing about the state (good and mixed) of the ship..

He wrote:

"Happy New Year from QE2 enroute to NY from San Juan. Early this morning QE2 suffered a total power loss at about 2am ship's time. The ship was totally dead in the water, at the mercy of the swell that kept her rolling whilst totally still otherwise.

The ship was partially lit by emergency lighting, so that one could find one's way about in the corridors and public rooms, but the staterooms were without any light. About 30 minutes later some power was restored, but QE2 lay continued to lay still.

New Years festivities were still going strong, with the casino and Yacht Club packed with people celebrating.
Some passengers managed to harrass whatever crew they could find, some were visibly nervous, but mostly we took it in stride and enjoyed the strange sensation of being at sea on a powerless ocean liner, at night, in a choppy sea. Approximately 2 hours after the power loss we were underway again.

Captian McNaught made a few announcements to reassure passengers, but most of us were simply ammused by it all. A strange start to 2005 for QE2, especially after the New Years Eve immigration fiasco in San Juan that had Captian McNaught obviously annoyed. Apparently QE2 advised San Juan authorities of the ship's immigration needs, but they went ignored, and at 1:00 pm with the immigration just then completed, authorities left the ship insulting the Captain on their way"

Sounds quite scary to me!!!!!

He later let us know the cause of the power loss: "In the captian's noon announcement he said that the problem was anover-heated 3.3 kilovolt transformer, made to automatically shutdown at a certain temperature to avoid fire"

GODFREY B later also wrote: "We just got back and I must admit the power loss caused me some concern as we were 'adrift'.

The captain came on and reassured us several times that 'the ship is safe, I repeat the ship is safe' but the tone of his voice indicated that there was some concern. After 2 hours he announced that 'we will be setting sail for New York shortly', but it seemed to me that the engines started and then promptly stopped again and nothing more happened for several hours.

I heard some people were on deck with their life jackets on, but I understand the crew did not seem bothered.However, no one but myself seemed to realize that this 'electrical failure' happened right in the Bermuda Triangle!"

Still sounds scary!