Here's some advice I'm offering after my April 23 transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2. This was one of the best ship experiences I've had in a decade or so, but there are glitches. While many things have improved since she entered service, there is still a lot of work to be done.
- Avoid Canyon Ranch....poor treatments and indifferent service, I found, and heard similar complaints from other passengers
- If you like full-bodied, rich coffee, take your own. What I found on this ship was very weak and watery brew. Suggest those Melita one-cup drips with #2 filter for one cup; just order a pot of hot water from room service and you're set!
- Be prepared for the slowest internet service I've encountered on any ship in the world. You'll spend a lot of money waiting for web sites, email to load.
-- Don't miss the wonderful "show" in the Queen's Lounge after dinner on formal nights. This is "haute" romance -- ballroom dancing, men in tuxes and women in gowns dancing to an orchestra. Like being on a movie set.
-- I boarded thinking I'd be bored and found six nights wasn't long enough to do everthing, use all the services.
Thanks for the information -- all of your posts were very helpful. Of course, what did I do? I already made my reservation at Canyon Ranch for the day at sea coming back on the July 3rd cruise. . Oh well.
You can cancel them when you board the ship, I'm sure. I saw very few people in Canyon Ranch getting treatments. Two women I met who had problems cancelled other treatments they had scheduled.
That is disappointing about the spa--I was hoping to book the spa for our short labor day cruise. Have found Steiner to be rather "sales pushy" lately on past celeb trips & hoped for a nice alternative with canyon Ranch. Now maybe I will just take the day pass for the T pool. How was that if you used it & how does it compare to Celeb Merc T pool?
Did you go to the Planetarium? If so how can you book it? What about the various dining venues? Any info will be appreciated...
Regarding Planetarium, new tickets are issued each day for that day's show. If you're in a Grill cabin, your concierge will get them for you. Otherwise tickets are available at the ConneXions desk on Deck 2 from 9 a.m. each day. There are two Planetarium shows per transatlantic crossing and about five shows per day. Fabulous experience!
Restaurant reservations can be booked before you depart, when you complete all the forms. I'm sure you can do it online and you'll receive your dining assignment in your cabin the first day. It may be a good idea to go to the dining room and see if you like your table -- if a change can be made, this is the time to do it.
Canyon Ranch's treatment rooms were always empty. The pool is beautiful and worth trying once if you buy a day pass. If I'd met one person happy with his/her spa experience at Canyon Ranch I wouldn't be so hard on the place.
Thanks Anne. As for dining, could you explain that a bit. We will not be grill class..Are res. needed for choices other than the assigned dining area or just for the extra pay restaurant Toidd English? What about in the pub and tea room? Having only been on Celeb & Royal this is all new & the brochure not overly explanatory...
QM 2 tips
. Oh well.
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