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Post by Madame Moorhen on Aug 5, 2011 11:33:42 GMT 1
Thanks for the info, Lib. Is this a new ship? Had a feeling the QEII had gone off to the knackers yard - does this new one have the same sort of grandeur? Do they still have classes? Cos I can't imagine everyone of all the categories of people travelling that you mentioned wanting to get dressed up in full ball gowns/DJs every night!!!
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Post by lib on Aug 5, 2011 13:49:26 GMT 1
Hi MM, there are now 3 queens in the cunard fleet now. Queen Mary 2 2004 Queen Victoria 2007 Queen Elizabeth 2011
The QE11 was not scrapped but has sat in dock in Dubai for years waiting for conversion to a hotel.
I only have been interested in Liners as opposed to Cruise ships, hence my liking for the QM2. She was the last ship built as a true trans atlantic liner, and as such she is bigger and heavier than her sister ships; 150, 000 tons compared to around 90,000 tons for the other 2. The interior furnishings on the new ships are incredible but QM2 is still my favourite and is superbly laid out. She even has a Planetarium. There still are classes, but no longer called 1st 2nd 3thd. The lowest class is still above most 5 star hotels.
Yes there is so much to do each day you are spoiled for choice, lessons and lectures from computers to painting etc.
Just to give you an idea on one day when it was a bit misty we, party of 4 did - After breakfast 2 went to bargain in the shops, 1 went to play Bridge, 1 went to the library then 2 went to line dancing class, 1 went to a photoshop session, 1 went to a lecture by Lord Howe on foreign policy during the Thatcher years plus morning coffee met up for lunch all went to the cinema to see The Lincoln Lawyer (new film) 3 went to ball room dancing lesson, 1 went to sir Samuel's bar for a pint and snack 3 went for afternoon tea in the queens room 4 went to Golden Lion pub for the Quiz 4 off for siesta before dinner. after dinner 4 at show in the theatre, then 2 went dancing in the ball room, 2 went for a drink in the night club 4 met up for last drink in the commodore club
As regards 'dressing up' it is possible to do a complete voyage without anything other than smart casual. There is at least 18 hours of food available plus 24 hour room service. Several different buffets during the day, 4 extra 'casual' themed restaurants at night (oriental, carvery, italian, general) in addition to the 3 formal dining rooms. Plus 2 other special restaurants.
Hope this of interest and not too long and boring post MM.
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Post by Ali on Aug 5, 2011 17:16:38 GMT 1
The Fli was a 2nd Engineer (Officer) on P&O Cruise ships in and out of Sydney, he's always said that if he hadn't quit he'd be dead by now. Looked quite sexy in his epaulettes (spl?) and white sailor uniform! They had to 'stand on duty' to entertain passengers every single night (and I'm still not altogether sure when duty ended either ) My comment about the other half was tongue in cheek lib x Fantastic story and have loved reading all about it - more more I hear cries from the barracks
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Post by Madame Moorhen on Aug 6, 2011 7:32:48 GMT 1
It's really interesting Lib and not at all boring. I have always felt that one must surely put on a lot of weight during these voyages (or cruises). Perhaps so many dancing classes are necessary and no doubt they have a gym and plenty of aerobic type classes too! ;D I've never been to New York but think it must be THE only way to arrive. *jealous*
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