On this episode, Doug Parker interviews employees author Richard Simms, who shares his experiences from his first Cunard cruise on the Queen Mary 2.
Richard discusses his pre-cruise ideas, the embarkation course of, and his impressions of the ship’s facilities, eating experiences, and total ambiance. He highlights the ship’s magnificence, the distinctive itinerary, and the variations between ocean liners and typical cruise ships.
Within the second section, Richard discusses the specialty eating places, leisure choices, and passenger demographics. He additionally shares his experiences on the ports of name, together with Boston and Halifax, and gives insights into the embarkation and disembarkation processes. Richard concludes by evaluating this cruise to others and providing ideas for first-time Cunard cruisers.
| This episode is delivered to you by TripInsurance.com, providing you with three ranges of journey safety — Good, Higher, and Finest — a journey insurance coverage coverage for each funds. |
Timestamps:
- Introduction to Richard’s Cruise Expertise (00:01:22): Richard shares his latest Cunard cruise on the Queen Mary 2, discussing his pleasure and expectations.
- Pre-Cruise Ideas (00:02:05): Richard explains his causes for selecting this distinctive cruise and his nervousness in regards to the formal ambiance.
- Pricing Comparability (00:03:46): He compares the pricing of this cruise to earlier ones, noting it was surprisingly inexpensive.
- Solo Traveler Expertise (00:05:01): Richard discusses the shortage of particular lodging for solo vacationers on Cunard.
- Embarkation Course of (00:05:50): He describes the embarkation expertise, mentioning a slight delay however total easy boarding.
- First Impressions of Queen Mary 2 (00:07:00): Richard is awed by the ship’s elegant design and welcoming ambiance upon boarding.
- Apparel for Embarkation Day (00:08:39): He displays on his apparel for embarkation day and the informal costume of different passengers.
- Stateroom Impressions (00:09:47): Richard compares his stateroom’s options to different ships he’s sailed on.
- Eating Expertise Overview (00:11:49): He introduces the eating expertise on board, mentioning diverse expectations and meals high quality.
- Predominant Eating Room Expertise (00:12:04): Richard describes the Britannia eating room, its decor, and his blended emotions in regards to the meals.
- Gala Evening Expertise (00:14:05): He recounts a memorable gala night time dinner, together with a particular invitation to hitch a newlywed couple.
- Eating Class System (00:16:01): Richard explains the eating class system on Cunard and the way it impacts the eating expertise.
- Lido Buffet Expertise (00:17:07): He shares his ideas on the King’s Court docket buffet and its choices in comparison with the primary eating room.
- Specialty Eating places Overview (00:18:52): Richard discusses the distinctive idea of rotating specialty eating places and his experiences in them.
- Eating Experiences on Board (00:20:59): Richard shares ideas on the steakhouse and its uncommon structure, impacting the eating expertise.
- Specialty Restaurant Pricing (00:22:20): Focus on the price of eating at specialty eating places, with most meals below $30.
- Leisure Overview (00:23:04): Richard discusses the leisure choices, together with lectures and dwell music all through the ship.
- Ballroom Dancing and Nightclub Expertise (00:24:56): Highlights the Queen’s Room for ballroom dancing and the adjoining nightclub’s distinctive ambiance.
- Demographics of Passengers (00:25:51): Richard notes the older demographic on the cruise, with few youngsters current.
- Crowd Administration and Congestion (00:26:24): Focus on how the ship handles crowds, notably in eating areas.
- On line casino Expertise (00:27:33): Richard shares insights in regards to the on line casino’s measurement and drink service points.
- Ports of Name: Halifax and Boston (00:28:42): Richard describes the itinerary, specializing in his experiences in Halifax and Boston.
- Immigration Course of in Boston (00:30:46): Particulars the immigration process that brought on frustration amongst passengers in Boston.
- July 4th Celebrations in Boston (00:31:41): Richard recounts his expertise in Boston throughout the Independence Day celebrations.
- Disappointment with Fireworks Viewing (00:32:44): Explains the lack to see fireworks from the ship and different viewing choices.
- Rockport Go to and Clam Dish Disappointment (00:34:33): Richard shares his go to to Rockport and his disappointment in lacking a neighborhood clam dish.
- Disembarkation Course of (00:34:39): Describes the disembarkation course of and the chaos brought on by passengers disregarding directions.
- Minimal Bulletins on Board (00:36:25): Richard appreciates the restricted bulletins made throughout the cruise.
- Know-how and Web Expertise (00:37:19): Feedback on the ship’s know-how, app performance, and the standard of web service.
- Comparability to Different Cruises (00:37:29): Richard displays on the distinctiveness of the Queen Mary 2 in comparison with different cruise experiences.
- Rest and Outdated World Expertise (00:39:21): This part discusses the ship’s ambiance, emphasizing rest and a traditional cruising expertise.
- Historic Significance of the Ship (00:39:50): Richard highlights the Queen Mary 2’s wealthy historical past and superstar connections.
- First-Time Suggestions for Cruise (00:40:36): Affords recommendation for first-time cruisers on the Queen Mary 2 and expectations on board.
- The Ship’s Environment and Actions (00:41:12): Richard describes the cruise ship’s ambiance, highlighting it’s not geared in the direction of youthful crowds and presents distinctive actions.
- Afternoon Tea Expertise (00:41:12): Dialogue on the standard afternoon tea, its British attraction, and Richard’s enjoyment of the expertise.
- Significance of Afternoon Tea (00:42:19): Richard explains the cultural significance of afternoon tea on a British ship, mixing custom with new experiences.
- Spotlight of the Cruise (00:43:34): Richard displays on the ship itself as probably the most outstanding facet of his cruise expertise.
- Pool Space Format (00:44:08): Richard discusses the structure and measurement of the ship’s swimming pools, noting their recognition and utilization throughout his cruise.
