Dining on a QM2 Cruise
 

My husband and I are considering the 6 night Trans Atlantic cruise from NY to Southampton. Our budget will only allow us a cabin where our dining will be in the Britannia dining room. My question is - Will we get a Table for 2 each night or is there a possibility that we may be seated at a larger table with other guests. We really would not want this, in fact it would probably spoil our holiday. Thanks for any responses and any other general comments on the QM2 Trans Atlantic sailing.

For the best information, you should visit the cruisecritic.com Cunard message board.

All I can tell you is that we asked for -- and received -- a table for four. The food was excellent, the wine service slow.

May I ask how sitting with other people will likely 'spoil' your holiday? I've been on a few cruises, and I have to say that's one of the things I look forward to.....meeting and getting to know people from all over the world.

cf2404 --Welcome to Flyertalk.
I have not yet sailed on the QM but have sailed on the QE2 and other ships. First: the crossing is a great, relaxing experience. Second: If you and your spouse wish to have a table for 2, just tell the Maitre'd at the very first opportunity. I fully understand why you may wish to have a table for two, as opposed to dining with others. It is a lovely, intimate experience with no forced conversation among strangers. Indeed, it can be quite magical and romantic.
Enjoy your cruise and feel free to send me a PM if you have further questions.

a substantial tip will help get that table
 

but keep in mind it is very prized by a lot of folks. I also prefer being at a larger table. After all how much can I say to my own guy.

There is a spot on the pre-cruise document that asks about table assignment. I would check with the maitre d' on embarkation, before seating for dinner as well. There seemed to be plenty of tables for two in the Brittania Restaurant. (I just returned from the QM2 in the Princess grill). That being said, it's open seating at lunch, at least and you can meet others that way. I ate a few times in the Lion's Head Pub and had great UK food, but then, that might not appeal to you. Also, in the evenings there are the specialty restaurants and you can dine a deux there as in the Todd English restaurant, which has a surcharge but it really wonderful.

There is a lot of information over on cruisecritic.com on the Cunard BB. Almost more than one might ever want!

Jane in PHL

I have been seated with people capable of spoiling my vacation. Some people have the social skills of a brick wall. Besides that, some people simply prefer the peace and quiet of the 2 of them at dinner.

Spoken like a true ogre! :p

QM2 Cruise
 

Why would you only want to sit with your husband, with whom you can dine any other time, unless you are newlyweds, that is? In my experience (two QE2 cruises), you will be missing out on a great experience if you limit yourself to a table for 2. It is an opportunity to meet new people, find out about other countries, customs, & cultures and in general, open your horizons. Isn't that part of the travel experience? Why go on the cruise at all if you just want to do the same thing you can do at home?

You have all day to spend with others, dinner is the one time I personally prefer to sit and eat, not to hear boring stories from a bunch of geriatrics. If I wanted to be bored to death I could come up with a cheaper location.

:D

LOL!

This is exactly why we choose a table for two as well.

It may not be PC, or even nice but when I drop 3 or 4 grand on a cruise I don't want a single thing to annoy me and trust me, sitting with 12 people, with most of them well past 60 and listening to their endless droning about how many cruises they have been on simply doesn't work for me.

The funny thing is that the nicest people we meet are others that are at a table for 2, as they are usually doing so for the same reasons as we are.

There are other valid reasons for wanting a table just for two. For example, my husband has essential tremor (think Katherine Hepburn) and just hates to eat in front of strangers. It can be terribly embarrassing. If we can't get a table for two on cruises, we simply go back to the cabin and order room service. Works for us!

Roomservice is cool anytime :)

Especially with a balcony stateroom it can be very romantic to do dinner under the moonlight.