Shore days vs. Excursion days
 

Planning another cruise. Do you like sea days, or shore days better? I didn't think I would like it so much, but really enjoyed the sea days, now am thinking of a transatlantic. Has anyone done the QE2, and have any feedback for me. Appreciate it.

Hi Sandi,<BR><BR>I really do not think you should chance the QE2 until YOU decide whether you like sea days or port days. Try a Caribbean sailing first.<BR><BR>Paul

From my view, Paul did post useful information in suggesting that a caribbean cruise would offer a Sandi a good overview. I've not been on a cruise yet, myself, but am planning one. Paul has always been forthright and helpful, and I've gleaned much from his advise. Why the Carribbean in particular, Paul?

<BR>Sandi<BR><BR>I live for sea days. A day in port lets me know if I would like to go back and explore a place, but I love relaxing on sea days.<BR><BR>The 5 days at sea on the QE2 don't concern me as much as the class divisions and attitude of some of the cruisers. Have read of people being snubbed because they ate at a &quot;lesser&quot; dining room than the one assigned to them. They felt the people in &quot;their&quot;dining room were quite stuffy and opinionated. I've heard this from several sources, so you might want to post a query asking people their reactions and comments on the QE2.<BR><BR>FYI, I've done a 10 day-no-port transatlantic, and loved it. Lots of time to nap and read.

I think that depends on the individual and what you are looking for out of the cruise experience. Personally I like to explore and visit a many ports. A day at sea is enough for me. I like hetic and busy. I have no comment on the QE2. It would be interesting to give it a try. I am sure it would be wonderful.

The QE2 is the last of the class-divided ships sailing [until the QM2 which will continue the tradition.]<BR><BR>The service and facilities are different in each class. The QE2 inforces a dress code, i.e formal nights are formal and do not include &quot;fancy&quot; jeans. There are 3 classes of accomidations, each assigned seperate dining facilities and much different size cabins. <BR><BR>If you subscribe to the Carnival mentality express in these boards {&quot;I am just as good as&quot; [fill in the blank}, i.e. the anti-snob, the QE2 is not for you. In Grill class there are many 2-tops. In Coronia class, it is open seating. Only in Mauretani class is there assigned dining times and large tables. One poster said she was uncomfortable in Grill class as the &quot;waiters looked down on her.&quot;<BR><BR>One posting said: &quot;Have read of people being snubbed because they ate at a &quot;lesser&quot; dining room than the one assigned to them.&quot; This is not possible, as once your dining room is assigned, you cannot move to another. You eat there or at the Lido.<BR><BR>The QE2 transatlantic sailing is a traditional &quot;transportation&quot; sailing, ie. designed to get from NY to UK. Each sailing has a theme, ie &quot;big bands&quot;. &quot;theater&quot;, etc. It is not for the &quot;fun&quot; crowd who want contests, artificial excitement, and constant amusement.<BR><BR>IMHO, it is not the 5 days at sea, but your attitude towards tradition that will determine your enjoyment of a QE2 passage.

This QE2 sounds more like the days of old. Nothing like todays cruises. More like it was in the movie &quot;The Titantic&quot;. Different classes of people. Nice to see some things never change.

<BR>Dining on the QE2--once a dining room<BR>is assigned, you can dine in a lower category ( for example, your friends have<BR>been assigned there ) but not upper.<BR><BR>

I just mentioned the Caribbean as a cruise sampling. Actually any port intensive cruise would be ideal.<BR><BR>When I sailed the QE2 I was pretty bored and spending too much time in the casino. Of course I am only one person with one aspect. Most people on my cruise just loved the sea days. But I presume that is really why they wished to sail that particular ship.<BR><BR>Paul