3rdGenCunarder

They have to be careful not to deplete the experienced crew on the other ships just for the new one. We were on Caronia not long after QM2 arrived, and there were too many new waiters. Lots of mistakes, and even basic things like dropping a fork when setting tables and putting it on the table anyway. I saw which table it was, and after he moved on, I took the fork and put it on my finished lunch plate so it would get washed. But who knows how much of the silverware I had just used had been on the floor?????

The T&C of the bidding offer require that you register a credit card and if your bid is accepted, the card is charged and there's no option to change your mind. But I'm sure there are chain upgrades as you describe. My cruise is two weeks away and I have not had an answer from Cunard on my upgrade bid. I don't expect an upgrade, as QG has been showing sold out for a while and there's no way for QG passengers to upgrade to give me a place. I'm surprised my bid is still on the table so late. When I did an upgrade bid on QV last fall, I think the "sorry, no upgrade for you" email came more like 3 weeks out, maybe more. Waiting so long to place passengers probably contributed to the overbooking situation.

Checking out the laundry is part of my tour of exploration the first day on a ship that is new to me. Lunch, library, and spa before that, but I do like to have an idea of what my chances are of getting a machine when I need one. Sorry to hear there are only three instead of the four on other ships. And if some are out of order, there could be interesting stories...

Oh no! I had been hoping you wouldn't get one of the wall tables. I had my doubts about the QG lounge, and I'm sorry to hear them confirmed. I love that the lounges on the Vistas face and have access to the terrace. But even so, when I've been in PG, I've been more inclined to got to Commodore Club than the grills lounge.

So do I.

Yes, that's how it has worked for me in the past.

HAL's pinnacles have more movement in the back than their Vistas or Cunard's Vistas in comparable conditions.

So happy it worked out for you. That is great news!! Relax and have a wonderful time!!!!

Bon voyage! Nice that you have good weather to start your cruise.

Usually they won't, but it's worth a try. And definitely ask at the front desk first thing after boarding. Another possibility is to talk to the World Club people on board. I recall someone saying that's where they check to see if there's availability for an onboard upgrade. Bring along all the paperwork, as your onboard account will probably not show the "history" of your booking.

QM2 has two levels to the dining room. For all its size, I haven't found the Britannia restaurant to be too noisy.

The deck plan, which I know isn't definitive in these details, shows 15 "people" at a table facing the wall. It shows 14 or 15 regular two-tops along the windows, plus some large tables. The lounge seems small in proportion to the two restaurants.

There is a very helpful site about HAL ships called HALfacts. People post pictures and reviews of specific cabins. I found a review for one of the cabins next to the blank space. Apparently, it's an emergency stairwell. 4156 – Nieuw Statendam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com)

I have always thought the napkin twirling was disgusting. I don't mind the parade and the applause, but flinging about whatever bits may have fallen into one's lap is horrible.

Good idea to have lunch there before everyone else finds out about it.