eroller

A difference of opinions and tastes is what makes the world go round! I’m not loyal to any one line. I sail them all. I love ships and they are a hobby so I’m really into experiencing different types of ships under the various cruise lines. Especially prototypes. The grass isn’t always greener, and I’ve found every cruise line goes through ups and downs. Some years they are great, and others not so much. It’s all cyclical. Depends if they are in cutback mode or enhancement mode. Since Covid all the lines have made cutbacks and are charging more. Some worse than others. For me Princess has changed the most and not for the better. All the lines are trying to make up for years of losses. If people are willing to pay the higher prices and get less, well good on the cruise line. I’ve been sailing Cunard since the 80’s. I’ve seen them go through many ups and downs. My last experience on QM2 was dismal so I’ve put Cunard on pause for a few years. I’ll be back in early 2025. Sounds like you’re doing the same with Celebrity. Sometimes time away is a good thing. You won’t notice the cutbacks on Cunard as frankly you didn’t know how it was before. That works in your favor. The same is pretty much true of every cruise line I’ve sailed. Good years and bad years but I keep sailing so that tells you something.

Absolutely ask for it. The worst they can say is no. But be sure to ask the right person. Ask to speak with the Hotel Director/Chief Purser upon boarding. Nicely explain the situation of which they might already be aware. Keep in mind the spa is an outside concession and not run by Cunard, so they may or may not be able to make that happen for you. Regardless it’s a good idea to bring your issue to ship’s upper management and let them know it’s your honeymoon (which should be on their paperwork). At the very least they may comp a nice dinner in the specialty restaurant.

You are too kind thank you. Regarding Celebrity's Edge Class ships, I'm a big fan of high design and these ships are truly a work of art. At every turn I was so impressed with the design, the incredible attention to detail, and the art. Even the little things that most people don't notice like ceiling design was just gorgeous. And the designers actually took the time to create some interesting ceilings. I'm a big fan of designer Nate Berkus and his beautiful designs were quite evident onboard. Every detail was painstakingly thought out I felt. Physically I loved the layout of the ship, the cabins, the bathrooms, the massive main pool, and the upper decks. Even Destination Gateway where you get on and off the ship via tender ... how incredible thoughtful. And tenders with a/c? Wow I've never had that even on Regent. I never felt like there were large areas cut off, and no I wasn't in the retreat. To me it felt no better or worse than the Grill areas on Cunard in that regard. It's true there is no forward facing observation lounge, but I had spa access the entire cruise and that facility did face forward and even had an open deck with an unobstructed forward facing view so I never felt I missed out on that. Also the incredible Eden Lounge aft with those fantastic views of the wake. Just loved that as much as looking forward and what a spectacular space. Lastly the dining was fantastic. We didn't do any specialty restaurants but I loved there were four MDR's, each with a different theme. Being an ocean liner lover of course I fell in love with the Normandie Dining Room. I also enjoyed superb cuisine, and what a treat to have Beef Wellington (my favorite) not once, but twice. In two different dining rooms so the preparation was a little different with each, but equally fantastic. Unfortunately I can't get Beef Wellington even once on Cunard now. They have dumbed it down to Salmon Wellington. Just not the same. So for me everything just excelled on Celebrity. I've sailed on Celebrity probably as much as Cunard, and they have become my go-to line. I just love their ships (M & S Class too) and the way they do things. They are a good fit for me, and for now. Things change and someday that may too as cruise lines are ever evolving, but for now I quite enjoy them and frankly have since my first Celebrity cruise back in 1996. Like all lines they have gone through their ups & downs, but I feel with the Edge Class ships they really got it right in pretty much every respect.

I think you will love the experience. It’s like no other. QM2 is a one of a kind true ocean liner and a crossing is what she was built for. She is quirky and that is a big part of her charm. Large and grand open spaces. High ceilings. Very spacious. I personally don’t feel the cuisine and selection is up to the standard of other lines (certainly not Crystal) but you certainly won’t starve!

My apologies if my post concerned you. My last QM2 crossing was May 2022 so not recent. It was a poor crossing not up to Cunard standards. I've sailed on QM2 10+ times and that crossing was by far the worst. The ship never looked so bad and was covered with rust everywhere you looked. That made me sad as I absolutely love the ship. Food was not up to par and the menu selection had been paired back. I had just sailed on Celebrity prior and it was night and day difference. So basically I put Cunard on pause after that crossing and probably won't go back to QM2 until after her next major refit. I have booked QA for a crossing in January. Keep in mind that crossing was still during the last phase of Covid so Cunard was still operating under restrictions (much more so than Celebrity and other lines which was odd). Also I've since read many reviews on QM2 and things seemed to have improved a great deal. So I would not worry. It was also time for me to give QM2 a break. As they say ... too much of a good thing. I've sailed on her so many times so was losing her sparkle for me. Good indication a pause was needed. In any case please don't let my one experience worry or concern you. It was a while back and things were different then. QM2 is an amazing one of a kind ocean liner. I have no doubt you will enjoy her and the crossing. It's a fantastic and unique experience. Bon Voyage!

I can understand certain disappointments with Cunard. I’ve been sailing them for many years and tend to be forgiving because I do enjoy the Cunard style of cruising (which does seem to be changing in many respects). This being said over the past 40 years I’ve sailed on most lines from Carnival up to Regent and most in-between. First of all I don’t classify Cunard a luxury line. It’s not Regent, Crystal, Silversea, or Seabourn by a long shot. And yes many lines do things far better than Cunard (from cuisine quality & selection to entertainment). Cunard is hardly the end all be all. But they do offer what has been a unique experience at sea on some truly lovely ships. A more traditional, formal, and structured experience. Basically the style of a bygone era. Unfortunately they are getting away from all that in which case I’ll have to ask myself what the draw is when other lines do things better? I’ll always be drawn to QM2 and crossings because they are such a unique experience (but my last QM2 crossing was a big letdown). I’ve got a QA crossing booked in January so I’ll see how that is. I’ve already sailed on her sisters over at HAL the ROTTERDAM and NIEUW STATENDAM. Will the Cunard version be worth the premium for essentially the same ship? I guess I’ll find out. Meanwhile I’ve fallen in love with the Celebrity Edge Class ships. Beyond stunning and a lot of bang for your buck.

Perhaps making the issue public on CC worked in your favor. They do read these boards and social media. Better for them to move on to someone else less vocal. in any case I’m glad it worked out, but it’s still concerning it happened in the first place, and is likely happening to someone else. Only a very small percentage of cruisers participate on CC so odds are they get someone else not as connected.

WOW complete BS on the part of Cunard. You have every right to be furious, I sure would be. And on your honeymoon too I'm so sorry. I've sailed on Cunard probably 20+ times and such a thing has never happened. I have been bought off an oversold sailing before to where I received a full refund and a free cruise. That was awesome no complaints there (QV maiden crossing). Regardless of whether you booked a guarantee or specific cabin should not make a difference. You booked and paid for a certain category. In your case even a specific cabin which is more puzzling. I wonder if it was just your cabin or a group of cabins and how they decided who would be downgraded? If it's just your cabin and due to some technical issue with the cabin then Cunard should be transparent about it. That is quite different then overselling the category. I would be much more forgiving knowing it was a one-off circumstance that was out of their control and they were upfront about it. I don't feel it was that. Needless to say it's horrible way to start your first Cunard experience. I wouldn't blame you one bit if it becomes your last. If you can't trust the integrity of the booking process (getting what you paid for), it would be difficult to trust Cunard in the future. I do hope they go above and beyond for you once onboard the ship. They absolutely should and any good company would. It's called service recovery. They need new future Cunard cruisers to fill these ships, and you are just that.

This is exactly how it is on MAGNIFICA. I believe the lower level dining. A small section in the front.

Thank you! I’m not sure everyone appreciates the “scent” but I love it. Let’s me know I’m on a ship. It’s nothing offensive and very faint.

I would love to see a Deluxe Oceanview cabin on Deck One. These have the two bathrooms. I have one for a crossing in January.

Voyager’s drydock isn’t canceled. Just being moved from when Regent originally planned. Stay tuned.

Glad you enjoyed the review and pics! I do drink but not a beer drinker so can't help you. I can tell you that a Bacardi and Diet Coke is $10.62 total including tip. That is more than Virgin ($6) but less than most mainstream lines like Royal, NCL, and Carnival. Bon Voyage and enjoy your cruise!

Thank you! Much appreciated.

Attached are some preview photos from taken from my full photo album.