3rdGenCunarder

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.

No idea, but HAL's pinnacles have that space, too.

Fortunately, they still have Assam, which I like, but I do miss the Darjeeling. HAL used to have a nice Darjeeling as their "house brand" tea, but that's been gone for years. The Fever Tree seems to be gone, and on QV last fall, I couldn't find any ginger ale. Ginger beer is not the same thing.

I do not understand the lack of ginger ale. Doesn't anyone want that as a mixer any more? It's about the only soda/pop/soft drink I like. And if I'm feeling a bit of mal de mer, that's what I want (and NOT diet, feh!) I think a quick run to ASDA in Southampton is in my future...

That's what they call it. Gravy of any sort at breakfast does not appeal to me. Your definitions of gravy and sauce match mine. A Jersey Girl grows up knowing this!

Thanks! Looks similar to HAL's Navigator, which works well when it's in a good mood. I like being able to check menus and the daily programme.

What information will it provide once I'm onboard?

Does it have any more information or functions than I can see on my computer at home? Like see menus or daily programs?