DaisyUK

Thank you for all the great advice! 

Thanks Host Hattie - I did see that on Cunard’s website. I should have worded my question differently, ie any additional benefits. Other lines I’m looking at include such benefits as included laundry or additional land tours or shipboard credit etc. I assume Cunard does not, but wanted to check I wasn’t missing anything.

Hi, we're considering a world cruise and wondered whether Cunard offer any special perks for their world cruises? Have had a look at the website, but don't see any mentioned.. 

We have taken our first Cunard cruise, post-COVID in QG, and the dinner menu was as per the first menu mentioned in the original post, not the shortened menu.

Onboard Explorer now, and yes it's there, exactly as GoArmy mentions above. 

That's true (that testing isn't required for the USA anymore), but it was when we flew.

Sounds like the Verifly app is a bit of a lottery. I was glad we did it, because the queue for those who didn't have it - on the day that we travelled - was very long. 

We've used it. It saved us some time at check-in for a US flight recently because, rather than have to have all our Covid 'stuff' checked manually, we were just waved through by showing the app. It confirms that you have tested negative prior to a flight, and that you have been vaccinated. It's a faff uploading the info, but did save time at the airport.

5 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

Can I also add, if you see anything on the pop up menus you fancy, it's worth asking if you can have it in the restaurant. I am partial to the Chinese alternative dining menu and always have  the Mandarin sticky beef at least once.

Again, thanks, this is all great info. What is the 'pop up' menu? And the Chinese alternative dining menu - is this something which is available all the time?

I love sashimi, would never have thought it was available if not on the menu so again thanks for the info..

7 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Don’t forget you can order the most amazing salads lunch or dinner. I always go for an iceberg base with olives, avocado and sun dried tomatoes then load up with raw veg and other salads and feta or lobster tail for protein. No dressing and that’s my lunch, or dinner if  I need  a food rest. Add the occasional sushi meal and I really have no need to go to the buffet. 

This is really great to know, thank you. Sounds like my perfect lunch. Do you just order it when you turn up for lunch, or ahead of time? 

Yes, we will be in QG. On our only Cunard cruise so far we enjoyed eating in the restaurant each day. We try to eat a light breakfast and light, one course lunch and then whatever we like in the evening. I find it easier to select from the menu as I eat less than I would at the buffet and we enjoy the relaxed pace. We were only on a short 4 day cruise though, so perhaps we will look for a change of scenery sometimes when on our 2 week cruise.

2 hours ago, lissie said:

I have zero interest in the QM2 because her itineraries are of no interest to me 

OK, well thank you for your input!

Oh no, don't even think that please!

Looking forward to reading about your travels. I used to enjoy reading your blogs on the Crystal board. Hope you are feeling better..

Thank you all; it's great to hear any little tips and/or opinions. I am so looking forward to this cruise, with Alfie Boe being the icing on the cake - and actually the reason for booking the first segment. 

Thank you Victoria, that's helpful. We have been on a short 4-day cruise on QM2 and are booked on a 14-day on QE. We are considering a much longer cruise on one of the 3 ships and will look predominantly at itineraries, but our comfort and surroundings are also important (at least for me, less so for my husband) and so that was the reason for the question as we may not get to experience all 3 ships before we need to make a decision.

I have been trying to find a description as to how the 3 Queens differ from each other; the pros and cons of each, but have been unsuccessful. I know that the QM2 is a true ocean liner, whereas the other 2 ships are not, but what about the decor/ambience onboard/difference in amenities etc? Is the QM2 everyone's favourite, with the other 2 ships being the 'poor sisters'? Be interested to hear opinions..

We're not used to drinks not being included, having previously cruised with Crystal and Regent where drinks are included, so weren't sure what to do on our first Cunard cruise. In the end, we decided against the drinks package and it worked out well for us. It meant that we only drank when we wanted to, rather than for the sake of it, and we bought wines by the bottle that we really enjoy and had them cork it and bring it out the next day. It definitely worked out less expensive than the drinks package, and we drank better wines than the included ones.

Just thought I'd report back after all your helpful input..

 I tried again with Cunard because I also received the email mentioned in Blue Marble's post above, and spoke with an incredibly helpful agent this time, who found the info I needed and, sure enough, Alfie Boe is on this cruise. So, we have added this cruise to the subsequent one and can't wait!

We are on the subsequent cruise, but if Alfie Boe is performing on this one, we might sign up for this one as well. He is a British tenor, famous for his rendition of Bring him Home from Les Miserables. He is a crossover singer, singing opera, rock, ballads, anything really. He's very talented and personable and I think he would give an amazing performance. This is a video of him performing at the Albert Hall in London 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jw4pBoD5RM

I wouldn't say the agent was unhelpful. She spent quite a lot of time looking into it and found the references online, outside of the Cunard website, but couldn't find anything within the Cunard website. She kept me on hold while she asked someone else, but came back with nothing. I suspect it's not happening, because I would have thought Cunard would be promoting it, or at least have a mention on their website, in order to attract more passengers - there's still plenty of availability in QG for this sailing. 

Thank you Host Hattie - yes I had seen this, but when I called Cunard yesterday they knew nothing about it and didn't seem to have heard of him. All very mysterious..

Hi, I have heard that Alfie Boe is to perform on this cruise. There is no mention of it on the Cunard website, and I called Cunard yesterday to try and find out but Customer Services could not find any reference to him, so I guess it isn't happening. However, if  I google Alfie Boe and Cunard it comes up and also it was mentioned on a Cunard facebook page last month. As fans of Alfie, we would love to do this cruise if he is indeed performing. Any ideas as to how I could find out ?

Wonderful Indian curry with all the accompaniments. 

Funny how all these posts involve food and/or drink😅

Thanks for the responses. I was planning on around 9am, but hoping may be later! Transferring luggage to the airport sounds like a great idea; I'll look into it and thank you!