EasternMarket

It can happen as a one-off, but not guaranteed. Be on good terms with your maitre d, ask them politely, acknowledge that it's an exception, and be ready to show your appreciation. It's at their discretion.

19 hours ago, Selbourne said:

In Queen and Princes Grill there are quite a few cabin grades, but with Britannia Club there are just two. We are in the highest, but I doubt it makes any difference!

Passengers in A1 staterooms have their allocated table in the larger BC dining area., passengers in A2 in the smaller BC dining area. There's no difference in the dining arrangements though. (I prefer the A2 staterooms on Deck 13 that were added in the 2016 refit. Much nicer bathrooms with a glass fronted shower.)

It does happen. Be on good terms with the maitre d', ask politely, and be appreciative. An easier case to make if you're a solo passenger in the Grills, and thus already paying as much as two people.

5 hours ago, frankp01 said:

Were you quoted rates for those passes?

Yes. I went to the spa on Dec 13th, shortly after boarding.  The spa pass for the whole crossing (9 nights) was about $250. (Much higher than in the past.) I was told that you did have to book a 2-hour slot on each day because they cleaned the spa area between the slots. 

On 12/23/2021 at 5:29 PM, frankp01 said:

If Canyon Ranch is involved, their name does not appear anywhere. All branding is 'Mareel'.

 

We just disembarked the QM2. The pool, steam room and sauna were all operating. The hot tub was not open; I didn't ask why. i was disappointed that (at least on our trip) you could not purchase a multi-day pass. You must book a specific 2-hour increment, at a cost of $35.

I was onboard the 13-22 December crossing.  Spa passes were available for the entire crossing or by the day. The spa itself has not been upgraded--same facilities as before.

23 minutes ago, chemmo said:

 

Thanks for the reply! Was the lobster cooked tableside or simply brought in pre cooked? Not a big deal, we love Murano food anyway but just wanted to know if that extra ‘drama’ that tableside preparation provides is presently being provided. 

Brought in fully cooked, but still wonderful. 

1 hour ago, chemmo said:

Just received copies of speciality dining menus from the shoreside concierge. Most restaurants showed the menus we remember but Murano had both the Dover sole and the lobster missing. Is this a menu error or have they taken these off at present as both have some tableside preparation?

 

Hopefully those of you recently on board can advise...

I was onboard 2 weeks ago, and the Dover sole was replaced with flounder. I did have the lobster...delicious. Menu on the app today is showIng flounder and lobster.

1 dinner jacket for formal nights

1 suit for non-formal nights

On a 7 nights crossing, this is perfectly adequate. Different shirts and ties add variety.

No need to pack anything more.

I was on Deck 12 (balcony) for a TA in December and it was great.  If you've booked an inside, you will notice the ship's movement even less.

That's a really helpful review, thanks.  I did a westbound TA in June, and discovered the pasta restaurant set up in the Chef's Galley (one end of King's Court), where they have half a dozen different paste types and half a dozen sauces, everything made to order. You can also get a caesar salad, some desert, and the usual drinks service. I was on the late seating in the MDR, so always dropped by for a dish of past around 6 or 6:30, to tide me over. Highly recommended, and it even works for a light, 3 course dinner.  Wait service is superb, as its rarely crowded. 

What is it that bothers you about LGBT people enjoying the company of other LGBT people?

Yes, I am aware of the way the world works, but thank you for your concern.

 

I think people who work in public-facing service industries are skilled. Skilled in diplomacy. In listening. In anticipating. In a steward's case, in making each and every person they serve feel that they are the only person on board. In ensuring that one's annual vacation/holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.

 

(I know people who work in offices with only one skill; how to ignore a ringing telephone ('cus it will mean work)).

 

When I am on a ship I am aware that people are working very hard to ensure that I don't.

 

As I said, for that, I am grateful. I cannot understand how anyone wouldn't be.

This is beautifully said. And has the virtue of being correct.

Amazing photographs. Thank you!