SonofTertius

Thank you for your comments.

I might have mentioned it in a previous post; Literally anything would have been better - that could include (but is not restricted to) Trappola and Piquet.

Some of the other things I "like to do on a cruise" may not be seen as completely appropriate for this forum. I'd be happy to relay this information to you, privately, if you'd like.

Happy cruising [emoji4]

So were they advertised? I'm not disputing that they were, but I have never noticed them being advertised.

Yes. Cunard as a brand is definitely being marketed. I'm not sure about the activities. Unless I'm confused about what you are trying to question?

If the activities (knitting, cross-stitching, jigsaw puzzles, prayer circles) had been advertised, I certainly would have thunk twice before booking with Cunard Line.

Once again you have told us what you didn't want to do, please tell us what you did want and what was advertised and not delivered.

Thank you for your comments Hattie.

May you always enjoy Cunard as you have done so, thus far.

To answer your questions.

In my opinion; literally anything else would have been better in terms of activities. That could include, but is not restricted to Trappola and Piquet.

In my opinion; everything which was advertised was not delivered. In my opinion.

Happy cruising! [emoji4]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. It seems to me that Cunard is exactly the right fit for me.

I must give thanks to the OP for re-affirming my choice. Cunard are obviously aiming for a classier traveller and weeding out the rabble.

Obviously I've added a bit of humour, just to make my comment a bit more colourful, in keeping with the thread.

That's what it's all about. Selecting the brand which fits your lifestyle and aspirations. I'm sure Cunard is comfortable and suit your needs perfectly. May you always enjoy sailing with them like you have done thus far. Happy cruising! [emoji4]

Good morning Bell Boy.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

Having spent the last four days, with the USS George H W Bush visiting Portsmouth...

 

 

... entertaining and hosting guided tours, I've obviously missed a treat on this thread.

 

Having said that I must confess to glazing over the moment I saw the paragraph leader...."Drinks are expensive. There is no other word for it."...and would probably done exactly what I've just done,: skip to the last page.

The final instalment, my conclusion for this review will be posted tomorrow. Thank you for reading and participating. Happy cruising!

None of the activities was of interest to you and you were bored. I find that surprising, since in my experience Cunard offers a wide variety of programs and types of music. I haven't sailed on QV, but my recent cruises and crossings on QM2 had plenty for passengers to do.

 

 

 

Someone asked earlier and you didn't answer, so I'll ask again. What did you want to have by way of entertainment/activities on board?

Thank you for your comments and may you keep enjoying Cunard as you have thus far.

Yes literally NONE of the arranged activities onboard were of interest to me - bingo, pub quizzes, knitting, praying, shuffleboard, watercolour painting, fruit carving, bridge, cards, jigsaw puzzles, faux-fencing and learning the foxtrot do not interest me. These 'activities', in my opinion, are poor and patronising attempts to create an ambiance of the 'bygone days' of cruising and crossing the oceans - they belong in museums with the likes of Diana's garnish dresses.

These activities are clear attempts by Cunard to make passengers feel that the cruise product is superior and a 'notch above the others' - people who sail with them are by far more elegant, educated and cultural than the riffraff like me who's not interested in their so called activities and/or who sail with others - that has been evident in so many of the pompous and downright rude responses we've had on this thread.

Cunard and her fleet are POOR simulations of what lowbrow masses think of as elegant and luxurious - it is clear in their marketing and it's is their attempt to fool us into a false sense of 'refinement'. It's a Disneyland for the average white-collar punter who'd like a taste of upper middle class 'elegance'.

It is poorly executed and it's prominent. If people enjoy Cunard, they belong with Cunard - we all have the freedom to select which services we purchase. We also have the freedom to review those services and express our experiences whilst using them.

The final instalment, my conclusion for this review will be posted tomorrow. Thank you for reading and participating. Happy cruising!

I couldn't resist reading the review and now wish I hadn't as I'm sailing on the Queen Victoria (first time on Cunard) in a few weeks time. I hope my experience will be more positive. Will compare notes on my return.

I'm sure you will Bourdieu - now you know what to look out for and perhaps have a giggle about what you see onboard as well. Enjoy the cruise and make the best of it.

I am a Brit and have done most of my cruising on Cunard, Thomson's and P & O (I know Carnival own Cunard and P & O before someone wag reminds us) as well as Holland America, Princess and Hurtigruten. My next is on Viking Sun. So far I have loved them all for different reasons. The key thing is to find a ship going to where you want to go - then look at the detail and the cost - Cunard rejoices in formality and some of us like getting dressed up - P & O and Thomson have dress codes too. There are loads of ships out there that are much more relaxed. I personally love the Old Vic - she is like a comfy pair of slippers. Travelling on her again at New Year - we had a great time in Amsterdam a couple years ago.

 

I have enjoyed reading this thread - really made me laugh. But be aware - cruising is addictive - if you like it - you will be back.

Thank you for seeing the humour in my review Queenie, and thank you for reading. You don't seem to take it all too seriously. You're a classy lady, a true one! [emoji8]

What did you expect ? Which bit of their marketing fooled you ?

 

From what you have said, you don't like cruise ships or people who cruise. I wouldn't waste too much more money and time trying too many others unless you are prepared to spend a lot more. On most mainstream lines you will encounter chair hogs, expensive drinks, variable food and limited activities.

Just have a look at some of the complaints on the other boards.

I hope you find a type of holiday that suits you as well as a Cunard cruise suits us.

Thank you for the advice Hattie. May you always enjoy Cunard as you have been doing thus far. I didn't and am happy to share my experience with others who might not. Hopefully potential Cunardians (or is it Cunardites?) are able to sift through the drivel and make their own choices. Happy cruising [emoji4]

Sailed with Cunard four times, covering all three ships - including, one sailing in the Queens Grill. Given this, I am a little confused by a number of the comments being made. Indeed, there must be two Cunard lines because I do not recognise the one being pictured in this thread. While Cunard, like all the other cruise lines, are not perfect, I have found them to offer good value for money and in almost all cases offer excellent service. Yes, they do not offer the quality of service or food that such 6 star lines as Regent do, but that's reflected in the price of the cruise. And before you say well this is just the view of another die hard Cunard fan, over the past 5 years I have also sailed with Regent, Azamara, Holland America, P & O and MSC - I am happy to sail with any line if the price and itinerary is good.

 

 

 

So I would say to all those reading this thread who have not yet sailed with Cunard, do your research on what Cunard offers to see if it suits you, but do not be put off by those who seem to find fault with almost everything - remember, if it was that bad, no one would sail with them.

Great advice. I was fooled by their marketing and expected something completely different. I'm certainly not trying to put people off from sailing with Cunard. I'm merely giving an account of my experience on the QV and yes, I've added some humour to make it a bit more colourful. I'm new at cruising. This was only my second. The previous cruise was on Majestic Princess (aimed at the Asian market) which I now see is a bit of a flop. Nevertheless, the cruise on Majestic wasn't awful for me, even though they had plenty of faults. I 'enjoyed' the majority of the cruise. On QV I felt restricted and dictated to. There was nothing which was of interest to me and that was a problem. I became bored. I'm not interested in 6 star lines. I'm interested in feeling relaxed on holiday, whatever my surroundings are. Maybe cruising is not for me - I'll give it another couple of go's before making my final decision. It will certainly not be with Cunard.

Thank you for your comments Vic II.

The issue with the shops are that they take up valuable space. I don't know how many people shop there but I bet it's not profitable. Instead of making The Chart Room smaller, they could for example have decreased the size of the shops.

The pool decks are perhaps like this on any cruise but I doubt that it's carried out with the smugness I'd seen on QV.

The shops were exactly as I expected. I wasn't planning on using them a lot, which was just as well because, on our port-intensive 14-day itinerary, they were hardly ever open. This was exacerbated a few times by late departures, which meant that, by the time the shops could open, it was too late to bother.

 

As regards the water dispensers, my husband told me he saw whole groups of people, mainly Japanese passengers, regularly shoving their water bottle spouts right up the dispenser, which was far from hygienic.

 

In other areas of hygiene, the ship gets a 10/10. Hand gel at every eating venue we visited, and elsewhere - even a note in the loos to open the door with a paper towel after hand washing (not that I personally needed telling that).

I have to agree with you Nelly. If anything, the ship always looked clean and hygienic. Apart from the drinking fountain in the fitness area which has seen better days.

Absolutely right about the groups of people congregating at the water dispensers by the Lido buffet. Some of them with 3 or 4 bottles - it was especially evident during breakfast in the morning and after 9pm during the evenings. I wonder if they know that the dispensers are connected to the main water-tanks and they get the same water from the machine that they get out of the taps in their cabin bathrooms. Probably not.

I appreciated the note in the loo reminding me to open the door with a tissue but once I was out I couldn't see a rubbish bin [emoji4] I ended up taking the tissue with me to the cabin.

No, they just have higher fares (for standard cabins).

Fair enough. That makes sense too.

Yes, boarding in Southampton. We are coming down from London in private hired car. I may just bring along a few large bottles of water.

 

 

 

I am more than a little surprised that there is a charge for bottled water; we are just returning from another cruiseline, and bottled water was provided in the staterooms, as well as at meals, for no charge. And we have experienced the same on other lines, as well.

 

 

 

Are we supposed to drink water from our bathroom fixtures while in our cabin? That's not so wonderful. Will they charge us for the use of drinking glasses?

 

 

 

Seriously, good drinking water is kind of a basic provision, wouldn't you think? This will be our first cruise with Cunard, already a bit apprehensive.

It can only get better SCD [emoji6]

Saga, Oceania and Azamara all provide bottled water for free. They also have small bottles at the gangway to take ashore.

It's sounds like these lines try hard to listen and look after their guest's needs. Others should learn from them.

Maybe a sequel is in the pipeline....[emoji6]. Whilst a lot of what you have raised would be applicable to the majority of cruise lines and their ships (and I also note that you booked this as at last minute deal which might explain some of your IMHO misguided observations aka harp and piano music and the general ambience around the ship)the one repeating theme across most replies is the 1. higher drink prices and 2. the lower quality of the dishes served. On 1. I agree that Cunard have made a mistake here....post Brexit with a weaker Pound we Brits have seen a hike in prices in real terms so this change in the measures plus extra for mixers is the equivalent of being punched in the faced then kneed in the nether region! 2. Food - I will post my own thoughts are our cruise in a fortnight to see if things have improved or if my own experiences differ markedly. Have enjoyed your posts OP as this thread as it has had so many differing opinions which surely what democracy is all about.

 

 

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Thanks for your comments Caz. Enjoy your cruise and let us know how it went.

PS: if in doubt about the food; try the Lido Restaurant or canteen as someone called it earlier in this thread. They really didn't disappoint as you go in with quite a low expectation [emoji6]

Part 5 of 6 (I've added an additional instalment)

Shops

The fact that the shops on the Queen Victoria are directly above the ship's casino should set alarm bells ringing - perhaps it is located there for a reason; you win money in the Casino and then you'll have the opportunity to lose it all again in the shops. The notion of having it 'resemble' the Burlington arcade in London should send you running. This is a sickening extract of Cunard's description of their Royal Arcade on the website;

"One stroll along London’s exclusive High Street is all one needs to appreciate the quality and exclusivity of the Royal Arcade aboard Queen Victoria. Moving seamlessly from one fashionable space to another, the Royal Arcade unfolds as a series of seven luxurious shopping boutiques, each showcasing the most celebrated names in British luxury, including Harrods, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton. Tax and duty free, the shopping aboard Queen Victoria includes high-end fashion jewelry, fine watches, fragrances and cosmetics. Within the shops, guests also find Queen Victoria branded formal and everyday wear and a range of sundries." (Cunard Website, July 2017).

It is literally dripping with gold-plated garishness. They claim do be duty and tax free however, they are certainly not markup free. Cunard promises that if you find a cheaper item on land, they'd happily match the price but, it comes at a cost of your precious time and having the investigative skills of Sherlock Holmes. Have a look at this clause;

"*Price Guarantee on branded products - If you find an identical product cheaper on-shore during your cruise we will match it. *You will need to be able to provide proof of the cheaper price from recognised retailers, simply obtain written proof from the authorised retailer and we will gladly match it. Please indicate the stores telephone number with advertisement or written information. Online price comparisons are not included. If you have already purchased on board the shop will refund you the difference back onto your on board account." (Cunard Website, July 2017).

Here's the gripe; unless your ship is sailing up and down High Street Kensington you will NOT find the brands they sell on board in any other part of the world. I highly doubt that anyone on the island of Mykonos would be selling branded Harrods items from England. Plus, Cunard needs to identify the shop as a "recognised retailer" and, you need written proof from the retailer - which retailer (if you haven't purchased from them and want a letter from them to buy a product from a different store), pray tell, will do this? Like so many other things with Cunard, using their shops is cleverly designed to squeeze the maximum out of your bank account by inviting the consumer to believe that by purchasing from them you'll 'become better', more exclusive, luxurious and classy. Could someone please pass me a bucket.

Their "luxurious shopping boutiques" are a far cry from Woolworths but no better than any Debenhams you'd be able to find on any well respected high street, at a much more economical spree for your pockets. Apart from the glitz and greed, much of what you are able to find in these cubicles of capitalism, looks the same throughout these "luxurious shopping boutiques" - navy or white polo shirts and skirts, $2000.00 handbags (in all its naval themed glory), shiny-shiny trinkets (bling) and brown leather deck shoes. Perhaps all hand selected by Cunard at massive discounts from Philips Green's BHS during its golden era.

Cunard again completely exceeds itself by ensuring that you have a home away from home experience - they bring you homegrown products, designed by homegrown producers, sold in homegrown surroundings. Much like the Golden Dragon Pub - 100% authentic, if not resting on the off chance of looking like a post ride memorabilia shop at Chessington World of Adventure. It all looks a bit xenophobic and utterly fake from up close. Nevertheless, we are not forced to shop there, but it's probably worth a visit when you're bored (you'll have plenty of opportunity) - just imagine you're in a museum - you can look but do not touch.

Pool Decks aka 'The Jungle'

Why 'The Jungle'? It is every person for himself here. There are creatures lurking in the corners; creatures ready to jump out at your deck-chair/faux-rattan indoor/outdoor sofa. Creatures who are enchanted by the light - the sun bathers. The pool decks are the areas on the ship where every inch of real estate is eyed up and rapidly occupied. And people bring their weapons; in the form of flip-flops, Cunard's library books, sun hats and my all time favourite - the dreaded towel clips; all tools to mark your territory with. It is ALL about territory on the pool decks, and the early bird catches the worm. The QV has two pool decks. They are significantly different in design, ambiance and in terms of the type of creature who resides there. They'll get separate paragraphs, but the behaviour in both of these areas comes with a level of greed and opportunism which would put Bernie Madoff to shame.

The Stern (back of the ship) Pool Deck

This apparently is where all the cool people hang. Cunard have extended the back of the deck during the refit but according to my sources who have sailed in her before, pretty much else have stayed the same. So there is more space for more deck chairs. More chairs, more opportunists. There are 2 whirlpool jacuzzi things which extends out of the pool. During our 7 day cruise, they didn't work once. Yes the jacuzzis on the stern pool deck we're broken. Apart from this, the pool had to close twice during the cruise due to someone throwing a glass-glass into the pool. That's why they only serve you in plastic on the pool decks. A good plastic by the way. I was impressed with how much the plastic glasses looked liked glass-glass. Kudos to the person who sourced it. Apart from the 5 extra rows of deckchairs added to this deck, someone had the brilliant idea to put 6 pool cabanas in the middle of it all. If the real estate on the deck could be called Knightsbridge, these cabanas would have been called Buckingham Palace. Everyone wanted to occupy them. And I'm sure some people did. During the 7 days onboard, there was a person (strangest thing; she had a portable fan coming out the the top of her bikini which was blowing in her face, all day every day) who had squatted on the left side, middle cabana. Literately squatted. If not that she must have woken up at 5am every morning to claim the spot. This space had live music in the afternoons. A band singing tribute songs. I know right?! Not harp or piano. This was refreshing. A nice change from the general Victorian era themed entertainment in other parts of the ship. I assume that because this area was different, it was full most of the time. Make sure you arrive before 9am if you ever want a chair by a table. All the deckchairs are gone by this time in any case. This was during the sea days though. Apart from the cabanas being occupied, it could have been different during the port days. I don't know. We made sure we escaped the dread when it was possible. This is also the area used by the non-permanent staff on the ship. The 'entertainers' - dancers and prancers. So, a good number of the space is therefore occupied by younger 'employees'. On the plus side it was a good distraction away from the general views of thick leathered skin and sun-bleached beehives which are slowly deteriorating after many, many years of baking away on various Cunard Lido decks. Oh before I forget; no kids allowed in this area. I think they mean under 16 - bliss. Service and attitude from crew in this area were always above average than in the rest of the ship.

The Midship Pool Deck

Perhaps a tamer jungle yet still feral in its own way. This is the kids pool. Well not officially, but since they are barred from the Pool Deck at the back, this is where they come to spread their noise and disruption. It's fine, they are probably public school kids so, less disruptive than most (this is a private joke for Nelly). It is in this area where you are able to experience the ultimate example in greed. They travel in packs, and they arrive early. There was a family of 4 who occupied a whole alcove with 6 seats (small seating areas like private conservatories next to the pool) plus 5 deckchairs just in front of their alcove - that's 11 spaces for 4 pax. What a liberty. Most of the time was of course spent in the alcove or away from the deck, and the deckchairs stood empty apart from the books, towel clips and hats conveniently placed so that you should see that the territory is full and well occupied - some occupiers might have gone for a 2 hour lunch and a 3 hour post lunch nap. Yes I was people watching (all the time), I have made a career out of it, and since harps and pianos aren't my things, I had nothing better to do. Service from the crew in this area was poor and below average, well on par with the rest of the ship. (Part 5 of 6)

I thought you would. Yet another over the top exaggeration.

You're too kind [emoji16]

Not permitted as this is a hygiene issue, not only on Cunard but on most cruise lines in their self service area. There is a notice to this effect in the Kings Court/Lido and often in the ships daily programme .

Yet I saw 100's of people doing it.

I am salt sensitive, and prefer bottled water while cruising. Is it available at no charge on QM2? I hope I don't have to lug on enough for a six-day sailing!

Go fill up your carry-bottle in the Lido Restaurant. There's a water dispensing machine there. Not sure if it's connected to the main plumbing, though knowing Cunard, it probably is.

To the OP; I really enjoyed reading your review. Like many people reading on this board, they'll have been on this ship and have their own opinions. And can decide whether or not they agree with your descriptions or opinions.

 

Personally I really enjoyed reading it and I'm looking forward to the last part [emoji3]

 

 

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Forums

¡Muchas gracias H3! It's all about sharing information. What they do with it is up to them. Buenas noches [emoji16]

I am, thank you. I'm flipping being here and playing Get Even (I doubt many on here will have a clue what I'm on about with that !).

 

Keep with the same style would be my advice. Don't bow to pressure and end up with a female Doctor Who !

Enjoy your game [emoji379][emoji16] Thank you for the advice. I imagine they'll change the name to Dr Why soon.

Indeed it is. I, too, was less than happy with our last cruise on Cunard.

 

When is episode 5 airing ? I might download them all and keep them as a box set !!!

Hi Mr Toad. Enjoying your Sunday afternoon? Episode 5's due hopefully tomorrow - I haven't even started writing yet.

I'm in 2 minds over the tone of the contents. I might perhaps just do it straight faced and factual - no jokes in sight. It seems that lightheartedness is being frowned upon when it comes to Cunard reviews.

I'll keep the final instalment as dull and pompous as my time on board the QV; in honour of never sailing with Cunard again.

Thanks. I read it as a description not a name, very stupid of me. I still don't really see why it's pretentious.

Apologies if it was unclear. Apologies if you took offence [emoji16]. Happy cruising.

While so many things are subjective, and enjoyment is a matter of opinion, I felt I had to comment on the worrying number of minor factual innacuracies I picked up in a pretty cursory reading. It makes me rather doubt the evidence for many of your views.

 

1. Air conditioning is not either hot or cold. I grant you can't turn it off, but you do have a choice of graduated temperatures.

 

Ours was perhaps not functional then. I had an obstructed view cabin.

 

2. The gin fizz bar? Why not give the name of it? As several bars on QV were moved in her refit, this would actually be helpful information.

 

I honestly can't be bothered to remember the name and really don't want to waste the energy to google it.

 

3. You mention arbitrary food. As arbitrariness is a quality of behaviour I can't imagine what this means.

 

Neither do I.

 

4. A large glass is 250, a small 150, so one is not twice the size of another. In an entire Cunard career of ordering small glasses on all three ships, I have never once beeen looked at askance. I wonder if you could have misinterpreted.

 

Perhaps.

 

5. Tastes in music and lectures vary, and those on a cruise with only two sea days would be limited. It it seems odd to expect people not to enjoy piano recitals.

 

Personal preference. Not mine.

 

6. Riparian means beside a river bank. I don't see what this has to do with forms of music. I guess this could be a misprint not an inaccuracy. If so, I am still mystified.

 

See below*.

 

7. You mention 3,000 other people. The passenger load of QV is about 2,000. To get up to your figure you must be including the crew, who hardly seem relevant to a discussion of passenger recreation.

 

Easy mistake to make. I'm not really interested in the amount of passengers in the ship. Couldn't be bothered to google it.

 

8. You mention sitting in the theatre for two hours of a show, but these (rarely to my taste either) last 45 minutes.

 

It certainly felt like 2 hours. What's the saying? Time flies when you're having fun?

 

Just a sample selection, but it did make me wonder.

Thank you for your comments. May you always keep enjoying Cunard as you have been doing [emoji16] I have tried to respond to your investigation in your quotes, above [emoji6][emoji16]

As mentioned on various posts in this thread - the review have added jest, jokes and anecdotes for dramatic effect however, the essence of the information should relay that I was unhappy with the overall product.

*You might want to google "riparian entertainments" + "Hyacinth". I'm sure you'll be able to make the connection [emoji6] Again, meant to be in jest.

Please feel free to dissect the whole review. Your points made interesting reading [emoji4][emoji4][emoji4]

Part 5 of 5 is due out tomorrow - happy reading [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]