LB_NJ

What would you suggest as a Day Tour?

If it helps, we had an AI on a cruise which is really the basic alcohol package. So I think the basic non-alcohol should be the same without the alcohol. We were able to get Cappuccinos, Lates, etc. at Bacio without a problem (except with a lot of people getting AI there always seemed to be a line on our Bermuda cruise). I personally thought the free coffee was pretty bad (some of the worst I have had at sea), so we opted for the basic non-alcohol package. I think between the espresso drinks, soda, and bottled water it will more than pay for itself. We don't drink enough alcohol to justify the AI package.

In the US many times Cunard requires final payment 120 days out. I personally NEVER wait until the last possible moment to make a final payment just in case there is a problem at the last minute, especially if you are going through a travel agent. You don't want your cruise cancelled because of last minute problems. In general, cell service isn't reliable from a ship unless you are docked. If you need internet service while at sea buy a package. Time of embarkation depends on the specific cruise.

Can't quite justify Queens Grill. However, given the superior itinerary I think we will go with Cunard.

We are on a cruise to St. Kitts in January. Never been there before. Looking for what to do besides the beach and shopping.

Another complete change of subject, there is an old British comedy called "Carry On Cruising."😁

I was never rushed in Britannia. However, there can be an occasion where we want to do something on the ship and prefer dining quickly. On a completely separate subject, if people don't mind, we were on the QM2 and the buffet stayed open to around 1AM in the morning (much limited menu of course). Does anybody know if this happens on the QE these days?

Almost never where the ship is registered. Many contracts have a choice of law clause that says what country/state laws govern. Additionally, a lot of contracts require binding arbitration for at least some. Next time you cruise take a close look at the contract. You may be surprised.

We did a land only vacation to Alaska a few years ago so now we are only interested in the part that needs a ship.

I happened to call Cunard about another issue and asked about transfers and they said not at this time. Might change in the future.

There are limits on contracts that vary by state and country however, what you are asking usually takes about a half semester of a 1st year law school basic class on contracts to go through.

Just booked a cruise and I don't see my club number anywhere. Is there a way to confirm and/or enter a club number for the cruise?

It depends on how unfair and the specific laws of the state or country governing the contract. While I believe that "gratuities" should be included in the base price of the fare because I see it as more open marketing, I am not sure how they would be considered "unfair."

Just bought the classic non-alcohol package for $16.78 pp/pd which includes the gratuity.

My point was that Cunard IS NOT a good fit for their requirements. The OP wants casual, I think there are those out there who are still upset that a Tux is not required every evening in the MDR. Even though the dress code was relaxed a few years ago the ships tend to the more formal. I mentioned Oceania since it tends to Country Club Casual. I am sure some of the other lines: Seabourn, Viking, Regent may have a less formal environment. I just have not traveled them. The OP says they are MAJOR foodies. Pre-COVID (not sure it is still true these days) the food in the MDR on QM2 was OK, similar to Princess cruise lines, maybe a little better then Royal. This is significantly below what you can get on the other more expensive cruise lines. I have not traveled in Grills so that may be significantly better however, the OP was not willing to pay the additional. All is all, the OP on Cunard may be a square peg in a round hole.

We recently booked a Cruise Only fare and bought the basic non-alcohol drink package. We never drink enough alcohol that a package makes sense. Also, last time we had the basic internet package on Summit it was less then useless.

Not sure if the drinks package varies by sailing or day of the week😄 like it does on Royal. If it does then you may not know the drink package rate until AFTER you book so it may be hard to do the math.

It has been a few years however I have sailed Cunard in Britanica and also sailed Oceania. Oceania has way better food. If food is that important you might want to think carefully about your options.

FYI, brochures and FAQs are usually shortened versions of what is in the contract. The passage contract always controls. I.e., if the FAQs or brochure say one thing and the contract says another the contract prevails.

Based on your requirements Cunard may not be the best fit. Oceania or one of the other even more upscale cruise lines may make more sense.

Never got the upgrade. Also, finally got emails saying did not get the bid.

I don't think it is a problem if you are very careful. Carefully check the specific airlines rules and bring the largest carryon and personal items they allow (even for the children). Additionally, I have never seen the airline stop anyone with a carryon, personal item and a water bottle over the shoulder and a reading book (no need to pack the water bottle and reading book). Most ships also provide laundry service. On long (eg, greater then 2 weeks) land trips I figure on at least one laundry. Also, think about what you can easily buy at the destination in Europe so you don't have to pack that item, just buy it there. In the alternative, check one item of luggage for the whole family with the assumption that it will get lost (pack only items you might want to have but can get away without and don't cost much to replace) in the worst case scenario you won't have the optional items and might have to file a claim with the airline.

However, there are some time limits. Excursion has to be cancelled no less then x hours before the shore excursion and they cut off cruise planner y days before departure. Some special shore (few and far between) excursions have more strict requirements.

I think all the mainline cruise lines do the shopping thing. X is no exception. Hopefully the person you are traveling with (if you are traveling with someone) can ignore all the shopping promotions. They are always doing some type of giveaway (some trinket). They are easy to ignore except right next to the onboard shops.

Trying to figure out what time to book for MyTime dinner.