ratflinger

It's all marketing, some nimrod sold management on changing the program and how everyone will rush to book.  If it doesn't work then that person will get canned and they'll try something else, maybe even O-Life again.  All we can count on is change.

I only book cruises that I intend to take.  If something comes up then that is what the insurance is for.  If life is changing too fast to plan a cruise over a year out then maybe you need to look around and slow down.

3 big suitcases on the last crossing - big deal.  Air is not an issue either unless you fly dirt cheap.

Well, an asterisk would be discreet and helpful.  Maybe someone from Oceania will read this.

so what brand are the chocolates in QG now?

Is there a list anywhere of what drinks are not part of the Premium Drinks Package.  Sure, no one would expect Louis XIII, etc to be included, specifics would be nice.

2 hours ago, SusieAV8R said:

Are you saying that the QM2 QG male attire on informal nights leans towards suit and tie or that polo shirt and jacket are fine?

Cunard may accept a polo shirt and jacket for dinner in the QG, but I will not. I will wear a suit or a dinner jacket, plus the appropriate tie, for every dinner. Stink eye will be optional.  😁

I'd just call CPS and ask them about longer term parking, then call the surrounding hotels and compare.

Tips - regardless of their dress code, bring your dinner jacket.  Wife and I will be there in the Queens Grill and we plan to dress nice the whole cruise.

Explore the ship, it's quirky and fun to explore.  Be sure to try the fish 'n chips in the Golden Lion and the afternoon tea in the Queen's Room.

And of course the symphony, my wife nearly swooned when I told her orchestra would be performing.

23 minutes ago, TheOldBear said:

I've noticed that Cunard's page for the crossing has been updated to indicate it is the English National Symphony Orchestra crossing 

Any idea on the performance schedule?

IIRC it's a rotating position from main Guest Services.  But, as usual, I could be wrong.

Last time we were able to purchase a package of days, in any amount.  No one ever checked our pass after the 1st day.

Sounds more like a waiter is trying to pump his tips.

Ask the dog what he wants to do.

Poor form IMHO

It is trip insurance.  You really should have trip insurance for a cruise.

Whether Cunard Care is better or worse than other trip insurance is not for me to say.  You need to do your own research and compare policies.

6 hours ago, exlondoner said:

I don’t think there are any midship Q6s.

You are correct, Cunard would only offer a Q5, the TA website had a Q6 open also.  So the price difference was between a Q5 & Q6.

We booked though a large warehouse chain here in the US.  The 8% commission is returned to us as a gift card.  We'll also get 1% as store credit and 2% back from the branded credit card, for a total of an 11% discount - not bad.  They also have travel insurance.  Last crossing they offered the commission as OBC and it didn't show.  They bugged Cunard until about 3/4 of the way through before it finally showed.  So they will work for their customers.

Their website also showed more cabin availability than Cunard's. Cunard offered a Q6 midship and the travel site offered us a Q6, slightly more forward for $1000 less.  We were more forward last time, with no ill effects.

We had a window table on our last crossing.  It was nice, sure people were walking by but no one was rude.

15 hours ago, RannochMoor said:

I'm travelling with Victoria in September, and have similar questions regarding the drinks package, and calculating if it's worth buying the package.

Cunard website states "Enjoy an incredible array of beers, wines by the glass, spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails up to $13 per serving, as well as all the benefits of the Premium Soft Drinks Option".

Can someone please clarify what's included in the $13 limit.

For example, according to the drinks menu price list, a Grey Goose vodka costs $7.90 for 1oz and $11.40 for 2oz. If a soft drink mixer (Schweppes tonic at $3.00) is also required, does that mean the cost of the serving is either $10.90 for 1oz Grey Goose + mixer or $14.40 for 2oz Grey Goose + mixer. If so, the 2oz goes over the £13 limit.

Thank you

The staff is very knowledgeable on the drinks package.  Last crossing we had the included $12 drinks package.  The trick is to ask for your liquor and for a bottle of tonic, then it's considered 2 different orders.  If you ask for a vodka tonic then it's whatever the drink costs.  So you would ask for a 2 oz Grey Goose and a bottle of Schweppes.

So, exactly how do they know if you tested positive in the last 7 days?  Your noting of the lack of requirements for the flu or RSV is spot on.

How does the Veranda compare to say a Smith & Wollensky's?

2 hours ago, floatymcboatface said:

I can't say I'm thrilled with the situation and there's clearly more spread on the boats than is being talked about, the coughing on the last transatlantic progressively spread through the boat throughout the week. But that said I'd kinda just like a way out if there is one so if anyone has any tips or pointers they'd be greatly appreciated. I'd prefer not to have to complain, I'd just like to avoid the situation all together at this point.

 

 

Please note that are many things that cause coughing besides covid.  Why I even heard coughing before 2020.

3 hours in London???  What's the point?  London is a muti-day trip.

Well whatever the reason we get 2 extra nights for free plus $100 in OBC.  A win in my book.

My email stated that the OBC was not transferable and would be lost on rebooking.