Queenvee

i interpreted the articles to mean that LCS would not be available on every cruise, nearly every day but INSTEAD would be available in the Main Stage venue a few times during a voyage IF the ship you were on happened to have a traveling LCS ensemble. If in fact each ship will have an LCS ensemble and the only change is their location, I'm fine with that....but am not optimistic that is the correct interpretation. I'm on the Oosterdam in April and will be eager to find out more info.

I have sailed on Celebrity (4 or 5 times) but don't like the style of their ships these days and their entertainment options don't appeal.

Agreeing with the majority that I will miss the availability of LCS shows each day (versus hoping the traveling LCS is scheduled for the HAL voyage I'm on). Also agree that HAL desperately needs to improve their enrichment program; presentations by REAL experts (not the cruise director reading from a main office script & video about cycling for example) is one of missing ingredients for me. The talks don't have to be "stuffy or pedantic" - a sports or entertainment figure (on Cunard, they've had the man who ran the behind-the-scenes at Wimbledon; sports journalists; set designers; etc). These would appeal to a wide range of passenger ages, nationalities, etc. and would make use of the World Stage during days. I sail primarily on HAL and Cunard and felt HAL's Music Walk was a differentiator between the mid-category lines but with these changes to LCS and BB Kings, I will try Oceania & Viking instead.

Another thought....(this got me thinking😆). I doubt there's any way to identify cruises that the type of dance group I mentioned in my earlier post....the "not for profit" dance club of ballroom enthusiasts...are sailing on. They don't have websites; the members just email or maybe Facebook. I spoke to a lot of the members of Baltimore dance club and one of their members takes the lead in planning their cruise(s); all communications about the dates, fares, etc is done via email. I think members book their cabins directly w Cunard or travel agent; once they know how many members are going, they figure out hosts (often a dance teacher that a lot of members know) and then the members pay an additional amount that is used to book cabin(s) for the hosts.

Note: I just did an internet search on "ballroom dance cruises" which got a lot of results. I do not think using "vintage" in the search phrase will identify the groups that this message string is focusing on. In looking at the results of my search, I see that I had forgotten to include another category of dance groups on cruises: individual dance studios often plan one cruise a year for their studio; I've been on two of these (both on Princess); the pricing for students included cabins for the studio dance instructors; there may have been one special dance session in an unused lounge during an afternoon but the dancing was usually in the "nightclub" and whatever lounge had a dance floor, however small and hard (e.g. marble). Both the trips I went on were low-key and the dancing was primarily Latin (rumba, cha-cha, swing, salsa) since that's what the bands played and what the other passengers requested, which often became "club-style" dancing - no arm styling, minimal traveling on the floor, etc.

I (American) just returned from a crossing on the QM2 and am passing along this bit of dress code info that I learned from my English and Australian tablemates: "Masquerade" does not mean to wear full costume, e.g. a chef, Star Trek, etc - instead, normal formal wear is worn with a mask. My tablemates described people on the prior segment who had not understood that and wore a full chef's outfit and someone else who wore a Star Trek captain's costume, among others. These folks were perplexed why people kept looking and asking why they were dressed up.... I wear gowns on the formal aka gala nights instead of following the themes (except B&W) so never paid attention to the "Masquerade" theme. Just a bit of info for those who wonder what "Masquerade" entails.

Also, since there were questions way back in these postings about the Literary Festival at Sea, I just dis-embarked from that crossing. I specifically chose the crossing for literary aspect but many of the passengers were not aware it was happening; those that I spoke with said they were happy to have the authors on board (or else, were being polite and not complaining....) ALL THE LECTURES, PANELS, QUIZ, READINGS, etc were open to everyone on the ship!!! The only events which you had to register for were writing workshops held in the various Connexions conference rooms which have space constraints. The daytime literary events were held in the Royal Court and Illuminations (planetarium), usually 3 events per day in each location. However, there were planetarium shows scheduled for late afternoons and evenings which were highlighted in the daily newsletter. There were Festive Readings held in Carinthia several nights at around 5:00 or 7:00. Note that all events were strictly kept to a 45 minute timeframe. The literary trivia quiz was held in Carinthia at 10:00 pm. Book signings were set up in the Deck 2 hall & lobby area on specific days, highlighted in the newsletter; all literary events were listed in the daily newsletter so that everyone on board would know where, when, what, etc.

Some further info about the experience of being on Cunard ships with dance groups (based on my time sailing with one of those groups - never again!! and my multiple experiences being on the ship when they are on board): Types of dance groups: I've experience two types: (1) a ballroom dance club from Baltimore, MD who have anywhere from 20-40 members on the ship, couples and singles. They are not a business and do not make money from having their members sail on the ship - they may negotiate some kind of group discount from Cunard based on the number of cabins but there is no profit involved. They do bring 1-2 of their own hosts who only dance with their members (assume that the amount each member pays is increased to cover the cost of the hosts' cabin). This group is respectful of other passengers and do not monopolize the floor or do "showy", space intensive moves (such as traveling movements or large arm styling). In the Queen's room, they tend to sit in the area to the right of the band; if you're facing the band, they sit directly to the right of the stage, so not in the front of the room as you enter. The ship's hosts dance with their members and some of their club's male members (solos or husbands) will ask other, non-club women to dance. This group is fine and does not impede on the enjoyment of other dancers. The type which causes problems for many dancers are what I call the "for profit companies". I sailed with one of the them once and have been on voyages with them, but I now check their web sites to avoid any ship they're on. All the for profit dancing at sea companies seem to act the same way on board, which makes sense since they are selling their customers on dance, dance, dance. I won't re-state the issues noted in the posts above such as taking over huge, "prime" seating areas for the group; monopolizing the dance floor with choreographed dances; not adjusting their dance style for the number and ability of other dancers on the floor; etc. At times, they tend to be vocal about their presumed dance skills versus the other people on the floor who are "in their way". Ship locations used by dance groups: Certainly, their prime reason for being on the ship is the Queens Room; they typically take advantage of the nightly taped ballroom music sessions in Queens Room (usually around 7-7:45). They don't continue the evening in G32 or the Yacht Club. During the day, they will sometimes reserve the Yacht Club (QV or QE) for a private event where they play their own music and dance. I have NEVER seen them in the Queens Room during the day. On the QE, I had a single cabin behind the casino and was bemused to see that the "for profit" hosts were using the marble floor area at the foot of the staircase (between the casino and the pub) to give their customers dance lessons. It wasn't obtrusive but struck me as odd - as a student, I certainly wouldn't want to take a lesson there! There were times during the day that I noticed a couple in the Yacht Club either practicing or perhaps having a lesson but the YC wasn't closed to others.

I was on the Literary Festival in 2019 and am on the 2022 festival which is boarding in 3 days. There are some mis-statements and some accurate statements in the posts above. In 2019, those who booked through the London Times site may have been issued lanyards, but I booked via Cunard and did not have a lanyard, nor did many other participants. Yes, Illuminations was closed due to the number of Literary events (Royal Court and Illuminations were used). This year's literary schedule has fewer daily events so Cunard and the organizer have learned from the 2019 experiences; note that there are events in Illuminations each day, but there are less than in 2019, so the planetarium shows may be offered during non-event times. The vast majority of events were open to ALL passengers, regardless of whether someone registered with the Times and all open events were posted in the daily newspaper so that everyone on board knew when/where/what. Since I am a book lover, I sought out this voyage and quite enjoyed it! However, I've experienced the other side of the coin when it comes to having groups of ballroom dancers (local clubs who bring anywhere from 12 to 40 dancers and hosts) on board. They take over the dance floor, tend to intimidate less "showy" dancers and use up a large portion of the Cunard dance hosts' available time. They also book private lessons and private parties in some of the lounges. Having these groups on board ruins the dance experience for me...so I can empathize with passengers who expect the "normal" on--board experience and encounter a different reality.

FYI...If you're on the December 3-10, 2022 TA which is the Literary Festival crossing, the list of speakers is here.

Update: the agent didn't know why the ship's itinerary was changed but since my friend hasn't been to Bermuda before, she's sticking with this cruise. Thanks to everyone for their ideas!

Good thoughts all - thank you! Once my friend talks to her agent about this, I'll post back here to let everyone know. In the meantime, I appreciate your insights.

I am booked on the QA 3/24/24 voyage - they call it a "Maiden" voyage but it is not the actual maiden voyage; it goes to far north Norway and is "Northern Lights". If there isn't a decent promenade deck - with room for deck chairs - I will consider cancelling. I was just on HAL's Nieuw Statendam and while there were a number of positives, I really missed being able to sit on the promenade deck and watch/listen to the water. At least the prom deck went all the way around the ship, but it was quite narrow in many spots.....

Interestingly, I was on HAL's Nieuw Statendam in July/August and they showed the women's Euro final between England & Germany on the big screen by the pool. It must have been a last minute decision because it wasn't listed in the daily newsletter but they made an announcement; big crowd watching. And I bet they sold a lot more drinks than usual!!

Yes, that's the cruise she chose as her "starter" cruise. It seems odd to me that a scheduled cruise itinerary would be changed. I was just in St John last month on a HAL ship and know it has limited berths, but for a cruise to have been scheduled and then moved to a whole new itinerary seems odd. I have a slight inkling that perhaps some of the Nova Scotia ports are limiting the number of cruise ship passengers allowed per year - I can't remember where I read that and can't find it on internet. If that's the case, then maybe ships/lines with just one Canada port are being denied permission (in order to maximize the tourist dollars coming into Canada; in other words, if a ship is visiting St John, Halifax, Charlotte, they might be granted permission versus one that is only going to St John). I'm just hypothesizing here!

I know they didn't televise any in May but that may be because they weren't playing then. I'm trying to remember on prior Cunard voyages and I don't think I ever saw NFL or MLB games in the pub; they would show soccer, tennis, darts, and some others.

I was on QM2 in May for a trans-atlantic and since the Premier league standings were pretty tight at the top, I thought they would show the games in the Golden Lion pub. No such luck; I asked the bar tender and he said they only get one sports channel and it's programmed from leadership, so he can't change the channel. I guess enough people must have complained so that the next day, they curtailed the scheduled entertainment duo to show the game on all the screens in the pub. The next day, they did the same but actually listed the game in the daily newsletter. There was a large crowd and the games were exciting. I would THINK that the world cup games would be shown, at least in the pub and the theater would be a great idea! But, no guarantees since things appear to have changed from prior years. You might want to start advocating with the Purser's desk as soon as you board!

My friend has never cruised before but has been inspired by my cruising so she booked a short voyage on the Magic from NY to Novia Scotia and back in July 2023. She just got an email that the voyage is now going to Bermuda!! I've never heard of entire itineraries being changed, except for hurricanes, wars and other catastrophic events. Anyone have any thoughts about why it was changed? since she really wanted to go to Canada (and NY is a convenient departure), I've suggested that she work with her agent to find a replacement voyage. Curious if anyone has any insights - thanks!

Thank you both for the speedy and helpful response. Good news about the deck chairs and not so good about Lincoln Center...I guess I could arrive early and get a spot on one of the sofas, or at the back of the room.

I was just on the Nieuw Statendam and am considering the Oosterdam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam for my next cruise in 2023 (TA or Japan). I know they're a different ship class than the NS and not as new. After many cruises, I know that two very important things for me are: (1) sitting on a deck chair on the Promenade deck reading and watching the water go by and (2) the Lincoln Center stage performances. I've watched various videos of these 3 ships but I figured I'd come to the experts for info!! Re: #1, do all these ships typically place deck chairs on the Promenade deck (weather pemitting)? Re: #2, the NS had a great space for Lincoln Center that provided seats in a lounge format (e.g. groupings in different areas of the room, set up for 2 or 4 people) but I saw a video for one of the other 3 ships that showed seating for Lincoln Center as rows of lined up chairs - like a meeting. That would be reason for me to choose another of the ships, so I would be very interested in your information about the Lincoln Center venues for these 3 ships. Thank you very much!

FYI... The Nieuw Statendam sailing from Copenhagen to Boston (7/16-8/3) was about 50% full - 1500 pax.

I guess it all depends on timing! I walked off the ship at 7:50 am and was in a taxi by 8:30, so quick and easy for me.

I think prices will come down over the next several months due to the economic situation so I will wait.

I was on the May 1 TA from Brooklyn to Southampton and my embarkation process went very quickly and smoothly, contrary to a lot of peoples', so I wanted to pass along my tips of what worked for me. It took me less than 30 minutes from the time that I arrived at the Brooklyn terminal to getting on the ship. I read and completed all the instructions that Cunard emailed well in advance of the crossing. I uploaded a photo; did on-line check in which included providing credit card info; uploaded a photo of my vax card; PRINTED MY BOARDING PASS; and brought the Covid test results (printed out). At the terminal, everyone was standing in a long line outside the terminal; as I was moving toward the line, I asked an embarkation rep what I needed for that line and she asked if a had a printed Boarding Pass, I said yes, and was directed to a much shorter line (about 4 people). I heard the rep going up and down the long line asking people if they had Boarding Passes and directing them to the shorter line but the majority of people apparently had not printed their Boarding Passes. Once I got through the two embarkation stations (one that checked my Boarding Pass and Covid results and one for security where I put my luggage and carryon bags through the machine), I was directed into the main terminal room where there was a LONG line of people waiting to check in. Even though the Cunard communications had indicated that there was no priority embarkation for Diamond level passengers, and there were no signs, I asked an embarkation rep who checked with a colleague and I was directed to another line with 1 person in it. The check in process itself was very quick since I had done the on-line check in and they don't give you your key card at this step (it's placed in the mail holder outside your stateroom). Doing all the on-line check in steps was crucial, as was following Cunard's checklist instruction to print the Boarding Pass. And keeping my eyes & ears peeled to hear any guidance from the embarkation reps plus politely asking them if something seems questionable (like the Diamond level priority embarkation). My experience with embarkation reps is that they are unfailingly polite and helpful. Naturally, I know that if I wasn't Diamond level (and hadn't asked), I would have stood in the terminal line but at least I would have bypassed the outside line and my time at the two stations was very quick. I admit that I felt like I got a lot of messages from Cunard with links to "what to bring to the terminal", checklists, "have on hand", updated health info, etc. but for me, it was definitely worth reading them all and following their steps. Hope this is helpful to future Brooklyn embarkees!