Host Hattie

Some second impressions now we've been on board for a week. In no particular order -

It's an easy ship to navigate, maybe because our last cruise was on QM2 but I haven't had to turn around and try again to get anywhere yet !

Food and service in Britannia Club has been very good. I know for some people having the same table available for 3 meals a day isn't important but we have really made good use of it. So I have no idea what the Food Hall is like ! We general avoid buffets on the other ships as well unless something has gone badly wrong!

I like the cabin, bathrooms are great, storage space is fine and the new TV system is a great improvement. (Even without the lectures available)

I haven't gone in to the wrong toilet yet so thank you to those who had posted the photos of the signs previously. 

Outside deck areas are plentiful and comfortable.

We used to enjoy the theatre boxes on QE/QV so this Royal Court is different but seats are comfortable and sight lines good. 

We already had our next cruise booked on Queen Anne but we've now added another one. So yes, we're enjoying the cruise and the ship.

Nice problem to have!

It was beautiful sailing as the sun set.

We had another good dinner and spent an hour or so in the Golden Lion listening to the Trivia and the Irish folk duo.

Thanks for letting us know, that's quite a long cruise, please come back and let us know if you enjoyed it.

It has been a beautiful day but with 6 ships in I imagine everywhere was very busy. After a lie-in and an early lunch we spent the afternoon on Deck 11. It is a bit noisy but wasn't busy with people and we had a couple of nice drinks from the Cabana Bar before sailaway. 

1 minute ago, Caipi said:

 

I agree with ShipboardSteve that people definitely know what can 'safely' be regarded as smart attire. But I also think one can have reasons for questions regarding the 'casual end of smart', I did as well, months ago, because my husband had a lot of (designer) polo shirts, but only 1-2 'real' shirts. So why buy new clothes when you don't have to? But after I got my answer, (and some insults because of that really scandalous question,) we did buy several new shirts for him. 

I can't find a thread from you asking about the dress code before you sailed. These are moderated boards and we don't allow insults.

Welcome on board, hope you have a great time. 

Today's menus

We enjoyed sailaway from Ajaccio with the last of the Cava brought onboard in Barcelona. Then went for a fairly early dinner. There were a couple of cases out in the corridor. We'd pre-ordered the Rack of Lamb as the main courses on offer didn't appeal. It was very good. 

The Maitre D' was flambéing something for the table next to us.

In an effort to explore a bit more of the ship we tried the Carinthia Lounge for an after dinner drink. A limited selection but it was nice to see Champagne flights on offer. We had a glass of the Demi Sec. There were only a couple of other tables occupied. 

We went to the acrobat/juggling show, postponed from the previous night due to the weather. We entered the theatre via Deck 3 so were further back but the view was still OK.

This is the wording in the Information Guide on Queen Anne 

I didn't actually hear the Captain say that but our neighbour has just told his wife on their balcony as we're sailing away from Ajaccio!

57 minutes ago, MylesS said:

Made it to Heathrow for my flight to Rome tonight, enjoying a somewhat cold beverage while waiting (featuring very comfortable flying attire, I might add) 

 

Have a good journey, apparently there are 300 people leaving us tomorrow. We're glad that doesn't include us !

19 hours ago, Jack E Dawson said:

Have you tried a "Chocolate Affair"? Make sure they put the chocolate shavings on top. 

 

Also, wondering if there are any gin or vodka martinis available for $12 or less. We have the complimentary drinks package on an upcoming voyage and I saw a recent posting saying there were none. 

Thanks HH

Jack

Not on the menu anymore but I've had it before. 

You'll struggle for cocktails under $12, unless they ring them through as the individual items. These are the only ones I could find. I don't have a package but my 2 favourites are there.

From what you've said it sounds like Cunard wouldn't suit you, I hope you find a line that you enjoy. 

This is the Smart Attire description from today's Daily Programme on Queen Anne. To me, the reference to non-ripped jeans is part of the second paragraph about more relaxed attire. I wouldn't interpret this to mean that jeans are included as part of Smart Attire requirements. I haven't noticed anyone wearing jeans in Britannia Club on this sailing yet.

I've moved the coffee machine discussion to a new thread 

The advantage of a short excursion is that we were back in time for Afternoon tea. Scones tasted fresh and cream was clotted. We have beautiful views of Ajaccio from our balcony. 

Had a lovely few hours on the beach but with a pair of sun loungers at €60 it would have been nice to stay a bit longer ! They were very comfortable...but we were only renting them, not buying them 😂

1 hour ago, Winifred 22 said:

What no rust. Shocking !! 

Don't make me go looking 🤣

We booked the excursion which is just a beach transfer so I'm glad we're having better weather than QV did.

These are the pods, the machine is hidden away for the moment. 

Good morning from Ajaccio, we arrived as we were having breakfast after a rather bumpy night !

2 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

When I was aboard the Pavilion Pool was not really deep enough, so it was quite difficult to swim without banging the bottom. Is it better now?

It's still pretty shallow, much less than the posted depth.

One of our table sharers uses the Panorama Pool for that reason. 

We've spent holidays in Barcelona so Mr HH got off to do some shopping but I stayed on board. Had a pleasant float around in the Pavilion pool.

The Captain has threatened us with some bumpy weather overnight.

5 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

I've got an appointment with Voyage Sales on Queen Anne this afternoon so I will see if they know when the next on sale date is. 

First answer was before the end of year, then maybe October. 

1 hour ago, alc13 said:

Verdict?  Looks delicious. 

 

How on earth is the a martini, by the way?

It was good but I'm not sure I'll be repeating the experience!