LadyL1

I got off QV this morning, and had used the premium package. In some areas the internet was very good; Queens Room and Lido areas in particular. In a midship deck 6 balcony cabins there were occassions that I could not log on, or it just dropped out. This is the second cruise with the new package; the first was in March on the QE (first voyage of the roll out) and it was dire. No doubt it seemed better this time and in future will be only paying for the basic package.

So, we are home now after a thoroughly enjoyable 4 nights. The Overtures in the Queens room last was rather a disappointment as sound quality was not so good, but all the same, plenty of passengers wanted to rock n’ roll to 60’s music. The journey back to Southampton was uneventful as the sea was almost flat calm, but it was very interesting passing the through the Straits of Dover in daylight hours and viewing the increasing number of wind farms and marine traffic. If you are wanting to know was this trip value for money, the resounding answer was YES! A city weekend without the hassle of airports and subsequent hotel transfers by taxi or public transport. Ours was quite a late booking, so it was Britannia rooms or nothing. What did we miss? Undoubtably not having a large bathroom and The Grills sun deck! Although we met some lovely people, having one’s own table and the freedom to eat whenever was missed, but not such a problem as we thought on this short voyage. Many people have complained that the standards are slipping, but prices for current cruises are much less in comparative terms than 20 years ago, but they are on the rise again. Carnival is still haemorrhaging $$$$s, and to survive appropriate measures have to be taken. At least this past cruise with healthy bar visitations will help the coffers in a small way, more so than cruises full of the "old faithful”. We all have to accept what is on offer now, and somethings have to modernised, but they must work! Technology is not going away. Next month we will be embarking QV again, and with these thoughts, still look forward to some winter warmth but with our own space. Below, October English Channel cruising and The White Cliffs of Dover.

Last night we departed Amsterdam at 10.30pm exactly as planned: a beautiful but chilly evening with a full moon shining on us. This had been the B&W gala night, which was embraced by nearly all. Interestingly, a few were being refused entry to the MDR, if inappropriate clothing was being worn. The food and service excellent. Again there was a good buzz around the ship, generated by a much younger average age of pax. Noticeably more money being spent in the venues, and we have heard that the Yacht Club has been operating well into the night. I expect that tonight when The Overtures perform in the Queens Room, it will be full and atmospheric. This morning although the sea looks relatively calm it was extremely windy when taking a walk on deck 3. By the time we came in the red corded barriers were pulled across the outer doorsc. My lunch in the MDR of spinach & chickpea fritters followed by curried mussels was superb. Strangely as the ship is very full the restaurant was little used.: the lido must have been heaving. Today the infamous afternoon tea will be the first time available for so many “newbies” (the ship being like the Marie Celeste whilst in port). By 2.40 pm all the tables were occupied amidst the setting up, and there was a queue! As the sun is now shining I think I may go and take a last dip albeit the rather low air temperature.

In the city there are more bicycles than cars. Multiple rental locations and cycle lanes literally everywhere. One can find a bicycle with child carts attached, child seats, a few tandems or electric bikes, and of course the terrain is very flat! People of every age possess a bike in Holland!

This could only be Amsterdam!

It has been a very good day overall! With regard to the late arrival today I believe it could have been due to the “Grachtenrace Amsterdam” which we had particularly wanted to see this weekend. It is a canal race for rowers in boats of all sizes, of nearly 25km which started at 11.00am at the Olympic Stadium and passes by the terminal. A great pity as looking forward to this, and cannot think of any other reason why we should have had such a late arrival. The weather has been beautiful and a long walk in the city quite invigorating. We have drawn the short straw as have berthed without turning for departure so our starboard balcony overlooks the new port building which has architectural interest but a water view would have been preferable. A super meal again tonight with perhaps a third of the pax deciding Amsterdam had more to offer! Very relaxing watching the lights of the city and the evening water life from our table. The theatre saw “The Overtures” performing as a 60’s tribute group. An amazing versatile performance thoroughly enjoyed by all, with a great visual backdrop. Seen many tribute bands but this one rates amongst the very best alongside “The Rewind Project” also seen on QV. It was standing only for the last few numbers. As to someone’s query on masks, an absolute minority are wearing them and there has been no suggestion we should do so from the Captain. However, I am very disappointed by so many people disregarding sanitising their hands when entering the lido, where we have grabbed a drink on a few occasions. One would think common sense would prevail after all we have been through!

Last night we enjoyed a very pleasant: the service was excellent. Our table for 2 had no near neighbour and the closest table was empty as the the original occupants were not happy at being at the back of the ship, due to motion and noise. Nearly everyone was well dressed and it all seemed very elegant for a first night! This morning we arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes before breakfast closure and there was quite a queue! We did however, get the requested table for 2 and my avocado on sourdough with smoked salmon on the side was perfect. A beautiful morning in the North Sea and we passed the locks in brilliant sunshine with many hundreds out on deck to watch. The ship is now docking at 3.00pm rather than morning which was announced last night. The WiFi in our room (midships deck 6) seems generally OK, but does drop out. We signed for the Premium package as our benefit well covered the extra cost. I have to say, everyone seems very happy to be onboard and there are many first time cruisers and those new to Cunard. Before we leave the ship for the city later I hope to have a second swim when the pools are not so busy! But for now I will enjoy the scenery as we approach Amsterdam.

We decided we needed a city break, and with the air chaos of cancellations we thought this short voyage to Amsterdam where QV stays overnight, would be ideal. We are only about 1hr 30 mins from the port, so much easier than an airport run. Yesterday we took our COVID tests, that were thankfully negative, and the packing started. We have a formal B&W night to look forward to and hopefully fine weather for walking a very interesting city. We arrived at the terminal about 1.15pm, and after depositing the case, joined a “Disneyesque” queue through the barriers to enter the main building. No special treatment here for Grills or priority boarders. The passengers were being let through in groups to stop overcrowding. Once inside this is where those with a “fast pass” we’re filtered. This trip has been sold out for some time and the ship noticeably has a buzz! Carnival must be rubbing their hands with glee as the bars were busy from the start, which is good to see, and the grey windy sailaway was well attended. The ship left its berth with the aid of a tug on and we are on our way to Amsterdam. We checked our table in the Britannia dining room, which is lovely at the back of the restaurant: let’s hope the food will come up to expectations! We have been advised we should arrive tomorrow at 10.00am.

It really is about time they changed the menu, as the strawberry pav has been served for years! Have a safe trip home HH. We will be boarding later today, and I will try and match your dialogue. Thanks for the time you spent keeping us informed.

Just love the back of the ship. Any deck will do!

We went in March this year (with another line) the most northerly stop Narvik. It was often bitterly cold at night and taking off ones gloves to take a photo felt like getting frostbite! When you have -15 degrees plus windchill, if you are not used to very low temperatures it seems penetrating. We had some of the best sightings of the lights whilst at sea in the Arctic. On some occasions the land based excursions were a disappointment because of the weather. In March we beautiful cold days, snow, blizzards rain and storms in 12 days. Really go prepared for all scenarios as we were surprised how many people were not suitably attired. You will have a wonderful time, I am sure.

As you have been sharing your suspense with all, perhaps you will let us know if you have been lucky with your g’tee booking.🤞

Cartegena is a lively city to walk around. I hope you enjoy it.

There is certainly no bidding for pax in UK on Cunard voyages. The website does say that upgrade priority will be given to those on full fare. Even that I think, is very fortuitous these days (if it is a big difference in room booked).

Thank you Fish42, having an idea of the time helps. We will be staying in Sebastopol, pre cruise. We are from UK, so plenty of ongoing planning!

Thank you so much for posting, especially as it is the Mexican itinerary. We are cruising Princess for the first time in January to Mexico from SFO and certainly looking forward to the vacation. Can you tell me? Are you finding Club Class dining up to your expectations? Also, when in a suite I understand that the first night is complimentary speciality dining; do you book before cruise? I was just wondering if we can leave this to look at the restaurants available as this will be new to us. Before the cruise we will be about 2 hours out of the city; what time is normal start for boarding in SFO? Your help would be appreciated

This is sad to read about the dress code. One has to move with times and fashion but there is a line that is acceptable and perhaps annoying re those who just do not bother. There are plenty of lines that will accommodate this, but perhaps the offenders are first timers and just now aware what is reasonable. We saw people on our last cruise in March who really should have had a quiet word mentioned in the Commodore Club and theatre. It is rather disappointing for the many who still love an occasion to dress up, and be a world away of the norm back home! I will very soon be on QV and looking forward to pleasant evenings in the correct attire!😊.

We have also been informed of an extra sea day instead of Key West. This is for Feb ‘24! Such a shame as we are firstly making a long air trip to board Viking Mars.

Boarding times are given in the hope to save overcrowding in terminals and reducing wait times! And it works if most people try and arrive in a timely fashion. Some folk do have more of a problem with this when relying on other forms of transport to get to the ship.

That maybe your airline allowance and baggage handling is very automated these days in modern airports. Some porter on Cunard will have to manhandle your case on the ship, and the weight probably ties in with H&S, which is sensible. Perhaps you will find 32kg is fairly hefty to lift on a to bed to unpack.

Little things that have been mentioned about the restaurant, and the not so wonderful cocktail in the Commodore Club! But I would love to be in the Med just now.☀️

Goodness HH, I hope all these trials and tribulations improve for the rest of your voyage. We are on the “shortie” after your return, and I am getting a little nervous; you seem very laid back about the misgivings! Glad you enjoyed lunch on the beach in Cadiz as it is a lovely destination. Thank you for posting and sharing your photos.

Totally agree!

Can anyone who has been in this port recently tell me what berth P&O uses? Also, are the shuttle buses into the city free or is that for full fare paying passengers only? thank you.

The “upselling” is a real turn-off! I would happily spend more on the treatments if I did not have to run the gauntlet after a relaxing experience!😖