minz56

Thanks AussieBoyTX. I have now seen photos of the cabin that Ponant sent. I agree that the extra space is meaningful and the bathroom layout doesn't really bother me. In fact I perfer to have everything in one room. Also thanks for the reassurance on noise. Ponant were also trying to reassure me on that front too. I suspect that the money and the extra space will talk and I will take the cabin.

I've been asked by Ponant if I would switch from my currently booked cabin on Le Jacques-Cartier (#412) to an accessible cabin on the same deck (#431).

I do not need an accessible cabin and an OBC inducement is being offered to compensate for the switch.

Has anyone been in this cabin or a similar one? Obviously it is larger which is a positive, but I am concerned that being midships it is above the reception area and adjacent to one entrance to the ship (and similarly below), which makes be worry about noise.

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

On 12/20/2023 at 3:57 PM, AussieBoyTX said:

 

Australian Reservations confirmed through a T/A that tips are included on all Australian-booked Ponant cruises.

Interesting. There is nothing in my documentation from Ponant for my Australian booked cruise next April that tips are included. In fact the Australian website states:

"Bonuses for the staff is one of the customs of cruise ships and are left to your discretion. An anonymous envelope is left in your stateroom at the end of your cruise. You can leave it at reception in a box provided. This sum is generally in the range of €10-12 per day per passenger. It is then divided between the members of the crew."

I actually thought that Australian consumer law required such things as tips to be included in the fare, but I shall check!

11 hours ago, AussieBoyTX said:

 

We have stayed in a Superior Stateroom further down the hall and haven't heard anything from below. Our preference is to be further away from the reception, since that can get busy, but that leaves plenty of options -- maybe something like 324 right in the center of the ship.

Thanks for the feedback and the helpful advice!

I have another cabin question: I am looking at a 7 night Greek Island cruise on Le Lyrial. As it is a port intensive itinerary I am thinking to book the cheapest cabin available which is Deluxe Stateroom on Deck 3. It appears from the deck plan that the kitchen for the Gastronomic Restaurant may be below these cabins on Deck 2. If this is the case I am wondering if anyone has any feedback as to whether there are any noise issues from the kitchen.  Also, any other reasons to not choose this cabin type? Thanks!

The NZ government has indicated that its borders may not open to international travellers until 1 January 2022 (yes, 2022). Hopefully that is a worst case scenario, but I would be very cautious about making any plans to come to NZ in 2021.

I remember the Rosenbergs from numerous QE2 world cruise sectors in the 1990s. Most evenings after dinner he and Jocelyn would have a drink in the Golden Lion Pub, generally alone and generally at the same table. I can still visualize them sitting there.

Great to hear that Internet is now free.

Can anyone comment on what the Internet speed is like. I am looking at an extended cruise in the Pacific (either Chile/Tahiti or Tahiti/Vancouver in 2021) and need reasonable access for my online business.

The 2019 World Cruise itineraries were announced during the 2017 World Cruises - I think some time in March.

Yes, they were announced while I was on QE during the first ten days of March.

Great deal! It is rare to see reduced single supplements so I don't blame you for grabbing this one.

Have a wonderful voyage.

I was on QE in February and they had trivia quizzes morning, noon and night. It was always easy to attach to a group as a solo traveler and then going forward I found myself always competing with the same people ... and hence making friends.

Enjoy your cruise!

How sad ... it was always lovely to see QM2 in Auckland even though she was always rather "hidden" in the container port. I wonder if tendering is not an option because they need to provision the ship.

I have no idea what will be done ... but I wonder if they will repeat some of the things they did on the QV refit, like revamping the aft deck in terms of deck furniture. Obviously the aft deck doesn't need extending as that is already a feature of QE.

I remember looking at the renderings for the remastered Kings Court before the refit was done and thinking how wonderful it looked compared to the old version. Then I realised that the reason it looked so great was because there were no people in the photo. Add people and a serene looking space can quickly turn into chaos!!

Wow, there is much less emphasis on the Mediterranean.

I just use my moby.

Yes, that the easiest way these days.

Make sure you sit at a table for 6 or 8 at dinner, as this is the best way to start making friends on board.

Also if you like a cocktail before dinner then I would suggest sitting at the bar - there are generally people around you that you can chat to, but if that fails the barman is usually great fun!

It helps to get to know the barmen if you want those little "extras" like a drop of Cassis in your sparkling wine/champagne.

On my recent QE cruise on a couple of occasions I expressed interest in cocktails he was making for other passengers and he made enough for me to have a sample (ie the leftovers!). On one occasion it was almost a full drink! Definitely a case of an extra tip at the end of the cruise!

I shared your post with my TA. She says that fare is per person for double occupancy in an interior cabin, not for a single.

I think you might want to get your TA to check again. I just checked an online TA I use which has an online booking engine and I could book an Inside single for US$749 plus taxes as the OP states. The twin share rate is US$549 pp plus taxes.

QV is currently undergoing a refit in Palermo which includes a complete makeover of the aft of the ship. The renderings for the aft Lido Pool Deck area look fabulous and will be a great place to chill out on the sea days. On QE (which is of similar design) this area wasn't terribly appealing, but the QV refit looks as if it will be great! Hopefully they will do the same on QE.

Enjoy your cruise! I might consider it myself.

Usually this depends on someone on the ship taking photos and videos and then posting them on Social Media. From there they can work their here way to CC.

When Azamara upgraded their ships there was great coverage on Social Media.

We were on a QE World Cruise segment in 2015, not the Full World Cruise, and there was a dedicated space within the Garden Lounge for the Full WC with the Concierge at a desk available for them, as well as refreshments and snacks I believe. As I was only on a segment, I was not allowed in. It was only a small area of the Garden Lounge and the rest was open to all.

This was still the case on the 2017 QE world cruise

Enjoy! And you will be fine with a simple jacket and tie for dinner. And for a formal night, a dark suit will work fine. (There is no need or requirement for pleated shirts, stiff collars, or patent leather shoes - or a tuxedo.)

For informal evenings a tie is NOT required, just a jacket, although I know many men do wear a tie on those evenings.

The simple answer is that it varies ....

Most of the time on regular prices it is 175%, on heavily discounted deals it is often 200% and on the rare occasion it is less than 175%. I got a 150% solo supplement on my QE world cruise sector when I booked last year in the Australia/NZ market.

I agree regarding Alaska and Europe, but also the northern summer months are typhoon season in parts of Asia..