minz56

Being in a Q2 suite is definitely only "in my dreams," but if I am going to be picky I would have preferred that the dining and lounge areas be reversed, so that I could look out onto the ocean from the lounge area.

Yes, they serve drinks in Cafe Carinthia, in addition to teas and coffees. This is a popular spot both during the day and for pre-dinner drinks. The other option is the Midships Bar, one deck above, plus the Commodore Club as already mentioned.

Some people don't like the fact that neither Cafe Carinthia nor the Midships Bar are closed off rooms (like the Chart Room on QM2) so you are aware of people walking past. Personally this never bothers me.

With my British passport, will I need a visa for 2019 European itineraries?

(sorry, couldn't resist on Brexit Day!)

I think the main reason for pre-registering and booking early is so that you can get the cabin you want. Higher grade cabins such as for Queens or Princess Grills can sell out quite quickly for a world cruise.

I am from Australia was told onboard st the Future Cruise Sales desk that the FCD was not refundable.

Mine (purchased a couple of weeks ago) clearly states that it is refundable. I must admit that I assumed that Australia was the same as New Zealand in this respect ... but possibly not.

This thread clearly indicates that there is a lot of misinformation out there!

I bought one a couple of weeks ago while on board QE. There was no need to book a cruise. As stated above, you must make a booking within one calendar year to use it, though the cruise itself can be beyond one year.

In the Australia/NZ market the FCD's are fully refundable if not used, so it was a no brainer to buy one. However this may not be the case in other markets.

I am wondering if she will do a few more Alaska cruises before returning to the UK, making it unlikely they will sell Melbourne/Southampton. From what I can see this QE 2019 voyage will not be sold as a world cruise (ie Southampton/Southampton) - just individual sectors will be sold as already announced.

You mentioned earlier that a man was seen drinking his tea with the tea bag still in the cup. Are the waiters no longer bringing around pots with brewed tea?

 

Enjoying your reports and the pictures are bringing back some great memories.

Yes they do, with white gloves so still as elegant as ever.

The man in question was somewhere else.

Day 12 – At Sea enroute to Okinawa

Last night there was a distinct change in the weather with storms prevailing, resulting in a lot more movement and creaking within the ship. Everyone was rocked gently to sleep, although I have to say that QE remains a very stable ship in bad weather. Today the weather gradually improved with sunny weather this afternoon, though it is getting decidedly cooler as we approach Japan.

Demographics – this is an interesting subject, particularly on a world cruise. 504 people are doing the full world cruise, with a range of nationalities represented. I believe that Brits make up the largest number – clearly new retirees still see a world cruise as the thing to do. There does seem to be fewer Americans from my own experience of world cruises, but I couldn’t be sure on that. There do also seem to be quite a few Europeans –German, French etc.

That leaves about 1500 berths that need to be filled by passengers doing segments – long or short. This segment (Sydney to Kobe) is full of Australians and New Zealanders, making up about 50% of the ship’s capacity. Most will get off in Kobe, to be replaced by more Japanese and other Asians, I would imagine. The ambiance will therefore change. The gossip mill has suggested that the Australians are more casual and laid back (probably true), but everyone has been polite and courteous and have adhered to the dress code (except for a very small number).

So, anyone considering a world cruise segment needs to bear in mind that it won’t be like a standard cruise, whether a TA, Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise, where almost everyone gets on and off at the same time. Average age? I would say about 65-70, but there are quite a lot of younger passengers as well.

Miss Manners regrets: that she has not always been able to get a table in the Queen’s Room for afternoon tea. It gets very busy, so get there early!

Gripe of the day: the quiz in the library today was far too difficult!

Image of the day:the room attendants are very organized these days!

Glad your phone turned up minz. Was it handed in or did you find it yourself?

 

Your deconstructed pink was a very creative solution to the problem.

It was handed in - I had left it in the library :(

The Purser's Desk had quite a list of lost and found items!

,,, While this ship isnot specifically named after our current Queen, she does feature prominently around the public rooms and I have created the following collage of some of these items.

...

At the naming ceremony in 2010, Managing Director Peter Shanks indicated that the ship was indeed being named for our Queen. I have seen the video of the entire ceremony but I do not have it, so I can't quote his exact words. The excerpts that I found on Youtube are of no help. There is a priceless view of Her Majesty's expression when Mr. Shanks said there was only one person here who was present at the naming of all three "Elizabeths."

That is approximately at 5:20:

 

 

I have done some research and checked with people on board and the consensus is that the ship is not specifically named after the Queen. I suppose you would have to ask her!!

Day 11 – At Sea enroute to Okinawa

Today was World Ladies Day and this was marked with a 5k sponsored walk around Deck 3 with the Captain leading the pack. Fancy dress was in order (thinking pink!) but with no pink items in my wardrobe I went for “deconstructed pink” which involved a red T-shirt and a white singlet. Creative, if nothing else! A total of US$495 was raised for the World Voyage Charities.

This evening I went to the Verandah Restaurant. Many people ask if this is worth it, and for me the answer was yes. The ambiance, food and service were superb and made for a special evening. Having said this I would probably only do this once on a cruise, and probably only if there was a special occasion (birthday, anniversary etc). For the record, I had the pea ravioli with quail eggs, Bouillabaisse and the soufflé. The ravioli was extremely delicious; the Bouillabaisse very flavorsome though rather oddly topped with pureed potatoes with basil cream (rather than the traditional garlic Rouille); and the soufflé divine, though I did have one equally as good in the Britannia. The courses were broken up with an amuse bouche, a sorbet and ended with very delicious petit fours, including may favourite – chocolate truffles.

Miss Manners regrets:that for her the music on the open decks is a little too loud, and particularly when the live band is playing.

Gripe of the day:None – the mobile phone was found so I am happy.

Image of the day:the Verandah Restaurant

Days 9/10 – At Sea enroute to Okinawa

With five consecutive sea days there is much time to explore the facilities available of QE. Unfortunately, my plans to spend a good amount of time on the pool deck have been thwarted by the weather. It has rained on and off for the last couple of days. However, as we are now zipping along at over20 knots and the seas are rougher due to the weather conditions, I am finally able to enjoy some movement in the ship – not quite rock and roll yet, but good to finally feel that I am on a vessel at sea!

I have therefore taken some time to check out the artwork and memorabilia around the ship – and there is a lot to see. While this ship isnot specifically named after our current Queen, she does feature prominently around the public rooms and I have created the following collage of some of these items.

Miss Manners applauds: everyone for keeping up appearances by adhering to the dress codes, but does have to reprimand a small number who have been spotted in shorts and T-shirts in the public rooms well after 6pm on last night’s formal evening.

Gripe of the day: I lost my mobile phone somewhere. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be returned to the Purser’s Desk.

Image of the day: Departure from Alotau

As far as I am aware all Britannia balcony cabins (ie the ones you list) are the same size. What does differ is the size of the balcony. The cabins on the "corners" have larger balconies, as do some of the cabins on Deck 4.

Personally I prefer a glass fronted balcony so that you can see the sea when seated.

Underwatr is right - you need to let your TA know (or Cunard, if you booked directly) if you want to be considered for an upgrade.

Day 8 – Alotau, Papua New Guinea

QE is making her maiden call at Alotau in the Milne Bay region of Papua New Guinea. She is also the largest cruise ship to have visited the town. We were met by traditionally dressed warriors who strutted their stuff and banged their drums. On shore Captain Hashmi met dignitaries from the area, including the Milne Bay Governor, and gifts were exchanged. They then all came on board for an inspection of the ship. Check the photos below.

Alotau is set in a pretty bay and the arrival was nice. As expected there is not much to the town, but I enjoyed checking out the local market with much fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, peanuts and the dreaded betel nuts. I briefly joined the congregation in a Christian church having been drawn in by the loud music and singing. This was definitely a “happy-clappy” denomination!

Having lived in Lae in Papua New Guinea in the 1980’s I knew what to expect, though I was a little disappointed to note that there seems to have been very little development over the course of thirty years and the area still seems very poor. However, the welcome was friendly and many of the children had dressed up in traditional costume for the day.

Maiden calls are always memorable and this one was no exception.

Miss Manners regrets: that "nambawan pikinini bilong misis kwin" (aka Prince Charles) was not here to mark the maiden call. Clearly “misis kwin” is a bit too old to travel these days, but she was here in spirit!

Fashion police: no question as to who won the prize today for best costume! The local people really did make an effort and it was appreciated. However, I did muse as to whether their outfits would pass as “formal”?

Gripe of the day: For their sake, I wish that the local people could have been better organized in terms of selling souvenirs as they produce some nice handicrafts here, including basket weaving and wood carvings. Cruise ship passengers have lots of $$$!

Images of the day:

Traditonal welcome on arrival of QE

Captain Hashmi shows the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II tothe local dignitaries, including the Milne Bay Governor

The gift received from the Governor marking the maiden call

A warm welcome for QE on her maiden call at Alotau, Papua New Guinea ....

Actually our stay here was lovely. More to follow.

The gloves are purple today!

Thanks for the feedback. Miss Manners is working overtime!!

Day 7 – At Sea – en route to Papua New Guinea

A beautiful day at sea with warm sunny weather, prefect for time by the pool. We are cruising at about 18 knots, quicker than previously, and the wind across the decks is more pronounced. Otherwise the sea conditions are calm so there is very little movement within the ship.

A word about cabins. I am in 6148 a standard BD balconycabin near the aft of the ship. I am next to one of the corner cabins which have a larger balcony. People who choose these cabins tend to be more likely to use their balcony and invite friends due to the extra space. This can mean more noise if you are next door. To be honest I have not been too bothered by this, but it is worth considering when choosing a cabin. This cabin is close to the Stairway C making getting around easy.

Advantages of this aft location :

1. Three floors up to Lido restaurant – great for popping up for a quick tea, coffee or snack.

2. Three floors up to the Lido pool deck and the Garden Lounge

3. Three or four floors down to the Britannia Restaurant

Disadvantages of this aft location:

1. Far from the Commodore Club!

2. Far from the Royal Court Theatre

3. Quite a long walk to the launderette

Miss Manners regrets: the use of the blue disposable gloves worn by the waiters in the Lido restaurant. What happened to silver service with white gloves?

Gripe of the day:None! It has been a beautiful sunny day and everyone has a smile on their face.

Image of the day: Back in Sydney – the two Queens in Sydney harbour. Not a great picture as it was rather wet!

Day 6 Yorkey's Knob

Unfortunately, it has been a rather grey day with persistent rain here at the intriguingly named Yorkey's Knob. It turns out that Yorkey was a local fisherman and his "you-know-what" is in fact the promontory that overlooks the ocean. I only went for a walk through the town to the small shopping centre to replenish the wine supplies. The wine shop was well stocked and so is my cabin now!

Now that we are six days into the cruise I can talk about the food. Of course, this is a subjective matter but here is my take. I am in the Britannia Restaurant and have been pleasantly surprised by the choice, presentation and taste of the food. I have stuck mainly to meat and poultry dishes and have been impressed by the quality of the produce. I have so far had pork, lamb, venison and pheasant and all have been delicious. The venison in particular was very succulent and full of flavour.

Others on CC have mentioned small portions, but I find them just right. The entrees and desserts tend to be quite small, but the main courses are a sensible size - neither too small nor too large. At the end of the three-course meal I feel just full, and not bloated, which is a good thing with a dinner finishing after 10pm.

Generally, I am not a buffet person, but in an effort not to overeat during the day I have been grazing at the Lido. I would describe the food here as OK - nothing spectacularly special, but freshly prepared and generally tasty. The layout is good and the place never feels like a feeding frenzy at the zoo, though I do tend to avoid the peak times.

Afternoon tea (either in the Queen's Room or in the Lido) is of course a must and I try very hard to have only one scone!

I will try Verandah later in the cruise. I wanted to try the Select Dining alternative, Coriander, but they were offering that during the first three days when I was getting to know my tablemates in the MDR. Unfortunately,it won't return before Kobe. They run each option over three or four consecutive evenings before moving onto the next one - so if you are on a two week cruise a particular option is unlikely to return later in the cruise. The schedule is available in the Lido.

Miss Manners regrets: the gentleman who drank his tea with the teabag still in the cup. He was English - he should have known better.

Gripe of the day:the Australian weather. It has not been terribly kind to us.

Image of the day: QE anchored at Yorkey's Knob.

Day 5: At Sea, traversing the Great Barrier Reef

All going like clockwork here on QE after leaving Sydney,with only a ship-wide water problem the day after Sydney, but resolved in time for the compulsory pre-dinner shower.

Somewhat astonished to discover that almost 50% of the passengers on this sector are from Australia or NZ. Just shows how important this region is to Cunard these days. As I recall there are about 120 Americans,which I thought rather low - though most would be doing the full world cruise. I also thought that the number of Brits was low (can't remember the exact number, but around 200). Lots of Aussie accents with over 900 on board!

Miss Manners regrets: the need for the chef to warn in the menu of the "possibility of lead shot" in the pheasant dish last night. Surely every Cunarder is dragged into adulthood knowing this important piece of culinary information.

Fashion Police: last night was the first formal night with the theme "Australian Ball." Good to see many of our Aussie cousins entering into the spirit with Australian flag-inspired shirts and oversized bow ties,and other gold and green attire. Oi, Oi, Oi, as they say. For me, I looked sartorially elegant in my white dinner jacket, purchased over 20 years ago in Singapore for the 1995 QE2 world cruise. I was absolutely delighted that it had to be taken IN by 2 inches for this year's cruise. 12 laps round the deck every day will ensure that it won?t need to be taken OUT again!

Gripe of the day: No MSNBC on the TV (rights issues?). I guess our American friends need their non-Fox fix.

Image of the day: sunset tonight over the Great Barrier Reef. Beautiful!!!

On board QE now travelling from Sydney to Kobe. Apologies for the delay in getting this underway but the first few days were a bit of a learning curve being my first time on QE. First report to follow ...

Yes, a great sight to see both QM2 and QE in Sydney harbour toady - despite the weather. QM2 looked magnificent docked in Circular Quay particularly this evening when she was lit up like a christmas tree! It was so wonderful to be able to get so close to the ship. I could even see inside one of the new single cabins - the chaise long by the window looks very nice!!

What deck are you on?

I am on Deck 6 on QE, but I am also a Platinum Cunard World Club member, which may give me an earlier boarding time. Actually I should have said Sunday ... not Saturday. It's a bit confusing with both QM2 and QE in Sydney harbour.

...The good thing about being on a sector cruise is that the dining room will be open if you arrive at the right time as well as afternoon tea that day. It's pretty much business as usual onboard.....

That's a very good point about embarkation day on a world cruise sector being "business as usual".

I have a boarding time of 1pm for my QE Sydney/Kobe sector next Saturday so all things being equal I should be able to make the Britannia Restaurant for lunch :cool: