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Everything posted by Classiccruiser777
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We’re on QM2 since NY and we’ve noticed a decline in the quality of food as well. I suspect the financial losses due to COVID are the reason for the belt tightening. The menus are not as extensive, beef is less prevalent and for the “gala dinner” the “surf and turf” was steak and prawns, not lobster tail. Portions also are smaller. There are cutbacks evident elsewhere and the exterior of the ship is in rough shape. Rust is prevalent. This is the first time I have ever seen a Cunard ship in such condition. Live music no longer welcomed us upon boarding, a player piano was operating. No live music or candelabras in Britannia on the “gala” (formal) evenings. The TV options are limited and poor, including the aspect ratio and audio described by the OP. The bookshop is just disappointing, very limited selection and short hours. Cunard should bring back Ocean Books. Despite these shortcomings we are having a good time. The ship still handles the weather better than any other, our cabin steward is excellent, the cabin is nice and the beds are very comfortable. And QM2 is truly the “only way to cross.” I hope Cunard steps up as the financials improve.
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Brief review QM2 sailing September 20-29, 2023
Classiccruiser777 replied to terry&mike's topic in Cunard Line
Presently onboard QM2 en route to Quebec. As with the OP, we requested first seating and told by our TA we had it but when we arrived onboard were told we had “anytime” dining. We don’t care for having different tables with different waiters each evening so will work to do what we can to minimize the randomness. Just our preference. Overall the food and service is good, our cabin steward, Eugene, is excellent and the interior of the ship is very nice. The exterior is in need of serious work with rust being widely evident. I have always been impressed on how well maintained Cunard ships appear to be but this time QM2 is not up to par. In a few weeks she will be in the shipyard for some much needed work, the hull and superstructure will hopefully get sandblasted followed by a much needed coat of new paint. -
The dress code is taken seriously compared to most other lines. https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack
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These cruises are staples of Cunard. We're about to go RT NY - Quebec next week and have done several RTs from NY Norway, the UK and the Med. Beats flying by a mile.
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No OBC when redeeming a Future Cruise Deposit (FCD)?
Classiccruiser777 replied to frankp01's topic in Cunard Line
After the COVID experience we won't be purchasing any future cruise deposits from any of the lines we frequent. -
No OBC when redeeming a Future Cruise Deposit (FCD)?
Classiccruiser777 replied to frankp01's topic in Cunard Line
With the COVID shutdown the balance sheets of the cruise lines are frightful, loaded down with massive debt. All the lines have cutback and/or raised rates and the shareholders of the companies have taken major portfolio reductions. I'm not excusing their behavior but I understand why they're doing what they are. https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/CCL/carnival/debt-equity-ratio -
CUNARD - So Much Best and a little Worst
Classiccruiser777 replied to richstowe's topic in Cunard Line
In addition to all the points the OP made, one very important quality about Cunard that we love is that there are numerous, quiet places to sit and read or do whatever. -
First time on Cunard ... What should I expect ?
Classiccruiser777 replied to Nancy&Frank's topic in Cunard Line
I'm top tier on Cunard's loyalty program (diamond) and three stars on HAL's. I also haven't cruised on either line since before the pandemic but in my book Cunard has always been a cut (or two) above HAL in every respect. However, if you are against "dressing up" a bit, Cunard probably wouldn't be a good fit. -
Britannia Club Dining For the First Timer
Classiccruiser777 replied to Megabear2's topic in Cunard Line
On the 3 current queens we’v On the three current ships, and we’ve taken many cruises, we’ve always managed to get a table for two In Britannia. -
My 2 cents since I wasn't asked (speaking as a diamond level passenger): Free WiFi for the cruise Complementary laundry services (HAL does this for 4 star members) Select/reserve dining table, QG thru Britannia Pre-paid gratuities
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When buying WiFi at the daily rate, is it by the calendar date or is it for 24 hours beginning at the time of purchase?
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One more reason we will be booking far fewer O cruises.
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Cunard Loyalty Benefit - WiFi on Multiple Leg Voyage
Classiccruiser777 posted a topic in Cunard Line
It’s been a few years since we’ve taken a Cunard cruise and there have been some changes since our last voyage. We are Diamond level in the World Club and qualify for the $135 benefit towards WiFi, what formerly had been 8 hours of WiFi time. Next month we will be aboard the QM2 for14 days, a voyage that encompasses two segments, a one week cruise to Quebec from NY followed by the return from Quebec to NY. What we would like to know is will we receive that $135 credit towards WiFi for each segment, $270 for WiFi in total, or is the total sum $135 that we will be credited upon boarding in NY? We are considering additional QM2 cruises, one of which has three segments, another four (retirement is wonderful). Thank you! -
Perks or OBC from travel agent?
Classiccruiser777 replied to HappyTravels4ever's topic in Oceania Cruises
Some of the benefits an agent may offer could be "flow throughs" from the agency's travel consortium. What is a travel consortium or a travel cooperative? The very very short answer that will get you through a cocktail party banter is this: A travel consortium is a collective of host agencies, travel agencies, and/or travel advisors that join forces and combine resources to increase their industry footprint including buying potential, benefits, & commission levels. -
Newbie Survives Specialty Restaurant Bookings
Classiccruiser777 replied to LSuzQ's topic in Oceania Cruises
Once on board you can check daily to see if additional reservations are available. If so, you can get more reservations. -
Weather is unpredictable. We have taken many crossings at most times of the year and some have had glassy seas, others a mix of calm and stormy but all very nice in the end. Regardless, QM2 can manage weather better than any other passenger ship.
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How do you know this? Who told you?
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Are they available, hard copy, somewhere on the ship?
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Couldn't agree more and I understand management's decision to implement "Simply More." The debt NCLH has accumulated is massive, $14 billion according to the linked article. https://seekingalpha.com/article/4621930-norwegian-cruise-line-return-profitability-horizon
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We will be far more discriminating in booking O cruises - shopping sales, promotions and repositioning itineraries. Most likely we will be booking more cruises on other lines, fewer on O.
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Perhaps under “Simply More” alcohol free beers and wines will also be “free,” (ignore the fare increases since “Simply More” was implemented).
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Does a cruise like this interest you?
Classiccruiser777 replied to golfguyhhi's topic in Oceania Cruises
Amen