*Miss G*

Both the dailies and the tv will have the weather report. During the noon address, the captain will mention adverse weather, if required.

Ditto. No code words on HAL; no code words on Cunard.

For clarity, it is not my list.

On Cunard, last June, an emergency broadcast was announced in my room at 2:00am. The Coast Guard was airlifting a passenger and we were requested not to open our drapes or go outside on our balconies (or out on deck) during this time. I presume the in-room announcement was required for the safety of all.

Perception of luxury depends on one’s starting point. I like the 1-6 star rating system. Based on that, Cunard is 5-star, with at least one agency rating them as 5-6 stars. If I sailed in The Grills Suites, would that feel more “luxurious”? I suspect so. Only six lines fall into the 6-star category: Crystal Explora Regent Ritz-Carlton Seabourn Silversea If I cruised any of those lines, would I rate them as exceptional in every way? I have my doubts. I do like Cunard’s “Traditional yet timeless” statement. I think that has more esoteric value to me than any “luxury” statement. I found my bed on QM2 luxurious, though, so there are aspects of luxury on a Cunard ship. If Cunard wants to claim luxury within their publications, I have no problem with that.

Based on grammar, I’m going with a 3-star line.

I imagine the check-in process will forestall the brunt of anticipated issues. Anyone who manages to get to the security checkpoint without a compliant document would probably be asked to step aside to be taken through additional screening. I think any possible delays would be minimal; something akin to people who try to access TSA Pre without the tag on their boarding pass.

Same. I have HAL emails set to ping and I am pulling out my credit card as I hit the number.

I should mention that we also turned back for a crew member who had a heart attack and then passed onshore. We then had two more diversions in order to drop off sick passengers. Then there was one more passenger who required a blood transfusion. We were at Happy Hour when the captain came on the tannoy again. Everyone went “Oh No.” and we all went quiet. He called for a specific blood type and a number of people left to assist. We later learned that passenger was doing well. (We dropped him off in Bermuda, which wasn’t on our itinerary,) That was one heck of a TA, last April. We really felt for the crew.

Wow. Such sad news. I am so very sorry to hear this and my heartfelt condolences go out to all. I have been on a sailing where this has happened and it devastated the crew. It was a very somber sailing and I am so very sorry to all affected. 😢

Aw. Always sad to hear this. Thank you, @Lanky Lad

Cunard also has them.

Okay, but if you wanted a higher category Neptune Suite, why didn’t you just book it?

It looks lovely. What am I missing?

Welcome to Cruise Critic and the Cunard board, @mn_cruisecritic! The stars aligned for me and I finally got to sail the QM2 last June! She is my new favourite ship. Have a wonderful time!

I believe the OP is asking about transportation from Red Hook to the airport. @ivyleaguegent, I booked the Cunard airport transport as I am not a fan of NY taxi cabs. The coach pickup zone is to the left of the taxi rank in @Jim_Iain’s pic. Busses are clearly marked with a sign on the window as to which airport they are going to. Check in with the person holding the clipboard before you board.

I can’t “like” that 😂

They allow it to be brought aboard at ports. There is a desk onboard, once you pass through security, where you can have them store it until disembarkation. For example, I have purchased bottles of port in Madeira a few times. As I was bringing them home, and not consuming them, I took them to the desk, they gave me a receipt, and then they were delivered prior to disembarkation. Strange that you had a bottle confiscated at embarkation. Their allowance is quite lenient. Some of the “live” threads have people bringing on a case or two without issue.

Holland America allows wine, champagne, and water onboard. Wine and champagne have a corkage fee of $20 per bottle. (There are exemptions for shore-ex winery tours.) If you are not consuming the wine/champagne onboard you can surrender it at HAL’s desk and they will record your information and give you a receipt. It will then be delivered to your stateroom the evening prior to disembarkation. I have no idea what the rules are with regard to spirits so cannot offer any insight.

Definitely contradictory.

Thank you for sharing, @Jack E Dawson! I really enjoyed it.

Ohhhhhhh. I totally missed that! *smacks head* Now some of the comments begin to make sense. (And the price.) 😂

Except we’re talking about HAL.

😲 What the!!! Even though I uploaded a pic within a few days of my departure at Southampton last June, they took another. I didn’t ask why, nor did I care. I have had the same thing in HAL. It doesn’t bother me. They can do what they want as long as I can board! 😂

Yes, that is what I was always told when booking. They did tell me that I couldn’t reserve a specific cabana but that my preference would be noted. Only one time did I book a couple of sea days onboard and they did assign me one in the Neptune Lounge. Perhaps I am unlucky or things have changed since then.