BigMac1953

They actually serve Italian Spumante as the free "champagne".

I've often bought the pianist a drink during their break. It's always been very much appreciated. On one accasion, we took two performers whom we have known for several years, to lunch at the Verandah. Never seen anyone handing over cash.

Over the years, both the Commodore's and Captain's Selection have been changed, but not for the better. For example, on the Commodores, there used to be Champagne, Chateauneuf and a good claret. One by one they all disappeared, to be replaced by inferior wines. I'd be careful!

That's true, but I know many others who regularly travel Cunard and DON'T post here. They all have the same opinion. This must also apply to many others who DO post, so between us lot, and our acquaintances, we could fill the ships many times over.

I'm curious as to where Cunard get their ideas from. Nobody on this board ever states that they wish they could dress as a slob more often. Quite the reverse. The general consensus seems to be that more formal nights would be better, so who exactly are they trying to attract?

Even before Covid, it became 3 per fortnight on a cruise and 2 per week on a crossing.

One other point: on QM2 grades Q1 - Q4 are escorted to the stateroom.

See above

In about a dozen or so crossings, it's probably only been open on 6 or 7 days in total, Even on warm and sunny days, there is always a breeze. I only ate there once on a TA. The Lido Grill is probably better as it's more sheltered. Same food. We're doing the round trip in August so if its open I'll let you know.

It's one thing to wash a few smalls, but surely. after spending thousands on a holiday it makes no sense to penny pinch and waste your valuable time. Send the laundry out for a few dollars.

Unless you're all joined at the hip, why not be happy having breakfast and lunch in the Britannia MDR together, and allow your "Club" friends to enjoy their dinner in the category in which they are paying a premium.

Whatever you do, you'll still need to register a credit card.

It's not a bad thing to have young children at a dinner table, providing they are also being taught proper table manners and etiquette. My parents and grand parents instilled in me proper behaviour at a table from a very young age. I can still hear my grandmother "no uncooked joints on the table please". We did the same with our two who both would sit at the table in high chairs and eat the same as everybody else. Even before school age, most days, my wife would take them to a local bakery/cafe where they would sit and have their scone and milk. One hotel told us that they were too young to eat dinner with the adults, but when they saw how ours behaved, they made an exception. After the meal finished they were allowed to ask permission to leave the table (under certain conditions). By all means bring the kids along and show them how to enjoy their food the correct way.

It's always the tumble driers that cause the problems. Passenger 1 puts wet clothes into the drier and switches it on, then goes for a half hour walk. Passenger 2 opens the drier to see what's in it. This stops the machine. Then they close the door without re-starting the programme. Passenger 3 opens the door, sees that the machine is not on, so removes the wet clothes and puts them in a basket. Passenger 1 returns a half hour later to find all their clothes still wet and not even in the machine. Light blue touch paper and stand well back.

There used to be "drink of the day" which was not necessarily a cocktail, but that's as near to a happy hour as you got! However, they stopped it about 10 years ago.

On one occasion we were invited by a couple in a Q1 to join them for afternoon tea in their room. We discovered that we shared the same butler, so I'm not quite sure what you base your statement on.

Over the years, the qualifying staff increased until it INCLUDED the officers, which is what I was told by a friend who was a senior officer (retd.).

Why is everyone getting their knickers in a twist when it comes to Cunard's staff wages? Does anyone want to publish their salary and we can all debate whether or not it's too much or too little? Probably not. None of our business. Suffice to say that many staff members return year after year. Also bear in mind that everything is relative and what may seem a low wage to people in the Western Hemisphere can be an extremely attractive wage in a third world country. As an example, one individual whom we have known for 15+ years, explained that she is buying her SECOND house at home to rent out. It would be arrogance personified to believe that "we know best" and that the world should conform to our rules, regulations and standards. Remember that mostly, our friends across the Pond might get Hotel charges included, but pay more for their ticket. Rant over.

I thought you decided not to go QG again?

I'm sure you mean COMMODORE Rynd 🙂

Strange. In all our trips (25+), it's always been 1:00pm sharp.

Remember, the existing officers are not exclusive to Cunard. Carnival moves them around at the moment and often swaps P & O staff with Cunard.

It used to be midday, but the last twice we had to wait until nearly 1:00pm, which is the time that the Grills open.

The Cunarder used to be a magazine which was sometimes mailed to WC members.

The BoB can be lumpy or a mill pond, at all times of the year. To be guaranteed a smooth ride, QM2 is the way to go. On the other hand, some folks like to be reminded they're on a ship. Both ships have their own attributes and we like both. You don't mention the itineraries, which from my point of view would be the deciding factor.