Bandy Matelot

We are on P&O for the first time in 20 years (long story!), Azura fly cruise from Valetta 7 days Greek isles. My wife and I are really looking forward to it. I know there have been many changes in that time but we have opted for freedom dining which is obviously new to us in the hope that we can visit a couple of the speciality restaurants which you have to pre-book as they are very popular. My worry is that they will be fully booked by the time we board as most guests on board will be on their 2nd week of a 14 day cruise and all slots will be gone.  What are the chances of this?  Any advice would be appreciated.

That's nice to know, but what is "always available"?

Good news Cunard has once again changed its requirements for going ashore in Lisbon. It is no longer necessary to go on an authorised Cunard shore excursion, no test required either see  https://www.cunard.com/content/dam/cunard/marketing-assets/pdf/port-entry-requirements/CUNARD-A-Z-destination-entry-requirements.pdf

As regards Lisbon the entry requirements have been changed in that you no longer need a test before going ashore but you can't go ashore unless it is an authorised Cunard excursion. Can someone please explain why this is?

Todays update from Cunard official site:

"From 13 October 2021, guests will be able to go ashore independently but must adhere to the specific Covid-19 protocols in each destination. However, as restrictions in each destination are changeable, and some destinations may only allow cruise line organised experiences ashore, we highly recommend you purchase Cunard shore experiences prior to travel to ensure you always have the option to explore each destination.

Testing may also be required to go ashore in various destinations on your itinerary. These tests will be available to purchase on board, however currently the majority of ports we will be visiting this year do not require entry testing."

So official Cunard excursions, although recommended, are unnecessary.

Thanks for your responses. A couple of questions:

1. Is the gym open?

2. Is the sauna in the changing room open?

3. Is the Queens Room holding afternoon concerts?

4. Is Cafe Carinthia operating normally? Are they serving those delicious blueberry cheesecakes?

If anyone can advise any facilities not operating as "normal" please post. Thanks.

I am considering booking the QE Med cruise 15 November. Can someone please tell me the main differences of cruising now to that of pre-covid? Cunard's website is not particularly helpful in that regard. Thank you.

So, is there no afternoon tea or is there another venue? The white gloved waiters beavering around in tune with a string quartet - that's a big selling point for cruising with Cunard.

We are advised by Cunard that our request for 2nd sitting on our forthcoming cruise has been noted but as we booked an Early Saver fare we only have second preference and our dining will be confirmed on boarding with no amendments allowed.  I would be interested to learn if anyone has experience of their wishes not being accommodated and whether a visit to the maitre d is likely to bring success.

We have booked a guarantee BC balcony for our forthcoming QE cruise. We have just been allocated a BA grade stateroom 8125. We assume this is an upgrade but note that this is a wheelchair accessible stateroom. We have no disabilities ourselves. Has anyone any experience of this stateroom? Are there any drawbacks? The room does look bigger on the deck plans.