hehny

i was on Royals inaugural season with another couple. We each were traveling in suites. I was quite anxious to do the ship tour and spoke to the concierge about signing up. I was told that because I was traveling in a suite I would have a greater chance of being selected if it went to lottery.

 

Sure enough, both myself and my friend and I got tickets. We recognized the majority of passengers also on this tour were also traveling in Suites.

 

Obviously, this could have been a coincidence. I have no idea if it went to lottery and it's not listed as a suite perk. I can only share my experience.

 

It was a great, long tour... I've seen people ask about wheelchairs and can say there were a lot steps. I have no idea what is accessible...I.e. Engine room etc. i believe you had to be over 18 but I can't swear to it, so it's something you would need to ask.

 

I know the chef took us on a personal tour of the galley and served cocktails and hors doeuvres. There was champagne on the bridge with the captain. We saw everything...laundry, food stores, medical, printing press. We often had to travel with security since we headed into restricted areas.

 

Having done it once, I never needed to do it again but I have to say it was a memorable experience. We were loaded with gifts, bathrobes, aprons, cookbooks, photos, albums, stationary and it sounds like some of this may not happen anymore which is a shame.

 

I do remember thinking it was well worth the money for the time.

Well, that's embarrassing. I thought I did a proper search. thanks, Hattie for the info and I apologize for a dupe thread. Feel free to delete.

I found a thread dated January 15th but there was no clear response. Hoping someone can offer more recent information.

 

Can you claim VAT at southhampton for a QM2 transatlantic? I know there are forms you can mail but where would you get them stamped? Usually you have to show the goods. I'm going from previous airport experiences. Cruising is a new idea.

 

Thanks!!!

Thank you for the helpful responses!

Greetings Cunard Cruisers,

 

One of my party is an avid whisky connoisseur. We will be spending days in Scotland before embarkation at Southhampton and he plans on purchasing some bottles. These are for home usage- we are taking the transatlantic back to NY.

 

Cunard seems very vague with their bringing alcohol on board policy. I found this: "We reserve the right to remove alcohol at the gangway if brought on board, either at embarkation or when in a port of call and will be returned to you at the end of your cruise. It is not our intention to invoke this policy as a matter of course and we will only implement on occasions where we consider it likely that the health, comfort, safety and enjoyment of passengers may otherwise be compromised."

https://ask.cunard.com/help/before-you-sail/alcohol

 

Does anyone have experience bringing alcohol on board? Is it better to carry it on or put in luggage? He isn't trying to hide it and really doesn't want to drink in his cabin, so he is fine if they want to collect it and return it at the end of the voyage. Should he tell them in advance? Should we divide up multiple bottles along party (there are four of us)?

 

Some lines have very stagnant policies but Cunard's isn't clear to me. I appreciate your help in advance! Thank you and Happy Cruising!

Please heed the words of earlier posters...the kennels are extremely popular and usually sell out early on the transatlantic. I believe all the slots are reserved for the 2015 summer transatlantic.

 

Good luck with your new fur baby! He sounds adorable!

Any tips or suggestions on how to afford a DCL cruise? I really want to go but DH is having a hard time agreeing with me due to pricing. When we do go there will be 5 of us (me, DH, 12yo boy, 4yo girl, 2yo boy). A 3-4 day is as much as a 7 day on others. I know I am getting a better experience but how do I make it affordable???

 

Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

 

 

Does DH see the value of family time on a cruise and is concerned because Disney is pricer than other brands OR does he not want to pay for a cruise vacation?

 

With the 12 year old boy getting older his interest in Disney will likely fade. There are plenty if threads on teenagers and Disney. On the other hand, Disney really excels with young children. So if you are going to book, do it sooner rather than later.

You may want to try the Port Boards.

I try to avoid the buffet, period. With that said it was lovely CC members who let me know Alfredos was open on embarkation day. Yummy!!! And best of all...no line ;)

We did venture on board QM2 for quite a few sailings after, both in PG and also QG.....but it was never the same and the 'old' rules were never enforced.

Many a time we saw one and all venturing on to the grill decks, taking advantage of the comp drinks and helping themselves to the blankets. This was never a problem to us but it begs the question? .

 

Not sure how recently you sailed the grills on qm2 but they have cracked down on this. They are quick to ask for ID

This is a good example of where cruise critics vast experience can't answer legal issues. Check with your consulate!

These are handmade pieces of art. You get what you pay for.

 

Most stalls are selling low quality from China. Any dolls that have an odd theme...presidential leaders, sports, Winnie the Pooh..are definitely made in China. Russian artisans would never create a doll with these motifs.

 

The currency is Rubles.

 

I echo going to the museums. If you want a life lasting authentic souvenir, do some research and be comfortable spending some money.

 

If you just want a cheap gift go to Russia? Go on ebay!

I have to echo the other cruisers..there are so many variables that I would only recommend doing it through the cruise line. The original itinerary can't be done.

 

I prefer st Petersburg...there's a reason it's Venice of the north!

You are asking for a private tour for two people. The price is reasonable in the market.

We did a private tour in st Petersburg. We were warned that the market stalls were notorious for fake goods..that's why they were so cheap. Additionally, that is one of the top stops for pickpockets.

 

We were not impressed with the cruise ship terminal shopping, there isn't much.

 

Your best bet is going to museums..the hermitage shop was amazing. And be prepared to spend money. There are no cheap examples of Russian crafts. If it is handmade, you should expect to lay for it. But if you don't mind having a matryoshka from China, the market stalls are fine.

 

Technically, the only legal currency are rubles. Shops may accept dollars/euros but they are not supposed to. Restaurants/taxis won't

There are seven courses but most players want to play the Old Course. And of course that is the hardest to get.

 

http://www.standrews.org.uk/Play/Courses/Old-Course/Booking-the-Old-Course

 

I don't know of any shore excursions that offer actual golf playing simply because of the difficulty of advanced booking. Most offer tours only.

 

If you want a guaranteed old course experience you need to go through this company:

 

http://www.oldcourse-experience.com

 

Yes, it's expensive but if it is a dream this is the best way to do it and guarantee playing time. Good luck!

Just came back from WP..literally not on a cruise. The airport is far less stressful than Mia or FTL. Two hours is plenty if time to arrive. Good luck!

I get why you want an earlier flight. Remember, security can be long at SJU..it's a small airport. Get off the ship with the first wave and grab a taxi (or better yet have a private car waiting). You have to be there an hour before to check in. The taxi ride takes about ten or fifteen minutes minutes normally but it's rush hour, so assume longer. You will likely begin disembarking around 8:30.

 

If you are the only ship in port, it's doable. Good luck!

You need to first figure out what port you will be at. Havensight is closest to town and has a large shopping area. Crown bay is being built up but you would want to take a taxi to town...it's not really safe to walk. Taxis are large open aired vehicles. They are cheap and plentiful. Try to get downtown if it's your first trip.

In all my readings and travels, I've never heard of a cruise line where people announce their cabin category. Can you imagine? "Hello, I'm traveling in an inside cabin, you?" "Oh, I'm in a deluxe balcony excuse me while I find someone more appropriate to talk to."

 

The outside perception of Cunard is that it is a class system. I have yet to speak to an actual Cunard cruiser who felt discriminated against traveling Britannia and not the Grills. Most Cunarders are happy just to be traveling.

If you read the princess boards, you will find many reviews of the OPs voyage. It was not a typical princess voyage. While it's always good to try different cruise lines to see what you like, I'm not sure this one can be held as representative of princess.

DD is a librarian. She was impressed with the Cunard libraries. There are actually certified librarians in charge. There are sections..ya, history, science, travel, mysteries. A good mix of new fiction and old favorites. Most texts are in excellent shape. The travel books are usually reserved(ie not taken from library) if they deal with the region. I can't say there are childrens picture books, we weren't looking. But there seemed to be everything else.

 

By contrast, dd actually said Royal Princess shouldn't be allowed to call their library a library. It was a teeny room and there was no rhyme or reason to shelving the books.

 

If you love libraries, you will love Cunard!

I wish I could answer your questions. I can tell you that when we called to book our voyage (we had the early brochure that wasn't available to the general public in the website) our TA said the first day of booking the new season is always heavy because everyone is trying to book a kennel. Those voyages and spots are the first to fill.

Disney is not known for price drops, especially during school vacations. The shorter itineraries tend to sell quickly. So if you see something you want, book it! Enjoy your cruise!

A hold is like a reservation. You are not charged in advance but once the hold ends, the room is released. Only by putting down a deposit will the room be assigned to you.

 

Google your cabin number and the ship to see what comes up. I found this site: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/roomreport.cfm?Room=7652 which has lots of useful information.

 

Good luck!