Jonem2001

How interesting. I’ve not had the same experience, but I was potentially on the same cruise - we were on the Southampton-Hamburg leg, was that you too, or were you on the Hamburg-Southampton return? I’ve checked my credit card and alas, not so lucky. It sounds like your experience may be unique to you… although I can’t think of a likely justification!

Oh, that’s an interesting one. I’ve been fortunate to travel on QE and QV in close succession at two points, in 2015/16 and then again in 2022. They are very very similar, there’s no denying it. I came away the first time preferring the QE, primarily because of the slightly lighter wood decor in the atrium, and also the longer rear deck space on Deck 9. Since then, QV has had her refit to ‘match’, and I actually prefer her placement of the pool in that space, which hasn’t moved to match QE - it’s made for a much bigger uninterrupted flat space at the very rear of the deck. The decor on QE didn’t wow me as much the second time around either; it was much closer a preference. But I think I do prefer the decor of QV’s Britannia Club dining room to QE; which is a minor and subjective issue, I grant you, but we’re talking about comparing cruise ships here, so humour me! You could also differentiate on the placement of the Voyage Sales Office, which threw me both times, and the condition/appearance of the newer style Queen’s Grills cabins inserted into QV in her refit, but I don’t consider those material to me (although I know those cabins are very popular for precisely that reason!). On balance, I’d opt for QV over QE, but it’s a close match and I’d take either over any other vessel afloat!

The last time I was in Aurora my partner and I enjoyed the Glasshouse so much that we usually had a drink there before dinner in the MDR. As the cruise progressed we developed a worrying habit of ordering a ‘pre-dinner dinner’ of a couple of the tapas-style smaller dishes to go with our wine… and thinking on it now, I wouldn’t say no to a post-MDR cheeseboard there either! It was totally the sea air which shrank our clothes on that cruise, rather than any excessive consumption. 😂 Happy birthday to your Lass, TigerB!

On the card front, the casino desk will sell you branded packs for $2, charged to your onboard account. I think I learned that on this board! On a cruise last year on QV I popped by and picked up a few packs, which were sealed and signed out by the casino operator as attached. Great value, I thought, and a lovely inexpensive souvenir. Two of the packs (unused) went on to be stocking stuffers for fellow cruisers this past Christmas!

QA H427 Oct 27-Nov 3 2024 Southampton to Southampton ‘Atlantic Coast And Iberia’ Oct 28: Gala Evening - Black and White Oct 31: Gala Evening - Masquerade (appropriate for Halloween!) QA H502 Jan 5-7 2025 Southampton to Hamburg Jan 8: Gala Evening (NB: this is not branded as Gala Optional, unlike my equivalent V402 voyage this weekend)

From memory, the only difference I noticed was the Queens Grill suite refreshments - I was only offered a single bottle of spirits on an two-nighter from Hamburg instead of the more usual choice of two. On a subsequent five-night cruise, it was back to two again, so I assume it was intentional due to length. In Princess Grill, I haven’t noticed any differences. You also wouldn’t get the perks of a longer cruise which apply independently of class, of course - no cocktail party, or wine tasting. But in all other respects, the Cunard ‘offer’ is consistent whether it’s a shortie or a world cruise! Personally, I love a short cruise in the Grills (or indeed in any class!), and have been on several. I’d rather take several shorter trips than a single long one! It’s a great way to see if you think a combination of a ship, cabin, dining arrangements etc. are to your liking, and you’re never waiting too long to be back at sea…

Yes, I’d agree - I did the Regal as a return-to-cruising ‘Staycation’ in late ‘21 and the Sky’s Retreat last year was a much improved offer. The pool was more sheltered, and the upper deck (on top of the added cabins) wasn’t as windy somehow. I expected the pool to feel claustrophobic but it really wasn’t. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it regardless - loving this LIVE and the fun you’re having!

I agree! The P&O ‘Britannia’, a Royal Class variant, doesn’t have an outside space up front either, but it DOES have a bar (‘The Crow’s Nest’) two decks above the bridge, directly below the Sanctuary equivalent (the ‘Retreat’, also a pay venue). Great views, good drinks. And no wind! Really missed that space on Sky Princess, which I felt was an improved version in every other respect.

QV Jan 7-9 2024 (V402) Southampton to Hamburg Jan 7: Smart Attire Jan 8: Gala Optional Jan 9: Smart Attire I’m also on two cruises released in the same window which are showing as ‘The dress code will be available closer to departure’: QA Oct 27-Nov 3 2024 (H427) QA Jan 5-7 2025 (H502)

I’ve attached a couple of photos from a previous cruise - I would describe them as an alcoholic milkshake; but that doesn’t do them justice (I don’t actually care for milkshakes, and I loved these). I’ve not had one on P&O, but I don’t see why a competent bartender with a blender couldn’t rustle one up - although I’m not sure how ‘off menu’ the bars are allowed to get. A challenge for someone, perhaps!

The attached image gives the recent arrangements for leaving QV at Southampton, although from memory this is identical to every sailing I’ve taken with Cunard since resumption of service. I suspect your two options are to either register for self disembarkation before the commencement of normal arrangements, retaining your luggage, or enquire in advance about being assigned as a pair to the first 8am slot. Others may be able to chime in with your chances of success on the latter! For what it’s worth, I was both Platinum and a Grills guest and was allocated a later (10am) slot, which I was content with.

Interesting! In Princess Grill last week, on the same three-night cruise as the original poster, the tables were numbered, but the cabin cards were not - we were simply instructed to arrive at the restaurant and we would be seated. Given the speed and smoothness with which we were seated, I suspect the table had been preallocated (or at least a pool identified from which ours was the next in the list), but I do think it creates an impression of ‘up for grabs’ that cannot be realistic when there are overlapping bookable cruise lengths such as those that have occurred with QVs recent itineraries. I imagine the black art of table allocation must involve a descending order of prioritisation based on the elements mentioned previously (grade, party size, known personalities, possibly loyalty level) but I suspect passengers on longer cruises are fitted in first and the shorter lengths are slotted in around them so as to minimise disruption/allow for tables to be moved for subsequent voyages. I don’t envy the Maitre’D this job one bit! Anyway, assuming the OP had the same experience we did, with the invitation not indicating that tables even WERE numbered or pre-assigned, I can see how the OP could quite legitimately have thought ‘oh, lovely, I can turn up and ask’ in the same way one might do so in a restaurant on land. On another note, I personally found the service levels on V320C to be just as good as I’ve experienced in any grade on any Cunard ship on this voyage, but I’m a serial ‘shortie’ taker - so maybe I’m missing out on the rapport of a longer voyage! I’ll find out on QA next year. I have no complaints to date!

In case these are of interest, here are the bears and other stuffed novelties available in the shop on QV today, August 5th 2023. They range in price from $18 (the dog) through $22.50 (the ship) to $24.25 (either bear).

One of today’s lunch dishes in Princess Grill is ‘Brown Rice and Veggie Balls’, if that saves you a trip and/or a question - the first time I’ve seen it on a menu, I think. At least it suggests they keep brown rice to hand, if nothing else.

I’ve boarded QV today, and the Bee Trap Bellini is indeed still on offer!