$10p.p to eat at night Kings Court area

[cruisincarly]

Hi rrunner. Thanks for that info. BTW, I agree the desserts are good (too good in fact ;)). Cheers, Salacia

 

Ha, I have the opposite opinion: thought the entrees were excellent, but the desserts were less than stellar. Overall, quite enjoyed the Britannia though.

 

In any case, it would indeed be sad if the buffet portion of K.C. was subject to the $10 charge at dinner. We were on with our 18 month old who was going through a particularly picky phase, and there's no way he could have eaten in the MDR with us. As it was, everything worked out perfectly -- early dinner for him in the buffet, off to the nursery to sleep and mom & dad get their late-seating dinner in peace in Britannia.

 

If they do apply that charge to the buffet, I see an increase in poorly behaving children in Britannia, which wouldn't make anyone happy.

[Ray66]

We don't think the $10 charge is for the buffet but just for the a la carte waiter-served speciality parts of Kings Court (or Lido).

[rrunner]

We don't think the $10 charge is for the buffet but just for the a la carte waiter-served speciality parts of Kings Court (or Lido).

 

 

I agree - I do not think Cunard will ever charge for the buffet section. It is very popular in the late evening for snacks and coffee - it just would not work.

[Gugi]

Hi all

 

I have read the posts where you say that $10 is a reasonable charge for the alternative dining restaurants but my grouse is that we booked our cruise in Jan this year and, at that time, eating in an alternative venue was included in the price. We are using our hard earned savings to book a trip of a lifetme sailing from Southampton to Sydney and we had looked forward to having a change of scenery for eating on our seven week trip. Now when we think of how much the tips will cost and a half bottle of wine each night then $10 per person seems a lot - especially as I said we thought it was included in the price. I really feel that Cunard are in breach of contract.:mad:

[retafcruiser]

On the maiden Carribean voyage of QM2, even Todd English had NO service charge. All that was required to dine there was a reservation. Times have surely changed.

[foodsvcmgr]

I have two objections to the $10 fee which I think others may share:

 

First is charging for something that was previously free without any

demonstrable improvements.

 

Second is the nature of the venue itself. You can dress it up, charge a fee, make it sound exotic, but sadly it's still the sterile and rather

unloved Kings Court beneath it all.

 

I think if the underutilized Winter Garden were converted to something

like the new QE's Veranda Grill for example, few would object to a fee

of even $20 or $30.

[keithm]

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO Salacia: Why are people complaining so much about a surcharge on a luxury cruise line? There are lots of reasons people would want to eat there: It is made differently than in the MDR, and or different choices, plus the time factor (doing something and don't want to change). A $10 surcharge for a service charge is not unreasonable. Todd English charges $30, other cruise lines charge $30 to $40 to eat in the specialty resturant.

Actually, Cunard is luxury only in the Grills. Still, however the restaurants in the Kings Court(at night only)really are not really gourmet. I only recommend the "Lotus tasting" or chef's table(kind of like the food network)I just feel that unlike todd English(real gourmet)you should not have to pay extra for food that's ok, but not outstanding. A lot of folks don't like to go "formal" & these restarants give the chance to have a pretty decent meal without having to dress to the 9's,though I've seen plenty who do(Guilty here!)We've done the Lotus tasting menu 4 times & the chef's table once.

[Casino Player]

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO Fellow Cruisers: I had a few questions for Cunard so I gave them a call before I went to work. I got home from work a little while ago. This is what Cunard told me: "The $10 surcharge will be instituted on 01/13/2011." They also said that the Kings Court area will be changed somewhat.

If you wish to take it at face value, fine. If you don't believe it that is fine too. Maybe if you call them you will get a different answer. This I don't know.

 

 

[southwestie]

Maybe, I do know that a small change is planed in the KC along with the the new matress and carpet and f;at screen TV refubishment that is going on right now on board the ship.

 

It was interesting to watch as it was happening on deck 5

[hampshire]

Maybe, I do know that a small change is planed in the KC along with the the new matress and carpet and f;at screen TV refubishment that is going on right now on board the ship.

 

It was interesting to watch as it was happening on deck 5

 

That is good to hear. Although they do keep her in great shape. We will be on deck 5 in-hull in January. Were you in a refurbished stateroom yourselves and if so what is different.

[southwestie]

That is good to hear. Although they do keep her in great shape. We will be on deck 5 in-hull in January. Were you in a refurbished stateroom yourselves and if so what is different.

 

 

We had new beds and new matresses, this has been going on since July when we were on the ship, this time carpets and flat screen TVs were taken onboard to replace the old ones.

 

Now, how this happens is a mystery, do they pop into a cabin when people are out and replace the TV, I dont know, I imagine they are doing a few cabins at a time when they are not sold, it would be interesting to know, but it is taking place as we speak.

 

what is the difference, well just the beds really, the carpets wont be noticed that much, maybe the odd burn mark or stain wont be noticed now and the flat screen TV will be better, I just wish the interactive part of the TV would come back.

 

maybe someone has stayed in cabin that has been refurbished fully

[sunshinesdad]

I would be most unhappy paying such a surcharge - but were I a Grill passenger, I would be disgusted at having to pay extra for Kings Court considering the hefty extra cost of the Grill Stateroom and dining

D

[southwestie]

I would be most unhappy paying such a surcharge - but were I a Grill passenger, I would be disgusted at having to pay extra for Kings Court considering the hefty extra cost of the Grill Stateroom and dining

D

 

 

Good point, Im sure that the frills would not have to pay an extra fee

[sunshinesdad]

Good point, Im sure that the frills would not have to pay an extra fee

 

Hi Rob, I feel they will still apply surcharge to frill passengers.

We are in Civitavechia Hotel waiting to board QV tomorrow for East Med trip.

Hope you are both well

D

[chaosclub]

Just had an e-mail back from Cunard, they are delaying the implimentation of this charge until the start of the 2011 World Cruise departing in January. So to all of you who contacted Cunard a small victory for us but still a silly decision for the future.

[Casino Player]

Casino Player, perhaps people are complaining exactly because it is a luxury cruise line---meaning the fare is higher than most even before adding the surcharges for fuel, daily hotel and dining charge, beverage charges +15% auto gratuity (soda, bottled water and adult beverages). One more surcharge is one more too many.

 

As Jimsgirl wrote, a family of four would pay $40 dollars plus beverage costs to eat in one of the alternative restaurants that previously carried no surcharge. Faced with additional costs, no doubt many will eat in the main dining room instead. While I personally prefer the MDR, I'm sorry for those who will have to "settle" by eating there, especially if it makes them and those around them unhappy.

 

Lastly, fares have increased for those who book well in advance, on-board prices have increased, surcharges have been added---yet neither the service or quality has increased IMHO. And I wonder what the next surcharge will be if this newest one is not met with resistance.

 

Regards,

Salacia

 

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO Salacia: I have heard that certain classes of staterooms or an extra fee on some cruise lines will get you a reserved good seat in the theatre on some cruise lines.

Prices for cruises will go up and/or down based on supply and demand. I don't think that cruise lines particularly care what people think. After all if cruisers are unhappy then they always have the option of seeking out one of their competitors.

[thecatcher]

:confused:I wonder what makes Cunard think the $10 surcharge will sell...will the hours for dining there be different from the MDR? Is wine included in the charge? Is there some variation in the dress code that might be attractive to those who don't wish to follow the dress code in the main dining rooms? :eek:

The same reasoning that makes outrageous charges for trips, wine and $25 for a photo. As there are no shortage of takers expect Cunard to squeeze the customer.:)

[southwestie]

Hi Rob, I feel they will still apply surcharge to frill passengers.

We are in Civitavechia Hotel waiting to board QV tomorrow for East Med trip.

Hope you are both well

D

 

You know I really should use spell checker, pleased your waiting to board QV, have a wonderful time, we are both quite well thanks, catch up with you soon

[southwestie]

The same reasoning that makes outrageous charges for trips, wine and $25 for a photo. As there are no shortage of takers expect Cunard to squeeze the customer.:)

 

 

Your quite right, we did however find a tour this year that was same price private as cunard charged,only the one though.and $25 for a photo is crazy and yet people buy a lot of them.

 

I know many who board the ship and never buy the photo, never buy a drink and as for tips thats another thread lol

[capnpugwash]

I would be most unhappy paying such a surcharge - but were I a Grill passenger, I would be disgusted at having to pay extra for Kings Court considering the hefty extra cost of the Grill Stateroom and dining

D

 

If you were a Grill passenger, why on earth would you choose to eat in the King's Court. It is utterly illogical.

[sunshinesdad]

You know I really should use spell checker, pleased your waiting to board QV, have a wonderful time, we are both quite well thanks, catch up with you soon

 

Rob - I genuinely thought "frills" was intentional!! I will use it for evermore when referring to Grills

You have coined a new phrase!

[southwestie]

Rob - I genuinely thought "frills" was intentional!! I will use it for evermore when referring to Grills

You have coined a new phrase!

 

Yes maybe I have.

 

Capt, Many grills passengers go down and use the Lotus,La Piazza in the evening, many dine with friends who are able to go to the grills as well.,

[capnpugwash]

Yes maybe I have.

 

Capt, Many grills passengers go down and use the Lotus,La Piazza in the evening, many dine with friends who are able to go to the grills as well.,

 

Imho they must be barking.

[pepperrn]

Imho they must be barking.

 

Not just Barking cap'n, but Dagenham.

The subject of QG passengers dining in Todd English has been mentioned before, many here suggesting there was no advantage in doing so, far better food and service, at no extra charge, being available in the Queens Grill Restaurant.

There would be even less reason for a QG passenger to dine in the Kings Court. Anything on the menus in KC could be ordered in QG if desired.

However it may be that one or two QG passengers might, on one occasion, have visited KC, after being asked to dine with other passengers who weren't in QG cabins.

Unlike Todd English, this would have cost everyone present nothing extra (for the moment).

But I bet they only did it the once and were pleased to return to their usual restaurant.

[southwestie]

It might be interesting to hear from anyone in QG that may have dined in Lotus or la Piazza and the reasons why?