Different Style of Passengers in Different Classes?

[david,Mississauga]

Just the fact that there were two different dining rooms made them feel that there was a caste system at play. The "haves" in the Grills and the "have nots" in the main dining room. They felt that it was very un-democratic.

 

When I read this type of complaint I always think: do these people ever stay in a large hotel, or ride an aeroplane or a train? The entire travel industry divides people into "classes" depending on what they pay for their fare or hotel. Decades ago when just about all liners had First and Tourist, we often travelled in Tourist because either we couldn't afford First or I was too cheap to pay for it. But I never had any resentment for those who dined in the better restaurants and had bigger cabins or suites. When we were/are able to travel in First or Grills we never think of ourselves as better than anyone else. As many others have said, Cunard ships are not really divided into classes as ships used to be.

[AussieVoyager]

Just the fact that there were two different dining rooms made them feel that there was a caste system at play. The "haves" in the Grills and the "have nots" in the main dining room. They felt that it was very un-democratic.

 

I've heard this sort of sentiment here before - do the people who feel this way also feel uncomfortable about travelling on planes that have first and business class as well as economy?

[bazzaw]

Personally, I couldn't care less about all this - and completely understand the analogies of hotels, aircraft travel, etc.

 

There is however one aspect of this situation that I have never heard discussed. This really only applies to QV and QE - and not to QM2. QV and QV are both essentially Vista class ships. These Vista class ships are all of approximately the same size and there are many of them across several different cruiseline brands. HOWEVER - the removal of the areas allocated to the Queens and Princess grill dining areas plus the exclusive Grills deck means that the ship size (as seen by "ordinary" passengers) is reduced. For example, on P&O Arcadia there is at the very top of the ship , a very nice restaurant and bar (Orchid) which is used as the Grill deck on QV and QE. Of course, Orchid on Arcadia can be used by all.

 

The bottom line of all this is that it is not compulsory to sail with Cunard - and it is what it is -- but there are a number of things to consider.

 

Barry

[Cruachan]

When I read this type of complaint I always think: do these people ever stay in a large hotel, or ride an aeroplane or a train? The entire travel industry divides people into "classes" depending on what they pay for their fare or hotel.

 

But, in reality, if the people mentioned by the OP feel that they are being "discriminated" against (and I confess I have encountered individuals with similar attitudes myself), then the analogy extends way beyond the travel industry. For example, when I buy a new camera, I buy the best that my budget will stretch to. But that doesn't mean that it's the best there is. Other people can afford more expensive models - but surely that doesn't mean that the camera manufacturers are discriminating against me by producing models that I can't afford. In life, as on Cunard, you get what you pay for.

 

J

[Pushka]

If you decide that discrimination exists, then will look for actions and behaviors that confirm your position. And while you decide that a particular behavior is a sign of discrimination, others might see that as someone having a bad day.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[milleruszk]

But, in reality, if the people mentioned by the OP feel that they are being "discriminated" against (and I confess I have encountered individuals with similar attitudes myself), then the analogy extends way beyond the travel industry. For example, when I buy a new camera, I buy the best that my budget will stretch to. But that doesn't mean that it's the best there is. Other people can afford more expensive models - but surely that doesn't mean that the camera manufacturers are discriminating against me by producing models that I can't afford. In life, as on Cunard, you get what you pay for.

 

J

 

Exactly Cruachan...well said.

[brigittetom]

Not if the faces on some the passengers I saw on Queen Vic are anything to go by!:D:D:D

 

Well, they can't stop eating...so I guess that would be the winner. :D:D

Who Knew????:D

 

Actually, surprisingly, there is more discrimination on the QM2 aside from actual cabin purchase and all the perks that do affect other passengers.

 

I used to love spending the evenings in the slot machine area until the last few cruises. The area is pretty much dead now. I started spending my evenings elsewhere and going back to the casino later. On the Holiday trip, I went in after dinner, left, and came back later in the evening. At 1:30 the casino staff announces that they will be closing and all staff will be leaving. Every evening, at closing time, a Lady arrived announcing that she Is Here. The Casino Mgr. and a few of the staff stayed to accommodate her. She, at one point, stated that the noise from my slot machine annoyed her. I did keep playing because it wasn't my job to accommodate her. On the last evening, when the casino actually has to shut down, including the slot machines, she showed up again, at 2am, and the Mgr, including staff had to stay while she played. They couldn't evict me, because after all, the casino was open. This is a lady paying premium price to be on the QM2....but in my opinion, we are paying premuim price also and I have to wonder why the staff has to suffer because of one persons whim. I'm guessing that's discrimination.

[bazzaw]

Could it be that the Casino staff get some renumeration in some way from the Casino takings?? A commission or something?? If the Casino has been slow - and they now have a LIVE HOT one willing and able to lose money, then perhaps they are only too happy to accommodate her. Just a theory. :)

 

Barry

[shinyshoes]

Well, they can't stop eating...so I guess that would be the winner. :D:D

Who Knew????:D

 

Actually, surprisingly, there is more discrimination on the QM2 aside from actual cabin purchase and all the perks that do affect other passengers.

 

I used to love spending the evenings in the slot machine area until the last few cruises. The area is pretty much dead now. I started spending my evenings elsewhere and going back to the casino later. On the Holiday trip, I went in after dinner, left, and came back later in the evening. At 1:30 the casino staff announces that they will be closing and all staff will be leaving. Every evening, at closing time, a Lady arrived announcing that she Is Here. The Casino Mgr. and a few of the staff stayed to accommodate her. She, at one point, stated that the noise from my slot machine annoyed her. I did keep playing because it wasn't my job to accommodate her. On the last evening, when the casino actually has to shut down, including the slot machines, she showed up again, at 2am, and the Mgr, including staff had to stay while she played. They couldn't evict me, because after all, the casino was open. This is a lady paying premium price to be on the QM2....but in my opinion, we are paying premuim price also and I have to wonder why the staff has to suffer because of one persons whim. I'm guessing that's discrimination.

 

There was a lady?, can't remember if it was on the QE2 or the Caronia who ALWAYS walked to the directly front of any queue for a tour bus or shuttle and who sent her companion down to the theatre every night at about 6pm to reserve the two front centre seats. When I went to protest this queue jumping habit I was told by an employee, also in the queue, that it would do no good. The lady? was a privileged Cunard passenger she never queued and she would cause an enormous scene and the result would be the same.

The Cruise director would suck up to her shamelessly during the theatre productions and any act, particularly male singers, would quite pointedly come down to serenade her, obviously under instruction. Quite sad really that anyone should be so desperately insecure.

Happy Days when we all knew our place.

SS

[bazzaw]

There was a lady?,

 

That was no lady ! That was my wife!! :)

 

Barry

[Mid-Atlantic Ridge]

Could it be that the Casino staff get some renumeration in some way from the Casino takings?? A commission or something?? If the Casino has been slow - and they now have a LIVE HOT one willing and able to lose money, then perhaps they are only too happy to accommodate her. Just a theory. :)

 

Barry

 

Another theory is that she is one of the big tippers, the crew know who they are and the worthwhile reward that will come.

 

MA-R

[Mrs. Wilburforce]

I can't tell you how many times I heard this while on my Princess sailing.

"We just HATE the class system on Cunard" was the most common complaint. I reached a point where I figured I'd just give them what they wanted to hear and proceeded to complain bitterly about the metal accordion gates that we had to break down with the help of a bench and some strong working class Irish lads. :D

 

 

We have met people, on other cruise lines, that say they will never sail on Cunard because they think that Cunard discriminates against passengers who are not booked in the grills. On our 4 times on Cunard we have always booked Brittania and have never felt discrimated against. In America everyone is on the lookout for any type of discrimination. It has almost become a national past time. :)

[Cruachan]

I can't tell you how many times I heard this while on my Princess sailing.

"We just HATE the class system on Cunard" was the most common complaint. I reached a point where I figured I'd just give them what they wanted to hear and proceeded to complain bitterly about the metal accordion gates that we had to break down with the help of a bench and some strong working class Irish lads. :D

 

You should have mentioned the rowing duties as well!

 

:D:D

 

J

[PortOffPort]

The "haves" in the Grills and the "have nots" in the main dining room. They felt that it was very un-democratic.

 

I always feel sorry for the Grills people. You meet interesting people in the large dining area where the Grills (tho I never dined there) seem so segregated and private in comparison. It's also a nice parade of patrons and staff. I like that end of it. For gluttons of the finest palates, Grills make sense, too... I'd probably spend a few days trying everything bizarre and possible, then revert to cheeseburgers or something.

 

Mind you, the Grills rooms are incredible, but if you aren't going to be in them much, they are profligate.

 

And aside from that, I don't see how Cunard discriminates except by giving the high-payers their own dining room and unlimited food... which they paid for with their large accommodations. Seems like reality off-ship but on ship.

[Sahaj]

I always feel sorry for the Grills people. You meet interesting people in the large dining area where the Grills (tho I never dined there) seem so segregated and private in comparison. It's also a nice parade of patrons and staff. I like that end of it. For gluttons of the finest palates, Grills make sense, too... I'd probably spend a few days trying everything bizarre and possible, then revert to cheeseburgers or something.

 

Mind you, the Grills rooms are incredible, but if you aren't going to be in them much, they are profligate.

 

And aside from that, I don't see how Cunard discriminates except by giving the high-payers their own dining room and unlimited food... which they paid for with their large accommodations. Seems like reality off-ship but on ship.

Cunard is not the only line to "separate" it's passengers. Norwegian has the Villas with private elevator access, full personal butler service, private restaurant and box in the main theater area.

Personally having travelled on both, I prefer Cunard. I have dined with friends in the Brittania, as well as invited friends to the Queens Grill. Like on many ships, having a suite puts you into another level of service & comfort. For me it has nothing to do with separation. On Seabourn, a very small group travel in all suite accommodations. Very intimate (as you really get to know everyone).

[Smokeyham]

Cunard is not the only line to "separate" it's passengers. Norwegian has the Villas with private elevator access, full personal butler service, private restaurant and box in the main theater area.

Personally having travelled on both, I prefer Cunard. I have dined with friends in the Brittania, as well as invited friends to the Queens Grill. Like on many ships, having a suite puts you into another level of service & comfort. For me it has nothing to do with separation. On Seabourn, a very small group travel in all suite accommodations. Very intimate (as you really get to know everyone).

 

It seems only fair that if people are paying more that they should get more. I've also had the chance to travel with the extra priviledges on Norwegian. It was nice having our own restaurant for breakfast, and other extra amenities.

 

I don't think that is "discrmination," it is just additional services in return for additional payment.

[brigittetom]

Could it be that the Casino staff get some renumeration in some way from the Casino takings?? A commission or something?? If the Casino has been slow - and they now have a LIVE HOT one willing and able to lose money, then perhaps they are only too happy to accommodate her. Just a theory. :)

 

Barry[/quote

 

Barry, you are probably right on. BUT...all passengers should be treated equally in public areas. I don't care what anyone pays for their suites...we all paid for our trip on Cunard and should never be made to feel that "others" are more important. I would think that Cunard would realise that. :rolleyes: Just a thought because, actually, our trips on the QM2 have been wonderful. :)

[philayl]

Class divide has never been a problem for me, as I lie on the recliner, pint of best bitter in hand, and attired in my best knotted hankie, khaki shorts, string vest, and shoes and socks, I will converse freely with the lower orders, that is of course, provided they have done their stint on the oars first.:D:D:D

[ToadOfToadHall]

Class divide has never been a problem for me, as I lie on the recliner, pint of best bitter in hand, and attired in my best knotted hankie, khaki shorts, string vest, and shoes and socks.:D:D:D

 

I see you are from Liverpool, so from your description of yourself, you must be Landed Gentry :D

[philayl]

I see you are from Liverpool, so from your description of yourself, you must be Landed Gentry :D

Quite right my good man:p:D:D

[ToadOfToadHall]

Quite right my good man:p:D:D

 

Actually, I'm dangerously close myself - South Wirral :)

[bazzaw]

Class divide has never been a problem for me, as I lie on the recliner, pint of best bitter in hand, and attired in my best knotted hankie, khaki shorts, string vest, and shoes and socks, I will converse freely with the lower orders, that is of course, provided they have done their stint on the oars first.:D:D:D

 

Your name isn't Onslow by any chance - is it?

 

Barry

[philayl]

Actually, I'm dangerously close myself - South Wirral :)

I am actually in North Wirral, but I don't let that cramp my style!;):D