Cunard: Classy or Pretentious

[laktex]

I stand by my point, though, that other lines have all passengers eating in the same main dining restaurants and that specialty restaurants are also open to all. Will Cunard be able to continue such dining distinctions? Perhaps. Then, my questions are: why/why not?

 

Absolutely they will be able to continue. If I travel on an aircraft do I prefer economy, premium economy, business or first - I prefer first but will probably do business or premium depending on cost. Business is usually full and its not all upgrades. If I am sailing Cunard do I prefer Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess or Queens - I prefer Queens Grill and if the price is right I will do it. There is not a shortage of people that can afford or want a special treat and the differentials will, in my opinion, survive.

[fishywood]

This thread has become so much more than I intended. I admit that my title was provocative; however, I had posted it after reading some of the ship's reviews and other threads...I know full well that there will always be a hierarchy of service on any ship having traveled in suites on other lines. I stand by my point, though, that other lines have all passengers eating in the same main dining restaurants and that specialty restaurants are also open to all. Will Cunard be able to continue such dining distinctions? Perhaps. Then, my questions are: why/why not?

 

While I have never chosen to book a Grills accomodation or a suite on any other cruise line I do understand your view of Cunard's Grills as unique to the industry and find the question of their sustainability fair game for discussion. What I absolutely do not understand is your feelings that the Grills are somehow outside the acceptable norm of dining perks given to those willing to pay the fare for a premium cabin category. Celebrity and NCL also have restricted restaurants and lounges; nearly every line has a separate breakfast service for their suite passengers; and there are more permutations of the now-standard near-daily free hors d'oeuvres/free or discounted beverages given to suite guests and/or high ranking loyalty club members than can be counted. And Cunard's specialty restaurants (Todd English or Verandah) are open to all. Yet somehow the "heirarchy of service" you have availed yourself of on your other cruises becomes less than palatable here to you based on what you have read about Cunard. Perhaps I should retract the sentiment of my previous post that you should ignore the "Cunard is not for you" knee-jerk responses from earlier in this thread; it now appears to me that you are trying to talk yourself out of booking.

Edited January 28, 2014 by fishywood

[turquoise 6]

Having cruised many times on Celebrity, Azamara, Princess, and Holland America, my husband and I are now thinking of taking a Transatlantic cruise on the Queen Victoria. I have just read some of the recent threads and have been struck by what I am interpreting as snobbery. My husband has a tux, and before we retired we were at many black tie charity functions. We seem to be beyond that now and, although, we dress smartly--suit and blazer for my husband, and dressy outfits for me, we do not want the hassle of hauling formal evening wear around the globe or renting a tux for my husband. So, will we find Cunard too stiff and snobby or are there less pretentious people on board?

You know when people have "class" , it means they dress well, have manners,

Are respectful , "sure of them selves"

And they are "Cunarders"

Welcome on board

[cruisetrail]

. Celebrity and NCL also have restricted restaurants and lounges; nearly every line has a separate breakfast service for their suite passengers; and there are more permutations of the now-standard near-daily free hors d'oeuvres/free or discounted beverages given to suite guests and/or high ranking loyalty club members than can be counted.

 

No one should confuse Cunard with Celebrity or NCL/MSC - for different reasons though...

Cunard ships are one class ships.

Same related to Celebrity.

Both lines offer various "perks" for their suite passengers as was rightfully mentioned above (dining privileges, dedicated lounges, upscale room service).

However, Cunard does it in more elegant and sophisticated way paying respect to Cunard/White Star glorious traditions.

 

NCL/MSC is a different story.

 

It's a principal, fundamental mistake to confuse suite perks with a class system.

 

An example of a "sort of a class system" are so-caled "Haven" on NCL and "Yacht Club" on MSC that are really separated enclaves advertised as "ship within a ship concept". Although obnoxious and rudimentary, this is in fact a class system.

 

Needless to say that both lines offer generally lower grade mass market product (crowded mega ships, minimum public space pp, average food included in the price, party/casino cruises, "kids sail free", etc.).

 

How to provide decent life on board in these conditions?

The answer: faux exclisivity enclaves that take up premium parts of the ships including principal public lounges, sun decks & pools - a third world model of luxury.

 

Lines like Cunard or HAL simply don't need this segregation because the product delivered to everyone on the ship is of high quality.

The whole ship is like "Yacht Club"!

 

It's not the first time we see an interpretation of a myth of a "class system" on Cunard.:D

It comes from posters that don't know what Cunard product really is and how it stands in comparison with other lines.:)

Edited January 28, 2014 by cruisetrail

[eatsallinsects]

[quote=Salacia;41464027

 

Anyone who thinks only Cunard has different venues for suite passengers is simply ignoring facts.

 

**********************************

Or was not aware, having traveled on no other ships than Cunard?

[Salacia]

**********************************

Or was not aware, having traveled on no other ships than Cunard?

 

True, but having limited experience does not mean one is confined to limited knowledge of what goes on elsewhere, especially when we can so easily do research on the internet :)

 

As pertains to cruise lines, the different categories and amenities available are specified on the cruise line website. Personally, I've found answers to questions about cruises on ships I wasn't familiar with information given freely by experienced cruisers on various Cruise Critic forums.

 

BTW, my comment which you quoted was in direct response to the statement made by the OP "..other lines have all passengers eating in the same main dining restaurants" - and no matter how many ships we have experienced personally, that statement is inaccurate - as has been illustrated by several posters.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Salacia

[brigittetom]

 

Lines like Cunard or HAL simply don't need this segregation because the product delivered to everyone on the ship is of high quality.

The whole ship is like "Yacht Club"!

)

 

Exactly. We never leave feeling as if we've been treated as second best. :)

[fishywood]

It's a principal, fundamental mistake to confuse suite perks with a class system.

...

It's not the first time we see an interpretation of a myth of a "class system" on Cunard.:D

It comes from posters that don't know what Cunard product really is and how it stands in comparison with other lines.:)

 

crusietrail: Please do not imply that your above criticism applies to me when nothing could be further from the truth. Like you, I--and a page worth of responders before me--am trying to convice the original poster of the error of his beliefs. Next time you respond could you kindly use more care in quoting the actual post you are taking issue with rather than simply the person who responded most recently before you.

[Amyracecar]

Anyone willing to pay the price of a suite is within their rights to expect perks, regardless of which ship and particular system. Otherwise you're paying thousands more for just a few feet of extra space. You pay the price you want to pay, and anyone is able to do that regardless of their status in life. It's not a class system, just a pricing system.

 

That said, I don't imagine it's free of people who think they're owed something in life just because they've got a few pounds to spare. No more or less than in any other posh hotel or restaurant in the world though. Thankfully they're the exception rather than the norm.

 

 

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[southwestie]

You know when people have "class" , it means they dress well, have manners,

Are respectful , "sure of them selves"

And they are "Cunarders"

Welcome on board

 

 

If Only that was true, sadly along way from the truth a long way

[cruisetrail]

crusietrail: Please do not imply that your above criticism applies to me when nothing could be further from the truth. Like you, I--and a page worth of responders before me--am trying to convice the original poster of the error of his beliefs. Next time you respond could you kindly use more care in quoting the actual post you are taking issue with rather than simply the person who responded most recently before you.

 

No criticism applied to you. :)

I quoted you to continue the discussion, not to criticize you. I could have quoted, let's say, Samuel Cunard..:)

Your text prompted me to underline the difference for those who don't know. It's addressed to CC readers first of all.

[turquoise 6]

If Only that was true, sadly along way from the truth a long way

I can say from my experience on Cunard

That I have meet respectful , with class,

Interesting.

Also when I sail, I leave my"baggage at home":D

[southwestie]

I can say from my experience on Cunard

That I have meet respectful , with class,

Interesting.

Also when I sail, I leave my"baggage at home":D

 

 

Yes I have as many, many times, however it does not apply to everyone, there are times , well there are times :eek:

[Dunelm]

No that's not true. Celebrity aqua suite passengers don't eat in the MDR but exclusively in Blu. No one else has access. On RCL suite passengers have exclusive access to another restaurant for breakfast.

 

Actually, suite passengers have access to Blu. But, otherwise all passengers are in the main dining room. Aqua passengers are not paying the top prices, either, but like a more "healthy" menu.

[Dunelm]

To clarify my previous remark: Not ALL passengers eat in the main dining room on Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Azamara. Some prefer the specialty restaurants; and some Celebrity cruisers are in Aqua Class that is a venue for those who want a more healthy cruise with spa and special menu facilities. Frankly, I could not care less about the hierarchy on ships--Cunard or others--however, I will always be intrigued by what I think are "cultural norms" in different environments. Right now, I am intrigued by the responses I evoked. In many respects I think it is superb that so many people love the formality of Cunard. On the other hand, I wonder how long Cunard can keep that cultural norm. I am not knocking it; I am just curious. So, let's take a deep breath. Apparently, Cunard is classy! And I love that.

[bazzaw]

I also don't believe that there is any kind of class system on Cunard ships- just a system whereby people are able to choose the standard/grade of accommodation and dining on board that they want and are willing to pay for.

 

I also like the idea of separate dining rooms for Princess and Queens grill passengers-- that way, I know where they are!!! :)

 

Barry

[Pushka]

Actually, suite passengers have access to Blu. But, otherwise all passengers are in the main dining room. Aqua passengers are not paying the top prices, either, but like a more "healthy" menu.

 

I did say suite.

[southwestie]

I also don't believe that there is any kind of class system on Cunard ships- just a system whereby people are able to choose the standard/grade of accommodation and dining on board that they want and are willing to pay for.

 

I also like the idea of separate dining rooms for Princess and Queens grill passengers-- that way, I know where they are!!! :)

 

Barry

 

Too funny:):):D

[pmb1]

… I also like the idea of separate dining rooms for Princess and Queens grill passengers-- that way, I know where they are!!! :)

 

Barry

And on Queen Mary 2 you can walk around and around on Deck 7 and keep an eye on them.

[gentlemancruiser]

And on Queen Mary 2 you can walk around and around on Deck 7 and keep an eye on them.

 

Just don't tap on the windows because it might frighten them

Edited January 29, 2014 by gentlemancruiser
spelling

[pmb1]

Just don't tap on the windows because it might frighten them

No, the tapping is easy to ignore, but the making of faces isn't.

[Salacia]

To clarify my previous remark: Not ALL passengers eat in the main dining room on Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Azamara. Some prefer the specialty restaurants; and some Celebrity cruisers are in Aqua Class that is a venue for those who want a more healthy cruise with spa and special menu facilities. Frankly, I could not care less about the hierarchy on ships--Cunard or others--however, I will always be intrigued by what I think are "cultural norms" in different environments. Right now, I am intrigued by the responses I evoked. In many respects I think it is superb that so many people love the formality of Cunard. On the other hand, I wonder how long Cunard can keep that cultural norm. I am not knocking it; I am just curious. So, let's take a deep breath. Apparently, Cunard is classy! And I love that.

 

Having cruised many times on Celebrity, Azamara, Princess, and Holland America, my husband and I are now thinking of taking a Transatlantic cruise on the Queen Victoria. I have just read some of the recent threads and have been struck by what I am interpreting as snobbery. My husband has a tux, and before we retired we were at many black tie charity functions. We seem to be beyond that now and, although, we dress smartly--suit and blazer for my husband, and dressy outfits for me, we do not want the hassle of hauling formal evening wear around the globe or renting a tux for my husband. So, will we find Cunard too stiff and snobby or are there less pretentious people on board?

 

Okay, folk! I had no idea that when I posted this thread "Classy or Pretentious" it would hit a nerve. Having read all the comments, and having read other threads and reviews, I have come to the conclusion that Cunard is probably no different to any of the other cruise lines. That is, there are classy and pretentious people everywhere, and a heap that fall somewhere in between. But, and I may get flamed for saying this, it may be that Cunard actually helps to promote some of the pretention by sorting its passengers into so many different dining categories. Most cruise lines these days have everyone, regardless of stateroom expense, eating in the same venues. On the other hand, there will always be some kind of pecking order in any context. That's life! So, please try not to take offense, and let's embrace differences and the right to question--it's what makes life so interesting.

 

 

 

 

Delightful that you are intrigued by the responses you evoked. Have you considered that your stated facts have varied in reply? I don't know why you continue in this vein, especially since you stated that you "could care less about the hierarchy on ships -Cunard or others"?

 

Your original post indicated that you were considering a trans-Atlantic crossing on Queen Victoria. Forgive me for repeating myself, but what is the date of the crossing you were considering?

 

As intriguing as it may be to discuss "cultural norms", perhaps of more appealing interest on a cruise forum is to discuss the voyage/cruise/trip/journey-whatever you want to call it, that you are considering booking. Other than that, my interest in this thread has been exhausted. Cheers! -S.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Salacia

[Underwatr]

Forgive me for repeating myself, but what is the date of the crossing you were considering?

The only QV itinerary that I'd consider a Transatlantic is the 20 Jan 2015 departure from Soton to Fort Lauderdale.

[Dunelm]

Salacia: My original question had to do with whether or not Cunard was classy or pretentious. I have not changed that original query. I am not concerned about hierarchies. There is a difference between hierarchy and pretention. Obviously, there can be hierarchies without pretention. Several comments on this site have confirmed that fact.

[laktex]

The only QV itinerary that I'd consider a Transatlantic is the 20 Jan 2015 departure from Soton to Fort Lauderdale.

 

Not a "conventional" Transatlantic but a very nice route.