OMG! I can't Believe that Cunard are Considering this !!!

[LadyL1]

This must surely just annoy everybody, in all the cabin grades? I can understand there are more and more priority passengers, but this can't be the right way to go?

 

I am sure there will be an outcry and the new system won't last long!

 

More and more PRIORITY passengers are the result of an unfair benefits programme. Seven 2 or 3 day voyages are you are Platinum member. One 14 night trip and you are silver after the cruise!

 

Some years back I believe that a voyage had to be a minimum number of nights (possibly 4) before it would count on the voyages taken list.

 

Certainly with the current programme of many short voyages from S'ton, the clientele from the UK perceive to be at a great advantage here.

 

Perhaps as another poster mentioned that ones' official checking in time is to be adhered to from next month; might help those who qualify to board early for whatever reason. I suppose that those arriving at the terminal would be given letters relating ticketed boarding time, rather than the time you arrive at the checking-in hall.

 

I will find out very soon.

[paulista1950]

"Even if we ever did this, which we didn't, how could dropping a card in a bin delay disembarkation?

[fantasy51]

Interesting comment about those arriving early still having to wait for the correct time in future. What about those of us who arrive late? Since reaching Platinum, my boarding time has always been midday. I travel by train and I don't intend to get up early enough to reach Southampton by midday! I think 11am is early enough to leave home.

[severncruiser]

Interesting comment about those arriving early still having to wait for the correct time in future. What about those of us who arrive late? Since reaching Platinum, my boarding time has always been midday. I travel by train and I don't intend to get up early enough to reach Southampton by midday! I think 11am is early enough to leave home.

 

I just received this email from Cunard.... another step in the wrong direction????

 

 

 

We have listened to your feedback and have been working to speed up luggage delivery to all staterooms. To do this you will now notice new luggage label designs which will be colour coded. The different colours allow easier sorting, loading and ultimately faster delivery to your stateroom.

 

As a result, priority luggage delivery for Grills guests and Diamond members will cease in order to implement these changes, so all of our guests can benefit from prompt delivery and the very best level of service.

 

Once your stateroom has been assigned to you, you will be emailed confirmation that your luggage label is ready for you to print. We encourage colour printing to help the process, but black and white labels will certainly be accepted.

[cruiseluvva]

How can stopping the Priority Luggage Delivery for Grills guests, enhance their experience?

 

Something not quite right there!

[Ray66]

The new luggage labels are a lot narrower than the previous ones for which we had specifically purchased transparent plastic holders. So not sure if these are of any use now.

And the new labels do not now say "Priority" on them.

 

Other information from the Cunard email:

 

As part of the programme of work to improve Southampton cruise terminals the modifications to Ocean Terminal will be completed by the end of December this year. The security screening area has been enlarged to allow guests through quicker and onto the ship in less time than previously.

 

Mayflower Cruise Terminal is having a complete renovation and is currently being remodelled, ready for our guests to use in time for the spring season in 2015. We are fully maximising the terminal's space with a brand new layout that will include a relocation of the check-in desks, a new lift and a larger security screening area to allow guests to board their ship quicker.

[fantasy51]

I was pleased to read that the security screening area has been enlarged. I found check-in to be very easy (I'm Platinum) but I'd wait in line at least 30 minutes to be screened. That's ridiculous.

 

Actually, my pet hate is people in line for screening who don't make life simpler for everyone. They wait until they are at the machine to actually take off jackets or whatever they can see the people in front doing. If we were all a bit proactive, we could halve the time at the machines. Then there are the people who have to go back because they didn't take their phones out of their pockets. All basic stuff.

[cunardaddict]

I just received luggage labels with PRIORITY on it, same size as ever

[cruiseluvva]

So have we in the booklet - but they are the wrong cabin number! The labels on the VP are correct and have NO priority.

[oldsilverfox]

I've just looked at our Luggage Labels on our VP page, prior to printing them.

 

I see that it says " Do not remove, to be used for Embarkation and Disembarkation"

 

So it appears that Cunard may no longer be handing out the usual coloured-coded luggage labels for your disembarkation and if you remove the labels during the voyage you might earn an extra visit to the Purser's desk (deep joy) to plead for replacements.

 

BE WARNED.

[Ray66]

I just received luggage labels with PRIORITY on it, same size as ever

 

The email says:

 

The improvements made to luggage labels and e-tickets have now been put into place. If you are booked on a cruise and already have your e-ticket and luggage labels, we would like to reassure you that we will accept these while we're still phasing changes.

[bob brown]

Nevermind airports, I can't imagine it working at the Red Hook terminal. Getting ahead of the line (jumping the queue) is not a good thing to do in NY. :eek: -S.

 

That's for sure!

That's why they're testing the water's at So'ton, not Red Hook.

Perhaps the marketing wizard's at Carnival HQ think that this vulgar display of privilege would be a sales tool to increase upsells to Grill Class in the future...?

 

As they say in Brooklyn...."Fuhgeddaboudit" :D

[violetta58]

I have been in many cruises to get to Diamond and cruise several times a year. As someone said how is taking away priority embarkation improve my Cunard experience? I suppose that means no separate area for platinum/ diamond members too? I fear it is the start of making Cunard like any other cruiselines. Who do we email to complain ? .Maybe I will try Celebrity after all !

[bob brown]

Taking away the separate priority check-in would not make Cunard like any other cruise line...in fact it would make them different....almost all the mainstream lines do have a separate check-in line for their suite and top tier passenger's, as well as a 'VIP' waiting lounge with beverages and pastries...

[RemPuck]

We are on the December 15th crossing and I had already reviewed our tickets/luggage tags but hadn't printed yet. After reading this thread, I concur that they are different now from what I saw 2 weeks ago. The word "Prioity" had been on the ticket and labels (we are in Grills class) but it's no longer there. The luggage label is red and green with the deck, location, and room number displayed.

 

Even if there's only one check-in line and "priority" passengers are escorted to the front, the current ticket format does not prominently display "priority." Someone would have to carefully review the ticket, find the cabin number, find the grade (or World Club level) to determine where one should be directed. I see extra time required to process passengers into the correct queue (or place in the queue).:confused:

[straightupwithatwist]

Hi RemPuck,

 

I also checked our luggage tags (which I've yet to print out) again after reading this thread. They too had been changed like yours. However, our new ones are red with silver stripes (no green).

 

At first I had assumed the colors would correspond to deck, as I could see that facilitating sorting for delivery to staterooms. I now suspect the colors might themselves indicate level of "priority." We're in one of the "named" grill suites, on a different deck than you.

 

Did non grill passengers whose loyalty status afforded them priority embarkation also enjoy priority luggage delivery? If so, would be curious what color those new tags are.

 

(See you onboard in just a few weeks now!)

 

Dan

[Sail the seas]

The new luggage labels are a lot narrower than the previous ones for which we had specifically purchased transparent plastic holders. So not sure if these are of any use now.

And the new labels do not now say "Priority" on them.

 

Other information from the Cunard email:

 

As part of the programme of work to improve Southampton cruise terminals the modifications to Ocean Terminal will be completed by the end of December this year. The security screening area has been enlarged to allow guests through quicker and onto the ship in less time than previously.

 

Mayflower Cruise Terminal is having a complete renovation and is currently being remodelled, ready for our guests to use in time for the spring season in 2015. We are fully maximising the terminal's space with a brand new layout that will include a relocation of the check-in desks, a new lift and a larger security screening area to allow guests to board their ship quicker.

 

 

 

The final paragraph of the email is even more worrying:

 

Further developments and improvements will be occurring during 2015. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support while we have been going through these changes.

 

What other wonderful improvements do they have in mind?

[cruiseluvva]

I dread to think!

[balf]

So, remove the person manning the priority desk and put them on the escorting duty.

 

Saving for Cunard nil, benifits for the passenger nil, excluding the bunch of fives risk from one of the peasants.

 

Or am I too thick to understand?

 

David.

[maz48]

So, remove the person manning the priority desk and put them on the escorting duty.

 

Saving for Cunard nil, benifits for the passenger nil, excluding the bunch of fives risk from one of the peasants.

 

Or am I too thick to understand?

 

David.

 

I think Cunard are hoping we are all too thick to understand.

 

 

(But no you aren't)

 

Just looked and our e-tickets are different now too with time of arrival more prominent. Fortunately we have midday, though normally turn up at 11.15. I wonder what they will be doing with all the passengers who arrive early, make them stand outside? Hotels turf you out at 11am normally so lots of wandering the streets in future. I just can't see any of these changes will enhance our experience.

Edited November 22, 2014 by maz48

[cruiseluvva]

Well, I'm afraid we will be there early as usual and if we have to wait, then so be it.

 

I really can't believe they think they can pull the wool over our eyes by saying it enhances the experience - for anybody!

Edited November 22, 2014 by cruiseluvva

[maz48]

We all know whose experience these things enhance and it isn't the passengers. I really don't know how they can say all the rubbish they do everytime they change something. Just be truthful and honest.

[keithm]

Yes,but all you need to do is say in a loud voice "do you know who I am"

 

Works every time I'm told.

 

David.

Last year at the airport this guy tried that & the loudspeaker came on asking if anyone knew who this person was, as it was obvious he didn't know who he was. Really loved watching the jerk get put in his place!

[RemPuck]

Looking at Cunard's website regarding Queens Grill accommodations (http://www.cunard.com/cruise-ships/queen-mary-2/accommodation/queens-grill-suites/), is the last line new/updated?

 

* (lots of other stuff....)

* Pre-dinner canapés and in-suite dining from Queens Grill menu

* Priority disembarkation and tender services (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 suites)

* Priority luggage delivery (Q1, Q2 and Q3 suites) (highlighting mine)

 

(There's no mention of luggage delivery on the PG page.)

 

I have to be honest that I don't remember if this always said priority luggage delivery was limited to the top three categories, but it's interesting that the line is the last line on the list. (It's the easiest place to amend the page layout.)

 

RemPuck

Edited November 22, 2014 by RemPuck
updated to include PG comment

[fantasy51]

I leave on the QM2 on Sunday 29th November (a week's time). I have already printed off ticket and labels and will keep them, seeing they say priority!

 

I have just checked and new ticket is there, suggesting it should be printed off as close to the date as possible in order to allow for changes - but of course, Cunard does not recommend leaving things to the last minute! (They actually preface with that last clause.)

 

I am Platinum level on a balcony on deck 4, and my luggage label is red with silver stripes, the same as Straightupwithatwist who is in a named suite. Under the old system, Platinum gets priority boarding and priority luggage.

Edited November 22, 2014 by fantasy51