Has anyone recently returned from QE ?

[Host Hattie]

There have been a few comments about new menus on Queen Elizabeth. At the World Club Party on QV last week, Commodore Rynd mentioned that the menus were being trialled on the QE and would be rolled out across the fleet.

 

Does anyone have copies of the trial menus or can remember what was on them ? Any particular hits or misses ? Any old favourites gone or new favourites appeared ?

 

Thanks

[violetta58]

We are in the QE on Wednesday,so can let you know. I don't like the way Cunard say it's a trial and then rolled out on the rest of the ships. Surely a trial means you ask for feedback from the guests , and listen to them before deciding to roll it out. They did the same with change in toiletries, we were in the so called trial and despite many complaints they still went ahead.

Btw we still go in Cunard a lot and have already booked for next Sept, just to prove I'm not being too grumpy about their actions!

Edited November 15, 2015 by violetta58

[fantasy51]

I don't like the way Cunard say it's a trial and then rolled out on the rest of the ships. Surely a trial means you ask for feedback from the guests , and listen to them before deciding to roll it out. They did the same with change in toiletries, we were in the so called trial and despite many complaints they still went ahead.

 

Hi Violetta. Your post interested me. I remember seeing people complain about the toiletries, but I never did find out the reason why. Personally, I prefer the new toiletries, and a friend who cruised Cunard for the first time was really impressed because it's the make he used to buy for himself. What were the complaints? (I'm not disagreeing with you; I'm just interested to see the other side of the situation.)

[violetta58]

Hi Violetta. Your post interested me. I remember seeing people complain about the toiletries, but I never did find out the reason why. Personally, I prefer the new toiletries, and a friend who cruised Cunard for the first time was really impressed because it's the make he used to buy for himself. What were the complaints? (I'm not disagreeing with you; I'm just interested to see the other side of the situation.)

 

We have always liked the old brand Gilcrist and Soames, smaller bottles replaced regularly and one each in a cabin for two , good brand and can be brought ashore etc. The new toiletries although supposed to be a good make is not the same as the ones you get in John Lewis, totally different smell so I think Cunard had a cheaper batch made up for the ship. Also while the bottles are bigger, you don't get one each so have to wait until the steward gives you a refil. As I said we were there when it was on trial in the grills and we just didn't like it ( luckily for that cruise , they still had the old make there ) . We had a feedback form and many I know said we preferred the old make but they didn't listen. At the end of the day it is just about saving money. Just don't pretend you want our opinion Still love Cunard though !

[Host Hattie]

At the risk of continuing the hijack of my own thread, I like the current toiletries and I doubt we will ever know whether the feedback was negative. I have never had any problems getting refills and in the Britannia showers I doubt there is room for more than 1 bottle of each !

 

Quercus may not be stocked in John Lewis but it is on the Penhaligon's website, I don't think it's a special "cheap " version made for Cunard.

Thanks for offering to report back on the menus, have a great trip.

Edited November 15, 2015 by Host Hattie

[fantasy51]

Thank you so much for your answer, Violetta.

 

Yes, Hattie, I gather Quercus has been around for some years and is still current. My friend was given a bottle of shower lotion in that fragrance just last month. (It came from the Penhaligon's shop at an outlet centre.)

 

As with all fragrances, it's personal taste. This one seems suitable for both men and women.

 

Our steward kept bringing us more and more bottles on our last cruise!

 

Edited to add: I've just checked the John Lewis website and they still stock the Quercus range.

Edited November 15, 2015 by fantasy51

[Ray66]

I was on the QE in September. When did the trial of the new menus start?

 

The only menu we brought home was the special one to commemorate the Queen's long reign.

 

Appetisers:

 

Walnut Crusted Smoked Salmon

Foie Gras, Duck Confit & Artichoke Terrine

Escargot with a Burgundy Sauce

Tortilla Soup

Beef Consomme

Chilled Cucumber & Mint Soup

 

Entrees:

 

Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagne

Lobster Tail with Jumbo Shrimp in a Sesame Crust

Duck a l'Orange

Fillet of Beef Wellington

Tofu Steak au Poivre

Homemade Spanakopita with Tomato Coulis

 

Desserts:

 

Coconut & Pineapple Mousse

Macadamia & Ricotta Creme Brulee

Baked Alaska

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Banana & Pecan Cheesecake

 

Canyon Ranch/Spa:

 

Waldorf Salad

Haddock Fillet

Tiramisu

Edited November 15, 2015 by Ray66

[Host Hattie]

I'm not sure but that looks very much our last formal night dinner last week.

[Lanky Lad]

Something else to look forward to in December. I hope they still have Apple strudel.

[L4605]

I think that's the same menu we had last night.

[Stu UK]

We are QE in PG at present. Will try and take images of the menus. Food is good but clearly different. Ordering off-menu has been achieved.

[Host Hattie]

Thanks both, enjoy the rest of your trip.

[Stu UK]

Here is the current a la carte. There are two so rotate weekly. The favourites from the old a la carte now appear as a signature dish nightly except formal nights.

[Stu UK]

Here are the dinner menus. Lunch and breakfast have little change.

[Stu UK]

Apologies for the rotation and size. Had to quickly post as about to lose signal. Hope that helps. They are trying to tackle the issue re temperature of food / plates by use of the flambé trolley.

[Host Hattie]

No need to apologise, thank for going to the trouble of posting while you are onboard.