First Cruise Ever - Queens Grill Questions

[BigMac1953]

Like Victoria2, it's normally our fellow travellers in QG that we invite along, so there's no showing off.

 

Incidentally, the hot canapes we had recently in November, were excellent and enjoyed by all, and the butler did a great job!

[HaveDogWillTravel]

Is there any charge for the hot and cold canopies, mixers (cans/bottles of fever tree tonic, cola, ginger ale……, etc) when your butler arranges a cocktail party?  I am assuming from these posts you would just use the 2 bottles of spirits provided, or can you ask for different/additional wine and spirits?  
Thank you in advance. 

[Victoria2]

18 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

Is there any charge for the hot and cold canopies, mixers (cans/bottles of fever tree tonic, cola, ginger ale……, etc) when your butler arranges a cocktail party?  I am assuming from these posts you would just use the 2 bottles of spirits provided, or can you ask for different/additional wine and spirits?  
Thank you in advance. 

I occasionally get the impression a lot if 'it;' depends on how well you get on with your butler. We've always been very lucky [hundreds of nights in QG] and have never had an issue with supplies.

 

The food, will be provided 'free' after a discussion  with your butler on what you want. Fresh orange juice, beers. sodas and mixers also non chargeable.

Your two bottles will also be non chargeable [Bombay Sapphire and wine for us] and we have been known to have an extra bottle of wine provided, especially if the existing one has  evaporated a bit! The two bottles will be replaced as and when drunk.

 

Champagne [above the bottle provided on embarkation] and anything else will be charged to your room account.

 

Whilst we wouldn't dream of tipping for anything before the end of the cruise as it smacks of a sort of bribery, a discreet envelope before disembarkation  will always be welcome. 🙂

 

Edited January 2, 2022 by Victoria2
spelling

[Victoria2]

In addition to the above, I suppose in theory, if you get through your free bottles in one go and the butler is still on duty, there's no reason why you couldn't ring for replacements but that seems a bit cheapskate so we've always made sure we've got enough supplies on account. 🙂

[999andretired]

First of all congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials!!

 

We came off Queen Elizabeth in September 2021, having throughly enjoyed the Queens Grille experience, coupled with getting back to cruising,  It was that good we booked for July 22  on QV. The no fly cruise and  Covid protocols on Cunard were excellent  which prompted our return to the line since 2016. 

Previous contributors have amply answered your questions, suffice to say you will have a fabulous time. One point I would add would to be to ensure Cunard are aware that it it is your honeymoon, that should prompt them to go the extra mile. Have a fabulous wedding day and honeymoon!!

[HaveDogWillTravel]

@Victoria2thank you for the detailed reply. I always bring cards and write thank you letters (with a bonus) at the end to those crew that have helped to make my vacation special. We have a very generous OBC to defray the extra costs of any bubbly. 

[Victoria2]

9 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

@Victoria2thank you for the detailed reply. I always bring cards and write thank you letters (with a bonus) at the end to those crew that have helped to make my vacation special. We have a very generous OBC to defray the extra costs of any bubbly. 

I have no idea if you have travelled with Cunard before, but just in case you haven't,  the company have a policy where you can compliment the staff who have 'made' your cruise by filling in a ' You've been a star' card.

 

I've never written a personal thank you as 'the envelope' and heart felt thanks which go with it has always been sufficient for us, but it's a lovely thing to do.

 

I always fill in the 'star' cards as it's  a much valued conduit to 'management'. It goes on the member of staff's record and contributes to their overall  progress within the company. Memory dulls as it's over two years since we last managed to cruise, [having had many cruises cancelled over the last two years] and I'm ready to be corrected by those who have a better recall, but I think there are 'stars of the month'  and staff are singled out for rewards.

From bar staff, to room attendants, wait staff to the lovely crew member painting the Forth Bridge who always smiles at me with a cheery 'Good afternoon' as I traipse around deck three, all welcome the compliments and knowing how much these are valued, I make sure I give them.  🙂

 

[HaveDogWillTravel]

@Victoria2I’ve only sailed 14 days on QM2. Norwegian fjords and TA B2B in …..2017 if memory serves. We were in regular Britannia class and absolutely loved everything about those 14 days. I was so impressed with our waitstaff and sommelier in the MDR. We had a shared table of 6 right in front of that beautiful back wall with the huge double deck ceiling. Everyone was dressed so lovely every night.  I felt like I was in a fairy tale every time I stepped into the Britannia dining room. The galas were especially wonderful!  The dancing in the Queens room was magical. 
 

Yes we filled out those cards. I don’t recall if they sent us an email with a link to a post cruise survey but would definitely have filled it out if they did. 

We are booked again Sept 23, 2022 on QM2 NY to Quebec and back to NY. For this one we splurged on a Queens Grill. I figure if we had that great a time in a sheltered balcony the queens grill will be over the top scary good. 

[seapals2]

Wonder if you are allowed to stay in your grill cabin if you need to isolate.  
That would be really bad luck to test positive and have to downgrade to a regular balcony with normal room service.  

[majortom10]

11 hours ago, seapals2 said:

Wonder if you are allowed to stay in your grill cabin if you need to isolate.  
That would be really bad luck to test positive and have to downgrade to a regular balcony with normal room service.  

I think if you are ill and isolate I dont think you would be particularly bothered about where you were. Having done 2 cruises on Cunard since cruising restarted last August I believe, but might be wrong, there is a certain area of the ship closed off to general public for use as isolation cabins and I dont think there are any QG and dont think you would be allowed to stay in booked suite.

[Se1lad]

1 hour ago, majortom10 said:

I think if you are ill and isolate I dont think you would be particularly bothered about where you were. Having done 2 cruises on Cunard since cruising restarted last August I believe, but might be wrong, there is a certain area of the ship closed off to general public for use as isolation cabins and I dont think there are any QG and dont think you would be allowed to stay in booked suite.

I agree that you probably would have to move.  Lots of people who test positive have no or very mild symptoms, I imagine they would be disappointed that they have to move, as the extra space would be appreciated as you’re not allowed to leave your cabin.

[seapals2]

Agree you would have to move if you test positive.  Seems they have an isolation area to make sure you remain in the cabin with corridor doors closed and staff can wear proper protective clothing.  You would hope that if you are just isolating because of contact but not testing positive you could remain in your own cabin.  Confirms in our minds we made the right decision to transfer our coming cruise to later in the year.  We all know cabins are small compared to normal hotel rooms but normally wouldn’t spend a great deal of time in them.  The thought of a week in isolation … 🥴.  

[Cruise Puss]

Hi there, and many congratulations!

 

Just wanted to add to the many positive comments on here, and say that we went QG on QM2 some years back and it was wonderful.  Especially enjoyed the set table for two in the QG restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The food was excellent.  Also enjoyed the QG sunbathing terrace.  We are used to having Butlers on other cruise lines and the one we had on QM2 was wonderful (his name was Colin, not sure if he is still with them).  We don't have 'do's' in our Suite, but whatever we needed, he catered for with polite efficiency.  If you don't love QG I would be very surprised. The problem is you may not wish to travel Cunard any other way! 😁

 

I would add that we tried Queen Elizabeth last year on a 'Sun Voyage' in September and chose to travel Britannia Club in a balcony cabin.  I have to admit it was okay.  Obviously the cabin is quite a bit smaller, which does take some getting used to, especially the shower only bathroom (I love baths!) but the fact you dine in a separate restaurant, with an allocated table for all meals just like in the QG/PG restaurants, was totally worth it.  The restaurant was really lovely, very intimate, and we had fantastic waiting staff.  They catered for our individual needs just like they did in the QG restaurant on QM2. Going forward I would highly recommend trying this level.  We have already booked another one on Queen Victoria this October in a BC Balcony cabin and can't wait to get back on board.

 

I hope you have an absolutely fabulous time!

Cheers

CP

 

[majortom10]

I must be in the minority as only booked a QG on QE once and would be in no rush to book another one unless cheap (highly unlikely) or free upgrade from PG. Personally IMO it is not worth the extra now being charged for QG over PG and although size of suite was very nice we have never been one for staying in our room whether it a suite or balcony/inside stateroom as we prefer to spend our time around enjoying the ship.

[I Fly]

We are also new to QG and our first cruise will be in August on the QE.  We are not new to cruising as we have sailed several hundred days between other cruise lines.  We are looking forward to sailing in QG, but after reading many of the posts, there are a few additional questions that come to mind.

 

1.  Having a pre-assigned table in QG sounds very nice, but there must be some tables that are more desirable than others.  Having a table by the window sounds best to us.  Is there a way of requesting that prior to sailing?  We will be sailing in a Q5 aft corner and wondering whether Q1-Q4 grades get first choice, or at least “better” table locations?  It’s always better letting someone know our preferences prior to all the tables being assigned and then asking to be moved. 
 

2.  Is caviar something that is served in QG?

 

3.  Are there any QG perks that are offered to Q1-4 grades, which are not offered to Q5-6?  Somewhere I recall priority port disembarkation being exclusively offered to Q1-4.  Also, relating to this, are there embarkation times assigned at the beginning of the cruise to QG passengers, or may you arrive at your leisure?

 

Thank you in advance for any advice you may be able to offer.  Any other advice in general is ALWAYS appreciated.

[Victoria2]

40 minutes ago, I Fly said:

We are also new to QG and our first cruise will be in August on the QE.  We are not new to cruising as we have sailed several hundred days between other cruise lines.  We are looking forward to sailing in QG, but after reading many of the posts, there are a few additional questions that come to mind.

 

1.  Having a pre-assigned table in QG sounds very nice, but there must be some tables that are more desirable than others.  Having a table by the window sounds best to us.  Is there a way of requesting that prior to sailing?  We will be sailing in a Q5 aft corner and wondering whether Q1-Q4 grades get first choice, or at least “better” table locations?  It’s always better letting someone know our preferences prior to all the tables being assigned and then asking to be moved. 
 

2.  Is caviar something that is served in QG?

 

3.  Are there any QG perks that are offered to Q1-4 grades, which are not offered to Q5-6?  Somewhere I recall priority port disembarkation being exclusively offered to Q1-4.  Also, relating to this, are there embarkation times assigned at the beginning of the cruise to QG passengers, or may you arrive at your leisure?

 

Thank you in advance for any advice you may be able to offer.  Any other advice in general is ALWAYS appreciated.

1

 Q1s and 2s are definitely given the some of the more desirable tables but being well known passengers, especially if on the top loyalty grade also plays a part. Window tables are highly rated so I'm not sure if a 'newbie' would  be able to request one of them, plus, I have no idea if a pre cruise table request is possible.

There are a couple of tables I wouldn't thank you for but if you find you don't like your table position, ask the Maître'd if 'something can be done'.

2

You can have caviar every night if you wish. It's advisable  to ask your waiter at lunch time, who will sometimes refer the request to his/her Head Waiter. I find if I smile sweetly and ask for it on the night, the request is always granted.

3

All QG have priority cruise embarkation  before loyalty and we have in the past, been escorted  to our cabin when in a 2 but don't know if that's changed post lockdown. Q1 and 2 have a preloaded iPad with a choice of daily newspapers and 1-4 have initial tender priority to shore when anchored at a tender port. Back to the ship, it's queue up.

 

Hope that helps for starters. Other QG regulars will have excellent advice for you too so do ask. It's always good to pick experienced brains so you'll know what to ask for and what to expect. 🙂

 

Edited January 23, 2022 by Victoria2

[exlondoner]

They claim that, among other factors, cabins are allocated in the order of booking, but I've never seen any evidence of this. On the Vistas, I've seen people in Q6s next to the window, and those in Q2s not. So it's something of a mystery.

[Victoria2]

4 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

They claim that, among other factors, cabins are allocated in the order of booking, but I've never seen any evidence of this. On the Vistas, I've seen people in Q6s next to the window, and those in Q2s not. So it's something of a mystery.

Choice can come into it. 

I have a problem with bright sunlight and some window tables would have me half blinded so rather than wear sunglasses, we have specific requests [which the staff are aware of and hence we always get 'our choice']  and they don't involve the window tables for two.

[I Fly]

Thanks so much for your help.  I have another question related to dress.

We are taking a 13-night “Trans-Atlantic” from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona, so not the typical QM2 Trans-Atlantic.  It might be better called a repositioning cruise.  I understand the difference between Gala nights and the other nights that are more “casual” Cunard style.  Formal nights are pretty self explanatory, the informal nights are where I have a question.  I’m assuming in the QG, people may be dressier, and I’m certainly fine with that.  If dressing up were a problem, why would I sail on Cunard?  How dressy are the non-gala nights?  How many gala nights should we expect on our 13-night cruise?  It’s August and traveling from Florida to Barcelona.  Do they still do theme nights?  I guess I just want to get a feeling of what to expect from people who have sailed before on Cunard.  
 

Thanks again in advance.

 

 

Edited January 23, 2022 by I Fly

[bluemarble]

47 minutes ago, I Fly said:

Thanks so much for your help.  I have another question related to dress.

We are taking a 13-night “Trans-Atlantic” from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona, so not the typical QM2 Trans-Atlantic.  It might be better called a repositioning cruise.  I understand the difference between Gala nights and the other nights that are more “casual” Cunard style.  Formal nights are pretty self explanatory, the informal nights are where I have a question.  I’m assuming in the QG, people may be dressier, and I’m certainly fine with that.  If dressing up were a problem, why would I sail on Cunard?  How dressy are the non-gala nights?  How many gala nights should we expect on our 13-night cruise?  It’s August and traveling from Florida to Barcelona.  Do they still do theme nights?  I guess I just want to get a feeling of what to expect from people who have sailed before on Cunard.  
 

Thanks again in advance.

 

@I Fly, the dress code and theme schedule for your voyage should be found in the day-by-day calendar section within your "My Cunard". I've compiled master schedules on the "Dress Code and Theme Schedules for 2021-22" sticky from what others have contributed as seeing in "My Cunard" for their voyages.

 

There are three Gala Evenings scheduled for your 13-night August cruise on QE from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. Those three Gala Evenings will be August 10 (Black and White theme), August 14 (Masquerade theme) and August 19 (Roaring Twenties theme).

 

The evenings that aren't Gala Evenings are called "Smart Attire". There will be ten Smart Attire evenings on your cruise.

 

The definition I have for that dress code is "Smart Attire: Gentlemen, every night we request you wear smart trousers with a collared shirt; jacket and tie is optional. Ladies, blouses and skirts or stylish trousers and dresses are welcome."

 

Edit to add: I haven't sailed since the Smart Attire dress code has been amended to "jacket optional" for gentlemen and I've never sailed in the grills. So, I can't really answer as to how dressy it actually is now in the Queens Grill on Smart Attire evenings.

Edited January 23, 2022 by bluemarble

[Victoria2]

45 minutes ago, I Fly said:

Thanks so much for your help.  I have another question related to dress.

We are taking a 13-night “Trans-Atlantic” from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona, so not the typical QM2 Trans-Atlantic.  It might be better called a repositioning cruise.  I understand the difference between Gala nights and the other nights that are more “casual” Cunard style.  Formal nights are pretty self explanatory, the informal nights are where I have a question.  I’m assuming in the QG, people may be dressier, and I’m certainly fine with that.  If dressing up were a problem, why would I sail on Cunard?  How dressy are the non-gala nights?  How many gala nights should we expect on our 13-night cruise?  It’s August and traveling from Florida to Barcelona.  Do they still do theme nights?  I guess I just want to get a feeling of what to expect from people who have sailed before on Cunard.  
 

Thanks again in advance.

 

 

I wouldn't say QG'ers attire is any different from the rest of the ship. You'll see beautifully dressed passengers in all restaurants just as you'll see some less than beautifully dressed.

 

The code has changed just recently  and although my husband has been leaving his tie in the cabin occasionally, he will be wearing a jacket although apparently they aren't required on the non formal evenings. 

My non formal attire [dressy trousers and tops, dresses are for formal evenings for me] hasn't changed at all and is probably more formal than some passengers' formal dress. I 'dress up' as I enjoy doing so. 

So basically, you can dress 'to' the 'smart attire suggestions or like us, you can dress above it. Entirely up to you.  🙂

 

For the themed evenings, it's  fun to see those who adhere to the themes but not many join in so no pressure there.

[BigMac1953]

On our November 2021 trip. we didn't see any men in QG without a jacket at any time.

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, BigMac1953 said:

On our November 2021 trip. we didn't see any men in QG without a jacket at any time.

Excellent and long may it continue but the fact remains, whether we like it or not, jackets are deemed optional which means it's down to personal choice now, to jacket, or not so it's only fair to mention the fact.

Edited January 23, 2022 by Victoria2

[planetcadillac]

I am an easy going person but whenever I have traveled in the Grills, and in coach for that matter, on Cunard I am in a jacket and a tie for dinner...always. If we are going to the restaurant, it is part of the allure (IMO) of traveling Cunard to desire at least a semi-formal appearance. If I want to slum it I stay in the room or take another cruise line. I will be shortly booking a "honeymoon" cruise with my wife who will be a first time Cunarder and we will see how it goes. It is less about being seen by others but more about me, what I expect out of the cruise, and how I feel about the experience especially in the Grills. 

 

On a different note, I have found the Princess Grills to be my sweet spot. I can do without the butler and while the extra room in some of the suites can be useful I find the PG suites more than adequate. Small requests in the restaurant have been handled without question even the occasional off menu selection since my desires have always been rather easy and inexpensive to accommodate and worth the effort for them. 

 

I am curious of others have found a difference in the QG experience between the QM2 vs. the QE/V.

[david,Mississauga]

On 1/3/2022 at 12:00 PM, HaveDogWillTravel said:

...
We are booked again Sept 23, 2022 on QM2 NY to Quebec and back to NY. For this one we splurged on a Queens Grill. I figure if we had that great a time in a sheltered balcony the queens grill will be over the top scary good. 

 

You will love Queen's Grill. We have been in QG only twice - each time an upgrade from Princess Grill. Although there were no disappointments, when friends asked if we would pay the difference between PG and QG I had to say no. Unless "money is no object" - which is not the case with us - we feel that the benefits are not worth it. PG is excellent.

 

Some people say you can't go back to Britannia or Britannia Club or even Princess Grill once you have  been spoiled in  Queen's. But we are realistic people. We book what we can readily afford. Since our two crossings in QG we have travelled again in all of the other three "classes" and enjoyed every one.