Our cruise on the QM2

[tizwiz]

We have just returned from the 5 day Christmas Markets cruise on QM2 (10-15 December). I thought I would post about our experience. As background I should say that we have been cruising for many years and have experienced lots of different cruise lines during that time. We have previously always preferred to be on smaller ships and our favourite smaller cruise lines are Silversea, Regent and Seabourn. We have avoided larger ships, but because of Covid cancellations, a lot of our planned holidays got kicked into touch. As this was a special year for us (50th wedding anniversary) we were looking for a luxury break that would not involve air travel. So Cunard from Southampton popped into the frame and we thought we would give them a whirl. So we booked this mini break in a QG suite. I would stress that this is our personal experience and others may have different experiences to ours. 

 

Travelling down to Southampton on the morning of the 10th was problematic and a journey of 130 miles took nearly 2 hours longer than it should have done. We thought we would arrive by 12.00 but it was just past 2pm when we joined the CPS queue at the Mayflower terminal. From there it took an hour to board the ship even though we had priority marked on our boarding passes. We just joined one queue after another. Our fault for arriving late. We weren't asked for our Covid vaccination status information. I asked if they wanted to see it and was told no. We were asked if our health had changed since completing the health declaration?! They obviously didn't get the email stating that this had been withdrawn. Nobody was wearing masks. We missed lunch as it was 3pm by the time we got to our suite on deck 9. Not to worry - we checked in at the muster station as instructed and then ordered some room service.

 

Our suite was lovely and quite spacious. Very well equipped and warm (unlike the outside temperature!) Our butler popped in to say hello and take our order for the mini bar. I had phoned Cunard several weeks ago to ask that the beers be replaced by cider, as my husband cannot drink beer. They assured me that this would be no problem and that they would ensure it was done. Of course that was not the case and we had to explain to our butler what we needed. After a lot of confusion he sorted it out and the next day cider was provided. Our butler and steward were very pleasant and kept the suite looking lovely. However unpacking and packing were never offered (not that we wanted them). We also never had fruit delivered or offered. The champagne was Laurent Perrier. We had booked a gift experience of a wine tasting event. This was reserved and paid for many weeks ago with Cunard. During our first dinner in the QG, the Sommelier told us that wine tasting was not available on this cruise and we would be refunded. Such a disappointment. I discussed this with the Concierge the next day and she told me that Cunard knew which cruises could not offer these experiences and it should not have been sold to us. She assured us that it would be refunded immediately. Of course that has not happened and I have had to send an email to Cunard to find out what is going on.

 

We also bought a package for access to the internet. However I would say that the service provided (for the price charged) is shockingly bad. It would not work in the suite properly and the excuse given was that the signal is weakened by the fire safety panels. You really should not have to pay for such a bad service. Not good enough Cunard. The Concierge said she would send an email to ask that our package be cancelled. She may have done this but it was not cancelled and we were charged the full price on our account.

 

Food in the QG was good and all staff were wonderful. They are a credit to Cunard. We tried most of the special items on the menu including crepes suzette which did not appear on the menu any of the nights we were there, but the staff were quite happy to do them for us. Our table for 2 was fine and we had very friendly neighbours. I do think the tables are a little too close together though. Dress code seemed to be followed by the majority but I was a bit amazed at one passenger who thought it was ok to wear a baseball hat in the restaurant.

 

The Channel was very calm during our voyage and there was little to no movement felt onboard. We did not get off the ship at any of the ports visited as it was so cold. We just enjoyed the ship. On a couple of days the decks were closed because they were icy. It was sometimes difficult to find a quiet spot to read a book. The lounges had music playing all the time even when they were not really open, including those awful Christmas songs that worm into your head!! The library was a lovely space and we chose some books to read in the quiet zone there. One afternoon I spent a couple of enjoyable hours exploring all the decks and facilities on the ship. The Queens room is a lovely space but I was astounded to see a queue forming for afternoon tea some 30 minutes before it was scheduled to take place. As the gangways were open to the elements and a lot of cold air was circulating, people in the queue had their coats on. Not something I would do though. I went elsewhere. 

 

On the last morning we got up early as we were to disembark at 8am. We went to breakfast leaving our overnight bags to finish packing when we returned from the restaurant. We were rather taken aback on entering our suite to find that the bed had been split into twin beds and had fresh linens for the next occupants.  The bathroom also now had full bottles of shampoo etc. When you are trying to keep everyone safe from infection and everything is supposed to be cleaned thoroughly, we thought this was very strange and worrying. We hadn't finished with the suite and we felt that we were now trespassing. I know changeover times are tight but we have never experienced anything like this before on any other cruise.

 

We enjoyed our break. It was relaxing and enjoyable but it could have been so much better. Disembarkation was simple and quick and we were in our car 15 minutes after leaving our suite. The journey back home was quicker than the trip down. Would we cruise with Cunard again?  Not really sure.

[Camgirl]

We were also on this cruise, though we were in a Britannia cabin.

 

We travelled down the night before. It took us four and a half hours for a trip that should take a little over three.

 

As mentioned on another thread, our boarding time was down as 2.15. However, we arrived just after 1, and went pretty much straight through.

 

We had a fabulous time onboard, as usual. However, I have never felt so crowded on a Cunard ship. I realise this was a short, pre Christmas cruise, and, as such, there was quite a party atmosphere onboard. It was a real struggle to find a seat in the evenings in the chart room, commodore club or golden lion. 

 

On the only sea day (the first day), the queue for afternoon tea was horrendous. However, there was no problem getting a table on any of the other days. I certainly didn't notice anyone in coats, apart from those arriving straight from being onshore. 

 

The weather was bitterly cold and that meant the ship was cold in the areas near the exits for the gangways. However, it was plenty warm enough otherwise. I didn't even need a shawl in the evenings.

 

We also returned to our room after breakfast on the last morning to find our bed had been split into twin beds, and the room ready for the next guests. However, this is what we have found on each of our post covid cruises. Previously, of course, we would have been in an area awaiting our departure slot, not in the cabin.

 

On that note, our departure time was given as 9.40. When we queried this time, as we are diamond world club, we were told there is no priority for any but grills any more. Annoying to lose yet another "privilege".

[Wordzz]

We were also on this cruise, and our experience was almost exactly as Camgirl describes. We travelled down the day before, as we always do - too much stress to travel on the same day, especially at the moment.

 

We braved the cold and did go on a couple of shore excursions, and are really glad we did. Well organised, warm coach, and the visit to the Vermeer Centre in Delft and the Mauritshuis in The Hague were fabulous.

 

We had a great time as always on QM2, but did notice a few changes. There were lots of staff that we didn't recognise, even from our last trip in September/October. Service was very friendly as always, though, and we found the food to be as good as ever. We had probably the best sommelier we've ever had, and the worst room steward.

 

We did notice a few 'downgrades' - minor things, but noticeable. No charger plates on the tables in Britannia, paper napkins in Kings Court, ....small things, but noticeable.

 

The Internet was as bad as ever. As we're Diamond our allowance meant we could sign up for the Premium package for the whole cruise. Didn't notice any real difference over the standard package - both as bad as each other. Don't know how Cunard have the nerve to charge for it at all, tbh.

 

As Camgirl says, this was the first time ever for us that the QM2 has felt crowded. Presumably as it was too cold to be outside.

 

One of the highlights for us was on boarding day, when there was an operatic choir singing carols in the lobby. A lovely start to the cruise.

[Covepointcruiser]

The Christmas Market cruise was 100% booked as is the current crossing.    You have to know the ship and we have always found a quiet spot for reading.   Osman is the QG is the best Matre D we have ever had as he is always offering to cook special meals and desserts.    They was a distinct difference in passengers on the short cruise with everyone rushing about to see and do everything in 5 days.   Although we are full on this last crossing people are calmer and there is no rushing about.   Best food ever in our 45 years of sailing with Cunard.   Internet is only good in several widely known areas, look for the routers.   Non existent WI-FI in our cabin.    

[LittleFish1976]

On 12/18/2022 at 8:51 AM, tizwiz said:

We have just returned from the 5 day Christmas Markets cruise on QM2 (10-15 December). I thought I would post about our experience. As background I should say that we have been cruising for many years and have experienced lots of different cruise lines during that time. We have previously always preferred to be on smaller ships and our favourite smaller cruise lines are Silversea, Regent and Seabourn. We have avoided larger ships, but because of Covid cancellations, a lot of our planned holidays got kicked into touch. As this was a special year for us (50th wedding anniversary) we were looking for a luxury break that would not involve air travel. So Cunard from Southampton popped into the frame and we thought we would give them a whirl. So we booked this mini break in a QG suite. I would stress that this is our personal experience and others may have different experiences to ours. 

 

Travelling down to Southampton on the morning of the 10th was problematic and a journey of 130 miles took nearly 2 hours longer than it should have done. We thought we would arrive by 12.00 but it was just past 2pm when we joined the CPS queue at the Mayflower terminal. From there it took an hour to board the ship even though we had priority marked on our boarding passes. We just joined one queue after another. Our fault for arriving late. We weren't asked for our Covid vaccination status information. I asked if they wanted to see it and was told no. We were asked if our health had changed since completing the health declaration?! They obviously didn't get the email stating that this had been withdrawn. Nobody was wearing masks. We missed lunch as it was 3pm by the time we got to our suite on deck 9. Not to worry - we checked in at the muster station as instructed and then ordered some room service.

 

Our suite was lovely and quite spacious. Very well equipped and warm (unlike the outside temperature!) Our butler popped in to say hello and take our order for the mini bar. I had phoned Cunard several weeks ago to ask that the beers be replaced by cider, as my husband cannot drink beer. They assured me that this would be no problem and that they would ensure it was done. Of course that was not the case and we had to explain to our butler what we needed. After a lot of confusion he sorted it out and the next day cider was provided. Our butler and steward were very pleasant and kept the suite looking lovely. However unpacking and packing were never offered (not that we wanted them). We also never had fruit delivered or offered. The champagne was Laurent Perrier. We had booked a gift experience of a wine tasting event. This was reserved and paid for many weeks ago with Cunard. During our first dinner in the QG, the Sommelier told us that wine tasting was not available on this cruise and we would be refunded. Such a disappointment. I discussed this with the Concierge the next day and she told me that Cunard knew which cruises could not offer these experiences and it should not have been sold to us. She assured us that it would be refunded immediately. Of course that has not happened and I have had to send an email to Cunard to find out what is going on.

 

We also bought a package for access to the internet. However I would say that the service provided (for the price charged) is shockingly bad. It would not work in the suite properly and the excuse given was that the signal is weakened by the fire safety panels. You really should not have to pay for such a bad service. Not good enough Cunard. The Concierge said she would send an email to ask that our package be cancelled. She may have done this but it was not cancelled and we were charged the full price on our account.

 

Food in the QG was good and all staff were wonderful. They are a credit to Cunard. We tried most of the special items on the menu including crepes suzette which did not appear on the menu any of the nights we were there, but the staff were quite happy to do them for us. Our table for 2 was fine and we had very friendly neighbours. I do think the tables are a little too close together though. Dress code seemed to be followed by the majority but I was a bit amazed at one passenger who thought it was ok to wear a baseball hat in the restaurant.

 

The Channel was very calm during our voyage and there was little to no movement felt onboard. We did not get off the ship at any of the ports visited as it was so cold. We just enjoyed the ship. On a couple of days the decks were closed because they were icy. It was sometimes difficult to find a quiet spot to read a book. The lounges had music playing all the time even when they were not really open, including those awful Christmas songs that worm into your head!! The library was a lovely space and we chose some books to read in the quiet zone there. One afternoon I spent a couple of enjoyable hours exploring all the decks and facilities on the ship. The Queens room is a lovely space but I was astounded to see a queue forming for afternoon tea some 30 minutes before it was scheduled to take place. As the gangways were open to the elements and a lot of cold air was circulating, people in the queue had their coats on. Not something I would do though. I went elsewhere. 

 

On the last morning we got up early as we were to disembark at 8am. We went to breakfast leaving our overnight bags to finish packing when we returned from the restaurant. We were rather taken aback on entering our suite to find that the bed had been split into twin beds and had fresh linens for the next occupants.  The bathroom also now had full bottles of shampoo etc. When you are trying to keep everyone safe from infection and everything is supposed to be cleaned thoroughly, we thought this was very strange and worrying. We hadn't finished with the suite and we felt that we were now trespassing. I know changeover times are tight but we have never experienced anything like this before on any other cruise.

 

We enjoyed our break. It was relaxing and enjoyable but it could have been so much better. Disembarkation was simple and quick and we were in our car 15 minutes after leaving our suite. The journey back home was quicker than the trip down. Would we cruise with Cunard again?  Not really sure.

 

I hope you discovered that you could have afternoon tea in the space set aside for Queens' Grill passengers instead of even contemplating lining up for the Queen's room afternoon tea?

 

I wonder if it was a feature of the Christmas-y cruise you were on that they played music in all venues. The lack of that awful piped stuff is generally one of the advantages of Cunard where most of the music is either quality live music or recorded music suitable for dancing.

 

They always like to start preparing the QG suites for the next guests before current ones depart which I agree does feel a little odd but I accept they are under a lot of pressure to get the cabins ready, especially as there seems to be increasing pressure from boarding passengers to come earlier and earlier.

 

 

 

[tv24]

Tizwiz:  Very balanced and informative review.

[techteach]

Osman commented to us he is looking forward to January 11 when he goes on his 3 month vacation. He offered, and made us his own pasta recipe and will make us lobster tonight. He really does love the theater of the QG.

[Solent Richard]

A nice review @tizwiz and good afternoon to you.

 

I can certainly empathise with the majority of your comments particularly when, like you, we have more recently tended to go with the smaller lines, Seabourn, Silversea, Hapag-Lloyd and Regent. Mainly of course because we are somewhat old fashioned cruisers and  itineraries are our driver.

 

I also recognise your honesty regarding the embarkation being due entirely down to your late arrival.

 

We came to realise some time ago that these shorter cruises on Queen Mary 2 were nowhere near a true reflection of what its really like to cruise with Cunard. I've even read of some groups on these short outings embarking wine boxes for their pre dinner stateroom soirées rather than experience the available atmosphere around the ship.

 

And there, due entirely to the season your cruise saw packed bars and venues. What cost of living crisis?

 

 

[Solent Richard]

1 hour ago, techteach said:

Osman commented to us he is looking forward to January 11 when he goes on his 3 month vacation. He offered, and made us his own pasta recipe and will make us lobster tonight. He really does love the theater of the QG.

 

Do give Osman my best wishes. And if you fancy it, his table side prepared Steak Tartare...

 

[Solent Richard]

21 hours ago, Covepointcruiser said:

The Christmas Market cruise was 100% booked as is the current crossing.    You have to know the ship and we have always found a quiet spot for reading.   Osman is the QG is the best Matre D we have ever had as he is always offering to cook special meals and desserts.    They was a distinct difference in passengers on the short cruise with everyone rushing about to see and do everything in 5 days.   Although we are full on this last crossing people are calmer and there is no rushing about.   Best food ever in our 45 years of sailing with Cunard.   Internet is only good in several widely known areas, look for the routers.   Non existent WI-FI in our cabin.    

I'm with you on most of your observations particularly regarding passengers on the short QM2 sailings.

 

As I said earlier, you'll never experience the true 'Cunard' experience.

 

 

 

[buchanan101]

7 hours ago, LittleFish1976 said:

 

I hope you discovered that you could have afternoon tea in the space set aside for Queens' Grill passengers instead of even contemplating lining up for the Queen's room afternoon tea?

 

I wonder if it was a feature of the Christmas-y cruise you were on that they played music in all venues. The lack of that awful piped stuff is generally one of the advantages of Cunard where most of the music is either quality live music or recorded music suitable for dancing.

 

They always like to start preparing the QG suites for the next guests before current ones depart which I agree does feel a little odd but I accept they are under a lot of pressure to get the cabins ready, especially as there seems to be increasing pressure from boarding passengers to come earlier and earlier.

 

 

 

This is true - we were in our cabin by 12:15 on our Southampton departure and the boarding was extremely quick and efficient.  It was quite reasonable for our room to have been rearranged for the next trip when we returned from breakfast in  Brooklyn; can't have it both ways

 

Not much help for a winter cruise, but the QM2 QG wifi worked much better on the balcony...

 

No way I'd risk travelling from 100+ miles away on the day of the trip...

Edited December 19, 2022 by buchanan101

[tizwiz]

Thank you all for your comments to my post. I just thought I would come back on some of the comments made. 

 

As seasoned cruisers we know not to travel on the day the cruise starts. It is far too stressful. I had found a lovely pub/hotel (very recommended) about an hour from Southampton with the added bonus of being located not too far from a very old friend who had not been well recently. So we were all set to visit her and have a relaxing stay and dinner the night before the cruise. Unfortunately best laid plans and all that. Our beloved dog was ill a few days before we were due to set off, so we had to visit the vet and ensure she was ok before we could decide whether to go or cancel the cruise. As we had to give her until the Saturday morning to improve, we obviously had to cancel the hotel. So that's why we had to travel on the morning of the cruise. Obviously we weren't able to visit see our old friend either. Everything went wrong that week and the dreadful journey just added to the stress! But as I said this was our fault and our problem and was not in any way attributable to Cunard.

 

I do not agree that starting to prepare the suite before the previous occupants have left is acceptable. We left the suite at 7.50am which should be early enough for the turnaround. On all other cruises we have been on we have always been able to board by midday or shortly after and at the end of the cruise we have departed straight from the suite. Nothing was done to those suites until we left. My point really is that with Covid precautions, linens and toiletries to be used by the next occupants should not really be available to be touched by the outgoing guests. 

 

I would agree that a short cruise is perhaps not a true reflection of Cunard's strengths. I did not enjoy the crowded party atmosphere on the decks where most activities took place. But 5 nights is not that short and  we have done lots of 7 night cruises on smaller ships which were at full capacity but never felt crowded or frenetic. I think the cold weather keeping guests inside all the time perhaps did not help. I would stress that we did enjoy our stay on the QM2, but it did not match up to our experiences on other cruise lines on this occasion. We are also driven by itineraries rather than brand loyalty so maybe at some point we will have another try on a Cunard ship.

 

As an update to my refund issue for the cancelled gift experience, I have still not had a reply or a refund from Cunard. Poor communication in customer services may also be an issue....

 

 

[Jack E Dawson]

tizwiz, 

I thought your review was excellent and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to post. I also hope that the family dog is well. 

On our last crossing (May of this year)  I had a small issue for which I requested a refund. After a couple of unsuccessful calls to Customer Service I was given other contact information. The refund was then handled quickly. The contact I was given is guestrelations@cunard.com. Hope this helps.

Jack

[deck chair]

Hello!   Thank you taking the time to post your observations and thoughts.  

It has been often said over many years that you can't really appreciate the true Cunard experience on these short sailings.   I have never been on an abbreviated cruise so can't speak from experience, but it must be true.  That being said, the fault lays with Cunard.  You would think the company would go overboard to provide a great time for those passengers just trying out the line with the hope that with a grand time they would be encouraged to book longer and more expensive trips.  So, the question is, why has Cunard failed to do that?  Why are they letting passengers leave very disappointed and not likely to book another Cunard sailing?  Cunard management has dropped the ball.   Clearly. Curious what others think.

Deck Chair. 

[Victoria2]

I think it’s time to differentiate between traditional and true or real. All Cunard cruises can be termed ''true''. Not all can be termed ''traditional''.

 

Anyone who comes off a Cunard cruise, long or short and has had a thoroughly marvellous time, has had a true, aka proper Cunard experience. Full stop.

 

The traditional Cunard cruise itineraries of the last century probably [just surmising here as I don't know] didn’t contain four or five night cruises. The modern Cunard itineraries certainly do and they’re very popular.

 

That is not to say one is true Cunard and one isn’t. They’re different aspects of the company’s offerings. The traditional is still offered as is the less so.

 

 One could debate which is the true Cunard, floating across the Indian Ocean, with nothing better to do  than reach for the glass of something cold by your side whilst lazily watching the azure blue sea slip by or slipping on another layer of thermals before venturing out into the cold Arctic weather for yet another active day. Different, but both true Cunard experiences and both enjoyable which is the mark of a successful and therefore true Cunard cruise.

 

As a non Cunarder but a staunch Cunard client and having experienced long and short cruises in cabins from an inside ( solo and with the best nights of sleep ever onboard a ship) to Q2s I will say on all my holidays, I have experienced the different aspects of  Cunard trips and to repeat, just because they’re all different, doesn’t mean they were not all pukka Cunard experiences.

 

I have been on a few shorties and on all, I can say I had a great time, as did my fellow companions. I went with Cunard newbies on two occasions, a couple who are now Cunard converts. They experienced a hectic, elegant Cunard which was hugely enjoyable, great fun and different but still no less a true Cunard experience so to imply Cunard aren’t attracting clients from their shorties doesn’t hold water in my experience and the ball was most definitely, not dropped. 

Admittedly, this was all pre Covid and some Cunard changes such as waiting in your cabin for departure rather than being herded into disembarkation groups[thumbs up from us]  has meant behind scenes preparations are more apparent which has for some reason proved upsetting for some. No more upsetting than for staff who have to cope with the recent changes and smile through them.

 

 

Edited December 20, 2022 by Victoria2

[Windsurfboy]

Well said Victoria2,  all cruises should be seen as equal and none should be seen as more equal than others.

 

Some people like or only have time for short cruises.

 

Some like us find the  packing and travelling such that we won't go for less than 2 weeks.

 

Some like busy cruises , some like more lazy sea days

 

Each to their own. 

 

Hopefully Cunard makes every cruise of every length special and everyone should have a wonderful time.

 

"You havent been on a true Cunard cruise unless...... " , is arrogant nonsense

[Solent Richard]

14 hours ago, deck chair said:

Hello!   Thank you taking the time to post your observations and thoughts.  

It has been often said over many years that you can't really appreciate the true Cunard experience on these short sailings.   I have never been on an abbreviated cruise so can't speak from experience, but it must be true.  That being said, the fault lays with Cunard.  You would think the company would go overboard to provide a great time for those passengers just trying out the line with the hope that with a grand time they would be encouraged to book longer and more expensive trips.  So, the question is, why has Cunard failed to do that?  Why are they letting passengers leave very disappointed and not likely to book another Cunard sailing?  Cunard management has dropped the ball.   Clearly. Curious what others think.

Deck Chair. 

 

The answer is very simple and I've had that from the horses' mouth.

 

The shorty 'booze' cruises are seen as cash cows for the company - not just Cunard -and are never meant to be a true reflection of Cunard voyage experience. (Cocktail party / World Club Party / Senior Officers party) 

 

And if recognising that qualifies one as being 'arrogant' then so be it. I accept the badge.😁

 

 

[Windsurfboy]

It's a big assumption that short cunard cruises are only for people who like booze cruises, and a bit demeaning.

 

 

[tizwiz]

17 hours ago, Jack E Dawson said:

tizwiz, 

I thought your review was excellent and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to post. I also hope that the family dog is well. 

On our last crossing (May of this year)  I had a small issue for which I requested a refund. After a couple of unsuccessful calls to Customer Service I was given other contact information. The refund was then handled quickly. The contact I was given is guestrelations@cunard.com. Hope this helps.

Jack

Hi Jack

Thank you for your kind words. Our dog is much better now. She is getting old (aren’t we all!) as she is nearly 11 now. Thank you also for the contact email address. I will certainly try it in order to sort out my refund. Mind you - as they cancelled the event then the refund should not have to be chased. It certainly creates a bad impression. 
 

Say hello to Chicago for me. We had a lovely stay in Chicago some years ago at the beginning of a wonderful road and rail trip across the US. Good memories.

 

[Victoria2]

37 minutes ago, tizwiz said:

Hi Jack

Thank you for your kind words. Our dog is much better now. She is getting old (aren’t we all!) as she is nearly 11 now. Thank you also for the contact email address. I will certainly try it in order to sort out my refund. Mind you - as they cancelled the event then the refund should not have to be chased. It certainly creates a bad impression. 
 

Say hello to Chicago for me. We had a lovely stay in Chicago some years ago at the beginning of a wonderful road and rail trip across the US. Good memories.

 

I hate to sound like a broken record, but we let our agent deal with any refunds owing from Cunard, which he does, very efficiently.

[tizwiz]

Thank you for your suggestion. However it will not help. On this occasion I did not use a travel agent.  I booked directly with Cunard. So chasing them is down to me. However I am still of the view that it shouldn’t be necessary whether or not I used a travel agent. They made the mistake so I should have been refunded immediately the ship told me the event could not take place and it had been cancelled. That was 10 days ago and yet no refund to date. It is only a small amount of money but it is these little matters that show which companies really care about their guests whether it is pre cruise or post cruise.

[Victoria2]

11 minutes ago, tizwiz said:

Thank you for your suggestion. However it will not help. On this occasion I did not use a travel agent.  I booked directly with Cunard. So chasing them is down to me. However I am still of the view that it shouldn’t be necessary whether or not I used a travel agent. They made the mistake so I should have been refunded immediately the ship told me the event could not take place and it had been cancelled. That was 10 days ago and yet no refund to date. It is only a small amount of money but it is these little matters that show which companies really care about their guests whether it is pre cruise or post cruise.

Of course it should have been be refunded and asap.

[tizwiz]

Just a quick update. I have now had my refund. However no apology or explanation as to why I was sold something that they knew could not take place. In fact not even an email to say the refund had been done. Hey ho.

[majortom10]

6 hours ago, tizwiz said:

Just a quick update. I have now had my refund. However no apology or explanation as to why I was sold something that they knew could not take place. In fact not even an email to say the refund had been done. Hey ho.

Good customer service then...........not.

[Victoria2]

16 hours ago, majortom10 said:

Good customer service then...........not.

Customer Service has been amazingly superb on a few counts for us over the years and I take it for granted that's normality but it's obvious it's not the excellent record which will be remembered as less than satisfactory news always triumphs over the good stuff.

Sadly.