I'm Diamond, friend is a first-timer - when do we debark?

[rsquare]

Haven't made a final decision yet, but it seems likely that I will be on a 2024 QM2 cruise with a friend who has never been on Cunard; I'm Diamond.  We will each have our own cabin.

 

One of the Diamond perks that I value most is the early debarkation.  I'm wondering if there is any formal or informal way for my early debarkation to extend to my friend, given that we will have tight air connections after leaving the ship at Southampton.  I typically get more luggage tags than I need, so I could share one with my friend, but I'd prefer to do this in a more straightforward way rather than sneaking around the rules.

 

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or can provide any advice on how far a travelling companion's WC perks can extend (eg, it would also be nice to go together to the senior officer's party, assuming that it is restored; didn't happen on my last TA)?

 

 

[Winifred 22]

5 minutes ago, rsquare said:

Haven't made a final decision yet, but it seems likely that I will be on a 2024 QM2 cruise with a friend who has never been on Cunard; I'm Diamond.  We will each have our own cabin.

 

One of the Diamond perks that I value most is the early debarkation.  I'm wondering if there is any formal or informal way for my early debarkation to extend to my friend, given that we will have tight air connections after leaving the ship at Southampton.  I typically get more luggage tags than I need, so I could share one with my friend, but I'd prefer to do this in a more straightforward way rather than sneaking around the rules.

 

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or can provide any advice on how far a travelling companion's WC perks can extend (eg, it would also be nice to go together to the senior officer's party, assuming that it is restored; didn't happen on my last TA)?

 

 

I don’t think they will  be allowed to the World Club parties not should they be. It’s different if they are in your cabin but as a separate booking that changes things. 

[Host Hattie]

I don't think there's early disembarkation now as you leave direct from your cabin. 

[Summergee]

We were told that we could invite our son with us to WC and Senior Officers parties. He was only gold to our diamond.

[rsquare]

2 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

I don't think there's early disembarkation now as you leave direct from your cabin. 

So, no more different-colored and numbered luggage tags, no more "Blue number 3 can now go to the gangway on deck 3," everybody leaves the ship in one mad rush whenever they want to?

 

Or are you referring to QM2 no longer using Verandah as a debarkation lounge for Platinum and Diamond passengers?

[Host Hattie]

There are different coloured tags and separate times to leave but you don't leave your cabin and go to a waiting area, you disembark from your cabin. 

[TheOldBear]

12 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

There are different coloured tags and separate times to leave but you don't leave your cabin and go to a waiting area, you disembark from your cabin. 

Sometimes there are snags - we left our room at the designated time, but waited at the end of a line that reached from the lobby, down the center corridor, then back into the Golden Lion. Mrs Bear and I waited in the GL until the end of the line went toward the lobby. Our luggage was waiting for us when we reached the terminal.

[Jonem2001]

The attached image gives the recent arrangements for leaving QV at Southampton, although from memory this is identical to every sailing I’ve taken with Cunard since resumption of service.

 

I suspect your two options are to either register for self disembarkation before the commencement of normal arrangements, retaining your luggage, or enquire in advance about being assigned as a pair to the first 8am slot. Others may be able to chime in with your chances of success on the latter!

 

For what it’s worth, I was both Platinum and a Grills guest and was allocated a later (10am) slot, which I was content with.

[david,Mississauga]

On our recent Alaska cruise on the QE most passengers disembarked from their cabins. Those of us who had booked transfers or tours with Cunard were told to meet in the Queens Room.  There were quite a few people there. We were escorted to the gangway in groups, starting with the direct airport transfer. 

 

I don't know if this was unique for Vancouver.