Bowette1981!

3 hours ago, SilverHengroen said:

Because of the larger number of QG/PG suites on Cunard, they seem to have slightly fewer passengers on board than similarly sized ships sailing for other lines (even those ostensibly in the same sort of category like Celebrity) which is nice even if you're not sailing in the grills yourself! 🙂

Thank You!

It sounds calm, serene and just the sort of relaxing mini break one needs at the start of a New Year.

G

12 hours ago, Covepointcruiser said:

My mistake, I confused MSC Yacht Club with NCL Haven.    Is the MSC product much better than the NCL.

 

When Cunard returns to service post COVID 19, we will see what the changes are.  Masks are now required on all U.S. Airlines.   No one sits in a middle seat in tourist and six foot distance is the rule.   I imagine check in will be very different as they try to maintain the distance.   If you get there early, you may have to wait outdoors.   Health checks will be taken even if you are in the best Suite.   There may be no sitting at the bar because of potential virus spread.   Hope we won’t have to wear masks on the QM2, at least on airlines the food is rarely worth eating.
 

 

 

Hi CPC!

Yes, in our opinion at least.

NCL is all bells and whistles, with loud announcements (and even louder passengers) all day, whereas we found the MAJORITY of passengers on MSC YC to be much easier on the ear.

Obviously you have to incur any announcements in eight separate languages, but on a European cruise line with so many nationalities there is no other option.

From arrival, to embarkation, to time aboard, we found the service really rather special.

YC is completely separate to the rest of the ship, comparable to Haven, but that's where the similarities end.

You won't find loud pop music blaring at you around every corner, nor big screen TVs forcing sport into your face.

Just a calmer atmosphere where entertainment is more akin to a pianist or string quartet than it is samba lessons.

The sun deck is more intimate too and features it's own private hot tubs and pool too.

There's a plentiful buffet too (served by the waiters if you desire) with the additional paid for option of your own private cabana if required.

As mentioned before, the general areas are your typical mass market ships which don't appeal to us at all unfortunately.

But we're very much looking forward to our Crystal and Cunard experiences later this year and into 2021!

I agree totally with you on airplane food... but we will be flying and holidaying again just as soon as we can - even with restrictions.

Covid 19 has been the biggest test to mankind in recent years but I feel it's something we will overcome and (it's a cliche) life must and will go on. We'll adapt as is necessary but there's a great big world out there with fun to be had along the way!

(just not rock climbing or line dancing fun)

😀

G

Fingers crossed Victoria2.

Thanks again for all of your contributions to this thread.

They've been really helpful.

G

5 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

I think you've mixed up the posts. He hasn't mentioned Norwegian

I get the  impression Bowette will be aware of the  dress code and will enjoy Victoria.  It's a shame he only has a short  cruise in which to enjoy his Q2  but as a taster, although the ambience of the ship will not be quite  the same as that of a longer cruise,  the hardware will be the same and his choice of cabin, superb. Walk through the double doors and the space is amazing and whilst not refurbished as the Q1s have been, the 2s position, mid ships, is far superior as far as we're concerned which is why we book them.

You're absolutely right Victoria, we were both hooked from the moment the double doors swung open on the video we saw.

I have to say, we were not taken with the designs of the Q3 and Q4 that have yet to be refurbished.

But, as you mention, the fantastic positioning of the Q2 was also a major deciding factor.

I hope this short introduction to Cunard leaves us wanting more, and we'll definitely be back for longer should it live up to expectations - just don't tell our friends at MSC!

G

13 hours ago, Covepointcruiser said:

If the OP enjoys Norwegian they may not enjoy Cunard.   When we were in a Q4, we had a bellman escort us to our suite.   We waited a short while until one came for us in a distinct Q4 and above waiting area.   This happened both in NYC and Southampton.

We don’t rush to the pier as that would guarantee a crowd.  Hope the OP is aware that there is a dress code on Cunard.   Believe Norwegian allows passengers to dine in all sort of dress/undress.   We have never encountered rude, elbowing passengers though on a very short cruise the clientele will be different.

Thanks for replying!

As I've mentioned previously, cruising NCL was definitely not for us.

Alas we have encountered the elbowing of fellow passengers on several occasions, and it's always those in an inside cabin (you know, the sort who would step over another human if it meant they could tell you how many cruises they'd done first) who simply don't understand the boarding protocol.

Your Cunard experience sounds exactly like what we are used to, all be it with a slightly quieter and more refined clientele throughout the ship - something that is non existent on NCL and in short supply outside of the YC on MSC.

Wishing you many more happy cruises ahead once we manage to return to some semblance of normality.

G

11 minutes ago, 57eric said:

The was certainly not our experience with the Yacht Club.  After arriving at the terminal in Civitavecchia at the appointed hour, it took us nearly ten minutes to locate an employee to acknowledge our presence and see to our bags.  We were then seated in the general boarding area.  I believe there was juice and rest rooms by way of amenities.  (This was in 2012.)  We were not allowed to embark until general boarding had begun about an hour later.  There was some issue with the local authorities.  Once aboard, things were vastly improved, although we found the YC dining room to be so soulless that we arranged to eat in one of the regular dining rooms one evening and had a lovely time.

 

Anyway, welcome to Cunard.  I hope you will be as delighted with them as we are.

Oh no, it's awful when expectations are not met and I'm sorry you had such a terrible time in 2012.

In fairness, as I mentioned above, our experiences are above and beyond YC having formed personal friendships with some of those on board.

As an aside, boarding with MSC has gradually improved over the years.

For restaurants with a little more soul, their newer (but much larger) Seaside and Seaview ships are much improved.

Alas, the volume of passengers is not so welcome!

G

46 minutes ago, hypercafe said:

The problem I find with these mass market lines having a luxury, first class section, is its really not a luxury experience or good value for the money. I have sailed the Yacht club on MSC, The Haven on NCL and the QG and on crystal, Silversea and Hapag Lloyd. I have found better deals on the luxury ships while the whole ship is uncrowded with plenty of in door and outdoor sitting, high quality food in all the outlets, high attention to service throughout the whole ship and truly all inclusive with no one asking for your room key [except on HL]. The worst cruise I was ever on was the MSC YC because when you left the very small YC area the rest was just out of control!!!

I understand entirely.

I adore YC, and as we know them we get treated above and beyond what is the standard service, but outside of the area the ships are a nightmare. So much so we wouldn't even consider one of their ships without YC even if it was to our dream itinerary.

Interestingly our river cruise in November (fingers crossed) is with Crystal and, if we like the product, a future booking one of their ships may not be out of the question.

We have tried the Haven twice and, as much as they try, it still feels all too Americana and a little too frenetic for us.

Christ, we're getting old...

G

1 hour ago, Windsurfboy said:

Can I say on my first Cunard cruise in QG I made the mistake of turning up at the time they told me too, 12.30 and was at the back of a 100yard plus queue , even though in Queens Grill. 

 

From then on arrived before  noon and sailed through. 

Thank you very much for the tip!

My husband is always way ahead of schedule by nature, so I'm sure we'll arrive well before the time stated on our documents.

G

Thanks Richard!

Really useful and I do enjoy your reviews and the way they're easily laid out.

Understand and already versed in the drinks charges on Cunard (although unaware until after we'd booked that packages were unavailable of cruises of 7 nights or less).

So many of our friends remind us we're cruising with Carnival and Cunard is now the name more the product.

We are under no disillusion on that basis, but have grown tired of the mega ships and their boom boom loud style of entertainment, and think this is what we'll enjoy the most from travelling on a Cunard liner.

G

1 minute ago, Solent Richard said:

 

I certainly can agree with that piece of advice though as the occupant of a 'Master' Suite I'd suspect you'll get exactly the table you requested. 

 

 

Excellent advice, thank you.

Do you know from what time the check in desks at the terminal usually open in Southampton?

5 minutes ago, Solent Richard said:

 

 

I would add that all Cunard's guests, no matter which accommodation one is destined to use, is 'dropped' at the same point.

 

Separation to the various 'Staterooms' only takes place once onboard via the designated loading point, indicated on one's luggage label.

 

Interestingly I did note that on MSC Preziosa it was the MSC staff who handled the luggage in the terminal and on the jetty.

Thanks RIchard.

Indeed, it seems MSC have the edge when it comes to embarkation.

However, we're still very much looking forward to getting on board and finding our way around!

54 minutes ago, BigMac1953 said:

There are not usually many at all. But in the school summer holidays, I have known of the existence of, though barely been aware of, a fair number. 

 

I can remember one westbound TA crossing, a few years ago, when there were over 300 children on board.

 

The captain even arranged a children's "cocktail" party with sodas and sticky buns.

 

All were fairly well behaved.

Oh My God!

I need a lie down...

😀

17 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

 

I believe that they suggest topless sunbathing is confined to one's balcony. Which, given the average age of cruise passengers on Cunard, is probably aesthetically prudent.  One of the most baffling things about the trips I've made on Cunard is how well the children behave. There are not usually many at all. But in the achool summer holidays, I have known of the existence of, though barely been aware of, a fair number. Those dining in the Grills are treated like adults and seem to behave accordingly. All quite extraordinary.

Ha! Yes, better to let the puppies out in the privacy of your own balcony.

Amazing example of good and respectful parenting by the signs of it, so hard to come across these days.

YC restaurant was like a Wacky Warehouse.

Waiters tripping over them, watching their cartoons (with volume and no headphones) at the tables, all while the parents sat there ignoring the requested dress code and slowly getting tiddled.

In short, beautiful ships but shame about some of the people!

G

3 minutes ago, Solent Richard said:

 

Ah, one would expect that and you are perfectly correct in mentioning that the only real delay for Grills guests is the ship not being ready.

 

Similar arrangements were also in place when we embarked Queen Victoria in Singapore 14 months ago. Unfortunately that turned out to be a bit of a shambles when the check-in computers malfunctioned. Not the doddle some would have you believe.

Ha!

Fingers crossed they've performed a Ctrl + Alt + Delete before we arrive then.

How did you find disembarkation on your final day?

Again, we compare to MSC, and as you'll know in the YC you can put your luggage out at night along with an extended disembarkation time the following day if it's required.

G

5 minutes ago, Solent Richard said:

 

Hi Bowette.

 

Well, with the exception of my pal Big Mac, I'm probably one of the more experienced  Grills travellers on this board,  Queens and Princess Grills, four Cunard ships. 😈

 

It was only after a number of disappointments onboard Queen Victoria in 2019 (slipping standards) that I decided to look at MSC's yacht Club.

 

I certainly wouldn't look upon it as a battle as they are both very different styles of cruising. But what I would say, pound for pound, or I would guess  Euro for Euro in your case,  definitely more value and personal service with MSC.

 

Maybe in our current 'lockdown' situation, and with time on my hands when not out 'exercising' or 'cultivating the allotment, I could illustrate a few points where the MSC Yacht Club ethos impresses.

 

As you probably read in my blog, this was a fly-cruise and the first plus we experienced was a dedicated MSC check-in desk at our UK departure airport followed, on our arrival at Barbados, by our luggage labels being recognised and, one assumes, prioritised. We never saw it again until prompt delivery to our YC suite.

 

On arrival of our transfer coach at the terminal building a smartly dressed butler embarked and asked all Yacht Club guests to accompany him. Impressive.

 

More to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, MSC is hard to beat!
 

However I think, taking everything into consideration, it's still nice to have a change.

That AND we both have this romantic vision of old style cruise liners and passenger behavior/dress which I hope we will see more of on Cunard.

If I may explain...

Our last few YC cruises have featured topless sunbathing and screaming babies while I dine.

Not forbidden, by any means, but not something I'd rather have to endure when paying that sort of money.

I would assume neither will be as much of an issue when cruising with Cunard.

G

7 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

Bags are taken off you as you arrive at the cruise terminal and the next time you'll see them is when they are put in your cabin. All you then have with you is carry on stuff as you proceed to check in.

Exlondoner has put it succinctly and although the red carpet isn't rolled out [or expected in our case] for Grills passengers, embarkation is usually a doddle.

Thank you so much, and I'm sure it is!

I'm just overly stressing about this as we've been so well looked after by MSC.

Our reasons for a change are just that, we love the service but there's a big world out there that's serviced by a lot of ships.

I really appreciate your feedback, and will be happy with the carpet at the terminal whatever the colour.

G

Further to my check in queries, is there some sort of bag drop you can deposit your suitcases at before proceeding to the check in desks?

I'm only asking as, again, on MSC YC the butler has taken them from you by the time you reach the check in.

G

2 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

 

Boarding at Soton for Grills, I have never had to wait in a queue of more than two people and have often gone straight to a free check in. What causes the delay is waiting for the ship to be ready. Sometimes it is ready before 12 in which case one can simply waltz straight through. Anyway, I've always found embarkation untroubling, and certainly not leaving a lot to be desired. I imagine if the computers go down it is entirely different.😀

Excellent!

We've a long while to go, and a Rhine River Cruise, beforehand so we've plenty of time to plan.

G

Actually Solent Richard...

...the 64 million dollar question...

Who wins battle of the product, between Cunard and MSC?

Obviously, it may be that they both have better elements or you consider the ships themselves too different a product to fairly compare.

I'd just be interested as to your thoughts.

Thanks both, and great photos Richard.

Indeed, we've only had one (absolutely) shambolic boarding with Yacht Club at Kiel. 

One meltdown later and the service and cruise was better than ever before.

Reading the replies so far, it does seem Cunard leave a lot to be desired at boarding.

I don't want this to sound arrogant, but it will, however standing in line for an unspecified amount of time is not what I would want or expect from a supposedly premium product.

That said, the Q2 does look wonderful and I am prepared to overlook (slightly) a less than perfect embarkation if the onboard experience lives up to its reputation.

Thanks Big Mac

That's really, really useful!

Don't worry, my husband has very wide elbows which are ideal for any late arrivals that think being first is a case of self entitlement!!

I'm really excited, but we've also a Crystal River Cruise booked on Bach this November first (fingers crossed) and then our good friends at MSC next June.

For now...

Thanks for that, really interesting!

What better start to any holiday than a bottle of something chilled and sparkling awaiting your arrival!

🙂

Thanks for all of the replies so far!

What a shame.

I was expecting something a little more personal from point of first contact, given their promo, but we'll have to see.

As Pennbank rightly mentioned, a post Covid-19 world will doubtlessly change the way we embark our ships in the future regardless.

Hello fellow cruisers!

After many loyal, and hugely enjoyable, cruises with MSC and their Yacht Club product... the time has come to (quite literally) jump ship!

We love their product and our desire to try new things is born out of curiosity more than anything.

After many hours online we finally decided on a mini (4 night) cruise, next January, aboard the Queen Victoria in a Q2 (Master Suite).

The comparisons will be interesting, I am sure, but my main query is regards embarkation.

With MSC you are met outside upon arrival, taken straight to a dedicated Yacht Club desk and taken aboard within ten minutes at most.

Does anyone here know how the Cunard Grills embarkation compares, and if so would you be kind enough to reply with any experiences you have had?

Many thanks for taking the time to read this, more so to reply and a thousand apolologies if this is peppered somewhere throughout the forums already.

Gareth