seaman11

I do not think a lot of people take tips off. If they do most are paying out cash and that is ok by me.

Hello,I think there has been some very sensible replies to this thread.Yesterday we booked October 17th cruise on the Queen Elizabeth.This will be our second on this ship and third with Cunard

Of course on cunard you get snobs but not many and of course you just ignore them.

We love the formallity of Cunard everyone knows how to behave and does.

Rodger.

Yes thank you, I too enjoy the formalities and manners of old. Now

I'm not sure if I came across snobbery or racism because im a dark skinned italian and I think the Diamond plus member assumed I was part of the working staff even with nice attire on. So there is where I am at an impasse. I so yearn for the old days of manners and class and the formal attire however I do not want the full snobbery or perhaps bigotry that sometimes rares its ugly head.

Grab a brochure and read through. As you read you will (as others have said) fall under the spell. Cunard have some excellent deals on offer at the moment.

 

You, like many cruisers will find your first Cunard as the no going back to RCL or Celebrity moment. It is for old school cruisers, with old school values to just enjoy and just relax. In a word civilised. :D

 

Wishing you the very best.

that sounds marvelous, I am excited to experience the old ways again.

The mix of passengers on Cunard is no different to any other line, they come from all 'classes", all countries.

 

The difference is not is the line "snooty" ? Yes, Cunard has some very expensive cabins, that do have different dining rooms, or a lounge - but- ALL the PUBLIC AREAS of the ship , the theatre, Queens Room, Commodore Room, various bars, the pool, spa, gym, etc. are OPEN to all. Unless you deliberately ask, you will not know which type of cabin any other passenger is in.

 

Dress, day is casual, no torn jeans or ragged tank tops on Cunard, but from your posting I do not think you would wear that type of garment any way. No Cunard does NOT have climbing walls, "hairy chest competitions" greasy pole games, but there is plenty to do, trivia, cards, lectures all different subjects (on my next cruise a retired film star will give talks), films, darts in the pub. a really good library. wine tasting, etc.

 

Evening, yes there are "formal" nights, for men a tux or dark suit, for women "cocktail dress" sparkly tops and long skirts or chiffon type pants. Informal is jacket for men and slightly less glitz for women than formal. Only first and last are elegantly casual.

 

You do not have to think in terms of ball gowns, or "tails" but it is true you would not be welcome in the Britannia (the dining room, about 95% of passengers use) wearing jeans and t shirt on a formal night. Cunard is not Norwegian come as you are when you roll out of bed , but it is not 6 star either

 

Would it be possible to hear a passenger boasting of their "big house/pool/limo", yes, but they would be a minority and you get that type everywhere. It is just a regular mix of people, some very well blessed for money, others like myself have to budget and save to cruise, but as I have said sitting in the Chart Room before dinner, you could not tell which "class" is which.

 

Please do try Cunard, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain if you fall under the spell , as most of us have done.

 

Best wishes for your future cruises whatever you decide.

thank you for the input, I can assure you dressing up is not an issue for me. I actually enjoy it and I frown upon those that dress too casual for events and dinners.

I'm not sure about snooty but it's certainly more formal than any RCI cruise we've been on. I must admit that we're not Cunard fans and the main reason for that was the attitude of some of the staff and passengers that Cunard is the best and we're lucky to be sailing with them - this was only a small minority, but enough to take the shine off and quite honestly (in my opinion) RCI beats them hands down for food and service, especially in the MDR. When we came back from our Queen Elizabeth cruise in 2011 we said we wouldn't sail with Cunard again, but as I don't fly we will be on QM2 from New York to Southampton using it purely as a form of transport! I really hope that QM2 changes our opinion of Cunard because I hate to rule out any cruise line, especially after just one experience.

 

 

 

Gill

Formal is what im looking for as I enjoy dressing up and these days RCI fans seem to be fighting for the right to wear shorts and flip flops in the MDR. Now on the flip side on my last RC cruise I was met with a snooty diamond plus member asking me if i was there to fix the ice machine, because i was in my polo and khakis, So I do not want the full snooty attitude types.

No problem with the people, you will love Cunard. It is what Celebrity and RCL used to be. Old fashioned cruising with old fashioned values, but in a new style.

Book and enjoy.:D

sounds great , much appreciated. I am getting a little fed up with the more and more relaxed style and people cruising with RCL these days.

How sad.

I find most times on RC, most do dress for formal nights. It may be depending on what port they sail out of. I also think those who like to be more casual tend to try and make this excuse.

I have traveled all around the world and I have cruised many times with RCI. I would like to try this line however I was afraid that it may be too snooty. I am a quiet well educated person that enjoys the finer things, however not so stuffy. Am I worrying for nothing?

I just dont get it either. I find I need to over tip to make up for these individuals. I do however understand Royal Carribean should be paying their other staff a fair wage so they do not rely on tips. It does look like the trend is going to prepaid only with my time and dynamic dining, this may stop the non tippers.

why do you feel the need to call people names,because they have a different opinion then yours.also why do you care what other people do. :) :)

I wasnt calling anyone personally names. I do feel it is disgusting to expect service for free.

Thanks for the review. Please tell what was your original cabin?

AFT side 2903 inside Shame it had the overflowing problem as it was a very quiet cabin. I do not think i will go for a deck 2 cabin again because of the leaks and noise toward the front.

One thing to add the other entertainment was wonderful. Strings, scooner bar singer and latin band were all very good. Loads of things to do around the ship.

i am 3 for 3, If another ship is there the buffet lines are very very long.

First thing is I like this ship, very good updates and some friendly staff.

The CD Paul Rutter was a bit boring, he seemed like a car salesmen but the activities manager Darrel made up for it. The comedians were god awful.

Food- WJ was ok some nights and some nights just very plain and same old thing. It gets too repetitive, although i love the breakfast buffet. MDR was pretty good if you keep your expectations realistic for a cruise that serves 10000 meals a day.

Room- Well i had an issue with the drain in bathroom overflowing when they drained the hot tubs or pools at night and I was given a upgrade to a deluxe OV and 20 percent off my next cruise. (happy with this) Although the OV room was surrounded by teens on all sides and above so quite noisy. Rooms were always clean with clean sheets. At times you do smell a slight odor of sewage around the ship but nothing drastic.

Smaller ship however one of my favorites, with 500+ kids on board mostly teens I will opt for a trip in the off season in the future.

We do eat in the Windjammer, were we serve ourselves. I cannot see tipping the head waiter, waiter and asst. waiter, when we get our own food. Thanks Donna

they should wrap it up in cruise price for cheap skates like some that do not see a need to tip. they wipe and clear your tables everyday and also get you drinks if you wish to have.