Covepointcruiser

If the writers on the literary cruise are giving talks we will have a diverse set of talks.  The writers have written books about many different topics so their talks should be interesting.

If you are too sick or compromised to be vaccinated, would your doctor advise traveling on a cruise ship where you will be, most likely exposed to the virus?

The Planetarium shows, if not available, will not cause me any concern.   My understanding is the shows have not changed since the QM2 was launched and we have seen the same ones on six different trips.    Some of the chair are still broken.    I will be interested in some of the literary presentations but won’t miss seeing them in the planetarium, there are much better venues on the QM2.

Did the folks with rebound COVID happen to take Paxlovid?    It’s common to get another round of COVID.

If it is a weather related port closing early notification to passengers is not possible.   We have had ports skipped with no advance notice.   We have also been on a ship outside of a port for seven hours (along with many other ships) hoping the port of Alexandria would open.   Unfortunately it didn’t and we lost our main reason for taking this particular cruise.   Bad weather happens and it is as bad for the cruise line as it is for the passengers.

When did they put a hot tub on the Royal Suite Balcony?    We had a bathtub, same as you would have in a master bath.   It had jets but was not filled with water.    It was nothing like the spa we have on our deck, always ready with hot water, and also comfortably fits more than one person.   It took up a lot of space and we never used it.

Actually the menus for the Britannia and recent photos show a wonder selection of foods better than I experienced in 2019.    It’s sad the OP had a bad experience as most passengers are quite happy.

If you don’t want to be around folks who won’t dress up avoid the Kings Court or Lido as you are permitted to dress down in that venue.

So glad it’s still on offer in that location.   We will have drinks up to $12 included so coffees won’t be a problem.

Unless you get a sheltered balcony they are not very useful in terms of comfort while sitting outside.    Sheltered balconies provide protection from the wind and elements in addition to fresh air.

Don’t they still have specialty coffee at Sir Samuel Cunard area along with offering a few sandwiches?    This was available pre COVID and I hope it will be available in December.

OP, Service Dogs (seeing eye or hearing) are permitted on Cunard including the QM2.   Other sorts of service dogs, i.e. emotional, are not recognized as service animals.   The kennels are for pets, dogs and cats, and must be reserved way in advance of a crossing as kennels are typically sold out.     World cruises are the one exception.

I hope your “just in case” prescription from your doctor came with all the warning about this drug including all the medications you must stop for at least two weeks during and after taking your last Paxlovid.

Sorry to hear Italy does not have adequate medical facilities.    Always thought we would be okay in the first world countries other than for the language barriers.   Rome should have had an adequate hospital for cardiac procedures and your insurance should have covered it.   

Yes, but beware of the cabins on the front of the small ships.

There is an age restriction on transatlantic.   I believe the baby must be twelve months old.  On cruises with frequent ports this isn’t an issue as there are medical facilities ashore for babies if needed.

Cunard opens their restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner so if that is what would give you a 6* experience then sail on them.   They have a buffet but the offerings are not extensive.   If you sail Britannia Grill class or in the Princess or Queen level suites you have a reserved table and your wait staff awaits your arrival whether you come early or late for my meal.   The major difference with Seabourn is there are dress standards.   If you book a Princess or Queen level suite from the U.S., drinks up to $12 are included as are gratuities and 2 hours of internet per day.

Would never book the Owners Suite again on the smaller ships.   You do have a great view of the front of the ship but while you are underway the balcony is unusable.   The wind is very strong.   We even tried sitting directly on the deck but the wind still got to us.

Didn’t know that status on Seabourn can get you the Retreat at no cost.   What status do you need?

We had curtains opened by an electric switch on the QM2.    They don’t have those on Celebrity, that’s a real miss!

Some passengers pay more for larger suites with nice balconies for lounging.    This is no different than paying for a space in the retreat.    The food and beverages can be had anywhere on the ship, you just need to request them.

We enjoyed the Retreat, especially on our post COVID cruises.   Attentive service, great bottles of champagne or wine, and a good lunch.   We reserved it for the entire cruise and the staff is top notch.    If you don’t like to sit by the pool or in the sun, you won’t need to at the Retreat.    Once you set yourselves up in a Cabana, it’s yours for the day.   It may not be something every passenger wants but it was great for us.

I have not had a problem yet with the Cunard site for my 12/3 cruise although we are not yet able to do luggage tags or boarding passes.   It’s been fine for booking excursions, spa, etc.   Are there any cruise lines with satisfactory WEB sites.

Internet is in the package for one device when we sail on 12/3.   It’s not from our Travel Agent.

Jim/Ian, Grill cabins booked from the U.S. do include a drink package, internet and gratuities.    Upper Level Suites, Q4 and above do include at least an extra guest bathroom on the QM2.   Suites on the Victoria and Elizabeth are much smaller than the QM2.   I believe you would really enjoy Cunard even though you would not have your Zenith status.