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Hi! That is so awesome of you to share your thoughts about your Insignia cruise. I will be on her for 40 days on a LA to Sydney passage in January. I t typically sail on Cunard Line. Announcements unless absolutely necessary are limited to the captain's noon report on Cunard ships. Thank GOD! I am wondering if the Insignia CD made incessant, intrusive and annoying announcements about events that are already in the program as if the passengers are blind or haven't learned to read yet. If that is the case, it will mirror what I experienced on the Sirena for 20 days this past Winter. I could never get a clear answer if this was corporate policy or left up to the CD. Any thoughts? Thanks again for your review. Be well. Deck Chair.

Hi! I have used CCL shares for OBCs for years. Plan on doing so for my next two voyages in 2023-24.. This seems very strange, and I wonder if you have received wrong information from whoever handled this. Please don' t drop this. Find out! Good luck.

Hi! I assume you are in America. No need to purchase trip insurance until after final payment. Trip insurance through your travel agency or cruise line is not often the best with respect to coverage and cost. Always compare policies. Best site for that is INSUREMYTRIP. It will ask you a few quest ions such as your age, destination and duration of trip. Based on your answers it will then offer you a variety of policies from different companies. Carefully look at each one and decide on the best one that meets your needs. You have plenty of time to look. Good luck. Deck Chair.

Thank you, SonuvaBeach! I hope I meet you one day!! Deck Chair.

HI! What a nice video!!! Wasn't long enough!!!! Thank you for taking the time to post. I will be on the Insignia for 40 days starting in January. A bit concerned that I hear there is no piano player in Martinis from 7:15-to about 10. Is that the case on your cruise? It was on the Sirrena this past January. I hope not because Martinis is a dead zone if no live music. Not everyone eats early so for passengers like me who enjoy drinks with music before dinner who needs a dead zone. It's also true for passengers who eat early and would like to enjoy some after dinner drinks with live music. Thanks again. Deck Chair.

Thank you.. I do hope we meet so I can buy you a drink. Deck Chair

Hi Cruisemom42. I understand the tradeoffs. I am only wondering about the playing times for the pianist in Martinis. On SiRENA in January it was a dead zone from 7;15-10. Do you have any idea since you just returned from the Insignia? Thank you. Deck Chair

CRUISEMOM42! Hello and thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and observations. I am booked on the INSIGNIA for the 40 day cruise from LA to Sydney that departs next January 14. I was last on the Sirena this past January for 20 days. My first O cruise. As someone who eats dinner about 8 and enjoys a couple of drinks before going in I was quite dismayed (Along with others) that the piano player in Martinis stopped playing from 7:15 to 10 or so leaving the room dead and lifeless. The CD Dottie could not fully explain why that was the case. I am hoping that is not going to be the case on this upcoming long INSIGNIA voyage because if it is I will just stay in my cabin and watch movies until its time for dinner. I am very interested in what it was like in Martinis on the Insignia during your cruise. I typically sail on Cunard Line and there is no way they would allow the cocktail lounges go without live music. Thank you. Deck Chair.

I totally agree. Passengers can read and do not need the CD intruding with longwinded reminders three times a day. Especially annoying during breakfast when you are just waking up and want PEACE!! I just returned from 28 days on the Queen Mary 2 and the only announcements you heard was the noon update from the captain. Of course, during the day you would sometimes hear announcements about essential ship matters. Not the case on the Sirena where silly annoying announcements were apparently an inclusion in the SIMPLY MORE package or whatever you call it. I never found out if these announcements were dictated by corporate or were at the discretion of the CD. I am booked on the INSIGNIA this coming January on a 40 day sailing to Australia. Please, OCEANIA, drop the unneeded announcements!!!! Deck Chair.

Hello! As I said, I am not getting into a tipping debate. The issue is NEVER RESOLVED. And the debates are tiresome. Passengers can do as they please. As a long time Cunard patron going back to 1992, I do what works for me and I ALWAYS get the table I want. I do hope the OP follows my advice once on the ship. DECK CHAIR.

Hello! This is what I recommend: 1. Go to your cabin ASAP after boarding and find your Britannia Club table card with the number. 2. Go to the dining room and find out where and what kind of table it is. If you are okay with it there is nothing else to do. Enjoy your voyage. 3. If you are NOT satisfied with your table, you should meet with the MD ASAP. The sailing day MD hours are posted in the program. Do not delay. Prior to meeting with the MD, scout the dining room and make note of the tables you would be happy with. Share those table numbers with the MD who will no doubt do everything he can to help you. I'm not getting into a tipping debate however you may want to let the MD vaguely know he will find you most grateful if he can help with your goal. And follow through! Good luck! Deck Chair. PSL I just returned from a 28-day sailing on the QM2. This was my first time since covid. I was astonished at the huge number of tables for two added in the Britannia Dining room. If you wanted a table for two it was not a problem. The issue is that many of the tables for two were VERY close to each other, so you really weren't alone. FYI.

Hello! I just returned from a 28 day voyage on QM2 round trip from NY. Ship sailed July 21 and returned August 18. On the first two segments there were two dance hosts, a husband and wife. On the TA home (The ballet crossing) there were two new dance hosts, a man and woman who replaced the first two. In all cases the dance hosts were kept very busy. In fact, there was a crying need for more. These hosts were in addition to the professional dance couple. This was my first voyage on QM2 since covid. Prior to these sailings I have sailed on QM2 on 41 occasions since 2006. Prior to covid there were always 6-8 dance hosts. Why Cunard has cut the number is a mystery to me. I know I spoke with numerous single passengers who were quite dismayed by the lack of sufficient number of hosts and questioned if they would return to Cunard. Ony the bean counters can explain. I hope this helps. Deck Chair.

Hello!! I am not talking about recorded music. I am talking about sophisticated live dance music. Look at YOU TUBE videos of the Rainbow Room and other supper clubs. Of course, instead of fixing the problem you may prefer that Cunard close the Verandah and add more cabins in the space. Don't put it past them. PS: The big QUESTIONS for you and others: DO YOU WANT TO SAVE THE VERANDAH ON THE QUEEN MARY 2? IF SO, WHAT DO YOU PROPOSE TO DO?

Hi! i assume, then, that you never went to the Rainbow Roon atop Rockefeller Center. Or any other supper clubs.. If Cunard Line does not change the vibe of the Verandah on the QM2 it will continue to fail. Simple. Deck Chair.

Hi! I think there is widespread agreement that the food and service are very good. So, the question is: Why is it very rarely full, often two third, three quarters empty? The answer is because it is a boring experience. There is no vibe. No buzz. Too quiet. Funeral home? It's been this way for years! It needs, music and dancing, the air of the special occasion. Romance! Candles! That will bring people in! And passengers will pay if you provide a memorable experience. If I recall correctly, the Verandah Grills on the Queen Mary and long departed Queen Elizabeth had food, music and dancing. Why not the Queen Mary 2??? One reason may be many current managers of Cunard Line are apparently bean counters and have no imagination. Be well. Deck Chair.

Hello! At least on the QM2, you will not have any trouble getting a table in the Verandah. it's very rarely full even at peak hours. It has the personality of an ash tray. No buzz. No vibe. BORING. Food and service is very good, though. I really do not understand why Cunard doesn't put on its imagination hat and create a space that people flock to. Music? Dancing? Better lighting? A special occasion place!! Good luck. Deck Chair.

Hello!! Some points: I I mean this as a general response but not to one post in particular, so I apologize for any confusion. One must understand the size of the stage limits the number of dancers. Dancers must have sufficient t room in which to move. The Queen Mary is not the Kennedy Center! The company has approximately 65 dancers in all. Given all the deep preparation and rehearsal time it requires to produce a program there is only such much you can do on a crossing with six dancers. One must have reasonable expectations. There is also a budget to consider. I attended the first night's performance and there were longs lines to get in on both sides of both levels. I was just fortunate to not have to sit behind a tall person who would have blocked my view. Of course, I was there to see the performance not count how many empty seats there may have been. Given the lines it is hard to imagine there were more than a handful probably in the least desirable seats. What was annoying was not opening the doors until 30 minutes before the performance causing these lines to build. Was that Amanda Reid's decision? I noted for the matinee the doors opened 45 minutes prior. I also attended the matinee (A repeat.) which to my eye appeared almost equally as popular perhaps because the weather was less than outstanding the final day of the crossing. And most importantly, the brilliant dancers inspired these great attendance levels. I attended (Along with many other observers) all the morning workshops conducted by Jenna Lee and Kate Hatrley-Stevens of the ENB. Both are vibrant enthusiastic teachers and related well the passengers attending. I could tell the passengers really liked them. The teachers inspired confidence and dreams. In addition, the ENB pianist Julia Richter played wonderfully as she accompanied the students. While I did not count the number of participants, the classes appeared to be well subscribed although seemed to dwindle a bit in numbers as the crossing unfolded. I did notice some passengers participating in the classes off to the side of the Queens Room independent of the others. Everyone seemed to be having fun. A wide range of ages. I especially enjoyed watching the young passengers out on the floor no doubt with dreams of being another Gelsey Kirkland. Because I had no interest in actually taking classes, I was not aware of the requirement for signing up. No doubt some passengers missed the sign-ups, or there were computer glitches, or were late to the process. This is what I do know: You don't complain to some poor soul at the purser's desk. You don't make a scene about contacting CCL. You don't make a fool of yourself. A person could have easily approached the two controlling teachers and asked to be let in. Chances are they would let you in. And if they couldn't for whatever reason then its reminder life is unfair and good luck the next time the ENB is on. Finally, I make it a point to talk to many passengers and crew members when I sail on the Queen Mary. I didn't hear one complaint from anyone about not being able to get into one of the workshops. No doubt, there were some complaints, but this was not an issue sweeping the ship! Be well. Deck Chair.

Hello!! I just returned from the ballet crossing today. I am a long-time balletomane and booked this crossing mostly because of the ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET which is the second time they have been on. The first in 2019. I attended many of the classes held for passengers conducted by staffers from company, (Kate and Janna) attended rehearsals by the company of six dancers and two of the performances in the Royal Court Theater. They were all repeats FYI. In addition, I attended the interview session conducted by Amanda Reid of four of the dancers. As before, I was emotionally spent after watching the thrilling performances of these great gifted. Dancers. They are truly unforgettable and so young! A real plus was how approachable they all were especially Miguel and Ivanna. I can promise you will not be disappointed and the packed in audiences as reflected in the heavy applause will agree. The bad news is that Amanda Reid is not sure when they will be back. She is quite aware how popular this special crossing was. One last note: Obviously due to the limitations of the stage you will not see the entire company of about 65 dancers. All the best. Deck Chair.

Hello! Perhaps |I was not clear. The daily gratuities posted on your account can easily be removed if you elect to do so The required gratuity included in the cost of your drinks/wine cannot be removed as they are mandatory. According to my sources, those drink tips previously went to the waiters themselves so the harder and more efficiently they worked the more money they made. According to my many sources to the tips no longer go to the individual waiter. They are all now on a salary and they all earn the same no matter how many drinks or bottles of wine they sell. This clearly removes the incentive to work harder. It is also true that the additional tip you can include on your check DOES go to the waiter but seriously how passengers add an additional tip? Few, no doubt!!! I am also being informed that if a waiter exceeds goals his or her salary does go up . I am also being told, however, that the sales goals are almost unreachable. I am currently on my 41st sailing on the QM2 since 2006 and I have noticed a subtle lack of enthusiasm among the server teams in the lounges. It is no wonder given this change. What is most troubling to me is that Cunard Line executives haven't made this change abundantly clear to passengers. They may be ashamed of themselves!!I f it were possible I would remove the drink service charge and tip myself to the deserving help. Please, I am not posting this to ignite another trip debate. They are useless and redundant. To those who believe this doesn't matter and the waiters are lucky to even have a job there is nothing I I can say to you. To those who believe like myself that this shabby treatment of waiters does matter I encourage you to con tact Cunard Line and register your dismay. Be well. Deck Chair

Hello. Have been on QM2 since July 21. There were only two dance hosts during the crossing, a husband and wife team. From Southampton onward there are two new dance hosts apparently a husband and wife team. Its quite a shame as there does appear to be number of passengers who would like to dance but with only two hosts many are left high and dry. I do not know what t went into Cunard's thinking. Not smart. The ship returns to Southampton on 8/11 for the beginning of the ballet crossing. I wil be happy to report the latest. Deck Chair.

Hello! Currently on QM2. Captain Hall explained change in plans was due to the high winds expected in Villefranche. This morning he further commented that this was the best decision as the conditions in France were even worse than forecasted. . Deck Chair

Yes, it would be illegal in the United States depending There are some restaurants in America that do pay a salary to servers in lieu of tips and the patrons are so informed. I have been told this new Cunard experiment not a pool situation. They are now getting a salary which falls short of what most made in tips. Deck chair.

Hello! I am a longstanding Diamond level member with countless sailings on record with Cunard. I have always been happy with the great service provided by the hardworking crew. It has come to my attention by many numerous reliable sources here on the QM2 that the gratuities that you are required to pay with drinks are no longer going to the waiters t hat provided the service. They are going into the pockets of Cunard Line and little doubt into the pockets of the insensitive Cunard management. Trust me: NO way they work nearly as hard as the crew members who take care of passengers. The waiters are upset because instead of receiving the tip[s they are being compensated with a salary that for many that falls short of wheat they earned with tips. In addition. the waiters who work the hardest and sell the most drinks make as much as the the waiters who produce less. I guess Cunard Line executives think that's just awesome. I have also been told that this new practice is just an experiment by Cunard Line. Yes, an experiment to see how much they can get away with mistreating their waiters. An experiment to see if they can keep this greed without the passengers finding out. Unfortunately , passengers cannot remove these drink gratuities as they can with the others. (Which I have newer done.) This is what we can do: Complain loudly to Cunard Line especially on their Facebook page and on end of voyage passenger surveys. Your thoughts please. Deck Chair

Hello: I am currently sailing on the QM2 for England. I will be sharing my thoughts when I return from this 28 days voyage round trip from NYC. In the meantime, in addition to other cutbacks, the captain's reception is no longer. There is no credible explanation for this except the inept Cunard senior management must think its a brilliant idea to take away a longstanding traditional very enjoyable event that has been going on for many many decades. Of course, some passengers don't care but 95% of passengers do and does not go unnoticed. (Unless you are a first time passenger) Why is this management taking away a meaningful affair that brought passengers together to meet, share, mingle and make new friends? Its a further steep degradation of the Cunard experience. No doubt these mindless managers think its all made up up with a warm glass of sparkling line left at your table in the dining room. Let me clue you in, Cunard mangers: I t does NOT and is an insult. Don't even want to get into the horrible scheduling of the CWC and senior Officer's parties. Its like, lets have these at most inconvenient time possible so fewer people show up. Except for crossings I will be looking elsewhere for cruises long and short such as Oceania, Saga, Celebrity or Princess among other lines. Curious what others think. On the bright side, the weather has been very nice except for some patchy fog early on yesterday. Lots of passengers out on deck! Be well. Deck Chair.

Hi! You are not going to find accurate seating charts and even if you did there is no guarantee the tables haven't changed. This is what I recommend: 1. When you get on the ship make it a priority to visit the dining room. Bring your table card with you. Find your assigned table and if it is acceptable there is nothing else to do. 2. If you don't like your table, scout out the room and make a note of the table numbers of the tables you do like. 3. Meet with the MD when he is scheduled to be there (get there early and beat the line) and request a change of tables. I have found that second sitting is not as in demand as first so you have a good chance of getting to the table you like. 4. If on day of sailing there are no window tables available ask the MD to let you know if it something opens up for the second night. People do have a tendency to move around so something you like could open up. I do not want to open up another tipping debate. I have found its worthwhile to let the MD know you will be happy to show your gratitude. Good luck Deck Chair