carolina_yankee

I’m looking forward to Starlink and hope it will be on our 11/12 Apex cruise. I’m not a fan of Musk the person but he is a genius and his products are doing and will do great good, particularly the ancillary products that come from the research, just like NASA gave us many daily improvements from the moon missions and shuttle program. As for internet on cruises, I loathe being in contact with people in real life (and connecting with people is my job responsibility!). I’m quite capable of surfing the internet and finding what I need to find while ignoring every email, text, and social media post from people I don’t want to be bothered by. So, for the person at another table ignoring their spouse and family to notice and criticize my internet use, please note that I’m likely confirming the weather for my excursion tomorrow.

Thank you @kaisatsu for your comments on Leknes! I’m really looking forward to that stop. Would you know if it is easy to rent a car on your own there for the day? Also, thank you for the Cunard experience. We are comfortable in black suits and ties, though we are usually much more relaxed on vacation. I’m actually looking forward to th experience. Loaning the guest a jacket to hang on the back of the chair is a classy touch, IMO. No calling out or embarrassment needed. I can imagine us trying to do another cruise at some point that gets us to Bergen, Ålesund, and a few other places we’ll miss this time. We did decide on Cunard and we are definitely looking forward to visiting Norway!!

This is happening on the other lines that are creating dual class service, too. I’m quite frustrated that I will not be able to get an “over-the-bow” pic on Celebrity Apex for sail away or sunsets because I’m not cruising in the Retreat. Other than that, having a section of the ship set aside for a certain grouping of guests means “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” to us. And, of course, Celebrity has two restaurants that only certain categories of staterooms can access, which we will be able to walk past and see “for Aqua Class” or “Suites” only. I used to a be a Disney addict prior to the pandemic, but their move to “Pay to play” for WDW has guaranteed we won’t be back for a long time. We can pay to play, we just prefer playing with real experiences and destinations if it’s going to cost that much.

I’m new to Cunard, sailing Brittania balcony. Thought for a moment about Brittania club, but that would have raised the price of the cruise to within a spitting distance of HAL’s verandah price. I’m a little amused by the “class rivalry” that’s emerged in this thread. I’ve been pleased to find that the Cunard forum, is, on balance more helpful and egalitarian in tone than one of the other forums for an upscale but not luxury cruise line we’re going to sail on. Those posters are competitive!! In terms of “budget,” I have to laugh because on a recent price comparison for sample itineraries we might take, Cunard was surprisingly affordable compared to some other lines we’d cruise! Suites on any decent cruise line are expensive and come with a variety of useful or useless perks. Cunard is distinct and has a venerable tradition, but doesn’t require massive bank accounts. I was a little concerned about not being “posh” at first, but quickly realized I know how to wear a tux or a dark suit and carry on a conversation so that I’ll be fine wherever we are on the ship. It will also be nice to not try to have a conversation with someone whose most important starter is that they are in a suite. I would think at table most would be discussing what they did or will do in port or where they’re from. I love the luxury of the PG and QG offerings that I’ve seen, but I can’t justify the cost for a vacation when there are so many other things on my list I could do with the money. If it ever turns out I get a good deal or have a bit extra to spend, I’ll certainly go for it. For those who enjoy it and can do it, or have made it their priority to do it, good for them. In the meantime, I’m likely to provide a Brittania review around 10 months from now.

We do have a good travel agent who looks out for us. It’s just odd about these things! At the end of the day, they are small hassles.

It is so amusing bouncing between the Cunard and Celebrity boards! For the most part, I dress for me (and I do dress to the standard) and don’t worry about other people. I’m the guy who went to college classes in coat and tie because I commuted and worked for the state legislature after classes, so I’m used to not fitting in! Maybe their luggage got lost. Maybe a child got sick all over them. Maybe they are rubes from the sticks. Whatever. At the same time, I also enjoy when people get into the spirit of the evening. At the end of the day, I enjoy stylish, with or without collar. Heck, even Cunard shows the options for their non-formal nights of a stylish T-shirt with blazer.

Every cruise line board complains about their website! But I agree, Cunard is particularly challenging. I’m really annoyed that as the second name on the reservation I can’t do certain things. I’m the planner. So, I have to log in using my husband’s information. I’m also annoyed that there doesn’t seem to be a way to establish an account. You have to log in with your confirmation each time. Avalon Waterways is the only other site I’ve seen do that. No excursions listed either. I get that they may change for a voyage so far out as next summer, but why no listings of the usuals for planning and research? And finally, even for simple things, like ordering stateroom gifts (I always have flowers in the cabin), one has to call. They aren’t encouraging us to stick around, dream, plan, and *purchase*!!

I’ve really appreciated your takes as whole plus the areas for further exploration since we just booked QV. From what I’ve read, all cruise lines are having issues with either staffing or having experienced staff so standards have slipped across the board. Some ships seem to be better than others as cruise lines focus their resources. I think of this summer as the true first “back to normal for travel” season and we’ve seen that infrastructure simply couldn’t cope. I hope things improve for next summer. I’m shocked about no photographers! That has to be a money maker, particularly for Cunard with the emphasis on dressing up. We’ve cruised enough to no longer care about photographers, but I would definitely want some photos on a Cunard cruise. However, if you ask us to help you with your selfie, we’ll happily say yes, and they won’t be on the cutting room floor. 😉 I’ve notice the Tips for Travelers on YouTube puts Cunard in the same class as Celebrity, Princess, and HAL, and, of course, Carnival owns three of those four. I have to wonder if there are some serious questions at corporate level about how to differentiate the brands while keeping income. I would think there is room for Cunard to grow with younger generations if they maintain traditions while providing better tech, mix up some entertainment, upgrade the cabin bathrooms, and add access to some dining options. Most of the lines now have dual class service with their Yacht Clubs, Havens, Retreats, etc., so Cunard actually won that battle. To be honest, I like Cunard’s approach. They don’t seem to rub it in your face that Brittania are 2nd class. There is plenty of elegance and all have same access to what’s important. I’m a huge Disney fan and I’ve pulled back because they have made it clear they only want to give the best to the wealthiest. For the money, I can sail Cunard, take river cruises, fulfill global travel dreams and have real experiences. With better service. As for surveys, very poor form not to send out one or take one at the end of the cruise. I would be tempted to email them my thoughts as a result. It’s concerning if they don’t want to know what their guests think. While the CC reviews seem to be balanced for the most part, the Trip Adviser reviews are brutal.

Thanks for the tip on the concert in the Arctic Cathedral. That is an absolute must for us. I prefer dining around 7 or 7:30, but on ships that can conflict with both shows, and if we have an early excursion the next morning, we could just dine in the buffet if we needed to. I don’t mind being up late, but I don’t like to have big meals just before bed. I can definitely see wanting the time to relax, change, and be ready for dinner, though, when it’s so classy. So, Cunard it is!

I’ll join the roll call! I’m not heavy into mixing and mingling on vacation, but I do like to get to know some other people if we share excursions or other events, and also to share planning tips. I honestly wouldn’t expect HAL or Cunard to have a disruptive clientele! We’re taking a Celebrity cruise on Apex in November and while it will be more casual, modern, and lively, I’m not expecting anything to pose on “cruisers behaving badly” threads!

I’m sorry I missed your post earlier. I was glad to see your thoughts. Indeed - I could think of some ports I would like to see on either itinerary, but I also look some of what each has. It’s likely we would do a fjord-specific cruise in the future so could get to Bergen, Ålesund, and other places then. I really like that Cunard has Tromsø and Leknes, plus Geiranger of course. Good point about the snowy mountains. Somebody else brought that up to, for photo backdrops. I like that! This will be my first trip to Norway so I will enjoy it regardless, and will surely figure out how to come back!

I’m a lover of sea days, too, because I like to enjoy the ship. This is why I’m happy to now start taking longer cruises!! I’m a big fan of the classic style that Cunard, HAL, and Disney all use in their ship designs. That most of our sailings have been on Disney lets you know that I don’t take things too seriously, but we also liked Disney because the ships were designed to keep the kids away from the adults! I don’t think I would want to cruise Cunard in the Caribbean or a summer Mediterranean itinerary, but since this is a northern climate (cool) and a longer cruise, I think we can get into some of the customs. I’ll be honest, I’m also a bit put-off that HAL is limiting non-alcoholic beverages to 15 a day on their drinks package. While I’m not sure we could ever go over that, I do like bottled (canned) water and do need to drink a fair amount because of Kidney stone potential. I’ve about decided that Cunard is a go, but I will keep looking into future Pinnacle class sailings so we can try HAL out. Lincoln Center Stage and the enrichment talks seem interesting to me. I’m glad to hear that Cunard should also some good enrichment talks. If budget would allow, I would definitely go for a smaller ship, but these days, QV is quite a comfortable size for us -not too different than the Disney Magic.

Well, both HAL and Cunard forums encourage trying Cunard! I remember attending a performance of Les Miz with my partner in Raleigh in a tux while hearing a woman jab her husband and say, “Why can’t you dress like that?” We can have fun. I appreciate the advice on the reviews, too. I can often tell when people are just being too picky, but sometimes it’s hard to know for sure. Two questions: Are times still fixed for Brittania Balcony? I thought I saw somewhere that standard Brittania could also get fixed dining? If fixed are the only options, what are the times and the atmosphere like at each? And, are jackets required on non-gala nights? We’re fine if they are, just want to know how to plan with limited luggage. Oh, and a final question - flying from EWR to LHR in either premium economy or business class - would Cunard Air get a good price? United is our airline of choice. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

All of this is very helpful. I think another factor is that we are far more likely to be on HAL in the future (looking at you, Alaska) than on Cunard. The timing is also very helpful as it would allow me end a scheduled sabbatical by a couple of weeks. Ultimately, I am a little happier with Cunard’s ports on the 2003 northern cape itineraries. If only I had time to do a B2B on either ship!

Will do! I looked earlier and some how missed it. Glad it’s there. I have a feeling it may be a situation in which I can’t go wrong with either choice. They will just be different, and with different price points. I will have to bear that in mind.

Cross-posting in HAL forum for their thoughts. For those who have sailed both ships or both lines, what are your thoughts for a Northern Cape cruise in June or July? There are some port differentials but we would be OK with either itinerary, I think. I posted those questions in the ports section. We can book QV Britannia balcony for significantly less than Rotterdam verandah, plus some cost savings flying to England instead of Amsterdam. We are aware of the Cunard traditions and think it would be fun giving that a try, but QV has gotten some mixed reviews lately. Both itineraries have five sea days, so ship experience does make a difference. We are self-entertaining, but like nice environments. I should add we are a gay couple, 58 and 71 at time of cruise. While we are young at heart, we are not party/club types! Any thoughts?

Crossposting in Cunard forum for their opinions. For those who have sailed both ships or both lines, what are your thoughts for a Northern Cape cruise in June or July? There are some port differentials but we would be OK with either itinerary, I think. I posted those questions in the ports section. We can book QV Britannia balcony for significantly less than Rotterdam verandah, plus some cost savings flying to England instead of Amsterdam. We are aware of the Cunard traditions and think it would be fun giving that a try, but QV has gotten some mixed reviews lately. Both itineraries have five sea days, so ship experience does make a difference. We are self-entertaining, but like nice environments. Any thoughts?

I wish! But I don’t have the time. Although, I think Queen Victoria may be doing similar. (7 night focusing on southwest fjords)

There are family reasons I want to take a northern cape cruise next year along with some scenic fjord cruising. Trondheim is essential for family history. Hurtigruten would be the most fun but is out of budget. I’m currently booked on HAL Rotterdam, but Cunard is less expensive (go figure!) and, as a ship, more interesting to me. Both have my must-do ports for the family history portion of the cruise, but differ on other ports. I welcome advice on which itinerary in terms of scenery, photography opportunities, and any other wisdom.. Holland America (July 1 - 15): Five sea days from Amsterdam, Eidfjord, Skjolden, Andalsnes, Trondheim, Hammerfest, Honningsvag, Bergen, Stavanger. Cunard from Southampton: (June 6 - 18): Five sea days with Haugesund, Leknes, Tromsø, Honningsvag, Trondheim, Geiranger Logistically and price wise, Cunard is better for me but both can work. I like Trondheim, Leknes, Tromsø and Geiranger. I’m not excited about both Skjolden, Eidfjord, and Andalsnes on HAL but I can make them work (I am a good self-explorer). I like Bergen on HAL so it’s kind of a trade-off between Bergen and Geiranger to me. Anyway, I welcome thoughts!

It’s not very active, but it’s good to know there are others here on the cruise! I’m surprised at the limited excursions Celebrity offers, both in number and variety, for Belize and Grand Cayaman. Looking at third party, it seems like there are plenty of other options. Probably a sign of post-pandemic world. We’re staying on board for some stops and doing things at others. Another couple is going with us with significant health limitations, so some of the cruise is just to hang with them and be catered to! I’m glad to hear that the gardens has its fans. It looks neat, and we want to some nature and culture stuff. Honestly, booking a taxi round trip is cheaper than an excursion for two, but the various excursions do offer more things than the one stop. Is there food at or around the gardens? It could be worth it to just arrange a taxi with a long enough drop off to relax, explore, take photos, enjoy a snack or meal, and head back to town.

I thought about the DST change - fortunately it’s the week before our ship departs on 11/12 so Florida time and Cayman time will be the same. I odn’t know if November seas are calmer are rougher! We also stop at Belize two days earlier, another tender port, so I’ll have a sense of how things are - not that they are close to each other, but still.

This is a tour booked through shoreexcusionsgroup so I’ll have to assume they know what they’re doing with the timing. Definitely refundable if we miss the port. We would book through Celebrity except their vendor assumes 71 is too old to take a bus to a botanic garden or climb a flight of stairs. Sigh.

But what if that tests positive!!!!

Our first Celebrity cruise and first tender port - Grand Cayman. We are on the Apex, which might impact that answer giving their improved tendering efficiency. All ashore is10:00 am. We want to book a non-ship excursion that has 11 am as the start time. What is the process for tendering when you new, not using Celebrity, and nowhere near anybody’s priority? (LOL) Is it likely we can be off the ship and meet our tour at the pier at 11:00? I’m assuming they know the game, but I’m new at this and don’t!

I’m really happy I don’t have to go through the rigmarole of a proctored test for our November Apex cruise. I will still self-test, because why not? Better to know what the situation is and prepare for it then just blunder in darkly!