Jack E Dawson

As mentioned in a previous thread, we will be sailing on the QV next year, Istanbul to Rome. Last August/September we sailed on the QE for the very first time having previously only sailed on the QM2. I have to admit, we were happily surprised how much we liked and enjoyed the QE. However, I've noticed for a long time how many posters on the Cunard board pick QV as their favorite ship to cruise on. So I'm wondering, are there significant differences between the QV and QE that we should explore or be sure to experience. I was under the impression that after her 2017 refit, the QV was pretty much identical to the QE yet I rarely see anyone posting that the QE is their favorite Cunard ship. 

Thanks

Jack

35 minutes ago, ponstad said:

I have heard that the pub is difficult to get into because it is so crowded with non-diners.

As Pushpit has mentioned, the Golden Lion on the QM2 can be difficult to get a seat at. This was especially true during the height of COVID restrictions when a couple of tables were removed and passengers were also not allowed to sit at the bar. However, those restrictions have been lifted and that has helped out. You are also correct that there will often be a few passengers individually occupying tables/booths for 4 just sitting there reading without ever ordering anything to eat or drink. However, the food and drink in the Golden Lion is great and well worth the wait to be seated. 

Jack

10 hours ago, ChrisMV said:

Really?  Do they print it on the Golden Lion menu when it is available?  Or it’s posted on some kind of “specials” board?

Posted on a board on the bar counter at the entrance to the Golden Lion but we usually just hear someone at a nearby table ordering it. 

Jack

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned that on occasion lobster roll is offered as a special but there is a charge for it. Had it on the QE this past Aug/Sept and on the QM2 a few years ago Yummmy.

Jack

We will be traveling next year on the QV (Istanbul to Rome) with another couple. We will all be in Princess Grills, however, we will often not be keeping the same schedule. While we expect to have many meals together, there may also be many meals where we will get started at different times. Is it possible to link our reservations but request 2 tables for 2 side by side rather than a table for 4? The idea being that if one couple shows up 20 or 30 minutes later, they will be at a fresh table. Has anyone had any experience doing this?

Thanks,

Jack

4 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

We uploaded our photos that are a file we repeat using

We keep doing the same thing BklynBoy8, but after successfully using the same photo for the last 7 years, I'm not going to be surprised when the check-in person at the terminal looks at me and just starts laughing. 

Jack

1 hour ago, Zeg said:

Interested to know if anyone has used OBS for:

Zeg,

Is OBS similar to OBC, On Board Credit?

Thanks

Jack

We sailed in 12022 and very much liked the cabin and location. We were on a west-bound crossing so the port side location allowed us to view the Statue of Liberty from our balcony as we passed by arriving NYC. It was also the sunny side of the ship.

Jack

All traditions have to start somewhere....and I'm pretty sure that Cunard would be happy to sell more martinis. Heck, I don't really like martinis but how cool to be sitting the Queens Room with a couple of egg salad sandwiches, a string quartet playing and have a martini delivered to your table on a silver tray, shaken, not stirred, of course.

Go for it Wedgie Wedgie.

Jack

EuropeanAmericanTraveler

Depending on what promotions Cunard has going on for a particular cruise, there may be 2 or even 3 different prices for the same category cabin. Often the lowest price is non-refundable. I've always seen it clearly stated when a promotion is non-refundable but my modus operandi is to ask Cunard for a quote and a 3-day courtesy hold. The quote will clearly state the refund policy. You can do this directly with Cunard or through a TA. That way you have the policy in writing from Cunard, no confusion, no misunderstanding.

Jack

10 hours ago, Bell Boy said:

Don't get me started on this,  it's often the bane of my life  😅

If that is the bane of your life, then you lead a very good life Bell Boy.

But seriously, you make a good point, one that I had not thought about. We just booked a cruise on the QV that came with the drinks package. We will certainly try to be considerate in our ordering, for sure ordering together and not playing tag-team with the sommelier.

Thanks,

Jack

5 hours ago, Doug fh said:

I'm concerned that we will not be able to dine in the same restaurant, would she be allowed in the normal Britannia restaurant being a club class passenger?

Doug,

I don't think there will be a problem at breakfast and lunch in the MDR as it is open seating for those meals. Dinner might be more of a problem. If you cannot make arrangements with Cunard prior to the cruise then I would approach the Mater d on embarkation day. Is your daughter traveling solo? Of course you will be able to dine together in the evenings in the speciality restaurants. You may want to consider rebooking in Club or hope for a chance to bid on an upgrade. Like BigMac1953 noted, the open dining with the same table/staff is one of the main perks of booking in Club. 

Good luck,

Jack

We were in PG on the QE back in September and there was a bottle of Grand Imperial, a French sparkling wine, in our cabin upon arrival. On 2 occasions during the voyage, a bottle of Pol Acker was left in our cabin refrigerator. The Grand Imperial was nice but not nearly as enjoyable as our beloved Pol Acker. 

Jack

8 hours ago, Bell Boy said:

'pre order' ( an hour or two)  from your stateroom telephone indicating the 'Venue and Time' you expect to arrive.

Wow, great information, would never have thought to do that.

Thanks

Jack

Maggielou362,

As I write this you are already more than 3 hours into 2024. How is the year going so far? Is it shaping up to be better than 2023? If it's not going well, I still have time to catch a flight to California and get an extra 2 more hours in 2023 (hmmm, let me rethink that). What's the next "BIG Thing" in 2024 that I can invest in while it's still 2023 here in Chicago? 

Thanks for being the first person I've talked to in the future, 2024. 

All the best for the New Year

Jack

Thanks Gomac, 

We thought you would like the step-up to PG, like you we were blown away by the difference from Britannia, especially the dining. However, one surprise with your comments was the lack of service on the Grills terrace. Our one experience on the QE (4 months ago, Panama Canal)) was just the opposite. Chilled fresh fruit kabobs were brought around at 10:00, finger sandwiches at 11:00, ice cream 14:00 and full tea service at 15:30. In-between we were often approached for drinks. Your cabin was most impressive. Besides the balcony door, I see you also had a window. Thanks for the feedback and I still wouldn't give up hope for your upgrade bid being accepted. 

Jack

On 10/16/2023 at 10:57 AM, Gomac said:

We have 5 Cunard voyages under our belt and have our first PG voyage on QE coming up next month which is very exciting. 

Good morning Gomac,

I apologize if I have missed a posting but I was wondering how your QE voyage went and what your impressions of PG were. 

Thanks,

Jack

e&mcruise

I have ordered flowers twice, once for my wife's birthday (QM) and once for our anniversary (QE). On both cases they were beautiful. The second time was on a 14 night cruise and about 8 or 9 days into the cruise I called the Purser's Desk and asked if the arrangement could be freshened up a bit. It was almost completely redone and the service was complimentary. We also once sat next to a couple celebrate a birthday and they had preordered a birthday cake which they shared a pieces with us. It was absolutely amazing, one of the most delicious cakes I've ever tasted. It was a yellow cake with a fruit custard icing. The flowers were $60. I don't know how much the cake was. I had to call Cunard to order the flowers.

Hope this helps

Jack

16 hours ago, eqshadimar said:

Thank you all for the replies.  I will take the comments into consideration.

I would strongly recommend that you go for it eqshadimar. The Alaskan cruise on the QE will be an amazing adventure. Just understand that Dinner in QG is something special so let your friends know that you understand that. Then I would suggest that you request a table of 6 or 8 in the MDR. This way you will meet some wonderful people and have your own special time at dinner. When in Britannia Class, we always request a larger table and have made many great friends.  Find out what time your friends normally like to dine and then select early or late dining accordingly. Besides the restaurants mentioned in the above posts, don't forget the Golden Lion Pub, our favorite. Please let us know what you decide. 

Jack

7 hours ago, Bell Boy said:

And if you don't managed to use the unopened one, you can take it home with you. 

So true Bell Boy.

7 hours ago, Bell Boy said:

Often when we make a face to face booking we are asked if we agree to an upgrade - One needs to think twice before accepting the box to be ticked

I couldn't agree with you more Bell Boy. However, we have always check the box for full category upgrade only. In August we were moved from Britannia unobstructed balcony to Britannia Club on the QE. Later we successfully bid on an upgrade to PG. 

Jack

rj1227

We are originally from Houma, moved to NO after graduation from LSU and then eventually migrated to Beau Chene in the 80's. We now split our time between Chicago and Florida. You are absolutely going to love your crossing on the QM2. As a matter of fact, I'll bet you a shrimp Po-boy and onion rings at Pontchartrain Po-boys that this will not be your only crossing, There are three things that a Crossing on the QM2 shares with South Louisiana, GREAT food, LOTS of music, and GOOD people looking to have a good time. Trust me, this will be a special time and you will want to rise to the occasion. Explore the ship, every nook and cranny, try EVERYTHING. 

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

Jack

PS: please post back here on your experience

9 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Why not wait and see how 'the situation' develops and then transfer your allegiances should you feel the need.

Once again, good advice.

6 hours ago, DaisyUK said:

We board QV tomorrow and am in my usual mode of panic-packing.

I strongly suggest opening a bottle of Champagne, your packing issues will become much clearer.

Enjoy your voyage

Jack

Thanks Pear Carr,

Great to hear all is well with our favorite ship as well. We always sail with our rose colored glasses as well.

Have a wonderful voyage

Jack