Mareblu

5 minutes ago, MicCanberra said:

My DIL was pulled over for singing with one hand by her ear.

That’s ridiculous 

15 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

I agree, the distances are too great for me too. It’s not the number of passengers, who were rarely about in swarms, except leaving the theatre, it is simply that, compared with the Vistas, it is a long way to everywhere, and not always in a straight line, especially as many of my favourite places were at the very front.

 

Oh, and I may have mentioned I loathed the Grills Lounge. 😀😀

Several times😜

I found myself appreciating those benches sometimes.  The only real QA dislike we have, and it’s a rather intense one, is her size.  We occupied an extremely comfortable Q3 (and we didn’t mind the partition) as aft as there is, so the journey to Grills lounge and QG restaurant and back three times a day was quite a trek.  When we arrived at Stairway B, I often sought a bench breather.  I sat and faced one way, and my husband was posted facing opposite (he never needed to sit, grrr) so that one of us could spot the opening doors and launch into the required sprint.  Actually, the doors weren’t quite as swiftly closing as I expected, and yes, fellow passengers, almost without fail, held the doors for others.

We enjoyed our British Isles cruise immensely, but if we had a preference, QE or QV would snare our booking.  That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t sail on QA again, we simply feel she’s not our preferred size, particularly after a cruise on Oceania’s Vista, which carries approximately 1200 passengers.  We do love the Cunard experience , though.  It’s our favourite.

On 6/30/2024 at 10:26 AM, Mareblu said:

It's not a matter of whether "they would kick you out...for wearing a pair of capris and a nice shirt", although I have twice in several Oceania sailings witnessed, at entrance to GDR on different ships, guests being politely requested to perhaps return dressed in something more suitable.  Rather, it's how one feels if underdressed.  Capris, which when ankle length and nicely cut, present as an elegant evening pant, when matched with a suitable top and lifted even more with some attractive jewellery.  To me, "casual all the time" as you describe, is sportswear day and night.  Some Oceania guests do dress that way for a dinner in The Terrace, but most don't, and not ever that I've witnessed passing the entrance to any of the other restaurants aboard.  "Smart casual", as described by Cunard, is entirely different.  That description refers to the type of dress one would wear to dine at one's golf club, or a fine dining restaurant;  collared shirt (tie optional) and jacket for him, dressier than that for lunch for her.  Smart casual abounds in the evening on Oceania.

Oh dear.  The “nineteenth hole” reference is obviously directed at me and my previous post on golf club attire.  Those actually familiar with golf clubs would be aware that “polos and chinos” are indeed acceptable in the sports bar of golf clubs, which is where golfers gather for “a round after a round”.  For dining, at least at my golf club, Cunard’s directive for “smart casual”, as I describe above, is to be strictly followed, unless for a gala or formal evening (we have them frequently, not unlike Cunard), when formal attire is worn.  It is not I who first referenced polos and chinos.  Perhaps the poster’s golf club, if it exists, is the “wrong” golf club.  
 

I agree that it is sad to witness dress standards lapse.  I repeat another remark I previously made:  the attire one wears for the evening sets the tone for the evening.  
 

Please, may we engage in rational and polite discussion, or even debate, without resorting to condescending remarks and sweeping generalisations?  

2 minutes ago, Clewgarnet said:

My first Cunard voyage was a TA back in 2018 that was supposed to be a one-off, just for the experience of my mother and I travelling in her grandfather's footsteps, and I'd never travel with Cunard again. I'm now on the edge of platinum status.

 

In my defence, a fractured spine has put an end to my more adventurous travels!

Sending warmest wishes, and I hope you are able to enjoy life to your maximum possibility.  A Cunard experience as often as possible sounds the perfect remedy.

16 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

And longer hours.

Yes, I certainly would have loved longer hours; opening at 11.30am was ridiculous:  too long after breakfast and too soon before lunch.  I really enjoyed the lounge, apart from the opening hour restrictions.  

On 6/30/2024 at 10:53 AM, Mareblu said:

An important note:  There is a vast difference between P&O Australia, and its UK namesake.  P&O Australia has "enjoyed" a rather terrible reputation over recent years.  There are some who are loyal to the brand, because it certainly offers affordable cruises in local waters, but it is known as "the party ships line", favoured by end-of-year football teams and generally those of a younger generation who still have the stamina (but perhaps not the common sense) to "rage" during a holiday.  There was a tragic case several years ago of a lovely middle-aged woman who was date raped by a drunken gang, which ended in the courts only after much outrage, and the most recent scandal has been the outbreak of bedbugs, initially denied by P&O.  At the very least, the name had to be changed to save the line.  Costa, IMHO, has never really recovered from the tragic running aground of Costa Concordia a few years ago.  Our Italian relatives say they would never sail on Concordia.  My point in all this is to emphasise that in both cases, public scrutiny and opinion would be the reason for rebranding. 

 

I personally don't understand why Cunard would need to be rebranded, when its loyal guests return for the same reasons:  the ambience and comfort of sailing on a vessel where standards are hopefully maintained well into the future.  I do believe that is possibly a reason for other lines to follow Cunard's lead.  We are an ageing population, and if they're lucky enough, the younger generation of cruisers will follow.  They will probably, in time, seek the ambience Cunard offers.

OOps.  correction:  no-one, of course, can sail on the Concordia.  I meant our relatives have said they would never sail on Costa, even though one couple had sailed on a Costa vessel many years ago.  They are also resolute that they would never do so again. 

56 minutes ago, Jean C said:

Not the Matterhorn, the Matterhorn's a very distinctive shape.

Yes, we stayed in Zermatt for a week a couple of years ago.  I was referring to the glacier.

It looks very much like the Matterhorn.

2 hours ago, david63 said:

I think you mean Carnival's strategy for Cunard.

Also I think you may have meant Carnival and not Celebrity.

 

That theory may not be far from the truth. P&O Australia is being wound down and rebranded as Carnival and it is rumoured that Costa will be next. The question is - how long before other brands follow?

An important note:  There is a vast difference between P&O Australia, and its UK namesake.  P&O Australia has "enjoyed" a rather terrible reputation over recent years.  There are some who are loyal to the brand, because it certainly offers affordable cruises in local waters, but it is known as "the party ships line", favoured by end-of-year football teams and generally those of a younger generation who still have the stamina (but perhaps not the common sense) to "rage" during a holiday.  There was a tragic case several years ago of a lovely middle-aged woman who was date raped by a drunken gang, which ended in the courts only after much outrage, and the most recent scandal has been the outbreak of bedbugs, initially denied by P&O.  At the very least, the name had to be changed to save the line.  Costa, IMHO, has never really recovered from the tragic running aground of Costa Concordia a few years ago.  Our Italian relatives say they would never sail on Concordia.  My point in all this is to emphasise that in both cases, public scrutiny and opinion would be the reason for rebranding. 

I personally don't understand why Cunard would need to be rebranded, when its loyal guests return for the same reasons:  the ambience and comfort of sailing on a vessel where standards are hopefully maintained well into the future.  I do believe that is possibly a reason for other lines to follow Cunard's lead.  We are an ageing population, and if they're lucky enough, the younger generation of cruisers will follow.  They will probably, in time, seek the ambience Cunard offers.

10 hours ago, Russiamomm said:

Yes, I meant Hamburg.  😃

 

I try to pack as light as possible.  I’m really good at mixing and matching. Mostly a couple of decent pair of pants, a few pair of capris and a few casual dresses.  DH is the same.  A few pair of pants, dress shirts and polos.  He retired more than ten years ago.  I can think of exactly twice in those ten years that he wore a tie, and one of those occasions was our daughter’s wedding.  😂. That’s what I mean by “casual”.  Decently dressed, but certainly not dresses and heels for me or a jacket and tie for DH.  But we are packing them for this trip.

 

It’s our first time on Oceania as well.  From what I understand, it is basically casual all the time.  There are no formal nights.  I’m sure they wouldn’t kick someone out of a restaurant for wearing a tie, but neither will they kick you out for wearing a pair of capris and a nice shirt.  That’s definitely more our style.  But as I said, we will do our best to comply with the dress codes, but don’t be surprised to see us repeating outfits.  😃

It's not a matter of whether "they would kick you out...for wearing a pair of capris and a nice shirt", although I have twice in several Oceania sailings witnessed, at entrance to GDR on different ships, guests being politely requested to perhaps return dressed in something more suitable.  Rather, it's how one feels if underdressed.  Capris, which when ankle length and nicely cut, present as an elegant evening pant, when matched with a suitable top and lifted even more with some attractive jewellery.  To me, "casual all the time" as you describe, is sportswear day and night.  Some Oceania guests do dress that way for a dinner in The Terrace, but most don't, and not ever that I've witnessed passing the entrance to any of the other restaurants aboard.  "Smart casual", as described by Cunard, is entirely different.  That description refers to the type of dress one would wear to dine at one's golf club, or a fine dining restaurant;  collared shirt (tie optional) and jacket for him, dressier than that for lunch for her.  Smart casual abounds in the evening on Oceania.

17 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Curiously enough, the black dress I was speaking of was from Wallis.

I’m extremely impressed that you are able to wear it still.

31 minutes ago, D&N said:

If that was us; my wife would take ten dinner outfits for Cunard. If we had nights in Hamburg and Oslo or any other European cities, she would dress going out for dinner recycling what she wore on QM2. For Oceania she would recycle the ten outfits from QM2 and have another eight that she may have worn at lunch time on QM2. If we had a night in London before flying she'd wear something from the cruises. She might even use some separates and mix and match. I'd just need a few dinner and lounge suits, ties, and shirts and shoes that I'd need to wear anyway.

We'd just travel with normal luggage to do that.

 

Just a different approach. As you say you're: "not “into” the whole concept of dressing up.", so there's no reason to do something you don't want to.

 

For all Oceania can be casual, I'm sure it doesn't need to be. Some of their interiors look very nice. I would hope that if I ever sailed with them that I wouldn't be turned away from the dining room for wearing a tie! 😀

 

Oceania is most definitely not “casual”, unless one is dining in The Terrace, where even the “buffet” is not quite that.  Grilled seafood (including lobster each evening) lamb and sushi offerings are all served by attendants.  No guest touches the implements, or, heaven forbid, the food itself.  The GDR has a delightful ambience, and the specialty restaurants are a haven of fine dining, in an elegant setting reflecting the cuisine of that particular venue.  As a matter of fact, Oceania, liken Seabourn and Silversea, resemble Cunard in many respects, but not all.  Viking, in our opinion, doesn’t come close.

My father fought in the battle of Milne Bay.  Thank you for posting.

We seem to have taken a breather, so I’m not terribly confident, but I’ll be brave and suggest this is a beautiful image of somewhere on the Great Barrier Reef.

2 hours ago, reeves35 said:

Cunard has to go where the market takes them.  If Carnival Corp see Celebrity or HAL, both lines considered to be competitors, are achieving higher per diems and greater margins than Cunard, of course, they will change the product.  This may mean changes in dining, onboard apps, entertainment etc.

 

I have never really understood why people worry what other passengers are wearing.  Sure, there should be a minimum standard but don't let it spoil your cruise.  If you feel special dressed up, great, enjoy your night.  Other people are enjoying their holiday in a way that suits them and that is fine.  Live and Let Live!

 

I probably think the level of gala nights is OK particularly as participation remains voluntary with access to other venues if you choose not to participate though I do concede that it is possible that in future years this may further change with one level of the MDR assigned for gala whilst the other level is still smart attire even on a designated gala night. 

 

The reason for this is, for passengers not joining a Cunard ship in their homeport, luggage is a real consideration.  Sure if you're just driving down to Southampton from London, you can take as much as you like but, if you are flying, like many of Cunard's target customers will have to, then you are probably restricted to a single 23kg suitcase and loading up the bag with more than one formal suit/gown probably doesn't make sense.

 

 

 

As an Australian who also needs to travel vast distances to partake in Cunard (or other) voyages to the regions of the northern hemisphere I and DH love to explore and revisit, I empathise with the luggage dilemma.  The solution is simple really:  dress elegantly (or "formally") for each evening.  DH only needs to travel with one dinner jacket (tuxedo) and formal trousers, and add a different bow tie and kerchief to change the look.  I simply pack formal pantsuits, evening tops, several pairs of flowing culottes and one or two evening pants. 

I also understand the "live and let live" philosophy, but here we disagree.  I am of the firm conviction that what one wears in the evening sets the tone for the evening.  I've often found it interesting to note that once a few couples dress elegantly, on any line we've sailed with, the next evening sees many more following suit.  Sometimes, on non-Cunard lines, it's simply a matter of simple attire with elegant jewellery added, and the diamonds don't need to be authentic, just adding an elegant lifting of the attire. 

Prior to our very recent and delightful two-week Queen Anne voyage, we enjoyed a three-week Med cruise on Oceania's new Vista.  Each evening, we dressed for dinner, although admittedly DH was not dressed in his formal dinner attire, but in a jacket and tie nonetheless.  Those same clothes served us well on Queen Anne later, with DH bringing out the dinner jacket (tux) for the gala evenings.  He also wore it on one or two other  evenings on QA.  

On another note, but to add to other observations above, I find those who claim "ownership" of any particular experience, in this case the proud and revered Cunard line, are condescending in the extreme, and probably suffering delusions of grandeur.

Or Ferntree Gully, Victoria?

Okay, I’m moving from opals to what that vein really looks like:  sapphires.  New England area of northern NSW?

Lightning Ridge?

Coober Pedy?

Visited Flaam twice, and it was just as lovely on the second occasion..  

4 minutes ago, Jean C said:

Where was I? Country and township.

Somewhere in northern Italy, maybe in the summer, though.

3 minutes ago, Mareblu said:

 

Asia is correct.

Sorry @qbay46, Asia is correct, but when I opened the screen, @Jean C had already specifically identified it.

43 minutes ago, Jean C said:

Is it the Leopard in the Yehliu Geopark in Taipei?

Wow, it is indeed.  Well done!  So many strange rock formations in this fascinating place, including, among so many others, "the queen's head" and this, the rock leopard.  The leopard is a replica of the original which was severely damaged in a typhoon about 15 years ago.  They are all formed by winds and rain, which can, of course, be incredibly strong in that region.  Your turn.

42 minutes ago, Jean C said:

Is it the Leopard in the Yehliu Geopark in Taipei?

53 minutes ago, qbay46 said:

Asia

Asia is correct.