Mareblu

Booking our staterooms today.  Just our scene, so why wait?

It’s usually the first port in Europe.  For our QA British Isles cruise, it was Cobh (Ireland).  18 months ago on Oceania’s Sirena, it was Kiel, I seem to remember.  For Kiel, we had to disembark and front up in person with passports.  For Cobh 19 days ago, we simply lodged our passports with the Purser’s office.  QA staff took care of the whole operation, and we collected our passports 2 days later.

Black Point?

11 hours ago, Kiwi_cruiser said:

After leaving Ijmuiden (Amsterdam),Netherlands. Coral Princess had a day at sea before docking in Warnemünde, Germany today:

 

 

Coral Princess has been joined by Viking Neptune (in front) and AIDAmar.

Warnemunde is a really lovely town to simply step off the ship and wander up and down the street right there, with some interesting market stalls.

Really enjoying your travels;  thanks for sharing.

On 6/10/2024 at 12:58 PM, 57eric said:

I recall hearing something during the QA naming ceremony that implied that Cunard now fancied itself a trendsetter, but there were so many other headscratchers during that event that it didn't stand out much.  Well, now I have it in writing.  A Cunard survey I received has this question" "How much does Cunard set trends?", with a Likert scale from 1 to 7.  I assumed that one end of the scale would be "Not at all - Cunard maintains traditions".  I couldn't have been more wrong.  The two ends were "Follows others" and "Sets the trends".  It's hard to say which is more awful.  If this reflects how Cunard management plans to lead the brand, I'll be moving on.

I agree with you.  I found those questions not only puzzling, because it was Cunard engaging in naval gazing, but also deeply disturbing.  I dislike the term "trendsetter".  It carries notions of a new shade of lipstick.

47 minutes ago, Blackduck59 said:

Well it is starting to feel real now, even if we are still months away. We booked our flights yesterday. Air Canada had a very reasonable price on a direct flight Vancouver to Sydney in business class. Although we feel that the Qantas seat configuration seems better, it was a no brainer. The Air Canada fare was almost exactly half the price, that was a savings of over $9,000.00 CDN. Oh well no Qantas pajamas for us.

The Australian itinerary is set and we will be looking at things to do in those places where we are not meeting up with our CC friends.

As far as the cruise goes the excursions offered seem uninspired and over priced. It's funny that for the first time in the 4 years since I started this thread it really feels like we are going to make the trip this time. So we will be looking for things to do in each port.

I recall that Rotorua is a favoured thing to do, but there seems to be several different groups charging different prices etc. The question is which place to visit and should we just rent a car and drive there or find a small group tour. Of course there will be many who want to go to Hobiton but that's not us. So if anyone has good intel on where to go and what to see in Rotorua all while  fitting into the confines of a port stop in Tauranga.

More than a no-brainer, Lyle.  At that price difference, you'd have to be cerebrally challenged to pay the fare Qantas demands.  The pjs are good though, they last for years.  We only did BC with Qantas once, but wore the pjs for many winters.  We're so looking forward to meeting you and Lynn "off the page".  Good luck with your NZ investigations.

14 hours ago, Kiwi_cruiser said:

After leaving Cobh, Ireland Coral Princess had a day at sea, before arriving in Zeebrugge, Belgium today:

 

 

Tomorrow Coral Princess will be in Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands.

Can’t believe we missed each other by 48 hrs.  We were in Cobh on Queen Anne last Wednesday. We then had a sea day and disembarked in Southampton Friday.  cobh is a lovely town with charming, welcoming people.  Woke up in Sydney this morning.  Great to be almost home.

On 6/9/2024 at 1:17 AM, NE John said:

I’ve had wonderful experiences in British places of worship: Evensong at Westminster, sung Eucharist at Bath,  and just being in Winchester Cathedral and the underrated Southwark Cathedral. Maybe these cathedrals like the wow factor of the Italian/Spanish ones but they offer a different type of wow factor. 
Bon Voyage!

York Minster is not only a peaceful haven, its architectural beauty is awe inspiring;  the very essence of a place of worship.

3 hours ago, safarigal said:

Our porter told us that the medical emergency actually happened on the escalator, and that's why that area was off limits. It does sound like a very serious medical situation. So sad.

I do think that the ship should have redirected us to disembark on Deck 1. When we got to the lift queue we were deemed able bodied by the lady there, and told that it was a very short flight of stairs. My friend could not manage her bag, so I had to struggle down several flights of stairs with both my and my friend's case.. 

Still all is well, despite the awful traffic situation at Heathrow, and I have got as far as Reykjavik on my long and winding road home.

Oh goodness that explains so much.  How terrible for the patient and their loved ones.  We had no idea of that scenario.  I feel so terrible for calling out the escalator closure.  Healing prayers and wishes🙏🏻

1 hour ago, Megabear2 said:

I think this morning was ratter exceptional due to the very serious incident with the medical emergency.  We went off 20.minutes later than our time but had to use the.internal concrete stairs rather than the correct exit.  Those that were classed as "able bodied" were being allowed down the stairs with the remainder held.  The lady directing us in the disembarkation area told me someone was critically ill.having collapsed and needing resuscitation.

 

This of course was beyond anyone's control.

Of course all other inconvenience pales to insignificance in such circumstances, and our wishes and hopes for a recovery for the patient, and comfort for their family, are foremost in our hearts and minds.

The unfortunate medical emergency aside, there seemed to be no order at all in this morning’s disembarkation.  Our luggage tags were blue 2, and we were assigned the time of 8.30.  The first announcement implored people not to assemble on Deck 2 until called.  Then we heard blue being called, followed almost immediately by the announcement that disembarkation was suspended due to the medical emergency.  
 

What ensued after a necessary hiatus was a combination of people massing on Deck 2 obviously before their due time, and Cunard seemingly losing any sense of the plan.  After hearing no more “blue” announcements, and other colours being called, we proceeded to Deck 2, where a Cunard official told us to “just go up and push in ahead.  You’re blue”.  A kind lady offered the space ahead of her, so we fell into line.  

Then, and this is the port authority’s breakdown, no escalators were working, and there was only one lift available for the slowly-moving throng.  We took the offered option of hauling our carry-ons down the several levels of concrete staircase.  On reflection, it seemed to be the perfect storm.

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Unfortunately not in Brooklyn NY

 

Not noted in our menus here as u described.

 

It is also served in a metal Dutch type oven kettle pot.

 

Red Wine also used NYC type.

 

Most Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan Italy restaurant served as I described. These are cooks from the Old Country.

 

There maybe various methods in different parts in preparation.

 

But enjoy your way.

 

Mangia!

 

 

With all due respect, New York is not Italy.  I’ve just returned from another trip to Italy, something we do nearly every year.  The recipe I posted above is exactly how marinara, or frutti di mare, as another poster noted, is prepared and served in home kitchens, trattorias and ristorante in Italia.  Using the term, “the old country” implies an adaptation of something from long ago, and I understand and accept that over time, local cultural mores and tastes do adapt and interpret.  I can also attest, from many visits to NYC (which I love, btw) that most locals have absolutely no inkling of how to serve a genuine Italian “caffe”, either.  That is not intended to demean in any way.  It’s just a fact.  

Escaped.  It was a bit of a shambles, I’m afraid, but from previous reports, we were anticipating just that. Never mind, we survived, but Cunard really needs to deal with this and get it sorted.

On 3/29/2024 at 4:48 PM, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Cheers........... with you drinks and toasts.......Bon Voyage....

 

BTW...... Marinara with Seafood and pasta is known as Zuppa Di Pesce

Incorrect.  Zuppa di pesce is FISH SOUP.  Marinara sauce (with or without tomatoes) is seafood sauce to be served with pasta (which, of course, should always be cooked “al dente”.  I much prefer linguine or spaghetti marinara to be prepared “in bianco”, or without tomato.  Good extra virgin olive oil, lightly sauteed garlic andchilli (both optional but provide the “pop”), white wine, a variety of fish and shellfish, finish with fresh parsley, freshly ground pepper, and enjoy.  In Italy, btw, it’s considered a sin to add fresh parmigiano, but I confess to occasionally being sinful.

1 minute ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Sounds absolutely lovely, thank you.

You’re welcome.

7 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

I was not on the naming cruise, I was on the previous one. I’m sure they are pretty much standard throughout the fleet, however.

Our table neighbours had ordered a chicken curry a few nights ago.  They would have ordered at lunch the same day for dinner that evening.  It was cooked with aplomb tableside by one of our senior staff, who like many of his colleagues, is Indian.  It was fascinating to watch his diligence and patience.   Of course, the finished dish was then served with all the traditional accompaniments.  Our table neighbours proclaimed it “superb, exquisite”.

53 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

Just no. It’s a dirge, though not quite as bad as the frog chorus thing. 
 

Saw McCartney attempt to sing a few years ago when he came on stage at the Roundhouse with Little Steven. He can’t, now anyway. 

It’s painful and awkward listening to him.  I don’t think he dver could manage a solo.

44 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

Oh no! I’ve now got that in my head…. Thanks and no thanks…

 

…mist rolling in from the sea…

My desire is always to be there, oh Mull of Kintyre (cue massed pipes and drums). I’m totally ruined for the evening too, now🤣🤣

12 minutes ago, Pushpit said:

I am distantly related to her late father - I've only met her once as far as I can recall, and she was on best behaviour then - but I can only apologise for this outburst.

 

In case it's not obvious, Ms. Imrie is a relative of Liverpool's Imrie family that partly owned White Star Line. Unlike me she is a relatively close relative, her father was born in 1892, was a great nephew of William Imrie (deceased in 1906) and would have met him as a child. 

My thank you vote is for your interesting background information, and not for your apology.  There is absolutely no need for you to apologise, nor for you to feel associated with another’s very poor form in any way.  I can easily dismiss such behaviour as perhaps a streak of eccentricity, or feeling exhausted, any number of causes, really.  I can neither dismiss nor excuse the appalling treatment of our exemplary staff.  

10 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

I wonder Mareblu , where this person was seated. On our cruise, the celebrity speakers were seated at the same tables/next to each other as you entered the restaurant left, consecutively obviously, and the table/s were sort of out of the way.

In fact I only really noticed Val McD and didn't notice the tie less one until folk started stopping by the table to talk.

If the same tables, maybe 'out of the way' was too, out of the way.

 

Either way, the staff go above and beyond in their care and attentiveness and to subject any to an even minute tirade, is unforgivable.

Yes, that thought had occurred to me.  We are seated to the far right of the restaurant, a short distance past what I now refer to as “the diner-milkbar”, and it’s really  a lovely area, spacious, yet with tables near enough for a chat if desired.  We’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of the company of all our celebrity guests.  We respect their right to privacy, so never engage without being spoken to first.  Perhaps the glare of the accustomed spotlight was missing. We’re not sure whether the demand to be moved has been met, but I sincerely hope no guest has been moved to accommodate.  I’m just relieved we weren’t there, otherwise I’d be convinced we hadn’t measured up.

5 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

I was on deck 9 enjoying some peace and quiet enjoying the fresh air despite the stuff breeze and decided or the first time this voyage I to have afternoon tea as it's the tea dance with the Orchestra.  Imagine my surprise when the lift doors opened on deck 8 to reveal  ... the covid twins smiling happily. No they didn't join me but I did see them wander in here shortly after me. 

I’m sure they’re exceedingly happy now.

43 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Well the mood on here is very down.  Virtually everyone I've spoken to today is moaning about something!  Very tiring after the long day and night just past.

 

After being up from 5.00am yesterday to see the sail in, wandering the steets of Liverpool, being escorted round a fascinating vessel called The Danny and then standing through the ceremony and back onboard at 8.25pm I'm not really in the mood for all the doom and gloom so have retired with a good book to a chair away from everyone after watching the lovely Celia Imrie In the theatre.

 

My opinion only. The send-off was lovely, the people of Liverpool very welcoming and I didn’t go to bed until 2.00am so the party must have been good.

 

A large number were enjoying the Pavillion, still going strong at 11.30pm when I decanted to The Bright Lights with my table companions.  We enjoyed the day enormously and no matter what you make of some of the decisions it was a unique and memorable occasion that I for one am very glad I had the opportunity to enjoy. 

 

I've even made a new friend, a lady I met ashore last night who does three jobs as a cleaner and bar person who wanted to know all about cruise ships and travelling around the world seeing sites she said she could only dream of.  She's 73 and our conversations made me appreciate even more how very lucky I am to be travelling on this lovely ship no matter who her Godparent is or how she compares to her predecessors. It very humbling to receive profuse thanks for something as simple as a handful of photographs of the occasion.

 

 

We were looking forward very much, after learning before embarkation that Ms Imrie would be appearing “in conversation” (an excellent format for career insights) to attending her event.  Now, the reason we definitely did not attend today needs to be couched in somewhat delicate terms:

Our section of the QG restaurant was treated last night to quite the diva performance, apparently.  
 

We’ve grown to respect and enjoy our dining companions at tables nearby, so we don’t doubt for a moment the exact same tale they all related both last night as we bumped into one lovely lady returning to her cabin as we did, nor the other couples today.  It was the first evening dining we’ve missed, as we realised the fireworks pontoon was to be positioned only yards from our aft balcony.  We opted for a quick bite in Artisan, which was very pleasant, and back to the balcony with a wee after-dinner dram.  I digress to say we feel we had the best view in Liverpool or on The Mersey itself.  We felt so lucky as the sky and water merged so spectacularly before our eyes.

Demanding to be moved to a window table and addressing, in a prolonged tirade, our wonderful, caring QG staff in a loud and rude manner can only be ascribed to delusions of grandeur, and renders the offending perpetrator not worthy of an audience, we decided by joint agreement this morning.  As you would all expect, they attempted to diffuse the situation and manage it with the utmost discretion and respect, and if this we have absolutely no doubt.
 

I haven’t been as delicate ad I initially intended, but my illusion of this incredibly talented actress has been shattered, and I am incredibly disappointed.  An unworthy performance indeed.

9 hours ago, NE John said:

Apologies if I came across as judgmental towards the youth performers (as I was a member of both my high school and college marching bands and orchestra) this event must have been thrilling for them and they surely had a great time. 
I do question the adults in charge for dressing them in baggy jeans presenting them with a sloppy look for a Cunard ship naming celebration with Andrea Boccelli as a headliner. 

Andrea always has enough dress sense to cover for everyone.  

If only I’d been awake🤣

56 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

As long as he didn’t sing!

 

Oh please, no!   Pretty adept at composing though.  Mull of Kintyre still brings me to tears

1 minute ago, NE John said:

I knew there was a second CC’er who also mastered the Illy!

And didn’t you mention your Italian DW would also be able to converse with the machine?