LibertyBella

Thank you for sharing your trip experiences.  Your cruise brought back many great memories for me and I am sure, for others who have traveled in those areas. Venice will always have my heart.  Greek cruises are always one of my favorite itineraries, but I almost always book full-day excursions that include visiting famous archeological sites. Bon voyage for your next adventure!

I traveled on the QM2 in July, and the mask protocols were very strict. The testing and paperwork were a pain, embarkation was a very long and somewhat confusing line, but we persevered. In the end we had the most wonderful time, and we came home healthy and happy!!  

Just being on a cruise again after a few years was wonderful--but sailing on the glorious QM2 even better.  By the way, we chose the cruise JUST to travel on the ship--we were able to drive to NY, and we have already been to the ports numerous times (although we did take shore excursions at every place!).

Reading threads from some other cruise lines with multiple people catching COVID due to no protocols really made me appreciate all the QM2 rules, and not only that, the goodwill and cooperation of all her passengers.

I would sail her again in a heartbeat, masks and all, but it is back-to-school time now.  (I also agree the masks supplied were very comfortable, better than any others I have used.)

I chose a mini-suite for my upcoming Princess cruise, and did NOT book club class, even though our cabin is right next to the club class cabin.

Why?

I will be touring almost every day, and I actually enjoy the main dining room experience more than smaller eating facilities.  The hustle and bustle of activity is very neat to watch.  I agree that price is always an issue, but booking a mini-suite is not too cheap either.  Maybe in ten years when I am a bit older and more sedate I will be willing to splurge on the more calm eating experiences.  Right now we are still in the eat, go to the show, and then go dancing timeline!

Those of us who sail Cunard respect and admire the British traditions, and we love all of our Queen cruise ships. 

Queen Elizabeth II's passing will be felt around the world, and her life has now become a part of the memorable and momentous history of monarchy.  My deepest sympathy to her family, friends, citizens, and all who knew and admired her.  She truly had a life well lived!

We drove to the terminal for our last Cunard cruise, and I noticed on the printed out Cunard luggage tags that they state a bag weight limit.  So even though I was not worried about airlines monitoring my luggage weight, I had to weigh my bag anyway!  I think the main thing is that one can bring more than one suitcase per person if one is driving, as long as each bag weighs under the Cunard accepted weight limit.  I have not yet graduated to trying to pack more than one bag, but I am very careful about purchasing lighter-weight evening gowns as I cruise often!  Husband had ONE tuxedo and many bow ties/ties, and he also had a suit and a sports coat. 

My main loyalty is to the experience of cruising!!

This year I cruised on Cunard (again), next year on Princess (again.). Previously I have cruised on Celebrity, RC, NCL, Holland, Carnival,  etc. etc. (some lines no longer even exist.) multiple times for all!

I enjoy the formality and historic British tradition of Cunard, the modern elegance of Princess and Celebrity, the great value and fun of Carnival, the casual style of NCL, the chock-full of activities RC cruise, and the Holland America unique itineraries. My personal preference is for these large ships with lots of activities, although some folks can find them overwhelming and exhausting.  I do not mind young children running and playing, as I took my first cruise as a child, and I remember the wonder of it all.

I do think occasionally cruisers' expectations may be higher than the reality, and some nitpick small details rather than focusing on the overall joy of a luxury mini- life at sea.

Some people are loyal to one line forever--if they are happy, great for them, but for me, "variety is the spice of life!" (William Cowper, 1785)

Enjoy your Carnival cruise!  We have been sailing with them for decades, including a few party cruises, and we always have a fun time.  I actually like that Carnival offers many short cruises, and I have done several  of them in combination with land tours. A few times when younger,  I even called Carnival last minute and said--what is your cheapest cruise available leaving in a few weeks--put me on it! (Of course, flight schedules were a lot more dependable.)

I did my first Med cruise back in 1973--the line no longer exists.  I have also been on a few "rust buckets"  during my life.  Luckily I have sailed in and out of Venice a few times--most recently 2019. 

I have been on many different cruise lines--it just depends on what my budget is that year or what I want to see or do.  I, too, choose itinerary first when in Europe (yes, we get off and tour all day at every port--a bit exhausting but we like to see it all), and I do sometimes prefer the diversity of Celebrity, HAL,  and Princess ports, but I would not hesitate to book any other line, and I have sailed many of them.  Last month we just cruised New England with Cunard--it was so wonderful to dress for dinner and celebrate cruising again. Some in my family only go on NCL because it is casual--others with children like all the RC activities.  The elderly prefer Viking and river cruises.  We  will join them all and just go along and go with the flow.

I was very tempted by the Carnival British isles tour this year, but I am passing on international cruising until 2023.

It is almost fruitless to go back and forth and try to say one cruise line is "better" than another, when it all comes down to personal preference, or itinerary or budget, or loyalty, or even convenience. 

I always say, cruising on any line is better than not cruising at all!

Hello Flipflopsforever949--

Cunard is definitely NOT California casual. It is old world formal, very traditional and British. Many people (like me) book Cunard just to dress up.  We just sailed QM2 in July, and husband wore his tuxedo and bow ties (red, white & blue for July 4th), while I had two long gowns and five short very dressy dresses (sequins) for dinner. I even brought different dresses to wear to lunch.

Everybody at our table of eight dressed up, including the couple from England next to us who were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. You do not have to go that fancy, but you CAN and many do.

We never do the buffets for dinner--we are on board to celebrate and enjoy the richness and elegance of the dining experience.  After dinner a certain number of cruisers are in the Queen's room, swirling around as they ballroom dance.  Please note there are not just Americans on this cruise--you will find a number of British and Europeans and Asians, etc. who stick to the dress code.

Since this is your honeymoon, go with the flow and dress up a bit. You will find the experience could be very romantic!

Also, pay attention to your weather forecast.  I have met many Californians who do not know how to dress for colder climates.  I loved having a balcony--we ate breakfast outside and we frequently enjoyed the fresh air.  But, if it is too cold to open the door, what is the point?

We are also going to see the Northern lights in November, but we are flying directly to Iceland and will be tramping around.  Snow could be in the forecast.  A cruise is certainly a more glamorous way to see that spectacle.

Finally, try to participate in some of the very special QM2 activities--lectures, shows, theater, ballroom dancing, planetarium, etc.  Don't forget to take a few studio photos, also.

Best wishes, and have a wonderful honeymoon!!

As a shopper, I, too, wanted to know what was available on board.  There is a larger jewelry and watch shop that has a lot of diverse brands, including those you mention. There is a Roberto Coin specialty jewelry store. There is a larger shop that sells clothes, trinkets, Cunard souvenirs, etc.  There is also a store with alcohol, and one with make-up. The library has a shop that sells books, cards and some smaller items. I can usually find jewelry and watches at better prices in the US, so I did not indulge, although I did enjoy looking!

The way of the world today is learn the technology and do it yourself.

Live phone reps are an expensive option for all companies, and you will probably be on hold if you call.  Therefore, have patience and know exactly what your needs are so you can efficiently explain them.  And yes, not all reps are equally trained, so you may need to call back and speak with someone with more experience.  ( I have had to do this, and NOT with Princess, but I would never vent about it on CC.)

I am not sure that turning your back on Princess just because of phone issues merits the effort, because most other cruise lines have similar challenges.

Well, I sailed QM2 in July and I found the service to be excellent.  Everyone was very, very cordial to us whenever we said hello, and more than helpful at the guest services desk.  Some of the customer requests were ridiculous, but the Cunard staff always replied patiently and with respect. The phone reps I spoke with at Cunard were outstanding, and I had a few issues that took some time.  My room steward and restaurant staff were wonderful.

Perhaps, as they say, "it's not you, it's me."   Maybe you are used to a more expressive style, versus the more reserved British approach. Cunard is a tad more formal and traditional overall in style.  Cruise lines that cater to Americans like to celebrate anything and everything, and are much more comfortable being demonstrative.  Even the photography studio told me many British are more shy and reserved about getting photos taken, as compared to American clients.  That is why there are fewer photo opportunities on board. Finally, maybe you are looking for Service, with a capital S, instead of considering staff as potential colleagues and being casually friendly.

I, too, have sailed on multiple cruise lines, and I know how hard staff work.  Covid overwhelmed the cruise industry, and they are still in recovery.  I try not to judge cruises just by the service, but by my overall experience--great ports of call, relaxing days at sea, entertaining evenings, comfortable cabin, tasty dining, value for money,  and so forth.  I return to Cunard because I love the formal experience--where else can we wear our tux and gowns and feel at home?  When I just want nonstop fun and a more casual time I choose lines like RC and NCL.  My expectations are based on decades of cruising, and I continue to be a faithful cruise customer!

All travel is at one's own risk. Covid is one more item on the plate.  If you are fully vaccinated, avoid crowds, wash your hands , and wear masks everywhere and are diligent, then you are doing the best you can to keep yourself healthy.  However, nothing is foolproof. Choosing to cruise may increase your risk factor, so you must consider that before traveling. 

I read these boards a lot.  There are many other cruise lines where Covid is running rampart, but there is no protocol anymore to deal with it.  Since the U.S. no longer requires negative testing to enter, and many cruise lines are dropping their requirements, then we are at the level of individual choice and responsibility.  

I was on the Cunard QM2 at the beginning of July. We social distanced, wore masks every day, and constantly used sanitizer while on the ship. The ship mandated this and was firm with all travelers.  Yet at one of our ports, NOBODY wore masks anywhere!  There were lots of crowds and it would be easy to become infected.  Yes, husband and I stayed healthy, thank goodness. Of course, masks are not required on airlines anymore, either.

This is a time of transition, and at this point we cannot call those who will not wear masks arrogant.  Just as some people refuse to use sun tan lotion and wake up red and baked, there will be those who will not put on masks because it is a recommendation. Putting blame on other travelers does not ensure one's own health.  As with all endeavors, one has to evaluate one's own level of risk tolerance before undertaking the activity. 

Thank you so much for sharing your travel experiences in one of my favorite parts of the world.  We mainly travel  internationally in the Summer, so Greece for me is always "hot as Hades," but that never stops me from seeing as much as I can and exploring everywhere!  I took my first cruise to Greece and Istanbul back in 1973, and as we both know, those amazing ports remain etched in one's memory forever!

Although I am not Jewish, I especially enjoyed your tour in Rhodes, because I could see how personally meaningful the experience was for your family, and it is a part of Rhodes that I completely missed and never realized was so full of history.

Your enthusiasm and joy came across in all of your writing, and I wish you many more years of wonderful cruise experiences.

I ended up NOT taking my JC dress shoes as they are a bit over the top even for Cunard (lots of glitter and rhinestones), but I did buy a pair of JC men's dress shoes for DH, who wore them with his tux and looked marvelously elegant!!

I had a pair of CL shoes on my wish list, but they cost almost as much as the cruise, so I had to pass...

7 hours ago, caribill said:

How old is this notice? Certainly it can't be very recent giving a very short notice of the cancellations, no bonus FCC and requiring any FCC to be applied this year.

 

Very poor xfer option that does not protect EZAir fares.

 

At least it does point out that any FCCs will be applied automatically to the next new cruise booked.

As I stated in a previous post, I was booked on these cancelled cruises, which is why I am enjoying this thread so much! 

I received my cancellation notification in October 2021.  Due to scheduling, I just took the refund, and then rebooked the entire cruise for 2023.  The ship will be the Enchanted Princess instead (using the same itinerary).  Actually, I am just as happy to wait for next year to travel that far, because travel still seems a bit crazy this year. I just came off a Cunard cruise where we wore masks every day.

I took Celebrity to Greece in 2019 but sailed out of Venice--one of the last cruises to do so, I suppose.  I love Delos and could go back any time!  My first time in Delos was 1973.  I always fondly remember the Lions.

Hello Ken,

I am just now reviewing all your postings as I was on my own cruise, Cunard QM2, at the beginning of the month.  I was SUPPOSED to be on the Regal Princess on the similar itinerary as yours leaving the end of this month, but the ship was taken over by a whole ship charter, and Princess cancelled us off.

Therefore, I have rebooked for next summer, but the ship is going to be the Enchanted Princess instead of the Regal.

I am certainly enjoying all your postings and I thank you for your engaging photos.  I love archaeology, so I will be sure to take all the tours featuring ancient sites to visit.  Ephesus is top on my list, but I also hope to do Knossos in Crete, and I want to revisit Pompeii. By the way, I also always book all the Princess shore tours, and I have always found them to be well organized, comprehensive, enjoyable, and worth the cost.  If I am traveling all that way I want to see as much as I can as well as I can, and my goal is not to try to get a bargain basement local tour to save a few bucks.

I know touring every day can be exhausting, but it is well worth it for all the memories later.

I look forward to your feedback regarding your Istanbul  and Athens experiences.  Enjoy your wonderful journey, and thanks for sharing in such detail!!

I am sailing Princess next, but I just finished a Cunard cruise, where masks were required.  We were notified about two weeks before we departed. We wore our masks every day at all times, except at dinner, or in our cabins, or on an outside deck.  The theaters no longer serve or allow food or drinks, although the nightclub did.  However, masks had to be worn while on the dance floor, or on the bus during excursions.  Crew constantly reminded passengers to "mask up" and use sanitizer.  All staff wore masks as well.

I will say after a while I completely forgot about the annoyance of the mask---it just became a daily ritual.  Cruising again after the few years gap was wonderful!!  We enjoyed the relaxing waters, the nice scenery, fine dining, formal nights, and the excellent service.

People roamed around freely around without masks on the shore excursions, so I could see how it might be possible to pick up Covid while in a port. On our cruise there were a great many very elderly passengers, but only a few children.  We returned home healthy, and looking back I am glad the ship took all those precautions.  Because Cunard made mask-wearing a requirement, there was no debate or individual decision-making.  Would I cancel my cruise just because I have to wear a mask?  Absolutely not!

I was on this cruise and overall we had a wonderful time. I realize that due to Covid, there have been many changes, so it is not fair to compare current conditions to past experiences.  

Yes, embarkation was absolutely terrible (hours waiting in line in the heat), and yes, we had to wear our masks all the time, but the ship is stunning, the activities were plentiful, and dressing formally for an elegant dinner was a real highlight.

Our shore excursion in Boston was disorganized and ran an hour late, but we did see a lot.  Too much crazy paperwork for Canada, but that is not Cunard's responsibility.  Most people did not get off anyway.  It was cold and raining in Halifax, but weather cannot be controlled. We had a nice mix of sea days and port days, and the itinerary was relaxing.

All the service was great, and the dining room had a great choice of food selections.  We had three different waiters--I think our first one caught Covid and substitutes were sent in--but we were well served every evening.

There were many, many elderly passengers on the ship, and often lines at the Purser's desk were long.  Some of the issues I heard raised were almost beyond the ability of the staff (one person did not like the lights in the theater?!), but staff were always patient and kind.

I am very happy to have returned to cruising, and I really appreciated all the efforts the crew undertook to please customers.  I certainly look forward to my next Cunard cruise experience!

We just returned from this wonderful QM2 cruise and YES, we did wear our masks at all times on the ship, even while dancing in the nightclub.  No problem! We felt very safe and comfortable with all the precautions.

Before the cruise we did get a Covid booster shot, and we took some care to avoid any situations that could potentially expose us as we did not want to test positive in advance and lose the cruise.

I will say there is an extremely large population of very elderly passengers, some rather frail, so I would guess there is probably less immunity for these individuals due to their health, and they need to be protected.  

We had three different waiters in the restaurant, so I think our first waiter came down with Covid and they had to rotate substitutes.  

We are pretty healthy and active, and even walked around for three hours in Halifax in the pouring rain and chilly weather (we were soaked), but not even a sniffle or a cough.

I am so happy to have been able to return to the cruise experience, especially on the grand and lovely Queen Mary 2!

IMO, because Cunard does the transatlantic crossings, the passengers are together all the time, and probably indoors a lot with cooler weather, so the opportunity for Covid spread is probably a bit more efficient.

I know cases have been rising in Britain, so it may also depend on the overall nationality make-up of each cruise as well.

On our cruise people will be moving off and on and about outside (hopefully nicer weather), so the proximity time is reduced.  Yes, of course, the dining could be the greatest challenge, but we have to trust that all the new arrivals have tested negative and are not carrying any virus. 

I would never cancel just because I have to wear a mask.  Husband and I had to work the past year wearing masks daily and getting tested weekly.  We look forward to some time on the water and with the lovely QM2 amenities.

I have traveled on many different big cruise lines, as I have previously posted in other threads.

My preference is still for large cruise ships that offer many activities, full performance theater shows,  formal nights, dancing, shopping, pools, multiple restaurants and bars, spas, and so forth. Singles and children's activities, and accessibility needs are not on our radar unless we travel with other family members. There are many other cruise lines to meet various needs.

I often choose Celebrity and Princess because they have unique and wonderful itineraries, which is a key reason for me for cruising.  When I book these trips, I book my shore excursions far in advance as well.  Princess is very American and upscale.  My first cruise was on the Chandris lines, and the Greek heritage somewhat continues with the offspring, Celebrity, but the style is still somewhat American modern.

But for the old world European cruise experience itself, Cunard offers elegance, tradition, and unique formalities not offered on other lines.  Yes, that British influence is always present!  At Cunard, the cruise experience dominates over the ports (and I do not think the itineraries are as unique or varied as other lines, although they used to be, a decade or more ago). I fret much less about shore excursions on my Cunard cruises.

I know that many cruisers like the more casual free-for-all experience, but for those who like standards maintained, Cunard is the perfect choice.  Where else can you read a topic about the importance of ballroom dancing except on the Cunard threads?

Also, Cunard is the only cruise line where DH brings his tuxedo, so I make sure to have us take lots of photos.

I am packed and ready to go--we sail QM2 in two days!!

Also on this cruise, but driving up and parking.  I am very, very happy to be cruising again, and Cunard QM2 for the 4th of July will be a great celebration!

Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather and NO Covid!

I remember the Love Boat shows, and I was lucky enough to sail on the Pacific Princess back in the early eighties, so I will always have a sentimental spot for Princess Cruises.  Yes, they do have some great itineraries, and that is always one of my priorities.  I am sticking with CRUISING, and that will always include Princess.

I have sailed on more than ten different cruise lines (some no longer in existence), and I will say sometimes I choose a line based on the travel purpose. For instance, history and itinerary--Princess or Celebrity or Holland America.  Old world and traditional--Cunard.  Also, if family members with children are joining us -NCL or Royal.  Older, more sedate passengers--Viking.  Cheap sun getaway--Carnival.

My Princess cruise this Summer was taken over by a whole ship charter, so we were "kicked off," but I booked the same cruise for next year (Rome to Athens). In three days I sail on Cunard!

I laugh at folks who say "never again" due to minor inconveniences on cruises.  As the world recovers from a major pandemic, I am thankful to be in good health and able to slowly but surely check off my travel bucket list.  Bon voyage to all!

You might want to ask those of us who are going on this cruise in the Find Your Roll Call section.  As for me, I personally look forward to the fencing!

My one-week cruise is less than three weeks away, and I brought the suitcases down two days ago.  I have already made a list of which formal dresses I will take, and tried them all on to ensure a good fit.  I also compared different shoes to complete the look.  I am trying to match the two formal theme nights, which in a way I do not like, but I will try to comply.  I have a rack to hang all the outfits I have chosen from my closets in preparation for packing.

I will need a different outfit every day for day time and a different dress for dinner.  As this Cunard cruise is not in a tropical environment, I am not taking some of my more warm-weather outfits, although I always pack at least two swimsuits.

Husband will have it much easier--just the tuxedo and a few suits/jackets/ties, although again weather conditions will influence his suit and jacket choice (all white suits and seersucker in tropical areas).

I will start packing within the next few days and he will do it one or two nights before we depart.  I also have to select accessories (jewelry, handbags, etc.) and some reading materials.  I like to have my suitcase finished one to two days before departure, and he tries to finish at least the night before.

We really do like dressing up so this experience is very fun for us!  For this upcoming cruise we are driving to New York, so we are not quite as pressured with ensuring the airline luggage number and weight limits, etc. The fact that this cruise is only one week is also a bit easier. Although I would love to go on some fantastic longer trips, because we have a house full of pets, we never leave for more than two weeks at a time.