Windsurfboy

Just read a few threads about queues, especially for bigger ships , never boarded p&O at Southampton anyway things seems to have changed. My take is , Two queues Tell me if my understanding via this hypothetical situation is roughly right. Say as an example boarding starts at 12.00 what time does terminal open. IF say it opens 11.30 , who do they let in then ?, guess those with 12.30 or earlier, rest queue outside. What happens next, nothing until things start to move Then one queue for those on time , another for those very early. If anyone knows how they decide who gets let in , and who goes in each queue please let us know

Yes , but most passengers want to get off between 8 and 10 am, i.e. a two hour window for 4000 passengers, minimum 60 bus loads, so that needs enough buses for one to leave every 2 minutes. If filling the bus takes 10 minutes and the return journey ( 10 mins each way no wait at other end assuming empty return) takes 20 minutes, then that's 15 coaches on a continuous non stop shuttle. If 15 coaches arent available then P&O bug***d. Coaches should be provisionally booked as they launch intinerary if not available choose another port.

What is the current expereience of boarding time for QG Southampton. My 12.45 seems later than pre covid. Shall I just turn up at 12.00 as normal

Victoria2 I completely agree with your sentiments above, people can enjoy Cunard in their own way and everyone should enjoy others enjoyment and not woory about others dress. I know you didn't mean to talk down the "advisories" , ie the Cunard dress code by calling them "basic advisories" but those who are not dress code zealots , need to be careful. As the zealots want everyone to revert to the 50s and look down on current dress code, calling it a basic minimum. Whereas it is a perfectly acceptable way of dressing.

Remember you have no choice of cabin, so look at the grade you are bidding for, would you be happy in the worst positioned cabin in that grade. Remember upgrades get the cabins select have rejected, even if you pay for them

Presumably Liguirian members are flown out by helicopter the night before. Looks like a co*k up, if you arrive then be prepared for a long wait

This is a clear lesson. If you have what you think is a nice cabin. Always opt out of upgrades Don't think about bid to upgrade. Otherwise will get what others don't want

As long as you follow the dress code for the venues you visit, there is no such thing as being under-dressed.

I hope and expect, our cruise strategy with P&O - Suite and extensive use of speciality restaurants will prove to be a quality experience and good value. However , it's clear that to make this happen and to experience entertainment we will have to pre book everything as soon as you can. That is not what I prefer, so may be last P&O cruise.

I think cruise critic teaches you valuable lessons that will help you avoid many of the problems.

They've changed it to "dress" shirt , which is an Americanism for a proper long sleeved shirt with a collar, to make it clear that polo shirts even though they have a collar are not deemed smart evening wear.

Our butler said go through him, when I didn't had to get him to get charges removed. In theory don't have to use butler but you are more likely to be mistakenly charged if you go direct, then have bother of getting it removed

The P&O website says free room service in suitr Perks of a Suite include: A whirpool bath* Butler service* Larger dressing area Priority check-in and boarding (from Southampton) Daily fresh fruit Coffee machine Free room-service Exclusive restaurants Bathrobe and slippers Other exclusive touches Daily steward service Telephone Hair dryer and safe Tea and coffee facilities Air conditioning Vanity writing desk and chair Beds convertible to twin or king-size bed to suit your needs* Toiletries from The White Company Champagne and chocolates on arrival Canapés on embarkation and Celebration Nights

I'm confused, I thought you could book speciality dining 14 days before you board but only using real money. You can only book speciality dining using OBC once on board of course.

Saga and Cunard have Walkers biscuits .

Very nice suites, can separate off with curtain. Also have a proper dining table .

No different to tipping any member of staff. You're either in camp that believe in tipping as a way of showing appreciation. Or you're in the camp that believe that tipping any professional is demeaning and all members of staff are professionals NB auto gratuities is another matter.

I take a opposite view all business should be constantly looking at how to improve customer experience. This leads to growth higher margins in the long run.

No Afternoon tea in living room big disappointment. Nice place to meet new people. Presumably afternoon tea available in MDR which is more work. If only available in buffet very disappointing. Have you raised your dissatisfaction with head office, as it was their decision ?

Thank you some valuable lessons for others. Normally we like to depart about 9am , but we will go for early slot to beat crowds.

Thanks

Whisk , to take someone to somewhere quickly (or suddenly ). Oxford Dictionary

Snap

I'm not arguing with you. However I'm a person that thinks the official statements and especially those in brochure which are part of contract , ie literally " we will whisk you straight onto ship" (obviously only once boarding starts), are firm commitments. I will not be shy in politely bringing this to attention of the senior staff at terminal. If people just accept P&O ignore their commitments , then they will continue.

Suite begin on shore. Can you tell us about them? A. As one of our Suite guests, you’ll be checked in with priority and welcomed into our hospitality lounge by our Loyalty team, where you can relax with a selection of teas, coffees and fresh pastries while you chat with your fellow guests. You’ll then be escorted by our Loyalty team onto the ship with our Ligurian tier guests, to settle into on-board life before our other guests arrive.