Patria21

Let’s see. There is no self-service in the King’s Court, including at the beverage stations, except for plated items that only one person (one hopes) will touch. Tables are wiped down after use and you’re asked not to use them until they dry. Most activities are still going on, but events like the Country Fair have been canceled - too many people touching the same objects. The staff have extra restrictions on mingling with guests, so things like World Club parties also wouldn’t happen. In general it’s a little inconvenient but the restrictions are absolutely necessary and everyone I see is coping with them fine. Of course it could have all been avoided if people would wash their hands; keep their hands away from their eyes and mouths when not eating; and isolate when ill. But that’s another issue. There are no restrictions on anyone who isn’t afflicted so yes, you can get off in port. (Well, unless there are so many cases on board the port won’t let you stop, but I’ve been told we’re nowhere near that number so far.) As for what things will be like in late May? You certainly won’t have our current issue but there’s no way to know whether you’ll have one of your own.

I’m glad to hear you at least got some extra time. Here’s hoping the rest of your trip goes smoothly.

The winds in Cape Town continue to be a problem. Queen Victoria did not leave port until 7 am this morning, having (our captain on the QM2 said) made several failed attempts in the middle of the night. The passengers all had to board at 4 pm so I’m afraid the extra hours did them no good.

Here on the QM2 the captain acknowledged the Victoria’s issue in his noon report but said he didn’t expect us to face any similar problems tomorrow. Fingers crossed both for us and for the people waiting to get ashore in the Victoria.

I can’t say I’m thrilled to see people in the theater here on the QM2 on a Gala Night in shorts and t-shirts, but I do think the majority of the passengers follow the dress suggestions - though the size of that majority seems to have shrunk since Singapore. It’s true there is no enforcement, but then again as a maitre d explained to me, there is no dress code to enforce. Look at how it is now worded in the daily program: It’s a suggestion, not a requirement. You’re encouraged, but not ordered. I can’t say I like it, but that is the reason offered if you ask why the staff doesn’t intervene - though I’d bet the real reason is with the current state of cruise line economics they’re loathe to confront any paying customer if they don’t have to. “What to Wear: Gala Evening From 6.00 pm, we encourage you to join in the sense of occasion.”

It was only in the Britannia for one day because the Queen’s Room was being set up for a World Cruise party. Tea is back in the Queen’s Room today.

Cunard isn't for everyone and I completely understand why someone might not enjoy the experience, but I do want to update one point. I'm currently on the QM2 World Cruise and there is a "Solo Traveller's Evening Get Together" every night, and whenever I've walked past its appear to be well-attended. The ship also has single cabins, which many ships don't. They're expensive, but they do exist. And by its very nature, a world cruise offers many more opportunities to meet other people.

Word is the above brochure will be delivered to passengers on the world cruises tonight.

Here’s the instructions provided on board the QM2: Visa Requirements - Sri Lanka It you are visiting Sri Lanka as part of your cruise itinerary (arriving and leaving Sri Lanka with the ship), ALL guests are required to obtain a Transit ETA online (www.eta.gov.k). A Transit ETA is free of charge. When completing your application, please note the following: "Port of Departure" is the previous port you are scheduled to visit prior to arrival in Sri Lanka(Phuket, Thailand). "Final Destination" is the port where you will be ending your cruise. "Vessel Number" is the cruise number (M408). "Address in Sri Lanka" is the ship name(Queen Mary 2), if applying for a Transit ETA.

I think it may depend on whether you’re American or British and who you talk to. We had a number of bookings where we wanted to change our grade of cabin. The on-board representative on the QM2 told us if we went directly through her to Cunard we would have to cancel and rebook - but if we went through our travel agent we could keep our same booking numbers and the perks that went with them. Comparing all the totals it was a better deal to go through our agent. New cabins, new prices, same booking number.

Queen Victoria departs Colombo for Africa and Southampton on March 30, right before we get there on March 31. So I agree: It seems clear that there is time for the QM2 to follow a similar route as Victoria back to Southampton from Colombo if that’s what Cunard chooses to do.

My friends and I are all having a great time - but that’s helped by the fact that none of us is getting on or off in Dubai so we’re more comfortable living with an uncertain itinerary. Plus we’ve all been through something similar before: It’s the cost of traveling in an uncertain world. So we float.

For what it’s worth, the below is what we were told in today’s daily program; From the Captain You will have seen the news over recent days regarding the developing geopolitical situation in the Red Sea off Yemen. As some of you will be onboard in Aprit when were scheduled to transit that area, I would like to reassure anyone with concerns at present that the company together with various national authorities and government departments are continuously monitoring the situation as are many global shipping companies. We will make any necessary decision in good time with the safety and security of the ship and all onboard being the paramount consideration.

Maryland as well - but I like your idea better.

Ah, Cunard. I received the survey based on my April 23 crossing on the QM2, which of course never happened because the ship was laid up in Southampton. The first question asked was why did I cancel - to which I answered I didn't, you did. The survey then proceeded to ask me the same hypotheticals shown above. One other tiny oddity/annoyance with which probably only other board members who live in Washington, DC can empathize: The survey asks which US state you live in, but doesn't list the District as an option. It's not a big deal, obviously - but you kind of expect a large company to get something like that right on an internet survey.

Oh, and just for some added context: I generally like Hilton hotels. Just not this one.

The New York Hilton is a large, crowded, impersonal convention hotel. It has a good location and it offers the convenience of being in the Cunard cocoon. But there are many nicer, cheaper choices - and I’m not sure the included Cunard transfer makes the stay worth it. I stayed there once because it was included in the price of the cruise. I would never pay extra for it. But I know others disagree.

I’m hoping this is a step toward allowing you to access all your current bookings with one log-in, as you can on other Carnival company websites, instead of having to put in every confirmation number every time.

You can also usually count on one or two gangsters and their molls. Can't say I'm a big fan - but if you enjoy that kind of thing, don't let me or anyone else discourage you. As for the main question: If you want any props, you'd best bring them with you.

Yes. Tenerife and Walvis Bay both shift up a day. So Tenerife moves from the 16th to the 15th and Walvis Bay moves from the 25th to the 24th.

It seems fair to mention that in exchange for losing Lisbon we’re getting an overnight in Port Elizabeth, which will allow Cunard to offer a two-day safari option - so it’s not like they took something away without offering anything back. I’d rather stop in Lisbon, but I know people who are thrilled with the change.

I love sailing with Cunard, but goodness from the website to the ships they are not the best when it comes to communication. There was a letter explaining the internet charges on the world cruise that had to be corrected twice - and was still wrong.

I apologize if this news has been shared before but this notice today on the Elizabeth is the first I’ve seen of a change in the Diamond lunch/dinner benefits. Luckily it’s not as bad as Cunard’s odd explanation might make it look on first read. Here’s the new policy: “We are delighted to invite you to a complimentary lunch at The Verandah Steakhouse to the value of $20 per person. Alternatively, you may prefer to have dinner in the Verandah where a supplement of $20 per person will apply. Or dinner in the Lido Alternative dining located on deck 9.” Lunch in the Verandah is now $30. Dinner is $50. Dinner in the Lido Alternative is still $25. When I read that my “complimentary” lunch had a “value of $20 per person,” I assumed that meant the lunch would now cost me $10. But the World Club Representatives said the $20 value was only a matter of internal accounting and lunch would still be free. (If it’s only for their internal purposes you might wonder why they’re telling us, but never mind.) So effectively the voucher is worth $30 in the Verandah, since the $50 dinner comes with a $20 charge. And it’s worth $25 in the Lido because apparently that is still a free alternative. At least that’s what I was told. I’ll let you know how it turns out in practice.

We’re on the Queen Elizabeth at the moment. Last night was the Red and Gold Gala. There are two more Gala nights coming, one of them Roaring 20s - which I hate, but that’s not what you asked.

Last time we arrived in Brooklyn, a transfer to Moynihan was offered. I don't remember the exact price, but I do remember that it was only a bargain if you were traveling alone. If you have anyone to share expenses, taxi or Uber were much cheaper and a better bet. Unless, of course, you're willing to pay for the convenience of the bus transfer.