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.

6 minutes ago, Wordzz said:

Actually the immigration officials extended the timeframe, so we didn't have to be back on board QV until 6.00pm. We had a great day with glorious weather, making it all the sadder that we missed the first day in port.

 

We left at just after 7.00am this morning, so approx 12 hours late. We'll no doubt hear shortly whether that will impact the call to Walvis Bay.

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.”

On 3/15/2024 at 9:41 PM, photosg said:

i had heard afternoon tea had moved to Britannia. much prefer the Queen’s Room.

 

 

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.

4 hours ago, Port Power said:

My reasons are only from the perspective of a solo cruiser.
 

Cunard has excellent entertainment, musicians and lectures, and the food is very good. I also like to dress up. Nevertheless, as a solo traveller, the ships are too big.  I meet some people and enjoy a chat, but never see them again.  Cunard does not hold any solo gatherings.  At dinner there is a share table only if you arrive quite early.  QM2 last year, booked for 9 nights just to try this iconic ship, was the final straw.  Not for me.

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. 

43 minutes ago, VIII88 said:

I have not been able to find information from the official Sri Lanka immigration website regarding free transit visa. The only available eVisa is over US$200! The website from one of the previous posts does not direct to an application site. Should we just wait until we board the ship in Singapore and let Cunard crew help us or wait until we reach Colombo and process entry visa to go on our shore excursion then?

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.

7 hours ago, MCC retired said:

Cunard is unique in making you cancel then rebook as a new booking.

Most cruise lines just change your reservation info to take advantage of a  better deal.

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. 

47 minutes ago, rog747 said:

Just for fun mind!

Voyage distances for alternative route avoiding call at Dubai and transit Suez. 

(rerouting is not possible via Panama Canal) 
Port stops are not included.
Options shown are to go back from Colombo (on Day 90) to Southampton,
and from there she then has to cross to New York (on Day 117) to undertake a R/T B2B TA.

Distance    10286 nautical miles via Cape of Good Hope
Vessel speed    25 knots
Time    17 days 03 hours 

This gives her more than enough days even at a slower speed, with some Port stops enroute, to be back in SOU on time for the NYC crossing departing 28th April (Day 117).

I have used Colombo as the last scheduled Port of Call on the current WC  itinerary, because the ship is not going to be sailing from any Australian Ports.
The ports prior to Colombo are all in SE Asia.

Therefore due to the distances involved, suggestions for her to maybe return via Cape Horn are not tenable. 

Folk due to disembark Dubai could get off at Colombo.

She would definitely stop again at Cape Town (most likely stay overnight as usual) - a St Helena sail-by would be doable as time permits 
 

 

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. 

1 hour ago, Host Hattie said:

Thanks for the update @Patria21, I hope you're having a good time on board. 

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.

46 minutes ago, Thaxted said:

I empathize. Which state did you claim as your own? I chose Maryland, but next time I'll look for something more exotic. American Samoa sounds about right.

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.

1 minute ago, Patria21 said:

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. 

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.

4 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

 

Are they adjusting the dates of any of your other cslls to allow for the extra day in Port Elizabeth?

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. 

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.