Winifred 22

1 hour ago, hampshirelad said:

As someone who lives in the area I would say that if you want to do some short day exploring you are safer using the trains which run on the line which |I would simply describe as being between Bournemouth and Waterloo. This gives you the best access to Winchester and according to taste Brockenhurst. If you come to the UK on flights then if you have some wriggle room pre cruise give Winchester a try.

 

Do bear in mind that on the motorways and especially around Heathrow and Gatwick you have a range of protestors who are not shy about bringing traffic to a standstill. There have been upgrades on the M25 between Gatwick and the M3 junction 12. for Southampton. There are advertised weekend closures when this happens..

 

I am sure there will be other local opinions , but as Cruise companies display little or no flexibility when you have a problem its best to play it safe 

Totally agree. Don’t go too far better still book a Cunard excursion for complete piece of mind they do day excursions for in

intransit guests 

Tonight’s menus for any one who is interested. 

10 minutes ago, vsbc said:

This is my first ever cruise and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Ok I can’t compare it to other cruise lines or ships. We stayed at the Harbour Hotel the night before and had a relaxed and easy embarkation. 

We had booked an excursion in Cadiz about 15 minutes before the captain announced that we were not going there. I have quite enjoyed the sea days. We enjoyed the two shows we saw in the Bright Lights Society and the Royal Court Theatre.

 

The food and staff in the Queens Grill have been outstanding. We tried the buffet and it was reasonable. Going to the Steakhouse tomorrow night.

 

The Grills Terrace has been very busy with most of the sun beds taken at times. After a couple of days we were given lanyards  with grills terrace passes. Yesterday staff asked to see them. I mentioned that the only way to stop people going in who shouldn’t, would be to fit locks. A member of staff said they were on order but didn’t know when they would be fitted.

 

The only slight annoyance so far is that our cabin is right at the very stern of the ship and my partner smokes. The only smoking area is right at the front of the ship on the top deck. Literally the furthest point away from our cabin.

 

Had a pleasant afternoon in Barcelona but it was very hot. Glad to be back on the ship. 

 

So pleased you are enjoying your cruise I certainly am. I have a lovley cabin and can’t fault the food or service in Britannia. 

7 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

AIS (as set by the bridge) showing Le Spezia next. So fingers crossed.

Oh good we haven’t had any announcements 

1 hour ago, MylesS said:

Thank you all for the updates, and I hope you enjoy Barcelona today! Here's to hoping the AziPod issue is resolved.

For those that have the time, how did you enjoy the four days at sea? I must say I'm rather envious as I really enjoyed our sea days, and the most we had combined was 2.

To my knowledge this is the longest time she's spent continuously at sea (at least with passengers) until crossing the Atlantic in January.

I loved them. I found plenty to do and enjoyed the rest just reading relaxing and doing word puzzles. Having done TA ‘s on QM2 this was equally good as the weather has been superb too so much better than ever on QM2 !! I had an enjoyable day in Barcelona but it would not  make it onto my ports to revisit list. Fingers crossed repairs are going well. 

3 minutes ago, Winifred 22 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I send the menus home as my daughters  like to play a game - Guess what mum will chose then they add their choices. !!  Both Cunard cruisers too. 

5 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Glad you are enjoying it, as did I. Can you photograph and post one or two menus?  
Perhaps they could institute an Olympic event involving hurdling the bench in the lift well to get to the lift diagonally opposite?

12 hours ago, D&N said:

Probably referring to it being shown as a thin rather than bold line on the South Western network map, with the half hour service shared between South Western and Great Western (might need to watch ticket validity). The routes to and from London are shown in bold.

As someone who travels regularly on the service I would call it main line and yes you are correct the tickets are not interchangeable between South Western and Great Western but frequently with the problems recently on trains in S W England, announce they will be accepting each other’s tickets but this is usually on a specific train/ service basis on the day. 

Nearly at Barcelona due at 10. So far no

complaints and Anne could be favourite. I have managed to work out where all the different places I like to go are in relation to each other and how to get there. Cabin is fabulous but can see how for two on any crossing longer than 14 nights could be cramped for storage but for just me it’s fine. No complaints regarding service or food. Had some delicious meals slightly different menu to the usual offerings in Britannia. Have watched most of the Insights talks on the T V later as I wanted to take advantage of being outside and enjoying the weather. No problem ever getting a lift but agree you do have to be quick especially when one arrives in the opposite bank !! I would say this cruise has a younger demographic and there are lots of red cards about so hopefully they are enjoying their first Cunard experience as much as me Also would say there is not such an International mix of guests  I have experienced before. Seems far more fromUK. I am not interested in the Olympics but plenty seem to be enjoying watching on the big screen in Pavilion area. Heard a few moans from people about ship or the Azipod problem but I don’t engage and shut the conversation down. I am not interested in other people’s negativity encroaching on my positive experience. 

I can remember candle wick but the high light of.sophistication in our house was a Brentford Nylons quilted bedspread in lilac 

3 hours ago, sonoma03 said:

I will be boarding my first Cunard cruise on my birthday, and I was wondering if Cunard does anything special (complimentary, not a birthday package we have to order) for a birthday.  On my previous cruises on other cruise lines, the waiter would bring a special dessert if you were celebrating a birthday or anniversary, although sometimes the special dessert wasn't as good as the desserts on the regular dining room menu.  Just curious if Cunard does something like that or not.

The only complimentary gesture I or my daughter have  had is a birthday card. If you are travelling in Grills there may be some other gestures  but sorry for non grills there is nothing else offered. With the vast amount of passengers sailing with birthdays

or anniversaries they have to limit the complimentary items

10 hours ago, posford said:

Couldn’t load luggage labels on iPad using safari, android phone using Crome, android phone using edge.

manage to load them on my son’s iPhone.

 

Done all the usual pop up and cache fixes. Nothing worked.

 

Once again this is due to P&O’s rubbish IT.

 

How do the older customers get on with no or limited IT knowledge?

 

I am in my 70’s but did work in the IT industry, though over 10 years ago.

 

Luggage labels still showing not yet available on my cruise personaliser.

When I get that with Cunard sometimes I go back and click through the sections confirming details etc.. then they give an option to print boarding pass which I have already done but I still click on. When I go back to home screen the label icon is no longer shaded out and I can print. Not booked a P &Ocruise this year but sure it was same principal as Cunard. This workaround might work. Had to do it myself for the cruise I am on now. 

9 hours ago, hampshirelad said:

Salisbury is a beautiful city but the journey is not by main line train and not so well served as Winchester. Stick to Winchester. Definitely get a Taxi to the train station on the outward trip.

 

For others reading this consider going to a quaint New Forest village -  Brockenhurst. Soak up the atmosphere and have a coffee or tea and cakes. It is on the Southampton main train line - about 20 minutes and better served than Winchester.

 

Remember to get off at Southampton a the way back or you might end up at Waterloo!

What sort of line is it then. Looks like a main line when I have used it. ? Frequent to Salisbury too . 

4 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Take sharp knife.  Cut off the ‘mushroom bulb”.  Turn cork upside down and insert the thin end into top of bottle.  Press hardish until just over half of the cork inserted.  Good for a short term fix.

Just pop a teaspoon into the neck of the bottle if you haven’t got a proper stopper to use. Works fine as a back up. 

9 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

My boarding pass didn’t have priority printed in it , but the lady at check in had a stamp and she just stamped it on for me.  

3 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I seldom saw my stewardess on QE earlier this month. She didn't introduce herself on the first day but did on the second. She didn't seem to have any rooms near mine, so I rarely saw her in passing. On the last day, I left her tip in an envelope on the desk. As I walked down the hall, I saw her in a room well down the hall from mine. I called to her to say goodbye and commented that it was a long way from my room. I think she said she had 16 rooms to do. But none of them was next to mine, so I wasn't at the end of her row. The stewards near me were male, so I wonder if I was an extra added to her chores. Is there a new policy that they try to give a female attendant to solo female passengers?

 

I have never had a female cabin steward and have done many trips as a solo female.

5 minutes ago, Wagtail adventures said:

Looking forward to joining this cruise in Civitavecchia on Monday in PG for a 6 day jaunt back to Southampton.  Tempted to nab a Q6 that popped up with availability a few days ago, but in the end the £1300 was just a bit out of my reach.  Interestingly, it was possibly the 'worst' QG suite - 7001 with a shaded balcony right under the bridge overhang.  Even so...sorely tempted!

I am sure you will enjoy it. We are still chugging along nicely. We go through the Straits of Gibraltar later tonight but it will dark by then I think. Still due in Barcelona for Friday. I notice the sail away from Barcelona is 10 30. Don’t know if that has always been the case or is it to allow extra time for repairs ? 

56 minutes ago, Ukulele girl said:

Thank you 'bluemarble', that has worked perfectly. Fingers crossed that my changing it on line translates to actual cabin configuration. As you say if it isn't right the steward will sort it.

I always request 2 singles . I have never arrived to find the bed split. They always change it for me first evening turn down. So if it’s not right just ask your cabin steward as soon as you see them. I always request twin on booking but have no expectation now  it will be done. Never had a problem changing it and it’s always done with good grace. One steward explained he can’t do it straight away as he has to order single linen from housekeeping but as I said it’s always been done by evening turn down. 

3 hours ago, Clewgarnet said:

Thank you! All the doom and gloom had me quite disheartened about joining you next week.

 

Assuming the Azipod is repaired by then, of course.

I think you will have a wonderful time. Please don’t be disheartened by negative comments you may have read. I am really enjoying Anne and am beginning to work out where everything else. I have enjoyed the Pavilion grill where everything is made to order. The Artisan food Hall seems to have so much choice. Been happy so far with Britannia. Yes if you go looking for a sun bed at 2 on a very sunny day you probably won’t find one but in my experience you wouldn’t find one either on QM2 or QV and QE at that time will similar weather. Look forward to it and yes I hope we make it there too. Chugging along nicely today 15-16 knots. 

19 minutes ago, devolve said:

On board now. Sun beds are reserved for hours, often only returning to take the towel off!!, and there are not so many beds in the first place.

Also on a side note Cunard free internet for world club members is $24 not $18 if you  want it by the 24 hours, another cut back.
 

Been like that for a while. I think it’s good value didn’t buy until day 2 and after W C discount about $100 dollars for 2 weeks suits me. Connectivity seems better  and don’t have to keep logging in as before. On aft deck pool area only a few with towels on and all others occupied and have been all day not obvious signs of people just reserving and going off. I was out just before 10 and there were plenty available. 

I have a favourable impression of Anne so far. She is very different but she is ticking all the right boxes for me. I am 2nd sitting and was reallocated a nicer table last night. Can’t fault the service and at both tables had friendly efficient waiters and hot food.

Do recognize a few of the wait staff and  a Maitre D from QV said he had been transshipped over but was going back. Insights lectures have appealed so far and have been good and what a win you can pick the talk you want to watch on T V  without having them on a continuous loop as before. Enjoyed Noir last night. I do agree with others the theatre seating could be better tiered. Chugging along at 15 knots waiting for the mist to clear. Must not forget to visit the Library and  sign the book. Hope fellow travellers are enjoying themselves and I hope Steeler33 your dining experience picks up for you. Definitely change as

soon as you get home.

Managed to get a loyalty voyage sales booking yesterday by visiting pursers desk  and have booked another Queen Anne trip for Dec 2025. Not offering reduced deposits at the moment but onboard credit at the usual rates. 

1 hour ago, majortom10 said:

No just asking is that you personally talking about missing ports or QA.

My personal missed ports experience for my last two cruises and seem to be on a roll. Other than that having a very enjoyable time and have received top notch service around the ship and some very good meals.

19 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

Can you explain your statement with facts.

What facts do you need copies of my insurance claims ? 

1 minute ago, Victoria2 said:

How about Salisbury if it's an easier trip? I was blown away by the cathedral and the city. Read Edward Rutherfurd's Sarum first.

I agree Salisbury is beautiful the cathedral is even more stunning and famous. 

2 minutes ago, steeler33 said:

AziPod fault which requires internal work alongside so we have to skip Cadiz and crawl our way at reduced speed to Barcelona so an extra sea day. Shame, but these things happen and at least the weather is good. Hopefully we’ll be in Barcelona on Friday morning on time. 

Yes when you think about it today she hasn’t really been moving that fast. I hope lots of people don’t kick off and make a scene. I would have rather done Cadiz and ditched Barcelona. Not having a good track record at the moment last 2 cruises missed port or completely changed itinerary 😀🚢