escrick

Victoria 2,  It was a complement.  Perhaps  I can understand why Cunard was slow to reply.  In a litigious society every word used matters and, of course, words can be misinterpreted.  But, a little empathy  can help a lot.  I think I am complicating and over thinking the incident,  sorry.

Will be taking first Cunard cruise next year.  Thanks for this topic postings.   Love them.

Just want to thank Victoria 2 for demonstrating compassion as well as common sense on this topic.  Accidents are rarely intentional—they happen—the fact that there were no injuries or lives lost is no help to BitBob at this stage.  I hope that the compensation will be adequate and the nightmare of an experience will fade from memory.

10 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

You didn’t say that and I did not assume it was the case.

Sorry, I misinterpreted you.  I need to read the posts more carefully.

2 hours ago, Pushpit said:

I wouldn't worry at all about this. A decent dark suit is completely in line with the Gala nights' dress code, as written out on the website, in the brochure and in the Daily Programme. While I may have a preference for the dinner jacket / tuxedo solution, the reality is that he needs to feel good, confident and happy in what he is wearing. A dark suit sounds right for him and he won't stick out. Plus it sounds like he may slightly be over-dressed for Smart Attire nights. No harm in that, and he will hopefully be just as comfortable, if not more so. So that's him dealt with, now you can focus on your dazzling outfits.

Thank you, thank you!  Yes, he is confident.  Also, he always says that he would rather not follow the crowd. 🙂

2 hours ago, exlondoner said:

I would never dream of doing anything else, helped by the brochure which has helpful pictures of nearly all categories. Why would anyone not?

Oh, dear.  Did I say I had not checked the size?  If communication can fail; it will, eh?

Thanks so much for your great blog.  I enjoyed the trip vicariously.  I have fond memories of Bruges — a lovely city; however, my most vivid memories concern loos. We were with friends, went to a loo that was for men and women.  The four of us went into separate stalls (fortunately).  My husband heard three of us say “Merci” to the attendant as we tipped her, and she replied “Danka.”  Husband, clever clogs, said Danka to her and she replied “Merci.”  Then, we had parked in a department store’s ramp.  As we walked to the car, we heard shouting from a nearby loo.  A woman was stuck in a stall.  Of course, we were able to get help—after a while. Ah, well . . .

1 minute ago, exlondoner said:

You never know, he might change his feelings about travelling after the cruise.

One can only hope.  We have booked two QM2 cruises for 2025.  I love the Cunard Board.  Thanks for your lovely answer—a great thought to keep in mind.

2 minutes ago, bitob said:

Ph is larger. Great

entertainment varies by ship and by cruise

old crystal was known for entertainment and lectures but when it went under we tried the other lines. Not much difference. Lots of talent everywhere. Often same people

 

Singers. Comedians. Musicians. Limited production shows. Smaller but a lot of talent

every cruise is different 

 

as example on my queen eliz ta the shows were worthy of west end ( i am a Broadway baby. I know what’s good) I went to see one production show here on qm2. 2 female singers ok. 2 male singers ghastly. Dancers amateurish. I was shocked

Thanks for answering my question.

On our first Cunard cruise next year, my husband, who has a black tie ensemble, has chosen to leave that at home and, instead, will wear a rather posh dark suit.  On other nights, he will wear a blazer, or smart jackets.  I am impressed, though, with Cunard’s dress code.  I think that, by following it, we are showing respect for each other.  I do hope my husband does not let Cunard and people down.  Actually, I love to see him in his dinner suit ; however, he does not particularly like traveling and calls himself, my tag along.  Do you get the picture?  

I have a question for Bitob:  What is the entertainment like on luxury smaller ships these days?  I am looking forward to taking our first cruise on Cunard because of theatre shows and their lecture programs.  Forgetting the size of staterooms, I found the entertainment on smaller ships more like cabaret than anything else.  Please, I would like to hear a tad more about entertainment.  FYI, on our Cunard cruise we will be in a QG Penthouse, certainly not massive but big enough for this short person🙂.  Comments welcome about size as well as shows.  Sorry if I am off topic too much.

For medical reasons, my DH and I had to cancel our first Cunard cruise on QV that left SH on Tuesday.  I used to think that Cunard was over the top with their dress code; however, reading posts like the above over the last few months, I have changed my mind.  I think that the adherence to the address code suggests that folk have respect for the code and for each other.  It looks like our first Cunard cruise will now be next June.  (Wish it was sooner.)  But, bring on the dress code—we are ready!

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Dear Escrick,

Welcome to Cunard and the QM2.

 

So happy you will be experiencing the Queen on the Norway Sailing next year. We did it on the QE2 and is one of the memorable voyages in our sailing trips next to the Panama Canal. A Trip to Remember. Make sure you take a lot of memory in your camera for those keepsake photos.

 

Many on Cruise Critics will help you along with their suggestions, opinions and comments of their experiences of the trip and just being on board. Your previous cancellation led you a wonderful trip.

Thanks for the welcome.  I hope that someone on the QV, that leaves tomorrow, will post a review or comments.  I can enjoy cruises vicariously at present.  

Thanks so much for all your help.  I know that I will need advice as time goes by.

I have just read the comments with great interest because my DH and I have a deposit on a June QM2 cruise to Norway next year—our first with Cunard.  I am doubly excited because we had to cancel a QV cruise that leaves tomorrow.  Anyway, we will be in a QG suite, and I expect we will enjoy the food there and in other venues.  Food is so subjective, but I usually enjoy food that has been cooked for me.  In any case, I appreciate all the comments.

Additionally, can someone tell me how to start a new topic? I am sure Hattie, who seems to be the best host I have come across, can help.  I am not kidding about you, Hattie.  I am not a technophobe, but if there is a way to mess up, I will find it.😢

Wow!   Our experiences are certainly subjective.   My husband, a niece, her husband and I saw Step One’s Humanity on the Koningsdam.   We agreed that it was the best dance spectacle we have ever seen at sea.  By the way, we have been on five different lines.

1 hour ago, exlondoner said:

I think it has to be a new booking of equal or greater value.

We will be in a QM2 Penthouse, so it is more expensive.  I appreciate you pointing this out.  I may phone Cunard myself instead of relying on travel agent.

14 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

 

 

Look at Cunard T&Cs to find out how much you pay depending on exactly how many days notice.

 

Any good insurance should pay the rest minus excess. You will have to get doctors note which you will have to pay for.

 

Alternatively ask Cunard if you can move money to your future cruise 

Thanks.   My travel agent said it was not possible to transfer our money to the June cruise.  I wonder if having an agent messes up the process.

 I was looking forward to our first Cunard cruise in September,  but was told by a doctor yesterday that, because of a health issue,  my DH and I have to cancel it.  I believe we can have at least a 50% refund for our Queen’s Grill suite, but am not sure about the insurance help.   Does anyone have experience with this kind of disappointment?
 

We have a deposit on a QM2 cruise next June.  Surgery will be well over by then, I hope.

7 hours ago, Lady Meer said:

On one Oceania trip we had a man from the US wear an array of UK football shirts every day for 10 days.

How strange!  I wonder if he was an indecisive expat🙂.  
Regarding the casual clothing trend :  I am hoping there will be a turn around one day, and that folk will be so bored with their dress preferences that they will embrace a more formal dress code for a change.   Of course, I may not live to see it.

Have been reading this thread with interest.  I do hope the couple are being charged for their third passenger.  Oh, and who brings the dog food?
 

Now for a chuckle regarding animal allergies, and it is true.  A niece and her husband were having a row.  The couple has three young daughters. The husband is allergic to dogs, and youngest daughter loves them.  So, the three youngsters are listening to the row, and one wonders whether they will get a divorce, at which point the youngest says, “Oh, I hope they do, and then I will get a dog.”

 
The couple are still married, and the youngest has Guinea Pigs.

My first thank you did not go through, for whatever reason.  Anyway, thanks again to Ex-Londoner and Victoria 2 for your quick replies to my question.  We just do not want to blow it🙂.

Thanks so much Ex-Londoner and Victoria-2.  We just do not want to blow it🙂.

I am a newbie to this topic.  My DH and I were on a Saga cruise last year.  We had the option for paying for another excursion other than the panoramic. The extra charge made a lot of sense.  Such optional tours are more expensive for Saga. I think it is wonderful that Saga gives us choices.

As a newbie in QG, will it be okay for my husband to occasionally wear smart shorts with a polo-neck or t-shirt for breakfast and lunch?