maggielou362

And in response to the OP's question, I wouldn't "frown" upon it, but I think there are many more appropriate places to have a martini on board.

Sorry to be pedantic, but it is Afternoon Tea, not high tea.

Afternoon tea is posh, with fancy little sandwiches and sweet cakes, served between about 3 and 5pm.

High tea is/was a more substantial often savoury affair, usually a meal taken later, at the end of a working day.

Although having said that, we Australians seem to have b*stardised yet another British term!  Many places in Australian cities offer exorbitantly priced "High Tea" where you will be served a similar spread to that which is served in the Queens Rooms on Cunard ships.

We had the Drinks Package on our recent QM2 sailing.

The sommelier, David, was wonderful. Each evening, we would tell him our menu selections and he chose the appropriate wines for each course from the "by the glass" list. He magically showed up with two generous glasses of wine (one for me, one for husband, often different wines) as soon as the waiter delivered each course. We never seemed to wait any set time if we wanted another glass of the same, and he seemed to be attending to other passengers with bottled wine equally as proficiently. And this was in "steerage", in the Britannia Restaurant (late sitting).

7 hours ago, exlondoner said:

Try Happisburgh, Norfolk, where the cliffs fall into the sea.

Nope, not even going to try.

Uh oh, what have I started? I think I'd better go to bed.

I was going to say 'Belvwah" but I cheated and checked with my husband, who lived in England for a while.

So now I think it's pronounced Beaver Castle and it's in Lestersheer 😜

Or maybe it's in Lestershur?

Am I correct?  

Aren't we lucky in Australia for now? I have become a bit of a Cunard tragic/anorak! Have gone into the Quay over the last few weeks to say hello to ALL the Queens this time around, first time I've ever seen QV, first voyage on and very recent disembarkation in Sydney from QM2. Probably not going to happen again because Cunard are "abandoning" us after 2025, apart from the occasional drop-in on the way around the globe.

3 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

...Talking of which, don't get me started on Worcester. 😄

Sorry Victoria, the temptation and curiosity is too great😉😁!

We call the iconic Lea and Perrins sauce "Woostersheer" (short oo, as in book) in Australia, but on our delightful recent QM2 voyage a Brit at the adjoining table called it "Wooster" sauce (same short oo), no "sheer" on the end. I would never say "Wersester", but are we wrong in Australia pronouncing "Woostersheer" with the "sheer" on the end? The sauce is called Worcestershire sauce, not Worcester sauce, so I am now confused.

2 hours ago, Pushpit said:

... but better still is if all passengers wash their hands regularly during the day with soap and water.

ABSOLUTELY.

As I have mentioned at the beginning of this thread, SOAP AND WATER.

Nothing magic or high tech about it, whatever and wherever the pathogens are, on land and sea. Wash your hands.

(sorry, probably preaching to the converted)

Me too, Jim_P!

Maybe Sydney to NY in 2026?

One can only dream...

32 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

And presumably food that has not been properly treated and handled is quite likely to harbour more than one sort of pathogen. Always a cheering thought.

My observation/opinion is that Cunard crew serve food impeccably. It's the passengers who mishandle and contaminate the food. We had no issues at all with any gastrointestinal upsets. Like @Jim_P and @Splice the mainbrace we were two of the 1600 to leave the ship in Sydney. Not that you were implying poor food handling by Cunard, exlondoner!

20 hours ago, 2BACRUISER said:

@Kensington-cruiser we too are looking at Alaska 2025 as its our ruby anniversary and my 60th if god spares me lol 😁...

You were a Child Bride! Sounds lovely, a double celebration.

This is a really interesting discussion. I just disembarked this morning from the majestic and beautiful QM2 and we are hooked. We are booked on the aforementioned QE Christmas cruise and I coincidentally received the email regarding the change while waiting to board QM2 in Fremantle. I would much prefer that New Zealand and its oceans are protected and treasured. We are not too fussed about missing NZ, as we have been there several times, and it is relatively easy to visit our fabulous Kiwi cousins from Sydney. A bit disappointing for those who have not visited NZ before, but we are sailing on Cunard for the actual voyage, so the captain can take us around in a great big circle for all I care!

Just disembarked this morning 😭

It was FABULOUS, even better than my lofty expectations.

Just disembarked in Sydney this morning 😢 

On embarking in Perth crew were still taking extra precautions, but they had relaxed somewhat by the end of our journey. Crew are very meticulous with cleaning, but I did notice that many passengers were still sneezing into their hands, and others were very quick to grab at and point ( i.e. TOUCH!) food/tongs, cutlery etc even though staff will get it for you. Use the dining rooms, avoid the buffet. I think it's other passengers you need to be mindful of. Just be very careful and diligent with handwashing, cough/sneezing etiquette, and use the offered hand sanitiser at every opportunity and you will be fine. It's a beautiful ship.

Probably apologies due to your travel agent, I misunderstood. Looks like they actually did contact Cunard who then told them that Cunard will contact you, so his/her job done. But contact Cunard yourself, don't wait. And yes, they are a very helpful lot on this discussion board aren't they? Bon Voyage.

8 hours ago, Pushpit said:

...I'm tempted to say focus on the kid, cranky parents can sort themselves out!!!

Agree, the youngster's allergies sound more critical than trying to appease fussy people regarding eating times. Surely 6:00pm is early enough for dinner, and surely there is food available pretty much any time around the clock for them to eat as frequently as they like. Also, what is your travel agent doing if you "told the travel agent who advised me that Cunard will contact me directly"? They should be following it up for you. Do as the experts here suggest: contact Cunard Customer Service yourself, advise them of your child's food requirements, speak to the maitre d' on embarkation to confirm the special dietary needs are noted and then enjoy yourself. You are on holidays too, not just your parents!

Oh GREAT idea, Nora! Now I need to make some more space for my breakfast and afternoon tea outfits too. 

Just adding, I mean I am the showpony, NOT Nora!

10 hours ago, maggielou362 said:

 Wish there was a ladies' equivalent. 

Actually, who am I kidding? I admire and respect your abilities to collate an elegant minimalist wardrobe, @Victoria2 and @rhiannon84. Very versatile and classy.

Much as I'd like to have a capsule of beautiful separates, I am in truth more like @D&N's Nora, perhaps more of a princess showpony! I am packing two suitcases for ME, and stealing some of my husband's suitcase space as well because I am going to dress up to the nines for my first QM2 voyage. Have already budgeted for the excess baggage charge on the flight to Perth.

7 hours ago, tv24 said:

I wear black blazer, black slacks, white shirt.  It gets me into all the venues on Cunard and gives me some clothes I can wear while traveling.  Versatile and compliant.

Versatile, compliant but also timeless and elegant. Wish there was a ladies' equivalent. Any thoughts, Cunard girls?

Thanks so much, @Victoria2, and to all on the Cunard board, you've all been so very helpful. I have had every query addressed and had lots of laughs. Just over a week now until our QM2 voyage, first of more I hope.

Edited to add: I am by no means a fine wine connoisseur, so I expect I would enjoy P.A. A Bellini sounds just the ticket for unpacking, though.

I had actually thought of that, @exlondoner 😁 so I am planning on doctoring the much-maligned Pol Acker with some peach puree and perhaps some peach schnapps to assist with unpacking. 

Thank you, Winifred. That sounds like a sensible plan.

So do you pack your wine bottle (wrapped safely) in your checked-in luggage or do you carry it on yourself in hand luggage? Just want to do the right and sensible thing, not trying to "sneak" anything onboard.