King Amo

Part of that is likely as there are now some excellent non-alcoholic spirits, which simply weren't available, even a few years ago. Non-alcoholic cocktails used to essentially be fruit-based drinks with an umbrella stuck in, but now with the likes of Seedlip, Lyres, and latterly the big spirit companies providing genuine alternatives, there is so much more potential. The downside is that the processes involved in producing these 'spirits' is similar to conventional drinks, and without the economies of scale, they come at a premium. The upsides, though, are massive.

Cutbacks are to be expected, given that cruises have been priced at around about the same level for at least 20 years. Main thing is for them to be in the places which make the least impact to the majority of guests.

Wow, that really surprises me. I guess that's what makes cruising so great, having a bit of a pick and mix to suit everyone. If I was ever to get stuck somewhere, I'd love it to be Barcelona or Lisbon🙂

This is an older one, as QV, but yes they are risks. The positive side is that there aren't many better ports to be holed up in than Barcelona, even if you've already had a few days there. Would also give the opportunity to head out of the city and explore a bit, without any hard deadlines for return. Presumably passengers are able to stay on board as an extended port of call, rather than Cunard seeking hotels?

Strange. The transactions on my statement is definitely the travel agent, both for the deposit and balance. The deposit was made over the phone when booking, and the balance paid via the TA's portal.

I'm from the UK, so it may be different, but certainly paid my TA, not Cunard.

Agree MaggieLou. The psychological element is important, and as I commented on another thread weighing this up as a solo cruiser, if I was going solo I would definitely pay up front so that I didn't have to question if I needed a drink, and as a means for something to do, scoping activities without commitment etc. I've decided for the family cruise we're on in the summer, I'm going to pay myself the drinks package for the three of us and try and treat the cruise as if it were all inclusive. If there is money left over at the end, which I'm sure there will be, that will be a bonus, but I'm going to do all I can to think of it as spent money.

Thanks Pushpit. Doesn't surprise me, as the machines are not really Cunard's style, but it works well on RCI as it keeps the bar service running much more efficiently as staff don't need to worry about dispensing endless soft drinks.

Out of interest, do they have self-service soda stations for those on the drinks package like on Royal Caribbean, or do you have to queue at the bar each time? Likewise do they provide the refillable cup?

Apologies for an attempt at friendly lightheartedness that clearly failed to land.

You've been on a day and already hit the laundry? Come on Victoria, have a drink instead!

There are some upcharge 'Michel Roux' items on QA

You would think with the hundreds of balcony cabins, someone who isn't on their honeymoon would be willing to do a deal on downgrading, given a significant enough level of encouragement. I'd definitely be willing to do a deal if I was on the ship, as the cabin is just somewhere to sleep to me. This seems very strange, not least given they always sell 'guaranteed' grades without allocations, who you would think would be first in line for a let down. I've not heard of them (or anyone in this kind of industry) picking on an individual and giving them an ultimatum before, but I guess they are trying to avoid even more of a disappointment and scene on Monday after guests have flown out to Rome and are starting to panic.

There is a website called Cruisedeckplans dot com (not sure if allowed to actually link - apologies if I've inadvertently broken rules here), which links to loads of photos or Youtube videos of certain rooms on each deck, so you can get a fair idea from there. From what I can see, while the lifeboat views below are significant, it will unlikely be significantly different to deck 10.

Interesting, thanks Rakkor. I'd actually be choosing the asparagus main there too

It seems somewhat obvious to state that vegetarian food is not just for vegetarians, but the wording of some of the posts above seem to suggest that these could never be an option for a meat eater. Yes, it generally is cheaper to produce than meat or fish dishes (although not always), but the change will also be driven by Cunard's (and Carnival's) sustainability targets. I think it's a good thing, as vegetarian options on cruise ships have been historically poor and very samey.

Obviously a very personal thing, but if I was cruising solo I'd probably pay for the package, as parking yourself at a bar for a drink or a coffee, without consciously or subconsciously putting a value on whether you need the drink is a great way to watch the world go by, give opportunities to chat to other guests or staff and generally enjoy the time on board. You can just drift where the mood takes you. Edit - thinking about it more, I definitely would. It would also allow you to scope out any activities you may be interested in without the full on commitment of diving straight in to something, as there is normally an outlet of some kind nearby the various venues used for the activities.

I had an Indian sauvignon blanc at Gordon's a few years ago and it was fantastic. Well worth exploring new origins in my view.

Yep, the chefs' parade and baked alaska obsession are certainly 'traditions' I'd happily lose.

Is it $1 checks and a minimum bet of $5 per spin, of $5 checks?

Perhaps when they measured QA they included the various chicanes around slower guests and other obstacles?

This is where the marked jogging track on the upper open deck on the Constellation was so nice. Great views, bags of room to not get in people's way, and left the wide promenade deck free for those meandering, sitting or playing shuffleboard etc.

Sounds like the sort of thing I would write. I'm slightly apprehensive now...

I may be well out of date, as it's been ten years since I've been on Cunard, but really hope not. The three of us always like to have a drink and a game of something up there (or the equivalent 'crow's nest' bar on other ships) in the evening. Always feels more cosy and comfortable, and is a destination bar, unlike some on ships that feel like they are just walk throughs.

It certainly always was fine for kids to be up there, and I'd be mortified if not come the summer when we're on QV.