The Real PM
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Do Cunard not read a whole spiel to you when they quote you a price and before you agree to accept the deal? If I were you I might consider calling them and enquiring about what deals are available and what are the cancellation conditions.
No, not that I recall. When she told me the price I told her I was surprised because I had seen in the brochure sent to me that it was lower than that. She didn't say anything and I said , can you wait a moment while I find it, but I couldn't find the correct date while I was on the phone. She told me that I could pay the deposit on the phone or pay it by Tuesday. I said I would wait until Tuesday. And she asked the usual, what cabin I would like, what seating and was there anything else I would like. I told her we would probably want a transfer to London, but could we do that later and she said we could. She said final payment was due June 6. I asked if the fare was lowered would I be able to get the lowered fare and she said yes up until the final payment.
But I don't believe that anything else was discussed.
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I would suggest that they are the ones that you agreed to when buying the trip unless you accepted different ones that include non-cancellation except with a penalty. Most US travel agents would caution against taking those deals.
WEll, I have booked the cruises but have until tomorrow to pay the deposit. I booked directly through Cunard by phone. So as far as I know I haven't agreed to anything yet. So when will I see the non-cancellation stuff?
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One could always wait out for a promotion rather than book early. But some will never be satisfied unless they get the lowest price ever offered. Unfortunately many of the price drop bottom feeders will then complain of cutbacks, why can't they get mid-ship or first seating, etc, etc..
Economics 101 friends. It's a business and no business can stay in business if they allow promotions to be combined.
Well, unless you consider booking early a promotion, I don't think that if I accepted a lower price that I would be combining promotions. I have booked full price as far as I can see.
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If you've booked on the standard US Ts&Cs and it is before final payment is due you are able to cancel without penalty.
Hello Cap'n,
What is the standard US Ts&C's?
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I received an e-mail from Cunard offering the "best available inside staterooms" for $799....
"FARE DETAILS
* This offer is for new bookings only and is available from 12 September to 30 September. Full payment is required at time of booking. Best available stateroom offer is valid on inside categories IA-ID on Queen Mary 2 16 October sailing (M424) on a space-available basis at time of reservation. Additional stateroom categories may be available at higher fares. Fares are per person, do not include air travel, are cruise only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two passengers in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth passengers. Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of up to $185 per person are additional and subject to change. This offer is capacity-controlled, nontransferable, subject to change, and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past passenger discount, including On Board Credit. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Launch fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Please refer to the applicable Cunard brochure or Cunard.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all reservations. Ask about our applicable air add-on programme. Please reference promotion code: PE6. Offer expires 30 September 2014. Ships’ Registry: Bermuda. ©Cunard 2014. The Cunard logo and logotype are registered trademarks of Carnival plc, an English company trading as Cunard Line. Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are trademarks owned by Cunard. All rights reserved in the United States and other countries. Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please contact customer service at 1-800-728-6273."
If my math is correct, $799 per person double occupancy, for an inside cabin means that the passenger cost per day on this 12 day QM2 voyage is $66.58.
But the part that really gets me about that is that it is for "new bookings only", the exact thing I was told when I asked (as I always do) if the fare is discounted will I get that discount. And I was told that I would unless it says "for new bookings only". I would need to cancel to get the discount in that case, I was told. I feel that instead of being rewarded for booking early, we are penalized for doing so. I suppose if I did cancel to receive a discount, I would lose my deposit--or would I? Anyone know?
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Last week I received a Cunard brochure and in it was an offer of a balcony for the price of an inside cabin. There was a list of dates and under it they showed the prices that had been crossed out and the new price next to it.
So seeing I was planning to travel to and from England on QM2 on two of those dates, i booked yesterday. When I heard that the price was $300 higher per person, I was surprised and told the Cunard representative about the price I thought it should be. She offered nothing to what I had told her and she just said that what she had given me was the correct price.
Today my husband called back with brochure in hand and told them that we thought they had charged too much. It took a while, but finally the girl found the brochure and the correct page and finally the small print that said the price only pertained to the bold printed dates. My question is, why would they bother to list a number of other dates with those discounted bold ones other than to deceive perspective customers?
I have been on a number of Cunard cruises and have always been a loyal customer, always taking Cunard's side when others complained. I just wonder if things are that bad that they must stoop to these kind of deceptive practices to entice past passengers to cruise with them. I am almost ready to cancel.
Or maybe it was my mistake and I should have been aware that the lowered price was meant for only the bold print.
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Clotted cream, plain scones, and black pudding :cool:
J
Yes, but it was gluten free.:)
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I can assure you I will be making no "demands".
I merely asked what type of scones are served. If everyone had answered that all scones, on every cruise, have raisins, then that would be fine - I just wouldn't have any.
But apparently, sometimes, plain scones are also available if one prefers, so I will politely ask if I might have one. I'm not expecting anyone to bake up a raisin-free batch for me!
How about no fat clotted cream .
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Next somebody will demand gluten-free scones, sugar-free scones, no dairy scones, no GMF scones.....:confused:
Yeah, and I really don't like the taste of gluten so that would be a very good move.:)
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I'm sailing the QM2 in a few weeks and hope the sailing is a lot better than many of the reviews here on CC.
As for the 'dress code after 6', can anyone explain how this works in practice? I've done many cruises and usually work out twice a day, once before breakfast and once before dinner (late seating) How does one get to and from the gym or jog after 6 in gym clothes? Am I supposed to wear my tux while jogging :) or when lifting weights at 7pm????
Because I wouldn't be showering and dressing for dinner until after 730, what do late seating pax do?
Ideas?
As suggested, you can get to and from your workout areas without causing a problem. However, you might consider the tux, you certainly would be the best dressed in the gym and you may start a new trend! :D
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Just wondering about the scones that are served at afternoon tea on the Queen Victoria ... I love scones with cream (I'm assuming I can't look forward to clotted cream :( ) but I hate raisins.
So, do the scones have raisins?
On my first QM2 sailing, a well informed Cunard cruiser mentioned that the cream was not clotted cream, but you could get it if you asked. And she asked for it and we received the real stuff at our table. So you might ask for clotted cream and plain scones. You may be surprised at the outcome.:)
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Yes it's far better to leave to leave the dog at home.
I don't think the kennels are really provided for vacation trips.
The dog would agree.
Have a good trip.
David.
Yes, I agree with David. Our table mates whose dog was in the kennel were coming back to the states from England after living there for 10 years so they felt they had little choice.
Another thing on that crossing, the kennels on the ship were full and reservations must be made well in advance.
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That may be your best plan to see the countryside. I am looking forward to sailing on Cunard and as I have sailed on a few differing lines, I am expecting that Cunard will be more similar than different and hope that and anticipate the subtle differences in service, standards etc are for the better.
Yes, far more civil, quieter and never crowded feeling. The times I have sailed on Cunard I have never seen anyone even remotely drunk or noisy because of drinking too much, something I can not say about some other lines. The service is excellent and never in your face, just quiet service. I think you will enjoy it.
Gail:)
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Has anyone here ever done a back to back round trip on QM2 with your dog(s) along for the ride?
I'm talking about 8 days there, 4 nights in Southampton or London, and then 7 days back to NY. At least they would have the 4 days to rest and run around, but...
I would think 14 or 15 days in a ship's kennel would be too stressful. Or is it better than leaving them at home in a kennel or with a pet sitter for 3 weeks?
Actually in my case it is just one dog, and he is very attached and has never been left with anyone before, and certainly not for 3 weeks.
I absolutely hate to fly by the way, so flying back is not a consideration.
You sound just like me, but I didn't take my dog. We did the same trip last year but we stayed longer in England. We left Jean Luc, our standard poodle home with a dog sitter. He is very attached as well. You never know about the sitter though. The one we hired seemed to always be at home when we called, but you don't know for sure. One year we hired one and she just came in and dumped a bunch of food now and then and left. She worked at a vet's office, so you never know.
Anyway, we sat for dinner with a couple who had their dog and they visited the dog four times a day. I imagine it is a bit stressful though depending on the dog. Their dog seemed happy enough though.
One other thing, I don't fly either. :)
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As a Tyke, someone born and bred in Yorkshire I totally see the attraction. I hope you get to see more of Gods own county one of these days! We too are Cunard virgins and so I'm finding this these of particular interest . We have previously cruised with Princess and loved it. However the itinerary we wanted-Med and Dalmation coast , was better with Cunard . It all sounds lovely and I can't wait til next June !
Yes, the Cunard ships are just lovely in a traditional sense. The formal nights are just wonderful, everyone looks so nice. I have never been on Princess, but I have been on Holland America and Royal Caribbean, as well as an old ship, the Britanis. And I have never been on a ship I didn't like, however my favorite is Cunard.
And I think that we will go to and from England next year via the QM2 and explore "God's Country" by car, with tongue in cheek. :)
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As a Tyke, someone born and bred in Yorkshire I totally see the attraction. I hope you get to see more of Gods own county one of these days! We too are Cunard virgins and so I'm finding this these of particular interest . We have previously cruised with Princess and loved it. However the itinerary we wanted-Med and Dalmation coast , was better with Cunard . It all sounds lovely and I can't wait til next June !
Yes, the Cunard ships are just lovely in a traditional sense. The formal nights are just wonderful, everyone looks so nice. I have never been on Princess, but I have been on Holland America and Royal Caribbean, as well as an old ship, the Britanis. And I have never been on a ship I didn't like, however my favorite is Cunard.
And I think that we will go to and from England next year via the QM2 and exlore "God's Country" by car, with tongue in cheek. :)
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Hi Gail
Well these things are subjective but several reasons I wouldn't sail with FO are that they are more 3* cruising than others I have been on, ships are old and small (don't have a problem with small per se - I loved Azamara), food is pretty basic and the ship is too British!
Now I am a Brit but FO still seem to be catering for OLD Brits (I'm 63) with singalongs etc., and it seems stuck in the 50s IMO. Just not my cup of tea but accept that others love it.
My FO cruise was 12 years ago and I thought the ships were old then they may have been refurbed since!
Pat
Thank you, Pat. I will have to give it a lot of thought. I don't fly so last year we took the QM2 to and from the UK. I am embarrassed to say UK because I was called on the carpet for that and was told I shouldn't say UK unless I am talking about the other parts of the UK. So I guess I should say I went to England and Scotland. I didn't see near enough. I did manage to get to York and want to see a lot more of Yorkshire. And I saw Edinburgh and I would like to see more of Scotland. But the places I would love to see is Hull, Newcastle and Leith, Scotland. Oh and the Yorkshire Moors. I know that must sound a little strange but I would like to do a little research on my ancestors as well as explore the ports and cultures in those areas.
Anyway, I thought that a cruise that would take me to the smaller ports would work. Somehow the ship you described would be perfect for the areas I would like to see. :)
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I have recently booked a short (7 day) cruise on the Queen Elizabeth and really looking forward to it. I have cruised many times before but never with Cunard and my DS will be cruising for the very first time :) so exciting for both of us.
Couple of questions please for Cunard veterans:
Is the entertainment geared toward US or UK passengers? or neither?
How good is the entertainment? (I realise this is very subjective).
Is it very different from other cruiselines I have been on e.g. Celebrity, P&O, RCI, Azmara?
What are the demographics on board a Med cruise (this may be like asking how long is a piece of String!) in terms of age and nationality.
Apart from Fred Olsen I have never been on a bad cruise (actually the FO one wasn't BAD but I wouldn't sail with them again).
Any Cunard details I really MUST know about?
Thanks in advance.
Pat
Hi Pat,
Welcome to Cunard. I have only been on the QM2, but I suspect the Cunard ships are very similar.
There are several things that I love about the QM2. The first, that stands out in my mind, is the absolute civility of the ship. It is wonderful. The second, the traditional, not overdone, beauty of the ship. I can't comment on the entertainment because I have seldom gone to the shows. I have gone to a few lectures and most speakers have been British, but lectures are for everyone I would think. I enjoy the different music in the lounges. But mainly my main entertainment is on the decks, enjoying the beautiful sea views.
I too have been on many cruises on many cruise lines and have not been on a bad one. I love ships and the sea which helps. I tend to embrace the differences. However, you made a statement that you wouldn't sail with Fred Olsen again. May I ask why? The reason I am asking is that I have been considering a cruise around Britain and have discovered that the Fred Olsen ships go to some of the smaller ports that I would like to visit. And the ships tend to sail around Britain in the summer which I believe would be more enjoyable.
Gail:)
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To me a Cunard person is someone that appreciates tradition, formality, and doesn't mind a structured cruising environment such as two sittings for dinner with assigned tables. One thing Cunard isn't is "freestyle". It's also someone that enjoys dressing up after 6pm and for dinner and perhaps has a tux or gown in their wardrobe.
I think when bargain basement rates are offered, it can attract people to Cunard that really have no business sailing on Cunard. People that want a very casual, freestyle type experience. Those people would be better suited on less formal and structured lines like NCL, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. In fact on my last Cunard cruise I overheard several passengers complain about the formal dress code compared to other lines. My response is to BOOK THOSE OTHER LINES and quit trying to change Cunard!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately many people don't do their research and act on price alone. Sometimes too travel agents don't qualify the client and will book clients on a cruise line they are really not suited for. These passengers may end up disappointed with Cunard, and frankly if they are not willing to adhere to the dress code standards on Cunard it diminishes the experience for everyone else that loves that aspect of Cunard.
Cunard is essentially the last hold out of a structured, traditional, formal cruise environment. I don't want to see that change just because Cunard is trying to appeal to a broader market share with bargain basement pricing. If that becomes a reality and the Cunard experience gets "dumbed down" I might as well sail on Princess or Royal Caribbean.
Well, generally I agree with you. The experience of a Cunard cruise is a very traditional experience and most passengers adhere to the Cunard tradition.
That said, until Cunard interviews perspective passengers about their shipboard psyche, turning away those that don't fit in, I think there is little anyone can do about it. The best hope and more likely the probable scenario is that those people will choose the "great deal" , sail on the Cunard ship and not enjoy the traditional approach, not ever to return. To me it is difficult to think that they will want to go back and buck the entire system.
Remember the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together" and I really think that is true on a ship as anywhere else.:)
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A lot of people mentioned what a great deal they got. It's not unusual for those conversations to take place. Also, I saw how low prices dropped on the various world Cunard sites in the lead up to that voyage. So I know they were selling for next to nothing (compared to even what I paid, which was less than what others paid for the same service).
Beside the sudden drop in dining room dress standards after July 4th, the vibe on the ship was different. Even a member of the crew mentioned that to me one day. In his view it had to do with the passenger demographics. More young families (loads of teenagers) and a lot more non English speaking continentals, some of whom really struggled to comprehend what was going on. I was surprised they chose an English speaking cruise line.
Anyway, I didn't hate my holiday at all. Just a very different vibe during the second week out of Athens. Fortunately, Cunard didn't change to suit those who booked and I got what I hoped for out of my cruise experience (and the poor dressers at dinner were a great discussion starter with many of those who were on the week before the 4th).
Well, I noticed the teenagers on the Transatlantic home in July last year. Sailing to England was refined and quiet and much the same as it always has been on the QM2. But on the way back there were lots of teenagers aboard. I am not sure if that was due to the price or maybe school vacation for England's school kids, but they were running rampant through the corridors and public places. In fact they knocked an elderly man over. They also were diving in the pool in a no diving zone and parents paid no attention to any of it. In the past I have never seen many young people or children on the QM2.
But from what I see these days, that is the norm for any parenting the kids receive. So lots of what you mention I think might not be what they paid, but the way things are in society nowadays.
As far as dress. it was fine and people did remain true to the dress code.:)
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Sorry, my English is not enough to understand you at all, also with help of translators that are not good.
Why you don't think about the possibility that Cunard Knows and sell some cabins of Deck 1 that don't have a minimum of comfort and they cause big problems to passengers that can not sleep at night, every night, also using earplugs?.
I felt tickle in my toes on bed, and the sound of the engine cycles in my ears through the pillow, even with earplugs, every night, during one week.
Why do you think I am here writing in English when is so hard for me?.
To complain, protest against Cunard for the damage they have done to us, and to warn future travelers, so what happened to my family, other travelers will not happen.
They were supposed to be a happy holiday, but it turned into a nightmare due to some problems they have known for years, and they are still selling those cabins.
As I read this thread, it makes me wonder just what you are after? From what I can understand Cunard did find you another cabin after seven days so I would expect the "nightmare" ended on the seventh day. And I am trying to understand what damage you incurred, I would guess a lack of sleep and endless trips to the purser. I imagine that justice would be compensation for those seven days. And maybe a little extra for the tack that came loose. Am I correct? :)
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it was noticeable too, especially in the dining room. The first week out of Venice was good and people dressed for dinner. A lot got off in Athens on 4th July. Many of those who got on seemed to be sailing on very discounted tickets. Without wishing to sound snobbish, there were an awful lot of people on board who didn't seem very 'Cunard'. It did not ruin the experience for me, but I was left wondering at dinner each evening why some people felt it was too hard to iron a shirt and put on a jacket, or wear a dress (for the ladies).
First may I ask how you knew that passengers who embarked on July, 4 "seemed to be sailing on very discounted tickets"?
Secondly, I would love to know what a "Cunard" person seems like to you?
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It's interesting that both the OP and Vicente8 are both saying the same thing - never again with Cunard. Surely you mean, never again on Deck 1? Or never again on a ship?
Ships vibrate - there does indeed seem to be more vibration on deck 1 - we too noticed this, but at times it's pretty bad even on the higher decks. I can distinctly remember the glasses vibrating on our table at dinner in the restaurant. We also experienced a force 10 storm in the Bay of Biscay and our cabin creaked a huge amount, and we were not on a low deck.
I don't think you can blame Cunard for this, but I'm sure someone will disagree.:rolleyes:
My goodness, that is an old thread.
Problem is ships sometimes feel like ships and some of them still even look like ships. I am afraid there are many people out there under the illusion that ships don't move. Those people probably would be much happier in a hotel.:)
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Just summarising Pepper's excellent post in verse :D
J
If children you cannot abide
Then Disney you'd better avoid
If buckets of beer make you spew
Then Carnival isn't for you
If you aren't a fan of hard rock
Then, on Costa you could get a shock
If seniors drive you quite gaga
Then you'd better not sign up with Saga
If German is not your own lingo
Then steer well clear of AIDA, by jingo
If small ships you find pretty cool
Don't gripe when there's only one pool
Now, if all of that you find hard
Here's a word of advice from your bard
If you don't mind a DJ or Tux
And you like dressing up, well then, shucks
Is it really so tricky?
Just dust off your dicky*
And splash out on a cruise with Cunard
* NB: UK slang - informal term for a bowtie
Your poetry is always excellent and this is just as outstanding with one exception--that being--the first verse because there were over 300 kids, running, jumping and misbehaving on the 20 July QM2 crossing, probably rivaling the Disney cruises. I really don't know what happened because I have seen very few children on previous QM2 sailings.
Is over dressed as bad as under dressed?
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