LadyL1

I prefer that gratuities are included from the outset with Viking and other lines, but it is certainly not so with ALL cruise lines here in UK: Cunard is most definitely not inclusive.

You will be abs fine in normal formal evening wear, especially if “sparkly “. Umbrellas certainly provided in the QG suites, but cannot remember if so, in Princess Grill.

Quite an interesting thread for us. Early next year we are sailing on Princess for the first time (in a suite) from a US port. The timing left us with the choice of this cruise or nothing without more flights. From reading articles on other cruise lines here on CC, the demise of many things we were used to pre covid, is a familiar theme. However, I would say the Grills seem little affected if at all, But, is this a Carnival policy of whittling away at the lower grades? Whether we like it or not, the tough reality of the financial situation because of the past few years, has to be addressed somehow, across all lines! At least the ships we love are still providing good value, when compared with some land based holidays: everything now is just more expensive.

https://www.cunard.com/content/dam/cunard/inventory-assets/ships/QM/9/QM2_accessible_deckplan_Feb2022a.pdf

BA certainly does not let you book seats if if full payment made, but with Virgin and United it is possible: u sure about other carriers. With BA it is a scramble 24 hours before departure to see what is left. Premium Exec members can book in prior to this. We are Bronze now, as not flying much, and we can choose our seats 7 days prior for free. Our next flight (independent) to west coast USA, has seat choice on Business class at £119 pp per seat if we want the “pick” immediately. Really a bit much when considering how much we paid!😫

Totally agree with last post: good advice. With the current uncertainty with air travel, if all booked under Cunard, then the aggravation is far less should anything go wrong. One could loose money on own ticketed air fares! Also, we have had very good prices on long haul flights booked via Cunard.

In March of this year on QE, both ports mentioned were on itinerary. We saw the lights on a few occasions: perhaps the best was in the early hours when we were at sea on a perishingly cold night in the Arctic Circle. At least we had the “gear” to withstand this on the open top deck.

Not able to purchase FCD in late March of this year. Dep was £175pp with OBC. I don’t think it has changed since then.

My opinion for what it is worth! Starboard leaving S’ton is always nice because of the views at Cowes and the Isle of Wight! As for Amsterdam, who knows? The ship should dock right in the city close to the station. If your cabin is not on the water side, you could have a large terminal building, offices, dock area or hotel as your view! Last time for us, it was port side to the dock. I suppose it is the port authority’s decision depending on the tide, if the ship turns ready for an easy departure.

Why not travel Britannia class in a balcony cabin? The restaurant is elegant and food very good: other options are available for not too many extra $$s. This will fit your clothes sense and you will still be able to watch the waves. Breakfast in your room will always be available (except when disembarking) with an excellent choice. Enjoy without paying huge sums for elements you have no need of!

You will find the protocol of “served at your table” is an aspect of fine dinning, requiring more staff, certainly not less! The restaurant has been on all occasions, exceptionally well staffed.

Here is a menu from QE in March (QG) that I may have posted on a “live from” thread. Sorry about the poor quality from reflection. We have taken 3 post pandemic cruises, and the food was always excellent.

If it was on QV/QE I would definitely upgrade, but assume this is for QM2. For me, I would stick in PG, as the suites are a very good size.

Thank you, and yes, we are in a full suite.

Having never travelled on Princess before (our cruise is January), can someone please answer this question? Is the bar set-up amounts per night? Just wondering if on a 10 night cruise, would one expect a certain amount, or is the set-up the same whatever the length of cruise? Not so very bothered as we have a package, but it would be nice to know. Thank you.

I think fares will generally rise, largely because of the cost of fuel. However, perhaps there is an uptake on roundtrip (S’ton) bookings with people seeing the chaos and cancellations with air holidays across the UK.

Over the years we have seen those ignoring the signs on all Queens! I quite object to this, as one pays a hefty amount of ££££s for what is promised in the Grills. Why should a few receive this for nothing? Cards are never checked these days, and as in another thread, the “mark” denoting Grills pax is no longer on the key cards (well certainly up to March of this year).

My concern is whether this is a restricted area accessed digitally, ( as other lines do in premium areas) or is it a public walk through? If the second is the case, confirmed when QA sails, this will seriously jeopardise any booking on my part.

Totally agree about BC cabin location on QE. As they are the same as a balcony, and mostly on deck 8, we have always passed on this category (often very many ££s more than the category below). The dining venue for BC looks impressive but the Britannia restaurant has a grand atmosphere! From posts on this board, I have gleaned there may be open dining by the time you sail. Go with an open mind and enjoy!

Beautiful! Stockholm is a wonderful city, and sailing out through the islands on a sunny evening is just spectacular! How lucky those passengers are.

Your boarding time is stated on e-documents for boarding. It is meant to spread arrivals to avoid congestion and for your own safety. The premium paying pax always board first.

Thank you so much for posting and it made me quite envious when reading of your travels on dull days here. So looking forward to cruising on QV later this year: also have one for next year booked😊.

Found this on “Ferry & Shipping News” Norway has taken the audacious decision to ban all polluting ships from the UNESCO World Heritage fjords. The resolution will impact the cruise and ferry industry heavily, way beyond these fjords. https://ferryshippingnews.com/norways-bold-environmental-decisions-catalyst-for-change/ The link is above if you are interested.

Yes, I have that in the cupboard!😉