Solent Richard

I don't hold out much hope for you. We have recently taken our first Azamara cruise (of 75 others) and it was probably the worst experience yet. Most passengers ignore the times and just turn up, coaches unload and there's a scramble for luggage labels, and zero checks on what status you have. Istanbul last month...

To get back on track with the OP and the Bright Lights Society (BLS), well spotted and surmised @bluemarble and @Bell Boy . It would be my valid assumption that this facility (BLS) is a somewhat more sophisticated reincarnation of the ever popular Limelight Club facility that my wife and I have enjoyed on numerous occasions while sailing with P&O's Britannia and Iona... ...but of course, with a dash of Cunard's more traditional style and character... There would be ample space for dancing/bopping for those wishing to do so and no doubt, as with the P&O versions, there is a retractable stage extension to add to the area of the dance floor....

Having visited Bilbao recently I was pretty impressed on what can be achieved so decided to write a review on my cruise blog. Should anyone be interested here's the link... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2023/09/26/one-way-to-do-bilbao/ *****

How kind, it's not all that difficult. Thank you.

And I'm just so pleased we experienced it when it was available. Not only for the itinerary either: though that was excellent. It certainly gave one the impression that traditional Cunarders were in the majority and one never heard of any passengers pushing the boundaries of dress standards. We even managed a helicopter flight over the Cape... ...with a pilot who, having accepted who we were sailing with, obligingly provided the perfect photo opportunity... ******

And so much smarter in that cummerbund. 😉😉

Why spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar? I would never feel properly dressed on a formal night without both patent shoes and a cummerbund. But hey, each to our own.

Have you tried Racing Green? Nice shoes though a little heavy for ballroom dancing. Their website has an enquiry section which may help finding your wider fatten specification

Or those who can remember the QE2's South African 'Line Voyages, 37 nights Funchal - Cape Town, Durban, -Mauritius(Port Louis) - Cape Town - Walvis Bay - St Helena - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Vigo - Southampton The ship even arrived in daylight...

Tell me about it. Two world cruises and there was only the one port we'd not landed at. If it wasn't for trying out Queen Anne I doubt we would be sailing Cunard for a while. Hence Azamara next as a newby: 7 ports 4 New to us. Isn't it what cruising is all about?

On the ball again @Bell Boy 😁

I would add the late great Ray Rouse to your nomination @sfred though I believe he had Queen Mary 2 in his DNA. You'd certainly have been aware of Ray @exlondoner , a true Cunard character.

Apologies for the late response but I've been on a week's exploration of Yorkshire and time was far more important savouring the delights there rather than online. So, better late than never I guess, how's about this for a Santorini DIY guide, all my own work.... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2017/07/14/one-way-to-do-santorini/ And yes, I've done it on Queen Victoria as well...

Thank you. Never a problem @bluemarble . Over 700 followers currently.

Well if that's true Cunard appear to have gone to a lot of trouble producing those fliers.

Thank you for confirming and well done on the savings.

As mentioned by @Bell Boy on another thread, Cunard intend to impose an increase in the cost of drinks packages, throughout the fleet, from 12 September 2023. The following flyers have appeared on one of the Cunard fb groups that we administer. ****** ****** ****** I am hearing that current purchases for packages on sailings post 12th September are being charged at the 'current' price.

Alas, and speaking as a couple in their 70s, I am in full agreement with your opening paragraph. Having initially embarked with Cunard in 1990 we have experienced one memorable journey across five ships with a maiden on the new Queen Anne fast approaching - not exactly an acid test as I'm pretty sure the majority onboard will be appreciative and loyal Cunarders whose standards date back years. Meanwhile of course we are busy trying new to us experiences (Azamara counting the weeks) and returning to Saga and Oceania where we have found in the past standards are more to our liking and itineraries of interest.

Well er yes. When one has a choice it would be madness not have it on the bone: at least when one is having it FRESH...

Or Seafood. Can you imagine the outcry if one could purchase a Dover Sole... ...outside of the Grills. 😈

There is also a Japanese as well, Anji Wa.... My rather amateurish attempt at a translation brings out 'Purple Apricot Harmony' . 😄 Oh well.

Just picked up on one particular informative Facebook group that Cunard have today unveiled the wonderful new range of alternative dining options on board Queen Anne. ****** That's an Italian themed Tramonto.... and an Indian styled Aranya.... How on earth will we manage to try them all on the Maiden? 😁😁

Final update on Queen Mary 2 situation from me , I’m off heading out for dinner. … ’Captain has just updated us, he couldn’t before as his top priority has been to secure and make this ship safe. By use of anchor and bow thrusters he’s managed to bring the ship to the shore but the other side of the dock . They will now bring on the passengers who were still ashore and then attempt to retrieve part of the gangway that went into the sea. They managed to retrieve one gangway but not the other one. Everyone is safe and thanks to the Captains quick action there has been no casualties. We will get a further update later on this evening when all inspections have been carried out and the ship is safe to continue with our route to Valencia.’

Copied from Fanzine...'Bowline snapped on QM2 , four tugs holding us in place until rectified. Gangway came away from dockside . Our wonderful captain soon had it under control'

Live on the Fanzine….