Lindagop

Being a dog parent myself, I fully am with you regarding not putting your Furkid  through the cargo trauma - would never do this ourselves. Have you tried the previous or next sailing as a backup where One of you flies and the other sails with your dog. Hoping this works out for your move and wishing you success in your new job and country

What a beautiful picture - class!

Does anyone have an experience having sailed in an atrium view cabin - classed under inside. There does not seem to be any pictures or experiences in these. Would appreciate any information . Greetings and have a great day

When we went down on boarding day and and were asked by the officer whilst waiting at customer service we said that this was not acceptable and we would need another cabin  with the smell he said there were non available and the problem would be corrected. . We every time we saw our cabin attendant that this was still a problem  -  - all history now. But it does for the first time ever leave us with not wanting to go back, gush about the amazing experience and the comment “It was an experience “ whilst the elegance, the amazing Diningroom service team are a plus - the rest is Just not worth it especially taking into account the pre and post cruise hotels, transfers to and from LHR and the long flight cost from Western Canada. As mentioned in my post above - we sincerely hope no one else is forced to deal with the same.

11 hours ago, rog747 said:

The Vacuum loo systems on cruise ships can be a nightmare for the Engineers.
As ships get older the issues can increase.

Thankfully on my Cunard Voyages on only had 1 or 2 times were it was out of action (someone had ''blocked it'' with a foreign object LOL) 
So I never had any ''bad drain'' smell issues in the cabins, nor the corridors.
Only now and again near the Loos by the MDR and the Pools on a few occasions, I think on QE?.

The only nasty whiffs in a few of my cabins has been those on QV and QE on decks 7 and 8 Aft in some rooms where the cooking smells get sucked in from the Lido and Pool Deck Galleys.
I really do not like my clothes nor my room smelling of chips and burger.                
 

Had it only been the smell of food that would have been a luxury - not  and nowhere near what our room 8172 on deck 8 situation for 12 days - so much so that this is the first time in years of cruising that we could not wait for our cruise to be over - something we really feel sad about - hopefully they start understanding this is under no circumstances acceptable that any guest should have to deal or “live” with . 

As mentioned the steps we tried are described in my entry above - what can raising the matter with Cunard at this point help - our holiday is over - not with the fondness when looking back as we had hoped on boarding day - hoping  no one else  has this experience - 

We had cabin 8172 on our 11 - 23 December 23 cruise on the Queen Victoria .Pertaining to the ship condition - immediately upon boarding we went up to our deck 8 cabin. We excitedly opened the cabin door and were  met with the most intense stomach turning smell- we opened the cabin door and it was unbearable. My husband and I immediately agreed - this was the worst start to an exciting anticipated first Cunard cruise - this after cruising multiple other cruise lines. As we were about to leave our cabin to immediately go to customer service -we encountered our cabin attendant and he introduced himself. We greeted him and explained we did not want to be rude or offensive but the cabin smell was not tolerable. He entered the cabin with us saying he would and did spray something into the cabin drain.  He left we waited 10 minutes and it did nothing. We then left and went down to the customer service desk where whilst standing in line were approached by an officer in uniform who asked why we were there - we explained -he then wrote something on his note pad and then said to go back to our cabin as house keeping would meet us there in a few minutes. We did this - well waited and waited approx 40 minutes (this with the balcony door open ) as the smell was awful. No one arrived - we decided to leave the cabin and go back to customer service. As we opened the cabin door at the cabin directly across was a uniformed person from housekeeping with an obviously recognizable maintenance person. We immediately asked - were they there for our cabin smell - answer was no they were there for the cabin noises in the opposite cabin which had been complained about - we explained our situation - they both entered and they called the cabin steward who once again sprayed in their presence and told us the smell would go away. It never did - on one sea day we returned to our cabin and a few feet away the maintenance team were on a ladder - with some ceiling tiles removed in the corridor- they said this was to fix the smell. It did not and The only way we could bearable use our bathroom was to first spray my husbands aftershave everywhere , wait a few minutes and then enter leaving the bathroom door open. We told our cabin attendant many times the smell was still extreme and each time he said he would spray again - it did nothing - he/ the ship maintenance obviously knew this was a huge smell problem and nothing was done - we are not in any way faulting our steward - what we’re his option s and our cabin was always clean and he tried. We although enjoying the elegance and “old world cruising style” just donot at this point have a desire to cruise with Cunard and on the Queen Victoria again - after spending 12 nights  with this awful smell -  Is there a communication breakdown within the ship. 

We have just paid our return (both directions) transfers from LHR  to Southampton for 2 using National Express Coaches. Great price at 92 pound. The wealth of information we received in response to our question  is amazing . Thank you once again

Thank you so much we booked this only a few days ago and are still not comprehending sailing in 2 weeks - very happy to be sailing Cunard for the first time  - have sailed most other lines but this will be exciting . Than you for the information 

Thank you so much to everyone for the great information - have a great evening

Thankyou for this

Greetings everyone, we will be flying into LHR  two days prior to our 12 December cruise. This will be our first from Southampton. Can anyone please help with information regarding transfers offered from the airport to Southampton - does Cunard offer anything or perhaps other companies. I cannot seem to find any info  here in Canada. Thank you for any help.

Greetings Maris, Hi and hello . Today Friday - another week passed. At this point one day seems to flow into another. My husband is deemed essential and leaves each morning before 7am not returning most evenings until 7.30ish pm. I like most have not left the house in weeks never mind days and it just seems to go on. Hardly any contact with another human except the occasional phone call. Even groceries delivered to the door. Thank goodness for Instacart which is an  amazing service I have started to use. I honestly never thought I would ever order my groceries “Online” but it does provide a little piece of mind in not having to go into a public place at this point. One thing I and I am sure most are grateful for is the sanctuary of our homes at this difficult time, but I cannot help but sadly think that next week , had things not become so scary , we would be flying to SJU for a few days prior to a Repo to New Jersey with a few days after in N>Y. I have however, found much joy in your blog and thoroughly enjoyed your writings and fantastic pictures. Thank you for posting the link to your previous review which I will begin to read this weekend. I mentioned a few posts back that the pictures of your fur babies are the most artistic I have yet seem. You truly are not only a gifted writer but also a very talented photographer. I sincerely hope you will continue to post if possible and you feel inspired to do so. I believe yours must be one of the most read blogs. Wishing you and all other cruise critic members a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Linda

Hi, Greetings and thank you for a lovely review. Sailing in a signature Suite on the Westerdam with my sister a few years ago, was also once of the best/service experiences I have had whilst sailing. This was my sister’s first cruise so she had nothing with which to compare - she was in awe. The staff on board were simply amazing.  Both my sister and I truely enjoyed the “old World” style cruising Holland American offers, but I will have to say that entertainment  was a little lacking in the evenings. We also found food and service to be simply amazing and truely loved every bit of it. Would you have any pictures of the ship during your cruise to post, it would be great to see some of the Konigsdam. Hopefully and thanks.

kinder girl - You truely are an amazing daughter and human being. Copper 10-8  someone earlier mentioned you being an earth angel. What an amazing man. I would truely feel blessed to encounter  the both of you on a cruise some time in the future when this is behind us and we are safe. I only found this thread earlier today and could not stop until the last post. I am feeling so moved and emotional, I have cried a number of times during my read.  You are both such exceptional people who make the world a better place. I pray that your parents soon return to health and everyone stays safe. In all sincerity this really would make an excellent documentary some time in the future. Linda

Hi, Maris. Still following. I have and am enjoying every entry you have made. I have followed from the very beginning. Maris in all sincerity - your writing is eloquent, entertaining and plain lovely. You are an amazing photographer, truely gifted. Yours are some of the best pictures anywhere on cc. I am hoping as I am sure others are too, that you will continue to make daily entries after your cruise blog portion wraps. Just on anything  you may have to contribute maybe with pictures included. Possibly also about your fur babies.  A daily distraction from the grim reality of the present would be so welcome. Once again thankyou, greetings and also to your fur babies. Linda

On 3/28/2020 at 12:50 PM, Pinboy said:

Merci-- Thanks

I never inferred that everyone else is wrong, only my feelings regarding the world situation being more important to ME than cruising . Believe me, I hope to be cruising again soon like everyone else , but, for the time being it's not a priority.

 

 

Pin boy-=Okay, enough now, you’ve said your bit, let it be . If you feel this way just stop reading and coming to this forum, but no, you keep at it. Would you be happy if this forum were shutdown and muted. I am sure  cruising is not at the top of anyone’s priorities at this time. We are all mostly compassionate and thoughtful beings. At present we are all living under stress and fear. Cruise Critic is a source of escape and joy for myself and I think many other members. This is important for our mental health at this time. No one here needs to explain or apologise about looking forward to things which bring us joy and the wish to want things to return to what we consider normal life. Many would be in dire straits mentally if we had no source of joy or escape. Thank you to  all who are posting and providing some distraction. Greetings, keep posting and no apologies.

On 3/21/2020 at 10:53 PM, NMTraveller said:

What a stunning picture-beautiful

Hi, good afternoon and greetings Maris. Just loving your daily posts. Love your pictures of the early sunrise, entry into ports etc. I too have always been an early riser and find such happiness in the morning quiet before the world starts buzzing about.  Cruise critic is a great way to take a break and escape from the current daily stress we are all surrounded with . I am finding such enjoyment from reading especially your posts. BTW That picture of your fur kids truly is artistically beautiful - one of the best  I have seen. I am cuddling on the sofa at present with two happy and snoring fur babies/iPad in hand - what better way to spend a day like this. Greetings and stay well. (Also extend the same to all cc members).

What a wonderful thing to do for the amazing Celebrity Crew members. Hopefully all ships from all cruise lines will do this for their crews. 

1 minute ago, Marvy Mare said:

Linda

We did get out for a drive yesterday and there were very few people around anywhere. We're working on a grocery list. Our children have offered to shop for us. I'd love to see a photo of your fur babies. Our long Roll Call for this cruise included a lot of dog photos.

 

Maris

   Hi Maris, Will a silky terrier and Paris a Parti-Yorky  both rescues with such attitude and character. A tiny bit smaller than your beautiful two.  Thanks

So enjoying your review, great writing style and love the picures. Following

Greetings Maris, still following. Can’t wait for your next post. Lying here reading cruise critic with both our fur babies cuddling. After the state of Emergency declaration here in Ontario this morning, hardly a car going by. Our neighbour hood has never been this quiet and trying to avoid any outings except walking fur kids and grocery). Your posts are so welcome and refreshing. Just love your writing style and the inclusion of many great pictures. Thank you so much , Linda (ps we are due to sail SJU- Bayonne 2 May on Celebrity Summit which most probably will not happen, just not officially called off yet)

Thank you for a truely well written report, looking forward to the rest. Please post soon. Greetings

Maris, what a welcome review, so good to read when probably 99 percent of other posts all virus/cancellation related. Thankyou, waiting for your next posting. Your fur babies are just beautiful. Greetings