Dunelm

We booked a Norwegian Fjords cruise for ourselves (we live in the States) and for my sister and her husband who live in the UK. We paid in US dollars, and it was no problem at all. It was done through a TA.

I am in complete agreement with some of the comments. I take 2 ginger capsules the day before and the day of embarkation and I wear wristbands for a couple of days. They seem to do the trick.

Salacia: My original question had to do with whether or not Cunard was classy or pretentious. I have not changed that original query. I am not concerned about hierarchies. There is a difference between hierarchy and pretention. Obviously, there can be hierarchies without pretention. Several comments on this site have confirmed that fact.

To clarify my previous remark: Not ALL passengers eat in the main dining room on Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Azamara. Some prefer the specialty restaurants; and some Celebrity cruisers are in Aqua Class that is a venue for those who want a more healthy cruise with spa and special menu facilities. Frankly, I could not care less about the hierarchy on ships--Cunard or others--however, I will always be intrigued by what I think are "cultural norms" in different environments. Right now, I am intrigued by the responses I evoked. In many respects I think it is superb that so many people love the formality of Cunard. On the other hand, I wonder how long Cunard can keep that cultural norm. I am not knocking it; I am just curious. So, let's take a deep breath. Apparently, Cunard is classy! And I love that.

No that's not true. Celebrity aqua suite passengers don't eat in the MDR but exclusively in Blu. No one else has access. On RCL suite passengers have exclusive access to another restaurant for breakfast.

Actually, suite passengers have access to Blu. But, otherwise all passengers are in the main dining room. Aqua passengers are not paying the top prices, either, but like a more "healthy" menu.

This thread has become so much more than I intended. I admit that my title was provocative; however, I had posted it after reading some of the ship's reviews and other threads where it seemed that SOME passengers SOUNDED more snobby than those on other cruise lines. (I know there is a difference between sounding snobby and being snobby.) I think those comments, though, had a lot to do with dress codes. I think that if there is a code we should all stick to it out of "respect" for others. I know full well that there will always be a hierarchy of service on any ship having traveled in suites on other lines. I stand by my point, though, that other lines have all passengers eating in the same main dining restaurants and that specialty restaurants are also open to all. Will Cunard be able to continue such dining distinctions? Perhaps. Then, my questions are: why/why not?

Okay, folk! I had no idea that when I posted this thread "Classy or Pretentious" it would hit a nerve. Having read all the comments, and having read other threads and reviews, I have come to the conclusion that Cunard is probably no different to any of the other cruise lines. That is, there are classy and pretentious people everywhere, and a heap that fall somewhere in between. But, and I may get flamed for saying this, it may be that Cunard actually helps to promote some of the pretention by sorting its passengers into so many different dining categories. Most cruise lines these days have everyone, regardless of stateroom expense, eating in the same venues. On the other hand, there will always be some kind of pecking order in any context. That's life! So, please try not to take offense, and let's embrace differences and the right to question--it's what makes life so interesting.

Why that you are on QM2, or QE2, or Queen Mary, or Normandie, … of course.

Actually, I am very happy on any ship that I've had the good fortune to be on! It's a case of "I must go down to the sea again . . ." ;).

I'm sure that your non-formal duds will satisfy the dress code and that you will have a grand time on board socializing with all your perfectly normal fellow passengers. But what you will miss is the marvelous imagining you can indulge in when formally dressed on an ocean liner at sea. Then again, you won't be on Queen Mary 2 so maybe it doesn't matter.

What am I supposed to imagine when dressed in formal wear?

Thanks to all of you for the great discussion. I loved it! I particularly appreciate the person who pointed out that a minority of people cruising with Cunard post on this site. I am sure the majority of those on board a ship are friendly, down-to-earth (or sea :)) people. And, as another person implied, I also have found that those people with the most have to brag the least.

I am not sure what you mean by "We seem to be beyond that now". My view is that there is nothing easier for a gentleman than to wear a Tuxedo for formal nights especially when there is virtually half the evenings designated "formal", and personally I would not dream of doing any Cunard cruise / journey without it - my DJ is the lightest jacket in my suitcase. Formal nights, in my opinion, IS the attire - virtually everything else is the same. But I respect each to his own.

 

Of course there are some snobs on board but generally we ignore them. We just did Queens Grill on the QE to New York - had a real mixed table of 9 - and had an absolute whale of a time at every meal - some may have thought us a bit noisy but hey we were there to enjoy ourselves - and we did.

 

I am not sure it is pretentions to call a TA a journey - I sailed to NY to get to a meeting and my daughter was going home to Canada after New Year with us in the UK - I think it was probably more of a journey than a cruise.

 

But we are all individuals and as the saying goes "One man's meat is another man's poison"

Let me explain what I mean by "we seem to be beyond that . . ." Having attended many black tie functions when we worked, they no longer have the same appeal. Don't get me wrong--we always dress smartly, but we just do not find any great enjoyment in dressing up in formal attire. It certainly is a matter of "different strokes for different folks." Also, we will be in the UK for five months. During that time my husband's tux and my gowns will be hung in a closet. For us, it is just not worth carrying them along. But, I am sure we will enjoy Cunard.

Thanks for your helpful comments. Judging from its reviews, The Queen Victoria is a stunning ship, and so perhaps it is only fitting that many of its guests want to dress up and not down. I am a tad perturbed that there may be four formal nights out of eight, but it was helpful to know that there are other eating places if we should decide to skip a couple of those nights. I think it is only fair that those of you who love those formal nights should do so without having to cope with those of us who, perhaps, are not as appreciative. And, you are right--it is our choice to take a Cunard cruise. We have enjoyed every cruise we have taken, and so I am sure we will enjoy Cunard, too.

Hi Dunelm,

In which case I'm slightly surprised you didn't ask about the whole Cunard experience in your OP, but instead concentrated almost exclusively on formal wear. This gave me (and others?) the impression that this was all you were interested in (formal clothes on Cunard ships).

 

If you want to know about what Cunard has to offer, please ask away, there are many experienced people here who will be glad to answer your questions :) .

 

I can assure you that none of us would go back to Cunard time and time again if snobs were more numerous on the ships than on land. I promise you, in my experience, the passenger mix on board is representative of life ashore... except that on a Cunard ship I've met better travelled, more entertaining, witty, informative, polite and friendly people than I usually meet ashore. And not a snob amongst them*.

 

Hope this helps :) .

 

(*but then I wasn't on board QE2 when Hyacinth was :D ).

I love the "Hyacinth" comment. I have read some excellent reviews of the Queen Victoria. I suppose the number of formal nights (four on an eight night cruise) has been somewhat off-putting. But, if many on board are like you, I can cope.:(:)

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When somebody books a Cunard voyage, and then says that they don't want to dress formal on formal nights, I question why they signed on. It makes about as much sense as me signing on for a Disney ship only to complain that I don't want the hassle of a large number of young children on board.

 

I see you have previously sailed on Azamara which has zero formal nights. That atmosphere may be more suited to your preferred style at this point in your life.

 

You know the dress code on Cunard and you don't like it. Why book knowing that to be the case?

I can understand why you are questioning my attitude. Actually, we have only been on one Azamara cruise, and it was very enjoyable; however, we prefer bigger ships especially for transatlantic cruises--we have take four so far on other lines. Cunard is the only line that gets us to the UK quickly. (We prefer sailing to flying.) I think I am more concerned about snobbery than formal dress, though. One can appreciate formal nights without being a snob about them. I would hope, too, that Cunard has a lot more to offer than its formal nights.

Although there may be a few pretentious folk lurking on this board, I think that you will find your fellow passengers a convivial and relaxed bunch. It's true that most of us like to dress up on formal nights; it's part of the distinct charm of a Cunard voyage, especially a transatlantic crossing, that you may find yourself enjoying more than you imagine. But as long as your husband brings a dark suit and you take along some dressy outfits, you will more than meet the requirements of the dress code, no one will look askance, and you will have a wonderful journey!

Thanks so much for your kind and gentle reply.

Having cruised many times on Celebrity, Azamara, Princess, and Holland America, my husband and I are now thinking of taking a Transatlantic cruise on the Queen Victoria. I have just read some of the recent threads and have been struck by what I am interpreting as snobbery. My husband has a tux, and before we retired we were at many black tie charity functions. We seem to be beyond that now and, although, we dress smartly--suit and blazer for my husband, and dressy outfits for me, we do not want the hassle of hauling formal evening wear around the globe or renting a tux for my husband. So, will we find Cunard too stiff and snobby or are there less pretentious people on board?

I don't think we can necessarily assume all the A Cappella groups are gone, or do we know this for sure? I was on a cruise that did not have one, but the next one did. Perhaps we were incorrectly assuming they would always have one?

 

As to going downhill, I think overall compared to 20+ years ago when I first started cruising Celebrity there are some areas that have changed for the worst. And there are some that have changed for the better! I am about to embark on my 24th X cruise in March, and I can say that of all those cruises I have had only one that was not up to par. And yet the next few after that were amazing. Had I decided to 'jump ship' so to speak I would have missed those great cruises.

 

Perhaps, and I can only suggest as an idea as of course I do not know, the OP is just getting tired of the Celebrity brand? Or perhaps their expectations are rising as they become more experienced cruisers? Or perhaps the areas where there might have been some decline are those areas that are very important to them. Personally, I couldn't care less about the entertainment being excellent - good enough is good enough for me. I want the food to be at least very good most of the time (and occasionally excellent) and the service to always be at least very good. I am rarely disappointed in these regards.

I think you have "hit the nail on the head." We all have different likes and dislikes so it is highly probable that those who are disappointed in a cruise need to try a different line where, perhaps, there is a different emphasis.

What is really up to the standard of years ago? Certainly, flying economy class is not; department stores have cut back on their staff; many teachers have to buy their own classroom supplies--and I could go on. A mantra in the USA today seems to be "profit over people." Shareholders have to get their dividends, executives their bonuses, and so many do not want to pay their fair share of taxes. On the other hand, I honestly cannot complain too much about cruising. It continues to be excellent value for what we pay, and does not seem to me to be that much more than what we paid years ago when cruising was not so popular. But, obviously, some people have their expectations high and then are disappointed when a cruise does not measure up.

Have taken TA's both directions, and have loved them all. The only people I feel sorry for on the east-bound ones are the crew members who have to work after losing hours. TA's to Europe certainly beat flying there and having jet-lag.

Just a thought or two: The Aristocratic women in Downton Abbey have what is called a "Lady's Maid," and the men have "Valets." As my husband gets older he seems to think that women tend to be better than men at "most things." Is he liberated or what?

Any cruise around or put of Britain in April will be chilly and most likely rainy. I did a South of France cruise last year in April and it, too, was very chilly. Loved it, but we were not on it for the weather.

I thought the fares have come down a great deal? Anyway, cruising is much more mass market now. If the fares were of yesteryear, we certainly wouldn't be able to afford to cruise so often.

 

As for food, I guess it all depends on what you are used to and what you eat on a daily basis. I come from a different culture compared to most of the cruise critic forummers. We eat very simply, most of the time.

 

This gives you an example of what I eat, almost daily, for lunch. A packed box of rice, meat, veggies.

 

Now, you tell me cruising isn't a luxury for me. :)

Actually, the above food looks good to me. But, hey, I appreciate anything I don't have to cook (within reason). :)

I am usually very grateful for any food that is edible and that I have not had to prepare:). I think we need to realize that the food in the MDR is banquet style and is not the kind one would find in a top quality restaurant. Having said that, I have enjoyed every meal in the MDR. A final point--I have cruised regularly since 1996--the food may not be as good as it once was; however, I have not seen a huge increase in fares either. Ultimately, we get what we pay for.

I think we need to understand that different strokes appeal to different folks. Peace and Joy!

Fact: most religions (e.g. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism) don't recognize Christmas as they believe it is an ancient Christian festival. Considering where most of the crew come from, I would guess that for the majority of them Christmas is not a holiday they celebrate.

 

The chocolate Santa and your state's holiday ornament are inappropriate gifts for most of the crew. The cash is perfect, however. Instead of wasting your money on, and their time throwing out, your symbols of Christmas, just give them the cash you spent to purchase them. Why force your religious or secular beliefs on them?

Obviously, you have no idea of my background. Let me just say that I have an assortment of friends who are Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim. I have been to Shiva's when the husband of a Jewish neighbor died (I was the only Gentile in attendance.) The world would be a much better place if we could tolerate all those who have a different belief system than ours, and could freely share our traditions without a backlash from those who may be less tolerant themselves. BY the way, the ornaments had nothing to do with religion. By the way, many people love the idea of Santa and have no religious beliefs whatsoever. By the way, we were on a Princess cruise and the crew sang Christmas carols in the atrium and it was packed at all levels. Yes! Your reply sounded very condescending to me.