Bell Boy

Bright Lights is a completely new concept on Cunard Line , Cunard have been very quiet on providing us with more information relating to this venue. What we understand is, there probably will be a need to book 'a table' for the early evenings performances we understand it's a sort of supper club ? however, after the performance is over the venue is open to all for late night dancing. Re; booking for some Theatre productions , I expect Cunard are referring to one-off famous entertainers such as Russell Watson.(May 3rd) I believe we will need to collect a ticket for whichever performance we opt to attend. Very much the same as some other famous entertainers I've had the opportunity experience over the years on QM2 ( Sting, Carly Simon, James Taylor to name a few)

No, Cunard Onboard Credit is what it is - For use onboard .

It's all very easy transferring from one Cunard ship to another, no hassle at all . You'll find that you are not the only QA guest doing the same .

On Cunard Line not necessarily, which could mean 'Any crew member' is rostered to keep up-to date with the exercise. The crew safety exercise for either newbies or those already on their contracts will take place at any opportunity - for our safety 😉

Although You & I don't have to take part in a muster drill ( post covid) There is still a muster drill & exercise for certain 'Crew Members' the afternoon before departure . The Captain will still make the announcements throughout all staterooms & public areas ( also sounds those long blasts that in the event of an emergency calls us to our muster stations) My post above refers to Food stations & Bars which will be temporary closed or very limited service whilst this mandatory exercise is carried out. Also stands as information too for any newbies on this board.

I believe BklynBoy8 is referring to 'Crew' Muster Drills. Limited service in all public venues for approximately 30/40 minutes.

Transferring from Cunard ship to another ON THE SAME DAY - You will receive luggage labels specific for your 'Onward Voyage'. Luggage is put outside your stateroom in the usual procedure. You'll collect your luggage from the baggage area and take it to 'dedicated Cunard transport' ( you be directed from Cunard representative) you can either travel with your luggage to the cruise terminal for your onward voyage OR you can make your own way later in the morning. ( after an hour or two in Southampton ?) On arrival at the cruise terminal you identify your luggage and agree for a porter to put it through the hole in the wall . You check-in as normal . I've experienced this on two occasions over the years - from East bound QM2 to Queen Victoria . No problems.

I believe that is correct as my reliable source ( who is onboard) has 'more or less' confirmed this is the reason .

If your particular Cruise Travel insurance covers "Repatriation' - ie from ship to shore , to hospital , to home then that is all you need . When choosing travel insurance one needs to be looking at CRUISE specific.

Cunard offers similar to that, it's referred to as a Drinks package. The majority of Cunard seasoned guests have loyalty levels which enables them to take advantage of a WIFI deal , Room service is free on Cunard (unless ordering Caviar) The only plus I see from the above is the paid gratuities.

I've been going through this procedure for YEARS . More often than not will book onboard to take advantage of low deposit plus a good amount of OBC and it automatically is transferred to my preferred cruise specialist ( which incidentally is Cunard's UK Top cruise agent) where I receive an additional % discount off the original invoice - and occasionally receive a bottle of Fizz on arrival to the stateroom compliments of the TA.

Yes I understand that , I received the same email which is for the May 3rd itinerary only, however, the wrong information I was given 'way back in January' related to this perk being removed altogether.

You probably spoke to a part time Saturday girl, as usual giving out the wrong information. Whilst I didn't receive the booklet ( Your Ocean Awaits) for May 3rd , I have just received one for a later itinerary I'm also booked on departing 12th May (2024) Probably the same agent at Customer services who told me in January that Diamond / Platinum are now no longer eligible for a priority check-in - Either that or my arrivals/boarding card I've just printed off for the May 3rd (2024) departure is incorrect - it has. 'Diamond Priority' printed across it 😉

The above T&C 5 is only applicable 'before the final balance' has been paid. If the full balance has already been paid and one of the two drops out then they are listed as a no show on embarkation day This happened to me some years when a travel companion dropped out ( after final balance) I incurred no extra charge. Travel companion claimed through their travel insurance .

Yes the fit passenger is able to continue with their travel plans Cunard are not unduly bothered , the travel companion is logged as a no show - no questions are asked .

Very important to those of us guys who have some sense of Sartorial Style, especially if the shirt has double cuffs & links, equally important too for the front of an Evening formal shirt worn with shirt dress studs (as apposed to buttons) Waistcoats ? didn't they go out with the Ark 😉

It's the first thing that goes into my luggage - I never travelled Cunard without a tin of Spray Starch. It's interesting how some folk in the laundry room often make a favourable comment on my ironing skills.

Fireworks ! I hope so. I shall be on this particular cruise and so far I'm feeling a bit disappointed. Everything appears to be focused on the British Isles cruise, ie the naming ceremony and huge celebrations in Liverpool. I/we've not even received the booklet "Your Ocean Awaits" for the 3rd May itinerary ( not that I really need that information) however, I have already received the ocean awaits booklet for an upcoming QM2 itinerary I'm booked on a week or so later.

Exactly! There is no such thing as a Free Lunch . I do have to smile when some folks often refer to Saga or some other cruise lines as being wonderful and free from gratuities or inclusive drinks etc even complimentary transport from home to ship & return . At the end of day it's part of the original booking price - they've paid a hefty sum for it 😉

Agree with you re Beverage packages , however, clarification re those 'Free' Cappuccinos or Latte offered in the dining room. Poor quality, and from a machine in the galley. Not premium coffee beans or prepared from a Barista as the payable Cappuccinos available in some of the other public venues .

I have a wealth of experience of suite 9003 starboard side , I've occupied this particular suite on almost 4/5 occasions ( since the maiden year through to 2018 ) I can confirm there is NO evidence of cigar smoke drifting either into the suite or into pubic spaces. The reason I will always opt for any of the first three suites on deck 9 ( either Port or starboard) is a best kept secret of those suites is the balcony looks down on to the Teak decking rather than the top of an orange lifeboat , 'occasionally' a pleasant aroma drifts up to the balcony of 9003 from the Spa below.

Edited : oops forgetting my own birthday typo it's August

My comment to 'Half way' is sort of tongue- in- cheek. Ok, may- be a quarter of a way up to the Grills. As a solo cruiser who after retirement finds him self able to take several Cunard cruises, almost four or five times a year, the concept of the 'Club Brand' suits me very well. For example the evening dining experience. As a solo traveller, a standard balcony stateroom is all I really need, however, Club offers a few additional amenities for example, Coffee machine (admit I never use it ) Complimentary bottled Water replenished daily, High quality Bath Robe, Priority Embarkation (announced after Grills) I do from time to time keep my hand in with an 'occasional Grills booking', I'll be treating my self to a Grills birthday gift in May . 😉

You certainly won't regret it, I've book Club dining again for the upcoming Queen Anne Maiden voyage ( May 3rd) so not long now. Hopefully I will post again with some positive comments.

I don't think you will regret it. As a solo traveller I often than not will opt for Club Dining (requesting a table for two- for solo occupancy) The Club Dining concept suits me well, mainly for the 'open evening dining concept' and the dedicated table and wait staff . As an avid dancer the Queens room is certainly an attraction for me in the evenings, so I prefer to be able to come and go as I please, having saying that, I do enjoy a little interaction with the guests on those tables for two adjacent to me. I've said this so many times on this board - The Club dining concept is a 'Half Way' house to the Grills. 👍