Bell Boy

Not forgetting the usual 'showcase 400th commemorative cake' on display in the grand lobby, an excellent gala dinner complete with the commemorative souvenir menu to take away and an interesting demographic of guests, many being ocean liner buffs with a wealth of Cunard experience which made for stimulating conversation/interaction around the open bars in the evenings. (so busy meeting interesting fellow guests and interacting , didn't have time to miss the Canapés ) The experience on this voyage was certainly a big highlight for me 👍 unlike my recent underwhelming experience on QA 👎

Nothing New, I have just disembarked from QM2 ( 30th Aug round trip Transatlantic) fixed dining for late sitting was scheduled for 8.30-8.45pm Often the restaurant was ready to receive guests at 8.20/8.25pm. It all boils down to if first sitting guests have managed to leave the restaurant well in time and table waiters have had ample time to re set the tables . I assume when the maitre'd is satisfied then the doors are opened wide .

Good Luck 😉 it's 👎 from me . lol

Yes of course you can , you have just answered your own question 🤦‍♂️

I have this morning just disembarked from 14 days ( QM2 transatlantic) Lots of opportunities EVERY evening for early evening pre diner Ballroom & Latin - with the occasional 9pm ballroom dancing until 11.45pm. Three opportunities over the 14 days for 50 mins Sequence dance session. A dance host couple, male & female who were available every evening to partner either ladies or gentlemen. Also a dance 'professional couple' who were responsible for the dance lessons every day at noon after the Captains announcement ( also available to partner solo ladies in the evenings) In addition to the above there were several gentlemen travelling solo (including my self) who made them self available to partner ladies at the midday dance lessons and occasionally during the evenings.

Your post gave the impression that your friends had 'previously arrived at their booked table' sat down and then 'had to wait' two hours for their starters . You didn't make it clear that when they arrived at the restaurant for a table 'pre booked' it was probably 'already occupied' with other diners who took their time finishing their meal .

Have I misread your post 🤔Are you actually saying your friends SAT in the restaurant for TWO HOURS at their table before the starter arrived. Don't believe it .

I'll report back within 3 days .

Oh probably that'll be stuck in the centre of the dance floor in the 'so called Queens Room' to deter ballroom dancers. lol 😉

Would you believe I actually met some of these Guys & Gals and their proposed Art work for QA, at an immersive QA event I was invited to attended in London a couple of years ago. Have to admit, I did keep my opinions to my self as the Fizz was flowing freely and I was looking forward to the complimentary Lobster supper later - didn't want to be thrown out . 😅

Give over , that's far too Cunard 😅

Another Thumbs up 👍 for the Wine Packages especially if one prefers wine over spirits or fancy cocktails. Ordering wine by the glass in the restaurant on a drinks package is often quite a hassle, not only is there a shortage of sommeliers these days, however, when you eventually flag one down they have to go off to the galley dispensary and usually wait ages in line behind their colleagues to collect the order. Much easier to purchase wine by the bottle, often ready waiting for your arrival ( fixed dining) chilled in the ice bucket or on the table and can be held over for the next evening.

No one here can confirm that unless they are a family member - Why is it important. All you need to know is that whatever Cunard Captain is at the helm of the ship you will be in safe hands and will certainly be taken good care of. For security reasons Cunard no longer announce the contract arrangements ( in advance) of their employees.

I expect it's to save you Hassle - if booking in advance an Independent Tour and paying up front, then experiencing Arrival delays or even a Missed port .

What have you done with the blank 'House keeping card " ? . Why haven't you mentioned the incident to your stateroom steward , why do you need to ( your words) escalate the incident what is it you want to achieve. If I had returned back to my cabin and found the door ajar and a 'House Keeping key card' in the slot I'd be having a friendly word the next morning with my steward/ess .

"Does one Tip the Photographers" 😂😂 Give over ! why would you need to do that, you'll already be paying enough for it. Those portraits are not cheap

You don't mention what your evening dining preferences are for your group , eg Fixed or Open dining. If your preference in the evening is for fixed dining for your group of 6 you need to link your booking with a TWID - Cunard or your TA will arrange this. TWID is industry jargon for - Travelling with ID You mention you have been told your booking 'would be linked' - have you been give a TWID code to 'apply to the other two cabins' in your party .

As an aside from your post re an earlier boarding , I'm also on this Voyage ( doing the round trip from Southampton) You may already be aware ( or not) that this voyage you have chosen is the 400th Transatlantic crossing for QM2 . It should be quite a celebration , there are some well known insight Maritime lecturers onboard including the well known Stephen Payne OBE (navel architect) who designed the QM2 and Bill Miller ( maritime historian) his lectures are not to be missed ! If you are passing through the Commodore Bar most evenings between 7pm & 8pm I'll be the good looking guy sitting at the Bar Top , come and say hello . 😅

You've missed the point of my post ! Never suggested that the cabin steward 'should pop in again to introduce him self , Read the introduction of the authors post again '' Never Even Saw My Cabin Steward for the whole duration of the cruise" Well do what I do, go along, find him and make conversation if it's that important .

The Wife didn't post or make any reference to Not making contact - My reply was directed to author of the post who appeared to have the problem .

Well that's your own fault - I bet you must have passed him a dozen or so times , either in the corridor or when he has been servicing other cabins adjacent to yours - the doors would have been opened , not too much trouble to pop you head in OR shout hello. If my cabin steward hasn't made contact with me within the first 18/20 hours from embarkation 'I'll go off looking for him/her' . Striking up a good relationship with our cabin attendant is the means to receiving favourable service . I'll always make a point of interacting with him/her when in the corridor throughout the morning . Same with the restaurant staff - I'll always use their name and ask how THIER day has been. I do have to laugh, I was once taken to task by an American lady at a large table I was sharing who said "hey You are Far too familiar with our waiter" - I was delighted to inform her that I was enjoying Escargot (not on the menu that evening) and she wasn't. 😉

Yes of course , otherwise one wouldn't receive the full onboard product that you've paid for . Cunard don't expect one to dine in the main Britannia restaurant or use the buffet . The only time the Club restaurant is not open for lunch is at 'home port Southampton' on embarkation day or Brooklyn.

Re Priority Check-in/Boarding (BritanniaClub) On arrival at the terminal -show your boarding card to the agent controlling the Queues/Lines and you will be directed to 'By- Pass any long lines' to the Priority check-in for Grills & high loyalty guests. Britannia Club guests are called forward for embarkation/boarding immediately after Grill Guests.

Britannia Club 👍 You won't regret it . Often referred to as a 'Half Way House to Princess Grill'. Priority boarding ( regardless of Cunard world club loyalty level) Coffee machine Bottled mineral water ( replenished daily) High quality Bath Robe Open dining time in the evening- dedicated table and wait staff Additional A' La Cart menu in the evening - Cheese Trolley - Table side Flambé desserts . You've made a good choice 👍 - more often than not this is my booking category too.

What's the purpose of that, the Author is looking to enjoy a drink ( private consumption ) in their cabin or balcony . To the Author - Choose Cunard Line where they treat their guests as sensible adults and a 'reasonable amount' of alcohol is permitted to be taken onboard.