BigMac1953

Isn't US/Canadian/British Coastguard free of charge?

With three trips booked, I certainly hope it looks better in real life when we get on board. Pics almost look depressing.

White shirts, formal shirts and polos all go to the laundry 3 or 4 at a time. Occasionally trousers/chinos get sent as well but only if her indoors has spilt something on them. The "smalls" get chucked into a wash machine on way to breakfast and get picked up on the way back. No way she's going to wash and iron on holiday.

Actually, I much preferred Cunard's old policy when they used to state that "passengers should drink in moderation at all times". Now that was a green light for the party to start at the breakfast table and continue all day.

as well as a glass of wine with each meal Don't you get funny looks at breakfast?

Strange. I've always been in senior business management. Our H & S people used to tell us never to use that word over the PA system. We had a notice permanently displayed at the microphone which was to be read over the PA in an emergency, viz: "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. It is necessary to evacuate the premises for a short period. Please leave by the nearest exit." The 1929 Glen cinema disaster in Paisley, near Glasgow, was always quoted. 71 children died when somebody shouted "FIRE" and there was a stampede to the exits, which were locked. There was no fire.

The only place I've ever seen boisterous children is at the Pavilion Pool. Apart from that, never noticed children about the ships.

The crew fire alert on Cunard ships was always "assessment party to deck...." However, more recently, at 8:15 am one morning whilst at breakfast, the announcement was "fire in electrical cabinet, stairway B deck 2" and it was real! It was quite surprising to actually hear "fire" as it used to be recommended that it should not be mentioned to avoid panic.

Friends of ours swear by Azamara, the main reason is because the trips they go on are always port intensive with almost no sea days. They also tell us the there is little entertainment, but they are happy doing nothing. On the other hand, we like trips that are 50/50 sea days and ports. We enjoy all the activities and entertainment on Cunard and like #Victoria2, we've found a product we like so no intention of switching.

We were a minute later with the same agent.

Point No 1: If tipping individually, don't forget the Maitre d', the Head Waiter, the Chef(s), the KP's, the Hotel Room Supervisor, the Deck Manager. We find it easier just to pay the daily charge. We might even add a bit here and there for excellent service.

They are being sold now, so the chances of a free upgrade have all but disappeared.

Don't worry. The same thing happens in Scotland. The national TV news organisations expect the whole of the UK to know every town, village or hamlet in England. However, any city or town mentioned north of the border is always followed by "in Scotland", For example; "in Aberdeen, in Scotland" etc.. BTW we have a Moscow just a few miles out of Glasgow (in Scotland).

I thought the position of Commodore was scrapped when Christopher Rynd retired?

Choose your time carefully. It can also be a magnet for kids.

What was really strange, was my ability to balance a £1 coin, on edge, on the bar in the GL and it didn't move all lunchtime and that was mid-Atlantic.

Even crossing the Pond on QM2, you really have to look outthe windows just to ensure you're moving!

For years, we've been bringing 4 or 5 bottles of champagne for use in our room. Sometimes, we top up at ports. Bring whatever you want (or can carry).

It might even be shorter! Even the show Top Hat that was heavily promoted at first, is only 45 minutes long. That's the standard running time for most performances/shows.

Mea Culpa. Although, won't be too different I'd imagine.

Scroll up. It's pinned.

What have they got to lose?

You will probably be in reserve, as there's bound to be "no shows" through illness, urgent business, bereavements, transport problems, etc..

Remember: "there is nothing worn under the kilt".

Kilts are perfectly acceptable on any occasion. Most of us would not be happy with a drop in dress standards. I have seen nothing to suggest that will be the case. There are plenty other Lines catering for those who like to dress as if they've just finished an afternoon in the vegetable plot.