Salacia
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Posts posted by Salacia
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Yes, I am aware of the way the world works, but thank you for your concern.
I think people who work in public-facing service industries are skilled. Skilled in diplomacy. In listening. In anticipating. In a steward's case, in making each and every person they serve feel that they are the only person on board. In ensuring that one's annual vacation/holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.
(I know people who work in offices with only one skill; how to ignore a ringing telephone ('cus it will mean work)).
When I am on a ship I am aware that people are working very hard to ensure that I don't.
As I said, for that, I am grateful. I cannot understand how anyone wouldn't be.
This is beautifully said. And has the virtue of being correct.:) I love it when people express so well what I was thinking, but couldn't put into words!
Cheers,
Salacia
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Just to mention that passengers can dine in Kings Court (open seating, check the Daily Program me for available times.) There are also alternative dining venues which carry a surcharge and a require a reservation. Happily, room service is available (not all the time, but close enough).
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We were on Crystal Symphony, on embarkation in Long Beach, in the days when private cars and taxis could drive right up to the ship. The gangway was raised, and the ropes were about to ge released, when the whole process reversed itself, and the gangway lowered.
Evidently, a gentleman onboard had appealed desperately to the reception desk, to hold the ship because had forgotten his required medication. He told them his driver was on the way with it.
The Captain was notified, and he agreed. As we watched from the de k, a huge, black luxury car came speeding up to gangway. A man in livery jumped out with a paper bag in his hand. He gave it to a security officer, and the gangway was raised, and we cast off.
We learned the rest of the story at dinner one night at the Doctor's table. As they placed the bag on the conveyer belt to go through x-ray, the bag burst open, and the vital medication was ******! (Evidently, that name brand male pill is censored on Cruise Critic.)
Ricki
Years ago, a physician friend of ours recommend we buy stock in the pharmaceutical company that was about to re-brand sildenafil citrate, which at the time, was prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension . A new usage was discovered, and the drug would be marketed under a new name, sure to make millions, he told us. Needless to say, the pharmaceutical company did well (and no, we didn't buy the stock).
Anyway, apparently, there are different uses for the same medication, as is often the case.
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Sorry I am confused by all this talk of limiting children? Children are permitted on all Cunard ships, the restrictions i know of is that children must be over 6 months to travel and over 12 months for a transatlantic. They cannot enter the nightclub in the evenings or the casino at anytime. Children that aren't toilet trained cannot use the swimming pools and kids aren't permitted in jacuzzis but this is the same on virtually every cruise line. No major restrictions here.
Cunard provide facilities for kids, including kids clubs for various ages from 2-17 years old, night nursery for 6 months-2 years, cots, bottle sterilisers and bottle warmers. Cunard permit children to eat anywhere adults can eat and they provide children's menus, puree'd food, hipp & hipp baby food as well as the option for them to order from the adult menu. These all indicate they are in fact trying to encourage families with kids, not discourage them. There are other lines that allow kids but offer no kids facilities at all, this would seem aimed at discouraging them. Some ships are restricted to those over 18 (P&O Arcadia for example), but Cunard has no such age restriction.
In your opinion it isn't a cruise for the under 18s, you are entitled to your opinion, but I disagree. If you want a cruise with no kids then I would suggest you check out ships with age restrictions. Cunard is for anyone who enjoys the sort of experience they offer and can afford to pay for it. Sure the lack of waterslides etc may put some young families off, but personally that sort of ship isn't for me - I will stick with Cunard thanks. You give an example of a parent not properly controlling their kids at a ball, does the action of one parent tar and feather all parents in your eyes?
Hi Ben. I don't like to see age restrictions either, but from what I've read, there are legitimate reasons ...
Only a certain number of children can be accommodated in the various day/evening care facilities for children and teens.
There are also limited cabins for passengers with limited mobility.
Even our faithful friends have limited capacity in the kennels (and only for trans-Atlantic crossings).
Not to mention us Rowers are delegated to Deck 6 or below:)
Anyway, it's a big ship and there's room for us all (if we book early, apparent$y).
Cheers,
Salacia
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Shropshirekikat, your question was can we be "a good tourist".
You have received many excellent responses. After reading the responses, I came away with the sense that it is not about being a good tourist, but rather being a decent human being, wherever you are and wherever you go.
Barcelona, Os queremos.
Salacia
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We show a 3PM check int time - and have a 70 mile or 90 minute drive. This is from Long Island [or Lawn Guyland for the phonetically challenged ;-) ] so there are no bridges or tunnels to get stuck at.
We plan on arriving between 12 and 1, prepared to wait in the terminal [books and change for the vending machines].
Just the LI E (Long Island Expressway), always a joy ;)
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Everyone hates everyone, welcome to 2017.
No! I reject that statement.
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Apologies, that will teach me to post at 5am.
Ben, no apology necessary. Lord knows, I've misinterpreted more post than just about anybody -:confused:
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The problem I am referring to is if Cunard set running times don't align with when your child wants to eat. You could opt for late sitting, feed your child whenever (room servicw/kings court) and so long as they were asleep before 8.30 you can enjoy dinner in peace. Families should do what's best for them. The only childcare Cunard offer for the under 2s is the night nursery so I can understand people making use of it. Spending time with kids is great but some time as a couple is nice too.
You say many are familiar with children and while I sure this is true your post specifically referenced an experience you have had with kids at late sitting. I thought it was worth pointing out this could occur just as easily at early sitting.
Actually, no, I did not attribute my experience to early or late dining- please read it again. I did state that "there is nothing wrong with families with children booking late dining". Apparently, you assumed I was relating an experience about late seating. "I thought this was worth pointing out" -most of us know this can occur at either seating.:)
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There are thousands of glass shower doors on ships sailing all over the world. They do just fine. They continue to get installed on new ships coming into service and refitted on older ships as well. Seems even Cunard sees the benefits. Somehow I'm not too worried.
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I certainly don't want to worry you, or anyone else. But don't take my word for it, do your own research.
As long as you are aware of the hazards, be happy, don't worry. :cool:
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Many ships have glass shower doors. In fact most new ships. Generally there are no problems. The incidents on Viking seem to be an exception but I'm sure those are rectified, and Viking continues to install glass shower doors on its latest newbuilds. Sure beats a moldy clingy shower curtain.
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Sorry, but the incidents on Viking are not an exception. The problem not limited to ships, or shower doors.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/glass-shower-doors-shatter-suddenly/story?id=17407544
https://www.local10.com/news/shattering-glass-shower-doors-becoming-more-common
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I've sailed in Britannia Club on QM2 in the past and agree completely with the OP's observations. I felt it was quite a step up from the normal Britannia dining room. In fact in some ways it was as good as the cuisine and service I've received in Queens and Princess Grill at a much lower cost.
I'm sailing again in Britannia Club in November and looking forward to it. One thing I'll point out is that Britannia Club cabins are on Deck 12 and Deck 13. Those on Deck 12 are original to the ship, and although redone have the original bathrooms. The cabins on Deck 13 were added during the latest refit, and feature much nicer bathrooms with glass shower doors. Big improvement and so much more modern looking. So try to get Deck 13 if you're booking Britannia Club. Cunard added rubber decking to the walkways above on Deck 14 (which are closed much of the time while at sea anyway) so noise should not be an issue.
Regarding glass shower doors: I am surprised Cunard installed glass shower door on Deck 13 cabin.See http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2247402
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I agree that they are showing no regard for the waiters, this must be generating a load of extra work. If you aren't happy with fixed time dining you can pay extra from Britannia Club or if the budget doesn't cover that eat in the buffet or order room service. (Or is suppose pick a different line that has different policies)
However I don't really understand how you can decide they have no regard for their children. Possibly they are doing this to try an maintain the kids routine? They may well eat dinner at 7pm at home. While I certainly disagree with how they are going about doing it I consider it extremely judgemental to effectively brand them bad parents for eating later.
I see nothing wrong with booking late dinning with children, if that's what suits your family.
I agree: there is nothing wrong with families with children booking late dining.
A few years ago, on a QM2 trip, my husband and I had a table for two in Britannia Dining Room, separated by one of those 12 inch dividers with a lamp on top. On the other side was two 30-ish adults and two children: a one year old, and a three year old (approximately).
The first night, the youngest let out a scream that you would expect from someone being flayed alive. The staff rushed to the table. We could see that the child was fine, just exercising his or her lungs. Things quieted down - for about half an hour, then the older child started crying loudly. The adult male, presumably father, took the child out for a walk while the waiters kept his food warm...
Anyway, you get the gist. I can't imagine how that family enjoyed their dinner that way night after night, but that was their choice, and their right, having paid the fare.
In retrospect, the lesson I learned was to have a pleasant chat with the maître d about relocating to a different location in the dining room when conditions are annoying/unpleasant/disruptive...less than romantic when celebrating an anniversary? I don't know how to frame it
Cheers,
Salacia
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Very sad news indeed. Jimmy had a wonderful sense of humour and an amazing sense of perseverance. I remember when his website got wiped away due to some problem beyond his control. Not one to accept defeat, he soon reconstructed his informative and entertaining website.
To his family and loved ones, I am very sorry for your loss. His often witty contributions will certainly be missed on this forum.
Happy onward journey, Cruachan.
Salacia
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Leaks
in Cunard Line
Hi HKM. Yikes! Sorry about the upheaval you experienced.
What was leaking?
If you don't mind my asking, would you care to share details about the deck/cabin/category that was affected by this and the other "similar problem" you heard about on a different voyage.
Happy to read your situation was resolved to your satisfaction, but quite frankly, it's disconcerting to those of us considering our next QM2 booking.
Thanks for your report and anticipated reply.
Regards,
Salacia
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Hello! This will be my first time on the QM2 and I have a question about daytime attire. What would be considered overdressed? In my everyday life I typically wear dresses and skirts on a daily basis, would dressing this way make me look out of place? Is the typical day wear mostly jeans, shorts, and t-shirts as it is on other cruise lines? I am quite excited that there is an evening dress code enforced and have many ballgowns and cocktail dresses picked out for those occasions. But any afdionral information would be very helpful! Thank you!
Hi Sailing Sara. What I wear during the day on QM2 depends on where I'm going and what I'm doing (chapel? casino? library? Kings Court? Britannia? Walking the deck? Swimming in the pool? )
Nobody knows where your going, or what you have done unless your bathing suit is dripping wet :D - so I say:
wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing, and have a great time!
Cheers,
Salacia
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Traveling with a sense of entitlement in any venue often creates the very response one wishes to avoid & causes friction for ALL.
In my experience on dining issues with all cruise lines, if I need a different time, et al, I see the mature d & keep asking. My dress & attitude makes a difference. I have also presented a discreet $20, one was accepted & usually do not do it. My gratitude & appreciation always wins the day.
Many have told me I'm naïve, that "greasing the palm" of the maître d is SOP, but in my opinion, that's not a gratuity, it's a bribe. Such is the way of the world, I suppose.
At the end of the voyage, that is the time to show appreciation to those who provided extraordinary service - clearly opinions differ.
Regards,
Salacia
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Happy tails:
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When I tip the waiter in a resteraunt I fold a note and hand it to him, no envelope needed and who cares who sees, as if they would be interested anyway. But board a ship and all changes. Simply stated I find the envelope ritual mildly amusing but the discrete tip in the menu really funny and weird at the same time.
And I bet the waiters laugh even louder at the antics of some passengers.
David
Well, my guess is that the crew appreciates any gratuity they receive - and the overwhelming majority of tips appear to be discreet (I say that because I've never witnessed anything "flashy").
Do they find it funny not to receive a tip? I'm sure that's a real laugh riot.
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I seriously dout that the QM2 is sailing that long for Cunard Line- so I look forward to ramble around the QM3, then QM4 eventually. After 20+ years the cruise lines usually get rid of their older ships! Brand them out or sell them - I have hear of ships sold to Dubai to rot there until it is time to ship them to Alang to the breakers- which will happen sooner or later! Against alls crys against doing so!
Alang in twenty years ? Not the breakers, more the death zone, unless something changes.
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Thank you tag1000! One of my concerns is that my dog is quite elderly now, doesn't see or hear well and (and apart from when he's needed veterinary treatment or groomed) is not used to spending time in a kennel. Many might say...why are we taking him on the QM2 then...but we are relocating back to the UK to live and I don't want to risk flying him back so this is the preferred option. I have bought some pheromone spray for the kennel hoping that will help.
Do you receive a specific boarding time to enable quick boarding with your dogs, we are a month away but haven't heard anything yet? :)
sammyboots, I suspect that your faithful pal will do well on the voyage. And I compliment you on your care and concern - but I'm not sure that pheromone spray is a good idea since it might effect all those in the kennel. Please consult Cunard.
Best wishes,
Salaica
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I think we may get a taxi into Brooklyn, and just wander around, one problem is not knowing time we set sail. Thanks for the info.;p
luckymal, you're very welcome. The all aboard time will be posted, but I've planned on being on board no later than 3pm (14 embarkations from Red Hook, and I suppose we could have arrived later than 3pm, but I hate the drama of a late arrival.) The 'set sail time' can be quite variable, but the all aboard time is considered inviolate.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday,
Salacia
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Is the R/T arriving and leaving the same day? If you want to sight see, its a pretty ambitious day.
Hi myfuzzy - that's the beauty of sightseeing in Brooklyn. Many choices of where to go and what to see - not far from the ship.
For example, hail a cab at the pier. Tell the cabbie you're going to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and to drop you off at Montague Street. https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/historical-signs/listings?id=136
Or maybe you finally clear Customs close to noon. Fancy a nice lunch in a traditional Italian Brooklyn restaurant? http://www.queenrestaurant.com/
There is a way to do interesting things and not have to worry about getting back to the ship when you're less than half an hour away from the port (walking at a moderate pace).
Oh and just to mention that both Yellow Taxi and Green Taxi are legal and frequent in Brooklyn, as are car services that have been previously mentioned.
Happy sails,
Salacia
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I've seen my doctor and a specialist and am now waiting results of an MRI scan to see if there is any underlying cause. The specialist is also arranging some physio for me, so yes I suppose until they tell me different it is a medical diagnosis.
BTW: Don't you just love it when the doctor looks you in the eye and says that a lot of the problem is 'age-related' :mad: Problem is that in my mind I'm still 21 but my body is telling me something totally different - and no, I'm not telling you how old I am; let's just say I'm a senior citizen and leave it at that. :D:D
Hi Babs. Glad to read that you are in good care. There are so many different reasons for back pain, but the proper diagnosis can expedite treatment and recovery . Just my personal opinion, but keep the quacks off your back until you get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a medical doctor.
Best wishes,
Salacia
New York to Caribbean Nov, 26th.
in Cunard Line
Posted
:)
Your table arrangements are determined by the category you booked We don't know what category you booked, so we are unable to answer your dining question.
No worries about your luggage upon arrival at the port. Your luggage will be transferred from your vehicle to the ship - but only after the disembarking passenger's luggage has been off-loaded, collected and removed from the terminal, so best not to arrive earlier than requested (certainly no earlier than noon).
For boarding, the best way to dress in informal. I usually wear a black knit (wrinkle free & washable ) pant suit, low heels and minimal jewelry. In my carry-on bag, I pack a change of undies, jewelry, a small bottle of vodka, high heels and a fancier top to wear with the black suit... that means I don't have to worry if my luggage doesn't arrive before dinner time (although it always has!)
Be comfortable, have a great trip :) - Salacia