Jacqueline

I would find it fascinating to learn about the Scottish National Party. I guess I would file that under cultural exchange, Having an Aussie (with a drinking problem) critique each US president (I am from the states) was annoying and not edifying. She informed us that she was very well read on the subject. Eventually she lost a fingertip in a door that closed on her hand after staying too long at a deck party. The surgeon onboard reattached it. I must say, I don’t mind an honest conversation with people from other countries as they are interested in insights and information and visa versa. Part of why I choose a large table. I love learning about different cultures and perspectives! That’s different than a lecture or a person who just wants to stir the pot (like my daughters MIL who insists that there are kitty litter boxes in classrooms for people who identify as cats)

Usually I have found that table mates have an understanding that it’s best to avoid controversial topics. Politics, religion, COVID, conspiracy theories. I how do you handle a table mate that goes off the rails? It’s been a very rare problem (often but not always linked to excessive alcohol consumption). We love meeting new people !

Driving versus flying into port makes a huge difference in what I pack for formal wear. My husband can bring his tux and two other sport jackets, I can bring several dresses and two ball gowns as we are driving to Brooklyn. Otherwise, I would take very packable dresses and he would take a sports jacket that he would wear on the plane. Maybe pack the tux. on the Heritage Cruiseline, I have been looking at their new ship which is the old Hapaag Lloyd Hanseatic which I have sailed. What Heritage like?

I was just reviewing the documents I need for my November 20th sailing. I agree that the website is confusing, but I did eventually see the part where they haven’t decided yet on January for QM2. they may be waiting to evaluate how bad the fall outbreaks are onboard, which does make sense. Forming the policy based on conditions is a sound way to proceed. There might be no need for testing, or there may be a disaster like last year (unlikely). They really don’t want an outbreak onboard that they can’t manage.

They change rules, policies and procedures all the time. when many of us booked, we could move our monies paid to Cunard towards another cruise, should we test positive. That has changed, now we need to apply to insurance for refund , if we cannot sail. Before, we had the choice. We weren’t notified of the change and they were within all the terms and conditions to do whatever. The minimum wage person you will be arguing with has no idea of why policies change or why they are inconsistent. They might not have any fight in them and will let it go or they might not. But I don’t think arguing is going to get you ahead with anyone. Sympathy works better, then people try and help you out. It’s rally unfortunate and makes no sense to us, but I suspect that there may be a reason for this chain, but the person you will be talking to will know less than you do.

Only done Grills on TA so this didn’t come up. What offerings are there outside of the restaurant times (for example back from an excursion after lunch, mid or late afternoon)? I have some mobility issues, a foward cabin and prefer to avoid the buffet. Also, do we board the ship forward at ports? many thanks, Jackie

Wow, great that they have fevertree. Love their tonic and ginger beer,

As has been said previously on that other social media platform, it depends on what cruise you are on, not where you are departing from. What cruise are you on? Bluemarble is correct!

The only distinction that I would make is that in my experience it was a very different traveling in the Grills as opposed to Brittania. I like Celebrity and would choose it if I could not afford the Grills experience on Cunard. That’s just me and if you look back at how long I have been on this board (not to mention the predecessor board) I would just say that it’s not just that my preferences have changed over time, it’s that the cruise experience has changed over time. Back in 2000 I sailed on the Grand Princess Mediterranean itinerary (few ships did this back then). We had formal nights, semi formal and casual. Men wore tuxes and gals wore gowns. But more than that the dining experience was entirely different than it is today. Table side preparation. Multiple courses . An actual sommelier. I still recall that the fourth person on an inside cabin was $999 (kids). We were across the hall. We really did get what we paid for. With the rush to the bottom on pricing, the common experiences have declined. There aren’t any non revenue generating spaces on those ships anymore, libraries gone. There were actual room where you could play board games at night as a family. Gone. Quality of the food and the dining experience has suffered. That said, I would choose X over the Brittania experience on Cunard (Aqua class) And I would only sail Cunard in grills. But then again, I don’t sail as many times a year as many of you.

I have cabin 9004 on the QM2. I agree it’s a nice location am puzzled why they think I would want to pay to move down the hall. I thought I might be missing something!

I got an email today from Cunard. Typical word salad. All about the glories of everything that the QG has to offer, the dining room, drink set up. Butler… I am having the vapors, thinking that this is an upgrade offer to non QG passengers for $299 (thirteen night cruise). After having paid full price. And since I am already in QG what is the point of the email. Turns out it’s an “upgrade” from a Q6 to Q5. Really? Down the hall a few doors? My cabin is quite forward but has no lifeboats in view from my veranda. Thoughts?

I love Dover sole! Good reminder to order. Good idea to check out the dinner menu at lunch.

Testing the crew often is a good idea. The problem is that they will be short staffed very quickly once they get an outbreak. good thing is I am sure that there is now plenty of dedicated space for quarantine. Almost three years ago we were in Vietnam, February 2020 and the staff at the hotel started wearing masks (right after the border to China was closed at the beginning of Covid), we thought it was the oddest thing. Our guides started to offer us masks on tours and we were like, don’t need them, we are good! And of course this was the deadliest strain.. live and learn!!! We had three weeks in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia which stayed open to China. Our upcoming cruise is to the Caribbean and we will be outdoors a lot. The dining room is probably the most risky place but at least there is precruise Covid testing on it. We both got the bivalent vaccine and I guess will see how well it works.

I was just on a Disney cruise, four days (plenty). But if course lots of people do back to back. As of august, not only did the ship need to zero out, but all returning passengers had to pack all their belongings before disembarking and testing for covid. I guess they decided they didn’t want positive people back on the ship at all.

He did google ahead of time but the information was incorrect.

Thanks so much for sharing with us! Getting excited about our upcoming trip.

To what Hattie said, “Generally, people do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy for anything they do in public. The exception is a performance or meeting where you are informed that taking photographs is prohibited.” Think about all the photos of the public on social media and in news reports. Let’s keep to enjoying this thread and not be the social media police.

Very nice bonus! So fortunate. thanks again for taking the time to share with us.

You can always have your breakfast delivered.

ExArkie. See you on the Caribbean cruise portion!

It’s an interesting comparison as in both cases you are in the best cabin on a ship that’s not luxury. I have to agree that the biggest difference will be in dining. The small portions are great, as you can go through all the courses and enjoy the options without feeling ill. Two or three meals a day in the Grills is a lot of food! The cabin, configuration and so on has a couple objective differences, as you fairly point out. Thank you for taking the time to post, My travel isn’t based on brand loyalty but on destination. BUT Sometimes it’s nice to sail out of my home port and ditch the air. It’s a treat sailing out of NY!

Thanks for the info, we have our cards and the excelsior pass. Since the ship is leaving out of Brooklyn, they should be accustomed to that!

Well, unfortunately the change in policy which requires the passenger to go through insurance rather than receiving a cruise credit, may create an onboard problem. Many cases are quite mild and people might decide to sail with Covid rather than canceling. My sailing still requires testing and I am getting yet another booster today and my flu shot.

We used the patch on drakes passage and enjoyed watching the 30 and 40 ft waves crashing into the ship for two days straight. Not so much for the rest of the passengers, all whom (except for two) were European. Don’t know if it’s not sold or prescribed there? it’s doesn’t mix with alcohol but if you are prone to sea sickness, probably best to avoid it anyhow. I find the patch really helps even when i am snorkeling. Only side affect is dry mouth for me. Also helps with vertigo. It is a prescription medication in the US

I just checked my Chase credit card insurance and it looks like I am covered. it’s really wrong of Cunard to not let passengers transfer the credit to another cruise.