Victoria2

Bruges is one of the prettiest ports of call and decorated for Christmas should be a winter wonderland. A canal boat ride and a wander around. Then Gluhwein with Croque Monsieur and fries in one of the cafes in the Market Square before hitting the Christmas markets... how's that for starters! 🙂

Our fourteen day cruise in July had a couple of shorties in it. The ambiance did change to a more party atmosphere Kiel back to Southampton but as I recall, not much changed as far as evening dress was concerned. In fact I'd go so far as to say a shortie often seems to bring out the 'formal' wear as folk want to scrub up to the occasion.

It can be chilly occasionally inside the ship but no way have we experienced the air con in blasting out mode. Any shawls or wraps were worn on Victoria as evening accessories rather than for their thermal qualities. I always take a sweater or two with me for daytime wear, which ever part of the world the ship is in so be prepared to layer up would be my advice.

Gutted for you. I have two beautiful embossed with Queen Victoria, leather luggage tags, gifts from her naming ceremony, bought in an auction [silly money paid but worth every ££] which will be hand luggage only. Similarly, I have some of my parents' World Voyage leather/brass tags from Sagafjord and Vistafjord world cruises. Again, no way will they go on bags other than hand luggage.

I always cut the bread diagonally for eggy bread and every day is an education as it's a savoury for us [we too occasionally like a cheesy topping]. Never thought of it as pancake substitute. Don't think I ever will.

I was told who the initial QG M'd is going to be but as it was an unfamiliar name to me, I've forgotten.🙁

Or even a mathematician, but then that would rule me out! I didn't follow fellow passengers' dress that closely but this year, I would say not much has changed, Gala dress wise. There were definitely more chaps without jackets [non Gala evenings] around the ship but that didn't detract from the overall ambiance.

Thank you. They will be 'Clubbers' so won't have any Butler help but any help will be appreciated.

We couldn't care less where the ship goes. Won't fly at the moment so any S'ton-S'ton itinerary is fine. I just wish it could be a QV itinerary.

Already earmarked a couple thanks to the sneak preview. Stand by your beds 4th Oct!!! 🙂

gphb I know when the new system was introduced but didn't know if you'd cruised since then. It will be interesting to hear from any others, who might have been on one or more of your itineraries, to get their perspective. The other venues or indeed room service, must have been very busy if the number you indicate, were not dining in the MDR.

As a small matter of interest gphb, did you have the anytime dining facility on your previous crossings?

Light interviews of guest celebrity speakers for an Insight lecture. Presenting theatre productions and wishing everyone a 'have a great evening around the ship'. No one asks them to be the brainiac of the ship and as long as personal egos don't seem to get in the way, most C.D's are fine for me.

I can't recall the name of QV's cruise director in July, but I was quite impressed. There's only one I have no time at all for so I'm sure any of the rest will be fine.

I think French Toast is what our family calls 'eggy bread'. I've had many different takes on eggy bread around the world, some good, some not so. One of the factors is the actual bread used. The bread I buy here is quite different from the bread served in some US hotels. Could be a contributing factor to the variations.

I think future Cunard cruisers who read these boards will do well to read past contributions from those who offer opinions, good and/or bad. Cunard, like all companies, will have their [perceived at times] glitches, be it sub-par food for some or the lack of staff attention for others and these will mar an experience if let but it's those who have extensive experience of Cunard, like yourselves, and who acknowledge glitches if they appear, who will be able to give an objective view of the company. I know whose opinions I take notice of, yours being one of them. 🙂

Apart from you finding out what a gem QV is MrsPeel55, you have also discovered that not all comments and opinions can be relied upon to match your reality. For instance, the buffet isn't too bad at all and whatever the restaurant, staff are there to treat their passengers well and as for the dress of an evening declining into a general 'casualness'. well not yet! 🙂 ps, we've never had 'looks' directed at us although we do comment on 'watch out for the learner driver', usually when entering/exiting a lift, which could defuse any potential 'looks' as we get smiles and lovely comments back. If we did get any looks, I wasn't aware of them and if we did, like you, am quite capable of 'looking' back! 😅

We are also fairly responsive to temperature and adjust the air flow/ air-con in the cabin accordingly. Sometimes it's on heat if we're feeling particularly chilly.

A great programme, the last four being de rigueur for the Albert Hall second half Last Night and of course, finishing up with God Save the King. The Pop Looks Bach [very clever play on words] piece should be well known to those [in the UK] not so familiar with classical pieces as a stalwart of BBC winter sports programmes. I own I only really caught the connection with the Toccata and Fugue a few years ago. I would LOVE this specific crossing. Maybe one day. 🙂

I could say 'oh wow/amazing/how fabulous' but in truth, I would have been very surprised if you didn't enjoy our home from home. My deepest regret is QV will be sent over to the Med summer '24 and '25 if the grapevine is to be believed. I am beyond delighted you had a wonderful experience and can only say, welcome to the Cunard family. Victoria 2 x

They've been visible in Cornwall this week.

Worth keeping a look out tonight. The lights are particularly strong at the moment and might be visible in the Northern sky!

So glad expectations were met MrsPeel55 as the hype can sometimes be more than the reality. Sorry about Covid but at least you are at home and can dose up without the fear of missing anything onboard.

That ruddy lark was No. 1 in the Classic FM Hall of Fame for years, Thank goodness it descended to No. 2 this year! The BBC Proms '23 Finale was last Saturday. Fabulous concert with Marin Alsop conducting and Lise Davidsen singing. If you get chance to hear the whole concert, it was wonderful.

Very kind but have you got the right person? I just hope I don't bore with my musings. I'm not physically aboard at the moment although friends and loved ones might say I'm permanently 'all at sea'!😄 We were due on QV's Oct. Northern Lights but yet again, cancelled and yet again, for an uninsurable reason. I'll get there one day. We're on QA next year and are waiting for the '25 itineraries to be released. 🙂