Jonem2001

I’ll be on her come October for Spain and Portugal, so your thoughts will be very much appreciated! I’ve not done hot weather cruises with Cunard… 

11 hours ago, Winifred 22 said:

They routinely use the passenger lifts I doubt there is any technical problems. I have seen them use the lifts on all Queens. They have specially fitted padding they put on the walls of  the lifts to protect the inside from damage. 

Yes, sorry - I’ve always been aware of the use of passenger lifts for this purpose, but it’s always seemed to be supplemental to the use of the freight/service capacity. The embarkation chaos referred to earlier (and to a lesser extent, last night’s disembarkation processes) seem to speak to an over-reliance on passenger lifts for some reason.

It could be a temporary technical issue (freight lifts out of order), it could be process (new layout of ship, new ways of getting luggage routines to optimum), or it could be unconsidered design (carts vs hallway width, as Selbourne suggests). Whatever it is, I’m sure Cunard will want to find a way to shift the balance in favour of ‘behind the scenes’, as inconveniencing passengers will not be desired!

I’ll be interested to see how embarkation is reported later, if anyone is aboard - but in the meantime, a big thank you to all who’ve fed in their impressions of QA so far. Much appreciated!

2 hours ago, Selbourne said:

I am at a complete loss as to why they use the passengers lifts for luggage, with the enormous difficulties that it creates for passengers trying to move around the ship, rather than the service lifts as other cruise lines do. Answers on a postcard……

I can only assume some technical problem with the freight lifts - it wouldn’t be any sane person’s way of doing things. 
 

Whether they’ve managed to get the issue fixed (possibly needing a technical specialist to fly in) since embarkation, I wouldn’t like to guess… time will tell. I have my fingers crossed for you all.

I don’t usually bother with Voyage Sales on board, as I usually opt for ‘shorties’ and there’s no incentive to do so for those versus booking online. But I did use the office last year on QV to book a seven-nighter to get the extra OBC, and found the experience enjoyable.

I used the Grills Concierge to arrange an appointment as soon as I boarded, and it was for the following day - I got the impression they had limited availability even that early. We turned up, knowing our cruise, cabin grade, and preferred available cabin (having done a dummy booking over breakfast) and were done and out in ten minutes.

The Cruise Specialist - alas, I can’t recall her name - said we were unusually organised, and that she got the full range between ourselves and people turning up with ‘I’d like another cruise, don’t mind what, can you help me narrow it down?’. On that basis, I’d imagine predicted the length of the necessary appointment slot would be rather hard, and thus capacity limiting.

That said, I do think it’s in Cunard’s interest to maximise appointment capacity to at least discuss options. I wouldn’t say we got the ‘sell’, but we were definitely more inclined to book whilst aboard and enjoying ourselves…

How interesting. I’ve not had the same experience, but I was potentially on the same cruise - we were on the Southampton-Hamburg leg, was that you too, or were you on the Hamburg-Southampton return?

I’ve checked my credit card and alas, not so lucky. It sounds like your experience may be unique to you… although I can’t think of a likely justification!

Oh, that’s an interesting one.

I’ve been fortunate to travel on QE and QV in close succession at two points, in 2015/16 and then again in 2022. They are very very similar, there’s no denying it. 
 

I came away the first time preferring the QE, primarily because of the slightly lighter wood decor in the atrium, and also the longer rear deck space on Deck 9.
 

Since then, QV has had her refit to ‘match’, and I actually prefer her placement of the pool in that space, which hasn’t moved to match QE - it’s made for a much bigger uninterrupted flat space at the very rear of the deck.

The decor on QE didn’t wow me as much the second time around either; it was much closer a preference. But I think I do prefer the decor of QV’s Britannia Club dining room to QE; which is a minor and subjective issue, I grant you, but we’re talking about comparing cruise ships here, so humour me!

You could also differentiate on the placement of the Voyage Sales Office, which threw me both times, and the condition/appearance of the newer style Queen’s Grills cabins inserted into QV in her refit, but I don’t consider those material to me (although I know those cabins are very popular for precisely that reason!).

On balance, I’d opt for QV over QE, but it’s a close match and I’d take either over any other vessel afloat!

15 hours ago, Selbourne said:

They are dire. However, the one in the Glasshouse is very good, not that we want to go there after a meal in the MDR!

The last time I was in Aurora my partner and I enjoyed the Glasshouse so much that we usually had a drink there before dinner in the MDR. As the cruise progressed we developed a worrying habit of ordering a ‘pre-dinner dinner’ of a couple of the tapas-style smaller dishes to go with our wine… and thinking on it now, I wouldn’t say no to a post-MDR cheeseboard there either! 
 

It was totally the sea air which shrank our clothes on that cruise, rather than any excessive consumption. 😂

Happy birthday to your Lass, TigerB!

On the card front, the casino desk will sell you branded packs for $2, charged to your onboard account. I think I learned that on this board! On a cruise last year on QV I popped by and picked up a few packs, which were sealed and signed out by the casino operator as attached.

Great value, I thought, and a lovely inexpensive souvenir. Two of the packs (unused) went on to be stocking stuffers for fellow cruisers this past Christmas!

QA H427 Oct 27-Nov 3 2024 Southampton to Southampton

‘Atlantic Coast And Iberia’

Oct 28: Gala Evening - Black and White

Oct 31: Gala Evening - Masquerade (appropriate for Halloween!)

QA H502 Jan 5-7 2025

Southampton to Hamburg

Jan 8: Gala Evening

(NB: this is not branded as Gala Optional, unlike my equivalent V402 voyage this weekend)

From memory, the only difference I noticed was the Queens Grill suite refreshments - I was only offered a single bottle of spirits on an two-nighter from Hamburg instead of the more usual choice of two. On a subsequent five-night cruise, it was back to two again, so I assume it was intentional due to length. In Princess Grill, I haven’t noticed any differences.

You also wouldn’t get the perks of a longer cruise which apply independently of class, of course - no cocktail party, or wine tasting. But in all other respects, the Cunard ‘offer’ is consistent whether it’s a shortie or a world cruise!

Personally, I love a short cruise in the Grills (or indeed in any class!), and have been on several. I’d rather take several shorter trips than a single long one! It’s a great way to see if you think a combination of a ship, cabin, dining arrangements etc. are to your liking, and you’re never waiting too long to be back at sea…

1 minute ago, TxTeach79 said:

good to know, thanks!!! I’m eyeballing Sky for a sailing next summer, and the Retreat alterations have seemed a hot button issue on the Princess board (and I don’t fully understand it), but everyone on this thread and a couple people I talked to onboard have all been very pro the changes post Regal

Yes, I’d agree - I did the Regal as a return-to-cruising ‘Staycation’ in late ‘21 and the Sky’s Retreat last year was a much improved offer. The pool was more sheltered, and the upper deck (on top of the added cabins) wasn’t as windy somehow. I expected the pool to feel claustrophobic but it really wasn’t.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy it regardless - loving this LIVE and the fun you’re having!

1 hour ago, TxTeach79 said:

a little side observation - this is a great ship, but one little thing…. When I sailed Miracle to Alaska and Pride to Europe I LOVED that observation deck you see above the bridge. 

I agree! The P&O ‘Britannia’, a Royal Class variant, doesn’t have an outside space up front either, but it DOES have a bar (‘The Crow’s Nest’) two decks above the bridge, directly below the Sanctuary equivalent (the ‘Retreat’, also a pay venue). Great views, good drinks. And no wind!

Really missed that space on Sky Princess, which I felt was an improved version in every other respect.

QV Jan 7-9 2024 (V402)

Southampton to Hamburg

Jan 7: Smart Attire

Jan 8: Gala Optional

Jan 9: Smart Attire

I’m also on two cruises released in the same window which are showing as ‘The dress code will be available closer to departure’:

QA Oct 27-Nov 3 2024 (H427)

QA Jan 5-7 2025 (H502)

I’ve attached a couple of photos from a previous cruise - I would describe them as an alcoholic milkshake; but that doesn’t do them justice (I don’t actually care for milkshakes, and I loved these).

I’ve not had one on P&O, but I don’t see why a competent bartender with a blender couldn’t rustle one up - although I’m not sure how ‘off menu’ the bars are allowed to get. A challenge for someone, perhaps!

The attached image gives the recent arrangements for leaving QV at Southampton, although from memory this is identical to every sailing I’ve taken with Cunard since resumption of service.

I suspect your two options are to either register for self disembarkation before the commencement of normal arrangements, retaining your luggage, or enquire in advance about being assigned as a pair to the first 8am slot. Others may be able to chime in with your chances of success on the latter!

For what it’s worth, I was both Platinum and a Grills guest and was allocated a later (10am) slot, which I was content with.

Interesting! In Princess Grill last week, on the same three-night cruise as the original poster, the tables were numbered, but the cabin cards were not - we were simply instructed to arrive at the restaurant and we would be seated.

Given the speed and smoothness with which we were seated, I suspect the table had been preallocated (or at least a pool identified from which ours was the next in the list), but I do think it creates an impression of ‘up for grabs’ that cannot be realistic when there are overlapping bookable cruise lengths such as those that have occurred with QVs recent itineraries.
 

I imagine the black art of table allocation must involve a descending order of prioritisation based on the elements mentioned previously (grade, party size, known personalities, possibly loyalty level) but I suspect passengers on longer cruises are fitted in first and the shorter lengths are slotted in around them so as to minimise disruption/allow for tables to be moved for subsequent voyages. I don’t envy the Maitre’D this job one bit!
 

Anyway, assuming the OP had the same experience we did, with the invitation not indicating that tables even WERE numbered or pre-assigned, I can see how the OP could quite legitimately have thought ‘oh, lovely, I can turn up and ask’ in the same way one might do so in a restaurant on land. 
 

On another note, I personally found the service levels on V320C to be just as good as I’ve experienced in any grade on any Cunard ship on this voyage, but I’m a serial ‘shortie’ taker - so maybe I’m missing out on the rapport of a longer voyage! I’ll find out on QA next year. I have no complaints to date!

In case these are of interest, here are the bears and other stuffed novelties available in the shop on QV today, August 5th 2023. They range in price from $18 (the dog) through $22.50 (the ship) to $24.25 (either bear). 

1 hour ago, Victoria2 said:

I haven’t either but I will ask.

Not asked for a Club Soda but it must be onboard. Again, I will make sure. There is Harrogate Water by the bottle, still or sparkling.

One of today’s lunch dishes in Princess Grill is ‘Brown Rice and Veggie Balls’, if that saves you a trip and/or a question - the first time I’ve seen it on a menu, I think. At least it suggests they keep brown rice to hand, if nothing else.

I’ve boarded QV today, and the Bee Trap Bellini is indeed still on offer!

I have cruised with P&O several times in the last year - most recently Aurora and Britannia over Easter - and have not been asked for proof of insurance at all. I have it, but have never been required to show it! I would agree with @WestonOne that it would be an impossible task for port staff to confirm precise arrangements given the huge range of products in the market - so I think it unlikely you’d be asked anything other than a verbal ‘have you met our requirements’.

I haven’t seen the mythical booklet with luggage tags since COVID (sounds sturdier than my printed efforts!) and I can confirm I haven’t been asked for vaccination details or to fill out a medical questionnaire this year.

Boarding processes seem very close to pre-pandemic arrangements now. Hope you have a great cruise! 

11 hours ago, jh1809 said:

One noise problem, though, can be noise from the theatre, if you're in a cabin above it on one of the next couple of decks up. Not a problem with comedians or magicians, but it can be with musical acts and with the Headliners.

We had this experience last week - we were in C101, so thought we would avoid the theatre noise two decks down, but could quite audibly hear the daytime rehearsals and then the shows later on.

We put it down to being adjacent to the white ‘void’ on the deck plans next to the cabin; which I’m pretty sure was a crew staircase - it possibly acted like a chimney, carrying sounds upwards. I wouldn’t normally expect to hear theatre noise of that level two decks up.

It didn’t affect our enjoyment of the cruise at all; in fact, we had great fun playing ‘what Motown hit is that?’ during the rehearsals for the Lavelles, who were excellent. But I can imagine light sleepers might enjoy it less.

Having never sailed with P&O whilst she was in the fleet, I was amused to see this in the lift lobby on our final Aurora night last night:

Looks like P&O take their heritage seriously… up to and including reusing their luggage trollies. 

8 minutes ago, CruiseTee said:

I just looked at it online. I think we are going to do that! Seems the cheapest way to go!

I’ve done this a couple of times with no issues! There are (usually) taxis waiting outside the coach station at Southampton and it’s a short ride to any of the cruise terminals - costing less than £10 including tip when I did it in January 2020.

On 3/11/2023 at 4:16 AM, CruiseTee said:

 Will there even be a formal night on such a short cruise, I'm wondering?

Hi @CruiseTee, my partner and I will be on this cruise with you. We booked it on the strength of having been on the equivalent cruise last year - although that was a three-nighter, and omitted Cherbourg. I think you’ll enjoy it! 

We absolutely LOVED Britannia, and having been on an equivalent Princess ship of the class (Regal), I think I’d even say I that I think the outside space works better on Britannia. We had a lovely sailaway in the sun from Zeebrugge with no issues with sun lounger availability at all, and lots of quieter nooks and crannies.

We do indeed have a Celebration Night on this one; it’s Friday 14th (the sea day between the two ports). If you log on to ‘My P&O’, you’ll be able to see the port schedule and dress codes under ‘My Itinerary’ in the menu at top right: 

I have used the Medallion on a Princess cruise recently, and was quite happy with it. The supplied rectangular holder for the Medallion itself attached and detached from a lanyard, and was the same size and only marginally thicker than a key card. I treated it the same - straight into a pocket. There are enough ‘holding’ accessories available to allow people to wear/store it as they wish, though - I stuck with the way I was used to!

In terms of the technology that accompanied it, I liked most service offerings - the door unlocking (not opening!) was convenient, and acting as a way for servers to locate you with a drink on deck was rather useful. But I never felt unable to use a human if I absolutely needed to.

As a Fincantieri vessel, I would imagine Queen Anne has been specified with the wiring to support Medallion (or rather, to support a Cunard-style offering of some degree). P&O’s Iona and Arvia, and possibly Britannia, have been built or refitted as such, according to a post on that forum the other day. Carnival seem to think it’s the direction of travel.

At the very least, I expect to see better wireless internet support! That’s a no-brainer, and much easier to insert at launch. I’m excited to see what service evolutions Cunard are offering in the technology area when QA launches.