A reflection on the differences between cruise lines

[Underwatr]

Hello

 

Enjoyed the OP's observations and opinions but found it puzzling that he encountered so many snobs who made it a point first thing to inform him almost first thing what class they were in on the ship.

I can see Capt BJ's comment about 'the crossers wanting to compare status' but I'm missing seeing any such complaint from the OP.

 

'Status' means many things. It's been discussed here that it's a little unusual to see Grills passengers dining in Britannia. So status might mean something else. I know that a common question at a Britannia table might be "So, is this your first crossing?" And the reply from a crosser might well be "This is my third crossing and my eighth voyage on QM2.” Is that a display of status?

[3rdGenCunarder]

(quote function isn't working, I was quoting Underwatr's post above)

 

I don't think it's a display of status. Past travels, cruising and otherwise, are often a part of conversation on board. It's something we all have in common, we're traveling. A few crossings ago (ooh, is saying "crossing" snooty?) we were in Britannia at a table for 6. One couple had traveled all over the world, but sailed only a few times. The other couple had traveled very little. And we had saileed a lot and done a fair amount of land travel to a limited number of places (we're "go back again" travelers). I didn't feel the world travelers were showing off their "status" when they told the story of shipping furniture they'd bought in India back to England.

 

And if status is cabin category, as others have said it just isn't something anyone brags about on Cunard.

Edited October 31, 2015 by 3rdGenCunarder

[PatriciaMay]

My husband and I are from the US and just returned from a round-trip crossing. It was our first cruise or crossing, so we've nothing to compare it with.

 

But regarding your points:

 

* We were disappointed that two formal nights were cancelled! We would have been happier if every night was formal. We enjoy dressing up -- we like to look good when we feel good, so the formal nights match *our* idea of a vacation. The non-formal areas of the ship were alive and active on every leg of the trip, so there was plenty of atmosphere to be had if dressing up isn't your thing.

 

* We only ate in Todd English once, and didn't think it was appreciably better than Britannia, so we didn't go there again. (They ran out of Merlot?) I regret not trying lunch there.

 

* We quite enjoyed the classical music, especially on the trip to Southampton. We grew weary of the "pops" classical music on the trip home. Yes, a purist would say ALL of it was "pops," but I handled digital marketing for a symphony -- there's a huge difference.

 

* Biggest disappointment (not counting a nightmarish excursion) was that RADA closed its season at the end of the first leg of our trip. They were outstanding, and the production shows were no substitute for the quality performances RADA staged.

 

* After a captain/crew switch in Southampton, we had some difficulties with a drink waiter whose sensibilities we were apparently offending by ordering a... coffee with Kahlua, but not Tequila? (There was a specialty coffee in Britannia that had both.) He actually refused to serve us drinks twice, pulled a "we'll have to charge you per shot (to which we replied, "SURE! Of course we'll pay! Just give us what we asked for!" yet we STILL didn't get drinks), and by the end he only brought us what we wanted when he noticed we were tipping. The waiter looked like Benedict Cumberbatch, so we nicknamed him "Khan" (a la Star Trek). Whenever he gave us grief, my husband and I did a little William Shatner "KHAN!!!!!" fist-wringing yell under our breath, and usually couldn't stop laughing.

 

We were at sea 18 days, and there were good and bad moments, but most of it was fantastic.

[Tothesunset]

Our only cruise experiences are on SilverSea and Seabourn but we felt that, if we are to take sea travel seriously, we should make at least one crossing on the last reamaining transatlantic liner.

 

We would expect Cunard to be traditional, even formal, and we like that. We are disappointed with having to choose a table at the start of the crossing (we were asked when booking if we want a 2, 4, 6 or 8-seater table but how can we know a year in advance?) which seems unnecessarily inflexible. We will be in a Princess Grill suite which, we hope, will be roughly equivalent to Silversea's suites.

 

Otherwise we have no real expectations and are looking forward to a large ship experience. We will enjoy and make the most of it but are wondering if we might find the size not to our liking. But then the only way to find out is to try and we are very excited and grateful to have the opportunity.

[alc13]

"KHAN!!!!!"

 

Love it.

[CateW]

We spent the whole return crossing in Todd English in August and couldn't fault it, the staff were wonderful and food worthy of fine dining. I hope then that Woodley's experience was a one off. Will report back on how our 28 day Todd English booking experience goes on the Caribbean trip in a few days, we are very much looking forward to it. :)

 

Food, of course is subjective, but I agree with you. We did a round trip transatlantic this summer (NY/SH/NY) and dined at Todd English a number of times (wonderful!) We also ate at each of the Kings Court uncharge restaurants and we really enjoyed those as well and thought they were worth the money. We leave in less than 2 weeks for the Caribbean on the QM2 and will be doing all of the restaurants again.

 

We also enjoy dressing up so don't find that to be a problem, since when we are at home I wear jeans or yoga pants so it is a nice change.

Edited November 1, 2015 by CateW

[Bramcruiser]

Actually I found the OP's review rather balanced. I may not agree with it 100% but there is a lot I do agree with in how Cunard fits into the world of travel.

 

Cunard fits in at the top of premium range of the mass market lines and - even with three ships - has to balance its history of the great era of transatlantic crossings with today's cost-conscience travellers. The old class system is gone but like the airlines Cunard has the grills to appease those who are willing to pay more for an upgraded experience while making sure the masses are kept happy. I feel Cunard does this well even with the hiccups it has from time to time. Those who automatically cry out "the class system is still around" are entitled to their opinions but I feel it's emotions based on skewered facts. Impossible to please 100% of the people 100% of the time.

 

Todd English hasn't been a spectacular venue since day one. We've enjoyed it but must admit we've done better as well on other line's premium "for pay" restaurants. Its why they put the Verandah Grill on the QE which I say is a big improvement.

 

Food is always subjective and I am hardly a foodie but I think Cunard's main dining room is the best of the mass market lot.

 

I never bother with the Casino on any ship so I can't speak to it. I'm lucky if I see one show in a week on any ship so the entertainment is not a priority for me.

 

Anyway, its good to see differing opinions without WW3.

[david,Mississauga]

...

 

We would expect Cunard to be traditional, even formal, and we like that. We are disappointed with having to choose a table at the start of the crossing (we were asked when booking if we want a 2, 4, 6 or 8-seater table but how can we know a year in advance?) which seems unnecessarily inflexible. ...

 

Table-size preference can be changed at any time through the Voyage Personaliser. Preferences are not guaranteed, of course, as the Grills are always full in my experience. I have noticed that changes can be made on board with the maître d'. The best chance of making a change on board is to embark early and attend the lunch in the Grills restaurant.

[Host Hattie]

We were at sea 18 days, and there were good and bad moments, but most of it was fantastic.

 

Sorry to hear about your waiter problems but I'm glad to hear that most of it was fantastic. Thanks so much for reporting back.

[Tothesunset]

Table-size preference can be changed at any time through the Voyage Personaliser. Preferences are not guaranteed, of course, as the Grills are always full in my experience. I have noticed that changes can be made on board with the maître d'. The best chance of making a change on board is to embark early and attend the lunch in the Grills restaurant.

Thank you for that response. Since making my post I've logged-on to the Voyage Personaliser and noted that option.

 

What bothers us is that if we go for a larger table we might get lumbered with people we don't want to dine with each night. On the other hand if we go for a 2 then what if we meet up with and wish to dine with others we meet on the trip?

 

Of course, we are looking at this from our limited experience on Silversea where the dining is almost infinitely flexible. We must make sure to take on the QM2 without preconceptions!

[BlueRiband]

Thank you for that response. Since making my post I've logged-on to the Voyage Personaliser and noted that option.

 

What bothers us is that if we go for a larger table we might get lumbered with people we don't want to dine with each night. On the other hand if we go for a 2 then what if we meet up with and wish to dine with others we meet on the trip?

 

Of course, we are looking at this from our limited experience on Silversea where the dining is almost infinitely flexible. We must make sure to take on the QM2 without preconceptions!

 

Hello Tothesunset, table mates are "the luck of the draw". As a solo traveler I ask for a large table. By the second night we have begun to "gel" as table mates and I've experienced some great conversations. There was only one time when a single person - a world class complainer and exaggerator - made it not so good.

 

Flexible dining has its drawbacks. Yes, one doesn't get stuck with unpleasant table mates but then one also doesn't have the camaraderie that develops during a voyage. Cunard mixes in the solos with couples so I also don't get relegated to a "singles" table. (I decided not to pursue a Regents Alaska itinerary due to open dining and zero formal nights.)

 

If you are sailing in Britannia accommodations, dinner is fixed seating but breakfast and lunch are open seating. You have both worlds which a set of dinner companions and meeting new people at other meals.

 

If however you are sailing in PG or QG you will be at the same table for all three meals. Then you have to reserve according to your risk tolerance. If it's really bad you can ask the Maitre D' to reseat you.

[Tothesunset]

@david,mississauga and

@BlueRiband

 

Thank you both for your advice. It is kind of you both to take the time to clear up these points about dining.

 

We love the open dining on SS where we have has such enjoyable evenings - but we have been able to choose our dining companions! I think we will opt for the 2 seat option on our PG crossing - it is only a week, after all. And there are so many other features of the crossing that we need to experience that I am sure the dining choice will not be an issue.

[pepperrn]

@david,mississauga and

@BlueRiband

 

Thank you both for your advice. It is kind of you both to take the time to clear up these points about dining.

 

We love the open dining on SS where we have has such enjoyable evenings - but we have been able to choose our dining companions! I think we will opt for the 2 seat option on our PG crossing - it is only a week, after all. And there are so many other features of the crossing that we need to experience that I am sure the dining choice will not be an issue.

Hi Tothesunset

 

Here are some photos of the Princess Grill restaurant on Queen Mary 2:

 

They are part of a "tour" of QM2 here:

(remembering that some areas may/will change during next year's refit)

 

I hope these are of interest/are helpful to you. I cannot wait till I board QM2 again :) .

 

A huge Bon Voyage from me.

Edited November 1, 2015 by pepperrn

[Tothesunset]

pepperrn

 

Thanks for those links. It is a remarkable looking ship and quite different (in scale mainly) from those we are used to.

 

I don't want to get too hung up on this dining question - the replies above have fully answered my concerns. It's just a pity that the PG dining arrangements are apparently quite inflexible - but, again, it's only a small issue.

 

Judging by your photos it will take us most of our 7 days to work out what's where!

[robbie_3]

Food, of course is subjective, but I agree with you. We did a round trip transatlantic this summer (NY/SH/NY) and dined at Todd English a number of times (wonderful!) We also ate at each of the Kings Court uncharge restaurants and we really enjoyed those as well and thought they were worth the money. We leave in less than 2 weeks for the Caribbean on the QM2 and will be doing all of the restaurants again.

 

We also enjoy dressing up so don't find that to be a problem, since when we are at home I wear jeans or yoga pants so it is a nice change.

 

Hi Cate,

 

We are crossing our fingers the weather will be kind on that trip, not long now :)

[david,Mississauga]

pepperrn

 

Thanks for those links. It is a remarkable looking ship and quite different (in scale mainly) from those we are used to.

 

I don't want to get too hung up on this dining question - the replies above have fully answered my concerns. It's just a pity that the PG dining arrangements are apparently quite inflexible - but, again, it's only a small issue.

 

Judging by your photos it will take us most of our 7 days to work out what's where!

 

I don't want to belabour the subject of dining in PG, but I just thought of some comments.

 

Regarding a table for two, our travel agent suggested this for our first time in Princess Grill. Having heard the laughter from the larger tables, it wasn't long before I wished we had taken a table for six as we do in Britannia and did several times on the QE2. The tables for two, however, tend to be fairly close together so we were able to converse with people at the adjacent tables when we wanted to and have private conversation when we wanted that. Many people think this is an ideal situation.

 

When sitting at our usual size of table for six, we have never once encountered any person who would cause us to request a change of table, and I'm relieved that no-one else did so on account of us :). We have had some thoroughly enjoyable trips and still keep in touch with some of our "new-found friends."

 

One disadvantage of the flexible dining times for each meal is the possibility that not all occupants of a larger table will arrive for meals together or even close to it. On two of the crossings (one in PG and one in QG) all six of us arrived for every meal within a few minutes of each other. On our last PG trip, however, one couple arrived at each meal at the beginning of the service; we were more or less in the middle; and the third couple arrived fairly late. So the three couples were together for 30 to 45 minutes except at lunch when we were together for most of the meal. But that only happened on one voyage. Most times it works out reasonably well and we still book a table for six.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy PG. We have enjoyed our dining experience whether in the QG, PG or Britannia.

[Tothesunset]

david,

 

We fully intend to enjoy the trip. Your observations on the PG dining are most helpful. It is only a small part of the experience; in fact, the crossing itself will begin after 3 days in the World's finest city so we should be on quite a high before we even get on board!

[BigMac1953]

Just for the record, Grill pax can use the Britannia for lunch any time they want. We have done so, to enable us to sit with friends. Not a lot of difference at lunchtime, between all the restaurants.

 

Stewart

[Tothesunset]

Just for the record, Grill pax can use the Britannia for lunch any time they want. We have done so, to enable us to sit with friends. Not a lot of difference at lunchtime, between all the restaurants.

 

Stewart

Good tip. Thanks.

[keithm]

We spent the whole return crossing in Todd English in August and couldn't fault it, the staff were wonderful and food worthy of fine dining. I hope then that Woodley's experience was a one off. Will report back on how our 28 day Todd English booking experience goes on the Caribbean trip in a few days, we are very much looking forward to it. :)

Always found the food there to be fine & never rushed.

[axelskater]

I appreciate the opinions & reviews, because it is interesting to see how others view Cunard. But I do occasionally wonder if some "first-timers" read the brochures and look at the pix. Cunard is a formal line, most nights you see ties & jackets rather than not, QM2 was built for crossings not cruises, and they purposefully market the insight lectures rather than the fun & games.

 

When you read the brochures it says things like "enjoy a harpist over afternoon tea" or "have a glass of champagne while enjoying a string quartet", or "take an acting class with RADA". It's just who Cunard is. But of course it is interesting to see how others view the line.

[Lakesregion]

So many people seem to have trouble understanding the "Cunard" way. All they have to do is obtain a Cunard brochure, dress like the folks in the brochure checking into the Grill Suite, enjoying the outer decks (nary a pair of jeans to be seen) and attending dinner and then read all about the activities as they are well spelled out. Nothing is left to ponder if one reads for comprehension.

[woodley]

So many people seem to have trouble understanding the "Cunard" way. All they have to do is obtain a Cunard brochure, dress like the folks in the brochure checking into the Grill Suite, enjoying the outer decks (nary a pair of jeans to be seen) and attending dinner and then read all about the activities as they are well spelled out. Nothing is left to ponder if one reads for comprehension.

 

On our recent crossing there were many people wearing jeans during the day and a few in the evening. there were people wearing T shirts, flip flops around the ship. We also saw a lot of people in ill fitting suits and evening gown that looked very uncomfortable and awkward.

 

Sayings such as "Clothes do not make the man" and "don't judge a book by its cover" come to mind.