New to Cunard - what are differences from P&O?

[Host Hattie]

Hi Hattie

Thanks for this view about the food on the two cruise lines. It is based on your experience and is,of course, of interest.

How many Cunard cruises have you done and is the food comparable on all of the three ships?

We are looking forward to experiencing the remastered versions of Kings Court and the Carpathian ( ?) lounge.

 

 

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11 I think, starting with QE2 in 2008 and most recently QV for New Year.

I can't say I have noticed any significant differences between the 3 current ships. We have travelled in Queens and Princess Grill, Britannia Club and Britannia.

Our trips have ranged from 2 to 21 nights.

 

I have had very few meals in the Kings Court or Lido, we usually go to the Dining room for all meals, or room service for breakfast.

Am I remembering correctly that there was no hot food on the room service breakfast on P&O ?

 

There was more variety of entertainment on P&O but that hasn't been enough to tempt us back so far !

Edited August 3, 2016 by Host Hattie

[pepperrn]

Drink prices were mentioned above (thank you h3rjp :) ).

 

I believe that Cunard use USA measures for spirits/liquor.

 

US. 44ml (or 1.5 floz) I believe is usual.

 

UK. 25ml is usual.

 

Which means that a US unit is closer to twice a UK unit.

I've often thought that the prices charged represent good value for money, even with the 15% added, compared to UK hotel or pub prices.

 

P&O are more "British" it is said, however, what size spirit measure is used on board P&O ships; UK or US?

 

One day I will give P&O a try.

[maggiemou]

Just to add to my previous post. I prefer Cunard.

I have sailed on P& O many times in the past when P& O was a good brand . In the 1980's I was a top sailor a "POSH" club Member. Princess, I used to sail on a lot and I am an Elite member. I liked their ships when they were new and before they introduced movies

under the stars with pop corn on hand.

However , after sailing Cunard for many years, they are the most consistent, they have kept themselves head and shoulders above the two fore mentioned cruise lines.

I do not do short cruises so have spent hundreds of days on the both P&O and Cunard. 99 days on P&O Arcadia in 2013 was the cruise from hell. 120 days on QE in 2014 was just amazing! Oh! BTW I hate kettles in my cabin. :)

Plus I prefer a mix of Nationalities as I do not live in the Uk and not used to hearing British people moaning daily. I also prefer the stricter dress code on Cunard and the fact I can dine in a wonderful restaurant each night at the same time with wonderful companions and the Maitre D escorts me to my table;) Each to their own so enjoy whatever you do.

Edited August 3, 2016 by maggiemou

[Traderboy]

I think all these points are probably quite fair, maggiemou.

We are, of course, looking forward to our forthcoming long trip on QM2.

We were on the Arcadia world cruises in 2014 and 2016 and we thought they were great - apart from the silly decision to alter the dress codes this year. We will I'm sure enjoy the new QM2. Thank you everyone for your advice.

I'd never thought about the bigger US drinks measure. What about the measure for beer?

 

 

 

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Edited August 3, 2016 by Traderboy

[Teddy123]

I'd never thought about the bigger US drinks measure. What about the measure for beer?

 

I enjoy a beer while at home but don't drink it much on cruises, so others may correct me, but I think it's almost exclusively bottled beer on all lines, so no difference.

[Host Hattie]

Draught beer is served in full and half pints, best selection in The Golden Lion.

[Underwatr]

I enjoy a beer while at home but don't drink it much on cruises, so others may correct me, but I think it's almost exclusively bottled beer on all lines, so no difference.

US bottles are typically 12 or occasionally 16 ounces. I think the equivalent to a 12 ounce in a UK or European bottle might be a lightly smaller metric measure.

 

Of course it might depend on where the particular product was loaded on...

[pepperrn]

... what size spirit measure is used on board P&O ships; UK or US?

I looked it up.

 

Cunard use 44ml measure for spirits/liquor (US 1.5floz standard)

 

P&O use 25ml measure for spirits/liquor (UK standard)

 

Best wishes.

Edited August 3, 2016 by pepperrn

[Traderboy]

How does the Canyon spa work?

On Arcadia it would cost £20 per day but it was much much cheaper if you booked it for a complete leg.

Do they do this kind of offer on QM2?

 

 

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[flcruiselovers]

Not sure how this helps as we have never cruised P&O. We are Americans just off our first Cunard cruise from Southampton. We have cruised at least 20 times over the yrs., on Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, NCL, and Carnival.

I put these in order of preference. Here are some observations from the Queen

Elizabeth.

 

First of all..there are two cruises going on at once.. the Suites and above with their own dining rooms and amenities, and everyone else. Guess that's why looking at prices Suites are so much more than balcony cabins.

 

As of July 29, no hot pots or kettles in the rooms.

But our balcony cabin was probably most comfortable bed we have ever cruised on, with duvets and wonderful pillows.

Big flat screen TV on wall with great picture and channel selection.

Small bottle of champagne on ice to welcome you on day 1.. nice touch!

Tune your tv to channel 40 (bridge camera) to hear announcements.

There is a storage drawer under foot of bed..another nice touch.

Many outlets in room but most are American type.

Room steward service was average compared to other ships..don't expect any

towel animals made each nite.

This Ship is exquisite, classy and well laid out. Most ships are a bit gaudy, glitzy and tacky. This ship is understated elegance.

The casino is quite small, and very quiet, but its a non-smoking ship, thank god.

The Library was most extensive we have seen on a ship. Used the internet briefly to check in for a flight, it was slow but managed to check in.. 75 cents per minute.

YOu can buy a coffee card for 10 cups of coffee that give you a 10% discount, still about $3.75 a cup. Coffee at lido and MDR is bitter, made tea drinkers out of us yanks!

MAIN activity on board with out a doubt is Ballroom Dancing. And most on the floor are quite good.

Formal nites were 75% Tuxes for men.

The Lido is casual, but you even see jackets worn there too.

The Service in the MDR was average to below average. We had late dining at 830 and often had to run to see a show starting at 1030. That is with a table for 8 that never had more than 6 at it.. They ask you 5 times if you want to buy wine, but never refill your bread or water glass.

We thought the food was only average too..perhaps we are not used to the British slant on the menu. Appetizers didn't look that appealing, unless you like the chilled soups.

I enjoyed the guest lecturers and comedian show. The dance troupe is typical.

Overall I found the staff to be polite and courteous, but not welcoming warm or energetic. Most are just putting in their time till their contract is over.

Shore excursions are overpriced, most cruises they are. In Flam Norway they sold a train ride for $126 each, but we just walked up to the train and bought tickets for less than half that.

This ship is incredible.. the rest of the experience puts it in line with Holland America in our view....

[flcruiselovers]

Wanted to add that there were laundry machines on 4 decks.. free use of washers and dryers, irons, and free soap available.

 

Also the embarkation check for liquor in checked bags was very liberal..in carry on they adhere to (carnival corp) policy of one bottle of wine allowed per person.

[Underwatr]

.in carry on they adhere to (carnival corp) policy of one bottle of wine allowed per person.

Very dependent on the port, probably. Never had a problem carrying on as much as a case of wine plus liquor in Brooklyn.

[Teddy123]

First of all..there are two cruises going on at once.. the Suites and above with their own dining rooms and amenities, and everyone else. Guess that's why looking at prices Suites are so much more than balcony cabins.

 

MAIN activity on board with out a doubt is Ballroom Dancing. And most on the floor are quite good.

 

The Service in the MDR was average to below average. We had late dining at 830 and often had to run to see a show starting at 1030. That is with a table for 8 that never had more than 6 at it.. They ask you 5 times if you want to buy wine, but never refill your bread or water glass.

We thought the food was only average too..perhaps we are not used to the British slant on the menu. Appetizers didn't look that appealing, unless you like the chilled soups.

 

Overall I found the staff to be polite and courteous, but not welcoming warm or energetic. Most are just putting in their time till their contract is over.

A few comments that might help readers:

 

The "Suites" mentioned above are the Grills cabins in Cunard terminology. It's true that as well as the separate dining rooms, there is a separate lounge and a separate area of deck for Grills passengers - on the QE and QV a separate (small) deck at the top of the ship, which is very nice and which is linked to a small open air “terrace” adjoining the two Grills dining rooms where people can eat outdoors (first come first served for the limited number of tables); on the QM2 it’s at the stern of one of the decks (unless it’s been moved) - not so good a position in my opinion. Some people find this “discrimination” objectionable, but at least Cunard offer it if you wish to pay the premium for it.

 

Ballroom dancing is certainly big on Cunard! We are not dancers, but were amused on a recent cruise that there was a 60’s night and some couples were determined to do some kind of “ballroom” dance no matter what the music: Twist or anything! It doesn’t feature anything like as much on P&O.

 

We really only have experience of Princess Grill, where food and service were excellent for all meals and where, as I’ve said, you really can eat exactly when you want.

 

I think staff who are “polite and courteous” are all I want - “warm and energetic” wouldn’t be to my taste! but again, expectations and values differ.

[Adammara]

Draught beer is served in full and half pints, best selection in The Golden Lion.

 

I was quite surprised to see a picture of a beer pump featuring our local beer, Batemans, on Gazroberts80 photo's of QM2. The brewery is only about 15 miles from home, and I have been drinking at a local Batemans pub for the last 60 years! OK, so I started a little early.....

[pepperrn]

I have to agree with Teddy123; I too am looking for dining room stewards who are polite and courteous, some might say slightly formal in attitude.

As long as they are prompt and accurate with the food order, that goes a long way with me :) .

 

Having said that, I have had chats with some of the stewards on QM2 as I've been onboard a few times. I know the background of a few as I've asked the questions. They recognise my face from one trip to another, which is nice, and greet me with a warm smile, and sometimes my name.

 

I also feel that it is very important to always be polite to the stewards and the crew; they are working very, very hard over long hours, so I don't have to.

 

If a Cunard steward introduced themselves on the first night with "Hi, I'm x and I'll be your server tonight" and then told me their life story, and that of their family... before taking my order (and that happened in a restaurant on land), I would be having a serious word with the maitre d'.

 

I'd also prefer the cabin steward to spend time cleaning the cabin bathroom, making the bed correctly and general tidying/cleaning in the cabin... than waste time making a silly animal from a towel (which should be on a rail in the bathroom, neatly folded).

 

Having the ability to fold a towel into a funny shape is not a sign of excellent cleaning standards in a cabin steward. Nor is it personal to you because they like you; they do it for everyone.

It is simply one more thing to move off the bed before getting into it. I suppose kids might be fleetingly entertained.

 

We all have different priorities I suppose...

 

I love Cunard :)

Edited August 3, 2016 by pepperrn

[flcruiselovers]

In regards to my comments on the staff and cabin steward; I was not disappointed by No towel animals in my room, just stating some differences from other cruise lines. Frankly I don't care about them.

All we asked of our room steward was to have a full bucket of ice in our room from around 430 to 5 pm each day for our in room happy hr. We got ice 4 days and had to call for ice 3.

I don't care to become best friends forever with the staff and put them on the Christmas card list.. just noticed that they all seemed tired and didn't interact with each other very well..no one seemed to enjoy their job, that's all. I blame Carnival for they have cut staff on other cruise lines they own, so probably this one too..

[Traderboy]

Can anyone tell me how the charges work for the Canyon spa on QM2?

Also what kind of reductions are possible by booking for a complete leg of a world cruise?

 

I am a little confused about the Cunard policy for taking on wine/ liquor. They surely don't limit you to one bottle in your hand luggage, do they? Also do they sell some liquor at 'duty free' prices onboard which can be opened in the cabin as P & O do?

 

Further input and advice would be appreciated from those who have travelled on Cunard before.

 

 

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Edited August 5, 2016 by Traderboy

[Teddy123]

Can anyone tell me how the charges work for the Canyon spa on QM2?

Also what kind of reductions are possible by booking for a complete leg of a world cruise?

 

I am a little confused about the Cunard policy for taking on wine/ liquor. They surely don't limit you to one bottle in your hand luggage, do they? Also do they sell some liquor at 'duty free' prices onboard which can be opened in the cabin as P & O do?

 

Further input and advice would be appreciated from those who have travelled on Cunard before.

 

 

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I've taken a couple of bottles of wine on without trouble, but not tried more. Just back from a P&O crusie where I bought "duty frees" but could only pick them up on the last day, so surprised to hear about opening them in the cabin.

[Bell Boy]

You would not want to buy a spa pass for an entire leg of a world Cruise, you would be better buying a four or five day pass for use on sea days. Often on 'port days' Canyon Ranch offers special reductions for entrance to the Spa and also good discounts on treatments. This information is often found in the daily program or one can often find out offers in advance from the duty Spa staff.

 

By the way the price of any treatment includes the use of the Spa facilities for the day, so there is no need to use up any of your days you may have remaining on a Spa pass.

 

Regarding taking wine/spirit onboard, Cunard unlike some other cruise lines are very mature when it comes to taking alcohol onboard their ships.

A small amount of wine/champagne or spirit is permissible to enjoy in your stateroom only. Wine may be taken into the MDR , however, there is a corkage fee payable of around $15/20.

[balf]

] I also prefer the stricter dress code on Cunard and the fact I can dine in a wonderful restaurant each night at the same time with wonderful companions QUOTE]

 

 

Wonderful companions, well we have certainly had those over our years sailing with Cunard. However, unless you can hand pick who you dine with its impossible to avoid some of the horrors we have encountered.

 

I don't need to give any examples, most passengers will have similar tales to tell, but if you could tell me how you consistently find these wonderful fellow diners, where we are landed so often with morons I would be very grateful.

 

David.

Edited August 5, 2016 by balf

[rakkor]

We always eat in the MDR for all three meals, opting for a shared table and I'm with Maggie on this one - our dinner companions have, without exception, been a delight on all of our cruises. We have had a couple of horrors at lunch, but nothing that couldn't be easily endured for the duration of that meal, and it's rare to be seated with the same people twice.

 

We've only done 5 cruises, October's Greek Islands Cruise on the QE will be our 6th, and by the law of averages we must be due a "wrong un" soon, but I certainly hope not :)

[Adammara]

Out of 39 cruises, we have only had a very 'difficult' table companion on a P&0 ship in 2006, and since then we have never had a problem. We have a table for two!

 

We have been with friends a couple of times, and also shared with a couple we met on board and got on with really well. Met a few about the ship I would not want to share with though!

[Underwatr]

I am a little confused about the Cunard policy for taking on wine/ liquor. They surely don't limit you to one bottle in your hand luggage, do they? Also do they sell some liquor at 'duty free' prices onboard which can be opened in the cabin as P & O do?

A strict reading of the passenger terms and conditions would suggest that Cunard limits passengers to one bottle of wine or champagne each at check-in but the actual practice is much more lenient than that. In practicality you can carry on any amount that fits through the bag X-ray scanner.

 

I have a wheeled collapsible cooler in which I can carry 10-12 bottles of wine. I don't know about other embarkation ports but in Brooklyn it fits through the scanner upright with the telescoping handle collapsed. I've received a comment or two about "parties" but there has never been an issue with that quantity at embarkation (nor at bringing aboard wine or liquor at ports of call).

 

Most onboard sales of liquor are delivered to your stateroom the day before disembarkation. Some itineraries seem to offer duty-free sales for in-room consumption but I haven't seen that in my travels. You can buy a bottle from room service for less than the per-drink price but otherwise it's no bargain.

Edited August 5, 2016 by Underwatr

[david,Mississauga]

...

 

Regarding taking wine/spirit onboard, Cunard unlike some other cruise lines are very mature when it comes to taking alcohol onboard their ships.

A small amount of wine/champagne or spirit is permissible to enjoy in your stateroom only. Wine may be taken into the MDR , however, there is a corkage fee payable of around $15/20.

 

Indeed, as Bell Boy says, they have a mature policy. We have never brought more than one bottle of Champagne on board, but I know other people who have brought on several bottles of wine and even bottles of their favourite gin or scotch. As indicated on "Ask Cunard" they do not enforce the rules as a matter of course.

 

 

"You may bring wine or champagne on board (over the age of 21) to celebrate special occasions. However if it is consumed in any of the dining rooms, alternative restaurants or bars then each bottle will be subject to a a corkage fee.

We reserve the right to remove alcohol at the gangway if brought on board, either at embarkation or when in a port of call and will be returned to you at the end of your voyage. It is not our intention to invoke this policy as a matter of course and we will only implement on occasions where we consider it likely that the health, comfort, safety and enjoyment of passengers may otherwise be compromised.

Should you wish to take wine or Champagne on board to consume in a restaurant, each bottle will be subject to a US$20.00 corkage charge. This fee is subject to change."

[tartanexile81]

I've just come back from a Westbound and Eastbound crossing on QM2 and have cruised quite a few times on P&O (as well as other lines) and without doubt I prefer P&O.

 

There is no doubt QM2 was a lovely ship and our cabin was great but the noise and the vibration in our Deck 5 cabin was really unpleasant in both directions (POSH). We also opted for a sheltered balcony and HATED that. We couldn't see a thing whilst sitting down (expect a white metal 'wall'). The ship is very, very formal. My husband wore a suit or DJ every night and there is no casual alternative to the MDR except the buffet so we never felt relaxed. The entertainment is pretty boring unless you like inane piano music in the lounges. On the way home we had speakers (Cunard Insights) from the NY Times and I can honestly say they were the poorest we've ever heard on any ship. They had files of notes which they just read, like a nervous teenager doing a school presentation. Yes the staff are lovely, yes the ship is in good condition but most of all we didn't have any fun. For us it was too stiff and impersonal but as I don't fly we may have to use it as a means to an end so we can get to the USA but give us P&O any day. This is only an opinion and I'm sure Cunard fans will disagree. BTW we've cruised with Cunard, Princess, P&O, Celebrity, Fred Olsen and RCCI

Edited August 6, 2016 by tartanexile81