ballroom-cruisers Posted April 26, 2023 #251 Share Posted April 26, 2023 It looks to me like Cunard are doing their utmost to get the ship operational in the shortest time consistent with the necessary repairs, and also going the extra mile to offer a lovely Coronation voyage at a price that is a generous giveaway. They could not do more for passengers in the circumstances and they should be lauded for making this all happen when the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the two TAs was not within their control. Everyone who books a holiday of any kind would know it is not risk free - and indeed walking down the road to post a letter is also not risk free. We should make the most of the positive things we have and not dwell incessantly on the negatives. 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchanan101 Posted April 26, 2023 #252 Share Posted April 26, 2023 1 hour ago, Solent Richard said: I believe @Bell Boy alluded to it yesterday though I can't find his comment any more. Anyway, here are the important details ... The Kings Coronation Grand Celebration 2 May 2023, 5 Nights, RMS Queen Mary 2 Roundtrip Southampton Southampton - Liverpool (overnight) - Two Glorious Sea Days - Southampton Inside Stateroom from £194 pp Oceanview Stateroom from £244 pp Balcony Stateroom from £294 pp Club Balcony Stateroom from £394 pp Princess Grill Suite from £481 pp Queens Grill Suite Q7 - Q5 from £578 pp Q4 Queens Grill Suite from £771 pp Q3 Queens Grill Suite from £964 pp Q2 Queens Grill Suite from £1639 pp Q1 Queens Grill Suite from £1929 pp Pre-register xxxxxxxx xxxx today, this cruise goes on sale from 1pm on Thursday 27th April 2023 Those are very low prices... <£1200 for 5 nights in a QG compared with ~£7000 for a TA? I'd be going on that if I could but off to Lisbon on 7th. Well, not sure I'm that keen on the Coronation, but it looks like a bargain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouChamp Posted April 26, 2023 #253 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Aloha. The Coronation was scheduled far enough in advance that if Cunard was going to have a special sailing they could have notified booked passengers about the cancellations and rescheduling. They seem to be not transparent with this. I know other ships when fully chartered or in need of sudden repairs have changes but I am disappointed with Cunard for their lack of transparency. I love Cunard having sailed with them since the 1970s and countless times on QE2, QV and the QM2 in all classes. Let’s hope they clarify and do right for those whose long planned and expensive holidays have been affected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchanan101 Posted April 26, 2023 #254 Share Posted April 26, 2023 (edited) 7 minutes ago, LouChamp said: Aloha. The Coronation was scheduled far enough in advance that if Cunard was going to have a special sailing they could have notified booked passengers about the cancellations and rescheduling. They seem to be not transparent with this. I know other ships when fully chartered or in need of sudden repairs have changes but I am disappointed with Cunard for their lack of transparency. I love Cunard having sailed with them since the 1970s and countless times on QE2, QV and the QM2 in all classes. Let’s hope they clarify and do right for those whose long planned and expensive holidays have been affected. Not sure I understand your point - the special sailing is only because the fault resulted in the cancellation of a TA return. Were they supposed to predict this fault? And I expect that the schedule for 2023 spring was already decided and being booked before the Coronation date was announced - given that you've been able to book April/May 2024 from Feb 2023 (15 months in advance) I am sure of this - the Queen was still alive when April/May 2023 trips were bookable. Edited April 26, 2023 by buchanan101 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballroom-cruisers Posted April 26, 2023 #255 Share Posted April 26, 2023 4 minutes ago, LouChamp said: Aloha. The Coronation was scheduled far enough in advance that if Cunard was going to have a special sailing they could have notified booked passengers about the cancellations and rescheduling. They seem to be not transparent with this. I know other ships when fully chartered or in need of sudden repairs have changes but I am disappointed with Cunard for their lack of transparency. I love Cunard having sailed with them since the 1970s and countless times on QE2, QV and the QM2 in all classes. Let’s hope they clarify and do right for those whose long planned and expensive holidays have been affected. I would take a bet that the TA that would have been taking place during the dates of the Coronation weekend would have already had in place special Coronation related activities and events on board, and organised well before the current period. It is quite possible that the newly advertised voyage is a replacement for what would already have been a fabulous special cruise, and some of the pre-arranged happenings will now be on the new Southampton to Liverpool voyage instead. Those who are lucky enough to get a stateroom on this new cruise will no doubt have a glorious trip and I bet the crew will enjoy it as much as the passengers. I would go if I could too. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wftjm89 Posted April 26, 2023 #256 Share Posted April 26, 2023 51 minutes ago, Host Hattie said: I think we're all relieved that the 2 month guess turned out to be incorrect and mostly understand that a short cruise to fill the gap is a reasonable thing to do in the circumstances. Two months was the potential time frame I was told. As I'm sure you can understand, these things develop at quite a pace, and until the issue(s) were properly identified and solutions found, subject to regular change. When we consider that QM2 is in her mid-life stage, it is not unreasonable to expect issues to occur more frequently and if we cast our minds back, QE2 received a massive overhaul with entire systems being replaced at around the same mark. I hope that Cunard/Carnival are being sensible and fixing the issue properly, as it would certainly not reflect well for a pattern of repairs that require cancellations to become the norm. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Solent Richard Posted April 26, 2023 #257 Share Posted April 26, 2023 1 hour ago, Windsurfboy said: Thank you Solent Richard where was is ,or is it a TA that can't be named A TA who is allowed to operate on one of my Cunard Facebook groups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballroom-cruisers Posted April 26, 2023 #258 Share Posted April 26, 2023 3 minutes ago, wftjm89 said: Two months was the potential time frame I was told. As I'm sure you can understand, these things develop at quite a pace, and until the issue(s) were properly identified and solutions found, subject to regular change. When we consider that QM2 is in her mid-life stage, it is not unreasonable to expect issues to occur more frequently and if we cast our minds back, QE2 received a massive overhaul with entire systems being replaced at around the same mark. I hope that Cunard/Carnival are being sensible and fixing the issue properly, as it would certainly not reflect well for a pattern of repairs that require cancellations to become the norm. I am quite sure that Cunard will do everything in its power to try to make sure cancellations do not become the 'norm' - if they did then it would be better to sell the ship or scrap it. After all ships have been operating that are quite a bit older than QM2 without frequent cancellations or significant loss of operational time. We all know that there is nothing any of us do that is zero risk of a problem - we plan holidays, and activities as part of normal life knowing that there is always some probability that is non-zero there will be a problem or issue - same when driving your car to the stores - you could have a flat tyre, or the engine could fail at any time - but normally those things don't happen and most of the time things are fine - same with a cruise ship. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleFish1976 Posted April 26, 2023 #259 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Just now, wftjm89 said: Two months was the potential time frame I was told. As I'm sure you can understand, these things develop at quite a pace, and until the issue(s) were properly identified and solutions found, subject to regular change. When we consider that QM2 is in her mid-life stage, it is not unreasonable to expect issues to occur more frequently and if we cast our minds back, QE2 received a massive overhaul with entire systems being replaced at around the same mark. I hope that Cunard/Carnival are being sensible and fixing the issue properly, as it would certainly not reflect well for a pattern of repairs that require cancellations to become the norm. Thanks for passing on what you were told by what sounds like a reputable source. I don't see why both scenarios can't be correct. If the problem with the engine became apparent around Cape Town and they made it back to Southampton, then surely they could do their little slow-speed trip up to Liverpool and back again without much risk, staying close to home. Keeps the tills ringing and (some of the) customers happy. If we assume it is a larger problem to fix properly then the ship may not want to venture too far until it is resolved, putting a TA, let alone two TAs out of the question for the time being. Would Norway want to see her in the fjords if part of the problem relates to exhaust quality? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EXB Posted April 26, 2023 #260 Share Posted April 26, 2023 https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/coronation-voyage 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchanan101 Posted April 26, 2023 #261 Share Posted April 26, 2023 43 minutes ago, ballroom-cruisers said: I am quite sure that Cunard will do everything in its power to try to make sure cancellations do not become the 'norm' - if they did then it would be better to sell the ship or scrap it. After all ships have been operating that are quite a bit older than QM2 without frequent cancellations or significant loss of operational time. We all know that there is nothing any of us do that is zero risk of a problem - we plan holidays, and activities as part of normal life knowing that there is always some probability that is non-zero there will be a problem or issue - same when driving your car to the stores - you could have a flat tyre, or the engine could fail at any time - but normally those things don't happen and most of the time things are fine - same with a cruise ship. QM2 as a liner has a harsher life and fewer days in port than any cruise ship. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted April 26, 2023 #262 Share Posted April 26, 2023 A wonderful short cruise for those able to slot it in and absolutely amazing prices. Go for it if you can! 👍 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted April 26, 2023 #263 Share Posted April 26, 2023 1 hour ago, EXB said: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/coronation-voyage When I follow this link, it takes me to a page that asks me to choose US or UK site. If I choose US, I get an error message. So perhaps this isn't being offered in the US? I hope they give people on the cancelled voyages first chance to book this. If I were in the UK, I would absolutely want to do it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchanan101 Posted April 26, 2023 #264 Share Posted April 26, 2023 (edited) 3 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said: When I follow this link, it takes me to a page that asks me to choose US or UK site. If I choose US, I get an error message. So perhaps this isn't being offered in the US? I hope they give people on the cancelled voyages first chance to book this. If I were in the UK, I would absolutely want to do it. The U.K. site says it can be booked from outside U.K. but has to be in GBP - so I guess try the U.K. site when it’s open for bookings Can international guests book? Yes, please call the Contact Centre who will be able to process your booking, which will be made in GBP. Edited April 26, 2023 by buchanan101 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted April 26, 2023 #265 Share Posted April 26, 2023 4 minutes ago, buchanan101 said: The U.K. site says it can be booked from outside U.K. but has to be in GBP - so I guess try the U.K. site when it’s open for bookings Can international guests book? Yes, please call the Contact Centre who will be able to process your booking, which will be made in GBP. I did see that. I think they aren't promoting it in the US because it would mean last-minute airfare for a relatively short cruise. Plus, Cunard doesn't need us. I expect this to sell quickly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchanan101 Posted April 26, 2023 #266 Share Posted April 26, 2023 4 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said: I did see that. I think they aren't promoting it in the US because it would mean last-minute airfare for a relatively short cruise. Plus, Cunard doesn't need us. I expect this to sell quickly. It's priced to sell quickly - absurdly cheap per night compared with a TA - about 25% of the cost per night 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemarble Posted April 26, 2023 #267 Share Posted April 26, 2023 42 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said: I did see that. I think they aren't promoting it in the US because it would mean last-minute airfare for a relatively short cruise. Plus, Cunard doesn't need us. I expect this to sell quickly. Plus, I'd be concerned if we in the US booked this through the UK office we might end up booking under the UK terms and conditions. Among other things that would require £2 million of medical insurance cover. At least that's something to clarify for anyone from the US who might want to try to book that Coronation Celebration Voyage. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starstruckharper Posted April 26, 2023 #268 Share Posted April 26, 2023 (edited) I was watching QM2 on Vessel Finder as she made her way back from Australia on her world cruise. As she was sailing up the West Coast of Africa, she was still managing 16 or 17 knots on only three engines. What a magnificent machine she is. (Sidenote: Is the proper grammer "*The* Queen Mary 2" or just "Queen Mary 2?") Edited April 26, 2023 by Starstruckharper 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safarigal Posted April 26, 2023 #269 Share Posted April 26, 2023 I must say it is somewhat annoying that those of us still on QM2 and not aware of when we are going to fly home, have not been told about this sailing even though the QV folks were sent a letter. I am sure there are some US folks on board QM2 with us, who would jump at the opportunity 🙂 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare eroller Posted April 26, 2023 #270 Share Posted April 26, 2023 7 hours ago, jsailox said: The problem would appear to be corrosion in the funnel which contains the exhausts for the four diesel and two auxiliary gas turbine generators (which are only needed when QM2 is travelling at speed) and various ventilation exhausts. The two additional funnels at the stern are exhausts for the galley ventilation system and the onboard incinerators." “During the 2016 refit, QM2 was fitted with “exhaust gas scrubbers”. This cleans the emissions of the engines; it is of course especially relevant when cruising in areas of specific scientific interest (such as the Fjords, where she is due next month). From what I can gather (though don’t know for certain) these are situated inside the funnel. These areas get very hot when the engines are running, and have corroded to a point where significant repair/replacement is needed. The problem has been identified. There is a known fix, and it’s not especially complex but is a major job in duration terms. It cannot be done when engines are underway, hence the need for the unscheduled cancellation. “ https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/494161-flagship-cunard-cruise-ship-relaunched-after-scrubber-installations If indeed the issue is corrosion, this is not something that occurs overnight but over time. One would think regular inspections by the engineering team would uncover such corrosion, and take preventive measures. There may of course be more to it, but that is my initial reaction. Based on my last sailing on QM2 (March 2022), the evidence of deferred exterior maintenance was everywhere. In fact I've never seen the ship look worse (on the exterior). It was sad to see as I do take pride in QM2 and she has been my favorite ship since her introduction (although maybe not anymore). Based on those observations I can't say I'm surprised they let the funnel casings deteriorate. They might have saved some money then, but they are paying for it now. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watsonbeau Posted April 26, 2023 #271 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Understand M311E as the Coronation Cruise is called, the itinerary is in Liverpool 3rd/4th overnight then 2 sea days before returning on 7th. One black and white Gala night (assume Coronation Day). Just spoken to TA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insights Posted April 26, 2023 #272 Share Posted April 26, 2023 All Kudos to Cunard... 😇 It seems there are still USA passengers on QM and If I was one, I would love to sail to Liverpool for the Kings coronation. A once in a lifetime experience and an exceptionally super end to a world cruise. Cunard has grabbed success from the jaws of failure... Always remember... Life is what happens while we make plans 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted April 26, 2023 #273 Share Posted April 26, 2023 1 minute ago, Insights said: All Kudos to Cunard... 😇 It seems there are still USA passengers on QM and If I was one, I would love to sail to Liverpool for the Kings coronation. A once in a lifetime experience and an exceptionally super end to a world cruise. Cunard has grabbed success from the jaws of failure... Always remember... Life is what happens while we make plans Except nobody seemed to tell Safarigirl which seems a bit daft. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insights Posted April 26, 2023 #274 Share Posted April 26, 2023 whic 4 minutes ago, exlondoner said: Except nobody seemed to tell Safarigirl which seems a bit daft. Which means she may be in for a happy surprise? (and all the extra days onboard at no cost) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Windsurfboy Posted April 26, 2023 #275 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Fantastic news. Fantastic value an absolute steal, if only we lived nearer, and hadn't just got off QM2 on Sunday. Safarigal should be able to book on board, or walk across road to carnival house 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now