Cunard for an NCL regular?

[RocketMan275]

32 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

I would LOVE to do Cunard one of these days. Personally, I relish the opportunity to dress up. I have several tuxedos and don't get to wear them much anymore. 

You can wear one tonight.

[DCGuy64]

49 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

You can wear one tonight.

Yeah, not what I meant, but OK! 😉

[DCGuy64]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

I have no issues with your playing dress  up.  I  have issues when formal nights make eveyone else play dress up too or be restricted to certain areas of the ship.  It's absurd to believe that the mere sight of another passenger not in black tie will ruin the entire evening for one who is playing dress up.

I've reread @maggielou362's post and don't see anywhere that it was suggested non-black tie wearers would, to use your words, "ruin the entire evening" for others. You are projecting. Nevertheless, it's obvious that Cunard isn't for you, and that's perfectly OK. 😊

[cruiser2015]

Back when I was a younger man, I thought the dressing up was cool.

On my first cruises (Home Lines & Costa), in the 70's & 80's, men wore jackets & ties every night for dinner. And there was no buffet, except the one at midnight.

San Juan casinos used to require a jacket & tie to even enter.

 

I no longer miss those days. I have no interest in "dressing" for dinner.

But for those who enjoy it - have at it!

Happy sailing to all.

[RocketMan275]

46 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

Yeah, not what I meant, but OK! 😉

Just trying to help.

[RocketMan275]

43 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

I've reread @maggielou362's post and don't see anywhere that it was suggested non-black tie wearers would, to use your words, "ruin the entire evening" for others. You are projecting. Nevertheless, it's obvious that Cunard isn't for you, and that's perfectly OK. 😊

She did not but there have been multiple posters/threads claiming that their evening would be ruined if they encountered someone not dressed formally.  You can find these in some of the older formal night threads.

[DCGuy64]

6 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

She did not but there have been multiple posters/threads claiming that their evening would be ruined if they encountered someone not dressed formally.  You can find these in some of the older formal night threads.

Yes but you made that comment in response to someone who didn't make that allegation, which is why it seemed unfair to me.

 

9 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Just trying to help.

I think it's pretty obvious that the issue isn't whether or not I can put my tuxedo on, the point is to have a purpose for it like a dinner, a cruise, or some other event. I'm pretty sure you already knew that, though. 😉  No harm, though. I am actually looking forward to bringing my fancy duds on our next cruise, which is just a month from today. 🙂 I used to wear a tux a lot for singing engagements, but most ensembles have switched to "theater black," which is simply a black dress shirt, black trousers and black dress shoes.

[RocketMan275]

10 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

I think it's pretty obvious that the issue isn't whether or not I can put my tuxedo on, the point is to have a purpose for it like a dinner, a cruise, or some other event. I'm pretty sure you already knew that, though. 😉  No harm, though. I am actually looking forward to bringing my fancy duds on our next cruise, which is just a month from today. 🙂 I used to wear a tux a lot for singing engagements, but most ensembles have switched to "theater black," which is simply a black dress shirt, black trousers and black dress shoes.

That's wonderful.  As I've said, my issue isn't with those who dress formally.  My issue is when they try to make me dress formally.

[DCGuy64]

31 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

That's wonderful.  As I've said, my issue isn't with those who dress formally.  My issue is when they try to make me dress formally.

Indeed! But that won't be an issue, since you're not going to cruise with Cunard, Cunard can't make you dress formally. But the good news is that most cruise lines cater to you (and me), Cunard being very much the exception.

[RocketMan275]

15 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

Indeed! But that won't be an issue, since you're not going to cruise with Cunard, Cunard can't make you dress formally. But the good news is that most cruise lines cater to you (and me), Cunard being very much the exception.

True, and that is precisely the issue.  OP asked for opinions on NCL v. Cunard.  The Cunard dress code certainly is a factor.  Also, the Cunard 'vibe' which is the recreation of a old-time cruise experience.

[DCGuy64]

5 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Also, the Cunard 'vibe' which is the recreation of a old-time cruise experience.

Yes, and more's the pity!  😆

[schmoopie17]

58 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

That's wonderful.  As I've said, my issue isn't with those who dress formally.  My issue is when they try to make me dress formally.

My birthday is next week. Would I be out of line to wear my birthday suit? (Hey, it's a suit.)

What about with a bow tie?

[RocketMan275]

3 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

My birthday is next week. Would I be out of line to wear my birthday suit? (Hey, it's a suit.)

What about with a bow tie?

That's fine as long as you book one of those nudist cruises.

[PATRLR]

54 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Also, the Cunard 'vibe' which is the recreation of a old-time cruise experience.

Just curious, when were you last on Cunnard?  Were you on the QM2?

[kitkat343]

Cunard is an extremely small line.  I will be forever grateful to them that they took my 2 year old in daycare so I was able to see Norway, and that they accepted my day dress as formalwear while I was chasing after small children and let me eat in the MDR and visit all areas of the ship.  As an extremely small line, they are very easy to avoid if you don't want to deal with their dress code or elegant onboard environment (I sail primarily for itinerary and am chasing small kids so I barely noticed the environment but can completely understand if others would prefer a different line).    

Edited October 2, 2023 by kitkat343

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, PATRLR said:

Just curious, when were you last on Cunnard?  Were you on the QM2?

I've never been on Cunard, I've given a 'free' cruise on Cunard, I would donate it to charity. I feel that strongly about their restrictions.

[PATRLR]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

I've never been on Cunard

 

Strange.  Because OP wrote this:

 

On 10/1/2023 at 12:47 PM, PATRLR said:

Calling on folks who've been on Cunard and NCL recently...

 

And I assumed that these words were spoken from experience:  

 

3 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Also, the Cunard 'vibe' which is the recreation of a old-time cruise experience.

 

Glad I got that cleared up.

[fabnfortysomething]

we are Saphire members with NCL and took our first Cunard cruise on QM2 transatlantic last year

i got hubby a tuxedo from ebay for £35 and got to wear pretty dresses for Gala nights

 

on the other hand we found dress code for other nights was what we would choose to wear on NCL anyway-ie change to collared shirt and trousers for him and skirt and top for me

 

there were some people very casually dressed particularly in Golden lion pub where we ended up most nights but never found any awkward experiences of being dressed different!

 

on the other hand I was scratching my head when on gala night one casually dressed gentleman asked the bar waiter why were so many people dressed up-he obviously hadnt read up on anything!  

[shipgeeks]

Apart from the dress code, the other issue I'd be concerned about is the set dining, which I know is not the case on NCL.

Our last cruise on Celebrity had some NCL cruisers aboard, and they were blissfully ignorant of set dining, although they had the option of choosing Mytime dining.  But no, they wandered into the set dining room, sat at any table, got up, called their friends over to sit with them, ignored dining times....

So, if you would be uncomfortable with having to go to dinner promptly at the time assigned to you, and the table assigned to you (most likely with several other people), I would hesitate to recommend Cunard.

[edspec]

 

Posted September 28

I am absolutely loving my cruise on QM2. This is a sold out voyage but no crowds to be seen. There are four separate banks of elevators so never a wait and many times an elevator with only one or two passengers. 

I haven’t seen one table of friends or family focusing on their phones instead of each other. Granted, internet isn’t good, Starlink won’t be installed for several weeks.

 

Almost everyone carrying a book or kindle which as a reader I love to see. Many utilizing the promenade deck which is wide and has loads of padded loungers. Lovely people to team up for trivia or to share a table at lunch.  
 

The ship is very quiet, any background music is low volume. The captain makes an announcement at noon each day with weather and navigation updates, as well as the history of nautical terms or sayings but that’s about it. The disembark paperwork states that QM2 practices a “silent disembarkation” in other words you’re given a time to leave your cabin and they assume you honor it. I loathe noise so this has been right up my alley. 

 

Food has been good to excellent. There has been a lot of lamb and game served, both of which I love. Fish as you can imagine is also good and the Indian food outstanding. Per my sister room service quick, accurate, and the food arrives hot. We have the drink package and there is never an issue with ordering multiple alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks at once. Waiters often just take one card for the table. Nibbles such as potato chips, olives, and cheese straws served with drinks from late afternoon. 

 

The ship is well maintained and beds are extremely comfortable. Penhaligans toiletries, including full bottles of lotion. Coffee and tea making supplies along with a kettle in all cabins…they even include simple butter cookies. I realize the cookies are for tea but I’ve been eating them for breakfast.

 

Entertainment is wonderful all day and into the evening. Trivia challenging and fun with a wide range of topics. Many enrichment lectures on a variety of topics.

 

Dress code strict, we did see an older gentleman turned away from the dining room on Black and White Gala Night…he was in dress slacks, shirt, and cardigan.  I personally thought grace could have been shown in that instance. I didn’t buy clothes for this cruise and my black knee length dress purchased for board meetings was right in the middle of what other women were wearing. My BIL bought a new tux and that seemed the most popular option for men, but a dark suit would be fine too. Day time clothing is what you’d see on any cruise.
 

I will sail with Cunard again, most likely a TA round trip. DH and DS like a more port oriented cruise so perhaps a Panama Canal cruise as a family.

 

I would sum this up by saying Cunard is for adults who want to behave as adults, not adults wanting to relive spring break.  I’m glad both types of cruises exist because that gives all of us options and I’m happy to experience both 🙂

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

[edspec]

BTW, Cunard does anytime dining now.  The longest we waited for a table was 5 minutes.

[PATRLR]

2 hours ago, edspec said:

Many enrichment lectures on a variety of topics.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 

Regarding the enrichment lectures, were they oriented towards the port stops?  And what itinerary were you on?

2 hours ago, edspec said:

Cunard does anytime dining now.

Oh, that's interesting.  If doing any time dining, as a couple, would we still be sharing a table or would they seat you alone?

[di T]

2 hours ago, edspec said:

 

 

Posted September 28

I am absolutely loving my cruise on QM2. This is a sold out voyage but no crowds to be seen. There are four separate banks of elevators so never a wait and many times an elevator with only one or two passengers. 

I haven’t seen one table of friends or family focusing on their phones instead of each other. Granted, internet isn’t good, Starlink won’t be installed for several weeks.

 

Almost everyone carrying a book or kindle which as a reader I love to see. Many utilizing the promenade deck which is wide and has loads of padded loungers. Lovely people to team up for trivia or to share a table at lunch.  
 

The ship is very quiet, any background music is low volume. The captain makes an announcement at noon each day with weather and navigation updates, as well as the history of nautical terms or sayings but that’s about it. The disembark paperwork states that QM2 practices a “silent disembarkation” in other words you’re given a time to leave your cabin and they assume you honor it. I loathe noise so this has been right up my alley. 

 

Food has been good to excellent. There has been a lot of lamb and game served, both of which I love. Fish as you can imagine is also good and the Indian food outstanding. Per my sister room service quick, accurate, and the food arrives hot. We have the drink package and there is never an issue with ordering multiple alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks at once. Waiters often just take one card for the table. Nibbles such as potato chips, olives, and cheese straws served with drinks from late afternoon. 

 

The ship is well maintained and beds are extremely comfortable. Penhaligans toiletries, including full bottles of lotion. Coffee and tea making supplies along with a kettle in all cabins…they even include simple butter cookies. I realize the cookies are for tea but I’ve been eating them for breakfast.

 

Entertainment is wonderful all day and into the evening. Trivia challenging and fun with a wide range of topics. Many enrichment lectures on a variety of topics.

 

Dress code strict, we did see an older gentleman turned away from the dining room on Black and White Gala Night…he was in dress slacks, shirt, and cardigan.  I personally thought grace could have been shown in that instance. I didn’t buy clothes for this cruise and my black knee length dress purchased for board meetings was right in the middle of what other women were wearing. My BIL bought a new tux and that seemed the most popular option for men, but a dark suit would be fine too. Day time clothing is what you’d see on any cruise.
 

I will sail with Cunard again, most likely a TA round trip. DH and DS like a more port oriented cruise so perhaps a Panama Canal cruise as a family.

 

I would sum this up by saying Cunard is for adults who want to behave as adults, not adults wanting to relive spring break.  I’m glad both types of cruises exist because that gives all of us options and I’m happy to experience both 🙂

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

Where’s the like button? 

[Host Hattie]

There are 2 Live from threads on the Cunard board at the moment where members have been posting copies of the Daily Programmes. It will give you an idea of the sort of things on offer.

 

 

[SoloAlaska]

one note is I believe Cunard has a max weight of 44lb per piece of luggage. The number isn’t limited however.

Cunard is on my bucket list. I’m thinking of doing a very long trip in 2026 which would include NCL, Cunard, and backcountry camping. I know it’s a very odd mix. Hardest part is how to pack for all 3 including camping gear.