Not-quite-Live < limited > cruise journal: QE (Q427) Alaska cruise: 10 night, 30 Aug – 9 Sep 2024 plus Vancouver pre & post

[mking8288]

 

Oh, dear Lord, this is getting real.   T minus 13 days for our upcoming cruise & vacation travel and just 9 days for flights from NY to Vancouver, BC via Denver on United Airlines. 

 

Background - our return to Alaska wasn’t originally expected nor planned for 2024 but …  DW and I previously on the NCL Star out of Seattle in 2008. 

 

Originally taken 22 Sept 2008 on a Sony DSC digital camera

 

 

  Mostly cruise on NCL, stumbled upon this Alaska itinerary on Cunad and “The Price is Right”.   As Latitudes Diamond, typically cruise frugally, never consider Cunard to be within our pay grade or price range.  A similar but somewhat different NCL Sun out of Seattle - slightly older vessel with less “preferred” port times and similar itinerary stops "lost" their appeal.  

 

 

2024 turning out to be a different than years past.  Originally, we had 2 TA on NCL, completed the first eastbound one in May with the 2nd one planned for late October, since cancelled …  After this first, fly back home and rest for about 2 weeks before taking Royal Caribbean on a 10 nights Canada & New England itinerary (end of September)  

 

Nowadays, if this is just another NCL cruise - we (should) know what to expect and the likely surprises.  Still, best and wise to always go with the flow, and if things get rough, hold on - brace yourself - take a deep breath, relax and chill.  There are exciting, new, different and unexpected treats that I believe we are looking forward to with this QE cruise.  The plan for this not-quite-live, limited, cruise/trip journal-report is ... just that, most likely not nearly "live" - before, during ,while ashore and afterward (post-cruise)  to contribute a little to what’s known and not well known.  

 

Input from others: I welcome other CC’ers on this cruise to share & post semi/live here; and, share & tell their stories, post or upload pictures & comments if they like to - help contribute to this not-quite live report (that format worked very well on the recent NCL Prima TA & made it lively & fun ... the "gang" can't wait to jump across to tease & "bust our chops" hahaha !!! )  Please be mindful of differences in opinions, agree to disagree and make it constructive & useful for others.   This report will definitely be a bit subjective, personal & biased with our preferences … but nevertheless, hopefully serve to highlight the differences as well as similarities between NCL and Cunard.  Plan to do the same when we embark on the Liberty of Seas next month, stay tuned for that one.  

 

Follow along (thank you) and if this is not of interest or boring, feel free to skip reading and move along as there is then not much to read or see.  Alcohol isn’t our “thing” on and off the ships, a nicely chilled ice coffee will do – once in a while, Starbucks and Dunkins are great but not a daily necessity to worship. 

 

With that – Cheers

(Susan) and Henry  a/k/a “mking8288” on CC

 

 

Appendum:

 

  Before we get to the "actual" QE Alaska cruise on August 30th, will touch upon in the next 2, 3 to 4 "posts" - briefly, at least - laid out air arrangements & travel plans, decision making in getting there; our choice for lodging; and, logistics in ground transportation - especially while staying in Richmond, BC (20+ minutes from downtown Vancouver, BC) that's 10 to 15 minutes drive from busy YVR, international airport.   Will also illustrate the tech "gadgets" and choice of hardware that we are packing or bringing along to stay connected & in touch.   

 

  Since Cunard is new to us and we have no status, veteran CC'ers sailing routinely & familiar with Cunard's protocols and unspoken things, please go ahead and help show us the ways and be kind & gentle, thanks in advance and guidance welcomed so that we won't tripped over.  

 

 There will be typo, spelling & other errors (not always easy with fat fingers while busy multi-tasking & eating, etc.) and if it can be edited, corrected or fix, it will be - otherwise, just "let it be" since this isn't a rhetoric class and the journal isn't going to get graded, go easy & just "let it be" (hey, that sounded familiar ... yeah, The Beatles - that's our generation)   When "quoting" post(s) with pictures, that can get take up plenty of space & make it slow to load & refresh - one method is to highlight but cut (delete) the photos but leave the text alone, "abstract" or just do @NAME of CC'ers screen name in the reply.   

 

Now, let's roll and make this a fun read for some, expect a few  "NCL cruising CC regulars" to be along for this fun & interesting ride on Cunard.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Edited August 17 by mking8288

[mking8288]

... continuing with the intro / preface or background leading to this Queen Elizabeth cruise, 10 night Alaska later this month: 

 

Cunard, unlike NCL and Royal Caribbean, does NOT have an “App” for iPhone and/or Android to use – it is browser-based on a desktop, laptop/notebook PC and Chromebook (also, personally tested & verified to work on my Linux based notebook) … in addition to tablet or iPad and my choice: Google Pixel 7 Pro (Android 14)    For those unfamiliar, these screenshots are good examples on what you will see -

 

Completing online check-in was fairly simple, quick and easy … like NCL and RC, one is asked to upload a passport-like photo and best done on the smartphone or iPhone with the pictures stored/saved.  No safety video reminders (10 times per passenger, yet) to watch prior to embarkation, cool - virtual muster drills are cool, but I am fine with doing it once, get it right & be done, checked off ... and, leave me alone without all that spam email ( NCL ... "can you hear me now" ) 

 

Once online check-in was completed, BP (boarding passes) were available to download, saved to PDF and print to show at the pier check-in and thru security screening, etc.   It is preferred to print out a hard copy of the BP for each cruise passengers, especially for Alaska cruise out of Vancouver, since check mark(s) and sticker(s) are issued or added – not possible with digital passes on a screen.  Good to know, huh.  eLuggage tags also ready to print, acceptable in black & white (grey scale) as color printed tags aren’t required.  Pier arrival to check-in for boarding is assigned by Cunard, we have 2:00 PM and the other 2 cabins at 2:45 PM … later than “expected” and it most likely meant we can breeze thru, also has to also clear US-CBP inside the terminal before we can head out to the gangway. 

 

Went from 2 to 6 of us going – NCL’s loss b/c we found the price is right for Alaska and NCL was more.  It has been on twin nieces’ bucket list to see.  Once they heard, started checking prices, said let’s tag along once they get vacation time-off approved (next day … done remotely as they still WFH on select days.)   This is the SIL that sometimes cruise with us as the 3^rd person sharing the cabin with us  … well, not this time as her hubby (BIL) has also become hooked on cruise from NCL last December.  It meant, 4 of them need a large balcony cabin, comfortably enough for 4 and/or possibly 2 cabins, the other being an Inside.   Long story short, got a large (deluxe) inside that can sleep 3 very comfortably, including sitting area with a sofa – very spacious and lots of closet/storage space.  

 

Surprisingly, prices dropped and the price of a balcony is about the same as oceanviews; and, the “girls” ended up with the balcony.  Retired parents can and will join them & hang out together to enjoy the scenery.  Not to mention, it’s not easy for 3 adults, let alone 4 adults to share a single bathroom … enough said.   Last I checked, Insides sold out and prices for balconies has gone back up higher … timing is everything, who said don’t wait to book last minute – there are plenty of cabin inventories this year (again) with prices dropping as it got closer.  Being flexible and able to go on short notices meant that deals are out there, not everyone’s cup of tea - we know (only wished it was possible while we're working then) 

 

Airfares and flight schedules, that’s another element we quickly looked into – along with where to stay, while sticking within our “budgets”. 

 

We haven’t been able to cash in our Carnival’s shareholders’ benefits … OBC for sailing in a while, that’s worth $100 per cabin with this cruise.  Nieces quickly brought 100 shares during a brief market dip and using the “StockPerk” app, submitted the digital request and was easily, quickly approved for their $100 OBC to use, nice !    Easier than NCL's submission format, IMHO.  

 

 

[Desert Cruisers]

We are on this sailing.  We use the  Alaska itinerary to escape West Coast heat.  Have cruised on Cunard many times.

[JIMESOPUS]

Following along and taking notes, thanks for taking the time to post

 

Jim

[mking8288]

Flying, we prefer to make our own independent air or flight arrangements, checking schedules & MCT for airports & terminal info, especially when we have connections to make and not able to use or do non-stop flights. 

 

From metro NY's 3 area airports, there are numerous & multiple options for flights into YVR (Vancouver, BC - airport is actually in Richmond, BC ... about 20 to 30 minutes from city centre/downtown & the waterfront - Canada Place Cruise Terminal where cruise ships embark & disembark passengers.)  EWR (Newark) has a non-stop option with Air Canada, except prices are relatively high & they aren't highly rated, a 15% discount isn't enough to convince me to consider & book them (not to mention that it will cost more to get there & back, drive-n-park or use $$ car service) 

 

JetBlue is supposed to be another option, DW likes & prefer them for non-stops but apparently, not available to choose from nor able to look-up prices & schedule ... maybe it is one of the routes axed recently - it's not exactly a LCC anymore, but their "free" carry-on luggage policy was once very good (hmmm, times have changed too.)  In case of delays, mechanicals and other weather-related matters, "B6" tickets cannot be cross-endorsed for other airlines nor honored by others with seats - although, we are insured and flying in 3 days early, not just in case (to sightsee & enjoy, see the city) - off the short list.  

 

Hence - we opted to fly United out of NY's LGA or LaGuardia Airport, (now a highly rated airport) on a sunrise flight with a good 3 hour layover at Denver, getting into YVR in the early afternoon and returning late morning (day after disembarkation.)  Will go to the airport "extra" early and to clear US-CBP plus Canada border control, a 3 hour layoff at DEN again, landing into LGA late evening … hopefully home at midnight. 

 

Preferred seats paid $$ for, confirmed … looks like the DEN-YVR segment in both directions are full … why, I am not surprised at all with cruise ships sailing seasonally.  3 out of 4 flights are on B737 Max series with the other being A320's - narrow bodies and ...  Getting prompted to upgrade to Business-First, on a standby basis - 20,000 points plus $$ on each of the 2 offered segments only.  No thanks, going to keep those miles in the bank to use for something else.  In early times, options to flying non-stop coast-to-coast to LAX, SFO or SEA, then a "quick" shuttle flight into YVR on United ... not anymore.  

 

Will have 3 checked bags and AirTagged, just in case - not to be trusted, hopefully not a repeat of our last UA flight via ORD to YVR.   Luckily, we're coming in the day of and courier delivered both missing bags to our hotel mid evening.  Plus, even with "Priority Boarding" - there is a fair chance of being asked to gate check our carry-on sized bags (being on a full flight) - putting Samsung SmartTag2 inside. 

 

DW hates air travel ... nearly cursing doing her packing & sorting, rolling & stuffing the compression packing cubes, and the 3-1-1.    

 

 

We know Vancouver and Richmond, BC well - been there a good # of times over the years ... first visited back in 1986, stayed at the Westin Hotel on the waterfront next to Stanley Park with a lovely view of the harbour and seawall.  Perhaps, we should've fly in 4 days early instead of 4 ... too late. 

 

One of the restrictions, since we decided to do some serious sightseeing on our own vs. doing organized, private & local tours - is rent a ... minivan, enough seating for 6 plus, fingers crossed, hopefully space for our luggage; and, that is (6) six 22" carry-on bags plus (3) three 24"+ checked bags, probably all heavy and packed full.  Ooops, is there room for 6 personal items / purse / small backpacks ... LOL.  One way or another, will make it work for us.  

 

Worst come to worst, 2 adults will take a taxi/Uber - to make room - while the rest of us with luggage will be in the van ... from the airport to lodging (not staying in an area hotel ... or else, we could just do the free shuttle) and it is a quick 10 minutes ride.

 

Originally, we booked a minivan with Alamo (best prices, unlimited miles) for 2 days, returning it on Thursday ... thinking that we would use taxi or Uber to CPCT on Friday morning to check-in and wait for our turn to board.  With 2 PM and 2:45 PM arrival & check-in/boarding time - going with Hertz and renting for 3 days ... and, the best part - we can, WILL be dropping off the minivan rental in downtown Vancouver on Seymour Street.  How nice, solved more logistical challenges for 6 adults with loads of luggage and it's an easy 5 city blocks away from the cruise terminal - "increased" our overall rental cost slightly, with a $82 USD premium charge for drop-off / return to a different corporate-owned location (that was not an option before)  

 

More flexibility with where & what to do for Thursday, especially evenings and even Friday morning ... maybe, we will drop our bags off after 11 - 11:30 first at CPCT, then have a light "lunch" downtown somewhere first or sightsee more nearby, then return for our assigned time.  Or, have a late but big breakfast that will power us until we get onboard after 3 to 3 PM - since we should be (scheduled) sailing at 5 PM, PDT and they will be rushing everyone to get on the ship ... surely will be packed & jammed with lots of passengers earlier in the day.  

 

BTW, have been tracking & monitoring QE's arrival & departure schedule on the previous 10 nights run and the upcoming one, scheduled to arrive at Victoria on Monday, 1 PM local time and back to Canada Place for turnaround on Tuesday, 7 AM and sail at 5 PM.  Cunard doesn't provide "exact" time or details about ship/sailing's time early in the booking process ... and, as we all know, per T&C or cruise contract, subject to change & revisions, etc. 

 

 

... to be continued (lodging - hotel options for 3 nights, and, other options for YVR) and sharing the set-up for technical "gears" coming along - electronics that usually come along when we travel & cruise.  

[NE John]

I did similar Cunard Alaska voyage in June and did a similar Semi-live report. You will be very happy you signed up for a 10 night cruise vs the standard seven nights on NCL and many other lines. That extra three nights really makes a good trip a great trip. 
More later…

[mking8288]

@Desert Cruisers  hello, fellow CC'ers on the subdue, quiet QE roll call ... a childhood friend that moved to attend high school & college in Las Vegas, living and still working there, about to retire soon message that tt's been literally hot as hell there lately, his family came back from vacationing in Japan, ready to and can't wait to get out of town again.  

 

  Checking the weather forecast ahead for our ports - rather be cloudy skies, wet & periods of showers and rain, feeling chilly are all okay with you and preferred.   Plan to drop in at the informal gathering ?  

 

@NE John  Thanks, been doing a bit of speed "browsing" on this board/forum and recognized your posts ( read your "Semi" ) & contributions, etc.  Thanks for the affirmation ... pretty confident & comfortable when we made the choice to book QE over NCL, as you wrote - those extra 3 days is going to make this a great trip, no matter what. 

I bookmarked 2 other good "reports" on this forum, going to read for more tips & ideas, etc. etc. 

 

Besides, many seasoned NCL "vets" not feeling warm & fuzzy lately with our "home away from home" and the changes.  Of course, I always say, go check out the competitions in person and see for oneself, the grass isn't always greener or the grounds softer on the other sides.  Some of us have been following a month long live report on Princess line (from one of the top-tier NCL Latitudes Ambassador ...)  Others should be coming along ... OMG, Jim is among the first to "peek" here  😁

 

Edited August 18 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Continuing as above ...

 

Lodging - where to stay pre-cruise (flying in 3 days early) and post-cruise, 1 extra night:  a cruise for 2 to 3, even 4 is easy and simple ... when you got 5, 6 or more in the group, things get a "little bit more" complicated with logistics, that included finding & booking flights, seat selections, ground transportations as a group together, and, pre- / post- cruise lodging for those extra nights, where to stay & what.   

 

Our "requirements" - good & comfortable and clean, safe ... sleeping accommodations for 6 adults/seniors, 3 rooms and bath, maybe a 2 BR suite plus a connecting or adjacent room –within reasons & budget in the Vancouver area.  Wow, look a bit crazy high, even with the very favorable currency exchange rate - Holiday Inns Express & Quality Inns at $250 USD+ per night ... nuts.   I get it, the annual cruise season and busy, popular summer for travelers

 

  With banked Marriott miles continuing to get devalued, looked into it and good grief, no way ... and is it worth the money/miles to stay downtown.  Personally, I think not - DW and I aren't strangers to Vancouver, we know & seen the changes over last 35+ years. Not worst nor  different than other major cities in the Americas, but ... Turned to Richmond, another area that we are comfortable & familiar with ... no, not the casino-hotel resort near the river, reasonable rates too.  

 

  No. 3 Road is the business/commercial corridor a/k/a "Main Street" in Richmond - most hotels are near that area, including the Radisson AP Hotel that's connected to/next to one of the major & busy (mostly) Asian shopping mall center - short walk to/from nearby SkyTrain elevated train station at Aberdeen.  3 basic rooms, discounted with taxes & fees when we're checking prices & options were still "high" for our taste/preference.  Now lower by about $75 USD per night & available ... too late.  

 

We turned to B&B … went to AirBnB to look around, and found some very good choices with a bit of careful research – a week after confirming and booking our cruise, confirmed and prepaid our “refundable” stay.  3 nights pre-cruise and 1 night post-cruise instead of rushing to try to try to make a midday flight to get home or spending the daylight hours doing ??  to wait for a late, red-eye, while having to find a place to store our luggage.  This is about ½ the cost for 4 nights of Marriott tiered basic hotel rooms (12 room-nights) staying near the airport, in Richmond, BC vs. in downtown and/or waterfront from a top-rated area SuperHost. Our private entrance at the annex & free off-site parking out front - host in the main house.  

 

 

Like onboard Cunard, self-service on-site laundry is available & free, washer & dryer and detergent, and ironing board, etc. at this luxury "inn" - how cool is that.   NCL - we get complimentary free laundry done and for delicates, the bathroom sink and BYO detergent & dryer sheets. 

 

One last thing here - will all the luggage fit in the back on the minivan ... I am reasonably sure that we will end up with a Chrysler Pacifica minivan, definitely will use one of the 3rd row seat, plus some floor space.  Worst come to worst, 2 people will be taking a taxi or Uber to meet us at the house, a quick 8 to 10 minutes drive from the airport, haha - going to be quite an adventure on that Tuesday afternoon.  

 

 

  This was from a different road trip we took recently .... one 22" carry-on per person x 6, and, smaller personal bags, barely fit in the back of this Hertz rental.  Where does the 3 checked rollerboard (24" sized) go, next 😆 😁 😛  stay tune to find out soon 😎

[Host Hattie]

Thanks for posting, I'm looking forward to reading about your cruise. 

[exlondoner]

Although black and white will do for luggage labels, it makes it much easier for the crew if you can print them in colour, as they are colour coded for different areas of the ship, and they can direct them without looking too closely.

[dexddd]

Ok, you want stories, last time we sailed the Sun or flew United was 2012.  Luckily it was the Baltics so that made the Sun just o.k.  I know it has had refurb but good decision to skip imo. 

 

As previously mentioned, notice Cuny's upscale where bars are called lounges, luggage tags are called luggage labels.

 

I have no doubt you'll be knighted and return as "Sir Henry".

 

Keep seeing mention of The Price Is Right.  Recall that is the leading entertainment on Prima.

 

Those butterfly comforters were stolen from my DW's Holly Hobbie themed twin room circa 1980s.

[NE John]

12 hours ago, mking8288 said:

many seasoned NCL "vets" not feeling warm & fuzzy lately

Ironically, my first cruise (not DW’s) was 30+ years ago on the Norwegian Seaward. Every night there was an elaborate Midnight buffet, those were a really big thing back then. I remember some dude showed me his matrix of when and where he can eat around the ship during his waking hours.
With that in mind, make sure you leave room to enjoy the Afternoon Tea a few times when onboard. Also, while the Cunard dress code isn’t as formal as it was even pre-Covid, most people sail on Cunard to dress up more than usual. Even in Alaska. I’m not sure what your thoughts are on that subject; it’s a feisty one these boards. My advice is to try your best. 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Found you @mking8288! Excited to cruise along on your Cunard voyage to Alaska. I will sit back and behave.

 

P.S. If they serve real clotted cream on board, can you smuggle some off the ship for me. Thanks so much.

 

[Celandine]

Exciting! Someone close to me (but who prefers to be offline) will be on this sailing! I am looking forward to following along on your cruise! 

[mking8288]

First, quick pictorial review from highlights of our previous 2008 Alaska cruise from Seattle on the Norwegian Star then - a small collection of "select" digital photos saved to a SD card taken on a Sony camera (DSC)

 

Ready for our long "overdue" return to see all the changes for the past 16 years, including the glaciers ...

 

Edited August 19 by mking8288

[mking8288]

13 hours ago, dexddd said:

Ok, you want stories, last time we sailed the Sun or flew United was 2012.  Luckily it was the Baltics so that made the Sun just o.k.  I know it has had refurb but good decision to skip imo ... Keep seeing mention of The Price Is Right.  Recall that is the leading entertainment on Prima. Those butterfly comforters ... circa 1980s.

 

Thanks, didn't know you last flew UA and the Sun 12 years ago. wow.  UA nearly lost both DW and my checked bag (using First class check-in counter on the 1st. morning flight when LGA reopened) when we last flew them via ORD to YVR, that was over 10 years ago and a long story - they got routed south to IAD, with bar-coded scanned tags !  

 

Sun's mid-ship balcony on the Viking Deck ( Deck 8 ) for 2 priced to about $5,500 before using 2 CNC and 10% discount in our account.  Was going to book the "funky" Oslo or International Deck without elevator access, then use our remaining Diamond free upgrade but ... then, this itinerary came to us.  NCL "lost" us (the revenue) since they have been promoting TPIR on both of our Prima TA.  Our friends sailed her on a TA back to NY 2 years ago, spoke to them over breakfast ... review was mixed and well - sealed this one.  

 

As for the comforters and deco - looks good enough for a short stay, as long as it's clean & comfortable, plumbing works ... don't care for mints or towel animals, LOL.  What matters is to check out the QE experience to decide if this is for us, or at least keep it on the short list for future consideration.  

 

 

Niece's pooch is sad again, knowing that she's going to boarding home again watching everyone packing - they left this afternoon for a week on Royal's SOS to Florida & Nassau.  We got 2 new house plants after the TA & going to see how they do when we get back.  What's your plan for the Fall ?? 

[2BACRUISER]

We aren't due on QE until june 25 but i'm looking forward to your take on her as not feeling the love from her latest reviews.🤔 Have a great trip sounds like you got all the planning in hand 👍

[dexddd]

5 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

Thanks, didn't know you last flew UA and the Sun 12 years ago. wow.  UA nearly lost both DW and my checked bag (using First class check-in counter on the 1st. morning flight when LGA reopened) when we last flew them via ORD to YVR, that was over 10 years ago and a long story - they got routed south to IAD, with bar-coded scanned tags !  

 

Sun's mid-ship balcony on the Viking Deck ( Deck 8 ) for 2 priced to about $5,500 before using 2 CNC and 10% discount in our account.  Was going to book the "funky" Oslo or International Deck without elevator access, then use our remaining Diamond free upgrade but ... then, this itinerary came to us.  NCL "lost" us (the revenue) since they have been promoting TPIR on both of our Prima TA.  Our friends sailed her on a TA back to NY 2 years ago, spoke to them over breakfast ... review was mixed and well - sealed this one.  

 

As for the comforters and deco - looks good enough for a short stay, as long as it's clean & comfortable, plumbing works ... don't care for mints or towel animals, LOL.  What matters is to check out the QE experience to decide if this is for us, or at least keep it on the short list for future consideration.  

 

 

Niece's pooch is sad again, knowing that she's going to boarding home again watching everyone packing - they left this afternoon for a week on Royal's SOS to Florida & Nassau.  We got 2 new house plants after the TA & going to see how they do when we get back.  What's your plan for the Fall ?? 

Nothing this fall, looking at MSC February out of PC.

[tacticalbanjo]

Like 2BACRUISER I'm not on QE until June 2025 but looking forward to hearing a Cunard take from someone who isn't a Cunard regular. 

[cruiseny4life]

And....I'm here!! Mainly for stories of the afternoon tea. I so can't wait to find out your impressions about it - one of the reasons I want to sail Cunard (yep, I'm a silly goose or bear as is their mascot, perhaps). 

 

Anyway, I'm here! Stalking the Cunard boards again - much to the distress of the regulars, I'm sure. 🤡 I've ruffled feathers - quite some time ago - when I was new'ish to these here boards.

 

Can absolutely not wait to hear all your thoughts and what your nieces think of the experience. I know we're a wee bit from the travel date, but wishing you fair skies and a lack of turbulence as you cross our grand fly over country (that I'm driving next month hehe). 

[exlondoner]

37 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

And....I'm here!! Mainly for stories of the afternoon tea. I so can't wait to find out your impressions about it - one of the reasons I want to sail Cunard (yep, I'm a silly goose or bear as is their mascot, perhaps). 

 

Anyway, I'm here! Stalking the Cunard boards again - much to the distress of the regulars, I'm sure. 🤡 I've ruffled feathers - quite some time ago - when I was new'ish to these here boards.

 

Can absolutely not wait to hear all your thoughts and what your nieces think of the experience. I know we're a wee bit from the travel date, but wishing you fair skies and a lack of turbulence as you cross our grand fly over country (that I'm driving next month hehe). 

I think that mascot might be a lion.

[mking8288]

15 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

And....I'm here!! ... Mainly for stories of the afternoon tea. I Stalking the Cunard boards again - much to the distress of the regulars, I'm sure. 🤡 

 

Can absolutely not wait to hear all your thoughts and what your nieces think of the experience ...

Thanks and hey, I am in trouble already for being here and not there ... felt like home schooling in primary all over, reading & learning (trying) to pick up the vibes, do's and don't to minimize stepping on sea mines like not packing at least a dark blazer or suit jacket ( it fit me, barely, once again 😆😆😊 )   Can't "afford" to go to afternoon tea everyday or else, don't think I can squeeze into coach seat on United flying home. 

 

Twin nieces were on the Getaway, Caribbean this past winter and you are so right, to get their 💭 thoughts & impressions, more so than their uncle Henry's biased opinions ...  Read somewhere that even Cunard's passengers are trending younger to 55 - 60's and, chats about ...

 

I am pretty sure we'll feel like being spoiled later next week onboard.  Scanning thru this board, it's deja vue like being on Norwegian, going to try to steer clear of silly comments and chair / lounge hogs - a more civilized cruise is what is on the wish list.  Late seating for dinner so that I don't have to hold my party for 20 to 30 minutes "freestyle" before we get a table to sit, just not Kosher.  Maybe that was just the Prima class ships 😳

 

Won't help ya in telling the Haven (Grill) or YC butler & concierge experience, or the bar 🍻 specials, and they don't have Starbucks (right, not that I am a fan of ...) - rather assorted British tea selections.  Will try if, just ask. 

 

We got more thunderstorms coming out way today ... will look out our B737 windows if we fly near your neck of the woods, probably closer near @graphicguy's barn - wishing Dan speedy recovery from replacement "procedure" over the weekend & that, is, major op in my dictionary, knowing that he's cool and calm.  

 

 

[mking8288]

Busy trying to decide what to include & pack for a lighter "Station Zebra", underwears ( boxers ?? ) & socks are in the cubes already.  Sugar is going to be making more jokes 😂 and hey, I am trying to share fun & humors. 

 

I am expecting announcements like "mind the closing lift" onboard 😆

 

[NE John]

20 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Won't help ya in telling the Haven (Grill) or YC butler & concierge experience, or the bar 🍻 specials, and they don't have Starbucks (right, not that I am a fan of ...) - rather assorted British tea selections.  Will try if, just ask

1) Cunard is not as segregated as you may think class-wise. Grills and non-Grills pax intermingle all day and few are wiser to it. Grills pax get treated like everyone else outside of the small Grills area (Dining room/lounge/outdoor terrace. That’s it) No prime ship real estate restricted for Grills only pax, No Grills theater reserved seating, no being escorted to the non-existent reserved seating, etc. 
2) There’s more than just a decent tea selection. The speciality coffees and hot chocolate at Cafe Carinthia, Commodore Club, etc are outstanding and blow away Starbucks. Especially in Alaska, try the Viennese coffee at Carinthia. . A++.
And don’t forget: complimentary room service for most items, self-serve laundry and detergent included in the fare, very little upselling during the cruise, only a noon announcement from the captain, no blasting music or announcements. You’ll find a mellow and pleasant environment onboard. 

I’m trying to lessen some preconceived notions that often plague first time Cunard pax. 

[mking8288]

@NE John  Thank you, John ... you have been very, very helpful - on this forum as I see, and on this newbie coming over and posting on the 1st time on Cunard board, truly appreciate the tips, advice & info and please continue with the points, guide & show us the way.  We are so used to the NCL format.  #1 is very important to know ... perhaps, after our upcoming "encounter of the x kind" - look to the future & book/cruise again.  Maybe bring a few NCL regulars into the mix and they might be along - we are closer to Red Hook terminal in Brooklyn (easier & without tolls or congestion surcharges too, LOL) if we keep Cunard on our short list.  

 

#2 - that's great, nieces in their 30's love tea ... well bubble teas.  A more mellow & pleasant ennvironment onboard will be welcoming for us  - no loud music or bingo over PA.  Definitely help ease and demystify the Cunard experience for first-timers like us.  

 

Much obliged, thanks & thankful in feeling welcomed here and even got some Brits (UK) CC'er following to get heads up, that's cool - trying my part to bring fun & hopefully a few smiles along from our newbie angle.