Queen Anne Grills Terrace access

[Victoria2]

We can all be armchair ships' architects can't we and deck 11 could have been given more thought but the fact is QA isn't bad at all.

 

There are a couple of real howlers [thinking touch button door opening for adapted cabins, drop down loo rail and the thoroughfare by the casino  to the theatre from a wheelchair/scooter perspective] but all in all, she's different and we quite like her, caveat being of course...she's not Victoria!!!!😅

[exlondoner]

27 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

We had no real problem with the lounge area apart from some of the low seats [oof] when we used it.

I am constantly surprised how many people aren’t worried by the lack of daylight or a view. These are two of the things I cherish about the Grills Lounge on the Vistas. As it was, on QA, I spent a lot of time trekking to the Commodore Club for those (to me) essentials, which I suppose was good from the exercise point of view.

[Victoria2]

1 minute ago, exlondoner said:

I am constantly surprised how many people aren’t worried by the lack of daylight or a view. These are two of the things I cherish about the Grills Lounge on the Vistas. As it was, on QA, I spent a lot of time trekking to the Commodore Club for those (to me) essentials, which I suppose was good from the exercise point of view.

We didn't spend as much time there as we would the Vistas and so got out and about but the area was often full so I guess some liked it.

 

[DukeBeetle24]

Just now, Victoria2 said:

We can all be armchair ships' architects can't we and deck 11 could have been given more thought but the fact is QA isn't bad at all.

 

There are a couple of real howlers [thinking touch button door opening for adapted cabins, drop down loo rail and the thoroughfare by the casino  to the theatre from a wheelchair/scooter perspective] but all in all, she's different and we quite like her, caveat being of course...she's not Victoria!!!!😅

Oh, it's just a bit of fun - I'm not criticising the ship, merely passing the time waiting for the next work meeting to commence. Though I imagine if @MylesS and I had some LEGO onboard we could build out a better layout - now that could be a good addition to the Daily Programme!

 

None of those issues seem like things that cannot be improved upon, I can already see some changes from the maiden voyage(s) up to recently. 

I am very much looking forward to experiencing Queen Anne, and Cunard for the first time, in October. And yes, we are booked twice on Queen Victoria already - looking forward to experiencing her just as much as the rest of the fleet.

[Victoria2]

6 minutes ago, DukeBeetle24 said:

Oh, it's just a bit of fun - I'm not criticising the ship, merely passing the time waiting for the next work meeting to commence. Though I imagine if @MylesS and I had some LEGO onboard we could build out a better layout - now that could be a good addition to the Daily Programme!

 

None of those issues seem like things that cannot be improved upon, I can already see some changes from the maiden voyage(s) up to recently. 

I am very much looking forward to experiencing Queen Anne, and Cunard for the first time, in October. And yes, we are booked twice on Queen Victoria already - looking forward to experiencing her just as much as the rest of the fleet.

Looking forward to your QA thoughts...but not QV as I'm too jealous.🙂

[DukeBeetle24]

6 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Very ingenious. It seems almost beyond belief that Cunard managed to make such a mess of this, when they did it so brilliantly on the Vistas, also an adaptation of an HAL design.

 

As you may know, my solution is to pinch the wellness studio, which surely doesn’t need to be that large or actually need daylight and a view. It could use a part of Deck 12, next to the Boardroom, assuming it is necessary at all, which it certainly wasn’t on our voyage, but I am assuming younger and fitter passengers subsequently. A short covered way would enable passengers to reach the lifts and stairs to go to dinner.

I have seen your comments regarding it and although I didn't initially agree, I see the merit in it and think you're right. It's an oversized space, which feels wasted if only ever used for an hour or two a day, I quite like the suggestion to make this a lounge for Grills, it would be full of light and not a stretch to extend the area - providing they opened one side as an access route for non Grills guests. Fundamentally, most people wouldn't be missing out in this way. 

 

You could - again more pie in the sky thinking - move the Yoga space above the library in place of the pickleball court. It has showers and a toilet there, it's near the bar and would also deal with the issue I've read about excessive noise in the library when people are playing above. 

[exlondoner]

12 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

We didn't spend as much time there as we would the Vistas and so got out and about but the area was often full so I guess some liked it.

 

On the rare occasions I passed by, it seems more or less empty, except before meals. Mind you, this could have been because the bar opened so late, so there was no point going there hoping for a cup of coffee at 10.30. I gather this has now been rectified.

[Wagtail adventures]

3 hours ago, exlondoner said:

Well, if they took the pools away, at least on one side, there could be a pathway...

I am not sure they would be able to do this because of weight distribution.  Because of the weight of the water my understanding is the ship architects have to be very careful where they place pools and it must be balanced.  I don't think it is just for aesthetics that there is one pool on either side exactly opposite each other.  That's why you normally see symmetrically placed hot tubs (although very interesting to see in the Pavilion they have managed to slightly offset their hot tubs away from the centre line and I'm presuming the weight is counterbalanced elsewhere).

 

It is a real conundrum what to do about passing-through guest access however.  There is no way around this that I can see.  I suspect it will just become one of this ship's idiosyncrasies. 

[exlondoner]

2 minutes ago, Wagtail adventures said:

I am not sure they would be able to do this because of weight distribution.  Because of the weight of the water my understanding is the ship architects have to be very careful where they place pools and it must be balanced.  I don't think it is just for aesthetics that there is one pool on either side exactly opposite each other.  That's why you normally see symmetrically placed hot tubs (although very interesting to see in the Pavilion they have managed to slightly offset their hot tubs away from the centre line and I'm presuming the weight is counterbalanced elsewhere).

 

It is a real conundrum what to do about passing-through guest access however.  There is no way around this that I can see.  I suspect it will just become one of this ship's idiosyncrasies. 

Yes, true, though I was reading about a NCL ship where the pools are asymmetrical. In that case they can get rid of them both, which, apart from anything else, might discourage those who shouldn’t be there. There is space for one in the middle at the back of the deck near the funnel, if they really want one.

[DukeBeetle24]

5 minutes ago, Wagtail adventures said:

I am not sure they would be able to do this because of weight distribution.  Because of the weight of the water my understanding is the ship architects have to be very careful where they place pools and it must be balanced.  I don't think it is just for aesthetics that there is one pool on either side exactly opposite each other.  That's why you normally see symmetrically placed hot tubs (although very interesting to see in the Pavilion they have managed to slightly offset their hot tubs away from the centre line and I'm presuming the weight is counterbalanced elsewhere).

 

It is a real conundrum what to do about passing-through guest access however.  There is no way around this that I can see.  I suspect it will just become one of this ship's idiosyncrasies. 

Perhaps, however Silver Nova is designed asymmetrically for instance - with the pool on one side so it's not something that cannot be done. It's certainly more visually appealing to be symmetrical, but a redesign wouldn't necessarily diminish that either. 

[Wagtail adventures]

4 minutes ago, DukeBeetle24 said:

Perhaps, however Silver Nova is designed asymmetrically for instance - with the pool on one side so it's not something that cannot be done. It's certainly more visually appealing to be symmetrical, but a redesign wouldn't necessarily diminish that either. 

Good point, and interesting context.  However, in the rare case of ships where this has been done, the counterbalancing of the weight of all that water must have been cleverly designed-in.   I would have thought retrospectively adding a counterbalance weight to offset this large weight imbalance somewhat clumsy and unless the weight they add to do this has a purpose, it is just adding dead weight which would impact upon fuel economy and isn't very environmentally friendly.  However, maybe there is a good challenge for a ship architect in her first major refit!

 

 

[Nick&Simon]

I think the Grill’s Terrace works very well, much better than the Vista class vessels. But with the entrance locks access to Cabana is a pain.

 

I only have two issues with Anne: the drains in 1840 can get very smelly and the door to the disabled toilet behind Sky Bar is a nightmare to work (or not work).

[DukeBeetle24]

11 minutes ago, Wagtail adventures said:

Good point, and interesting context.  However, in the rare case of ships where this has been done, the counterbalancing of the weight of all that water must have been cleverly designed-in.   I would have thought retrospectively adding a counterbalance weight to offset this large weight imbalance somewhat clumsy and unless the weight they add to do this has a purpose, it is just adding dead weight which would impact upon fuel economy and isn't very environmentally friendly.  However, maybe there is a good challenge for a ship architect in her first major refit!

 

 

I think for a pool of that size, definitely the counter weight is an issue - for a relatively small hot tub they've installed I doubt it would be too much of an issue. If they opted for something similar to the Explora II infinity pool... that'd be a different story (although I would love to experience it myself!)

It will be interesting to see what changes are made in her first refit, and what changes are made to her sisters to bring them inline with Queen Anne. 

[rog747]

We all realise the Deck 11 walkaround possibility for all passengers is a glaring design issue, and that is that the private Grills Terrace is smack in the middle of it with 2 x Infinity hot pools on both sides, plus the B Lifts/stairs exit/entry doors on Deck 11 are only out to the Grills Terrace, Starboard side only.
Why this was never thought of as a potential 'issue' who knows... 

There are plenty of rather nice opens spaces to sit and lounge upon around the aft decks on 9, 10, and 11 for all Passengers, plus more spaces forward on 11, 12, and 13, it's just the Grills Terrace is (and rightly so should be exclusive) right in the middle of being able for all to wander around the top of the ship.

As such, QA is an 'out of the box' HAL hull design, with some Cunard enhancements and additions, such as the Grill Rooms etc on the top decks...
I cannot fathom if any redesign could be feasible, but I am not a Ship Architect.
If nothing can, or will be done, then it's just going to have to be accepted as one of the few 'quirks' of QA...

[buchanan101]

On 8/29/2024 at 12:19 PM, rog747 said:

You might not have said this on the July 28th Med cruise LOL!

The 'Through Traffic' was actually beyond a joke, it was like Holborn Tube in the rush hour, OK not quite LOL!
and then of course 'sunbed wars' broke out from all of the many non-Grills guests who took up daily residence on the Grills Terrace. 
BUT, it was all finally sorted out OK, first with Lanyards, more sterner No-Entry signs, and finally the 4 digit key code and door handle was a very easy but long awaited solution for peace and tranquillity to return.  

You will be fine on your next trip, I'm sure!
Plus, this was a high season school holiday time very busy cruise with 2882 pax on board!

BTW I see you are local to me in Dorset - if you ever would like to meet up to say hello that would be a pleasure, perhaps fish' chips at Chez Fred lol!

Strange as on the Norway cruise at end of June there was virtually no through traffic and the Grills Terrace was pretty empty. And, yes, it was warm enough to have to sit in the shade (for me)

[WantedOnVoyage]

2 hours ago, rog747 said:

We all realise the Deck 11 walkaround possibility for all passengers is a glaring design issue, and that is that the private Grills Terrace is smack in the middle of it with 2 x Infinity hot pools on both sides, plus the B Lifts/stairs exit/entry doors on Deck 11 are only out to the Grills Terrace, Starboard side only.
Why this was never thought of as a potential 'issue' who knows... 

 

 

Well... it was thought of on these very pages as soon as the deck plans were released, so there's that.

 

But curious that the one big criticism against Cunard in that it is "class concious" is most glaringly introduced in the "Hey Guys" isn't Cunard Hip" flagship. Even QE2 did not have locked gates between classes when she was new.  

 

Not our problem... we'll stick with QV thanks very much. 

[DukeBeetle24]

2 minutes ago, WantedOnVoyage said:

 

Well... it was thought of on these very pages as soon as the deck plans were released, so there's that.

 

But curious that the one big criticism against Cunard in that it is "class concious" is most glaringly introduced in the "Hey Guys" isn't Cunard Hip" flagship. Even QE2 did not have locked gates between classes when she was new.  

 

Not our problem... we'll stick with QV thanks very much. 

Where did this "Hey Guys" comment come from? It is never mentioned beyond a few members on here. 

 

Enjoy Queen Victoria. 

[WantedOnVoyage]

It came from QA's christening... I believe it was the form of address her godmothers used in acknowledging the invited dignitaries, including the Mayor of Liverpool.  "Hey Guys..."

 

[exlondoner]

Just now, WantedOnVoyage said:

It came from QA's christening... I believe it was the form of address her godmothers used in acknowledging the invited dignitaries, including the Mayor of Liverpool.  "Hey Guys..."

 

So nothing to do with actual travel on the ship. Perhaps they were addressing fellow Liverpudlians?

[DukeBeetle24]

1 minute ago, WantedOnVoyage said:

It came from QA's christening... I believe it was the form of address her godmothers used in acknowledging the invited dignitaries, including the Mayor of Liverpool.  "Hey Guys..."

 

Okay, I can't really see that on the footage towards the dignitaries. Emma Willis greets the crowd with "Hello, how are you? Yes, Liverpool!" and Matt Willis greets the crowd with "Hey, hey", Katie McCallister greets the crowd with "Good Afternoon Distinguished Guests", Captain Inger Thorhauge greets the crowd with "Distinguished Guests and the City of Liverpool"

Matt asks the crowd questions and uses the term "guys" when asking them if they're ready a handful of times and addresses the wider crowd as such, I think this is part of the presenters job to engage the crowd there. But I see nothing in that ceremony that suggests that's the approach of Cunard. It's a presenter addressing a crowd, both Katie McCallister and Captain Inger Thorhauge addressed the crowd as "Distinguished Guests".

 

It honestly just comes across as the presenters doing their job with keeping the crowd excited and building momentum and interaction. 

[exlondoner]

1 hour ago, DukeBeetle24 said:

Okay, I can't really see that on the footage towards the dignitaries. Emma Willis greets the crowd with "Hello, how are you? Yes, Liverpool!" and Matt Willis greets the crowd with "Hey, hey", Katie McCallister greets the crowd with "Good Afternoon Distinguished Guests", Captain Inger Thorhauge greets the crowd with "Distinguished Guests and the City of Liverpool"

Matt asks the crowd questions and uses the term "guys" when asking them if they're ready a handful of times and addresses the wider crowd as such, I think this is part of the presenters job to engage the crowd there. But I see nothing in that ceremony that suggests that's the approach of Cunard. It's a presenter addressing a crowd, both Katie McCallister and Captain Inger Thorhauge addressed the crowd as "Distinguished Guests".

 

It honestly just comes across as the presenters doing their job with keeping the crowd excited and building momentum and interaction. 

Thank you so much for laying this irksome canard to rest. It certainly not an approach I came across actually on QA.

[Wonky]

Is it possible I wonder that there was some intent for the Grills Terrace to be “in the way”? To get other passengers to look in and think “ooh that looks nice, I’ll maybe try that next time”? Somewhat subconscious upselling. 

[NE John]

1 hour ago, Wonky said:

Is it possible I wonder that there was some intent for the Grills Terrace to be “in the way”? To get other passengers to look in and think “ooh that looks nice, I’ll maybe try that next time”? Somewhat subconscious upselling. 

On the other hand, having too many passerbyers going through the Grills Terrace may turn off current Grills pax?

[exlondoner]

1 hour ago, Wonky said:

Is it possible I wonder that there was some intent for the Grills Terrace to be “in the way”? To get other passengers to look in and think “ooh that looks nice, I’ll maybe try that next time”? Somewhat subconscious upselling. 

I should think it is more likely to make people enraged by Cunard’s ‘class system’, so they think never again.

[Clewgarnet]

25 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

I should think it is more likely to make people enraged by Cunard’s ‘class system’, so they think never again.

Yup! I've never really cared one way or the other about Grills.

 

A week on Queen Anne and I was wondering if any of the shops sold pitchforks, and whether a flaming torch could only be lit in the smoking areas.