Still undecided: Is Princess Worth It?

[Katyany]

I know I posted a question about these two categories before, but I still can't find enough information to make a choice here.

 

I have a reservation for a single in the P2 category. However, it is twice the price of Britannia Club, and I've heard Britannia Club is quite pleasant.

 

I don't want to pick Britannia Club and then find it disappointing, but I feel a little uncomfortable paying so much for the P2 (puritan streak perhaps; and although it won't break me, it's not pocket change to me either).

 

If you were in my shoes, would you stay with the P2 or choose Britannia Club?

 

Thanks.

[pnhmrk]

If you were in my shoes, would you stay with the P2 or choose Britannia Club?

 

I've never been on the Mary - so I can't give advice based on experience of that ship, however on QE2 we've been in Princess, we've been in Caronia (similar to BC but not quite:rolleyes: ) and we've been in Mauretania (although a long time ago;) ). I do not think it is worth paying the extra for Princess grill although I do think it's worth the extra to get single seating dining that you would not get in Mauretania:)

[Kindlychap]

I've never been on the Mary - so I can't give advice based on experience of that ship, however on QE2 we've been in Princess, we've been in Caronia (similar to BC but not quite:rolleyes: ) and we've been in Mauretania (although a long time ago;) ). I do not think it is worth paying the extra for Princess grill although I do think it's worth the extra to get single seating dining that you would not get in Mauretania:)

 

I, on the other hand, have been in Britannia Club. But not Princess Grill (on either ship) or Caronia (on QE2). My normal haunt is Queens' Grill on QE2.

 

You can get the gist of my thoughts from the link in my signature, but in short I was very pleased by the Britannia Club restaurant.

 

However the Britannia Club cabins aren't anything special, whereas the Princess Grill ones look very nice. And they have a bath. They are significantly larger.

 

I can't believe the service is better in Princess Grill - the staff there were all ex-Queens' Grill - and were absolutely superb. But I would imagine that the attention to detail to cooking is better in Princess - although as I have said I thought that Britannia Club was pretty good. I did notice the difference between that and Queens' Grill on QE2 - where the food was significantly better. Ingrediants are the same.

 

Perhaps I'd say this. If I was travelling alone, I'd probably book AA grade and hope to be upgraded to Princess Grill. If I was with my wife, I'd book a Q6 and hope to be upgraded further.

 

This is mainly because when it is the two of us we spend a lot of time in our cabin, and I do miss a bath. Equally, I'd economise on a TA when I was going alone whereas I'd prefer to push the boat out if I was with Kirsten.

 

I wouldn't book A1 or lower, unless I was desperate for a transatlantic, and I was getting a bit poor!

 

Matthew

[cinta]

I know I posted a question about these two categories before, but I still can't find enough information to make a choice here.

 

I have a reservation for a single in the P2 category. However, it is twice the price of Britannia Club, and I've heard Britannia Club is quite pleasant.

 

I don't want to pick Britannia Club and then find it disappointing, but I feel a little uncomfortable paying so much for the P2 (puritan streak perhaps; and although it won't break me, it's not pocket change to me either).

 

If you were in my shoes, would you stay with the P2 or choose Britannia Club?

 

Thanks.

 

Not having been on any ship before, we first tried the QM2 transatlantic last year. We were upgraded to the Princess Grill. We found it fantastic, quieter than the Brittania (we were lucky to be invited to dine in there one evening). The service was wonderful & the food was the best we had eaten, even at breakfast!

As everyone has said, it isa matter of choice, but the upgrade did the trick & we have booked two more trips at this grade:D .

The room was lovely too.

I think you willenjoy the ship whattever you book, everyone seems too!Good luck, & let us know what you decide.

 

Sharon & Steve

[Katyany]

Not having been on any ship before, we first tried the QM2 transatlantic last year. We were upgraded to the Princess Grill. We found it fantastic, quieter than the Brittania (we were lucky to be invited to dine in there one evening). The service was wonderful & the food was the best we had eaten, even at breakfast!

As everyone has said, it isa matter of choice, but the upgrade did the trick & we have booked two more trips at this grade:D .

The room was lovely too.

I think you willenjoy the ship whattever you book, everyone seems too!Good luck, & let us know what you decide.

 

Sharon & Steve

 

 

Thank you all for your responses. I seem to have trouble making up my mind lately.

 

I do have one worry about being on 12 deck, and that is, how will it be up there if the weather is very bad? My brave little pooch has survived the worst of storms up there, especially once on QM2, when he was all by his poor little self (he wasn't sick, but I, as well as some of the crew, were very ill indeed). However, I'm not as brave as my little dog, nor as hardy.

 

Granted deck 10 is only 2 floors down, but has anyone here been in a top deck cabin during a storm or bad weather?

 

Thanks.

[the ebony hammer]

Sharon and Steve,

I just completed a Western transatlantic cruise on Queen Mary 2 and my stateroom was on Deck 12 (I was in a inside cabin, though I don't think inside versus outside matters much here). I was concerned about bad weather and such, being that it was my first cruise. I expected some seasickness and balance issues, but I had no problems with the former and you get used to switching your weight often after a while. Life experience helped me there.

I even had no problems with dancing in the nightclub or sleeping and doing other things, in and out of the cabin after the first night at sea. I felt the movements more after drinking (moderate) amounts of champagne in the Queens Room and while walking back to my cabin afterwards, but one expects that. I was told after the fact that supposedly, you feel the swaying the most on the top decks. Okay, now you tell me..lol.

Of course, keeping in mind that this ship(I am not sure about the other Cunard ships) has the special stabilizers to minimize the swaying, and I cannot say that my sailing was ultra-stormy

(but very windy and foggy, especially the last day and a half), I was okay. We will see how well I do on my next sailing in a month on a different line. It will be windy on the top deck no matter what, but I cannot say it will be much worse than anywhere else on board. I hope this helps!

[the ebony hammer]

By the way, as far as Brittania versus Princess Grill...both are very nice from what I saw, having seen both. I was assigbed in the Brittania and found the service to be very good for the most part. I would expect the Princess Grill to be a little better, plus it is a smaller, more intimate restaurant, which most, including myself would enjoy, especially if you are not traveling alone, as I was(long story..lol). Is it worth the extra cost for the higher level cabin that such requires to be able to eat dinners in the Princess Grill?

Professionally, (I am a travel agent and a graduate of the Cunard specialist course) I would say, that such depends on what level of "luxury" and pampering you are used to and/or require on your trips. Maybe, maybe not.

For me personally, I would not say it is worth the extra money to have to book the higher level staterooms just to be able to eat in the exclusive Princess Grill, except for having the anytime dining option there, that you cannot get in the Brittania restaurant. But, I am a Southern gentleman who is a pratical, frugal sort anyway. Not everyone would agree with me on that, especially sailing on this grand ship.

Next time I sail on the QM2, I might upgrade up there anyway, just to do it and to see the upper levels more firsthand. Otherwise, spend the $15-30 per person additional cost and try to get a reservation at the Todd English restaurant instead. You will get the similar feel of Princess Grill, the food is divine (I was told this by others onboard) and you would a save a bunch of money that you can spend in the shops and or the casino, if that is your thing.

[cinta]

By the way, as far as Brittania versus Princess Grill...both are very nice from what I saw, having seen both. I was assigbed in the Brittania and found the service to be very good for the most part. I would expect the Princess Grill to be a little better, plus it is a smaller, more intimate restaurant, which most, including myself would enjoy, especially if you are not traveling alone, as I was(long story..lol). Is it worth the extra cost for the higher level cabin that such requires to be able to eat dinners in the Princess Grill?

Professionally, (I am a travel agent and a graduate of the Cunard specialist course) I would say, that such depends on what level of "luxury" and pampering you are used to and/or require on your trips. Maybe, maybe not.

For me personally, I would not say it is worth the extra money to have to book the higher level staterooms just to be able to eat in the exclusive Princess Grill, except for having the anytime dining option there, that you cannot get in the Brittania restaurant. But, I am a Southern gentleman who is a pratical, frugal sort anyway. Not everyone would agree with me on that, especially sailing on this grand ship.

Next time I sail on the QM2, I might upgrade up there anyway, just to do it and to see the upper levels more firsthand. Otherwise, spend the $15-30 per person additional cost and try to get a reservation at the Todd English restaurant instead. You will get the similar feel of Princess Grill, the food is divine (I was told this by others onboard) and you would a save a bunch of money that you can spend in the shops and or the casino, if that is your thing.

Believe me ebony hammer(?!?) even the breakfast was worth it!. If you get the chance, go for it!:D :D :D

Sharon

[cinta]

Thank you all for your responses. I seem to have trouble making up my mind lately.

 

I do have one worry about being on 12 deck, and that is, how will it be up there if the weather is very bad? My brave little pooch has survived the worst of storms up there, especially once on QM2, when he was all by his poor little self (he wasn't sick, but I, as well as some of the crew, were very ill indeed). However, I'm not as brave as my little dog, nor as hardy.

 

Granted deck 10 is only 2 floors down, but has anyone here been in a top deck cabin during a storm or bad weather?

 

Thanks.

What sort of dog do you have. I would love to visit the kennels on QM2 just to give them a hug. We will be leaving a v old yorky!:(

Sharon

[Kindlychap]

Granted deck 10 is only 2 floors down, but has anyone here been in a top deck cabin during a storm or bad weather?

 

Thanks.

 

Only on Queen Elizabeth. In 8081 - right behind the bridge.

 

It was, well, exciting. Force 10 North Atlantic.......

 

And force 8/9 - North Sea.

 

And force 8 in 8018.

 

And we've had some lumpy bits in 8001 too.

 

And I'm still here to tell the tale.....

 

Matthew

[Kindlychap]

Professionally, (I am a travel agent and a graduate of the Cunard specialist course) I would say, that such depends on what level of "luxury" and pampering you are used to and/or require on your trips. Maybe, maybe not.

 

For me personally, I would not say it is worth the extra money to have to book the higher level staterooms just to be able to eat in the exclusive Princess Grill, except for having the anytime dining option there, that you cannot get in the Brittania restaurant.

 

Oops. More study needed. Single seating dining (which is what Cunard call it) is available in the Brittania by payment of the increased fare from A1 grade to AA grade.

 

Why is it that travel agents who feel the need to claim that they have done the courses never really know about the ships?

 

Matthew

[cinta]

Oops. More study needed. Single seating dining (which is what Cunard call it) is available in the Brittania by payment of the increased fare from A1 grade to AA grade.

 

Why is it that travel agents who feel the need to claim that they have done the courses never really know about the ships?

 

Matthew

Oooh Mathew! Don't pick on TAs. They are an endangered species:) & I'm sure he's v nice.

Sharon

[pnhmrk]

Don't pick on TAs.

 

I am trying to be nice here :) but feel that I must speak in Matthews defence. If an agent posts as an agent they must be 110% accurate. They cannot deviate from the actual Cunard line and they must be willing to defend that line as often as needed.

 

There are agents posting here that do so as individuals. If they are not setting themselves up as an authority they are allowed opinions; they can say that Cunard is unreliable! Those agents get to be respected for their knowledge and expertise. It is never necessary for them to declare themselves.

 

They are an endangered species:)

 

Is that surprising? An agent must now do something more than giving out a brochure to justify their commission. One way for them to do that is to have a very good knowledge of the product they sell. This agent said two things that were simply wrong - that would not make me want to use that agent.

[cinta]

I am trying to be nice here :) but feel that I must speak in Matthews defence. If an agent posts as an agent they must be 110% accurate. They cannot deviate from the actual Cunard line and they must be willing to defend that line as often as needed.

 

There are agents posting here that do so as individuals. If they are not setting themselves up as an authority they are allowed opinions; they can say that Cunard is unreliable! Those agents get to be respected for their knowledge and expertise. It is never necessary for them to declare themselves.

 

 

 

Is that surprising? An agent must now do something more than giving out a brochure to justify their commission. One way for them to do that is to have a very good knowledge of the product they sell. This agent said two things that were simply wrong - that would not make me want to use that agent.

yep, fair do's. You are right

Sharon

[ligortig]

I know I posted a question about these two categories before, but I still can't find enough information to make a choice here.

 

I have a reservation for a single in the P2 category. However, it is twice the price of Britannia Club, and I've heard Britannia Club is quite pleasant.

 

I don't want to pick Britannia Club and then find it disappointing, but I feel a little uncomfortable paying so much for the P2 (puritan streak perhaps; and although it won't break me, it's not pocket change to me either).

 

If you were in my shoes, would you stay with the P2 or choose Britannia Club?

 

Thanks.

I would look at it this way if a P2 is twice the price of a Britannia Club you could book Britannia club twicetwo excellent holidays instead of one if youre on your own do you need the bigger cabin?

[ocngypz]

Thank you all for your responses. I seem to have trouble making up my mind lately.

 

I do have one worry about being on 12 deck, and that is, how will it be up there if the weather is very bad? My brave little pooch has survived the worst of storms up there, especially once on QM2, when he was all by his poor little self (he wasn't sick, but I, as well as some of the crew, were very ill indeed). However, I'm not as brave as my little dog, nor as hardy.

 

Granted deck 10 is only 2 floors down, but has anyone here been in a top deck cabin during a storm or bad weather?

 

Thanks.

 

Frankly, I would forego the A level balconies entirely. Unless you can be guaranteed of great weather, it is a waste on a crossing. The sheltered balconies are much more useful.

 

I was on the 10/25 wb crossing. Deck 11. While stabilizers do moderate roll when deployed, they do nothing for pitch... and pitch we did. Gale force 8 and 9 (it was 9 which woke me up out of a sound sleep).

 

Courtesy of the housekeeping staff, and my early embarkation, I viewed staterooms in all categories. I did not see any which were worn, tattered. etc.

 

Frankly, if you don't like your tablemates in Britannia, change tables. You could just as easily wind up with folks you don't care for in Princess... and you'd have fewer options for changing tables. Personally, I don't think the Princess Grill is all that attractive.

 

BTW my table in Britannia.. out of 181 sailings, was the best yet. We were the last to leave the dining room each night.. including the first... we were having such a great time. I did invite said tablemates up to Deck 11....they were shocked at how much more movement there was compared to their cabins on Deck 6.

 

Buyer beware, as they say.

[travel-to-go]

I am one who has always said I would not think the price difference worth it.

And I don't particularly care for the look of the Princess Grill (or Queens grill for that matter!) and prefer the fun and patrons of the Britannia. And I have never embraced the idea of "anytime dining" I rather like knowing when to arrive, and not having to plan.

 

That said, we were invited to the cabin of a wonderful gent we met on board last week. Princess cabin, full bathtub (nice sized one, too!) larger and nicer balcony, the same closets as Brtiannia cabins EXCEPT! there was an additional walk in closet! I fell in love! I ran down to the sales office to see what the cost of upgrading my TA in april might be! Well, I didn't have my papers with me, so wasn't sure what I actually paid, but she indicated that the original B cabins were $1300 per person, while the remaining P cabins would be (at that point) $3999!!!! I thought that a bit dear for a closet and a bathtub! For that I could buy a whole freestanding wardrobe AND a whirlpool tub! <G>

 

I stayed in my paltry little balcony accomodation. But someday...

 

Karie

[2moose]

I know I posted a question about these two categories before, but I still can't find enough information to make a choice here.

 

I have a reservation for a single in the P2 category. However, it is twice the price of Britannia Club, and I've heard Britannia Club is quite pleasant.

 

I don't want to pick Britannia Club and then find it disappointing, but I feel a little uncomfortable paying so much for the P2 (puritan streak perhaps; and although it won't break me, it's not pocket change to me either).

 

If you were in my shoes, would you stay with the P2 or choose Britannia Club?

 

Thanks.

 

The PG is the best buy/value on the ship > Without the grills the QM2 is just another mass market ship albeit a beautifull one with crowds and lines and one big noisy dining room with out the proper service> Go for it you will be glad you did. bon voyage

[Kindlychap]

The PG is the best buy/value on the ship > Without the grills the QM2 is just another mass market ship albeit a beautifull one with crowds and lines and one big noisy dining room with out the proper service> Go for it you will be glad you did. bon voyage

 

I'm not sure about that. I think AA grade is. I was really incredibly impressed by the dining experience. And remember I'm used to being a regular on Queen Elizabeth 2 - and I do think you get better service as a regular. So to compare to that they must have been excellent - which they were.

 

Matthew

[RMVET]

Katyany --

 

We have sailed on the QM2 twice and found the cabin with a hull balcony quite spacious and very comfortable. The Britainnia dining room was every bit as good as a very fine restaurant. We couldn't have asked for more, especially at the price. I would look at the difference in price between the grill accommodations and less expensive cabins and ask how much more are you going to get for the difference in price -- an even more spacious room, and even nicer dining room? How much more would you need to be satisfied, especially with, as you said, a "Puritan streak." If the price difference is significant, wouldn't it be better to earmark that money for a future voyage? All you need to do is get on the ship, regardless of the accommodation, to have a great time. We are going on the QE2 world cruise for probably not much more than you are paying for a grill accommodation on a shorter voyage! Think about it. If you were comfortable paying "double" the price, you wouldn't be asking this question. There is nothing wrong with being a Puritan.

 

Another "Puritan," who is quite happy with Britainia.

[2moose]

I'm not sure about that. I think AA grade is. I was really incredibly impressed by the dining experience. And remember I'm used to being a regular on Queen Elizabeth 2 - and I do think you get better service as a regular. So to compare to that they must have been excellent - which they were.

 

Matthew

 

matthew they are beyond excellent after 2 sailings on the QE2 PG & QG and 2 sailings on the QM2 PG & QG things just get better and better . But cost considered the PG on either ship is the best bang for the buck best regards jim

[happyscot]

Katyany --

 

We have sailed on the QM2 twice and found the cabin with a hull balcony quite spacious and very comfortable. The Britainnia dining room was every bit as good as a very fine restaurant. We couldn't have asked for more, especially at the price. I would look at the difference in price between the grill accommodations and less expensive cabins and ask how much more are you going to get for the difference in price -- an even more spacious room, and even nicer dining room? How much more would you need to be satisfied, especially with, as you said, a "Puritan streak." If the price difference is significant, wouldn't it be better to earmark that money for a future voyage? All you need to do is get on the ship, regardless of the accommodation, to have a great time. We are going on the QE2 world cruise for probably not much more than you are paying for a grill accommodation on a shorter voyage! Think about it. If you were comfortable paying "double" the price, you wouldn't be asking this question. There is nothing wrong with being a Puritan.

 

Another "Puritan," who is quite happy with Britainia.

 

 

 

Who are Purit playing tonight?

[NomDePlume]

Who are Purit playing tonight?

The San Francisco Corgis.

[cinta]

The San Francisco Corgis.

Is it on cable?:D

[NomDePlume]

Is it on cable?:D

Strictly short wave. I mean short leash. Of course :p