3rdGenCunarder

Good news that the theater is better "in person."

Actually, he was unusual in that he was satisfied if I gave him a small smile.

I had a bottle of Italian sparkling wine on QE in Alaska right after the restart, when they somehow couldn't get Pol Acker. I liked it, and was disappointed on my next cruise on QM2, when the dreaded PA had returned.

Something to look forward to! I wonder if it's the same prosecco they serve at the bars? I like it better than their posh fizz (Perrier Jouet?). Bring back the Veuve Cliquot!!!

We asked to be moved in one of the PG restaurants on QE2 because we were at the edge of the "smoking section" (no divider, just an imaginary boundary). Several heavy smokers made it a miserable dinner. One couple smoked constantly. I don't know how they managed to get in a meal, too. And to go back to the banquette discussion, didn't one of the PG restaurants on QEs have a row of banquettes? I have a vague memory of that being the smoking area.

I once assigned the class clown to a seat in the back row so his antics (generally mimed, not vocal) distracted only me, but not the other students.

It is, but you're given a table, not just told to sit anywhere. I think people are assigned a table from the computer, so that waiter stations can be balanced to avoid overloading. (Or am I remembering that from HAL?) One of the instances quoted above was dinner. With some tables being open seating, people may assume that being seated somewhere doesn't mean they have to stay there. But even so, it's rude and entitled. Who does that in a shoreside restaurant where they're shown to a table?

Or get a seat in the back row to avoid being called up. Shows like that can be funny or cringe-worthy, and it's a fine line.

How rude!!! I've had my table hijacked in the buffet, but never the dining room. If someone has a fixed dining table assigned and someone else just sits there, the waiter should say "Pardon me, but are you sure you're at the right table?" (Well, really, the waiter should say "This is NOT YOUR TABLE. Sit where you're supposed to be." But they have to be polite.) I suppose early on in the cruise, the waiters don't know their assigned customers yet, but supervisors need to tell them to "defend" their tables.

😱

Not surprised. Other lines do that. At least there's some discount. About a year ago in a rare act of generosity, HAL changed their policy to just paying the extra cost plus service. It results in some odd small amounts when you check your account. I never buy the drinks package, but I've had it as part of a booking promo. I remember ordering a small glass of wine at dinner and the waiter asked if I didn't want a large one. I said no, I have the drinks package, so I'm staying under the limit. If I want more, I'll order another small glass. In the past the package has covered cocktails I like, and I can find wines under the limit if I stick to small glasses.

What happens if you buy something over the package limit? Pay the difference or pay the entire cost of the drink?

The Queens Room doesn't have the luxurious look as on the other ships. I hope it's better in person. I'm concerned about one comment in the section about the Pavillion. "Non-stop entertainment" could mean they blare music and show videos all the time. I hated that aspect of the Princess cruise we did--there was no outdoor lounging space that was quiet (unless you paid for the "retreat" area). HAL shows films at night, but during the day their midship pool area is not blasting music or the audio from films.

Sorry to hear dinner was so slow. Smart to go for the specialty restaurant rather than sit there with nothing to drink. Did they say why they're doing 2-hour slots on the thermal area? Are you able to sign up for days in advance or do you have to go each morning to get your time? And is there any seating near the pool other than the heated loungers? I like those in a separate room as on QE and QV, with normal loungers in the pool area.

Just to update, Cunard's shuttle ran between the port and downtown. It did not go to any other stops. I wish it had--I stood in a long queue to get the bus back to downtown from the cablecar.