seacruise9

Hi, I am booked on the full world cruise. According to the email from Cunard, the complete new itinerary from Penang to Southampton is as follows: 27‌ March Penang, Malaysia 28‌ March -‌ 02‌ April Sea Days 03‌ April Port Louis, Mauritius 04 -‌ 07‌ April Sea Days 08‌ April Port Elizabeth, South Africa 09‌ April Sea Day 10‌ April Cape Town, South Africa 11‌ April Cape Town, South Africa 12‌ April Sea Day 13‌ April Walvis Bay, Namibia 14 -‌ 19‌ April Sea Days 20‌ April Dakar, Senegal 21 -‌ 22‌ April Sea Days 23‌ April Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain 24 -‌ 26‌ April Sea Days 27‌ April Southampton, UK I like the new itinerary because I have never visited any of these ports before. Chuck

Hi, I don't have any inside information, but I predict that the itinerary will change to avoid the Red Sea/Suez Canal. Because Cunard, Princess, and Holland America are all members of Carnival Corporation, I think they will follow the same approach. I am currently booked on the Queen Anne world cruise from New York to Southampton (98 days) followed by the return crossing to New York on the QM2. I am extremely excited about this cruise and intend to keep my reservation regardless of an itinerary change. If I receive any information from Cunard regarding a revised itinerary, I will post it here. Chuck

Hi, I am another big fan of Captain Kate. I had the privilege of meeting her during a cruise on the Celebrity Beyond last year and was extremely impressed. I agree that Celebrity would be wise to feature her more prominently in an ad campaign. Her enthusiasm for cruises is incredible. I have taken over 100 cruises since 1967 and would put her at the top of the list of cruise ship captains who I have met.

Hi, I am booked on the Volendam for the seven-day cruise departing on May 11, 2024. After cruising aboard many larger ships, I am looking forward to sailing on this classic smaller ship for a change. I am glad to read that the ship is well-maintained. Chuck

Hi, My first cruise was in 1967 - SS Miami four-day cruise to the Bahamas (my parents took me on this cruise prior to my third birthday).

Hi, I am booked on the Queen Anne's 2025 World Cruise cruise (98 days from New York to Southampton). I am then taking the QM2 from Southampton to New York so that I will completely circumnavigate the world by Cunard Queen. Even though I have done short world cruise segments on the QM2 and Queen Victoria (which I greatly enjoyed), this will be my first very long cruise. I am very excited about this cruise! As a long-time Cunard fan (first sailed on the QE2 in 1984), I will be following the dress code. Chuck

Hi, I have cruised aboard both ships. This is a tough choice. I prefer the Celebrity Reflection, but the Caribbean Princess cruise is two days longer. I would probably choose the longer cruise. Chuck

Hi, I am booked on the Queen Anne's 2025 World Cruise (98 days from New York to Southampton) and I am optimistic about the ship. I have greatly enjoyed sailing aboard the QM2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Also, I recently cruised aboard Holland America's Rotterdam (built on the same platform as the Queen Anne) and was very pleased with the ship. For what it's worth, the World Stage on the Rotterdam (comparable space as the Royal Court Theatre) did not feel claustrophobic. Also, I walked around Rotterdam's promenade deck every day. Although it is narrow (and much of it is behind lifeboats), I was still able to do a decent amount of walking. However, I will admit that the promenade decks on the three current Cunard ships are much better. I am looking forward to the new Queen Anne. Chuck

Hi, I am still hoping for the best regarding the Queen Anne. In fact, I optimistically booked the ship's 98-day World Cruise departing in January 2025. My most recent cruises were on the Queen Elizabeth (August 2023) and Rotterdam (November 2023). I like both the Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth and think Cunard did a fine job distinguishing these ships from the Holland America Vista Class ships. Also, I enjoyed my recent cruise on the Rotterdam. I agree that the narrow promenade deck is not a positive development, but I still managed to take my walks around the promenade deck each day. At least it wraps completely around the ship (although much of the walk is behind life boats and is very narrow in places). Overall, I was pleased with my cruise on the Rotterdam. I started sailing with Cunard on the QE2 in 1984. After 20 crossings/cruises with Cunard, I continue to be a big Cunard fan. Hopefully, I also will like the Queen Anne. Chuck

Hi, Thanks for your report. I have never cruised with MSC, but I am booked in a Yacht Club stateroom on the MSC Seashore for a four-night cruise in August 2024. After reading a lot of good reports on the Yacht Club, I decided to try it out. Chuck

Hi, I have cruised aboard both Cunard (Queen Elizabeth in Aug. 2023) and Holland America (Rotterdam in Nov. 2023) ships during the past few months. In my opinion, Holland America seems to be an informal version of Cunard. Holland America still acknowledges its tradition and long history (celebrating its 150th anniversary this year) but has an informal dress code and contemporary features such as the Music Walk. Other than the Queen Mary 2, the Cunard ships are built on the same basic platforms of the newer Holland America ships. In terms of food and service, Holland America is similar to Celebrity. However, Celebrity has better entertainment and a more modern style (especially on the E Class ships). I think Holland America continues to be a good value and offer a variety of interesting itineraries. Chuck

Hi, It is good to hear that you enjoyed the Volendam. I am booked on the Volendam for May 2024. I recently took my first cruise on a Pinnacle Class ship - the Rotterdam from Nov. 24 - Dec. 3, 2023. I enjoyed the Rotterdam and its many dining options. Chuck

Hi, The single staterooms are very nice, but their prices vary and sometimes seem to be overpriced. Be sure to check the price compared to paying the single supplement for a standard outside or balcony stateroom. I had originally booked an inside stateroom, but I was upgraded to a Deck 2 single in 2016 and a Deck 3 single in 2017. These staterooms were new at the time. Most recently, I have been booking a sheltered balcony stateroom and paying the single supplement. Chuck

Hi, I prefer a traditional balcony, but an IV is okay with me. I agree that it is not really a balcony. However, I like the large floor-to-ceiling window and the fact that I can lower the top half of the window for some fresh air or to take photos. Overall, I really like the design, dining options, and entertainment on the new ships. Chuck

Hi, I have been assigned to both types of single staterooms on the QM2. They both are very nice, but I personally prefer the staterooms on Deck 3 with the very large round windows. The staterooms on Deck 2 have a very high ceiling. However, they do not have the large windows. Chuck