Grills cruising?

Hi all I've had a suite on NCL and RC and know the perks they offer.

With Princess and Queens Grill does anyone have a link to what they offer or can give a breakdown?

Larger cabins, butler and concierge service and the Dining experience, but what's the difference with princess dining and queens dining?

Any views much appreciated. Thanks.

Hi all I've had a suite on NCL and RC and know the perks they offer.

 

With Princess and Queens Grill does anyone have a link to what they offer or can give a breakdown?

 

Larger cabins, butler and concierge service and the Dining experience, but what's the difference with princess dining and queens dining?

 

Any views much appreciated. Thanks.

Cunard's menu list is here: (don't know if these are up to date)

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/example_menu

Actually (in my opinion) the dining experience between the two Grills is not enormous. Queens does emphasise the ability to go off menu and you can genuinely ask for any produce they may have on board cooked to your liking and you will get it. Princess can sometimes do similar but perhaps with less enthusiasm. The a la carte menu in Queens is supposed to be more varied but not a huge difference.

You do hear of some guests saying they prefer Princess Grill but I do not know why - maybe they will voice their opinion.

The suites are a minimum 33% larger in Queens and as we all know - you pay for space in the travel industry.

Cunard's menu list is here: (don't know if these are up to date)

 

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/example_menu

 

You do hear of some guests saying they prefer Princess Grill but I do not know why - maybe they will voice their opinion.

 

The suites are a minimum 33% larger in Queens and as we all know - you pay for space in the travel industry.

Last time we went PG we found that although it was not as easy to order 'off menu' - not impossible but not offered in the same way as QG, we found we preferred the passenger mix. In QG you get some wealthy eccentric individuals who demand attendance from the maitre'd as well as other oddities and we found it tiresome having to see and listen to it all. Shame, as not all QG passengers are like that but the few who are make their presence felt.

We had a much happier and more relaxed time in the Princess Grill.

Last time we went PG we found that although it was not as easy to order 'off menu' - not impossible but not offered in the same way as QG, we found we preferred the passenger mix. In QG you get some wealthy eccentric individuals who demand attendance from the maitre'd as well as other oddities and we found it tiresome having to see and listen to it all. Shame, as not all QG passengers are like that but the few who are make their presence felt.

We had a much happier and more relaxed time in the Princess Grill.

It's quite strange. We travel a few times a year in QG and when I read from time to time about the eccentricities of some QG passengers who seem to make life a bit tedious for others, I feel really out of the loop because I never see or hear them.

Sure there are those who enjoy the attention of the Maitre'ds and prolong the interaction, but that suits us. A quick acknowledgement of the usual courtesies and we can get on with enjoying the meal and the company of our fellow diners.

As for oddities, nothing immediately stands out unless it's us for being very laid back passengers. There again most of the people we meet are similar. Very odd. We will have to make another trip, research purposes only of course, to see if we're still odd.

It's quite strange. We travel a few times a year in QG and when I read from time to time about the eccentricities of some QG passengers who seem to make life a bit tedious for others, I feel really out of the loop because I never see or hear them.

Sure there are those who enjoy the attention of the Maitre'ds and prolong the interaction, but that suits us. A quick acknowledgement of the usual courtesies and we can get on with enjoying the meal and the company of our fellow diners.

 

As for oddities, nothing immediately stands out unless it's us for being very laid back passengers. There again most of the people we meet are similar. Very odd. We will have to make another trip, research purposes only of course, to see if we're still odd.

Oh, this reminds me of the young man travelling with his - how do I put this - older male patron. He complained about the swill that is apparently Veuve and both men were very unhappy with the special savoury pie they liked, having apparently provided very detailed instructions on paper to kitchen staff.

Eccentric is one way of putting it. Arrogant and obnoxious are a couple of synonyms I'd like to throw out there :)

Oh, this reminds me of the young man travelling with his - how do I put this - older male patron. He complained about the swill that is apparently Veuve and both men were very unhappy with the special savoury pie they liked, having apparently provided very detailed instructions on paper to kitchen staff.

 

Eccentric is one way of putting it. Arrogant and obnoxious are a couple of synonyms I'd like to throw out there :)

Who needs entertainment in the theatre with a floorshow like that. Not that we've ever come across idiots like this, but if we did, I would find behaviour like this hilarious. Oh how the ignorant can show themselves up. Sadly, I'm sure the wait staff have to put on a brave front every now and in every restaurant, but as I said in reply to any thoughts that odd behaviour which can annoy, is a regular occurrence particular in QG, in all our cruises, we have yet to witness any kind of untoward behaviour. A crass and loud family this summer in the Grills lounge, but then thank goodness, they dined in in PG. ;)

Each cruise is different. You pays your money and you takes your chance. We'll continue to chance QG.

Who needs entertainment in the theatre with a floorshow like that. Not that we've ever come across idiots like this, but if we did, I would find behaviour like this hilarious. Oh how the ignorant can show themselves up. Sadly, I'm sure the wait staff have to put on a brave front every now and in every restaurant, but as I said in reply to any thoughts that odd behaviour which can annoy, is a regular occurrence particular in QG, in all our cruises, we have yet to witness any kind of untoward behaviour. A crass and loud family this summer in the Grills lounge, but then thank goodness, they dined in in PG. ;)

 

Each cruise is different. You pays your money and you takes your chance. We'll continue to chance QG.

Well, this conversation took place in the Commodore Club. I wasn't in the Grills for that voyage. When I was asked 'what suite' I was in, I simply said I was in Britannia. The look of condescension I got from the young man was hilarious, as was his complaining about his business class flight to NYC where he joined the ship (paid for by his patron, who apparently he had met only three times before).

It was pretty clear to me why his pie didn't turn out so well. I can only imagine how he and his patron treated the Grills staff! Fortunately, when I had the chance to sail QG, the people I dined with were really normal and unassuming.

Actually, regardless of 'class', I've always met really interesting people on Cunard voyages. That's part of my attraction to the line: conversing with people from such a spread of occupations, experiences and interests. I hope that I continue to be so lucky.

Of course, the odd 'eccentric' passenger is good for providing me with excellent people stories. I also love hearing about special personalities and their many idiosyncrasies.

Some interesting comments, thanks for the replies :-)

It's quite strange. We travel a few times a year in QG and when I read from time to time about the eccentricities of some QG passengers who seem to make life a bit tedious for others, I feel really out of the loop because I never see or hear them.

Sure there are those who enjoy the attention of the Maitre'ds and prolong the interaction, but that suits us. A quick acknowledgement of the usual courtesies and we can get on with enjoying the meal and the company of our fellow diners.

 

As for oddities, nothing immediately stands out unless it's us for being very laid back passengers. There again most of the people we meet are similar. Very odd. We will have to make another trip, research purposes only of course, to see if we're still odd.

Ditto. We have travelled in both and have never found these 'precious' travellers. Perhaps it is just us too ;)

Ditto. We have travelled in both and have never found these 'precious' travellers. Perhaps it is just us too ;)

And us.......

Okay slightly different question. Is it worth it?

What I mean by that is do you get what you pay for? For example I once booked a junior suite on RC and in reality all I got was a slightly larger cabin and a few small perks like priority boarding that just wasn't worth the premium. However I had a PH suite on NCL for two weeks last summer and WOW, worth every penny - from daily butler service delivering treats for all the family, to the concierge arraigning anything we wanted within reason including escorting us off the ship at each port if required (beating the queues in Santorini was a huge plus).

Okay slightly different question. Is it worth it?

 

What I mean by that is do you get what you pay for? For example I once booked a junior suite on RC and in reality all I got was a slightly larger cabin and a few small perks like priority boarding that just wasn't worth the premium. However I had a PH suite on NCL for two weeks last summer and WOW, worth every penny - from daily butler service delivering treats for all the family, to the concierge arraigning anything we wanted within reason including escorting us off the ship at each port if required (beating the queues in Santorini was a huge plus).

Is it worth it? How long is a piece of string!

Worth is difficult to quantify as it means different things to different people. We couldn't care less if we get escorted hither and thither but we do like the way the staff look after you by giving a seemingly more personal touch.

The Butler [QG] will do as much or as little as you want [within their remit]. We go for the less is more approach. The Grill's concierge will arrange whatever you want [again, within their remit] and is a great help organising hotels, cars to meet the ship, private tours and viewings as well as booking anything on board.

The [QG and also, I imagine PG] suite size vary from spacious [depending on which ship and suite position] to very large and have more amenities. The grill's lounge/bar is often an oasis of calm outside cocktail hour and afternoon tea and the sister ships have a two tier sundeck immediately outside the lounge which makes the Grill's area a complete private area. The staff quickly get to know you and your preferences and the restaurant [QG ] is superb.

Is it worth it? I don't know but we go back a few times a year to try and find out. :)

I hate doing my cufflinks and bowtie on formal nights. Could I ask my butler to do these things for me?

I hate doing my cufflinks and bowtie on formal nights. Could I ask my butler to do these things for me?

One can always ask!!

I hate doing my cufflinks and bowtie on formal nights. Could I ask my butler to do these things for me?

You don't even need to be in the Grills to do that. When I bought my first 'Tie Bow' I had to asked the guys in the onboard shops to help me tie my bow. Often had to nip down to deck 3 with jacket over my arm, en route to the Chart Room :D Think I've got the hang of it now though ;)

.........and both men were very unhappy with the special savoury pie they liked, having apparently provided very detailed instructions on paper to kitchen staff. ..............

They should have asked for Hendersons relish on the pie. They were obviously low lifes with no class, you can spot them a mile off.

.

Can you get free drinks and coffees in the Grills Lounge?

Can you get free drinks and coffees in the Grills Lounge?

Coffee and tea are free in the lounge and available from around 10.30am when the bar staff come on duty. Drinks from the actual bar are chargeable. There is often an urn of cold tea and one of iced lemon water in the lift lobby on deck 11.

Tea, coffee and orange juice is free in the Concierge Lounge on QM2 - along with far too tempting cakes!

On the QM2, on the Grills Terrace, they used to offer non alcoholic drinks (iced tea, etc) and snacks (little sandwiches, ice cream etc) to those ensconced in the deck chairs around the hot tub! Nice little perk!

Hi all I've had a suite on NCL and RC and know the perks they offer.

 

With Princess and Queens Grill does anyone have a link to what they offer or can give a breakdown?

 

Larger cabins, butler and concierge service and the Dining experience, but what's the difference with princess dining and queens dining?

 

Any views much appreciated. Thanks.

I have always found the dining experience in both the Queens and Princess Grills to be the best at sea.

The sheer pleasure of having a set table for all meals with the same waiters Head Waiter and Sommelier is pure dining heaven.

Try this review I did following a Queen Victoria Princess Grill experience...

http://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/12/23/dining-with-a-princess/

Cheers.

On another occasion we did a 29 night Queen Mary 2 Caribbean Christmas and a 56 night Southampton to Sydney in a Q5 Suite...

Having requested a certain table position in the Queens Grill we were very happy with that allocation and the company (a table for 6)...

including the exceptional staff...

I must confess that we have found, with one exception, table companions in Princess Grill to be more affable and sociable. having said that we have also shared tables in the Queens Grill with some fascinating people. On the last occasion we had a retired Mayor of Brooklyn and General The Lord Dannatt.

On balance I would say the additional cost between the two grills is a fair reflection on what one receives in terms of facilities and service.