Lakesregion

Cunard - Boarding at noon. Rooms always ready. Maybe the passengers don't create as much of a mess as they do on the lower lines.

Studio rooms for singles are about the size of an old telephone booth. I would call my TA or the NCL person you worked with before cancelling and rebooking to see what they can do for you. If you are willing to keep the same fare, they may be able to offer you a significant upgrade in room size and location. They might even come up with a balcony for you. Try that before canceling and rebooking.

I personally find the ten tops to be the best. I do not know if Cunard is up to the task of properly fitting table mates as they have done in the past. Britannia not the Pent House crowd) With rare slips, most of my tables have been within a broad but not totally out of range in age and the mix has been primarily single folks as that is my mode of travel. Usually all are conversant in English but not necessarily their first language. The most interesting though trying table was returning from LA to NYC on the tail end of the QE2 world cruise in 2008. Most of our excellent table had departed in LA as they resided on the west coast. They were replayed with three young Japanese ladies who spoke zero English but we did manage through sign language to make it for the 12 days as they were a happy trio and the four of us left from the original ten top made the effort also.

Beats me. Just a personal opinion. Why the interest if you were not involved?

Not a very stable country at the moment. Nasty to lose a bunch of passengers to internal violence.

It would appear all cruise lines are having difficulty filling their ships and are offering some stunning fare reductions. Better to lower the single supplement and have at least one person in a cabin rather than sail with them empty.

If you are having a small party in the suite, he might announce each guest as they come through the door. He also should be well versed in the making and serving of all manner of beverages. Should know the weather forecast for the next day and layout the slickers and brellas if required. Also pretty much what your butler does at your home.

Is there a process whereby, instead of requesting a FCC as I do not have any time to use one, I can get a cabin upgrade. ? The currentJan 20th Getaway price for a solo balcony is less than what I paid in full for an inside cabin.

The two upcoming world cruises promise to be nightmares if this keeps up.

When the children take over it is usually a mess until they learn or go out of business.

I gather that primetime for reservtion is between 4:30 and 6:00 and after that the dining rooms can be half empty. Is that correct?

New Hires do not appear to have much in the way of Hospitality skills.

So much depends on whether the Astors, The Biddles or the Vanderbilts will be on board when you cruise QG. If they are then plan on a table by the kitchen door. Otherwise The maître d can be of great assistance.

Actually if one follows the NCL attire guide lines one could simply wear a pair of shorts and a T and go commando. That plus a pair of better flip flops and your entire wardrobe fits in a dopp kit.

How is check in handled if you are not near a computer and do not have a smart phone during the 21 day check in period? I will be on an Amtrak bucket list voyage for the 21 days prior to sailing in January. I personally would leave it all to the embarkation at the pier but one seems to need some sort of form to get into the pier shed and to be able to hand off luggage. Also remember no glasses in the photo.

Problem years ago and most likely continues is that coffee is made from syrup rather than grounds and depending on the age of the syrup and the maker of the pot it can range from disgusting to passable. A few small packages of coffee for the room would not be a waste of packing space.

Just speaking from photos and not personal experience, I think the PG dining room to be more attractive than the QG on the QM2. You may not get the full essence of fresh baked cinnamon rolls from the PG passengers that seem to ooze from the the QG passengers but you should have a more than fine time.

Sounds like some folks have decided to take samples home and in order not to be caught out they have been replacing the larger than usual usage with tap water. People will find a way around most company's reduction in perceived services and percs. The bar soap and the small bottles were certainly more useable and were percs.

What is so critical about being first to check=in. After all you have paid in full and have a stateroom assigned. Beyond that, relax and let life unfold. It is a vacation not a contest.

Miss having to cook my own meals wash my own dishes and make my own bed every day. On board it can be boring having nothing to do for 10 - 12 days but be waited on.

Yes but if you are on one of the cruises where it is anything goes with timing of dining then the poor wine steward will have to hunt up the bottle and then find your table. Hopefully before dessert has arrived. There are many things in life that fall under the rule/ IF IT IS NOT BROKEN, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX IT. On Cunard fixed seating for dinner is one of them.

While Cunard previously did not mind the removal of a vial or two of Toiletries, they did and still do charge if you take a robe or two from the room. Towels are great but can be purchased in bulk from their Brooklyn NY towel supplier at very low rates.

I have always had large tables on Cunard and most all order an appetizer, soup and a salad plus the dreaded entre and dessert. It has never been the problem some of the newer folk seem to believe.

Bring a few empty bottles from home and refill from the large ones. Problem solved.

Is there any place to dance (Ball room) on the Getaway. Other types of dancing?