Lakesregion

As far as I can determine, if you are capable finacially to book the Grills, then you can also find land based vacations of similar or even better quality. On the othe end of the spectrum, I have yet to find a single land based vaction (Mickie D's and Motel 6 not withstanding) that yields the same level of travel, housing, food and entertainment that any cruise offers even those on the mega 5,000 barges.

Whatever. Guy made a fortune with a backpack and a niche market. Got to love it.

Not at all. The OP gave me the impression they did not wish to mingle with the "Unwashed Trurist" so my suggestion would eliminate that issue. following Steve Ricks is wonderful if you are of a younger age. Does not really work when you are seeking a few of the finer things in life to go along with the sights.

Just wondering in as much as you are on a ship with zero place to go exept back to the cabin why staffing should be an issue.

Best way is to hire a private car and driver who knows all of the prime spots you wish to visit. Then they can arange private visits to all the locatios.Its done all the time. .Costs a ton of money but then you do want to be exclusive and not mix with the "tourists"

Cancelling a full world cruise because Cunard was still charging full fare but deliving a half package was my way. And as far as I can see the only way. And yes I agree, the die has already been set and Cunard is only trying to slow walk it because they do not yet have the market to fill all four ships with the new passenger demographic they are seeking.

Interesting to read the deniers who fail to see what is right in front of them. Sadly they will also have to enduret the fall.

I don't know why this is a supriswe to so many. Cunard has been going the way of all cruise lines for years now with their slow reduction of the dress code, the adding of enhancement packages and the general down marketing of the experience. Cuanrd feels they must reach the more casual market that does not dance, enjoys "smart Jeans" and likes drinks packages etc. The new queen will have very limited if any real ballroom dancing offered. And within a couple of years afternoon tea will also be gone. And the traditionalsts have no one to blame but themselves as they allowed the slow deminishment to occur instead of fighting back.The Grand Canyon was not created overnight and Cunard's lose of "Tradtion" and a very formal way was not changed over night.

Recommend you down load a complete set of deck plans and on boarding take an hour or so following every deck.

Here in the US construction work begins promptly at 8 am even if someone may be on vacation.

Pretty much all industries have gone to this model. They offer a really low price for basic and then nickle and dime dollar and ten for every singe add on. Look at automobiles. amtrak, phone, internet planes and now cruise lines. Want a really low price then go low and take what is offered. Unless you are going to spend moer time in the cabin then the rest of the ship who cares.

Ordering qustion. Can you order say the tomato soup from column A and also one or more items from column B the large plates in the MDR at lunch?

Just one of the casualties of going to a more casual atmosphere. Do away with formality and you generally get a market base that does not appreciate classical music. There are costs to relaxing tradition and the loss of classical music appears to be one of them. Wait for the elimination of afternoon tea next.

If I read the Carnival news release about breaking the corporation up into parts, one of the items was the discontinuance of the California HAL office. I believe that they will be working out of a European office and there may be some transitional delays.

Which, according to another thread here, has been tossed into the dumper for 2024. Not a good look to sell a bunch of TA crossings and then find out you don't have a place to dock in NYC on those dates.

The real question that arises is why did Cunard not confirm their docking schedule with the cruise port before selling these cruises? surely the company and the ship that books first gets the space and it looks like would seem that someone else was awake and moved into what Cunard must have thought was theirs without asking. Terrible example of incompetant management.

Absolutely and your husband can wear one also.

Looks like it might be a move to make it easier to sell off a brand or two if needed to help out paying off debt.

You are far from being unreasonable. Crew members are hired and paid to be "of service" to the passengers and any praise or extra gratuity beyond the daily assement should be earned not solicited.

Go away for aweek and this thread is still pulling them in. Reminds one of an old Jane Fonda Movie. One yearns for the good old days of ship travel where there was no need to question a code as those that sailed in the first class cabins "knew" what was required of them before ever booking becasue they wore similar clothing both during the day and during their evenings both out and at home. and those traveling below the salt still wore their sunday best.

Since it well may be warm by then in NYC, hit the outdoor sailaway party. They should have a band to liven things up. If you are single, it is a good place and time to take an inventory of passengers that seem interesting. Most everyone will be in party mood and an offer to buy a beverage can move the week in the right direction.

What do you do if you are away from your home computer and do not have an app capable phone, if you do not receive the boarding pass before leaving home?

NCL runs many dress as you like cruises out of Boston. Suggest if you do not wish to be part of the HAL experience that you book with NCL. You can do an entire 12 days on NCL out of a gym bag.

Putting the two cruises on one reservation also costs you some potentail OBC particularly if you have Carnival stock.

Don't know why NCL doesn't show all these cozy restaurants when there are 5,000 hungry passengers fighting to get into them. That would be much more realitic.