EastCoastLilac

My husband enjoys his chocolate chip cookies, so I asked a staff member in Kings Court if there were any cookies/biscuits.

He said, "Wait here." (At our table.)

He disappeared behind doors and several minutes later he came out with a plate full of chocolate chip cookies. We only wanted two, but he brought more, no matter, my husband didn't let them go to waste.:D

Dear EastCoastLilac,

 

Welcome. Cruise Critic began by being on AOL.

 

FYI: Not only on the only Ocean plying Oceanliner ( QM2) but all cruise ships.

 

1.) They are only Coolers. Not refrigerators. They used to have small freezers in them but over a score of years ago now.

 

On your injury of the foot.

Asking the Medical area on the ship they may provide a location for that Blue FROZEN ICe..and/or Dry Ice and you may carry aboard a container ..cooler to keep them in.

 

Ask your Medical Practioner about cooling your body temperature down as well as it has now been proven so -so many medical benefits.

 

2.)

Ice Cubes; Are nice but as many others know as well have shown here the practice of obtaing it from the Buffet style areas on ships are not wise as many may not and/or do not know of quality practices they should observe.. Infections by bacteria are not only obtained from entry from a sore etc...

 

 

3.)

Asking is one of the best ways. Cabin Service does provide that as well staff serving your cabin.

 

::

 

Hope this helps you resolve your needs more too.

Thanks AAAAAmerican, everytime I needed ice, it was in the cabin's ice bucket, which was usually in the fridge. A swollen foot didn't keep me from exploring the ship, just rested it as much as possible.

The Captain's welcome reception is open to everyone but I don't think invitations are generally sent. The World Club parties do have invitations but you don't get one first time round.

 

They do not collect your cruise card anymore you are free to keep it.

 

I generally keep everything, I have a slightly overflowing wooden box which needs a serious tidy up !

I don't know why, but we were invited to both reception and party on the first and subsequent crossings, it was a nice surprise.

I kept the cruise cards, too.

I have a couple of those from the 90's and one from 2004. So they didn't disappear as long ago as most people think.

 

They were really handy if you have a memory like mine for names.

 

 

Regards, Colin.

That's interesting, I did think passenger lists were a thing of history. They are handy for people researching ancestry, seeing lists on who came over on which ship from a century ago.

Thanks for coming back to let us know the outcome. How did you enjoy your trip ?

Hattie,

It was fantastic. If I could make the voyage often, it would be wonderful.

However, there was terrible weather, rough seas, seasick feelings. No amount of meclizine, ginger, or green apples helped. After a couple of days I was okay. The seasick surprised me, as I thought the size of the ship would be soothing. It wasn't. I felt the movement from sail away.

The ocean was rough. Waves hit the Golden Lion windows and darkened the room- everyone taken by surprise. I wouldn't trade lots of these moments for a smooth sea.

Walking down the hallway, I found myself floating midair with the floor sinking and me with no floor under my feet.

There were lots of good memories and I wish I had sailed before, but that's life. Last year we crossed twice, even through a hurricane.

It's a marvelous way to enjoy the big skies and the horizon. We saw some porpoises, rainbows, ships loaded with trailers and a bird or two who hitched a ride.

There is more to say, but I suppose that should be a different thread.

Thanks for asking and I know I should have come back to share, but I was very ill arriving back in the US and then I thought there was not much the board would learn from a new Cunarder. But, I am glad to share anyway. :D

Hi, Wanted to say that on my first crossing, I asked the steward about getting the menus and she looked at me as if I had three eyes. She said no one had ever asked for menus and thought it was odd.

I didn't appreciate that reply, but she said she would see if it was possible, so I left it at that.

On the last night of the trip, she brought me photocopies of all menus except for the first night (which was the best one for me of the week) and although the photocopies were not what I expected, I thanked her and packed them.

Other things I saved were the daily programmes, the newspapers, pen, postcard, magazine, notepad, napkins, and the nightly chocolates.

On that crossing the Gift Shop was fully stocked and so I bought a few things I saw at the time for myself and for gifts.

I also kept the receipts for onboard purchases, and had a chance to look at them for something or other a month ago. The ink had faded so badly, I could barely read them.

Back in the 1950's my Mother sailed on Cunard and I have her Passenger List. Times have changed from when all passengers were named in a booklet for everyone else to peruse.

When my Nana sailed back to Britain I went up to NYC to see her off. I got a toy model of the ship, which I still have today, although it's damaged.

Way back then, you could board the ship to say goodbye, before waving from the dock as they sailed out of sight.

When the gong was rung and the shout went out, "All ashore whose going ashore!" I took off like a rocket, thinking I had to high tail it out of there. So funny and so young.

I still remember (seemed to me a young girl) the rickety wood gangplank. So cautious to walk on it, as you could see the river through the spaces.

I think I saved a few other things, but most of all the memories of my first crossing, sea sickness and all.:champagne-toast:

I'm sitting here nine days with bronchitis, and looking at my old thread. :eek:

I found that asking the steward for ice was all I needed, I brought my own icebag and all was fine.

Thanks for all the replies, it helped me to know ahead of time that I could manage my injury with plenty of ice.

Hi,

I did the MegaBus/Train ticket from Waterloo to Southampton in November 2015. At that time, the two tickets combined cost were less than 4 pounds. I recall we took the early 6:30am train, around that time.

We stored our luggage on the seats and floor across from our seats. No one ever needed to sit there, as there were plenty of seats available all the way down to Southampton.

The Mega site said to show proof of ticket (we printed our confirmation) and board the car with the Mega sign in the window.

We went up and down the traincars and never saw any Mega signs, so we boarded a car near the rear of the train.

The only hiccup was getting off the train, as people had brought their bicycles on and it was awkward moving the suitcases past the bikes. One or two fellows lifted a suitcase down to the platform, without asking, (appreciated) and then we were on our way.

We went one day earlier than boarding the QM2 as we wanted to go to Portsmouth and see a bit of the area, shop at West Quay, which is across from the Premier Inn, and so on.

Last year we were with friends and had a car ride down to Southampton.

If you can get a Mega ticket for a bargain, it's certainly worth it, for us it saved us over 80 pounds. I haven't checked the site, could be days and times are not as cheap all the time.

Best of luck and Happy Crossing.

Enjoyed your review, Bostonjetset. In a few weeks I'll make the same journey, crossing westbound, on my first QM2 experience.

It's great to read from both new and experienced cruisers. I'm looking forward to a smooth crossing, hoping anyway. Glad you enjoyed yours!

"Thaxted ...and who wants to spend a day at sea fretting over the wash?"

I hear you on this.

"Bostonjetset: ...Anyway, they lock up the laundry at 9.30pm so it never interrupted our sleep."

I planned to do a late night/overnight laundry within a quiet laundry room, something smooth in a glass and now that image is shattered. Oh well, guess Cunard doesn't run on my time, lol.

"jimmybean: We have found the air flow in the shower to be excellent for having these things dry within 24 hours.

Have a wonderful voyage! Happy Sailing!"

Thanks all, and I'll pack the pins.

"If your budget allows, the cost of ship's full service laundry is considerable less expensive than the services of an anger management counselor."

:p BlueRiband, Thanks for the chuckle! :D

I'll be in a Britannia Sheltered Balcony cabin. Wash smalls in the bathroom sink or shower if need be, then if there's no clothesline, I could dry well on a towel and then put the items on hanger(s) on the shower rod. Improvise ...

I didn't plan on doing any laundry in the machines, but just in case the trousers/slacks need doing after the land trip, wanted to be prepared. The Voyage Personaliser today said tabs were for purchase. Nice to hear they are free for use.

Thanks.

Hi, earlier I read on the Voyage Personaliser that Washing Tabs are available for Purchase.

Do I buy a Tab from a Vending Machine? Currency needed? Coins or Bills?

Is there a pull out or such Clothesline on the Shower Rod in the cabin bathroom?

If there is a clothesline, are there clothespegs/pins available or should I bring some onboard?

I'd like to wash little, quick drying articles of clothing to hang overnight in the bathroom.

Anyone have experience with this? Thanks.

Asda is a five-minute walk from West Quay Mall, less than ten minutes from your hotel.

Similar situation with lifts - you can use the lift at the back of the store to go down to the level of your hotel & then walk along the back of West Quay Mall.

But the sloping path down from the Mall to your hotel is just as easy.

JB :)

Excellent, the sloping path sounds good.

Sea City museum is less than five minutes beyond Asda.

Will check the opening and closing times. I think I read somewhere that they will let you leave luggage there. That would be very convenient, could go to Asda after touring the museum.

In the opposite direction, The Duke of Wellington in Bugle Street for a drink or a meal, the Wool House (aka the Dancing Man) at the junction of Bugle Street & Town Quay for a drink or pub-grub, Royal Thai (ground floor) or Gatehouse Grill (upper level) in the Royal Pier opposite the Wool House, Ennios just a few yards away on Town Quay for a little more-expensive Italian meal, a number of other pubs & restaurants in the area. None more than a ten minute walk on level ground.

Thank you for these names and locations. Will make a list and suffer through the difficult choice :D of only going to one or two of these places.

Thanks so much, John.

No, I don't think that's doable. Remember, you'll probably also have a purse, plus you want to keep a hand free for handrails and ticket machines. Realistically, a medium-sized wheeled suitcase with a carry-on that can attach to the pull handle is the most you want to take.

 

That sounds reasonable. I'd probably wear the pocketbook/purse with a long strap across to leave both hands free- at least for the portion of the journey with suitcases. Stacking the case through the handle is what I am considering. If all else fails, a taxi/cab might be the last resort.

 

 

 

A couple of thoughts on this plan:

 

-Everyone deals differently with jetlag. Personally I'm one that needs a short nap on arrival, then out and about getting my bearings and into bed at my usual time. I don't like to have any definite plans, as I know my body won't follow.

 

-While it feels counter-intuitive to backtrack, it probably would be easier (and not much longer) to go to Windsor from Central London.

I couldn't do a short nap, I know I would be either wide awake, thinking I'm missing out - or sleep way too long and actually miss out. :D I did consider doing the opposite, London then Windsor, but a slower pace first thing after travelling and the plane seemed more appealing. I'm going to want some fresh air and a walk.

The main reason I chose this way, is the State Apartments are closed on the only other day we could fit in the visit to the castle. I plan on not getting stressed if the weather or other closure crops up, just go with the flow.

Globaliser

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastLilac View Post

I thought I could manage a carryon and two bags on public transport. You think that is not doable?

I can do that. I have done it when each bag has weighed 32 kg. But I have been using the Tube almost daily for 30 years. I wouldn't recommend that a newcomer to London even tries this.

The only times I have ridden the Tube, taken the London buses was with one bag and a pocketbook- and that was when I was able to lift things a lot easier than now. A taxi is sounding more appealing.

Thanks for the warnings and good advice!:)

I've kept menus from my first QM2 crossing, handed to me without asking for them on the last evening. I believe they did this on early QM2 voyages, but not later.

I've also a set from a (special to me) cruise, that I requested.

Other than those, I don't bother anymore.

 

(I was told by a steward, whom I asked why the sets of menus weren't handed out to passengers as a matter of routine anymore (as a souvenir) that "many passengers just discarded them in their cabins". Either not interested, or maybe weight considerations if they were flying post cruise (or had no room in their cases). So they stopped giving them out, but will still do so on request.

(Furthermore he told me that they prefer passengers to ask on the first night for a set to be reserved, so they can keep them handy, rather than have to try and find a complete set on the last evening)). Thanks for explaining this. I will ask the steward on the first day.

 

I've also kept the following:

In a Cunard wallet... Cruise cards...

When they used to have your photograph on them, one from Queen Mary 2 and one from Queen Elizabeth 2, much nicer than the current versions.

A few from very recent trips (to remind me of dates).

 

In a scrap book...

Invitations... To the QM2 Bridge in 2007, several senior officers cocktail parties etc.

Any information sheets handed out that give useful stuff to help answer questions posted here (can't rely on my memory).

"Behind the Scenes" tour info etc. Port information sheets. Shore tour tickets (where possible).

A deck map/cutaway diagram of QE2 as I'm still trying to find my way about (;)) Me, too. I plan to enlarge some of the diagrams from the book Cunard sent regarding the schedules. Also, to make a list of things I don't want to miss.

 

Almost all (but not quite all :( ) Daily Programmes from my trips. I find these esp interesting as I use a highlighter pen on board to mark what I mustn't miss. So now these bring back great memories of enjoyable times, funny moments, great speakers, etc. I'll certainly be ensuring I keep all these from now on. I try not to mark up any items I save. But, reading this, it makes the programme that much more personal and could jog the memory. I shouldn't try to keep everything so pristine.:)

Also pens, pins, items won from trivia quizzes... and purchased on board: mugs, books, souvenirs etc. I don't think I'd win a trivia, but I could try!

 

In an Album...

Any photographs taken by the ship's photographers (I don't have many of these, I avoid the dining room ones esp, but I do have a handful of very special ones, that bring back great memories).

 

(My proudest possession; a 3ft approx. model of QM2, built by my 80yr old father) I've got goosebumps reading this. Such a lovely and special treasure.

 

Hope this helps... :)

Thank you, pepperrn for sharing your experience, it gives me even more assurances.

edwardh1 we did throw ours out when we got home (used them for scratch paper) too much stuff in your life to save, and how long to save, what??? Pictures of the ship and co travelers but not the menus.

someone does put a real effort in preparing all those tho.!!

I've moved house too many times than I liked, so I know about the decluttering. I hope to get down to the essentials. Lots of donations, so other people benefit from that, but they won't want paperwork. :)

Tell yourself (and PAY Attention) -- all you need is one checked bag and one carry-on. Just do it! We are spending a week in late October before our Nov. 6 QM2 crossing home. Three checked bags per is insane - even two is unnecessary. More than one plus carry-on will make you hostage to your luggage.

 

Heathrow Express is probably fastest - but just gets you to Paddington Station - requiring a taxi from there. Our preferred way is the Picadilly Line direct from LHR - to Gloucester Road - under an hour - at the corner of Cromwell Road, which is lined with hotels in easy walking distance. Radisson Edwardian Vandedrbilt is our favorite, but there are many others.

 

Gloucester Road is very convenient for getting around - in addition to Picadily, District and Central lines also stop there.

 

If you go on line looking at "hotels Cromwell Road London", you can check out options.

I know what you mean by hostage. It pains me to think of dealing with that many bags. I have watched others do so and it's not something I want to do.

I have already put one bag back in the basement. It's too big and there's no way I am lugging that around. If I could sell it I would. The high price of checked bags (first one free) makes me want to take just the ones you said. Will see how my shoe situation goes...

I'll be away from home for about three weeks. That includes driving across states, visiting with family, then eight days in and around London, then the crossing back to the US. After that, more visiting and driving. So, closer to four weeks away. I already plan to do laundry for the casual clothes, which cuts down on some packed items.

I thought I could manage a carryon and two bags on public transport. You think that is not doable?

John Bull

Quote:

 

If you don't heed the advice of others on this thread, life will be pretty impossible using public transport with each of you hauling "only"( ) two bags + carry-on.

In which case you need to pre-book a private transfer, at a one-way cost of around £45 to £55, depending on the location of your central London hotel. (sorry, no personal experience for suggesting operator names)

Simply taking a cab from the rank at your airport terminal will cost you up to double.

 

With more manageable luggage, other options might be possible - bus, tube, Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect trains, again depending on the location of your hotel.

When choosing a hotel you might also want to consider onward transportation to your cruise ship, especially if your stay in London is a short one.

So:

- how many nights in London? 5 or 6 plus a couple of days elsewhere.

- where will you be cruising from? Southampton

- have you figured how many bags you'll settle for?Not yet, whittling them down.

- how mobile are you? Especially with luggage. Can manage to wheel two and throw one! Just kidding.

- do you have a preference for a hotel brand, style, price? Working on that night and day, no decision yet.

- anything else that will sway your decisions?A miracle. :p

 

Your answers will significantly whittle-down the myriad options that are overloading and frying your brain . I completely agree and the other party who shall not be named as to protect my innocence :rolleyes: has been dragging his feet and needs to speak up.

 

JB

SteveH2508 2 or 3 checked bags each + carry-on = hiring a truck to get around!

 

CC mantra #1 - bring half the luggage and twice the money you expect.

I believe that with a practice packing, planned laundry, and not buying loads of junk to take home, I will get the suitcases down to a manageable level. My checked bags aren't the biggest and the very biggest case I have is not coming with me.

Money, you are right on that account. Thanks, Steve.

When I started this thread, the first stop from Heathrow was somewhere in Central London. That's no longer the plan.

I am going to make the first day upon landing at Heathrow a trip to Windsor and Eton. Going from Heathrow by train and maybe a taxi from the train station to the inn. The National Rail site shows a bus part way and then the train. Changing trains 2 times. I am arriving at Terminal 5. Instead of backtracking to Windsor after being in London, I thought this day on arrival might help me with the jet lag.

I could look into a prearranged car pickup from Heathrow to Windsor. Any idea of cost? The two don't look very far away from one another.

Was going to try and get the hotel in the area of Waterloo, if possible. Boarding the Southwest Train in Waterloo to Portsmouth.

I'll get the Oyster card for the tube and bus lines.

After London, going to Portsmouth for a day or two. Someone wants to visit the ships and the D Day Museum. Then going to Southampton the day before the ship leaves.

There are two Premier Inns in Southampton city centre.

"City" is on the east side in New Road and "West Quay" is on the west side. I'm guessing your hotel is the West Quay one, most popular with cruisers. If so, yes, your hotel is right at the back of West Quay Mall and only a couple of hundred yards from the entrance beyond Marks & Spencer.

City Premier Inn is less convenient - a walk across a park to Above Bar (the main traditional shopping street) and West Quay Mall beyond.

 

A new Co-op "Welcome" store opened this year in the same building as Premier Inn West Quay. It's a convenience food shop, and includes a small selection of wines. So you could recce their offerings before venturing into the Mall & the other city shops.

 

The main West Quay Mall entrance (opposite end to Premier Inn) is in the middle of the Above Bar stores, just a few yards from the historic Bar Gate - the old city's main entry point through the city walls.

 

Most of the shops in the mall & on Above Bar Street are national chains - the goods & prices are broadly the same as you'll find in any UK city centre.

Smaller shops line East Street, which is the other side of the Bar Gate, a bit more variety but you'll find few goods with a local flavour.

 

Marks & Spencer (M&S) in the Mall has a reasonable selection of world wines, generally a little better & a little more expensive than in other grocery stores such a Asda, which is a five minute walk from the mall. Same comment applies to biscuits, chocolates etc. though there'll be further choices in other shops. Likewise John Lewis for teacups & other household goods but again plenty of other shops selling such things.

 

The city centre & main shopping level of the Mall is one storey above Premier Inn & the retail "sheds" of West Quay Retail Park (the stores in the retail park sell furniture, kitchen appliances & such, and unlikely to interest you). There's a path with an easy slope to the Mall entrance, or you can use the elevator in the multi-storey carpark behind Premier Inn to go up one level.

 

Couldn't really get a much better location than Premier Inn West Quay for shopping. :)

 

JB :)

Awesome, John Bull! I had a look at the video, so that shop might be very handy. Seems large for a convenience store, at least the ones I've been in.

I am staying at the West Quay location. Other people posting here spoke well of it, so the list of possible hotels was narrowed down and Premier WQ was selected.

If time permits after arriving, I hope to visit the Sea City Museum or something else before shopping.

I am going to check out the lift situation, that might help with the bags carrying back to the hotel! :D

tartanexile81 We alway stay at the Premier Inn West Quay because of its location - close to pubs / restaurants for the evening when we arrive, then easy access to shops in the morning. Apart from M&S and John Lewis as already mentioned here's also a big supermarket close by: ASDA (Walmart) which is really good and cheap for basics and has a wide selection.

I'm not sure from looking at the map if the Asda is walkable carrying bags back to the West Quay. If it's walkable, will check that out for the savings.

Any favorite pubs/restaurants you want to share? It'd be nice to send ourselves off with a good meal and drink from Southampton.

TeaBag When we sailed out of Southampton last May, there were a lot of lovely free magazines available at the cruise terminal. I hope your foot will soon be better. If you want to eat in the West Quay mall, there is a Harry Ramsdens (fish and chips etc) and a Wagamama (Asian) among others.

Free magazines sound very good, will keep a look out for them. Fish and chips and Asian are two favorites. Thanks for that info. My foot is crying out for rest and ice, I must slow down. So many details to tie up right now. Thank you for the well wishes.

Again, thank you everyone for the info! :)

I save all the Daily Programmes from our Cunard voyages. Those are the pamphlets showing the daily schedule of activities which we receive on embarkation and then each evening for the next day's activities. Some of the musical and dramatic performances during the day will have programs which I collect as well. I also like to keep the card we receive in our stateroom on embarkation showing our Britannia restaurant table assignment.

 

We used to be given a packet containing our dinner menus at the end of the voyage including little notes from the wait staff to keep as mementos, but Cunard has apparently stopped doing that. Not sure if you can get copies of your menus on request.

 

Regards,

John.

I must remember the table assignment card, thanks for that. I hope the menus and programs are able to be saved, will have to ask.

Scrapnana I would expect there to be a cocktail party to which you will get an invitation. They collect the invitations as you enter but if you ask they will let you keep it.

Thanks Scrapnana, I didn't realize there might be an invitation, if not, maybe the next trip. Exciting new events!

jimmybean I'm not sure there will be invitation to Captain's party until second Cunard voyage ???

 

Sometimes, they don't ask for cruise card when we disembark, so we have saved a few of these.

 

The last time I asked, menus were given at the end of the voyage, but only when requested. Like bluemarble and scrapnana, I have a pile of Daily Programmes and invitations…

 

And, Cunard pens! I have one from each voyage. I think that is my most prized souvenir : )

 

Happy Sailing!

Never thought of pens, and cruise card would be great to save. Thanks jimmybean.

JuniorCruisers On our recent QV voyage our waiters gave us the preceding week's menus each weekend, without us asking for them. Presented with a nice little cover and note from both of them - presumably this was done for most other passengers as well.

Excellent!

bluemarble Good reminder about saving the cruise card, jimmybean. We have a collection of those too.

 

There should be ship postcards among the writing materials supplied in your stateroom. I collect one of those for each different ship we sail on from each of the various cruise lines.

 

If you should happen to be lucky enough to receive an invitation to dine at an officer's table during your voyage, that makes a very nice souvenir too.

 

Regards,

John.

I have many postcards some I bought and some sent to me, as well antique cards I bought from fairs and thrift stores. I would love for some QM2/Cunard postcards to be added to my collection! Thanks, John.

Summergee On our last 2 cruises I asked, on the first night, if we could have the menus at the end of the trip. We are not normally given the menu for the last night and some of the dates on the menus have been for the previous week but they are still a lovely keepsake.

I agree with you, Summergee. Also, from reading the replies, it seems as if I ask the waiter for the menus?

Jim Avery my Cunard Memory Box has quite a bit from older Cunarders when just about everything had the logo on it. Several ashtrays from QE2 and Queen Mary with logos, the full length plush bath towels with logos and the best, two Cunard steamer rugs from the Sun Deck. Navy wool with red wool inside, gold embroidery and black leather trim. A few commemorative coins and trinkets.

That's a stash! Hope you have enjoyed each one as they represent your past trips, Jim.

edwardh1 july in 2015, QV gave out the Menus in the Britiannia staterooms, on the last day. we did not want them, but did not want to refuse them, so we took them. they are beautiful and quite a keepsake, but also kind of wasteful as many probably throw them out.

I have mixed ideas on how to handle that if I ran the business.

It must be quite an effort for 600 Britannia cabins to prepare those packages, and its done just before "turnover" when guests leave, an already busy time.

I have saved menus and other bits and pieces from different places and plan on getting around to assemble them into nice displays or shadowboxes, some time... One of these days when other things don't get in the way. I see your point, edwardh1, many don't want the paperwork or just don't get sentimental.

Thanks everyone for the ideas and sharing.

If you are still having problems, there is a "Shopmobility" scheme at West Quay. They will lend you an electric or pushalong chair or buggy, free of charge. AFAIK all they need is some ID.

 

This is their website: http://www.west-quay.co.uk/shopmobility

Thanks Bob++. I had a look at that link. It's very good for the mall to provide these services.

turnip eater Hope that you foot improves. Good Luck with the shopping

Thanks turnip eater. People are requesting, so I will do my best. :cool:

Has anyone collected menus, programs, etc. from their Cunard crossings or cruises? I'm thinking about what little things I want to save from my first (hopefully first) crossing with Cunard.

Is it possible that a request would be filled or denied? Ask the steward?

It's sort of like saving theatre ticket stubs, to nudge the memory cells some day. ;)

Hi Lilac.

 

Don't worry. You will be fine. Each room comes with an ice bucket. If your steward can see that you are using a lot of ice, then it is replenished morning and night, when the rooms are cleaned. If you are not using much then it might only be replenished once a day.

 

As for the Lido, there is an ice machine at each drinks station and at busy times they complement it with a large plastic tub full of ice. The ice is meant to be collected in one of their own glasses or paper cups. For hygiene reasons you should not use your own containers. However, it is simple and hygienic to fill up a couple of glasses with ice and take them to a table to transfer into your own container.

Thanks fantasy51. A cup of ice a few times a day for the ice bag should do it. A polite request to the steward if I can't endure the walk. Good to know these things.

jimmybean: Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Yes, ice is available in King's Court at the self-serve beverage bar and yes, your steward can bring ice to your room, regularly, in an ice bucket.

 

I also traveled with an injury, years ago, which needed to be iced. Extra towels and ice were readily available.

 

Have a wonderful voyage!

Thank you jimmybean for the reassurances and the image of injured passengers with icebags and such travelling in luxury on the seas! Hope you are fully recovered, too.

laktex: If memory serves me correctly, the ice bucket fits into the fridge so you can keep them longer. Room service or your steward will top up at your request.

Thank you laktex. I did wonder the capacity of the fridge. Now to choose, champagne or ice? Both essential. ;)

Host Hattie: Yes, it does. When you first meet your Cabin Steward I would explain that you need plenty of ice and I'm sure they will take care of it.

The only time we've had a problem was when we had a Norovirus outbreak and the steward wasn't allowed to provide ice. I collected it from the Kings Court or the nearest bar.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic, I hope the long corridors on the ship don't stress your foot too much !

Thank you Hattie. I agree with you. I'm a bit concerned, but will take it as easy as I can. There is still some time for healing, so I will hope for the best.

Scrapnana Just let your steward know when you need ice or if you need extra (the ice buckets are not huge) and they will be glad to bring it to you.

Thank you Scrapnana. It's nice to read that.

edwardh1: The lido ice tubs are not always there- they put them out during some but not all busy times. Use the steward.

Thank you edwardh1, for another recommendation to ask the steward. That may be best depending on the pain level.

Thanks all for responding to my very first post on CC.

By the way, I remember a filthy ice making machine at a hotel I stayed at. It was probably a breeding ground for who knows what. Yuck. Once I saw the bits of mystery stuff in the ice, I went to look at the machine. Being disgusted by it, I gave up ice until I checked out.

Thanks, turnip eater. After reading others on the forum saying they stayed at the Premier, I decided to give them a chance. The location looks to be very near the mall. I have a foot injury and can't do a lot of walking, but am resting it up in hopes all will be well enough in time for the trip.

I will check out the M&S and John Lewis, too. Looking forward to selecting something nice to take home.

 

At this point, I am duty-bound to urge you to reduce your luggage to 1 bag+carryon - you really don't need any more. And yes, I've travelled on the QM2, and yes I had 3 completely separate formal outfits packed. I still did it with a small rolling duffel + carryon.

I know you are right, and it would make things better to not lug around so many cases. I should say to myself, that I will go on another crossing or cruise and get to use those pretty things the next time...

Thank you Globaliser and Twickenham. I think what I should do is get my details in order and then come back to the thread. Central London, London in any regard is a big place, you're so right. One answer might not be the best if I'm in the other direction!

The hotel has not been decided as of this moment and that is the destination. You have both been very helpful. Thanks and I will check in after the reservation has been confirmed.

Looking to find the easiest, maybe less expensive (don't always match up) way to go from Heathrow to Central London. Have considered booking a pickup service, but would like to know the pros and cons.

Arrival terminal is 3 or 5, not sure as of today. We will each have two or three checked bags plus a carryon. Currently trying to make it only two bags each plus a carryon.

I've searched and read on various sites and the amount of info gets to be overload level.

If you have any knowledge of making this route, would appreciate some experienced input. Thanks!