Csardas

12 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

It's impossible to know what the "sweet spot" is. I have bid twice, got it once. The time I didn't get it, I didn't expect to, as the website showed the category I bid on (PG) was sold out and had been for over a month.

 

The time I did get it, there was lots of availability and I was accepted quickly. That makes me wonder if I could have got away with a lower bid. But, hey, I got the upgrade and it was less than if I had just booked PG at the going rate. So no regrets. I think both times I bid around the halfway point on the scale. Some posters have said they bid the minimum and won the bid.

 

@Winifred 22 makes a good point. Check to see what the current price is to make sure you don't bid more than that. (I didn't think the system would let you overbid, but I don't know for sure) The easiest way to do that is try a dummy booking on the site. 

 

You need to phone and check as the difference in price is what it was when you booked, not now.

She got Covid and died.

30 minutes ago, Gardenbunny50 said:

I agree with most comments thus far.  I am highest loyalty level on Cunard and Princess.  Just now starting with Celebrity (6 or 7 cruises I think) and they are quickly moving into my #1 slot. Just did Galapagos on Flora in May with Machu Picche extension - totally over the top fantastic!

It was always my childhood fantasy to cruise one day on the incomparable QE2, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful ocean liners in the world. (We have cruise ships now, not ocean liners).

My dream came true in 2003 at the age of 63 when I took one of the last TA crossings from NYC to Southampton when it was announced that this beautiful lady was being replaced for TA by the new QM2.  It was then or never.  And I totally fell in love with Cunard.  My friends teased me with the typical Titanic comments and the “class” categories.  I had chosen one level up from steerage and sailed in Britania class (at that time). I was fortunate enough in 2008 to secure passage on the QE2 when she did her 40th anniversary cruise around the British Isles (before being sold to Dubai) in a Princess Grill.   I find it amusing now that for all those years I sailed on Cunard and was continually teased about “class” - When now ALL the mainstream lines offer every “class” in the book, each with their own dining rooms and other “perks”!!  And certain people love to brag about the “class” they booked for such and such trip.  

History with Cunard continued on to maiden voyages on all the new Queens and with various other Cunard itineraries. I love the quiet, relaxed sophisticated atmosphere and elegant decor of the ships.  Tea time is a favorite venue, running a close second to the incredible lecture series. Some might call their ships boring, but to me they harken back to the nostalgia of the golden era of crossing the ocean before airplanes.  So, if that is your preference, you will like Cunard.

For me now, being a non drinker and basing my cruises on “where do I want to go see next” itinerary destinations, I mostly book interior, with no package add-on (we use cabin for sleep, bathing and dressing) as we enjoy being on decks and excursions.  And saves a lot of money for my healthy travel appetite. Have been blessed with 2 world cruises, northern and southern hemispheres, on the lovely Pacific Princess in 2017 and 2019, all the continents including Antartica, with Princess.

We have been cruising with Princess since 2012. When it became a travel mode I preferred as we aged where you unpacked once and hotel and food and entertainment included vs all our years of land tours, it was then we realized you generally have to travel to Europe to board a Cunard ship.  Apart from TA and Alaska and some Canada/New England itineraries, Cunard is not based out of many USA ports. A friend advised me that since we had began with Cunard, and she sailed Princess, she thought it might be a good fit.  And it has been.  Very similar vibes.  We have enjoyed Princess immensely.  

But after Covid, Princess seemed to change as we did the New Year Eve cruise on the new Enchanted from 2021 into 2022, and used other credits for the new Panama Canal locks.  Then our rescheduled 21 day Med in 2023 on Enchanted.  And after that I was becoming more not happy - mostly because of the dining  where no longer a fixed time.  And MDR being such a large part of cruising, it was stressful.  I tried to adapt and be open minded but still stressful.  And I got very tired of their pushing the Medallion on every facet of your cruise.  Plus we had done most of their itineraries.  

So we moved on to Celebrity.  They are very very similar to Princess, and actually remind me of how I felt on Princess pre-covid.  But their ships seem more open to being able to see the ocean from any location and just have a casual atmosphere.  A good mix of places to enjoy the party atmosphere and the quiet places.  

We will be trying Princess again Sept 23 moving the new Sun Princess from Southamptom to FLL for 16 days.  As this is a totally new ship design for Princess, I can have all those days to decide what I think.  I am a little concerned that one of my favorite places in the past on Princess was the Atrium. It was a great open place to sit and enjoy some nice entertainment and food and beverages and talk to fellow passengers.  But since my post covid cruises, they seem to have brought a more party atmosphere to this area and is not as quiet - I really don’t think Zumba and Line Dancing belong there….but I will be open minded.  

So sorry for my life cruise history, but all 3 lines are very similar with, I would say, varying nusances - none of them are bad by any means.  

So, you just have to decide what works best for what you need the most from a cruise.  Don’t be hesitant to try a different cruise line on a 7 day cruise and see if it fits you. We tried several after Covid - Virgin Voyages, Oceania, Azamara, NCL, Holland and Celebrity.  

Just as in love there is someone for everyone.

And their is a cruise line for everyone.

Thanks for reading….😁

 

 

Thanks for writing such a comprehensive, clear analysis of all three! It was very helpful to me and to others who’ll read it. We enjoy Celebrity too, although my fantasy perfect ship would be Queen Victoria with Celebrity’s Cafe al Baccio and the Martini bar!

2 minutes ago, Cruisemeister2002 said:

Didn't in any way try to upset people and I know from experience that just as there are really nice people without money there are also people who are also really great who are wealthy. Over our many years on P&O I have meant some lovely people, who on the face of it seem to have a few more readies than I do. I believe I have done pretty well. Never had a working income above £30,000 and for the majority under £25,000 but still managed to have 18 cruises since 2002. Not blowing my own trumpet or anything like that. We have changed allegiance to Princess this year as last year sadly a 35 night cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico and US turned into a horror show. The day before embarkation we got a cabin upgrade, inside to sea view. Very nice. Had to change all the labels on luggage. Got to Southampton whereupon met with huge queues and piles of suitcases. Ventura had arrived six hours late. Instead of sailing at 5 p.m. it was 11.30 pm. Sailing to Bermuda told several days out we wouldn't be stopping there. So 10 days of sailing to Freeport Bahamas. Like Cozumel, but thought Roatan and Belize a waste of time. On to New Orleans where we had to go through immigration. Supposed to be two days in port, for some it turned into much less as they didn't get off the ship until 4.30 pm in the afternoon. On to Miami where due to having done most of the excursions before decided on one to a shopping mall. Great star, the coach was supposed to be suitable for wheelchairs. The lift didn't work, so not only were we late getting away, but one poor fella was left behind. Supposed to have been given vouchers for the mall and a map. Nothing. The driver and the guide didn't even know when we were meant to return to the ship. The passengers decided. The list goes on with poor food, awful entertainment except for two tribute acts and I had paid £400 for a package that included Champagne breakfast, Champagne glasses, P&O dressing gown and slippers, two speciality dining experiences, formal photo and frame and a facial or massage for myself and wife. I had contacted P&O two weeks prior to the cruise to make sure everything would be in my cabin on arrival. You guessed it, nothing, zilch. Took me 17 days to sort everything out. Basically going to reception every day. The only cruise where 10 days to go and I wished I was at home.

Oh no! That sounds terrible and bitterly disappointing when it's a much anticipated holiday. Our P and O bad experience was only a 5 night one so it pales into insignificance next to yours- I won't go any further. Did you get refunded any money for missing Bermuda or the bad food? Jeez, they couldn't even get a tour bus right....

11 hours ago, Desert Cruisers said:

Jackets for men are required on formal nights for most public areas on a Cunard ship. It is jacket optional on other nights. 

Yes, a jacket is optional on all other nights but on formal nights it is a dinner suit or dark suit. About 95% wear dinner suits.

5 hours ago, Cruisemeister2002 said:

I can't really comment on Cunard or in truth Princess as the last time I sailed on a Princess ship was early 2000's. Then I thought the entertainment was good and a good choice of food in the MDR much of which were items I hadn't tasted before. My wife though wasn't that exactly thrilled with the menu as there was a lot of fish. I think she had steak most nights. But then things have changed and the cruise was on Sea Princess.We have an upcoming cruise on Princess as due to a less than satisfactory cruise on Ventura last year (P&O) really put us off. As for Cunard I don't like what appears to me harking back to the Titanic's White Star Line where you had 1st class down to Steerage. Certain areas which are no go unless you have a certain grade of cabin . Whilst I don't a ship full of chavs I also don't want people looking down their noses at me either.

You really couldn’t be more wrong about Cunard. There are only different dining rooms for grills guests, a small lounge and a bit of sun deck and most passengers haven’t got a clue who is in what stateroom. Moreover, there’s always a friendly atmosphere on board and people chat to each other. Celebrity ships have different dining rooms too, for Aqua or Suite guests and a much more in your face in the middle of the ship lounge exclusively for Suite guests. Frankly, I don’t care which grade of cabin people have-it’s the people themselves that matter and apart from a couple of loud, crass Americans, everyone I’ve ever spoken to on Cunard has been charming. We’ve been from Inside to Queens Grill. Like you, we had a bad P and O experience but on Arcadia so they’re off the list now.

Thanks for that. So if we like Celebrity, we should like Princess?

Late dining is 7:30? What’s the latest you can eat with any of the other options?

Hi.

We’ve cruised many times but mostly Cunard and the occasional Celebrity, which we’ve enjoyed too. As we’re recently retired, I’d like to expand our options for last minute cruises. If anyone has cruised on Cunard too, I’d be grateful for any information comparing and contrasting the two lines as I really like some of Princess’ itineraries. TIA!

Only 2 or 3 days.

No, I phoned Cunard and asked about the increase to PG, based on our booking date. So extortionate that I didn't even ask about QG, so while it wasn't tuppence ha'penny of a bid, it still meant that we're getting an experience we couldn't/wouldn't have paid at time of booking. Looking on this as a special celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary in September.

On 6/19/2023 at 11:24 PM, BigMac1953 said:

A wee story that might be relevant: 

 

Some years ago, when our two children were at (private) schools, where the fees were extortionate, we sacrificed big holidays to pay the fees.

 

My parents insisted that we go on holiday with them on several occasions. To Orlando. To Lago Maggiore. And for the third time my father decided we should all return to the Italian lakes. As, once again, he was proposing that we all went to a rather up market hotel at his expense, I declined the generous offer. We were returning from watching a football match.

 

My father was quite indignant. He told me in no uncertain terms, that it was his money and that he could spend it how he pleased and that anyway, he did not know how many holidays he had left and that was what he wanted to do.

 

I arrived home and explained this to my wife and asked her how do you answer that?

 

So, we went back to Italy for two weeks and had a marvelous time.

 

A couple of years later, our two left school and wanted to go on holiday by themselves.

 

For the first time, we had the oppertinity of going on holiday by ourselves.

 

The QE2 had been on my bucket list, so I booked it. My wife was horrified. She told me that she didn't have any clothes to wear. She did. We went.

 

Out TA advised us to book a P1. We really enjoyed it and subsequently booked a QG trip for the following year. Our worst mistake. It's been QG ever since. My bank manager is convinced we're buying the ship.

 

Scroll forward to autumn 2008.

 

I asked my mother what she would like for Christmas. Jokingly. she replied that she would like something expensive. I had a plan.

 

A few weeks later, I asked again and this time she asked if I could paint a watercolour. I agreed.

 

I got out my paints and found an interesting picture on the internet of the Queen Victoria with the QE2 in the background. I sketched it then painted it. It was then framed.

 

My parents were due at our house early on Christmas morning. Around 8:00am in fact.

 

At lunchtime on Christmas eve, out daughter phoned from Edinburgh, where she attended the university. She was about to return home. She told us that her German penpal, Linda was in Edinburgh working, along with her friend Alice and that they did not have enough money to get back to Nurenburg, so could they please come and have Christmas with us.

 

Okay, we said.

 

But there's just one problem. Oh? Linda  is a vegetarian.

 

My wife had to dash to the shops, buy two more presents and a basket full of vegetables.

 

Christmas morning, we were all up and ready well before 8:00am.

 

We did the prezzy thing when my parents arrived.

 

I primed the kids that if there was mention of a DVD they must all demand to see it immediately.

 

The last present was ours to my parents and my mother opened it.

 

It was my framed watercolour. I had attached the DVD to the back and if played, it would show how near my painting was to the real thing.

 

The kids all shouted that we should play the DVD

 

My mother took out the DVD, but it was wrapped in a sheet of paper.

 

She asked what it was and I told her to read it.

 

Certain bits were yellow highlighted.

 

"It states booking" form she said. "Read on" I told her. "But that's our names" she said.

 

"You're going on a two week cruise around the Mediteranean"

 

From under the sofa, I produced the Cunard brochure and showed my parents all the different categories. She thought they all looked great. I explained that they were not going in any of these (so far). "You're going Queens Grill with us".

 

We did. It was a great holiday.

 

It was my Dad's last.

 

 

Late seeing this but loved your post. Wonderful that you were able to treat your parents as they had treated you in the past. Luckily it was in time for your Dad to enjoy.  

Were offered to bid for Britannia Club, Princess Grill or Queen's Grill from a Balcony. The price had come down a little since we booked so, for a laugh, put in the minimum bid for Q's Grill and got it!! Super excited now.

I’d love to do this one but it’s in term time. I did suggest to my boss that she should send me as part of my CPD but she didn’t take me up on that…..

Me too. As per my original thoughts that the butler could hang up dresses and I’ll see to the rest.

Hi.

1st time in QG, on QV. What are the sort of tasks that people ask of their butler or that the butler would view as the norm?

Would it be ok to ask the butler to unpack just the dresses that need to be hung up? (I’ll definitely manage the underwear myself!)
We’re not travelling with others so don’t expect to be hosting a cocktail party but my husband does make a good French Martini. Is there a cocktail shaker on the bar area or would the butler source one for us?
 

TIA

What’s the minimum sum over the minimum bid that’s been successful?

A week to go and all 3 show as pending. When did anyone else find out, successful or not?

Can you buy the drinks package on board, on day 2? We’ve always had the Classic included so we’re planning to order what we have in the past and see how much that comes to before committing to a package.

4 hours ago, Britboys said:

Yes and no. Depends on the grade of cabin you book. Britannia is the standard mdr and if you are in a slightly more expensive cabin, you are in Britannia Club, the upper level of the Britannia. Mostly the same menu but the surroundings are a bit more intimate and you can eat any time during meal service.

Only the Club Dining room is different-the Balcony cabins are exactly the same.

Hi,

We're 4 adults, returning (hopefully) from the Ventura 5 day New Year cruise and need a taxi to Gatwick. Does anyone have any recommendations/warnings??

The train is not possible as we will have my 80+ ages parents with me. My children have done the train and said there is very little time to get on/off and certainly not doable with the oldies.

We’re looking at an October Greek Island cruise with RC and as this would be our first cruise with this line, I wondered if Celebrity points are carried over?

Thanks for any replies!

1 hour ago, Pear Carr said:

Polo shirts in Britannia for dinner? Lowering the tone?😬

A polo shirt is just a jumped up t-shirt!

2 hours ago, tacticalbanjo said:

I was talking with my husband last night about how we both prefer a lot of things about the smaller ships (easier to navigate, better Commodore Club, better buffet layout, Gin and Fizz bar) but there's just something about the QM2 that makes it our favourite ship. I don't know whether it is the lavish public spaces, the atmosphere or the fact that when we sail on her we tend to pick TAs and have time to completely relax.

 

We're on QE next month and I'm absolutely itching to be back on board even if we have to wear masks and can't get off without going on an arranged excursion. But a big part of me is disappointed that I don't have chance to do one last childless hurrah on QM2 before my baby arrives in January and holidays become something very different.

Have a lovely cruise next month and all best wishes for your lovely arrival in January.

9 hours ago, showingdiva said:

Brought up at sea, worked on many cruise ships belonging to multiple lines, including QE / QV and cruised as a passenger on various ships, the first time I saw QM2 in the flesh in Southampton, she took my breath away.   I quite agree how a lump of metal can evoke so much emotion.   That first moment stepping aboard her is like no other.

 

I cannot say that I find walking around her further or time consuming than any other, despite some of her quirks.

 

I've co-incidentally worked multiple times on Oceana ships, especially Marina and Nautica.   What was so awful about Riviera?

We just didn't enjoy the cruise much. It's a bit too glitzy for me - prefer Cunard's style-and there were just a series of things(too trivial perhaps for this forum) that made us feel that it was the emperor's new clothes without actual quality.