tacticalbanjo

Yes, you can see where each lift currently is but it’s not always that helpful because you can’t tell if it’s stopping at every floor and will be overtaken by a lift on the opposite bank.

I don't think it is the safety edges. The problem is that the doors start closing way too early like before you've even started getting in early. There are couches in the lift areas now which block the direct route which adds to the problem. I'm in my 30s with no mobility issues and found myself racing to get in a lift many times last week on the Maiden. And when you get there and the doors are starting to close most people will instinctively stick an arm in to hold it because the alternative is to wait another three years for the next lift. Whoever worked out the length of time to hold the doors open must have assumed a clear lift area and non-mobility challenged guests.

The Wellness Cafe is open to everyone and is included. I enjoyed the bowl (which actually came on a plate!) that I had.

Judging by the number of crew and contractors traipsing past my stateroom stinking of smoke, that outdoor area is accessible by deck 4. They weren’t always great at shutting the door behind them and consequently the corridor often smelt strongly of smoke. Even woke up to it in our stateroom last night at about 4am. Yes, I did complain.

They manage on other lines, presumably via security screening, which is why rum runners are a thing. Some other lines won’t even let you bring soft drinks on board. It’s all about the bottom line.

Both of those threads quote the UK FAQs which up until now have explicitly allowed beers, wines and spirits, no unofficial policy needed. I’m aware that the US policy (and maybe in other countries) was always one bottle of wine. The current FAQs have been changed to match the new P&O policy which affects voyages from May 7th onwards.

Cunard’s bring on board alcohol policy has always been generous and for a long time the FAQs in the UK explicitly said that you could bring on beer, wines and spirits to celebrate special occasions with no mention of any limit. However, following P&Os recent change in policy to restrict to one bottle of wine or champagne with a max size of 750ml, Cunard’s UK FAQs now read: You may bring one bottle per person of wine or champagne on board (subject to the age limit law of the port of departure) to celebrate special occasions (no larger than 750ml). However, if you wish to consume it in any of the dining rooms, alternative restaurants or bars then each bottle will be subject to a corkage fee of $25.00 (fee subject to change). There is no corkage fee if it is consumed in your suite or stateroom. Wine and champagne gifts purchased via the Cunard Gift Collection are exempt from the corkage fee - please show your gift card to your waiter. Do we think that the policy on the ground will shift in line with the new FAQ? Or will things carry on as merrily as before with clanking luggage all round?

Today’s Golden Lion specials. I’m happier about the lack of curry now that I know there are two mains and a dessert on the specials board every day. Curry appeared one day so it’s not gone completely and we have an expanded menu all in all.

That covered area is right next to designated smoking area so is not as attractive as it looks. When I walked round it yesterday I found that there was an immediate smell of smoke wafting over.

It’s a beautiful day here, the Pavilion Pool is packed. So of course they’ve decided to shut the bar at 3.30pm. No one seems to be taking much notice of the little signs saying the bar is shut because it’s so nonsensical. Edit: Now quite shut at 3.55pm despite plenty of people round the pool. Bizarre scheduling. The pool here is bizarrely shallow. They can’t have filled it because my 5’4” self can comfortably stand in the deep end which advertises itself as having a depth of 5’11”! Hopefully they will fill it all the way soon as trying to swim results in grounding yourself about halfway along. It was nice and warm today and I’ve enjoyed a lovely swim and a soak in the whirlpool while kiddo is looked after 3 decks up in the Play Zone. The gelataria is a nice touch. The rum and raisin was delicious. And if you prefer a Mr Whippy they’ve got the temperamental machines inside so you can enjoy a free ice cream. I’m glad they didn’t take the free stuff away when they added the paid for stuff. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a good old Mr Whippy.

I’m really surprised how many children there are considering how much it cost to come on the maiden. They all seem to be having a good time though which is great for Cunard’s future.

You will have a great time. The ship is lovely with beautiful big windows to flood the interior with light. We’ve enjoyed the entertainment in the evening. The fish and chips has not been meddled with. I’m still not super impressed at being sat at a table for two with three diners albeit one being pint sized and the waits for service can be rather long. It’s almost as if Cunard have never managed a large scale catering operation before! But the food is excellent when we get it and I’m sure the teething issues will be resolved soon. All in all I’m excited to come back next November.

I watched Georgina Jackson in the Queens Room last night and quite enjoyed myself. A big downside is that there are pillars everywhere which block the view. The room has a retro vibe that wouldn’t miss a bit of Perspex! I can see myself using the room a lot more than I even did before. I know that the changes will upset the dancers but probably not the beancounters because there were plenty of people buying drinks.

The carpets/lift areas are also colour coded. Forward stairwell is blue, mid is yellow, aft is red. So you know where in the ship you are headed towards/away from by the colour of the carpet. It sounds a bit complicated but it’s actually quite helpful.

The fireworks were marvellous. Little one was fast asleep before they finally went off which was a shame but she is only 2 and she’d been up since 6.30am.