Jack E Dawson

18 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

 

I don't see a limit mentioned in the latest daily programmes I have from November-December 2022 on QM2, but the daily programmes I have from earlier years mention the watercolour art classes are limited to 25 guests. First come, first served I suppose if the limit should happen to be exceeded.

In 3 crossings I've never seen anyone turned away bluemarble. On our May Crossing there were quite a few people on the first day but a lot of people thought it was a one and done program and class size drops about 1/3 on the second day. I really like that if you have a scheduling conflict with the morning class you can drop in on the afternoon class for that day and vice versa.

Jack 

You do not need to register, just show up. They will definitely happen on a transatlantic. The classes are progressive and cover all 6 sea days. All (or no, in my case) skill levels are welcome. 

Enjoy.

Jack

So how did the Crossing go kshannon? Would love to hear your feedback. What was the best advice you got and where did we miss the boat. What was your biggest "ah ha" moment?

Thanks,

Jack

Can't wait to hear all about your adventure. There is just so much to do that it is very easy to over schedule your day. Take time to explore all of the nooks and crannies of this amazing ship.

When we sailed in Club on the QM2 we selected a table for 6 and met 4 wonderful people (1 couple and 2 singles). While we greatly enjoyed these new found friends we preferred to have a window table for breakfast and lunch, which we did not have in Club. So every morning we had breakfast in the MDR and requested a window table. This request was alway granted and there was never a wait although the table size varied each day, which we liked. We did the same thing the one day we had lunch in the MDR. We never identified ourselves as Club passengers but I really don't think they cared. In the MDR you only eat at your assigned table in the evening. So, for at least Breakfast and Lunch, you and your friends should be able to eat together. Just show up as a group and request the approbate size table.

Hope this helps

Jack

Thanks everyone for your responses and excellent information. We have made the decision not to take this cruise. On the PLUS side, the fact that Enchantment of the Seas is an older, smaller more "traditional" cruise ship actually appealed to us. The price of the cruise pretty much made it a risk free investment and the itinerary really looks interesting. But the deal breaker is the current resurgence of COVID. If the voyage were scheduled during the June - September time period, we probably would have risked it. As I follow various cruise line Boards here on CruiseCritic, it seems that protective measures have been relaxed while flu, COVID and RSV are surging. Our only bout with COVID, the past summer, was very very mild but we are in our 70's and don't want to push it. 

Thanks again all,

Jack

Wow, thank you very much bluemarble. So interesting and beautiful.

Jack

tizwiz, 

I thought your review was excellent and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to post. I also hope that the family dog is well. 

On our last crossing (May of this year)  I had a small issue for which I requested a refund. After a couple of unsuccessful calls to Customer Service I was given other contact information. The refund was then handled quickly. The contact I was given is guestrelations@cunard.com. Hope this helps.

Jack

17 minutes ago, gumshoe958 said:

I believe you’re a fan of Cunard? I see you posting quite frequently on that board. So let me put it this way:

You are correct gumshoe958, I am a huge fan of Cunard having done 3 TA'a on the QM2. The formality and British flavor is unique and special for my wife and I. However, what I most enjoy doing on board is just watching the ocean go by or strolling around on the deck. We try to get at least 3 miles in every day. While we don't ballroom dance, we do make one afternoon tea each crossing because the scones are so delicious. In the evening we are looking for good food and good live music (NOT classical).

The comments from the posters above have given me exactly the information I am looking for. We would probably fall into the group that enjoys the older smaller ships. Also, it's been our experience that crossings attract an interesting group that fun are to get to know. Not sure what we will do but I feel like we can make a much more informed decision now.

Thanks

Jack 

We have been invited to join friends who are sailing on a 15 night TA on the Enchantment of the Seas next April. Have very limited cruising experience, none with Royal Caribbean (RC).

1. Over all, is RC considered a budget, middle of the pack or luxury cruise line?

2. How does Enchantment of the Seas compare to other RC ships, big/small, new/old, crowded/spacious more family or mostly adults?

3. Looking at an outside view cabin but they appear very small on this ship. How do they compare to other cruise lines?

4. At that level cabin and being new to RC will we have limited or no access to certain areas on the ship?

5. A crossing in April could get rough, how stable is the Enchantment of the Seas

6. Is the drinks package a good deal. We probably have lattes at breakfast a pre-dinner drink, 1-2 glasses of wine at dinner and a couple of cocktail/wine in the evening. 

7. What other extras/upgrades are worth paying for? Right now all higher grade cabins are sold out.

Anything that is unique to RC or thoughts on their onboard culture would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jack

On 11/28/2022 at 9:01 AM, Bell Boy said:

Well if it's any comfort to you all,  Bell Boy ( with 53 Cunard cruises - 800 + days) has been give a 15.45pm check-in time at the Mayflower Terminal for the 11th December .🤬

No Way Jose' !  I intend to arrive at the usual time of around 12.30pm as I have done for many years.  

I'll manage the outcome on the day  🙅‍♂️

So, how did boarding go?

Jack

20 hours ago, exlondoner said:

That's ≈87% of her 2081 lower berth passenger capacity.

What is "lower berth capacity"? I was under the impression QV held 2000plus passengers.

Thanks

Jack

15 minutes ago, D&N said:

This notice appeared in the daily programme on Thursday 9th June. Called Pursers Office and was told that times were 07:00 and 07:15, and that we were allocated 07:15.

We had the exact experience in May. So easy.

Jack

3 hours ago, Selbourne said:

We don’t like ‘rows’ of tables for two where they are so close to each other you might as well be sharing with your neighbours.

Unfortunately, I suspect there will be rows of tables for 2 close to each other on the QA. However, because Club is anytime time dining, our experience has been that people arrive at staggered times. So the problem of being close to the next table is not as big a deal as you might think. On the other hand, if you find that you do enjoy the company of the next table, it is possible to easily carry on a conversation. 

Jack

Thanks LadyL1, looking forward to your postings.

Jack

We have sailed into NY Harbor on 3 occasions on the QM2 and have never missed the arrival. Our secret is to be on top of Deck 13 about 45 minutes BEFORE the Captian's announced time. Passing under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is very exciting. Once we pass under the bridge we head down to our cabin (ALWAYS on the port side) were there is just enough time to brew a strong cup of coffee before watching the Statue of Liberty pass by from our balcony. Dress warm!!!!

Jack

As Bell Boy said, it is not clear what specific information you are looking for. I can share that on our very first cruise ever (2017), we were in BC on the QM2 which, based on your other post, you will be on. We requested a table for 6, hoping to make new friends. This turned out to be a great strategy. Our tablemates we a delightful couple from New Zeland, a wonderful lady from England who resided in the U.S. and a retired policeman from London who was very outgoing and funny. He and his wife had made a crossing every year for 14 consecutive years before she passed away 3 years earlier. He (Greg) had made the decision to continue to make the annual crossing. Greg provided us with so much wonderful information about crossing on the QM2 that really expanded the enjoyment of our trip. 

We really loved the whole BC experience and I'm sure you will too. 

Jack

5 hours ago, TheOldBear said:

I believe that self disembarkation has started. We should have a room service breakfast arriving in about an hour.

I didn't realize that room service breakfast was available, after a Crossing, on disembarkation day even if you were continuing on the next cruise. Good to know.

Thanks 

Jack

goryjm,

We are very much enjoying your photos. Not sure if you are a trained photographer or if it is just a hobby but you certainly know how to frame a shot to tell a story.

Thanks

Jack

The Manhattan is my go to drink and the one's they make in the Commodore Club are the best I've ever had. Typically I will request it be made with Jack Daniels and they always use the proper Luxardo cherry. Dee is a Cosmo girl but rates their's as OK but nothing special.

Jack

Host Hattie, your pictures are excellent and your daily narrative very informative. I think a little "rant" is quite appropriate at this point, all things considered. It probably doesn't provide much consolation but your objective and experienced opinion is valued by so many on this board. It's obvious you and Mr.HH are trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation.  

Jack

Good morning schattenfell71. How was the flight? 

Jack

6 hours ago, Jacqueline said:

I am booked in the Queens grill for an upcoming 13 day voyage. I was surprised  to get a phone call today from a real person offering to help me with any special requests, appointments, things I might need or want for my cabin, dining reservations, spa reservations, etc. Debbie is ending. Me an email with information and her phone number for anything that might come up should I need assistance. She reminded me of the dates to do/check on stuff, also.

Really makes me excited for the cruise! 

Thank you for sharing Jacqueline and well done Cunard/Debbie. I keep thinking that we should do QG in the future and this only adds to the desire to do so. I hope you will share your cruise experience with us Jacqueline.

Jack

2 hours ago, Lakesregion said:

For those who wish to keep the same table throughout the entire cruise late. it is doubtful that the maître 'd will keep a table empty for  the entire time every evening so you can simply show up at your leisure. That only works in the grills.

And Britannia Club

On 9/24/2022 at 7:20 AM, steve4031 said:

We booked the eastbound crossing departing Brooklyn on July 7.  We have a balcony on the starboard side.

 

Well done steve4031. Now comes the fun of planning and anticipating. Looking forward to your trip report in July. 

Jack

(fellow Chicagoian)