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Mareblu

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Posts posted by Mareblu

    Dumbing Down & Dressing Down: The New Cunard?

    in Cunard Line

    Posted

    2 hours ago, reeves35 said:

    Cunard has to go where the market takes them.  If Carnival Corp see Celebrity or HAL, both lines considered to be competitors, are achieving higher per diems and greater margins than Cunard, of course, they will change the product.  This may mean changes in dining, onboard apps, entertainment etc.

     

    I have never really understood why people worry what other passengers are wearing.  Sure, there should be a minimum standard but don't let it spoil your cruise.  If you feel special dressed up, great, enjoy your night.  Other people are enjoying their holiday in a way that suits them and that is fine.  Live and Let Live!

     

    I probably think the level of gala nights is OK particularly as participation remains voluntary with access to other venues if you choose not to participate though I do concede that it is possible that in future years this may further change with one level of the MDR assigned for gala whilst the other level is still smart attire even on a designated gala night. 

     

    The reason for this is, for passengers not joining a Cunard ship in their homeport, luggage is a real consideration.  Sure if you're just driving down to Southampton from London, you can take as much as you like but, if you are flying, like many of Cunard's target customers will have to, then you are probably restricted to a single 23kg suitcase and loading up the bag with more than one formal suit/gown probably doesn't make sense.

     

     

     

    As an Australian who also needs to travel vast distances to partake in Cunard (or other) voyages to the regions of the northern hemisphere I and DH love to explore and revisit, I empathise with the luggage dilemma.  The solution is simple really:  dress elegantly (or "formally") for each evening.  DH only needs to travel with one dinner jacket (tuxedo) and formal trousers, and add a different bow tie and kerchief to change the look.  I simply pack formal pantsuits, evening tops, several pairs of flowing culottes and one or two evening pants. 

     

    I also understand the "live and let live" philosophy, but here we disagree.  I am of the firm conviction that what one wears in the evening sets the tone for the evening.  I've often found it interesting to note that once a few couples dress elegantly, on any line we've sailed with, the next evening sees many more following suit.  Sometimes, on non-Cunard lines, it's simply a matter of simple attire with elegant jewellery added, and the diamonds don't need to be authentic, just adding an elegant lifting of the attire. 

     

    Prior to our very recent and delightful two-week Queen Anne voyage, we enjoyed a three-week Med cruise on Oceania's new Vista.  Each evening, we dressed for dinner, although admittedly DH was not dressed in his formal dinner attire, but in a jacket and tie nonetheless.  Those same clothes served us well on Queen Anne later, with DH bringing out the dinner jacket (tux) for the gala evenings.  He also wore it on one or two other  evenings on QA.  

     

    On another note, but to add to other observations above, I find those who claim "ownership" of any particular experience, in this case the proud and revered Cunard line, are condescending in the extreme, and probably suffering delusions of grandeur.

    • Like 11

    Where was I?

    in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

    Posted

    43 minutes ago, Jean C said:

    Is it the Leopard in the Yehliu Geopark in Taipei?

    Wow, it is indeed.  Well done!  So many strange rock formations in this fascinating place, including, among so many others, "the queen's head" and this, the rock leopard.  The leopard is a replica of the original which was severely damaged in a typhoon about 15 years ago.  They are all formed by winds and rain, which can, of course, be incredibly strong in that region.  Your turn.

    • Like 1

    Where was I?

    in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

    Posted · Edited by Mareblu

    The Daintree is an area of incredible beauty.  Decades ago, before it was sealed, we drove the track from Cooktown to Cairns in our 4x, and were escorted across a shallow crossing in the Daintree by local indigenous guides on horseback.  The recent floods have been devastating.

    Okay, try guessing this one, and the general area of the particular country will be enough:

     

    IMG_3080.jpeg

    Norway - Oceania vs. Viking

    in Oceania Cruises

    Posted

    30 minutes ago, clo said:

    How many pax on the ship? Sounds glorious.

    About 500 from memory, but Still did a quick search and that’s the average.  It can vary from 450-550, and could possibly take 600 pax at absolute maximum.  

    • Thanks 1

    Norway - Oceania vs. Viking

    in Oceania Cruises

    Posted

    On 6/5/2024 at 10:06 AM, Islander500 said:

    Now intrigued by Troll Fjord.  Who else has visited and what can you add? Need to research it further.  🧐

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We had the amazing experience of sailing (slowly and gingerly) into the Troll Fjord a few years ago during a wonderful voyage on Seabourn Quest.  This lovely vessel performed a complete turnaround at the end of the fjord.  The sides of this natural wonder seemed close enough to touch.  The beauty of the rocks and vegetation (both clinging and trailing) left us breathless.  Our skilled Captain held the ship just off the opening to the fjord for what seemed ages.  He was waiting for the wind to drop before entering.  We have sailed on many lines over too many years to count.  That magical day is still discussed with awe, and suspended forever in our memories.

    • Like 3

    Where was I?

    in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, qbay46 said:

    River Clyde

    Yesss!  River Clyde approaching Greenock, Glasgow’s port.  Les has enjoyed cruising up the Clyde River from Bateman’s Bay to Nelligen,  and in much earlier years, we enjoyed days of waterskiing and family picnics on this beautiful waterway.  Clydesdales are truly beautiful, intelligent horses.  Only a short distance from Loch Lomond.  The Clyde River shipbuilding industry was once the largest such industry in the world.  Our first RAN vessels were produced here.

    Phew!  This was a marathon.  Well done, and your turn.

    Where was I?

    in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

    Posted

    18 minutes ago, qbay46 said:

    Lake Mentieth

    Not a lake (loch).  Not a dam.  Not a sea either, btw.  What sort of waterway is left, apart from a canal, which it isn’t.  Maritime industry (huge, actually, in its peak years). That should suggest a large population not too far away. Near Loch Lomond.  The first part of the name of a noble beast of work and burden.  Gather all the clues together.

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