Mareblu

I neglected to add that we absolutely love the Cunard experience.  It’s the reason we are returning in May.  The amazing bonus is being aboard for QA’s Naming Ceremony in Liverpool, and we’re counting the days.

28 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

And Illy coffee machine thingies in the Grills cabins, if you can work them. I never have.

I remember @exlondoner, we had this very discussion some time ago😂. My DH was born in northern Italy too many decades ago to mention, but he and the suite machine still speak the same language.  He produces a wonderful, aromatic, Illy caffe every morning.

Thank you, that’s exactly what my original post intended.  We confess to being extremely particular about coffee in its purest of Italian origins.  I’m certainly not averse to first morning coffee from a machine in desperation, but a glass of fresh water is preferable.  All you’ve outlined above is correct.

39 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

I think you were either in QG or PG. Either way, coffee is available for quite a few hours of the day and the odd cookie too if it's known you are partial to them.

 

For the rest of the ship bar the Lido [deck eleven being QE/QV], I have no idea of the cost differential between Cunard and Oceania but if you pay more on the latter, that might account for the inclusive bit.

That’s absolutely correct.  Oceania is pricier, generally, and several of the reasons are the inclusions, including internet.  However, we are paying much more for a Q3 on Queen Anne than for a PHI on Vista.  The preference for us is that the inclusions on Oceania mean we no longer, once we embark, have to think about every extra, big or small, because all are taken care of.  In Grills, in our Q3, the situation is the same, unless we venture outside the Grills bubble.  The Haven on NCL is the same.

17 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

Confirming your 'etc', unfortunately
☹️, snacks are available in the buffet throughout the day too and I would have thought, although not tested, for night owls too.

We didn’t go to the buffet for snacks.  In the coffee lounge on the man level (not Grills Lounge on 11(?from memory) we had to purchase cappuccinos and buscuits.

1 hour ago, sogne said:

I find your comment re tea, coffee etc.

 

being chargeable strange. All are free in the lido/king's court free 24 h.

I’m referring to real coffee.  Espressos, piccolo lattes, cappuccinos, etc.

“My Cunard” site was down yesterday, all good now.

On 3/8/2024 at 1:32 PM, bazzaw said:

Just got an email from Cunard that we now can check in online - but "My Cunard" will not let me in - booked a cruise tour in there last week - any Cunarders here who have a cruise booked can see if it is working for them please?? 

It is today, but you’re probably already aware.

1 hour ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Anyone who sails to and from multiple international ports would know but people who go on holiday then hire a small boat could run into strife. I think the other marine markers are the same regardless of where you are in the would, it's just the channel markers.

Mario confirms that.  He has a boat licence.  Batemans Bay, with its channel sandbars, is always a bit tricky, because the markers move over time.

We have likewise enjoyed many Oceania sailings, about seven without checking.  We've only sailed Cunard once, a year ago on Queen Elizabeth.  She's a marvellous vessel, and we found the cuisine in Queens Grill to be superb, with the exception of only one evening in three weeks. 

We've never, in all honesty, had a bad meal on Oceania, and it's one of the reasons we keep returning.  We will be sailing on Vista next month, followed three weeks later by a two week voyage on Cunard's Queen Anne.  We will try to compare two new vessels from two different lines, but some facets will of course be subjective, so therefore problematic for a comparison. 

We can't comment on Britannia Club Balcony food and service, but the only thing (and it's a biggie) that rankles about Cunard outside of the Grills is the constant  need to pay for just about everything.  That includes bottled water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, etc.  In other words, everything that is included on Oceania.  Internet is a big item.  Very expensive on Cunard (I've just purchased a package for our May sailing), whereas internet is included on Oceania.  Tea and coffee are included in Grills (there is a Grills Lounge and Bar where these may be taken while relaxing with a book or chatting to fellow Grills guests).  Outside of the Lounge, your hand is in your pocket.  If the cuisine in Britannia Club is anywhere near the standard of Queens Grill, then it certainly won't disappoint.  Service?  Can't comment on that either, but in Grills it was superb.  Only one way for you to find out.....   Happy sailing.

Yes, finally able to log in.  It was down all day yesterday here (Australia).

You mirror our tastes perfectly.  DH is Italian by birth, and I’m probably even more particular than he when it comes to coffee as it should be enjoyed.  We do enjoy a cappuccino or caffelatte in the morning though, but as in Italy, not really any milk  after midday.  Baristas staff always welcomed us in the same fashion as you describe.  I love a stop at Baristas.

13 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

Unfortunately as this is a very old thread at least one of the participants isn't around to carry on the discussion.

 

I’m sorry to learn that.

Yes, @bazzaw is a very active cc community member.  I enjoy reading his posts.

1 minute ago, arxcards said:

Cruise ships travel on the wrong side of the water too, and it is a global thing. Keep to the right (starboard) of oncoming traffic. You may notice, ships normally keep to the right of Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour in either direction.

Good point.  Oh oh, we’re beginning to sound like the HAL thread😂

i just posted a comment on the “How to Pronounce ‘Cunard’ thread”.  That’s a corker.

1 minute ago, valantine80 said:

 Previously some Princess ships would have a directional arrow on the wall on the Promenade deck. I usually walk anticlockwise and have been told I am going the wrong way.

Depends who's telling you😉.   I would always walk anti-clockwise.

On 3/16/2015 at 2:23 PM, Salacia said:

 

LOL, what do "Americans do to English", this American asked the Australian?

 

BTW, there are approximately 321,362,789 people in the US. My suspicion is that some use the expression "I could care less [implication being - I could, but I can't be bothered] and some use the expression "I couldn't care less [implication being, I gave it some thought, but decided it wasn't worth caring about]. Subtle differences, perhaps, but with the same conclusion.:)

Oh oh, here comes the pedant with the English degree.  Sorry, but "could care less" means, strictly interpreted, "I care a lot".  In Australia, we actually do speak English as it's spoken in the United Kingdom, even if our vowels are more drawn out, and there are very subtle differences between States for the naming of certain items, particularly food, e.g. "potato cake" vs. "potato scallop".  The latter bears absolutely no resemblance to the delicious fruit of the sea.

If we say, as they do in England "I couldn't care less", it simply means I do not care at all, not even a smidgen, and so emphatic as to imply that I certainly have no need to give it some thought.

I do find the whole discussion fascinating, though, which wouldn't surprise my adult children at all.

The important thing is to have a civilised discussion, and a humorous one is a bonus.

12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

In house brand which isn’t bad.

I’ll be able to try it next month on Vista.  So much depends on the machine and the Barista who operates it.  If we’re obsessive about anything, it’s the perfect espresso and piccolo latte.  Add to that the perfect “al dente” pasta.  O has, on all our voyages, delivered both.  Fingers crossed…

25 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

No more illy coffee

the Dom LaReserve is way overpriced. Save the money and buy some outstanding bottles of NorCal sparkling wines.

What’s replacing Illy, Flatbush?  Hope it’s Lavazza🤞

9 hours ago, Kristelle said:

Not sure how this red carding thing works - hope you can get back here soon Lyle.

Lyle should be back with us after a few more days.  

36 minutes ago, NSWP said:

Hi all, well after a hectic few weeks, I moved into my new digs last Thursday. Got NBN connected yesterday. All good so far. Ample room for Uncle Les and nice people thus far in other units/villas.

 

It was 40C when I moved last Thursday, nightmare but did it.  I think I need a cruise !!

 

Time for happy hour with my new neighbours.

 

Lyle, sorry to hear about Lyn's Mum.

Hi Les 

Wonderful news.  Sounds like a perfect spot.  A cruise on the Clyde would be just the ticket.

2 minutes ago, possum52 said:

I just kept shaking my head as I read through it Linda. 

Truly, our Aus/NZ threads are the most rational of all.  There are a couple of Oceania threads with childish sniping, continuing for pages, and some rather obsessive types repeating the same things.  Oh well, Leigh, beats TV😂

15 minutes ago, possum52 said:

I have just read the "Again - Early morning walking Promenade" thread on HAL. Wow, there are some entitled passengers on there. 

 

 

I found it hysterical.  

16 minutes ago, Snaefell3 said:

::ponders::  Did you consider the nuclear option?  File a low-sodium medical dietary request?

At the time, no, but it's a good suggestion for any similar future situations.

6 hours ago, FeliciaLee said:

We have only taken one Seabourn cruise. One of those great deals online. It was 11 nights in Nov/Dec 2022.

 

The things we loved were: friendliness and warmth of crew and passengers. Prizes for games. Gelato. Cabin. Price per night for value. Buffet.

 

The things that weren't so great: lack of activities. Start of dining time at 7pm. So-so quality and service in MDR. Espresso was never hot enough no matter how much we begged.

 

We really had a great cruise on Seabourn, but the late dining time just isn't for us. Keep in mind that although it includes more than Oceania, you still have to pay the port fees & taxes additionally. So that ups the price per night. Also, shore excursions aren't included, either.

 

But for the price per night? Yes, it was an excellent product and an excellent cruise!

If you consider 7.00pm “late”, please don’t move to Spain.