Mareblu

Woomera?

It has a twin on the other side

16 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Nothing to do with me either as I think you will know if you have read my contributions to previous threads but one comment slightly implied British passengers aren't part of service charge removal.

Most nationalities will have their share of those who remove and it is entirely personal and no aspersions should be levied at any one, never mind any particular nationality.

 

That post is not worthy of dignifying with a reply, imho.  We are Australian.  We probably speak with "the accent" sneeringly referred to, although I am frequently mistaken for English.  We have never requested gratuities be removed from our account, and we show our appreciation with a discreet envelope to each of the wonderful staff who have cared for us.  Our Australian friends and acquaintances who cruise, and with whom we've discussed this topic, do the same.  The poster has a history of denigrating Australians on other thread, but once received such a backlash that I thought they had sensibly moved on.  The problem is theirs.

Tallinn is one of my favourite European ports.

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I asked for a change on my recent cruise on QA because most of the people at the table (PG) for 8 arrived later than I did, and I don't like to eat late. I asked if I could be moved to a table where people arrived earlier. I know I didn't displace anyone because when I was shown to my new table for 6, one of the people there said "Ah, now we have a complete table." 

 

It would be interesting to know how much spare seating there is in the grills restaurants. There did seem to be a fair number of empty seats in PG. One couple were at a table for 6 and it was never set for more than the two of them. Nobody took my place at the table for 8. And I saw other tables not occupied, even on nights when we lingered, chatting, after finishing our dinner. 

Kathy, wherever you are seated would be a lucky table.  Really enjoyed the M&M you so superbly organised, and our chats whilst aboard QA.

On 6/15/2024 at 6:33 AM, NE John said:

As an American, I think it’s tacky to wave a wad of cash to bribe a M’d. I see “big shots” in NYC steakhouses do that and I just roll my eyes. 
I’d be very glad to give an extra tip at the end; the staff work very hard. 

It’s my 60th bday in QG next week so maybe I’ll get a good table based on that. 

 

 

Our warmest wishes for a very happy special birthday in the coming days.  Mario turned 80 (neither of us can believe it) during our very recent QA voyage in QG.  We had not requested a cake, and thought we were safely under the radar.  Cunard obviously noted the date in his passport, and the message must have been passed along.  We were totally surprised with an exquisite cake, carried to our table by singing waiters.  We were actually delighted, and truly grateful for this generous gesture.  We enjoyed a wonderful window table in QG, whether that was because of the magic passport date, or our Q3, I’m unsure, but our QG experience was nothing short of exceptional.  We know your coming voyage will be equally enjoyable.  Happy birthday again, @NE John.

2 minutes ago, Mareblu said:

Yes, I am guilty of reporting the incident.  I have no idea of how the patient, polite (and in the view of all who witnessed this unbecoming and embarrassing performance) shamefully-treated senior waiters, resolved the matter, but the next evening, it was "carry on as usual" in the very best of Cunard tradition.  They are exemplary, in my opinion.

On, and @WantedOnVoyage, that was on QUEEN ANNE 😉

11 hours ago, exlondoner said:

There was an account of the very unedifying behaviour of a celebrity guest speaker on the naming voyage, when they wouldn’t move her to the table she wanted.

Yes, I am guilty of reporting the incident.  I have no idea of how the patient, polite (and in the view of all who witnessed this unbecoming and embarrassing performance) shamefully-treated senior waiters, resolved the matter, but the next evening, it was "carry on as usual" in the very best of Cunard tradition.  They are exemplary, in my opinion.

1 hour ago, sewgood said:

 

You know there is a surcharge for a cabin with a working toilet.

Just back from a long overseas trip.  We're flushed, of course, so we'll pay it.

Booking our staterooms today.  Just our scene, so why wait?

It’s usually the first port in Europe.  For our QA British Isles cruise, it was Cobh (Ireland).  18 months ago on Oceania’s Sirena, it was Kiel, I seem to remember.  For Kiel, we had to disembark and front up in person with passports.  For Cobh 19 days ago, we simply lodged our passports with the Purser’s office.  QA staff took care of the whole operation, and we collected our passports 2 days later.

Black Point?

11 hours ago, Kiwi_cruiser said:

After leaving Ijmuiden (Amsterdam),Netherlands. Coral Princess had a day at sea before docking in Warnemünde, Germany today:

 

 

Coral Princess has been joined by Viking Neptune (in front) and AIDAmar.

Warnemunde is a really lovely town to simply step off the ship and wander up and down the street right there, with some interesting market stalls.

Really enjoying your travels;  thanks for sharing.

On 6/10/2024 at 12:58 PM, 57eric said:

I recall hearing something during the QA naming ceremony that implied that Cunard now fancied itself a trendsetter, but there were so many other headscratchers during that event that it didn't stand out much.  Well, now I have it in writing.  A Cunard survey I received has this question" "How much does Cunard set trends?", with a Likert scale from 1 to 7.  I assumed that one end of the scale would be "Not at all - Cunard maintains traditions".  I couldn't have been more wrong.  The two ends were "Follows others" and "Sets the trends".  It's hard to say which is more awful.  If this reflects how Cunard management plans to lead the brand, I'll be moving on.

I agree with you.  I found those questions not only puzzling, because it was Cunard engaging in naval gazing, but also deeply disturbing.  I dislike the term "trendsetter".  It carries notions of a new shade of lipstick.

47 minutes ago, Blackduck59 said:

Well it is starting to feel real now, even if we are still months away. We booked our flights yesterday. Air Canada had a very reasonable price on a direct flight Vancouver to Sydney in business class. Although we feel that the Qantas seat configuration seems better, it was a no brainer. The Air Canada fare was almost exactly half the price, that was a savings of over $9,000.00 CDN. Oh well no Qantas pajamas for us.

The Australian itinerary is set and we will be looking at things to do in those places where we are not meeting up with our CC friends.

As far as the cruise goes the excursions offered seem uninspired and over priced. It's funny that for the first time in the 4 years since I started this thread it really feels like we are going to make the trip this time. So we will be looking for things to do in each port.

I recall that Rotorua is a favoured thing to do, but there seems to be several different groups charging different prices etc. The question is which place to visit and should we just rent a car and drive there or find a small group tour. Of course there will be many who want to go to Hobiton but that's not us. So if anyone has good intel on where to go and what to see in Rotorua all while  fitting into the confines of a port stop in Tauranga.

More than a no-brainer, Lyle.  At that price difference, you'd have to be cerebrally challenged to pay the fare Qantas demands.  The pjs are good though, they last for years.  We only did BC with Qantas once, but wore the pjs for many winters.  We're so looking forward to meeting you and Lynn "off the page".  Good luck with your NZ investigations.

14 hours ago, Kiwi_cruiser said:

After leaving Cobh, Ireland Coral Princess had a day at sea, before arriving in Zeebrugge, Belgium today:

 

 

Tomorrow Coral Princess will be in Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands.

Can’t believe we missed each other by 48 hrs.  We were in Cobh on Queen Anne last Wednesday. We then had a sea day and disembarked in Southampton Friday.  cobh is a lovely town with charming, welcoming people.  Woke up in Sydney this morning.  Great to be almost home.

On 6/9/2024 at 1:17 AM, NE John said:

I’ve had wonderful experiences in British places of worship: Evensong at Westminster, sung Eucharist at Bath,  and just being in Winchester Cathedral and the underrated Southwark Cathedral. Maybe these cathedrals like the wow factor of the Italian/Spanish ones but they offer a different type of wow factor. 
Bon Voyage!

York Minster is not only a peaceful haven, its architectural beauty is awe inspiring;  the very essence of a place of worship.

3 hours ago, safarigal said:

Our porter told us that the medical emergency actually happened on the escalator, and that's why that area was off limits. It does sound like a very serious medical situation. So sad.

I do think that the ship should have redirected us to disembark on Deck 1. When we got to the lift queue we were deemed able bodied by the lady there, and told that it was a very short flight of stairs. My friend could not manage her bag, so I had to struggle down several flights of stairs with both my and my friend's case.. 

Still all is well, despite the awful traffic situation at Heathrow, and I have got as far as Reykjavik on my long and winding road home.

Oh goodness that explains so much.  How terrible for the patient and their loved ones.  We had no idea of that scenario.  I feel so terrible for calling out the escalator closure.  Healing prayers and wishes🙏🏻

1 hour ago, Megabear2 said:

I think this morning was ratter exceptional due to the very serious incident with the medical emergency.  We went off 20.minutes later than our time but had to use the.internal concrete stairs rather than the correct exit.  Those that were classed as "able bodied" were being allowed down the stairs with the remainder held.  The lady directing us in the disembarkation area told me someone was critically ill.having collapsed and needing resuscitation.

 

This of course was beyond anyone's control.

Of course all other inconvenience pales to insignificance in such circumstances, and our wishes and hopes for a recovery for the patient, and comfort for their family, are foremost in our hearts and minds.

The unfortunate medical emergency aside, there seemed to be no order at all in this morning’s disembarkation.  Our luggage tags were blue 2, and we were assigned the time of 8.30.  The first announcement implored people not to assemble on Deck 2 until called.  Then we heard blue being called, followed almost immediately by the announcement that disembarkation was suspended due to the medical emergency.  
 

What ensued after a necessary hiatus was a combination of people massing on Deck 2 obviously before their due time, and Cunard seemingly losing any sense of the plan.  After hearing no more “blue” announcements, and other colours being called, we proceeded to Deck 2, where a Cunard official told us to “just go up and push in ahead.  You’re blue”.  A kind lady offered the space ahead of her, so we fell into line.  

Then, and this is the port authority’s breakdown, no escalators were working, and there was only one lift available for the slowly-moving throng.  We took the offered option of hauling our carry-ons down the several levels of concrete staircase.  On reflection, it seemed to be the perfect storm.

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Unfortunately not in Brooklyn NY

 

Not noted in our menus here as u described.

 

It is also served in a metal Dutch type oven kettle pot.

 

Red Wine also used NYC type.

 

Most Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan Italy restaurant served as I described. These are cooks from the Old Country.

 

There maybe various methods in different parts in preparation.

 

But enjoy your way.

 

Mangia!

 

 

With all due respect, New York is not Italy.  I’ve just returned from another trip to Italy, something we do nearly every year.  The recipe I posted above is exactly how marinara, or frutti di mare, as another poster noted, is prepared and served in home kitchens, trattorias and ristorante in Italia.  Using the term, “the old country” implies an adaptation of something from long ago, and I understand and accept that over time, local cultural mores and tastes do adapt and interpret.  I can also attest, from many visits to NYC (which I love, btw) that most locals have absolutely no inkling of how to serve a genuine Italian “caffe”, either.  That is not intended to demean in any way.  It’s just a fact.  

Escaped.  It was a bit of a shambles, I’m afraid, but from previous reports, we were anticipating just that. Never mind, we survived, but Cunard really needs to deal with this and get it sorted.

On 3/29/2024 at 4:48 PM, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Cheers........... with you drinks and toasts.......Bon Voyage....

 

BTW...... Marinara with Seafood and pasta is known as Zuppa Di Pesce

Incorrect.  Zuppa di pesce is FISH SOUP.  Marinara sauce (with or without tomatoes) is seafood sauce to be served with pasta (which, of course, should always be cooked “al dente”.  I much prefer linguine or spaghetti marinara to be prepared “in bianco”, or without tomato.  Good extra virgin olive oil, lightly sauteed garlic andchilli (both optional but provide the “pop”), white wine, a variety of fish and shellfish, finish with fresh parsley, freshly ground pepper, and enjoy.  In Italy, btw, it’s considered a sin to add fresh parmigiano, but I confess to occasionally being sinful.

1 minute ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Sounds absolutely lovely, thank you.

You’re welcome.

7 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

I was not on the naming cruise, I was on the previous one. I’m sure they are pretty much standard throughout the fleet, however.

Our table neighbours had ordered a chicken curry a few nights ago.  They would have ordered at lunch the same day for dinner that evening.  It was cooked with aplomb tableside by one of our senior staff, who like many of his colleagues, is Indian.  It was fascinating to watch his diligence and patience.   Of course, the finished dish was then served with all the traditional accompaniments.  Our table neighbours proclaimed it “superb, exquisite”.

53 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

Just no. It’s a dirge, though not quite as bad as the frog chorus thing. 
 

Saw McCartney attempt to sing a few years ago when he came on stage at the Roundhouse with Little Steven. He can’t, now anyway. 

It’s painful and awkward listening to him.  I don’t think he dver could manage a solo.