Down-Unders

Sorry the wrong Halifax not UK Nova Scotia Canada.

I would suggest Queen Mary 2 as it is your first cruise and being a solo traveler you will meet many interesting people and lots to do onboard including dancing,with hosts for and including solo passengers, movies, bridge club, photography classes, computer classes, tour to the ships kitchens and of course our favorite walking around the promenade deck and of course gala nights and do not forget the shows. As what time of year and with global warming I just cannot advise you, our next QM2 voyage is in August with the Royal Shakespearean Co. doing a round trip. Bon Voyage! PS Did I see you are from Halifax? this is where Samuel Cunard came from and there is a statue of him at the waterfront, so go Cunard!

Clearly most of these posts appear to have not much help to the original poster including your own. It is her first cruise and she does not mind sea days and travelling on her own. If you can provide me with a main stream cruise line that visits all these ports at the onetime I will book the voyage pronto.

Certainly will, last time we were in Akita it was cherry blossom time, we went to a park and spent most of the day there including a Japanese tea ceremony, the ship will give you the details it is only a short walk from where the bus drops you off. The fish markets in Busan well worth a visit also the tower great views of the city, enjoy!

Port every day or second day transatlantic,don't think so!

" Modern cruise ships storage have limited storage" Where did you get that information from ?

What did you do about it did you approach a crew member? by no means am I accusing you but I do think it is easier for some folks to be reactive instead of proactive. ,

Thank you for your positive comments agree with everything you have said. I think on every Cunard ship a large sign at boarding should read ." The mind is like an Parachute works better when open "

I think your information is misleading for the original poster, Cunard has now started a season being based in Japan with Queen Elizabeth and would be designed for the Japanese and international market. On our cruise the majority of passengers were from Japan, comparing the Diamond Princess to the Queen Elizabeth is to me like a Toyota to a Mercedes Benz. I certainly do not think the original poster will feel like being in the minority but will be charmed sailing with one of the worlds best mannered fellow passengers, we certainty did!

What do you mean by second class cruisers?

We went on the first Japan cruise with Cunard and had a fantastic time, the dress code with lots of Kimonos and Japanese good manners, just great! The only tour we took was to the Nagasaki War Museum. It was cherry blossom time and Cunard at every port dropped us off in the middle of town where we would explore on foot or local taxi. Dinner time was earlier as I believe they like to eat early but this did not worry us, never noticed much Japanese food but that is not to say if you let the dining room know the day before they would have Japanese dishes. Our cruise had quite a few ports and after being out all day we were happy to have room service, you will love Japan, just go with an open mind you will get much information on board with Cunard's Japanese Tourist People who speak to you with great pride and knowledge and perfect English.We cruise to Japan March 10 and meet up with Japanese friends who will travel with us to Hiroshima unfortunately not by ship . Bon Voyage!.

Right away you should have refused to move into the cabin, I understand this is your experience, my experience has always been Cunard has always been proactive whenever I have had issues on board. Being assertive without being rude especially whilst onboard and not waiting until the cruise is over is the way I have dealt with the very few problems I have encountered.

I am the ALCOHOL POLICE !

Delighted you enjoyed your cruise,some of the negative comments you received, disappointing!

I do not understand " jobsworth " but I do understand there are senior people who work on the ship always around check in. when you are proactive it mostly works, not always but it keeps me happy instead of being negative

I have also never noticed drunks on board, this is another reason I travel Cunard and how wonderful fellow passengers I meet are with most people, polite and considerate.

Not necessarily so, I have seen on many occasions passengers walking around spoiling it for others not following the rules by not having it in their cabins. I also notice," take what you like on" by some posters. Cunard do the right thing I urge fellow travelers to be diplomatic when carting alcohol on board.

You could have been proactive and brought this to the attention of Senior staff, last time for me was a male dressed wearing a gown in the buffet, before that fingers in the food before that....... if we all would politely speak up standards could rise

I ring Cunard or book on the ship this is why I travel with this great Line. Any problems especially on their ships are sorted out right away. Good luck with your booking.

If your husband has a suit or Jacket and the kids something simple long pants and shirt and mum something simple but dressy. It looks like you are taking the kids to the beach as part of your journey, if everyone made sure they wore vests their would be less drownings. If your vest meet safety standards you will not have any problems. Forced to use life vests, and dogs in the swimming pool????

We have had 3 cruises in PG and have had priority boarding with all 3. In Tokyo May 23 the hall was full off passengers and priority was called, this is why travelling in PG you get the privilege of getting onboard early. Having said that, we are sailing from Southampton as Diamond with a BB balcony later this year, I certainly will be asking questions regarding priority boarding from someone who can make decisions at the terminal. Remember it is much easier to be Reactive rather than Proactive.

Thank you it brought back a wonderful sunny Saturday we had in OTARU. Queen Elizabeth May 23 especially Le Tao and those beautiful cakes.

Sir, you could be talking to a WPM.

Forgive Me.

Yes and they will appreciate a tip.