fourmile.ranch

5 hours ago, bluemarble said:

For the record, this is what the French Toast looks like in Kings Court on QM2. I tried it for the first time this morning (with syrup added after taking the photo) and found it a different interpretation compared to what I'm used to for French Toast as an American.

 

This is what I remember. Too much toast, not enough French.

Has she been arrested before we get our answer? Lol!

Hasn't been.

31 minutes ago, MCC retired said:

Sounds like it is a before vs after Final payment Date that allows the FCD OBC or not?

 

No, final payment was due at booking as we're inside final payment date.

So I wanted to circle around to this again as I just booked over the weekend. My voyage had two promotions - 'Sailing Soon' for $1599pp OR 'Summer Savings Event' for $1699pp with $100pp OBC. Now think about that. They are essentially the same price.

OBC from Future Cruise Deposit not eligible on 'Sailing Soon' but had no issues applying it to 'Summer Savings Event' rate and getting the additional OBC. When both rates are the same. Makes zero sense.

In July I bought several days of regular and the premium on my last day. Quite honestly I didn't notice a different between the two plans. But I didn't attempt much more than a few Instagram videos so I'll defer to those who use wifi more extensively.

I believe you could pre- purchase the basic plan and then upgrade it at any point onboard if you feel the need. I know each of the 24 hrs I bought came with the ability to go back on 'myvoyage' and upgrade the plan. But I've never seen Cunard put any of their add-ons (drinks, wifi, etc.) on sale.

Interesting, I've run into the same. To the point I'm questioning the necessity of buying them. In almost every case I'd have to book a higher fare to get the OBC and the higher fare is always more than OBC given in exchange. I don't know, I have left several sitting on the shelf which I guess will age out eventually and get refunded.

On 9/1/2023 at 6:28 AM, seasickphil said:

 

What beers were less than $6 please. Were they a special as i can't remember any being that price.

Glad you had a lovely time, we will be on her again next month.

Tanglefoot was the previous special at $4.50 as the lot was approaching 'Best By' date. I assume Lookout Stout from Haines Brewing will be the next special as QE transitions further from Alaska. Lobster Rolls have been the pub special since we boarded with a $10 supplement.

Can confirm four dance hosts boarded in Vancouver and are on until Barcelona  three males, one female. Two Brits, one Yank and one Canadian. Lovely chat with the female who said they were the first group onboard this ship in awhile (she didn't define awhile). At this point I realized that talking to dance hosts involve negotiating your way out of dancing. Close call!

Sorry, the friendly competition is at 6:30p, not 3:30p. My apologies 

The last two days the afternoon movies have been 'One True Loves' & 'The Pink Panther' (1964). Today's will be 'About My Father'. 

Just now, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I would guess grenadine at the bottom and blue curacao at the top. I can't tell what the flower is. The fancy layered drinks were a bartender's show-off when I was first cruising. 

Ah, the 'flower' is actually a piece of dried pineapple!

Bit of fun for the bartenders in the Commodore Club this afternoon as they have a friendly competition with their submissions of new drinks. I believe the prize was donated by Mr. Brainwash (assumed to be passes to Verandah) and judged by the F&B managers. Not 100% sure if it will be done in full view of guests but the fun is set for 3:30p in the Commodore if anyone onboard wants to check it out.

Pictured is Sailor's Delight by Gemar in the GL. Sorry, don't know what it's made with. Good luck everyone!

1 hour ago, Brummel said:

Oh, he was loved my almost all the audience. It's not just the quality of food and entertainment that is now unexceptional on board Cunard.

Just wow. Now the audience is unexceptional? I'm gobsmacked at how elitist this sounds. Here's a hint... when the whole house is on its feet and you're unimpressed, mayhaps the problem lies closer to home.

32 minutes ago, Brummel said:

Fourmile.ranch writes:

 

"But even if this were true GL, Cafe Carinthia, casino, Yacht Club and Lido do not have a dress code."

 

Not correct. Even in the mealy-mouthed worded What to Wear: Smart Attire section of the Daily Programme ("...we ask that you wear smart attire."), guests in those venues after 6:00 pm are asked to "...please refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swim wear or sleeveless t-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces." Granted the after 6:00 pm part is not explicitly stated but is clear from the intent and context. Even without dress codes per se there must be standards. To think otherwise is to concede those venues to the People of Walmart.

 

"These spaces are open to everyone."

 

Not so. Even absent a dress code, nudists can be assumed to be excluded.

 

(Sorry, fourmile.ranch, couldn't resist! 😁)

Touché on my over-broad interpretation but the 'after 6:oop' IS explicitly stated and everything that follows one assumes falls under it. But you'll be happy to hear that at near midnight I'm still at the GL bar and out of the seven of us here three are in dinner jackets, two in dress shirts, one in a polo and one in a tee. Although now that I look, Mr. Tee is in cargo shorts so I concede your point! 🤷🏻‍♂️ (I'm not Mr. Tee, btw). Enjoy your voyage, I know you posted how much you were looking forward to it!

1 hour ago, Brummel said:

 

That Cunard doesn't give a rip about any dress code is evident.  You will see men bellied up to the Golden Lion's bar and in the Commodore, Lounge in swim trunks and flipflops, next to Cunard staff who say nothing.

Ok, ok, ok. Grace for the subjective nature of food and entertainment. But I am also on this voyage and spend a great many hours a day bellied up to the bar in the Golden Lion because it's simply too hot and humid to be outside. I have yet to see swimwear next to me and I'm quite sure you're not referring to me personally. But even if this were true GL, Cafe Carinthia, casino, Yacht Club and Lido do not have a dress code. These spaces are open to everyone. The Commodore does enforce as I was asked to leave to two nights ago when the clock struck 6:oop. And for what it's worth, I've found both the food and entertainment superb - did you not see the 10:oop show last night? The whole house was on its feet with the most raucous applause I've ever heard on Cunard! Amazing show but I heard the early crowd was far more subdued.

After the end of Top Hat, a new show is making its debut on QE this evening...

Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief! Dressed in cargo shorts and a collared shirt in the Commodore Club, I lost track of the time visiting other passengers. The waiter discreetly told me I was now out of compliance. All is well on QE with dress code enforcement! 

1 hour ago, roscoe39 said:

unless you are travelling across time zones......I wonder if anyone has kicked up a stink at reception yet for losing an hour every other day?

It seems to be my memory on my QM2 crossing last month that the 24 hrs ran more of a timer than a clock point. I'm certain for example that a daily bought at 8:03a one day expired at 9:03a the next when there were time changes. Anyway, something I wasn't paying particularly close attention to so I accept I may be remembering incorrectly but that my best recollection.

56 minutes ago, Reesetiff said:

 Any hidden secrets?  TYIA 

Finding the hidden Homer Simpson in the bronze panels is fun for your first time. Just don't research as the Internet gives it away fairly quickly.

Thursday (?) night we watched what was presented as the final performance of Top Hat on a Cunard ship.

On 8/23/2023 at 6:51 AM, techteach said:

@TheOldBear The YouTube video I was referring to in post #38 is by Alex the historian. Given the importance it played in WWII I’m surprised it hasn’t received more support. The tour of the U.S.S Iowa is really nice. It would be nice if the 2 could be combined in some way. @fourmile.ranch How long did the tour take and how did you get to it from QE?

Had a great morning doing the Steam and Steel tour on Queen Mary. I can now confirm QM does not have her own bears, although she did in the past (thanks eBay). Now wondering why Cunard is not offering an excursion to see Mary? Seems like a missed opportunity. 🤷🏻‍♂️

23 hours ago, Weloveitaly said:

Another first-time Cunard cruiser here so I’ll jump in with a related question… is iced tea and/or lemonade available in the buffet or the main dining room? Juice? Or only water and hot tea/coffee? We will not have a beverage package. Thank you

Complimentary iced tea is available in the MDR. Our wait staff has it waiting at our table nightly after requesting it the first night. Also, a lady across the way had a glass of milk each day with dinner. I mention her only because it was the first time I saw that.

1 hour ago, bluemarble said:

 

That, plus she was presumably a non-revenue passenger for Cunard while on Carpathia. I wonder if non-revenue voyages count toward Cunard World Club status (such as comped travel agent cruises). I don't know for sure, but I would guess not.

The travel agent who I mentioned previously was on his first voyage with Cunard. As a TA he had complimentary Platinum level with associated perks. His traveling companion was kept to a Red Top. I don't know if it was a comped voyage or not... I'm assuming not.