bodsfanclub

Just discovered an email from the travel agency saying that the FCC will be applied by Cunard to the new booking within three weeks.  That was four months ago ....

I am becoming more worried now ....

Some advice please!

We booked with a cruise travel agent (UK based and reputable - v well known) a 22 day Transatlantic North America cruise with Cunard in December 2018. - Yep, that long ago. It was due to depart in June 2020. We paid our deposit and then the balance in Jan 2020 - so a total of £7238. The cruise was cancelled and we moved our booking to June 2021 and our FCC covered the price of the new booking (£7800) and left us some over. That FCC was applied to the new booking and left us, we presumed, with nothing further to pay.

Ive just checked the travel agencies site, and Cunard's and both say we owe £7,800, falling due in February 2021. 

Im having slight kittens. I've already paid this amount firstly in full for the original booking and then as a FCC to be applied to the new booking. Why hasn't the FCC been applied to the booking? Is it because it isn't put on there until the balance due date? Or is there some monumental issue here and Im going to lose all that money somewhere in the ether? I've got nothing in writing from the travel agency to say the FCC has been applied - I was just assured it would be when the first booking was transferred to the second one. 

Ive emailed the agency. 14 day turn around. Ive held on the phone for an hour - no response.

Anyone else come across this situation? 

16 minutes ago, roscoe39 said:

lololol

 

thanks Hattie, those posts really made me laugh and your response was apt.....

 

come on guys get a grip...this is unprecedented, in my mind Cunard has responded appropriately and is doing Im sure all it can to resolve any issues that it has to deal with. Patience is a virtue and Im sure in the end it will all come out in the wash. 

 

I wish all those in Perth the best for getting home safely, its a great city, I hope you can all make the best of the situation and are home before too long.

 

 

At last - a proportionate and sensible response. 

4 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

And don’t blame Cunard for any of this. They are just as much victims as we are, and a company, not a charity.

Exactly. Im not hearing the same level of disgruntlement being directed at airlines or hotels for trying to carry on a business in these challenging times. I also find it interesting that cruise companies are being singled out for health advisories when there are similar risks from flying and staying in hotels. I think it's the lazy convenience of using terms like 'floating petri dish' that makes it attractive to bash the cruise industry.

I say it again. For some people, the cruise ship is a way of getting from A to B - especially transatlantics, I get that, and it's an inconvenience and disruption to those individuals. Also, for those travelling with animals who avail themselves of the kennels on QM2 - not being able to sail might pose a significant issue. But for the rest of us, this is a holiday. An experience. A luxury. Lets not lose sight of the fact that we are blessed in the first instance to even be able to step forth on one of these ships. So if postponement or even cancellation come, it is disappointing but it is also very much a First World Problem!!

1 hour ago, babs135 said:

We are not due to sail until October and the date for paying the balance is the 18th June.  An impossible question:  would we be better paying the balance in the hope that the cruise will go ahead or if it's cancelled we should be eligible for some sort of refund.  Or would you just cut your losses and cancel, thereby losing only the deposit?

 

Really keep changing our minds on this and, of course, at this point in time there is no definite answer.  

Wait until the beginning of June. If things pan out then you can pay and go. If they dont you can cancel or transfer the deposit into a FCC to a later date. If you pay and then Cunard cancel they will refund you. If you pay and the situation is such that things are no better or god forbid worse, Cunard will turn the money into FCC and you can put it towards a future cruise. If you are of a nervous disposition or feel you are in an at risk group then again, wait until the beginning of June and make a decision then. A lot can change in several months.

We sail on 21 June on QM2. Thats three months away. We  intend to sail but if Cunard postpone or cancel we have a back up plan to transfer to a voyage in September. 

If you are booked through a reputable travel agent, you should not worry. ABTA protection. If you are booked and paid on a credit card, again, protection from the worst case scenario.

My personal feeling is this:-

The virus is here to stay possibly for ever. Immunity will build up to it over time. It may well turn into a seasonal thing - CMO said so this am in the UK. Strains will get isolated and vaccines will come on stream. It may take some months/years. So, what to do? You can put your life on hold or you can get out there and live it. We are hand washing, keeping an eye on our elderly relatives and carrying on as normal. That includes taking holidays. 

But the most important thing is do what you feel comfortable with. 

Stay safe and keep healthy!

2 hours ago, bazzaw said:

But to be fair - the main reason QE sold out was the ridiculously low prices being offered. I managed to get a Q4 penthouse suite  for the 25 day relocation cruise to Vancouver for the same daily rate as I have paid for an inside cabin for the following cruise out of Vancouver - and with the 25% extra compensation for our cancelled Japan/Alaska cruise taken into account , the daily rate for the Penthouse worked out to be half what I have paid for an inside cabin!! 🙂 I didn't really even want to do the relocation cruise as we have been across the Pacific a few times - but this would have been the only opportunity for us to ever travel in Queens Grill. Looks like it is perilously close to disappearing into the Ether along with our cash payments which may also disappear forever if either Cunard or my TA go belly-up!!! 

It’s a shame that most if not all of the posts on here are concerned with monetary gripes and whinging about obc appearing then disappearing. Yes, we work hard to pay for our cruises but at the end of the day they are a luxury we choose to take. The folk who man the desks at all cruise line hq, the port authority staff, the officers and engineers and the bar staff, housekeepers, chefs, restaurant and security staff - all stand to lose their and possibly their family’s only source of income if things get worse. It’s not nice for the many people in the cruise industry to read speculative posts on boards like this about companies going belly up. That’s their livelihood. We owe them a measure of respect by not talking down their companies and employers. I for one will be putting my confidence in the cruise industry by taking my cruise in June and if it’s cancelled, I’ll be rebooking first later in the year. Others may wish to cancel - for whatever reason - and that’s fine too. But please don’t traduce and speculate about the livelihoods and possible demise of the companies who’ve served us well in times past. As my later mother would say - if you’ve got nothing positive to add to the conversation then keep quiet! 

46 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

I know I'm going to make myself hugely unpopular by what I say, so please remember I say it as someone with a voyage booked for May, which I hope to go on, but realise I may have to cancel at short notice. In which case, I am resigned to losing my money, and, when I booked over a year ago, I knew there risks attached to doing so.

 

So, Cunard is a commercial organisation not a charity, this horrid virus is not in any way their fault, any more than it is mine. Why on earth should people expect them to waive there Ts and Cz? Surely dealing with unusual situations is what Ts and Cs are for. Obviously there is one reason why they should be generous, good will from their customers. But equally we should not feel it is a right.

 

Please don't all shout at once.😀

Totally agree. Well said. 
 

email from Cunard this am re our 21.6 cruise. £900 additional onboard credit if we would like to sail - which is our plan. If we wish to change itinerary we can transfer to another cruise later in the year - which is our second choice plan. Or we can cancel and get fcc for use up to jan 2022. Which would be our third choice option. The itinerary change or cancellation option is available from now until 48 hours before we sail. 
 

folks need to remember that this is all out of cunards control and like every business need to think about their bottom line. Perspective is necessary. 

30 minutes ago, oatbagg1 said:

so is anyone sailing Cunard canceling their cruises in June or July yet??? 

Absolutely not. If it goes ahead and we are virus free we will be on board. Remember- a lot can happen in three months. If we are ill prior to boarding our insurance pays out. If Cunard cancel they pay out. We will

not become part of the too scared to travel  brigade. Chances of being run over on way to work each day are far greater than contracting and dying from coronavirus on our cruise. People need to be realistic and understand that life is not risk free. 

8 minutes ago, sogne said:

2 cruises booked April May QV not cancelling but in order to clear the mud away just spoke to Cunard UK  meetings are on going and emails will be sent re   any port changes and cancelation policies in next 48 hours  they are also probably waiting for the result of the next UK Cobra meeting  tomorrow

This sounds sensible. We go in second half of June. No intention of cancelling. If Cunard cancel we will rebook for later in the year. If We are too ill to go, insurance pays out. Not prepared to cancel or get stressed on a what if scenario. Situation far too fluid. Happy to go even if virus still around. Life is not risk free and we could just as easily catch or develop other illnesses or have an accident during the holiday. 

Im a seasoned Cunarder, hubby first time cruiser. We have a balcony booked on 22 night QM2 cruise this summer. We are blessed with some good fortune and I am debating upgrading us to a Q5 still available mid ships on Deck 9. 

Ive only cruised in Britannia before now. The cost of the upgrade is v significant but it's doable for us and it would be a splurge we probably wouldn't repeat again. The question is Should I? Ive always had wonderful cruises in Britannia, but then never had the opportunity before to consider let alone do Queens Grill. Now I have, I am debating the pros and cons. I would hope it would be fantastic, but I've read some disappointing reviews on here so I am a little trepidatous. Please can you advise?

Specifically - 

Will the butler unpack and pack for us?

Will he arrange a stateroom party for us - presumably the cost will be the drinks I request?

How much difference is there between Britannia restaurant food and the Queens Grill?

Will we be made to feel special?

Are the rooms as lovely as they look?

We are ordinary folk - work in retail and run our own business - will we feel at ease in this environment?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated?

Likewise cruising two TAs in June July this year. Bought hubby two dinner jackets with corresponding trews. The white one he will wear on the warmer nights, the dark one on the formal notes closer to UK. 

On 2/13/2020 at 8:03 AM, Host Hattie said:

Except Cunard.

And P and O

I have this dilemma too. In the end, to save toting a suit carrier around and having it slip and slide off and around me in the terminal, I pack the suits and jackets last thing on the morning before we cruise. I put them in a hard suit case on top of hubby's other trousers and non creasables (not the same suitcase as his shirts) and then the suit trousers. I put the jackets in next, folding the arms in and the lower part up, and then the suit jackets on top but fold them so they are effectively in half down the vertical. I put tissue paper around and inside the suit jackets and on top, and then close the lid. When we get to the cabin, they are the first thing out and unpacked and on the day of wear, I pop them in the bathroom, on a hanger with the shower on hot, and the door closed, to steam out any creases. Works pretty good. 

58 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Where have you seen this ?

Nobody has mentioned having any difficulties.

On the Cruise Critic Cunard Alcohol Policy page updates 18 Dec 2019 specifically stating no spirits to be brought on board and one bottle of wine per passenger only. 

Seeing that Cunard have from Dec 19 decreed one bottle of wine per person in carry on. Can anyone tell me is this being enforced? Hubby and I are doing 22 days in June and had hoped to take on board three bottles of asti and one bottle of gin for in cabin consumption ONLY whilst we dress for dinner. Was going to take the same on board in our hand luggage. Advice much appreciated!! 

Guys and gals - ty all soooooooo much for your comments and thoughts. Really really appreciate it. We are soooo excited although some weeks away yet. For me the enjoyment lies in being able to treat my hubby to this amazing experience!!  Ty all again.   V much appreciated. 

Not sailed on QM2 since 2009. I know she's had the re-fashioning in 2016 but that more is still to be done.

We have booked this cruise at some considerable expense - and it is my husband's first time cruising. Reading some of the reviews on here, I am beginning to panic. Please tell me - 

Is the ship really that rusty and unmaintained?

Are the cabin bathrooms that grotty? - I know they haven't been refurbed, but they are clean surely?

Is the food in Britannia that awful? _ Im hearing of dreadful quality and cold dishes etc etc

I love cruising, and I will take the rough with the smooth because it is the whole experience, and the odd little niggle is no biggie in my book. But some of the reviews are excruciatingly bad, citing disappointment and 'will never sail with Cunard again'.

Its too late to cancel or change plans, but before I start to go stratopheric with worry - any reassurance out there?

Thank you for all your suggestions and opinions. I am going to take him to try on a tux in the January sales and see if he likes it and wants to go with it. If so - then it will be my treat to him for Christmas. Thank you again. 

Good afternoon everyone. 

I have cruised many many times but my Hubby will be taking his first cruise with me next June- July on QM2 22 day transatlantic and North America. It will be my first cruise with Cunard in 8 years. And my first time with the new Gala nights. 

Hubby has a beautiful dark blue pin stripe suit he wore to our wedding three years ago. And a black suit sadly bought for my dads funeral last year. I have for Christmas bought him two pleated front dress shirts, two bow ties and multiple shirt/tie combos and cuff links. 

I am now wondering if these will suffice for the Gala nights or should I buy him a tuxedo? To my mind the difference between his black suit and a dinner suit is negligible. His dark blue pin stripe is absolutely gorgeous and was more than posh enough for our elegant wedding three years ago. 

 But - will it be de rigeur? Advice sought and appreciated please. Thank you. 

Having done 10+ cruises on Cunard, my experience is that the demographic is different depending on itineraries and times of year. Like T5LHR I found the transatlantics to be a good mix of ages but - this was over the summer holiday period which might account for the younger guests and children being able to travel. Baltics in the Spring tended to be 50-70 age group. Short break to Hamburg just after New Year was a mix of two or even three generation families. 

Canaries in the Spring again a mix of generations. Canaries and Europe in November December - a lot older. I even heard whispers of some crew that it was a 'pre Christmas dumping ground' for elderly relatives. Harsh. 

Adriatic and Eastern Med in the summer months was a nice mix of all generations. 

Ive cruised on Cunard since my early thirties and never felt it was too old for me. I enjoy the company of all generations and it's so often a blessing to have different age groups to talk with and listen to. That's what can make cruising such a wonderful experience. 

Twelve cases, heaven!! Just dont mention the same to Hubby. He thinks Im taking two!!!

When I took my (then) recently widowered Dad (now sadly departed) on a Cunard cruise in Nov 2011, I was Platinum and he was a newbie Cunarder red-top. We both received invites to the senior officers' party, wine tastings etc, Captain's Table on two occasions, and he was treated like Royalty by the staff and crew. Whether that was down to my Platinum status, or (far more likely) the kindhearted staff, who knows, but he came away thinking the whole Cunard 'thing' was the 'cat's whiskers'!!!! I remember his eyes lighting up like beacons when he sat down to dinner that first evening in Britannia. And everytime someone put a glass of something sparkling before he him absolutely beamed!! Happy memories!

Thanks for all your replies! The formal/gala evenings tie in with what I've bought dress wise, so that's good. Appreciate the advice about the more 'informal' vibe on the independence celebration segment. I noticed that last time I did the cruise in 2009 - but have to say it did make it fun to have a different set of passengers onboard, and a different feel to the ship for that week!

As to the luggage question - from what you've all said, and contemplating my own suitcases, I should be fine getting it under the bed! If not, I can pop Hubby on the balcony to sleep, and use his side of the bed for storage !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bit in advance I know but any pointers folks can give me would be much appreciated:-

This cruise comprises two transatlantics with a week in between doing NY (twice), Portland, Halifax and Boston. 

My questions are these:-

1.How many Gala nights are there likely to be on each Transatlantic? - trying to plan dresses!

2.If any other cruisers have done this voyage, can you recall if there were any Gala nights on the segment cruising the eastern seaboard?

3.Luggage. Obviously going to be taking a fair bit. Some of the cases will fit under the beds. If the rest won't, can I still ask the cabin steward to store anything left out of cabin? 

Many thanks for your help!

Haven't cruised since 2014 and not on Cunard to America since 2009. Back then I budgeted a cruise fare for our onboard spend (if the cruise was £2,000 each, I'd budget £2,000 for our combined drinks, photos, speciality dining, duty free and general shopping on board). I don't budget spending money for tips - I factor them into the price of the holiday when I book it as to me they are a non-negotiable must-pay part of the trip. Back then, the dollar to pound was between 1.40-1.50 and the price of a gin martini cocktail (my bellweather) in the Commodore was $9.95.

Prices have obviously increased. And the pound has slipped against the dollar. And I am wondering ...

We are doing 22 days QM2 Westbound TA, New York, Eastern Seaboard and Eastern TA next summer. We've looked at the cost of drinks, speciality dining etc and we think we are doing to need at least £3,500 spending money to cover it. But as the political uncertainty continues and the pound ever weakens - I wonder if any cruisers out there can remember similar times, and whether Cunard responded by softening the blow with slightly lower on board prices?