Ballater

Have travelled in QG about 10 times in 10 years. Yes, there are occasional slips, but overall it’s a totally heavenly experience!

That sounds wonderful, thanks so much for posting.

 

Did you go "off-menu" ? Was there anything in particular you missed ?

I went off-menu once, which was to order escargot (which was divine, by the way). On all previous QG voyages, the maître d' went out of his way to ask us what we might like the chef to prepare for us that wasn't on the menu. Not once were we asked or encouraged to order off menu. What I missed most were the sides of vegetables. Now, a few--perhaps microwaved or otherwise quickly heated-up--veggies appear on each plate of food. Gone are the vegetable selections on each menu, the imaginative desserts, the extensive a la carte offerings. It's a good restaurant, but it's not remarkable. For years, I would judge all superior restaurant meals on land with one very simple question: "Is it Queen's Grill?" I don't do that anymore, as it's no longer the standard by which I judge all meals. For ten years it was.

On a recent voyage, a discussion about medical marijuana came up. Does anyone know Cunard's guidelines about its use on their ships?

My husband and I just returned from 14 nights on the QE in QG (our 13th Cunard voyage). It was heavenly! The cabin, a Q4, was perfection, with a wonderful butler and steward. All the things that make a QG suite a very special treat were in place: privacy curtain; impeccably prepared room service meals; extra pillows and a super-comfortable bed; excellent canapes; meticulously maintained cabin with plenty of room; lots and lots of towels; plenty of closet and drawer space; complimentary bottles of wine whenever one was finished; cheese and crackers, nuts, chips, chocolate-covered strawberries delivered nearly every day; extra blankets delivered so we could nap on the large veranda...and all done cheerfully and always respectful of our privacy. Just about our every wish was anticipated and fulfilled. The QG restaurant service was also excellent, probably the best we've ever experienced. The only slight downside was the restaurant itself. The food and menu choices are not what they once were. But we knew this going in because of other CC threads, so we did not let it mar our vacation. Overall, a fabulous trip--we just booked another two-week voyage for 2017!

Thank you, Host Hattie! I'll bring my walking shoes!

Does the QE have a wrap-around deck? How many laps equal a mile? Thanks.

Thank you for all your comments (well, most of them. There were a couple of snarky ones.) I appreciate your help.

Anyone who has read the Cunard boards long enough knows that any posting that is pro-Grills gets scrutinized, picked apart, and criticized for any word or phrase that “may” be construed in any possible way as elitist. That’s a shame, as many pro-Grills posters are probably just like me—middle-class folk who work hard every day and choose to spend our saved vacation time and money on that one exquisite way to travel each year. We have thick skins, or we would never post here. Mattstur, whichever way you choose to travel, I hope you enjoy every second! Life is short.

Ballater, there are those who can well afford the difference in fare, but prefer Britannia Club or Britannia accommodations rather than the Grills. Reasons vary.

Point taken, Salacia. I did not phrase that to imply that those who can "well afford the difference in fare" will ONLY go in QG. Obviously, cost is always part, but not all, of the equation.

I've experienced all three, and after being in the QG, I have never looked back (my 13th Cunard voyage leaves in three weeks). It's a wonderful way to travel for those who can afford the difference in fare. As other posters have said, it's difficult to tell the OP if it would be worth it for him or her--it's such an individual preference.

Take a visual...

 

 

 

and dining...

 

Solent Richard, these photos make me yearn for my trip--only two months to wait for QG on the QE. Is that really a Christmas tree in your cabin?? I see it, but I don't believe it!

Does Cunard offer an unlimited Internet package?

Just off the Solstice yesterday. First time on Celebrity (having sailed in Queens Grill on Cunard a dozen times), and dined almost exclusively in Luminae. It was a consistently first-rate experience, with excellent and innovative food choices, a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere, and exceptional service. The staff was never flustered or bothered by an order off-menu. I'd say the experience is right up there with the best of Queens Grill on Cunard.

New to Celebrity and new to beverage packages. Have cruised many times on other ships (either all-inclusive alcohol or pay-as-you-drink), so this is bit confusing. I've read very helpful information on this site, but had a question about wine with dinner. I usually have a bottle of wine, and ask to have them hold it for the next day if I (or hubby) don't finish it. I have the Classic Beverage Package on the Solstice. Seems that it would be advantageous for me to order two or three glasses of wine at dinner (included in the package) rather than a bottle (not included). Am I right about that? Thanks!

First time on Celebrity and I also got that deal for a 7-night!

We are currently on the Danube cruising with Tauck from Melk to Linz. Have had some rain and the river is full. No worries!

Well, you just removed any remaining flutters that were flying around my stomach this morning with your positive attitude. We leave tomorrow for Munich and Vienna, and then are on a Tauck Danube Christmas Market river cruise beginning on 11/29. My husband and I are intrepid travelers, so we aren't too afraid. Will be vigilant as usual. That's about all we can do. Plan on enjoying every second. Will wave if we see you pass. Have a great vacation!!

I'm leaving tomorrow for cruise from Vienna to Nurenberg. The weather forecast shows rain nearly every day. So...good news and bad news..high water but rainy weather.

Jane, are you by any chance on the Vienna to Nurenberg Tauck tour? We are!

I'll have to stop reading this thread. I leave for Germany and a river cruise in a week, and it's making me scared.

I don't know what the magic number is, but often shorter voyages leave the staff feeling rushed and the experience suffers. 5 days may not be enough to expect that, but it is a possibility. It could also be the luck of the draw with the individuals who served you that time. I've had a bad FIRST voyage which has put me off from cruising with a line again but with 11 good ones I'd give the line another chance.

 

I'm expecting a bit of bad luck with my 13th as it will be my first January crossing. Still, I'll be on board QV the same day for number 14.

 

Roy

Thank you, Roy. I think you are right about the shorter voyages. I'm going to chalk it up to that. Good luck with the January crossing. I love the QV--so cozy and intimate.

Hi Ballater,

 

Go for it, don't change a thing :)

 

You've had eleven "magical" voyages with Cunard, but sadly, unfortunately, number 12, a short five-day trip, was below standard in some areas.

 

That doesn't mean that cruise number thirteen will be! Don't let one poor experience put you off something you clearly enjoy, remember all the previous great times and be positive about next summer and QE (a lovely ship IMHO, I'm sure you agree?).

 

Have the most wonderful time, a huge Bon Voyage from me! :)

Thank you, Pepper, for answering in the manner in which the question was asked. Very much appreciated, and I hope to meet you on one of our next voyages. Your rational response has made a difference.

My husband and I just returned from our 12th Cunard voyage—the “Short Break” (5 nights) on the QM2—NY to Halifax and back.

We choose to travel with Cunard for many reasons, and have always thought it magical in so many ways. Most of you on this forum feel the same way, so no need to get into details on why we have loved the ships. But, boy, was this not the case a couple of weeks ago.

Traveling in Queens Grill, as we have many times on all three ships, was a disappointment—from unimaginative—and just plain unappetizing--dining (including cold food, forgotten food, undercooked food), to hurried waitstaff, to a nearly invisible butler, to paired down amenities at every turn, to a ship badly in need of refurbishment (which I know is coming next year).

You know that pit you get in your stomach the night you get back to your room and the luggage “mat” is on the bed? This time, that mat was our friend—it meant we were heading home.

So now we have a great dilemma. We are booked on the QE next summer for 14 days--our 13th Cunard voyage. In QG, that’s really a lot of money. Would you give Cunard another chance, or jump ship? We both work very hard to be able to afford our Cunard vacations (yes, we are not retired folk). I can’t imagine spending so much time and money on another dud.

The ship is the attraction for us, Theatre , Queens Room, Illuminations,Connections, Golden Lion, Commodore Club,Sailaways and much more. All open to all passengers.

 

So are the Grills good value? Not for us, but please keep booking them folks, I'm sure they subsidise the steeragers.

 

David.

Glad to do my part! :)

Oh, there are many reasons why my husband and I cobble together our money each year to be able to travel in Queen's Grill (our 10th is coming up soon). As many say, it's a matter of perception, but for us, still working very hard each and every day, it's the ultimate vacation. Here's what makes it so special for us:

1) The size of the room. Plenty of space for both of us. We do enjoy spending time in our room, so this is important to us. The bathroom (two separate compartments) is great too. As is the curtain that separates the seating area from the bedroom area. More about that in a bit.

2) The size of the balcony. It's enormous, and we love to sit outside. The best part for us, though, is having the room to set up two chairs/ottomans, with pillows and blankets, and take a daily "balcony nap." One of the highlights of our relaxing vacation.

3) The butler. Amazing service. Too much to say in a single post. Favorite part of the butler service is closing the curtain (see above) and having the butler gently knock at the door before letting himself in in the morning, and hearing the quiet tinkle of china and silverware as he beautiful sets up breakfast for us to enjoy upon rising. He always stocks the fridge with exactly what we want, including unlimited wine.

4) Pre-dinner appetizers. So nice to anticipate and enjoy with a cocktail on the balcony while getting ready for dinner.

5) No fixed time for dinner. How incredible is it to simply have dinner when you feel like it? Hungry early? Go at 6:30. Out late and want to catch an afternoon nap? Go at 8:30.

6) Also not enough time to sing the praises of the QG dining experience. As others have noted, it's beyond compare. Consistently superb.

7) A la carte menu. Wow. Why bother even looking at the regular menu? The offerings are amazing. And should you want something other than what's on the regular menu or the a la carte menu, they are more than happy to make it for you! The QG kitchen is top-notch.

8) Al fresco dining. On QV and QE, there is a wonderful spot to enjoy dining outside. Fabulous! A little bit of heaven on top of a lot of heavenly experiences.

9) Lunch on embarkation day. How civil. You start your voyage with a wonderful lunch and a glass of wine...anticipating all that will await on your vacation. No lines. Peaceful elegance.

10) Queen's Grill lounge. A beautiful place to enjoy afternoon tea in an unhurried and unfrazzled atmosphere. And a great place to just chill.

11) The QG deck. Wow! What a place to relax and enjoy the sun!

12) Early boarding. We can step foot in the terminal and be enjoying lunch in the QG dining room in the span of 15 minutes.

Each item mentioned above would not be enough for us to spend the money on a QG ticket. But put them altogether, and it's how we want to spend our vacation dollars. Different strokes for different folks, but for us, it's the most magical way to travel.

My husband and I have sailed once on Silversea and a dozen times on Cunard. My girlfriend and I are contemplating a trip on the Azamara Quest (Club Continent Suite). I absolutely love Cunard, and have heard good comments about Azamara. Can a Cunard Grills passenger describe how he/she compares it to the Azamara experience? Thank you!

I like that Cunard charges all of our gratuities against on OBC on the first day. That makes it very clear how much we have left to spend for the rest of the cruise.

 

We usually buy a bottle of wine for dinner every night and get extra internet time, so between the gratuities, internet, and the wine, it eats up most of our OBC. Oh, DH, also uses OBC to get his tux shirts washed and ironed. I don't do tux shirts. If there is money left, I play the last Jackpot Bingo round. I never win. :p

 

Since we are veterans, stockholders and have FCC, we will start our 21-day cruise with a reasonably healthy OBC, but I am certain we will use it all.

It was my understanding that bingo is gambling, and OBC can not be used to buy bingo cards? Is this incorrect?