In U K can only move a booking once to a cruise of equal or higher value within a set time frame. If its really dropped that much a rebook loosing the deposit is the only option.
I would agree as someone who lives near Salisbury. Either will give a good day out for a few hours and worse case scenario all be it expensive but both would be a doable taxi ride away from the docks if public transport was not an option.
Sorry to poor cold water but I think it’s highly unlikely the rail situation will improve that much by September. It’s been going on a far while now and doesn’t really seem to improving. Weekends can also be problematic.
This was born out in April when the QM2 T A’s were cancelled those with Cunard booked flights were catered for by Cunard. Others had to rely on their travel insurance or failing that a credit card.
It’s also going towards paying off the massive debts that were incurred during the pause in operations. I personally like a better price enabling me to cruise more often.
I have always found the Cunard working out of CUK staff pleasant and understand they can only do what their role and permissions allow. I am not comfortable with contact centre staff being referred to as Blobs , seems rather derogatory to me.
Boarding is allocated by deck so if your friends were on a different deck that’s why there was a difference. Non priority boarding does not take into account loyalty status.
I have had to ask for mine every time. Never had one waiting for me. I have mine on my winter coat lapel for winter embarkation from Southampton. Also have a souvenir Cunard lanyard with duplicates on, ship pins and year pins. Never wear it!