Winifred 22

I can remember candle wick but the high light of.sophistication in our house was a Brentford Nylons quilted bedspread in lilac 

3 hours ago, sonoma03 said:

I will be boarding my first Cunard cruise on my birthday, and I was wondering if Cunard does anything special (complimentary, not a birthday package we have to order) for a birthday.  On my previous cruises on other cruise lines, the waiter would bring a special dessert if you were celebrating a birthday or anniversary, although sometimes the special dessert wasn't as good as the desserts on the regular dining room menu.  Just curious if Cunard does something like that or not.

The only complimentary gesture I or my daughter have  had is a birthday card. If you are travelling in Grills there may be some other gestures  but sorry for non grills there is nothing else offered. With the vast amount of passengers sailing with birthdays

or anniversaries they have to limit the complimentary items

10 hours ago, posford said:

Couldn’t load luggage labels on iPad using safari, android phone using Crome, android phone using edge.

manage to load them on my son’s iPhone.

 

Done all the usual pop up and cache fixes. Nothing worked.

 

Once again this is due to P&O’s rubbish IT.

 

How do the older customers get on with no or limited IT knowledge?

 

I am in my 70’s but did work in the IT industry, though over 10 years ago.

 

Luggage labels still showing not yet available on my cruise personaliser.

When I get that with Cunard sometimes I go back and click through the sections confirming details etc.. then they give an option to print boarding pass which I have already done but I still click on. When I go back to home screen the label icon is no longer shaded out and I can print. Not booked a P &Ocruise this year but sure it was same principal as Cunard. This workaround might work. Had to do it myself for the cruise I am on now. 

9 hours ago, hampshirelad said:

Salisbury is a beautiful city but the journey is not by main line train and not so well served as Winchester. Stick to Winchester. Definitely get a Taxi to the train station on the outward trip.

 

For others reading this consider going to a quaint New Forest village -  Brockenhurst. Soak up the atmosphere and have a coffee or tea and cakes. It is on the Southampton main train line - about 20 minutes and better served than Winchester.

 

Remember to get off at Southampton a the way back or you might end up at Waterloo!

What sort of line is it then. Looks like a main line when I have used it. ? Frequent to Salisbury too . 

4 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Take sharp knife.  Cut off the ‘mushroom bulb”.  Turn cork upside down and insert the thin end into top of bottle.  Press hardish until just over half of the cork inserted.  Good for a short term fix.

Just pop a teaspoon into the neck of the bottle if you haven’t got a proper stopper to use. Works fine as a back up. 

9 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

My boarding pass didn’t have priority printed in it , but the lady at check in had a stamp and she just stamped it on for me.  

3 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I seldom saw my stewardess on QE earlier this month. She didn't introduce herself on the first day but did on the second. She didn't seem to have any rooms near mine, so I rarely saw her in passing. On the last day, I left her tip in an envelope on the desk. As I walked down the hall, I saw her in a room well down the hall from mine. I called to her to say goodbye and commented that it was a long way from my room. I think she said she had 16 rooms to do. But none of them was next to mine, so I wasn't at the end of her row. The stewards near me were male, so I wonder if I was an extra added to her chores. Is there a new policy that they try to give a female attendant to solo female passengers?

 

I have never had a female cabin steward and have done many trips as a solo female.

5 minutes ago, Wagtail adventures said:

Looking forward to joining this cruise in Civitavecchia on Monday in PG for a 6 day jaunt back to Southampton.  Tempted to nab a Q6 that popped up with availability a few days ago, but in the end the £1300 was just a bit out of my reach.  Interestingly, it was possibly the 'worst' QG suite - 7001 with a shaded balcony right under the bridge overhang.  Even so...sorely tempted!

I am sure you will enjoy it. We are still chugging along nicely. We go through the Straits of Gibraltar later tonight but it will dark by then I think. Still due in Barcelona for Friday. I notice the sail away from Barcelona is 10 30. Don’t know if that has always been the case or is it to allow extra time for repairs ? 

56 minutes ago, Ukulele girl said:

Thank you 'bluemarble', that has worked perfectly. Fingers crossed that my changing it on line translates to actual cabin configuration. As you say if it isn't right the steward will sort it.

I always request 2 singles . I have never arrived to find the bed split. They always change it for me first evening turn down. So if it’s not right just ask your cabin steward as soon as you see them. I always request twin on booking but have no expectation now  it will be done. Never had a problem changing it and it’s always done with good grace. One steward explained he can’t do it straight away as he has to order single linen from housekeeping but as I said it’s always been done by evening turn down. 

3 hours ago, Clewgarnet said:

Thank you! All the doom and gloom had me quite disheartened about joining you next week.

 

Assuming the Azipod is repaired by then, of course.

I think you will have a wonderful time. Please don’t be disheartened by negative comments you may have read. I am really enjoying Anne and am beginning to work out where everything else. I have enjoyed the Pavilion grill where everything is made to order. The Artisan food Hall seems to have so much choice. Been happy so far with Britannia. Yes if you go looking for a sun bed at 2 on a very sunny day you probably won’t find one but in my experience you wouldn’t find one either on QM2 or QV and QE at that time will similar weather. Look forward to it and yes I hope we make it there too. Chugging along nicely today 15-16 knots. 

19 minutes ago, devolve said:

On board now. Sun beds are reserved for hours, often only returning to take the towel off!!, and there are not so many beds in the first place.

Also on a side note Cunard free internet for world club members is $24 not $18 if you  want it by the 24 hours, another cut back.
 

Been like that for a while. I think it’s good value didn’t buy until day 2 and after W C discount about $100 dollars for 2 weeks suits me. Connectivity seems better  and don’t have to keep logging in as before. On aft deck pool area only a few with towels on and all others occupied and have been all day not obvious signs of people just reserving and going off. I was out just before 10 and there were plenty available. 

I have a favourable impression of Anne so far. She is very different but she is ticking all the right boxes for me. I am 2nd sitting and was reallocated a nicer table last night. Can’t fault the service and at both tables had friendly efficient waiters and hot food.

Do recognize a few of the wait staff and  a Maitre D from QV said he had been transshipped over but was going back. Insights lectures have appealed so far and have been good and what a win you can pick the talk you want to watch on T V  without having them on a continuous loop as before. Enjoyed Noir last night. I do agree with others the theatre seating could be better tiered. Chugging along at 15 knots waiting for the mist to clear. Must not forget to visit the Library and  sign the book. Hope fellow travellers are enjoying themselves and I hope Steeler33 your dining experience picks up for you. Definitely change as

soon as you get home.

Managed to get a loyalty voyage sales booking yesterday by visiting pursers desk  and have booked another Queen Anne trip for Dec 2025. Not offering reduced deposits at the moment but onboard credit at the usual rates. 

1 hour ago, majortom10 said:

No just asking is that you personally talking about missing ports or QA.

My personal missed ports experience for my last two cruises and seem to be on a roll. Other than that having a very enjoyable time and have received top notch service around the ship and some very good meals.

19 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

Can you explain your statement with facts.

What facts do you need copies of my insurance claims ? 

1 minute ago, Victoria2 said:

How about Salisbury if it's an easier trip? I was blown away by the cathedral and the city. Read Edward Rutherfurd's Sarum first.

I agree Salisbury is beautiful the cathedral is even more stunning and famous. 

2 minutes ago, steeler33 said:

AziPod fault which requires internal work alongside so we have to skip Cadiz and crawl our way at reduced speed to Barcelona so an extra sea day. Shame, but these things happen and at least the weather is good. Hopefully we’ll be in Barcelona on Friday morning on time. 

Yes when you think about it today she hasn’t really been moving that fast. I hope lots of people don’t kick off and make a scene. I would have rather done Cadiz and ditched Barcelona. Not having a good track record at the moment last 2 cruises missed port or completely changed itinerary 😀🚢

1 hour ago, NavyPanda said:

Possibly a fair number of children on-board as it is now the school holidays and not a 'cold weather' cruise. 

There is not an obviously large number of children onboard. Aft pool not over run at all. 

1 minute ago, GeorgianGal100 said:

If you wear a red and white hat and a pair of round black glasses we can play "Where's Winifred"!

😂😂😂

20 minutes ago, westcoasttech said:

A few more random pics while I still have shoreside internet!

I can see myself I one of the photos 😂😂😂

I am onboard too. Easiest  embarkation ever I was onboard by 12 30 . Lovely balcony cabin on deck 4. Has an extended balcony so half shaded and half open. Probably twice the depth of a standard one. Had very tasty gammon egg and chips in Golden Lion. My go to curry is now a special and will reappear in about 3 days I was told by the waitress. Service was slick and the chips were too hot to eat at first. Plenty of wait staff around pool. Only minor set back I was initially allocated a sharing table but swiftly had it swopped. Apparently there are not many 2 tops completely separate on deck 2 but he told me he would try and find me one. Alternatively the Maitre D’ from level 3 said he would be able to find me one. Managed to book Noir for tomorrow did have trouble loading app had to do it several times but I suspect the problem is that is still loaded from previous trips. So far really pleasant  interactions with all crew that I have across  and had seen no  signs of  any sullen or tardy attitudes. Sad to hear some guests are being poorly behaved within the first few hours and being rude to crew. Have not sorted WiFi yet but will buy package tomorrow. 

2 hours ago, Lakesregion said:

A more traditonal formal atmosphere. Way better enrichment lectures. Very attentive to solo passengers. Buffet is open 24 hours  rather than in short spurts. Night life ends around 3 am rathe than 10:30 pm on Holland America. NO rolelrcoasters, bumper cars etc as on Royal Carib.

I have never seen the buffet open 24 hours whenever I have been onboard any of  the 3 Queens last time as recently as May. 

16 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Wishing all luck….
Know USA Government employees evidence urgency and are much more productive than…

So the prognosis is a good one….

Thank you. 

15 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Pay and end any extended angst… After all it’s only money

Yes she is going to do that as her partner only has a 3 week wait for the type of visa he needs so they will do that unless they can get a family appointment at the same time as his. 

On 7/25/2024 at 11:05 PM, Pushpit said:

Most people would get an ESTA straight away - matter of hours, so this is done by robotics. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 days, they sometimes need to research some people's applications. So in theory leaving it until late makes sense, since you can use the ESTA for perhaps a later trip. There is an argument for applying a few months beforehand if you suspect it may be problematic (e.g. a run in with the law, or a visit to one of the USA's enemy states) since if you are one of the very rare people to be declined, you may still have time to get a visa instead of an ESTA. This is currently about 5 weeks for London, somewhat less at Belfast. So perhaps 2 months beforehand?

Hi where did you see the wait time as 5 weeks for London and less for Belfast. The website is saying 110 days wait for available appointments for both London and Belfast. My daughter needs a visa and was hoping not to have to pay extra to expedite.  

16 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:



Cabin
Superb.

Smaller than the Vista equivalents but a much better utilisation of space. Reading comments on other QG cabins, I do wonder if there is enough  wardrobe space for a worldie without storing unseasonable clothes in a case, but as we will never do a worldie, that’s up to others to find out.

Staff
Wonderful. Every single member of staff we have encountered has been lovely. I do detect a slight wistful look when talking about previous ships but this is still the settling down period so hopefully, everyone will settle into their new contracts.

Food
Occasional meals could have been hotter but choice, taste, off menu opportunities and overall quality was top notch and the service has been brilliant. No 'fawning', just well trained excellent staff.

Ship.
OK. Annie is not Victoria and that’s a non negotiable minus. If QV was doing the Southampton run, then no contest, but she isn’t when we want to travel so we have had to compromise.

However,

Annie  has grown on us. There are points which will never be addressed- thinking here pinch points where wheelchair navigation involves getting passengers to move for us- and The Lifts as far as overly quick door closures and I guess, I have to add the Prom deck isn’t as wide as others and so swift walking becomes a 'excuse me' but as it’s been wet or damp on frequent occasions, if I’ve  ventured out, I have been walking carefully so would probably have been the butt of excuse me's if others had been walking too.

 

Ignoring  all that, as a ship which was seen as a potential nightmare pre our first trip in May, she is so far from that.

 

No, she is not a Cunard ship in the traditional sense but she IS a Cunard ship too. The daily programming is the same, the staff have miles of smiles and are there to ( mostly, given a couple of others' experiences) help and assist.

I would be lying if I said everyone dresses to the old Smart Attire of pre Covid. They don’t. Full stop

'Even' ( said tongue in check) in QG, an untucked, short sleeved Tommy Bahamas type shirt was seen one evening but  I was more 'shocked and amazed' by the fact that shirt didn't suit the portly figure wearing it rather than the shirt itself😀. I can just imagine the horror on some traditionalists' faces but as the vast, VAST majority of fellow passengers dress to advisories, that’s fine by us.

 

As a technophobe,  even I have been impressed with it all. The Essential internet  has been so easy and so much more reliable and swifter compared to last year. Almost top marks from me although free WiFi would get top marks. Not tried the my Cunard thingy onboard as we have other means of ordering/ booking/finding out but the rest has been so easy and our cabin has enough usb ports of both types.

 

So my overall advice would be, and I realise this is from a mainly QG experience so Myles and others will have to fill out this review with their own thoughts, if you can put up with the fact Queen Anne can’t and shouldn’t be compared to her sisters but she is still Cunard, then don’t be too quick to damn a product an untried product  by listening too much to the nay sayers.

 

She’s OK and we have had a great holiday.🙂

 

Thank you I am looking forward to getting onboard tomorrow and hoping for good weather. Looks promising for Southampton tomorrow and certainly lovely and sunny here a few miles away inland.