Winifred 22

Sorry forgot to get back. Their boarding time was 12 30 for Q G. She said they got in and went to priority check in straight away. They were allowing early arrivals in the terminal to wait but would not let them check in until their arrival time. There were a lot of people waiting so probably if more continued to arrive early they would have to wait outside as there is a limit to how many people can wait. I know from other forums people do get annoyed and there is bad feeling when early arrivals take priority over people who have arrived on time for their time slot. To be honest it annoys me. Just because I live nearby I should not miss out on my early arrival slot and have to wait unnecessarily in a queue because people with more complicated travel plans turn up early and are allowed to board. It also must be frustrating for the car parking service who will have their workflow compromised if people don’t keep to their allocated arrival times. Very controversial I know and I expect to receive some negative backlash.

I always eat at Golden Lion on embarkation day and never have a problem getting a table. Have priority boarding because of loyalty status. I guess all the Grills folk getting on before me don’t want to eat there. Sometimes I have to wait until they start serving food as I am too early. Eat there probably every couple of days too.

All staterooms have tea and coffee making facilities including a kettle.

Have you checked the cabins are the definitely same grade ? They may be different so the single is a better cabin because of its position so costs more. Another option is book second guest who becomes a no show on the day. I have heard of people doing that.

Cunard don’t charge the full price for the solo supplement, it’s 175% hence why you only get one onboard credit allowance. There are occasional no surcharge deals to be had.

Yes it’s a tricky one. I have priority boarding too but must admit I am annoyed when there are huge queues and crowds which are caused by the amount of people not adhering to their time. I suppose it will eventually sort itself out when people realise they need to be on time and not arrive early and expect to be prioritised. They allocate times according to decks so it’s not helpful to the staff if people all arrive at the same time and then create issues form a H and S point of view . My daughter is boarding Q V tomorrow so will be interesting to see what happens. She is Grills so can arrive early but I will be asking her to see what’s what ready for my next trip in August.

I have heard of people waiting 2 hours plus outside. They are being really strict now . I should image if there are too many they will just tell you to come back at your allocated time. They do tell you not to arrive before your arrival time. Taxi to West Quay would be about £8 each way.

Yes definitely worth a visit. I love their cafe. Lemon meringue pie very good too and you can watch the ships in the terminal from the windows as it’s on the top floor of the store.

The terminal was not busy once I was allowed inside. I arrived at 12 15 for 13:00 arrival time. It was quick once I was allowed inside and when straight through but did check my boarding pass twice that I had not sneaked in. There were people waiting in the seats who had managed to get in the terminal early but were not being allowed to go to check in as it wasn’t their time. I understand you can drop your luggage off from 11.00

Yes they do take them down when they are sold out. Always double check with the sold out filter button for peace of mind. They do reappear when cancellations occur and cabins become available. I managed to secure a booking once after it was originally sold out.

It is my understanding no, unless they are a B C passenger. You would need to dine elsewhere such as specialty restaurant or Kings Court, if wish to dine with a non Grills or B C Guest which is only fair really on the other B C guests who have paid a premium for their dining.

They have recently changed the policy at Southampton and the terminal staff will check your arrival time and if you are too early you will be invited to wait in a queue outside until your allocated time. I was 45 mins early and was not allowed in until my time. You will not be able to wait inside. In the past you could arrive when ever but this is not the case now. This was for Ocean Terminal but my understanding is it applies to Mayflower too. Cunard is correct there is no where else to wait other than the queue. Best bet is to visit a local pub or coffee shop and wait for your time.