exlondoner

A sports jacket won’t really do for formal nights, if you want to go the restaurant, theatre, or most bars. No need for costumes for themes.

Yes, I agree. Ghent is definitely worth a visit.

And the Q3s aren’t? Hmm. That tells you something, I think.

Why not just have a Q6, which must be miles cheaper?

Just as in the Commodore Club the blinds have to be closed at night if the lights are on, to avoid affecting the bridge. Another thing is I imagine there is an awful lot of wind noise.

I wouldn’t want to pay all that money and not have a balcony. And have to draw the blinds at night.

On our last cruise, check in was pretty rapid, then we had to wait about half an hour until the ship was ready. We were still on board by 1, though. If you really want to avoid crowds, the best thing to do is turn up as late as possible, but that is unnerving, and you miss lunch.

As I remembered on the third day of our last trip, fruit, like bar soap, is one of the things you have to ask for, and they would happily provide. It would be ago idea if they had a list, to go with the drinks list, so you can tick what you need.

That of course is true. But attention to the idea would seem to preclude any conversation whatsoever. Surely it is all a matter of tone and attitude.

It depends doesn’t it. If it’s a third country, it may be fine. For instance, a German and an American might share similar critical views of Russian foreign policy objectives, and nobody would be offended. But one should always expect the sensitivities of Russian staff.

So everyone should be happy. 😀

It generally seems to reappear the next day when I am having my afternoon nap.

Whatever people might like to think, there is no law against upsetting people.

Table moving is always an option, but often you don’t want to leave everyone else on the table. Sometimes even the insensitive person’s companion is charming and agreeable, and indeed embarrassed by them. But in the end it is your holiday, so you need to enjoy it.

Very difficult. Try and start an emollient conversation with some other table companions, so he is neutralised? Say clearly you don’t want to discuss said topic if they wouldn’t mind? Say you’ll just have to agree to differ and let’s talk about tomorrow’s port/lecture/show? Failing all that, surreptitiously scatter large quantities of quick acting laxative on their meal and await their rapid departure. As you say most of one’s companions are lovely?

You’ve been to Dubai? 😀😀

When we were on QM2 in the summer, the voyage personaliser mentioned this, but in fact it didn’t appear, and we had a very nice meal in La Piazza. So don’t count your chickens.

Yes, isn’t that nice, and the little flower?

It does show that at times Cunard is helpful and sensible.

Another thing is in 2019, I was on a Med cruise with 400 Australians, who were doing a very lengthy Three Queens jaunt. This was the final stage, I think, before they flew back. As far as I could tell, those in the Grills, at any rate, but probably throughout the ship, were zealous adherents of the dress codes.

To be fair, Cunard does purport vaguely to be a UK line. I know this is only up to a point, as it talks about tuxedos and uses US dollars, but nonetheless it does have its HQ in Southampton.

I’m sure this is right. But nonetheless, in general, I have found the ship cool inside rather than warm, and, for instance, am often glad of a cardy in the restaurant.

It seems to be long standing custom and practice.

There is also the anomaly that it was fine on one Vista but not the other.

I couldn’t agree more. The QE approach seems very sensible. And given the difficulties so many are experiencing with and without Covid, it is hard to see that wearing a mask for a few days can constitute a nightmare, or even a slightly weird dream.