exlondoner

I think it may mainly be because people who don’t have to travel in the school hols. (which is the majority of Cunard passengers) prefer to do so when the Med. is slightly cooler. Having said which, we are going in July next year, and August the following, if we are both fit and well enough.

The England and Wales state school hols. will have begin by then, so there may even be a few more (well-behaved) children.

Kings Cross has one of those too.

What is astonishing is how much more expensive the Cross Country service are. Mind you, the service is so often very late that you can almost bank on getting some of it back. Incidentally, although the Waterloo to Euston service on the Underground involves a change, if you take the Bakerloo to Oxford Circus and then the Victoria Line, it is a very quick and easy change.

And, honestly, if you are in the Q1/Q2 market, wouldn’t you have booked the one you wanted in the first place?

I always feel the opposite: how lucky I am to be sitting enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal, while those poor people feel compelled to do sweaty and unpleasant exercise, wearing out their joints.

If you have manageable luggage, it is quickest and cheapest to go on the train via London.

The 10.15 from Soton should enable you to change at Stafford for the Liverpool train, which may be less stressful.

I agree that crossing London with luggage is a bit of a task, but possibly preferable to BNS. Every time I go there with Cross Country I am delayed and miss my connection, spending much more than 45 minutes there, and the air pollution at platform level can be horrendous. Furthermore most platforms have two ends, and while one can move between all platforms at one end, at the other end one can only do so by going through the barrier, which means one has to get in again. I usually end up in tears when I make the mistake of changing there.

I would try and find a route that means you don’t have to change at Birmingham New Street, particularly if you have a lot of luggage. It is a large, chaotic, and badly polluted station. This may be easier said than done.

Now if you had happened to have a small baby with you, it might have been quite different. 😀

All, I can say is that in reality, it is not remotely like you fear. However, if do end up by a window, I’m sure you will be overwhelmed by people in the deepest interior who wish to swap with you.

I don’t know why you would feel like an animal in the zoo. Even though the service has allegedly deteriorated, I don’t think the waiting staff will actually throw the food at you. There is a large and gloomy indent in the restaurant where some tables must be at least ten from the window. You should be all right there.

And what is Australian sellotape, or has that changed?

I’d still choose to be next to the window if you can. A few people walking by are not a big deal, and I didn’t feel stared at when we had a window table. But the restaurant is on Deck 7, and doesn’t have the expansive views of those on the Vistas.

Did you try writing it on? They must have some inexpensive versions on board they could give you.

No NZ Sauvignon blanc?

Other than a certain room I may have mentioned, my main problem with QA is her length, just as with QM2. It is just such a long walk to everywhere, whereas the Vistas are pleasingly compact. Otherwise there are lots of lovely things about her.

But possibly somewhat chilly if the air conditioning is having a fierce night.

Can you see Yorkshire?

And a Q1 on all voyages.

Wow, just wow.

I would say use your voucher on one of the pop-ups. The free lunch I had in the Verandah was nothing special, certainly not compared with the QG. Furthermore they managed to achieve something that has never happened over many trips in QG, which was to make me feel I was slightly unworthy of their attentions. I’m sorry I can remember which ship, but one of the Vistas.

We certainly had loose tea (and a choice) in May in the Grills. How does he manage to get water that is actually boiling rather than just pretty hot? Despite my interest in nomenclature, I don’t actually like tea much or care too much about it, but I gather boiling water is often considered important.

It seems to me, as with tipping, another example of some US passengers thinking the ships are a suburb of New York. 😀