exlondoner

From reading many review and reports, I think often people’s verdicts are the result of their experiences in the first day, particularly embarkation. First expressions really do count. Unfortunately, much of the embarkation experience is beyond Cunard’s control. The one thing that is at least partly in their control, the timely arrival of luggage, is usually managed very well. But there are other things, partly the result of the impression given by Cunard’s advertising, for instance, some people think they will be greeted obsequiously and escorted to their cabin. They won’t. Sometimes their steward doesn’t appear to say hello, which they really should. The Lido on the first day is rarely at its best, and in fact is a good argument for booking Grills, so you can get lunch in the restaurant. The cabin is not as big as expected: are they ever? By the time people have coped with all that and discovered they can’t find their way around because they can’t read a plan or follow signage, and the lifts are very busy, they are quite miserable. Thereafter every minor fault or inconvenience is noticed and remembered. All the wonderful things barely register. Cunard should put a huge amount of effort into making the embarkation experience as good as possible.

Very good. Your next problem: find a way to give the Grills a lounge with proper light and a view. 😀

Well, if they took the pools away, at least on one side, there could be a pathway. I suppose, if you are using amenities you shouldn’t, you are more likely to break other rules, even safety ones to do with glasses. But I can see not being able to walk through is really annoying. Yes, Joy was excellent and really nice. I hope her replacements are equally on the ball.

Quite, but I do think people should be able to get through somehow, without lingering or rudeness. Wanting to use the facilities, such as they are, on the other hand is just daft or rather deliberate badness, as there are lots of other nice outside spaces. Anyone caught in the pools (which I can really see the point of anyway) should be thrown over the side forthwith to enjoy the sea water instead. I reckon they wouldn’t have to do that too often for the practice to stop.

That is rude and really such a bizarre argument. Would they use it to crash a party or use the Spa or protected single sex spaces or, and perhaps this is a good idea after all, to sunbathe in the area being used for archery? Anyway, what they have paid for is a particular set of facilities on the ship, no more. Just as, if you have paid for a drinks passage, it has (often rather opaque) Ts and Cs, it does not entitle you to free Château Pétrus at breakfast every day.

Thanks. That’ll save me getting out the brochure.

It saves money in terms of laundering and also has environmental benefits. On the other hand the noise level is invariably unpleasantly increased.

Yes, one of the great things is that the waiting staff know you, greet you by name, and learn your preferences. For instance, I’m always thirsty, and need my water glass constantly filling, while my husband only wants half a glass of water. It is so relaxing not to have to keep explaining this. As you say, no pretension, just efficiency and kindness. I’m still trying to work out what colonial service is - which was mentioned somewhere, possibly another thread.

I’ll have a look in the 1997 brochure when I’ve a moment. Yes, tragically, I’ve still got it!

I think at one time there were two PG restaurants, one smoking, one not. The other was called the Britannia, wasn’t it? Possibly?

I think twice when it has only been for one port they haven’t bothered changing, when I have been aboard. Amazingly, everyone caught the ship. But for several ports in Norway, they certainly will.

I really enjoy going on Cunard ships, QA as much as the others, but I really think, if it involved an eleven hour drive, I would never ever sail on them. You must be pretty dedicated. I find the drive from here to Southampton stressful enough (as a passenger).

At that time, because the exchange rate was so favourable and the wine list price quite low, NZ Cloudy Bay was discernibly less on board than in our local supermarket. Bizarre.

Yes, I remember that. It was great, but I wouldn’t have dreamt of misusing it.

This is going to disrupt my strolls. I’d rather have people passing through than have to do this twice a rotation.

Often almost anything is more convenient than trains that get tangled up in Birmingham New Street. I cry every time I change trains there.

There is a bar and coffee shop airside with an excellent view of the runway, so you can watch the planes. Most airlines seem to have 45 minute checkin times.

Unless they actually travel on the ship, of course, when they won’t notice it, unless they look very hard, though a few undoubtedly do. There was someone who thought because he had paid to be on the cruise he should be entitled to go everywhere.

Southampton Airport is very small. They claim it takes a max. of 10 minutes to get through security, usually less. So once you are inside, things should progress quickly. How long to get there depends a bit on the cruise terminal and time of day, but should be easily less than half an hour once you’re in a taxi.

Why not just ring them up?

I haven’t had to buy any gin for years, thanks to Cunard and my not drinking vast amounts.

Honestly, I’m sure you won’t feel strange once you step aboard, unless you really do have three heads each above the other. 😀 Once you are on board, it is now your ship.

I assume that is not what the OP wishes or s/he would have asked a different question, like ‘What time is the last train?’.

Seemed clear to me, particularly as there is a concern as to which train they can catch from Waterloo. This is relevant if they are travelling the day the arrive from Paris, but not the next day.

Have you filled out the medical requirements form?