LadyL1

I don’t think you will have any noise problems with your booked cabins. 4167 is not above the galley but the upper deck restaurant, which will be quiet..

I have been told we are No6 on the waitlist for a QA sailing later this year. Booked in a P1, and hoping for Q6-Q3, (preferably a 3 or 4). With fewer full suites, has anyone been lucky from a waitlist recently?

It really depends on the T&Cs that applied when you booked, presumably in Australia. Perhaps someone from your country can help: I think any other advice from those in other countries might be “just presuming”. Have you called Cunard? I hope you get a good outcome.

One only has to look at the deck plans to realise that the image (I think first posted by Cunard last Nov) bears absolutely no resemblance to what the theatre is actually likely to be visually. A quick trawl of the web, shows some stunning imagery of QA theatre on other TA websites. It looks as if the marketing team are inept and have shot themselves in the foot by uploading something that looks more an upmarket town cinema. I am very disappointed that there is so much negativity about QA, even before she arrives in Southampton. Years ago there was much condemnation of QM2, being compared with QE11, but times move on, and this is a ship for the next 20+ years. Perhaps, once we have sailed on her, then criticism would be more appropriate. We all have our likes and dislikes, and she may not appeal to all: there are other more expensive lines, if you want lesser passengers. We enjoy these, and know the experience is very different. We have 2 cruises booked QA, and there are some features that I think will be very welcome indeed. It seems we will be sailing with her because of the ease of round trip from Southampton, and understand she is bigger than QE&QV, so will take what we have signed up for in our stride.

It is pleasant not to feel rushed in QG. On our last trip (QV) Nov, we were given earliest disembarkation, whereas previously we had been given a letter with time slots to select up to about 9.15am.(?) Just remember, these suites have to be serviced for the next occupants of pax, who in QG enjoy the very early boarding. I am sure you will be fine staying until 9 ish, after having had another substantial breakfast in the restaurant. The concierge will do the utmost to help.

Is there any chance you can amend the booking to one grade for all? You will definitely not all be given the option to dine in QG together, so hope you get what you want. By the way, when you booked (presumably together) were the dining protocols explained? Hope you enjoy QA, even if you have to dine together in the alternative restaurants.

Thank you for posting about your cruise, with humour and honesty! I have been reading this with the view of booking a voyage on Iona, but think its size is really against this for me. You have probably saved us money on a trip that was not for us. There are enough ships out there to find what we like, but do wish a few more lines would use Southampton with round trips. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and warmth, you are missing some awful weather here!

For years we have always booked long haul flights in conjunction with cruises through Cunard and have had some great deals. You can ask for BA flights and they will probably quote another airline as well. Transfers will be included. As there are no prices released for Aug ‘25, you can book a cruise and add the air fare when appropriate (possibly during a BA sale). Just remember, if anything was to go “pear shaped”, everything is under one booking which makes things a whole lot easier. We found that out at the start of the pandemic! If flights are delayed/cancelled then Cunard has to pick up the problem. You can still make your own plans if you wish and go well before or after the cruise, even coming back from another airport if you wish to arrange some travelling on your own. It is extremely flexible!

In December, (with Cunard) the shuttle buses where dropping us off in the main shopping thoroughfare!

Smaller bags/cases can be packed in the larger cases. With Cunard it is generally expected that for an average cruise duration, you store luggage in your room, which under the bed is totally out of sight. I am sure if mobility is an issue the steward would help you. We often have a Q4 and cannot recall ever seeing luggage being removed for storage. If you are on a world cruise it might be different, but we have not done that.

You may remember as when the Duchess, Catherine became godmother of the Royal Princess, the ceremony in Southampton. This was very soon before she gave birth to Prince George. On the Royal Princess, there is now in a very prominent position, a museum type enclosure, with her outfit worn on that day, together with other memorabilia. I rather like this touch!

It seems people are reporting a lot of niggles on QV! Does anyone know when the next refit/overhaul is? At least the OP’s trip had some excellent points! Thank you for posting your review.

Do we have any guesses or insights?

We have 2 Grill voyages booked on QA and another on QV. On QA invoices it says “first sitting” confirmed: re QV it says confirmed QG. Almost certain that this type of info has always been be stated on booking confirmation. Have no fear, the anytime dining with your own table is what people pay a premium for and expect. If this was to go by the board, Cunard would be saying goodbye to some very loyal high paying passengers!

QA H430. 2024 3rd Dec Black & White 11th Dec Masquerade 13th Dec Roaring 20s

I am sure you can buy flights after initial booking. They would probably be cheaper with Cunard and include the transfer, as many one way flights can be expensive.

We have used Cunard Air many times, for varying locations around the world. Their fares are excellent for upgrades (compared to Viking and other lines)! In the past we have been given flights on Virgin, BA, American and Delta, possibly others but cannot be sure. if making your own itinerary you can select times and airline of preference, just give them the info they need. If using BA, it is not possible to request seats at time of booking. They are one of the few airlines where you need a booking reference to go into the site, and pay extra for booking a seat, even in business class! Without doubt, Southampton Harbour Hotel is one of the best places to stay in the city. Ennios is also worth a look at the website. These are two very different establishments. I hope you book and have a wonderful trip.

If you are booked in QG, you automatically will be allocated first boarding. This is generally between 12.30 & 1.00pm. On arriving at the terminal there is a separate area for Grills guests after check-in, and you will be called for security and boarding in the first tranche. enjoynthe QG experience.

Veey recently (24th Nov) we arrived bang on our allotted time, 12.30pm, and were ushered straight through to check-in and onto ship withouyt any waiting. There was already a queue outside of the terminal, of those refused immediate entry. Some had been allowed inside to wait: one can presume how this works. Would you be able to wait in the hotel lobby for perhaps another 30minutes? Waiting on the dockside in December would be no great fun. I think we have to accept Cunard and other lines are becoming more pro-ctive in monitoring boarding times, but they have yet to fine tune the process. It does not help that some of the staff at the terminal, do not all "sing to the same tune"! Have a lovely cruise.

I was on the same cruise and totally agree.

You will get a medallion on Princess (certainly of this year) as you will show this to bar staff etc, that can be kept for your collection. We were impressed with the technology on board.

Last night’s “Roaring 20s” formal evening had glitz and gowns in profusion! I would think at least 60% of the ladies made some kind of effort towards the theme, from simple long strings of pearls and a few feathers to flapper dresses or the truly elegant formal wear. A few men were in flat hats, red braces and even spats, but most just with evening black tie outfit. People seemed to be enjoying the occasion and the theatre production was a Christmas show, that added to the atmosphere. This morning was bright and breezy and a walk around deck 3 was certainly enough to blow any cobwebs away and the woolly hat made an appearance for the second time! So now we have to pack, and dream on until the next cruise. I will admit that this is my favourite ship of the 3. There are so many crew we are always delighted to see again, and the service has been exemplary as always. A few observations and what I would like to see on QA. I know this has been aired before and there is always debate on this subject but nothing stands still. I do so hope the stateroom entry system is upgraded, rather than fiddling with the slide in keycard. Wi-fi enabled or click release on approach would be wonderful. I am sure I have read that all Grills areas will have regulated access, which I am in favour of, but the keycard system in the lifts needs radical updating that modern technology is capable of. Over the past few days it has often taken at least 3 attempts to get the higher buttons to register. I find this rather discomforting while others watch or even ask what we are doing. I would love to see Cunard commission a smaller ship, to be able to enter ports away from the modern mega ships, but I am sure that is just too much to expect. As it is I am happy to wait with anticipation for our first trip on QA. Thank you for those who have taken the trouble to read this blog, and it is not too late if you wish to ask me any questions, before our early arrival in cold Southampton. A Merry Christmas to all and happy cruising in 2024!

Some more news from the QV, and we really know we are on our way home with the temperatures dropping! We did go to the officer’s party in the Queens Room early last evening. It was not overly crowded and unlike BigMac found wine, fizz, G&Ts and cocktails in abundance. The hot canapés were delicious and also plentiful. It was a chance to get to chat with folk we had not come across before, and we honestly enjoyed ourselves. Will be chatting later with BigMac! The theatre performance was a 60s tribute band, and they were good. It was nice to see a near packed house. They will be performing in the Queens Room for the farewell bash! Last night the ocean had some attitude and at noon the wave swell was 4.5m: the little “white bags” were in evidence and strategically placed in the public areas. This morning’s turn around the prom, was more of a challenge in the wind and only a few hardy souls outside. The steamers were devoid of padded cushions, and everything on the upper decks lashed down. Sadly for me, both pools were netted, so I think I have had my last swim for this trip. As I write, it is much calmer and mostly blue sky. I noticed that the proverbial “pop up stalls” on deck 3 were selling silly hats for our Roaring 20s evening: I guess another money spinner. The previous 2 formal evenings saw classy participation, and I do so hope that will be the same for this evening. After dinner, before the Christmas show, perhaps I will go for a spot of people watching 👀! I will report tomorrow. There have been some interesting “amuse bouches” which made for a nice photo.

The night before last, it was just entertainment by the singing duo in the Queens Room, which was highly appreciated and the venue packed. There may have been ballroom dancing later on, but as I posted, dancing was in the Yacht Club. Last night it was Latin and other ballroom dances in the QR.

Our journey northwards continues at a leisurely pace, and think I saw FO’s Balmoral going south on the starboard side not so long ago. It is still warm with people in costumes sunbathing on the open decks: how we are going to miss this in a few days time! Yet another early morning swim, and for the first time I had to share the aft pool after breakfast on the balcony. The Pavilion pool had been empty and netted for the previous 36 hours, but it is open again and being used. Our first inkling of going back to reality arrived today with the case departure tags being left in the letter holders. For some reason we have been given the earliest departure, rather than being asked what would be a convenient time. So it looks as if we will get the tail end of Southampton rush hour when leaving the CPS site. Late this afternoon we have an invite to the Captain’s and senior officers party, at the strange time of 5.15. Not sure who gets on this list but if it is not a shoulder to shoulder squash, we will attend in the Queens Room. With the mention of that venue, last night the Latin Dance was sparsely attended (but enjoyed by those there) considering this is an almost capacity sailing. What a difference to the night before. For many hours we have watched the ocean, but we have not once seen anything other than a few birds. Some were talking in the restaurant the other day and said porpoises had been seen. It seems the sea swell will increase a little later today and maybe hit 3m in the Bay of Biscay, so nothing dramatic expected. For now we continue with this winter idyll, and will do the same again next year on the Queen Anne.