foodsvcmgr

An old ex-Holland America “S” class ship may prove to be no bargain for Celestyal. They were well known for a/c and plumbing issues, leaks, etc. near the end of their prior life.

I have asked Cunard in the US to verify but still awaiting response.

On QV last week I purchased two FCD’s but was denied the OBC by the Future Cruise Consultants because I booked a Labor Day Sale fare for next year. In order to get the $300 OBC I would have to have paid a $600 higher fare. They appeared surprised after initially telling me I would get it that their computer system disallowed it.

Over the recent 12 days on QV I felt no particular need to upgrade or change from Britannia. Speaking with others onboard, the consensus was that Veranda was not worth the upcharge, but that the various pop ups in the Lido were of very good quality and reasonable for the cost.

Bejay, what I just observed on Cunard last week is that dress slacks and a long sleeve shirt will suffice for casual nights in the MDR although many/most add jacket and/or tie. On the designated formal nights you will not be allowed in the MDR or theater but can enjoy a very nice dinner in the Lido and use the Yacht Club lounge for entertainment. So most of the time you will not have any issues.

For this sailing, the only tender port was Newhaven. As you’ve experienced prior, was calm going in and rough coming back.

This was truly a cruise for lighthouse photography! Here are Lismore and Inchkeith. Returning to Southampton was to include more scenic cruising past the Scillys in the morning and Eddystone light in the afternoon but sadly the fog never lifted.

The small coastal light is Roches Point outside Cobh and the tower on the rock is Skerryvore off the Isle of Mull.

A few photos from the cruise:

Just disembarked Friday from 12 Night QV British Isles cruise, Britannia balcony, Deck 7. This was my ninth Cunard voyage but first post pandemic my last being QM2 transatlantic in 2018. Despite some comments of concern on CC, I could not find anything of significance that I would consider a negative change or cutback. To the contrary, particularly for the price paid, I was extremely pleased overall and would place Cunard at the top of the superior mass market category, nearing almost the luxury level particularly in view of declines elsewhere. Food - having spent most of the last 49 years in the F&B industry, Director level prior to retirement, I was highly impressed by the variety and quality of ingredients, preparation, and service in both Lido and Britannia. I twice ordered the secret steak for dinner, you can add any starch or vegetables from that nights dinner menu. Entertainment - the theme for this voyage was the Prince’s Trust, guest artists included Myleene Klass and Julian Lloyd Weber. Production shows were standard cruise ship fare but the guest musicians and specialty acts were outstanding. Ship - immaculately maintained internally, some rust evident on the lower hull, but will drydock in Belfast this year. Service - great cabin steward, twice daily unobtrusive service. Waiter and Asst. in late seating dinner were polite and efficient but spread over too many tables to develop any relationship beyond beverage preferences. Parties - World Club for Gold, Platinum, and Diamond at 7:15 early in the cruise, Sr. Officers Party at 11:30 later in the sailing for Platinum and Diamond. Drinks, including G&T, and canapés free flowing. Commodore Club - as usual my pre-dinner stop nightly. Crisps, peanuts, and warm canapés offered nightly without having to ask. Specialty drinks rather expensive but basic mixed drinks moderate compared to other lines. Internet - total disaster, wasted much time over several visits to the Purser to get it refunded as it is essentially non functioning. However the current obsolete system will be replaced by Starlink by the middle of this month. I was told this change has been very successful on QM2. Dress - Casual nights maybe 25% without Jacket, 50% jacket only, 25% tie and jacket. Three formal nights with near universal tuxes and black tie. Cunard must be doing something right as the Future Cruise Office was by appointment only with spots in high demand. I took advantage of the Labor Day Sale and booked back on QV for next September. Overall grade - Outstanding - Highly recommended!

Forgot to mention that I was in standard Britannia grade balcony, NOT a suite. Booked a 7 day cruise for next year while onboard for $1099 pp which makes it almost unbelievable what they are still providing for the money.

Just disembarked Queen Victoria yesterday. I would strongly suggest Cunard as the place to find what is now missing on Celebrity and most mass market lines. Food in outstanding quality and variety, ship maintained in impeccable condition, chips, nuts, and hot canapés with your evening cocktail, twice daily cabin service, top quality guest performers etc, etc…… Just be aware and agreeable to sailing with a strong British atmosphere (a plus for me) and two formal nights per week that sees all but a handful in black tie.

Picking up the Newhaven, Scotland pilot as seen last Tuesday, 22 August, from QV.

Just got off QV this morning, currently waiting at LHR to return to the US. Will write up some observations in a few days but fully concur with all of Rich’s good points. On the dismal internet, also had to insist on a refund as totally unworkable. However was informed by the onboard sales folks that QV will be using Starlink by mid month, the fiber optic cables are in and just waiting for the new satellite transmitter. Supposedly Starlink is having 98% connection rate on QM2 since being installed. So positive change imminent.

Wasn’t the original reason restrictions on onboard weddings with Southampton registry, but this prohibition was later dropped?

Closest alternatives for 14 night South America sailings would be HAL, Princess, and NCL. For Antarctic itineraries only NCL offers 14 nights, Princess are 16 nights, and Holland America stretches it to 22. I’m not sure if I would count out Celebrity substituting Infinity back to the SA routes, winter demand in the Med can’t be that strong and Israel has risk of unrest.

I encountered Sunward II, the ex-Cunard Adventurer, during a mid 80’s visit to Nassau.

Here’s another view from my visit in 1973.

Agreed adjustman - none of these changes constitute upping their game or make them more competitive in the superior upscale end of the mass market.

Enjoy your trip, looking forward to any observations as we will be boarding Sunday as you depart.

Typically premade of similar quality will cost more, the savings is in labor.

Rarely happens in the corporate world but it would be much less annoying if they would just be honest and give the REAL reason. NCL cancelled all their sailings out of Panama due to extortion by the Panamanian government over refueling and stated as such. Will be interesting to see if Windstar alters their 7 day Panama Canal itineraries as well. I imagine the repositioning cruises and other coast to coast longer sailings will suck it up as sailing around Cape Horn will be far costlier in the long run.

Expanding their passenger base is not in itself a bad idea, but any changes or additional facilities unique to the new ship need to be very thoroughly communicated. Most cruise lines today are operating a fairly wide variety of ships built over a 20-30 year span and what is offered on the newest is not always available on the older units of their fleet. Communication is key as unrealistic expectations create disappointment. What Cunard would do well to avoid is offering completely different experiences ship to ship, recall Cunard Crown Dynasty operating simultaneously with QE2 and Sagafjord……

Any hints yet of Panama Canal transits for ‘25-26, either 14-16 day coast to coast or the 7 day out of Panama?

In May the 5 night menus we had were: Welcome French USA British Italian Overall we found the quality, taste, and portion size much better than the many negative reviews had led us to believe.