foodsvcmgr

It’s not just Alaska but frequently Europe as well. If you watch the fares closely it’s possible to get a comparable cabin on Cunard for considerably less than Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America. To me that’s an opportunity not to be missed.

It makes no sense that Cunard discontinued mailing out luggage tags when they continue to print and send a personalized booklet a few weeks before sailing. It’s somewhat useless and is quickly looked over and thrown away whereas the tags would be quite helpful.

QM2 will be overnighting in Reykjavik on her eclipse itinerary so I expect Cunard may offer tailored experiences both aboard and ashore. In Iceland totality will be considerably earlier at 5:45 (1745) in the afternoon.

I think picking the right ship and itinerary on Carnival will yield a more traditional result, not the rough clientele and drunken party experience that some of their shorter cruises are infamous for. Thanks for the report and glad you enjoyed.

1978 Italian Line “Leonardo da Vinci”.

I truly don’t understand how or why having some sort of classical music is that difficult for HAL to provide. Celebrity, Princess, and Cunard all offer it, if it was cost prohibitive they would not.

I believe it will be some time before Cunard release any more specific details of these eclipse sailings. It appears the intent currently is to be tied up in the respective ports during the event. I would expect some eclipse related programming and speakers, distribution of eclipse viewing cardboard glasses to those who need them, possibly a themed event of some sort. They may also tailor some excursions specific for the eclipse and optimal viewing. Beyond any of that not sure what else could be offered, the primary thing is that they are taking you as close as possible to totality.

Victoria you are correct, I meant the latter with its iconic steeple.

I think a great photo op location would be at the ancient lighthouse there. Unobstructed for close ups of the eclipse and some very interesting wider views working the tower into the shot. I’m going to try something similar with the Reykjavik cathedral.

I hope this can be expanded to include most, if not all, itineraries. Or that at least HAL will make clear exactly what sailings will include classical music up front, not keep your fingers crossed and wait till you get onboard…..

We sailed T/A in Deck 13 Club cabin in 2018 and had no movement issues of concern even when the outer decks were closed off for a while in rough seas.

Agreed John, I thought that complimentary lunch and dinner for a fee was always the Golden Lion plan.

I think whipsnade is correct, these films come from an outside service much the same as background music played in hotels on endlessly repeating tracks.

Yes I showed the check in agent, no issues other than using the temporary terminal in Buenos Aires, and we were still aboard and completed safety check in prior to the lunch opening.

Several ports in California are legislating against cruise visits. Most of last years Eclipse sailings out of CA were selling at $400 base fare for 7 days. Most other departure ports can command significantly higher fares. I’m sure these were some of the factors Celebrity considered.

For Eclipse sailing on January 20th we had a 12:30 boarding time. A couple days before sailing we received an email stating that we were invited to arrive anytime after 10:30 in order to be able to enjoy the Concierge lunch. We did so and were aboard well ahead of the dining room opening.

A bit suspicious of Step One moving from ship to ship. We were told the same thing about Lincoln Center and that clearly didn’t happen. I don’t have a preference for what they ultimately do, but they desperately need to do SOMETHING!

In my experience the majority of excursions tend to average about 5 hours in duration. Generally this allows adequate time for independent shopping, touring the port, or lunch locally. Alternatively you can usually make it back to the ship in time for a slightly late lunch if you prefer.

Thanks all, looks like a self guided walk is the way to go.

Will be on QV for 14 days in September and not familiar with these two ports. My previous visit to Sardinia was Cagliari. The listed excursions though inexpensive don’t seem particularly interesting. Anyone have experience with these ports? Walkable, private tours, things not to miss, etc.? Thanks for any input.

I’m on August 4, 2026 sailing that I booked on March 6th when it opened, sorry for any confusion.

Will be on QV for 14 days in September and not familiar with these two ports. My previous visit to Sardinia was Cagliari. The listed excursions though inexpensive don’t seem particularly interesting. Anyone have experience with these ports? Walkable, private tours, things not to miss, etc.? Thanks for any input.

As inflated as this appears to be, the markup on Celebrity excursions vs identical independent tours is far higher in my experience.

I booked this sailing for the interesting itinerary and return to NY on March 6th. I suspected it might be a strong seller on those merits alone. Now that it is being marketed as an eclipse sailing I understand the unusually high per diems. Looks like a very interesting voyage.

Clearly a wide range of subjective assessments here, I’m sure Cunard are hoping more passengers find QA agreeable than not. I noticed that KONINGSDAM veranda cabins were a bit reduced in size but didn’t really impact me, I learned the hard way not to waste money on the so called Vista Suite, a suite in name only. That said, I think QV is a much nice version of the platform than the HAL ships, so possibly QA will be as well.