dancer11

I'm not going to change anyone, but the reason the security line can run an hour or more in duration is all the people who come when it suits them. They should hold these people up and let them go through security as there is space, but Cunard doesn't care how long you stand in line for security, although they can control how many people they send to the security line by just looking up and seeing the huge long line.

When on the world cruise, we were told the shuttle service into town had its stop at this jewelers. It was never made clear, which I really resented, that it was the jewelers transportation, unlike all our other ports. Therefore we HAD to walk through the store before we could exit and go off on our own.

I guess it saves Cunard money to not arrange a shuttle in Rio, but I felt it was misleading. While the poster is looking forward to the shopping expedition, we were not, and it's not easy to walk out, it reminds me of walking into an IKEA store, there's no shortcut to the exit.

Trust me, they are not going to run out of spaces if at all possible and they had multiple buses. They wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to sell you jewelry.

On our last cruise, our TA called to tell us of offer to upgrade to QG and the amount was reasonable so we gladly said yes. When she phoned back, they told her the fee was being waived, perhaps because we are stockholders??? We didn't know for sure why it was done.

So that was a double pleasant surprise and we enjoyed it thoroughly

We don't do room service, but I'm told butler will actually set a table, not just bring a tray. The canapes brought nightly are 5 tiny bits of pate, smoked salmon, cheese spread, and the like. Our butler last month on QV was courteous, just doesn't add much to the experience. On other lines, they iron for you and shine shoes. We didn't ask. He seemed to help clean our room, which kept their time in the room short.

QG is lovely for the extra size room and balcony. But since they share lounge, sundeck, and kitchen, not much difference after that. Having a dedicated concierge in the grills lounge is a terrific benefit, no long lines at the pursers or tour office, can make reservations, print out your bill, etc.

And caviar was never on the menu in QG that I recall during our June 2013 sailing. I suppose one could ask, but didn't.

On a sea day, they may organize making masks or hats for some ball. A very small number actually bring a costume, but they do add something to the festive air of those ball evenings. I sure can't add one more thing to the suitcase that would be a costume.

We are doing the Basel to Amsterdam 13 day cruise in Sept. You have given many good points helpful in our planning our excursions. I also appreciate your posting the cost of tours, which I hadn't seen before but was curious about.

Sounds like a wonderful trip.

One of the reasons we chose fall rather than spring was that my research on this site showed more likelihood of river being too high in the spring, which results in events like not being able to reach Basel.

Sadly, we don't experience the new Marie Antoinette, we are on the River Queen, and the windows don't open in the cabins.

Again, thank you for the details, you give just the right balance of information. Some people think we want to know what time they wake and eat, yours is just right.

When we departed from Port Everglades (Ft Lauderdale) January 2009, we had fun with the spectators on shore, who were waving and yelling as we passed their homes or cars. There was one man who stood in his back yard with a megaphone and greeted us "Hello Queen Mary passengers--are you getting dressed for dinner at the King's Court?" We still talk of it, it was just the right thing to say.