bluemarble

Here's a link to the Cunard press release "Cunard Announces Exclusive Partnership with Two Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux". https://www.carnivalcorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/cunard-announces-exclusive-partnership-two-michelin-starred-chef I can't get the included link to the renderings of the dining venues to work. Those renderings can be found in this additional article from Seatrade Cruise News. https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/famed-chef-michel-roux-teases-new-menu-cunards-queen-anne

Apparently Sir Samuel's is going to be the venue previously generically identified as "Steakhouse & Grill". Sir Samuel's is going to be offering a steak and seafood menu on Queen Anne. Also, it looks like the Golden Lion Pub will be offering both lunch and dinner on Queen Anne.

It looks like all three of the cruise ships that were scheduled to call at Stavanger today are headed elsewhere. AIDAdiva arrived at Bergen a bit after noon local time today instead, Viking Venus is bypassing Stavanger to proceed to her next scheduled stop at Oslo tomorrow and QV is bypassing Stavanger to proceed to her next stop at Skjolden (rescheduled from Flaam some months ago).

I just thought of a potential issue with the shareholder benefit for those who are now booked on 6-night crossings instead of the original 7 nights. My reading of the Carnival Shareholder Benefit is that the shareholder OBC amounts are as follows: Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 14 days or longer - US $250 Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 7 to 13 days - US $100 Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or less - US $ 50 Seems to me, those on the crossings that have been reduced to 6 nights will now only receive $50 shareholder OBC instead of the $100 they would have received for the original 7-night crossing. Similarly, those who booked a 14-night back-to-back crossing as two separate 7-night crossings would have been expecting a total of $200 shareholder OBC. Now in the situations where those separate bookings consist of one 6-night crossing and one 8-night crossing, I suppose they will now only receive a total of $150 shareholder OBC. It looks like those who qualify for the Military Personnel Onboard Credit Program may have the same issue with that program as well. I note those who were already booked on impacted voyages (whether lengthened or shortened) are to receive $50 OBC as compensation for having their departure or arrival dates changed.

Yes, that is Visby. The webcam capture is from QV's recent call there on 1 August 2023. It's appropriate you were able to identify that image. Here's your quote following your identification of our previous photo of Visby submitted by @sogne way back in post #934.

Let's try this one. It's a webcam capture showing a Cunard ship at a port I think we've seen only once before on this thread.

I'm pretty sure MPCorcoran is a registered user although you can't find him using the member search function in the boards section of this site. I just ran a little experiment to search for the names of the last 50 members who have submitted Cunard reviews. Only 29 of those 50 reviewers can be found using the member search function in the boards. I'm not sure what the criteria is for a user to show up in the board's member search function. It's definitely not posting history in the boards as I first suspected. Several members with 0 posts in the boards show up via a member search. Another mystery, I suppose.

I guess you could say Cruise Critic and researching all things Cunard has become a hobby for me. I'm retired from a career in computer programming.

I find it interesting that the review in question does not show up in the results when I do a search of reviews for the destination "British Isles & Western Europe". It does show up in the results when I do a search of reviews for the destination "Mediterranean". QM2 is currently on a Mediterranean cruise that departed Southampton 28 July. The reviewer could possibly have been on the 7-night cruise that disembarked in Civitavecchia on 4 August. That's very quick to have a review posted for a cruise that ended only two days ago. Perhaps they posted the review while still on the cruise, although they do discuss the luggage collection at disembarkation, so that doesn't seem likely.

Here are the port timings for voyage Q330A, Western Mediterranean, 18 Sep - 25 Sep 2023. 18/09/2023 Barcelona Depart 23:00 20/09/2023 Naples Arrive 07:00, Depart 19:00 21/09/2023 Civitavecchia Arrive 07:00, Depart 19:00 22/09/2023 Ajaccio Arrive 08:00, Depart 18:00 24/09/2023 Palma de Mallorca Arrive 08:00, Depart 18:00 25/09/2023 Barcelona Arrive 07:00 These are the timings found on Cunard's partner websites for Spain (cunardcruceros.com), Austria (cunardline.at) and Switzerland (cunardline.ch) as well as several other travel agent and cruise booking sites which unfortunately I can't name. And just to show off a bit, they also match what's hidden in the HTML code for the itinerary on Cunard's own website (cunard.com) when I view page source in my browser. For example, here's the code revealing the timings for Naples. ... ,"arrivalTime":"07:00","arrivePartOfTheDay":"Early morning","departTime":"19:00","departPartOfTheDay":"Early evening","portDetails":{"id":"NAP","name":"Naples, Italy", ...

Cunard does not provide the specific port arrival and departure times anywhere on your booking information. But those timings are available on various travel agent and cruise booking websites. That includes Cunard's partner sites for Spain, Austria, and Switzerland. Other possible sources are schedules provided by some of the individual port authorities for ports that may be on your itinerary. Cunard does provide the specific arrival and departure times hidden within the webpage HTML code for the voyage itineraries on their main website. That's a lot of work though to find them that way using the view page source function of your browser. It's unfortunate that it takes extra work to find the specific arrival and departure timings for Cunard itineraries. If all else fails, let me know which voyage you are on and I'll be glad to post the timings for you.

Here's a long-winded answer to your question. The "What to pack" page on the Cunard website provides this guidance concerning the Gala Evening dress code. "At least twice on each seven-night voyage we’ll host a Gala Evening, where we do ask that you observe an elevated dress code. Again, it’s your choice whether to participate in these evenings or not. Many of our guests choose to sail with us specifically because they look forward to these events. Gala Evenings follow one of a few themes, with voyages of seven nights or more offering a chance to attend more than one. You’ll find many nods to these themes throughout the ship, so you'll want a wardrobe to match. Click below for our advice; whether you want to put on a show or give the theme a more subtle nod with an embellishment or accessory, the choice is yours." Unfortunately that's about all the Cunard US website has to say, leaving a lot of room for interpretation. However, the Cunard UK and Cunard Australia websites do go into more detail with these additional sections not found on the Cunard US website. "Formal dresses Floor-length dresses in sumptuous silks. Ball gowns encrusted with jewels. And off-the-shoulder cocktail dresses that kiss every curve. When it comes to formal nights on board (we call them Gala Evenings) our guests really do dress to impress. We theme these evenings to add even more of a sense of glamour to the occasion. And we always communicate this in advance so you can pack accordingly. Popular themes include Black & White, Roaring Twenties, and Red & Gold. But whether you simply nod to the theme with an accessory or go the full hog is entirely up to you." "Formal suits Formal suits are only required on board a Transatlantic cruise on Gala Evenings and, even then, there’s no pressure to dress-up if you don’t want to. Most of our guests, however, relish the opportunity to put on a Tuxedo for one night and channel their James Bond alter-ego. A formal suit, shirt, and tie of any colour will also do just fine for Gala Evening. And if you want to embrace the theme in your outfit choice, well you’re more than welcome to do that too. We’ve had many gentlemen on board who’ve given their partners a run for their money when it comes to their Gala Evening attire. So feel free to be as lavish as you like." Once on board, the daily programmes provide this definition for the Gala Evening dress code. This wording is the same whether it's a transatlantic crossing or another type of cruise. "What to Wear: Gala Evening From 6:00pm, we encourage you to join in the sense of occasion with eveningwear of dinner jacket, tuxedo, or dark suit with a regular tie or bow tie, or floor length dress, ball gown, cocktail dress, smart trouser suit, or formal separates. Guests are welcome to embellish their Gala Evening attire to fit the applicable theme of the evening." The daily programmes also outline those areas of the ship where casual attire is welcome. "Of course if you prefer to spend tonight in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are available for your enjoyment. Feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues: Kings Court, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, and G32. Please note non-ripped jeans are appropriate, but please refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swim wear or sleeveless t-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces." This quote is from a QM2 daily programme. For QE and QV, the Garden Lounge/Winter Garden and the Yacht Club are also designated casual venues.

Take this for what it's worth. I found one post on social media from someone on board who says they were told the itinerary change is because it was going to be too rough to tender.

The Terms and Conditions are different on the Cunard US website. I'm pretty sure the original terms included having to book directly with Cunard but they don't any more. I booked our next voyage through a US travel agent and received an upgrade offer email for that booking. Here are the eligibility requirements stated in the US Terms and Conditions (emphasis mine to highlight the key difference). (Q) Who is eligible for stateroom upgrades and for which voyages? (A) You are eligible for our stateroom upgrade program if you meet all the requirements below: • you have booked a fare that qualifies for the Cunard Upgrade program • you are the lead guest • you are aged 18 or over • you have paid your balance in full • you have not opted out of receiving pre-cruise communications If eligible, you will receive an email approximately 80 days prior to your cruise departure inviting you to submit an upgrade offer. Most voyages will be included in the upgrade program, but Cunard reserves the right to exclude voyages for commercial reasons. If you are uncertain whether you meet the eligibility requirements or have received an email inviting you to participate in the program but still cannot access the upgrade offering website, please call our Cunard Customer Service department at 800 728-6273.

No, there was no reason given. Just a quick one sentence post stating the itinerary change. I notice the weather forecast calls for windy conditions tomorrow. Several sites mention winds in excess of 30 mph during the afternoon, so that might be a factor since Villefranche is a tender port. That's just speculation on my part though.

There is a post on social media saying QM2 won't be calling at Villefranche tomorrow. Instead she will be heading to Alghero. I suppose that means no photo opportunities for @D&N this time around if that post is accurate.

Here's Cunard's official photo of the 2023 bear posted today on their facebook page. 2023 Cunard Bear (Prince's Trust) "It’s Beary nice to meet you! Say hello to our new Teddy in partnership with The Prince's Trust. $2 from the sale of each bear goes straight to The Prince's Trust. Make sure to get your bear next time you are on board!"

Introduction of the onboard "My Voyage" digital planner. Muster drills replaced by scanning your keycard/boarding pass at your muster station. New wifi/internet plans based on days rather than minutes. New smaller format daily programmes. Introduction of several new themes at the King's Court/Lido Alternative Dining venue (Nordlys, Riviera and Frontier). Retirement of several of the previous themes (Smokehouse and Aztec). No more Godiva menu at Sir Samuels on QM2. Michael Kors shop replaced by Liberty of London shop on QM2. Toiletries now provided in reusable dispensers. Welcome aboard sparling wine no longer set out in an ice bucket in Britannia cabins. Placed in fridge instead. Various brands now in use instead of Pol Acker.

There is a "Hotel and Dining Service Charge Policy" page on the Cunard US website which includes this FAQ entry. (Q) I noticed “gratuities” changed to “hotel and dining service charge”. Why did this change? (A) We want to be transparent that these are charges that will be added to your onboard account. In addition, we want to be consistent with the onboard policy that uses this language “Hotel and dining service charge” and be clear that what formerly referred to as gratuities is one and the same as “hotel and dining service charge.”

Yes indeed. That's a webcam image showing a portion of QV during her maiden call today to Bornholm (Roenne), Denmark. I believe that's the first call to Bornholm for any of the current Cunard fleet. It's been on our unseen ports list because of a previous visit by Vistafjord reported by @Colin_Cameron.

Here's a webcam image showing a Cunard ship (at least a portion of one) at a port we haven't seen yet.

Here's an update to what I posted back in January in response to a question about how the current Cunard fleet's schedules have been coordinated in Southampton around the dates of the various world cruises over the years. My take on this is that Cunard does tend to coordinate the schedules for two of the ships to be in Southampton on the same date when they are commencing their world cruises. Only once (in 2016) were all three ships scheduled to be in Southampton on the same date to start their world cruises. Once (in 2017) all three ships started their world cruises on different dates. And of course QM2 isn't doing a world cruise in 2025. That said, I do think Cunard has missed a great opportunity to feature a "Three Queens" meeting in Southampton with QA, QM2 and QV there prior to QA and QV starting their 2025 world cruises. That's in addition to that lost opportunity for QM2 to serve as a "World Cruise Taxi" from New York for those who would like to join either the QA or QV 2025 world cruises from Southampton. Interestingly there is a seamless connection to take QM2 back to New York after the QA 2025 world cruise. QA arrives back in Southampton on April 27, 2025 and a westbound crossing on QM2 departs that same day. ==================== 2011 Jan 5: QE and QV left Southampton on world cruises; QM2 at sea in Caribbean 2012 Jan 10: QM2 and QE left Southampton on world cruises; QV in Puerto Quetzal 2013 Jan 6: QE left Southampton on world cruise Jan 10: QM2 and QV left Southampton on world cruises 2014 Jan 2: QV left Southampton on world cruise Jan 10: QM2 and QE left Southampton on world cruises 2015 Jan 10: QM2 and QE left Southampton on world cruises Jan 20: QV left Southampton on world cruise 2016 Jan 10: QM2, QV and QE left Southampton on world cruises 2017 Jan 5: QV left Southampton on world cruise Jan 7: QE left Southampton on world cruise Jan 10: QM2 left Southampton on world cruise 2018 Jan 7: QV and QE left Southampton on world cruises Jan 10: QM2 left Southampton on world cruise 2019 Jan 3: QE left Southampton for Australia Jan 10: QM2 and QV left Southampton on world cruises 2020 Jan 10: QM2 and QV left Southampton on world cruises; QE in Hobart 2023 Jan 11: QM2 and QV left Southampton on world cruises; QE in Dunedin 2024 Jan 11: QM2 and QV leave Southampton on world cruises; QE at sea in Australia 2025 Jan 9: QA and QV leave Southampton on world cruises; QE at sea in Australia Jan 11: QM2 leaves Southampton on Caribbean cruise

Not sure if this means anything. I just noticed MSC Meraviglia's 11-night Canada/New England roundtrip from Brooklyn on September 25-October 6, 2024 is no longer listed on the MSC website. That's the cruise causing the conflict with QM2 on October 6, 2024 necessitating the rescheduling of QM2 to be in Brooklyn on October 4, 2024 instead and ultimately that's what prompted this topic. Now maybe that just means that particular MSC Meraviglia cruise is sold out. But that does appear to be the only MSC Meravigila 2024 cruise no longer listed on their website. That was the last MSC Meraviglia cruise that had been scheduled so far.

Just for reference, the Cunard US website is offering pre-voyage hotel packages at Singapore prior to your March 23, 2024 QM2 voyage from Singapore to Southampton. The hotels they are offering are the Paradox Hotel Singapore and the Flagship Shangri-La Singapore Hotel. Not sure what to make of their rates though. They appear to be offering per room rates on the US site now rather than per person rates. The rates for the Paradox seem to be in line with what you can book yourself while the rates for the Shangri-La appear to be about twice what you can book yourself. But again, this is just what the US website is showing. Not sure why they haven't worked out the details for the UK yet. Based on the feedback from others here, I'm not in a position to recommend booking a Cunard hotel package. I prefer to book my own hotel accommodations.

Traditionally the remaining portions of each year's itineraries have been announced during early to mid September. However, Covid caused significant adjustments to when those schedules were announced the past few years. The announcements of the 2022 through 2024 itineraries were delayed anywhere from early November to mid January. Specifically, the 2024 announcement was November 29, 2022. One hopeful sign that Cunard might be getting back on track to a more typical timeframe this year is that they announced the 2025 World/Exotic schedules this year in early March which is back to when those schedules were typically announced pre-Covid.