Mr&MrsHendricks
-
Posts
183 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Mr&MrsHendricks
-
-
Hello Minnie,
Cunardival have some pretty clever people and some very smart computer algorithms things to look at sales etc in order to keep prices as high as possible.
I have no doubt at all that cabins are held back to keep demand high, as I’ve noted some grades as sold out, then a week later some are available.
If you think about it, it’s only Cunardival who know how cabins are selling.
Best advice is book your cruise at the time it’s at a price you’re happy with.
And after that DON’T check prices!
-
1
-
-
Hello @kshannon5
Welcome aboard!
Some good comments on here!
May I respectfully add….
* on leaving NYC get up on the top deck to sail under the bridge. Get just in front of the funnel.
* get involved with thing! Dance classes, pub quiz, lectures, join the choir if they run one! Ideal way to make new friends!* Dress up! It’s fun and you feel good! A proper self tie bow tie will add to the feel good factor, plus it’ll be noted by others! They’re NOT diffy to tie! Check YouTube! I wear a bow tie with a jacket irrespective of the dumbed down dress code!
* tipping I’ll stay well clear of, but what staff do appreciate is a handwritten note (on paper in your cabin) thanking them for their hard work etc. It goes on their record and the supervision appreciated them too.
*. Don’t do too much research!! It’s an unknown so don’t spoil the excitement! On some FB pages people want to see pictures of their cabin, menus, wine lists, toiletries, and ask silly questions about the weather, temperatures, is the sea rough, is the sea wet, type of teas that are served etc 🙄 All pointless.
You’ll have a fab time!
-
3
-
-
The Giant’s Causeway is a wonderful place to visit.
Geologically it’s great!Scenery-wise it’s superb!
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip there last September, and we really liked to coach journey to and from ‘the rocks’ as the countryside and coastline are lovely.
Were we on the bus for “most of the day?” Nope. Not at allIs it a “very long walk” from the top? Nope. It’s a lovely leisurely stroll with some fab views and vantage points. *
Is the Giants Causeway worth a visit? YUP, Most Deffo. Recommended.
We must Thank God that the OP had the foresight to take along those protein bars and some crackers or the day could have ended tragically. 🙄* and to clarify the “very long walk” issue… We are v early 50’s and were on SAGA tour, and everyone else had a good few years on us.
The shuttle thing wasn’t working that day, but did anyone just sit on the bus? Nope. Did everyone walk there and back? YupDid everyone have a grand day? Yup
Did anyone moan? Nope!
@ISLABONITA Check with NCL about timings and make up your own mind. The original post suggests you spend a day on a coach. This was deffo not the case in our experience.
-
4
-
2
-
-
Hello Sheltie,
Slightly delayed in joining this conversation.
Some comments, and forgive me if they’ve been mentioned already.
* can buy tickets up to 3 months in advance. Go direct to the LNER website, plus they have an App too to store tickets electronically.* unless it’s an Open Ticket, which will cost a bomb, you’ll have to travel on a specified train, and you’ll get a reservation for a seat.
* consider buying a railcard. A Two Together Railcard costs £30, but will get 30% off BOTH your tickets. Can also use it on the Heathrow Express & Heathrow Connect. Electronic versions are available to show on your mobile.
* try and get seats on the right hand side of the train facing forwards. Better views of Durham Cathedral, Tyne bridges, Berwick on Tweed, and the coast north of Newcastle.
Kings Cross is a pleasant station these days, but don’t waste time on the Platform 9 3/4 nonsense when waiting for your train. There is through a nice pub at the very back of the concourse with a bit of a balcony.
St. Pancras, next door to KGX and a 5 min walk, is mightily impressive. Well worth a walk through for a glass of champagne on the upper concourse. It has a fabulous roof and a couple of lovely statues! Or, Coal Drops Yard at the back of KGX is good- nice bars and restaurants and a lovely stroll by the canal and the locks! Google will show any number of pics of these places.
Cheers!
Mr. H. 🍸
-
I honestly can’t see how anyone on Cruise Critic would be privy to such information.
You could try posing the same question in one of the several Cunard themed Facebook Groups.You’ll get a definitive answer there since as we all know, The Facebook’s is full of experts.
-
2
-
-
Get them to send you an email, and you simply check your inbox a couple of times a day?
-
Howdy.
We’ve stopped at a couple of different hotels pre-cruise, and yup, transfers to ship were included as booked through Cunard. -
May I suggest getting the train up
to Winchester. A beautiful city!!!
Much nicer than SouthamptonSou Central is a 10 min cab ride away and it’s less than 20 mins on the train. It’s a very easy and short stroll into the city centre.
The magnificent cathedral is a must!!!
-
2
-
-
Hello RD!!
How are things going??
Hope you’re having a great time!!
Cheers!
Mr. H
-
Hello RD!
We’re pretty sure you’ll be totally fine, and you’ve no need to worry at all!
We recently had 5 nights on Discovery and got to know several people who were sole travellers, and noted that they’d all met other new friends too!
Go along to the quiz, and either get there early so other folks come to sit with you, or don’t have any worries about asking to join others who are already there! You’ll find a regular quiz group will always be there!
Share a table at meal times!! Ideal to meet folks, and then when you bump into them again about the ship you can always say hello!!
Please don’t worry!You’ll have a fab time!
Regards,
Mr. H
-
Folk,
In no particular order!!
- lovely contemporary feel and super decor
- excellent speciality restaurants at no cover charge
- great main dining room.
- good sized cabin. We were lowest grade and was spot on. E048
- good sized bathroom with glass shower screen and shower on flexi hose. Also adjustable height.
- a beautifully raked stern, with lots of outdoor seating space. Will be FAB in sunny weather in nice climes.
- lots of open deck space.- lots of cosy corners inside.
- lovey airy lounge at front of ship- great relaxed feel!
- plenty going on! Pleasant active ship!
- transfers included (small additional rate beyond 250 miles)
Do your own research of course, and come to your own conclusions! But we were very impressed and are considering “jumping ship” to Saga as our favoured line!!
Cheers!
Mr. H.
Found these links. They’re pretty good!
Thanks go to the authors!
838606729_Sagacruisereview.docx
(hope the second one works)-
1
-
-
Howdy.
Just back from a very nice jolly on Discovery. First time with Saga, and will deffo go again!!
Outward journey, a FridayLeft TS14 at 0735.
Driver called day before to confirm time. (He actually said 0745 but was early)20 min break half way for a cuppa and a bacon bun.
Arrived Southampton 1305hrs.
5.5 hrs inc 20 min break.
From getting out of the car, testing etc, to stepping into our very nice cabin took 90 mins.Return journey. A Wednesday.
Departed Southampton 1045hrs.
M1 closures somewhere had a knock on effect with some heavy traffic on the A38
A 30 minute stop off for a hot chocolateArrived back home 1645hrs.
6 hrs inc 30 break and some slow traffic.Certainly a doable transport option.
Yeah, on the train you can take a picnic on the way down and a bottle of wine, but this was door to door. No additional parking charges, and then driving home from Darlo or Eaglescliffe. Couldn’t have got the train for cheaper that the excess we paid (beyond 250 miles)Private transfer at the moment too.
-
2
-
-
Off on SoD on Friday.
Pick up time from TS14 is 0800-0830Not as early as I was expecting!!
-
2
-
-
Evening @djwcruisejunkie
We’ve done QV on the equivalent itinerary just before Crimbo. Both Vista class ships.
GO FOR IT.
Ok. It may get a bit bouncy, but that just adds to the fun!! It’s a ship, not a hotel!!But then again you could have a smooth ride! All in the lap of the Gods.
If you’re comfortable and happy to do so, may I suggest avoiding ships trips.
Do your homework and you can sort your own excursions and save a bomb, plus be in smaller groups.
On Lanz Cueva de los Verdes is well worth a look. Hire a car on the quay and have a good drive about the island!
The cable car and toboggan in Funchal you can walk to. And back. Easy peasy.
Or a days off road 4x4 from Funchal is brill!!
DO IT! You’ll have a great time, and a good break in lovely weather after the ‘festive’ season !Cheers!
Mr. H.
-
Hello there Linda, @NorbertsNiece
We’re travelling from TS14, which of course is beyond the 250 miles so a charge is applied for the additional miles incurred.
I think we’ve paid c. £140 more, which we’re happy with. We had elected to go on a shared transfer, but I think all transfers at the mo are private so we’re onto a winner there!!I think you can get a quote on the MySaga bit of your booking.
Our first time with Sage. Normally we’d get the direct train from Darlo to Winchester the day before and stop over there. Beautiful city and worth a visit. Then a taxi to the docks. No direct trains at present though, so change at New Street I think.
@Jammy BunNo notification of pick up time just yet for our jolly on 24th, but I’m not overly concerned at that at all. It’s nearly 300 miles, so c. 5 hours or so. Boarding time will determine our start time I’d imagine!
Cheers!Mr. H.
-
1
-
-
Why anyone would feel it appropriate to wear a Polo shirt in the dining room on an evening is beyond me. (Even if the Polo shirt is in mint condition and no holes in the middle they’re still shouldn’t be worn)
However, as the Celtic Escape on 24th Sept is now going to the Isle of Man 🇮🇲 rather than Greencastle, would it be acceptable for me to wear a TT Shirt to dinner..????
-
On 8/19/2021 at 3:17 PM, Holidayfun141 said:
Our first Saga Cruise is in September, I love to see all the lady's dressed on a cruise,
what sort of outfits are worn on Saga ? I love the formal nights and seeing the Gentlemen in their Tuxedos .
we are looking forward to the Saga experience after reading all the helpful topics
Hello Hols!
I think we’re on the same jolly in late Sept!!
This is our first experience of Saga, and even though we’re only just old enough to have booked, we’re really looking forward to it!!
Neither of us can be bothered with anything stuffy, but we certainly enjoy dressing for the occasion.
Days ashore we’ll be in our usual scruffs.
Sea days we smartly casual, no trendy sports gears or daft stuff like that.
Evenings, Mrs. H. will be in a flowing gown, and I’ll be sporting a bow tie (self tie one y’ know. Not a clip on)But whatever one wears, I’m sure we’ll all have a jolly fine time!
I shall not though, be wearing a polo shirt for dinner!!! 🙄🙄
-
Hia
Do a Google search for ‘Saga Email Address’ and that should find it for you!!
Alternatively, go online to My Saga and change it there.
-
Hello Jammy Bun!
We’re on Discovery late Sept and are beyond the 250 miles limit. We have booked Saga transport as although it’s costing a few Bob more, it’s still cheaper than the return rail fares from Darlo to Southampton.
Expecting an early start though, but that’s no problem at all.
Will try and remember to post a update on here for you!
-
1
-
-
Morning,
We've done Q5 and Q4 on QV and much prefer the Q5 cabins.
These are the 'corner' ones so afford a 270' view. They seem to be bigger than a Q4, and have very decent sized balconies. (Those on Deck 4 have even deeper balconies).
Ok there's more noticeable movement, but we're on a ship!!
Not done a Q6 but gather they are very decent in size cabins. Good sized balconies and rear facing.
The stern Deck 8 Cabins on QV were only added when the ship was refitted a couple of years ago, and pics of them look very nice indeed, which is prob why they attract a Q4 grading.
But, whatever cabin you go for you'll have a great time!
-
1
-
-
Hia.
As ExLondoner has commented, you should be fine. Just check immigration.
Have you been to Winchester???
Well worth a visit. Magnificent cathedral, and a lovely city. Very walkable.
15 mins on the train from Southampton Central. Return fare £7.40.
Regards,Mr. H.
-
Hello Maz!
Like Hattie I think you've made a good decision!
The 4 days on QV will give you a good taster of Cunard...but I suspect you'll get off thinking it wasn't long enough!!
Good move re the Guaranteed Grade...the benefits of the Cunard Fare aren't worth it.
Your cabin number will be allocated a week or so before the voyage.
I can't recall exactly how long it takes get up/down the Elbe.. but as Hamburg is 60 odd miles in land, it's going to take 4hrs min. Super views from the Commadore Club after dinner!!
I note there isn't (or I can't find it) a Roll Call for this trip. Think I'll create one.
We've done this trip before. Went with my folks last year, and they were mightily impressed.
So much so we're going next year too!!
I'll sort a roll call when I have a mo as I've some TopTips to share. Main one is DON'T do any ships trips. Loads you can sort yourself.
But to back to you're initial question, I think you've made a good decision to go QV
Cheers!!
Mr. H.
-
Hmmm.
I know I said it was too far to sensibly walk from Steinwerder to the city centre, but on getting directions for "Walking" on Google Maps (or whatever) shows there's a walking route of about 2.5 miles, so about a 50 min walk.
You go under the river through The Old Elbe Tunnel of 1911, which looks fascinating!
It could be quite an interesting walk!!
I've NOT done this walk, so do further research yourself if you think it's an option to see a different part of the city!
Regards,
Mr. H.
-
Thanks Mr H, do you remember where the shuttle dropped off in the city?
Hia Hattie!
Alter Wall
About 200 yards west of the Rathaus.
Look up Alter Wall on Google Earth/Map or equivalent.
You'll see a 'semicircle' of grass. We were dropped off and collected from there.
Regards,
Mr. H.
Excursion cancellation policy changed?
in Saga Cruises
Posted
Seems perfectly sensible to me!
Can’t see the problem. At all.
They can’t be having people just changing their minds willy nilly as the could mean a tour may not be then viable at last minute, and that could mess people about.
Nothing wrong with this policy, and certainly not ‘Draconian’ in the slightest.