blonde-cruiser

We are 88 days to go till our cruise on QA and see the same 'enquire on board' message under alternative dining. I can only imagine therefore that rather than there being a standardised window of opportunity to book one of these venues in advance, they are still working out the costs or troubleshooting the res system

We sailed on the Emerald in June 2022 and I'm still livid about it. Worst part was the spa - the staff there were just super rude and unhelpful; so many things wrong with the experience I had at my appointment (I won't bore people) but my tip is to NOT bother with a day pass to the spa, unless they have done a refurb? Scope it out first at any rate. It was dark, cold and dingy.....no instructions on the various showers, freezing cold water which came out in a tiny drizzle - 0k so maybe you want a cold shower after the barely warm-ish sauna, but how do you heat yourself back up so you can relax in what feels like a cheap gym changing room?? The steam room had leaky taps running, no toiletries, no bath gowns, 2 x 50USD totally wasted. The food everywhere was incredibly average, bar the pizza and the burgers on the pool deck which were pretty decent actually. The quizzes were dire, the all-inclusive wine was stinking (wine at the little wine bar was good but they had ran out of certain wines even on day 1.) They only ever had one side of the buffet on even though the ship was pretty full....selection was limited and quality poor. Food at the supplement paying restaurants was better - we put it down to Princess being overall a budget cruise line, but it was our first (and last) experience anyways.

thank you so much all

We have travelled Cunard before but this time we are taking my elderly parents so our priorities will differ this time round. I understand Cunard now have open dining, but I think our preference this time would be early dining. I know queues happen on certain nights in the main dining room (after cocktail party, or formal night for example). What is the latest time we can be seated for early sitting? Do they still close the doors?? Basically one adult can't queue for too long, a few minutes is fine but if the queues are mostly cleared so much the better. Secondly, I've opted for the hot drinks package for them. I haven't been on Cunard myself since 2019 but previously it was free tea either in your room or in the lido buffet or in the queens room in the afternoon. I want them to be able to make use of the other venues but not fork out each time just for teas. The pack just states Illy speciality coffee and teas - so would this be all bars and cafes, restaurants. Can they get a pot of English Breakfast without having to go to a specific venue. If anyone has used the package would be great to know! thank you!