lahore

11 hours ago, lissie said:

They have -  we were notified for our cruise departing BCN on 10 October 

I should have said they have not done so for me; I leave in three weeks and have had nothing to date.

1 minute ago, LittleFish1976 said:

 

The fact you received no information regarding a change prior to embarkation could have been due to the developing issue with the Princess ship that had the large number of cases on board on return to Australia from NZ. I think the ships might have got a bit of a fright when that was revealed and changed their protocols accordingly.

 

Anyone happen to know how that ship (Majestic Princess) is going on its current sailing?

Without doubt, all being under CCL management.   I am interested to read elsewhere that pax on some CCL lines have been notified in advance, whereas Cunard has not done so to date. 

16 hours ago, Pippa04 said:

Yes, currently on board Queen Elizabeth.  Can confirm we're back to masks, 4 in the lift, 2 in the launderette etc. Obviously quite a few cases on board after a large number of pax joined in Sydney but not sure how many as no-one ever tells you anything! 

Thanks Pippa, really appreciate the update.  Indeed nobody ever tells you anything on the majority of cruise lines; we are treated as cargo/idiots.  Can I ask, were you advised before boarding, or did this change come in mid-cruise?  I’m actually pro-infection control so I’m a bit relieved to hear that, but that’s just our stance 🙂

2 hours ago, lissie said:

That's what I meant the article was old news - we were wearing masks for the  first part of our cruise ex Barcelona to Singapore in October. They were  wearing masks on board when the ship left Singapore on 30 Oct.  

 

You will probably get a letter a few days before your cruise. I'd expect it  and if its not the case be happy - but frankly so long as the number are as high as they are in Oz and NZ you'll probably be wearing masks 

I hope we are, well we would be anyway but I hope others are.  Would greatly prefer it for my partner’s sake given the recent rise in numbers, however as i said….don’t want to get political so I’ll not say more. 

@Windsurferboy. Thank you, but I already did that and as i already said, they will not send anything by email from the Phillipines.  Give it a try.  

20 hours ago, lissie said:

i saw that - sounded like old news to me - we had compulsory masks and closed laundries for most of our trip from SF-Barcelona in Jul-Aug and we had masks required for the first 9 days Barcelona- Singapore - I believe they reinstated masks after Singapore too 

Maybe, but the article was dated 18th November  and is in line with the current ‘fourth wave’ in Australia.  It’s interesting that I note passengers on other CCL lines in Australian waters have received letters to this extent, but not Cunard (or at least I haven’t).  Thanks for your experience in Jul-Aug of course, but I am interested if things have just changed again in the last week or so.

7 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

I'm not sure who has been remiss here.

 

Unless t&cs are different in the rest of the world, when making a booking, any reduced mobility issues have to be declared on booking  in order for the company to decide if the cabin being booked is satisfactory for the condition described. An accessibility and medical questionnaire is to be filled out with confirmation of devices and other info so that the cabin booked matches the passenger requirements.

 

If this was followed at booking, then Cunard has been remiss in allowing the booking to stand. If however, nothing was mentioned about possible reduced mobility [occasional use of a travel scooter] at the time of  booking, then I don't see it being a Cunard fault in not allowing a scooter to be stored in the cabin, as per their T&Cs.

 

 

Look, possibly I’ve been remiss in not knowing how Cunard works.  I have travelled numerous other lines and never had this issue in any way.  As I said initially, it never entered my head that a folding travel scooter would not be allowed in your cabin: whatever their policy is that seems inexplicable to me.

I bought a last minute guarantee cabin, so I didn’t choose ‘accessibility’ and I do not consider my severe osteoarthritis to require a medical declaration.  I can get by without the scooter and I may decide to do so in this instance.  Cunard’s T&C’s are evidently inconsistent as their website says one thing and their call centre says something entirely different, so to that extent at least they are remiss.  Also, and far more importantly, why on earth would a company want to make life more difficult for someone with a disability?  
 

One becomes used to a mobility device being accepted as necessary in the developed world and the owner taken at their word and treated like an intelligent human being.  I take it on planes all the time, so I wouldn’t have expected a cruise ship to be a problem.  Clearly I was wrong and I will most definitely reassess any further cruises with Cunard based on the outcome of this debacle.

12 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

I  don't know about Australian law ,  but under British consumer law a verbal commitment over phone is a binding  contract.  This holds even if the agent is not authorised to make commitment,  as they are an agent.  As all calls  are digitally recorded, again you have a legal right to ask for a transcript of the call. 

 

I know this is true in UK , because they tried to back out on a discount an agent offered over phone,  but when I asked for transcript of the call they quickly relented.

 

If AUSTRALIA law entitled you to ask for transcript of the call,  then ring them up tell them date and time of call , should be linked to your cruise and ask for one.

 

 

Certainly a verbal commitment can constitute a contract under Common Law, but the recorded message says “some calls may be recorded…” and this was a call centre in the Phillipines so I don’t like my chances. In any case, I’m certainly not going to try to do that at check in, which is the only place that this is likely to be an issue.   

16 hours ago, exlondoner said:

I’m not sure getting angry will help. Just make you feel worse. Console yourself with the thought that, thank goodness, their ships are much better than their shoreside.

I hope so, they would need to be.

15 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Surely you were given an online  medical form to fill in when you booked? 

 

 

No, I was not.  I booked online through the Cunard website from Australia.   

Hi, I just read the article below regarding Carnival (including Cunard) reinstating infection control procedures in the context of the ‘fourth wave’ in Australia at the moment. 

https://www.traveller.com.au/carnival-cruise-line-makes-masks-compulsory-in-wake-of-majestic-princess-outbreak-h27yli?promote_channel=edmail&mbnr=MjI3NDgyODg&eid=email:nnn-13omn645-ret_newsl-membereng:nnn-04%2F11%2F2013-smh_travel-dom-travel-nnn-smh-u&campaign_code=13ITR004&list_name=10078_traveller_news&instance=2022-11-18--00-59--UTC

Is anyone onboard or recently disembarked at the moment who can give us a real world evaluation of the state of play onboard?   

*NB; not wanting a political discussion on pro/anti infection control procedures, just wanting to know what’s happening. 

 

Further to this, and in Australia, with thanks to the OP I have phoned Cunard twice on this topic.  Both times I got put through to the Phillipines and both times I was told that despite the contradictory and quite clear ‘policy’ cut and pasted from the Cunard website, above, I CAN take my folding mobility scooter on the upcoming cruise despite not being in an accessible cabin.   I asked for this in writing, and perversely was told that the person I was speaking to was not authorised to send me an email *sigh* but I could write to the email team if I wanted.   So far my first experience with Cunard has been less than stellar in the customer service department.   They said they would send me a ‘medical form’ but that I had to wait for that to turn up because it “had to come from England”.  The whole thing is beyond a joke really.   I’ll keep you in in touch with what happens.  I can get pretty Bolshie when it suits, and I’m determined to chase this down.  Just a case of the more I thought about it, the angrier I got.  

On 11/15/2022 at 12:44 PM, LittleFish1976 said:

 

There's also lots of Paxlovid being prescribed here in Australia, too. If you get some just in case you will pay the $1,000 AUD price - it's only on the PBS if you have been diagnosed with covid. You may already have been aware of this but I just thought I'd mention it in case you weren't.

 

Thanks, yes I was aware that Paxolvid is available here but local Dr’s don’t seem to be prescribing as the first choice, probably due to the interactions.  Its also interesting that all someone over 70 has to do to get a prescription is to book a Telehealth appointment and say they had a positive RAT.  I just did that myself - it was the truth, but nevertheless….

Just to add to the general conversation, COVID antivirals are covered by PBS in Australia so cost us $6.80.  

Generally Australians are prescribed Lagevrio not Paxolovid, which is another reason for wanting to take it with us:  as @Covepointcruisersaid, there are a lot of drug interactions with Paxlovid which would make it risky to take for my partner.  

The Australian government has strict rules about who can have it, and you have to have symptoms before you can get it.  This will require a ‘carefully structured’ talk with our doctor if we seek to take some with us ‘just in case’.  

Given that COVID is rebounding seriously in Australia at the moment (4th wave etc., etc.) this is something we need to seriously consider.

16 hours ago, exlondoner said:

It was $900 in July.

Thank you.  That’s the specific information I was after.  So presuming that’s in USD, it’s definitely worth our while trying to bring some with us. 

Thanks @Host Hattie, it is useful but it’s a few months ago now and also it doesn’t mention to cost.  I would love to get an answer to that part of the question too.  

Hello.  I was reading a post from someone on the line we usually travel with (Oceania) and evidently they supply Paxlovid to anyone who tests positive.  We will be going on our first, trial, Cunard cruise in a few weeks (Melb-Melb, Australian waters).  

Does anyone who is currently onboard or recently disembarked happen to know whether the Cunard medical centre supplies Paxlovid or any other COVID antiviral to those who test positive, and if so how much it costs? 

Context for those who are interested:  I have just had Covid for the second time (despite being 4x vaccinated) so i should be OK but my partner didn’t get it.  I noticed that the antivirals had a price of over $1000 on the packet, although being covered by the Aus PBS we only paid <$10.  Although it’s difficult to get a packet in advance, we are thinking of trying if it’s either not available, or costing over a thousand bucks on the ship.  

Any actual experience would be good to know about.  TIA

I feel for you and at the same time I want to thank you. It never entered my head that you would not be able to take a folding scooter on board with you. I use a ‘Travelscoot’ which also folds down to a very small size and would easily fit in the cabin.  We are going on a one week cruise out of our home port in four weeks to give Cunard a try, and I was planning to take it with me.  Now I won’t be.   Perhaps like you, I can walk, i just can’t walk a long way; I have severe osteoarthritis.  I’m actually shocked as this seems overtly discriminatory to me and thus unlawful in Australia.  Something to think about for us and probably not take the much longer, and more costly Cunard Cruise we were planning for next year.  Their loss, we will go on a more disability-friendly line.  

Thanks everyone.  I’m shocked at how bad it is!  It’s really genuinely surprising that any company can exist with such a pathetic level of online presence.  

So anyway i phoned them this morning and got someone in the Phillipines who was just regurgitating corporate training speak.  It seems I am to “not worry” (makes my blood boil, if they want us to “not worry” then stop sending pointless threatening emails), and it will all be solved.  I am to expect an email reversing what I was told on the previous email, but the service person did not seem to understand that that was any sort of problem.  “Have a wonderful day…..”.   Grrrr

Hi all

This is to be my first cruise with Cunard.  I booked online through the Cunard website, paid online the same way.  I entered all the information required on the Cunard website: names for two of us, addresses, passport info etc..  The website says “complete” for both of us. However today i received an email from Cunard saying that says some immigration information is missing (weird, because the cruise is from Melbourne to Melbourne for two Australians so no immigration is required).  Anyway, international waters and all I don’t mind that part, but it seems to be asking for one of us to enter a ‘State’ for our address.  There is nowhere online to enter the State.  You enter your address line, e.g., 18 whatever road and then the city and country.  So I’m confused by that.  Secondly, it’s asking me to complete a “reservation form located in the lastest Cunard brochure”.  WHAT?  What century are we in?  I’ve done everything for this cruise online and have never seen a hard copy brochure.  I’m totally gobsmacked by this email.  Has anyone got any idea what I should do with it?   As I am on a guarantee, I want to progress it.  

14 hours ago, exlondoner said:

I think the lack of ability to make dining choices may be because of your guarantee booking. After all, there is always the very unlikely possibility you will end up in the Grills and won’t need to make a choice. 😀

In my dreams....but I guess that could explain their thinking. :)

6 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Hope you enjoy a pleasant sailing.

 

But we will never book again guarantee after a disappointing experience. Regular bookings even get us upgrade experiences.

 

We alway search the internet to find the arrival and departure times for Ports of Call. "Early Morning" gives us an idea around the time.

 

Our selection of cabin cat. is always Grill so we know right off the set times of 8-930 12-130 630-9 which we are accustomed to.

 

When availability to book alt. dining we also use the capability even thru the Cunard Landline to assure a booking. Being Diamond & Grill also assures us of concierge bookings. 

 

And this last sailing all our tours were booked online and assured us of a spot that sometimes turn limited or close out by the time we step foot on board. Our tickets are awaiting in the Cabin on arrival.

 

Yes Cunard can do better but we don't let it bother us and look forward to the primary reason and it is to sail on board with all the work behind us.

Yes, as I said we had no choice but to book a guarantee, it was a last minute type promotion.  I also had a bad experience with a guarantee on a much more expensive line than Cunard. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, at least the price is right.

I’ve never had to search the internet to find arrival and departure times.  I find that totally strange, but I’ll roll with it.

I’m first time on Cunard so neither high status nor Grill level (although I am a shareholder).  Cunard has never appealed to me because of the ‘gala evenings’ but this cruise is only 7 days and cheap enough for us to treat this trip as a trial run  If we like it we’ll be booking a much longer one from England next year (we are in Australia).  That one will be for a special event so we don’t want to book if we don’t enjoy the Cunard environment.  We are more used to small ‘country club casual’ ships such as Oceania and Azamara.  Cunard is much larger and there’s the dress code which we loathe. But I’m sure we can work with it if we like everything else.

5 hours ago, Underwatr said:

I'm not on your sailing but I am doing the November Caribbean itinerary. Here's some info from my experience this time and the December trips in the past. The website was actually more user friendly until they did a redesign or two to obfuscate it. (come to think of it, so did Cruse Critic 😉 ).

 

- Port times are historically only stated vaguely and generally details are published in the daily newsletter a day or two after embarkation. Once or twice I've booked a private scuba excursion only to find that I have to contact the dive operator after embarkation to let him know I'd be a little late. Consider looking at the Port Authority websites for the ports of call to see when the ship is expected to arrive and depart.
- Dining choice is made under the "Booking Summary" tab. Scroll just past the itinerary map and you'll find "Your dining choice" next to "Bed configuration." Click there and you'll be able to see your current selection (you should have been able to make a request at time of booking) and an opportunity to request a change. I think "register preference" is your current selection but I have no proof.

- I'm currently able to book specific spa appointments (guest, day and time) via the website under the Wellness and Beauty tab. I'm a little over five weeks from embarkation. 

- I've been able to book shore excursions for my late November voyage since booking in August. Just in case you didn't find where they've hidden the selections, click Shore Experiences then scroll down to the red button labeled Discover More. You should be presented with a row of ports on the itinerary and clicking on any will show the available excursions.

I don't know about the spa bookings but if you book an excursion before embarkation the (refundable) payment is charged immediately to a credit card you provide. If you have a significant amount of onboard credit you might need to weigh having the booking early vs applying the OBC toward the excursion.

Hi and thank you for the comprehensive answer.

- I’m very familiar with port websites, I’m just not familiar with having to use them because the cruise ship doesn’t provide that information. I find that so strange, but whatever I guess…

- I see you are in USA: we are in Australia.  Unfortunately what I can access does not give any option under ‘Your dining choice’ other than ‘main dining room’ (see attached photo).  I am presuming it might be because we only have a guarantee????

- I did manage to find the capacity to book spa treatments thank you (I only wanted the aqua therapy room) but you can’t book a time/day in advance so I don’t see the point.

- Wow, they really did hide those ‘shore experiences’ but thank you, thanks to your guidance I found them.

Really appreciate the help, thanks a lot. 

On 10/10/2022 at 10:52 PM, WoorimBeachLady said:

I see in my.Cunard there is a third dining option now of Open Dining. (December 15 QE  to Tasmania). I know this has been discussed before but what does this mean please? We have registered early dining as a preference.

That’s interesting, we just booked on that same cruise. I don’t see any options whatsoever in regard to dining on the website. 

Ok, I’m actually shocked.  I am an experienced cruiser who just booked my first cruise on Cunard, it’s a cheap trial because we were considering a really long one next year and thought we’d try a quick trial on QEII out of our home port before committing.  I had to book a balcony guarantee as it’s a last minute thing, I’m not sure if the fact we are on a guarantee makes any difference.

The website tells me absolutely nothing!  Here’s what I would expect based on other cruise lines:

- The times of arrival and departure into port:  nothing there at all other than ‘early morning’.

- Capacity to choose dining time:  An indicator that says ‘dining’ but you can’t do anything whatsoever after you click on it.

- Capacity to pre book dining or spa experiences (Ok, not all lines have that but some do. The Cunar website seems to invite you to do so but then you can’t).

- Capacity to book tours - we normally don’t but it actually invites to book ‘experiences’ yet there are none there to even consider

Am I missing something (well I am, but is it my fault)? 

p.s. this is for a cruise in December 2022, it is now mid October 2022.

4 minutes ago, LadyL1 said:

Why not travel Britannia class in a balcony cabin? The restaurant is elegant and food very good: other options are available for not too many extra $$s. This will fit your clothes sense and you will still be able to watch the waves. Breakfast in your room will always be available (except when disembarking) with an excellent choice. 
Enjoy without paying huge sums for elements you have no need of!

Thanks, that’s the way I was leaning, but I was concerned about the food.  We have recently gravitated towards the smaller lines who really do have exceptional food (e.g, Oceania/Azamara/Seabourn).  Last time we cruised Princess I feared my hubster was going to actually get off due to the horrible food…wouldn’t want that angst again LoL