Victoria2

Regarding lack of tablecloths in QA's 'paid for' dining venues, don't read too much into the sociological aspect.Right or wrong, I think the Cunard are getting away from the traditional and are just following the trend of a newish style of high end eateries around the world which go for the understated look of bare table tops.

Blame the designers. I would have no issue with folk 'passing through' as long as deck 11 it didn't become a deck to gawk at but the plain fact is, not every passer by will, pass by and some folk can get quite unpleasant when asked to leave.

Golly, QV's Lido and bars must have gone downhill rapidly since last year.

I agree with some of your points Colin_Cameron. the interior structural issues being a particular bug bear but cannot be changed although I had no problem yomping around deck 3, but the ones I don't agree are the signage on the loos as I didn't have a problem but then I might be in the minority here a the theatre isn't bland to me as it's in keeping with the ship plus the sound quality is great as is the line of sight and that to me is more important then trad. Cunard decor. and not that we will ever bother with alternative dining unless it's a freebie [which at certain times it would be for Diamond'ers], the no tablecloth approach is very 'now' for modern establishments and even Michelin starred eateries often go with an unpretentious, bare tabletop look and I'm thinking specifically 3* L'Enclume here plus other less prestigious yet still acclaimed eateries Queen Anne is a different concept and whilst still retaining the Cunard ethos, cannot, or should I say, should not be compared with her sisters

We breakfast in our cabin but lunch and dinner we are always asked if there's anything [QG,off menu] we'd like to order. Always.

but the language is being decoded so all is well! I'm REALLY looking forward to on board reflections. 🙂

Rather ironic that on our very chilly/windy Iceland trip, the bar menus were out on the deck tables plus the call buttons were out too on numerous deserted occasions. No idea re on-deck coffee machine as one of our favourite bar staff members from the grills lounge kept us supplied with hot lattes. If he could have added two hot water bottles with the steaming coffee, that would have been icing on the coffee!

Quelle horreur!😧

HAL and Princess are historical lines and are granted Glacier bay concessions and ' under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to continue the same level of service they were engaged in prior to 1979.' Another five concessions were up for grabs in the 2019 round of grants and Cunard picked one up. Concessions last for ten years, apart from for HAL and Princess.

In our twelve years of QG'ing it, we have always had a butler, Q5 up to Q1 and yes, as exlondoner indicated, a Fridge Fairy provides some in cabin drinks and refreshes when needed.

Colonial style? That's a new one on me and like you, I like the amount of 'attention' shown by Cunard staff. We are not there to 'become friends' and the recognition shown to returning passengers hits the mark too. No effusiveness, just a warm greeting. As to the mentioned difference by reeves35 re passenger attitudes, as mentioned by others. not him/her I must explain, as an ex HAL cruiser, I would say apart from Americans seeming more 'open' with thoughts, there is little difference but if not being so open counts Cunard passengers [the British contingent in particular?] as some seem 'snobby', well that's in the eyes of the beholder.

That's it, Thai take away dinner tonight Oh how I miss the Asian food outlets seen in malls all over the US and Canada. 🙁

I rather like it and it features the Cunard lion [rampant I think] although not sure what it's holding as it looks like a pineapple rather than the World. Look closer and there are numerous marine tones and the lion rising from the scallop is rather reminiscent of Botticelli's Birth of Venus but then I might be over thinking it.

Ignore conflicting info on the Cunard web pages.. Hair dryers are allowed and I always take my GHDs.

Thanks Host Hattie, I don't know if the In Suite selections are across the fleet or ship particular but I would add, we had no issue getting as much Peronni and Heinecken Zero as we wanted, replenished as and when so I would have thought Guinness wouldn't be a problem. The wine [ our gin lasted two weeks] was also replenished daily or when nearing half empty if that helps, glojo. edit so rum would also be replenished as and when.

and we can beat that number although our last trip was last summer and I totally agree with all three comments so far. Have I mentioned Victoria is our favourite Cunard ship??😄

I was thinking Tommy Cooper! 😁

Our son does look rather good with his bow tie, untied and hanging around his neck. James Bond after midnight! But then he goes for the wing collar which then isn't terribly J.B.!

Just like that!!!!😅

Hmm. Against the shipping line or the passenger who hinders on his/her own having not 'booked' assistance! The mind boggles!!

Or as so many seem to bang on about tradition, stick to black tie attire. It's easy and needs no thinking [angst] about. 🙂

and it's to do with the safety of others too. Reduced mobility of any kind on the stairs will have a knock on effect of hindering other passengers if no assistance is given to aid evacuation. All sounds pie in the sky and will probably [hopefully] the scenario will never happen but like all insurance, it's there for the 'what if' occasion.

Crazy? Or dotting i's and crossing t's. If obvious walking sticks [canes to our US friends] are required to have an assistance form filled out, who is to say hiking sticks would 'get through' without comment, so packed in luggage would be a better safe than sorry scenario. I used to take a collapsible walking stick with me pre TKR and new regs., in hand luggage. Now if needed [I don't] I'd pack it in hold bags.

When I'm on holiday, I don't 'work at it' to keep any weight gain down as it's dead easy to do on Cunard [OK, apart from a 2lb gain in July but that was down to the odd do nut and gluttony with the cheese trolley]. No bread, no potatoes apart from fries occasionally with a filet mignon, extra steamed veg.,no sauces or at least sauce on the side so I can see what I'm having, no puds apart from the odd Crepes Suzette and LOADS of different lunchtime salads with zero dressing. QA buffet is a bit 'ordinary' on its salad offerings but the Wellness cafe makes up for that. The other ships' buffets are fine with their salad offerings. A side salad makes a great addition to most evening meals too. I can honestly say, it's no hardship at all to keep any weight gain to zero. .

Semi serious comment here Pack any sticks in luggage. A jobsworth might question the need and ask why an assistance form hasn't been filled in.