Victoria2

Beware lethal [euphemism for downright unpleasant] Bridge players too. Some don't seem to realise The Town Clock is not up for grabs and they're onboard a ship with different nationalities playing the same game but with different nuances in their play,

and I have heard plenty of British accents, over the years, removing service charge/grats. from their account.

We have three Alaska cruises under our belts. I don't recall a truly wet day. Damp and cool, yes along with warm and hot dry weather but no weather wet enough to require the wringing out of shoes.

and I'd admire the line if it had enough books to 'service' the five books per passenger!! ☹️ Two books is ample sufficiency!👍

You might have done on Annie.☹️ Five books per passenger was dumb in itself!

I gather you're QM2. On all but Annie, the max books were 2 per person. Head to the library asap but I think you'll be fine on Mary.

Registering your cruise card for muster can be done any time before sailing but often by 4pm. For us, it's library first if open and then lunch but following a certain thread at the moment, if not on Freedom dining, I'd say find out about your restaurant table! 🙂

Cultural differences are interesting. 15% gratuity is considered generous in the UK and paltry in the US and both considered impolite in Japan so some adjustment to the area of travel is required when travelling. Bribing to obtain preferential treatment over fellow passengers is SO not Cunard.

My parents also instilled in us the merit in saying thank you in monetary terms and tipping has always been part of my/our travel too but this thread is basically around bribing and saying thank you in the form of a tip after service rendered is a world apart from a bribe saying 'I want' before hand.

I would know because we would have already seen our assigned table and it would take a brazen M d'h to accept a bribe after the fact which is why I know it would never happen.

If ever I found out I had been bumped from a restaurant table due to such abhorrent behaviour between a fellow passenger and a member of Cunard staff is the day I make such a stink, the member of staff would wish he/she were on a different planet. Luckily, I know it will never happen.

I am so sorry esrs, I know what a problem you have. Luckily, I was able to schedule my TKR before mine actually gave out and in between cruises. Good luck next week and go for the op if offered. Really worth it. 👍

Open dining is an interesting concept as far as table allocation is concerned. Guest seating on fixed or 'club' dining is usually planned just before sailing, as I found out this year and gaining a perceived 'sweet spot' would/could be at the expense of another guest. I would have thought open dining would be down to 'on the night' allocation in the main. I'm not as fan of anyone who flashes the cash to obtain an unwarranted advantage although I am at the front of the queue to discreetly 'reward' after an event and am with you on your adjective use. 🙂

In that case as you are positive and in the know, your so my guess is that this was someone who was trying to get a nice table for his wife/girlfriend. should read so I know that this was someone who was trying to get a nice table for his wife/girlfriend.

Basically, 'you' have no idea but your previous comment on what is a good table is most definitely subjective. There was an interesting 'moan' a year or two back re a specific table in QV's QG by a member who had got [bought or given, can't remember] an upgrade to a Q1. The [window] table assigned 'did not meet expectations' and boy, was it made plain on this board. The interesting thing is, a Pre Covid regular Q1'er on Worldies always had that table. So 'good' for one, isn't necessarily 'good' for another so sussing out dining issues on a new or fresh ship must be heavily down to experience.

I saw #6 but you were an observer and your 'I guess' shows you did not have 100% knowledge so couldn't definitively say what was the behind the transfer of cash.

I would be 'very disappointed' if this ever happened on any ship, never mind Cunard but as no one here has yet to have personally experienced bribing for a better table or observed such direct action [tipping afterwards would be very welcome I'm sure], let's keep our fingers crossed Cunard integrity will prevail.🤞

Ignore No 2 No 3 reply might be reality but would never be said, No 1 might not get you a window seat but you might be moved nearer, or the window fairy might actually be on duty to wave her magic wand for you Up to individuals if they go for No 4

A tip is most definitely given after services rendered if the service given greatly enhances the experience. A bribe is a sort of inducement given before in the hopes services might be rendered even if it's not warranted in the situation as described by the o/p who, it has to be said, isn't in favour of the bribe scenario but wishes to 'test the waters'. I'm all for one and appalled at the thought of the other.

In the absence of a tray and as this is obviously a make or break issue to future cruisers, I shall ask for a large plate and load up as needed and deposit any server plate with the server and will make it my mission in life to examine my solution in a few weeks and will report back. I'll take one for the team! with a cookie or two! 😄

I wouldn't describe myself as a cookie monster, but I can sniff them out at ten paces! There are cookies in the Lido, sorry, Artisan Hall on Annie. Just ask by the ice cream dispenser if they're not on display.

One word to 'is it done'. No. That doesn't mean some might think it worth trying but as having a word to see if a move can be made, will be facilitated if possible, trying a bribe is demeaning to the staff and quite frankly, is insulting.

and I didn't?????😀

I'm not into overthinking this. It will be fine. One lunch off QG as a treat. I'm sure I'll sort it. I went in search of a doughnut. Not there. As I have mentioned before, never say 'I just fancy...' to your butler, which I have done with cookies, sushi and now doughnuts. You'll never run short again whilst on the cruise. 😄

Tupperware maybe? 😄 The Lidos have large plates or plates I consider of a suitable sized surface area for a pick 'n mix lunch so hopefully, Annie's Artisans won't have everyone on diet sized platters!