laktex

On 4/24/2024 at 8:36 AM, Deafcruise said:

I have bid for Q2 and Q1 but I checked online and it said Queen Grill are sold out so not sure how bidding works?

Yes - I have bid for an upgrade to Q1 on Queen Anne  but I'm not feeling too hopeful, although I have had a Q1 upgrade before on the QE.  (Not a lot of Q1's to go around!!)

We were in one of the higher suites (A734) and yes the depth of the balcony diminishes but we had the cabin next door too so we did have a very large balcony and had no complaints.

I am not sure that the actual suite sizes alter from deck to deck, I doubt it but willing to be told differently.

We love the aft suites, we are on the Sun Princess soon and will miss those aft balcony suites.

On 1/25/2024 at 11:05 AM, Leo37 said:

Nice video. Does show a deeper balcony. Re deck plans for the Sun, yes it shows these cabins as having larger balcony so fingers crossed it's like that in real life.

Premium is definitely a much larger/deeper balcony and I think an aft facing one would be preferable to avoid the effect of the wind.  I just hope there are more than 2 chairs. 2 Loungers and 2 chairs would be ideal I think. Large balconies are great for entertaining.

On 11/10/2022 at 3:48 AM, wrongwaywatson said:

I guess I am pretty uncultured, because I don't think I would go, even if it was free.  It sounds boring.

Boring it most certainly is not.

Good food, good wine and an undoubted “experience” will not be boring to many.

17 hours ago, sirclean said:

Make sure to visit Mikee and Jaquim in the Bellini Bar (deck 7)!

If you do, try a Toasted Almond and tell him that the folks from Thanksgiving week recommended it and THEM!

 

How is the Wifi Speed now?  Over Thanksgiving week, it was unusable!  I hope that it has improved!

 

We also had issues with NoroVirus.  Are they enforcing hand washing or just hoping for the best?

 

It is a fine ship and I hope that you are enjoying your trip!!

WiFi (as usual) is very variable. Today it’s a little slow - but I’ve downloaded a couple of big work files so I am not displeased. Not heard of any covid - frankly regular hand washing is good advice even pre covid.

9 hours ago, dides said:

Is that the 360 experience? If so, would love to know how you got the invite since us Brits don't usually get phone calls from the Princess team in the US.

We did not get any communication before we left UK but as I mentioned the service in the Concierge Lounge (for full suites) is excellent and they kindly arranged our invitation.  Definitely, definitely  do the experience if you can.

Our first cruise since 2019. Left UK late November to Vancouver, picked up our daughter, Grandson (3 years old) and Son-in-Law, flew down to Santa Ana for 3 days in Disneyland before embarking Discovery at San Pedro.

One of the simplest check-ins, medallion pick up, security and on board ship in about 15 minutes. This is undoubtedly the newest ship we have been on and is evidenced by just how clean and smart the hull is. We came straight to our rooms and I bet we were in them by 12:30. Quick visit to Skagway dining for a quick lunch and then a little trip around the ship - she really is very tastefully done - in fact in places I would dare to suggest it almost feel like Cunard which is my favourite line. Bags received and unpacked by about 2:30 and then had to sort out our free embarkation dinner. We did this through Vanessa in the Concierge Lounge - she was brilliant and all five of us booked in Crown Grill for an early 6:00 pm dinner - which proved delightful - a mixture of steaks between us - porterhouse - filet mignonette and rib-eye - all pretty good.  

Forgot to mention we took little one up to the Kids Club - Tree House - and got him signed in - it truly is a delightful large area on deck 17 and the girls up there greeted him with loving care. It has proved to be a great venue for him and he constantly asks to go there whenever time permits including after dinner on most evenings before bed time at 8:30 / 9:00 ish.

Breakfast first morning at Sabatini’s - calm, relaxing as usual with what is virtually an a la carte menu that if they have got it you can have it - a great way to start the day.

Lots to do on the first (sea)  day, finding one’s way around - trying to fit is the variety of things to do.  Little one wanted the pool and here I suppose is my first annoyance - the music is simply too loud for me and similarly so if a film is playing - there are however other places to go but not for the youngster to swim.  So from here you can see the Sky Suite balconies and for me I would not consider them - a balcony overlooking the pools with all that loud music - definitely not my style - Ill stay with our aft suite preference and listen to the sound of the wake. Our balcony on Aloha Deck is not very deep so if I came on Discovery again I would look for a different deck - Dolphin looks the deepest and more akin to some of the experiences we have had on other older Princess ships.  

The Concierge Lounge is a lovely benefit. As already mentioned, Vanessa was a brilliant organiser for anything we needed - the calm for a coffee, drink or nibble is brilliant - in some ways, but not all, its better than Cunard Queens Grill lounges on Victoria and Elizabeth - I guess some will disagree with that.

Dining in the Club Class area of the MDR is pretty good - again a calmer area and a few specials on the menu. I would rate the food pretty good and the service excellent.

My favourite bar is perhaps Bellini’s - Mickee and Joaquin are great bartenders.

Well I am signing off now - got to get ready for this “EXPERIENCE” stuff tonight.

3 minutes ago, Kay S said:

Just one of their Elite perk scale backs.  There will be more, you can be sure.

Maybe there are simply too many Elites.? Should there be a system involving maintaining one’s status rather like most of the airlines.  In that way Princess may well enhance the perks rather than reduce them.

On 2/11/2022 at 10:59 PM, pumpkin 11 said:

haven't posted on this forum in ages but this is a serious question. I am not referring to the dining experience of the grills or so much the larger cabins, but everything else! 

 

For example, Celebrity includes:  Faster Wifi, Gratuties, Premium Drinks package, and even OBC for shore excursions! All for FREE.

 

Cunard offers nothing of the sort. Kind of a shame for what you have to pay IMO.

 

I realize the Grills are nice (it has been many years since we have traveled Cunard), but many lines have more enticing "ship within a ship" offerings. 

 

I must say Cunard itineraries are better on the whole.

 

Should Cunard update or is what they have enough? I think not but wondering what others think as we come out of this pandemic...

Cunard change!!??  Bit like British Airways charging for a seat reservation in their Club Class  - if they can get away with it they will. 

On 2/18/2022 at 7:53 AM, Freightforward said:

We are taking the QM2 from Southampton to Mew York from May 29 to June 7 this year. What would be the average weather on the Atlantic Ocean on this cruise?

Regards,

Lou

I’ve sat on my balcony in the sun with a G&T on several January Transatlantics - but predicting the weather is nigh impossible.  2 days later the waves were crashing over the bow and spraying the Commodore Club windows with great force..

23 hours ago, kohl1957 said:

Best answer: when you fly do you go First Class or Economy?  The difference in fare is comparable and the features (you decide if they are benefits) are similar.

 

Grill Class is akin to what First Class on liners used to be: superior accommodation,, more intimate atmosphere, enhanced menu (special ordering in QG), single sitting, same table throughout.  Private deck area.  The Cunard web site lists all of the features.  

 

Personally, I think the Grill features are more apparent on a longer cruise than a crossing.  And my goodness, what a deal on Britannia (Tourist) Class.  My first crossing in SS FRANCE in 1974 cost $220 Student Fare and this is almost the same in real dollars. A bargain.

I would slightly disagree with this - on a crossing you are 24/7 on board the ship so for me the grills benefit is greater.  Eg. Greater use of grills deck, greater use of restaurant for lunch.  Just my opinion..

Undoubtedly if you wish to Purchase an upgrade then you need to speak to Cunard.

Did this for a Q1 suite and got a great price.

Also been upgraded many times prior to sailing but if you WANT an upgrade you must speak to them.  

On 1/7/2022 at 10:56 AM, aday10 said:

Very disappointed that this is not going ahead 😞 It is my partners first cruise ever and I would have liked his first to be on the QM2 going to hamburg and back, as it was my very first cruise 14 years ago.

 

My TA has now booked us on the QE 30th March in a Q3 grade and we also received a small cash refund, so I cant complain! Although I was really looking forward to the QM2 Queens Grill Restaurant as it looks amazing. 

 

I did ask about the short cruises in February and my TA believes this will also be cancelled due to operational reasons, which is why he offered the 30th March cruise. 

The QM2 is of course a magnificent ship but when it comes down to Queens Grill dining the QE & QV are positively my favourite dining rooms, especially with a window table - so in my opinion - "All Is Not Lost".

33 minutes ago, bbtablet said:

When she gets back to Southampton she sets off to Germany and back (Germany currently shut) and then on Jan 14th sails to the Caribbean again with a new set of guinea pigs.

 

Who will want to be on that cruise, given the current debacle?

 

So glad we cancelled, even though it cost us over £1200 lost deposit.

It is hard to believe that the 4 day Hamburg cruise will go ahead, yet I see on the Cunard site you can still book!! 

I am surprised you lost a deposit but obviously do not know the circumstances. I was able to move a February 2022 cruise to November 2022 quite easily and without penalty.

52 minutes ago, Bav said:

Can anybody tell me the difference between a Q4 suite and a Penthouse Suite ?   they do look similar.. Is it just the location ? Or is it larger ? what is the point of charging more  the penthouse and is it worth it ?   Thankyou

This is personal preference but I would certainly try for a Q4 aft suite on deck 8.

11 hours ago, Austcruiser84 said:

So I am looking at booking a Sept 2022 TA and the current deal offered is very good, including very good OBC.
 

Problem is (and I had this confirmed by phone) that under current rules, as a solo passenger I must eat alone and I cannot socialise with anyone on board at any time. The agent seemed surprised I’d sail solo (disappointing that Cunard isn’t being proactive about us solo travellers - we are a sizeable market). 
 

That’s really putting me off booking. While I hope that that will totally change by then, I just don’t know if it is worth taking the risk. I expect some degree of COVID measures in place on board in 2022 as a lot of the world still won’t be vaccinated. I’m fine with more spacing etc, but to basically isolate solo passengers? I may as well stay home. 

Hi Austcruiser 84.  Is it really 5 years ago this week?

Totally agree - travelling solo is certainly not about being alone. Certainly I meet, chat, eat with more people when travelling solo than when I am sailing with my wife and/or family.

It sure is a problem to travel when one does not know the rules pertaining at that time. Sept 2022 gives you plenty of hopeful opportunity for the rules to change. All my trips to Vancouver in 2020 after February were cancelled. I'm booked for February 2022 in the Pacific but its "a family affair" so my concerns are less than yours.

Trust all is well.

Trevor

On 1/5/2021 at 2:31 PM, DaisyUK said:

Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time. I did find the images you referred to and your description in your previous post makes perfect sense. It is obviously a glitch in Cunard's system that when you go to book the room, the images which come up are of a different suite. 

 

Now, it's decision time. I'm tempted towards the Master as I like the location and layout and it looks as if the balcony is a little deeper, even though it does not wrap around. However, my husband prefers the Grand, because of the wraparound balcony and we have enjoyed being aft and looking back over the wake on previous cruises. Neither of us has any issue with motion sickness. However, we have never been on a ship as big as the QE, and therefore the location might be a bit of a pain. I guess we'll figure it out! Thanks again for your help, which is very much appreciated😊

Personally, I would always go for the aft Q1 suites. As you say the balcony is great (although not as deep as I would like compared to some ships) and the whole set up works well.  I was last in the Rostron on deck 7 - magnificent.

37 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

Thank you. I think I will stay with PG - seems to be most of what QG get, and I'd have to switch a midships port for a forward starboard so room position is much better (westward crossing in October).

The old POSH rule for travelling across the Atlantic is certainly valid and I have had several sailings even in January when there has been pleasant sunshine portside on deck and indeed on one's balcony when it is very nice to sit out with that G&T or other tipple - so I too would be inclined to stay portside. That said QG is a very pleasant place - I remember one solo sailing in 10005 (starboard) which was wonderful (the butler was great, tablemates delightful and Osman never failed to satisfy) but I did miss the sun on my balcony!

On 10/13/2019 at 7:51 PM, Radar boomer said:

Hi

 

has anyone got any better deals booking through Cunard for flights for Canadians...from Southampton to Canada (looking at Ottawa)...we had airfare booked for a cruise a year ago but as we asked for air canada, the return fare for 2 in August from Ottawa to London was over $2,300..this total was a couple hundred more than if we booked it directly with air canada, but it did come with the protection of flight issues and boarding...

 

I called to ask a few weeks ago for an idea for next year 1 way from Southampton to Canada, but they said we needed a booking to get a price..I was curious if there are any deals to be had.. air canada or otherwise..

 

a one way flight for 2 would be over $2300 next August when I check air canada’s website..makes it not worth doing a trip that start in nyc and ends in England

 

 

Have you tried West Jet via Toronto.    

On 10/8/2020 at 11:59 AM, delliemd said:

I am ready to cruise again even though I'm a little apprehensive. Last Feb. I contracted influenza A on board Princess. I have cruised for 23 years & never been sick on a ship before & also never saw so many sick people. I was not aware of covid-19 at the time. However, life is short  & I'm ready to roll the dice how about you?

Trouble is - life could become even shorter!

On 9/9/2020 at 6:03 PM, Windsurfboy said:

I've weakened and booked our return from South Africa in 2022 on Q.V.,  have quite a bit of stuff that wont fit into suitcase to bring back. As a last minute thought couldn't get QG so went PG. Very interesting to see if I feel QG is worth the extra £5k over QG. 

 

I originally said we'd  not cruise to 2023 but we now are thinking about booking summer 2022 onwards. 

 

My choice of cruise will always be intinary first. But open to 3 options 

 

1) Suite in a medium level line (e.g P&O in carnival family) , with a large balcony, and then make very daily use of select dining to enhance experience. 

 

2) Cunard Grills ( or other ship within ship concept )

 

3) Small "luxury" ship , e.g. Seaborne

 

What are people views/experience 

 

 

Cunard Grills certainly suit my requirements although on QV & QE I am not over keen on the PG cabin layout - it is a bit "long and thin".  Grills restaurant on the 11th floor of the QV & QE is delightful - just a shame the lounge is a little small. "Perfection" for me  on either QV/QE  is an aft QG suite and the most forward table in the restaurant.

On 8/25/2020 at 11:02 AM, Craigrlewis said:

https://cruise-adviser.com/cunard-cancels-cruises-until-march-2021/

 

This, whilst not being Cunard, does state its cancelled.
Funny old world- got a cracking price to upgrade my flights to Vancouver on BA.

Tried to call back and then ran into the "we are closed due to IT glitch".

Then 3 days later when I could get through the price had gone up by over 75% so didn't do it and spent the next few days ranting to myself why didn't I take the price on the day. Now seems just as well I didn't as would have paid even more upfront money to move to another booking

Disappointing but what can you do!
I sometimes think will this ever end. Then I try to think about the people who have passed away due to this illness and the grief it causes and my cancelled cruises seem really like a 1st world problem. I also think of the crew I have spoken too who work on the ships for months on end to fund they childs education in places like the Philippines and think gosh I wonder what they are doing to make a living now.

Just a word of warning - I upgraded my BA flight to Vancouver from Club to First,  when it was cancelled they refunded but KEPT £600 because as an upgrade they suggest I changed the T&C and therefore had to pay a penalty!!!  

6 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

I am no HVAC pro (wouldn't call myself an amateur even 😉 ), but if a bunch of HEPA filters were installed in a HVAC system, would that affect airflow and perhaps end up requiring stronger fans in order to push and circulate the same amount of air?

I'm pretty sure that HEPA filters would require a stronger air flow than non HEPA.

I do not know about ship's A/C but the use of UV C light can be used to good effect but requires careful installation - I am sure others will be able to elaborate.

3 hours ago, exlondoner said:

 

There are clearly three risks.

1. Catching the pesky thing.

2. Becoming seriously ill with it.

3. Being quarantined.

 

As I am white, female, under 70, and have no (known) underlying conditions, I'd risk 1 and 2. 3 is the tricky one.

Is not death "clearly" a risk!? 

Things may have changed - last time I was in a Q1 everything was pretty normal, the only difference being that you get a card at check in and then when you board the ship your butler is there to carry your hand luggage and take you to your suite and show you round (if you haven't been there before). My biggest recommendation is to get to know your table guests and have a pre-dinner get together with them in your suite - the butler will do everything for you.