A couple of Cunard questions from a wishful thinker

[Salacia]

Re: Jelly(Jello) Wrestling.

 

Trivia question a few years ago, on Caronia. "In ladies jelly, or jello, wrestling; what flavour is the jelly?"

 

There was around 140 people playing trivia that day and my wife was the only one that knew the answer. AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW!

 

I'm still not entirely convinced by her explanation. Colin.

 

LOL ok, I'll bite: what was the flavour??:confused:

 

BTW, I hadn't heard of jelly wrestling before this thread...is it an big sport on that side of the Pond?

 

Cheers,

Salacia

:D

[keithm]

Adding my two pennyworth to the debate ...

 

HOBO nights (sad to say) exist on Queen Victoria anyway - they are EVERY night for some people. Just back from Round British Isles 170th Anniversary Cunard cruise - fabulous voyage, wonderful ship (our fifth Cunard cruise) booked again for next year BUT ...

 

Dress code is NOT adhered to and NOT enforced despite letter from Peter Shanks CEO in our cabin on arrival saying it will be

 

Cocktail party on formal night - men turned up in polo shirts and shorts and NOT ejected

 

Formal night in Britannia - man turned up in three quarter length trousers and not ejected

 

When you ask the staff why they don't challenge these individuals they reply either with a shrug and say 'its not our job' or they say that people turn round to them with the reply 'Ive paid x thousand of dollars for this crusie and I will dress how I want to'

 

On Formal nights, we were in the nightclub, Commodore Club and bars and theatre along with people who had eaten in the Lido, one presumes, and then come along to all the social events in their jeans. Despite it saying clearly in the Daily Programme that the dress code is throughout the ship - people know it isn't, and therefore take the mickey.

 

What to do?

 

We were told by other cruisers equally incensed that if we thought it was bad on Cunard, we should (or shouldnt!) try other cruise lines (names not to be mentioned). We felt the same, and will stay with Cunard as at least they set the standard, even if they dont or cant enforce it and people take the mickey. For the record, the worst offenders were the Spanish, Germans and then the American and UK guests in equal measure.

 

Very disheartening for those of us who slob around at home and want to make a Real Effort whilst on board and who, when we do (first elegant casual night) are stopped by another guest and asked 'Why are you wearing a dress honey? It's elegant casual tonight - you are overdressed'. I jest not.

Too many Onslow's on board! As to the men in 3 quater length pants..hopefully they wer coming back from clam digging in the marshes!

[keithm]

In my local area, restaurants and clubs that have a dress code firmly but politely will not admit those who are not dressed accordingly. I don't understand why Cunard does not have a similiar policy for their main restaurants, clubs, casinos and theaters. Perhaps a more casual venue such as Kings Court could be suggested for those not in compliance with the evening's dress code.

 

I wonder if creating some pub type area for those dressed in elegant casual attire would help solve the apparently increasing problem of non-compliance with the dress code. Do you think that would work?

 

Salacia

Cunard seems to be afraid of alienating paying customers(that's what the waiter told me)I complained to the purser. Be sure to write that on the review form we get. If people don't complain, Cunard will quietly ignore the dress codes.

[Whitemarsh]

There are so many cruise lines out there where the dress code is non-existent and passengers can and do wear anything from tracksuits to singlets or hipster jeans with accompanied 'muffin-top' exposed.

 

This being the case I've always wondered why people, who prefer the 'Leisurewear' wardrobe for morning, noon and night, go and book a cruise on the one single cruise line (Cunard) that does have a dress code (that most passengers adhere to) and then complain about it?

 

Surely if getting dressed in formal wear was such a big deal wouldn't you avoid Cunard and book a cruise on a different line more suited to your needs?

 

With regards to Jelly wrestling, I can highly recommend it Salacia. It's a very athletic sport and a crowd pleaser.

[Salacia]

With regards to Jelly wrestling, I can highly recommend it Salacia. It's a very athletic sport and a crowd pleaser.

 

Thanks Margatebane. But quite frankly, I don't see the sport in it. I'm sure I'd win if I wrestled jelly. Plus, as I'm sure you've already surmised, I've never been interested in pleasing crowds:)

[Whitemarsh]

Thanks Margatebane. But quite frankly, I don't see the sport in it. I'm sure I'd win if I wrestled jelly. Plus, as I'm sure you've already surmised, I've never been interested in pleasing crowds:)

 

Well that is a shame. I did have visions of you headlining the inaugural QM2 Trans-Atlantic Jelly Wrestling competition but I see it's not to be. :)

[Colin_Cameron]

LOL ok, I'll bite: what was the flavour??:confused

 

Apparently "The jelly's always green, so it must be lime."

[Salacia]

Apparently "The jelly's always green, so it must be lime."

 

Lime? Wow, Colin, I never would have guessed! Amazing the stuff I learn on these boards! Thanks :D -Salacia

[kimjac]

Hello Lynn,

 

I found the note on things you can do for "free" very helpful.

With regard to the $11 per day tip charge cover, is this done to replace individual tipping to the: cabin steward, table steward and wine steward?

 

Historically this is what we have done when cruising with P&O on the last day tip each of the three memebrs of staff.

 

Kind regards

Kim

 

Would appreciate

[Jimsgirl]

Yes Kimjac, the $11 per day (for all below Grill class), it is per person per day, and covers tipping for waiters, asst waiters, "bus boys" and cabin staff

 

If you drink (no matter what other than water)) in the pub or any bar your bill automatically covers the tip for the server.

 

I do not use the spa so cannot say about those .

 

Do NOT use anything out of the "fridge" in the cabin, it costs.

 

If you have any questions you for which you would wish a private answer, please feel free to e.mail me at rafex1@earthlink.net and I will be pleased to help you .

 

As you will understand from my replies, although I cruise Cunard and follow the dress code, I do have to "save" for that pleasure, and I have to "count the pennies"

Yes I am ex Brit.though I have lived in the USA since 1977.

 

Best wishes

 

Lynn

[Maple_Girl]

OP here. Thanks for posting everyone. I enjoyed the mini-tangent on dress codes! :p

 

Good tip from PP about leaving from my home city to avoid airfare. I live in Boston. Does Cunard ever come here?

[TheOldBear]

The QM2 is stopping in Boston on three cruises this year [around Labor day, beginning and end of October]. I think that these cruises are scheduled in between transatlantic crossings.

[Ray66]

 

Good tip from PP about leaving from my home city to avoid airfare. I live in Boston. Does Cunard ever come here?

 

QM2 calls in at Boston next month and October.

[Maple_Girl]

The QM2 is stopping in Boston on three cruises this year [around Labor day, beginning and end of October]. I think that these cruises are scheduled in between transatlantic crossings.

 

QM2 calls in at Boston next month and October.

 

 

Thank you!

[Maple_Girl]

I see on the itinerary that the ship starts in NY, then comes to Boston. Is it possible to board a ship mid-cruise? Would one still pay the full fare? If we wanted to cruise round trip from Boston would we have to pay for a B2B? (2 full fares?) I know a TA would be more able to answer these questions. I was just wondering if anyone here knew or had done something similar.

[buckirj1]

Being from Boston, you're in a perfect place to take a relatively inexpensive flight to/from the UK on Icelandair. And Brooklyn's a cab ride from New York Penn station, which is a short Amtrak trip from Boston. From that standpoint, there's no need for a back-to-back TA unless you want to pay for one. Good luck!

[Minoushka]

I too mistakenly believed I would never be able to afford a Cunard ship.WEll I just returned from a transat Aug 2 from Southampton to New York .It was very nice .QM2 is a BIG ship but never really felt crowded .Shows were great some of the best I have ever seen ...and I have been on many cruises

Food lovely Cabin in light wood I had a hull balcony which was fine sheltered from wind and rain I used it for fresh air.I found people quite friendly not snotty. I loved the shopping on board.Service was truly excellent

I stressed out over the dress code ...NO NEED to I could have done with a lot less stuff Definitely men need jackets

For the TRANSAT sweaters are a must .I was cold in a lot of areas of the ship.Capris were fine for the day

There are bargains for QM2 if you look Mine was cheaper then flying home one way!!!Check it out If you do go I'm sure you will love it I sure did and so did my 18 year old son .The RADA performances were great and dancing shows REALLY GOOD Trivia was fun and Planetarium a unique experience

At night it was a lovely fashion show and I enjoyed being part of it

Hope you do QM2 soon ///I too still like Carnival just fine!!!!

 

Michele

[Thames476]

I see on the itinerary that the ship starts in NY, then comes to Boston. Is it possible to board a ship mid-cruise? Would one still pay the full fare? If we wanted to cruise round trip from Boston would we have to pay for a B2B? (2 full fares?) I know a TA would be more able to answer these questions. I was just wondering if anyone here knew or had done something similar.

 

Always possible.... but the fare for the entire cruise remains in effect!! However to disembark at a port with your luggage mid voyage (except for medical, death or behavior reasons ) is NOT allowed due to the USA Jones Act which was written by the US Congress !! :confused: