The single's experience on Cunard?

[southwestie]

Recently returned from 22 nights aboard Queen Victoria. Some of the dance hosts obviously lacked the ability to dance to any reasonable degree of competence but with a couple of others it was hard to tell because they were often saddled with ladies whose knowledge of ballroom dancing was minimal. Couple this with a busy floor, a dance band not always blessed with a broad knowledge of dancers' tempo requirements, a vocalist with a nice personality but not aware that she should sing in the tempo of the dance - and one cannot help but have some sympathy with a couple of the dance hosts. And the reality was that, for good dancers, the dance floor held little appeal.

However, it was a popular place for the plodders and those who get round in some sort of fashion once a blue moon. But that's the story on most ships' dance floors - a bit of good social fun but never to be taken seriously.

 

 

I dont think the dancers are professional and the ballroom is for anyone to dance good or bad, its all about fun , the escorts are there to help and encourage the plodders and from I see the band has always been amazing

[brigittetom]

I think there have been way too many unkind remarks lately regarding the "ordinary" dancers in the Queens Room.

[pepperrn]

There are many places on dry land where competition-standard ballroom dancing can be witnessed. Those who enjoy "sewing every sequin on by hand", wearing a fixed grin during the quickstep, can remember Victor Silvester and "Home Counties South"... can find numerous church halls up and down the country where their skill will be welcomed and appreciated. Dance floors on ships should be for everyone to enjoy, good and less so. Not just a self-appointed select few. No-one should judge others, or decide they are not good enough dancers to be allowed on the floor.

One of my fondest memories is of watching my parents (not "ballroom dancers") enjoying themselves on the Queens Room (QM2) dance floor, afterwards my mother (wearing the biggest smile) said it was "as if sixty years had vanished" :) .

Surely, there are times in the Queens Room (when "strict-tempo" records are played?) when the "strictly ballroom" set can show off their footwork and impress like-minded others.

Or better still, they could simply join in the fun with the rest of us.

Edited February 4, 2014 by pepperrn

[pepperrn]

Edited to add:

... when the "strictly ballroom" set ...

"Strictly Ballroom" is a great and funny movie :) :) .

[fantasy51]

Recorded dance music is played between 8.30 and 9.15. Those who want to practise steps or show off their ability are welcome to dance around an empty floor at that time. In fact, it's good when a few people dance then.

 

The actual dance sessions are for people who ENJOY dancing. Because I can dance, I have non-dancers coming up to me sometimes and almost apologising for their lack of ability. I point out that I'd rather watch a couple making mistakes but enjoying themselves, than watch a couple doing all the right moves with a grim look on their faces.

[turquoise 6]

To be frank, you would have the same social experience whether you dined in QG or Britannia, except that in Britannia you would pay significantly less for it.

Yes. Excellent point and very true.

I think Britannia dinning is a great experience in the tradition of

The transatlantic Ocean lines.

Perfect for singles

[pmb1]

Yes. Excellent point and very true.

I think Britannia dinning is a great experience in the tradition of

The transatlantic Ocean lines.

Perfect for singles

We have sailed on QM2 many times, always PG or QG (thanks to the fairy), but we agree that the Britannia dining room is the grandest space on the ship, by far. Perhaps the most grand on any ship ever. Bon appétit!

[landre1020]

I have sailed twice now on QM2 as a solo traveller. I have enjoyed the company of new acquaintances both times - PG and QG. (As a side note, I don't see the need to go higher than PG.). I never felt alone. Each trip was different and each group was different. The first year, I was a VERY new beginner to ballroom dance. Not all hosts were accommodating. And, there were less dance hosts that year. This past cruise I had taken many lessons - still a beginner. It took about a week but I would learn who I could do what with. I'm from the US so American is the style I learned. Fortunately, there were two American dancers I could do East Coast Swing, Hustle, and Tango with. Another dance host and I worked out a pretty good Waltz and Quickstep. All in all, as a solo traveler, I had a great time! Wouldn't hesitate to do it again!

 

 

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[Scrapnana]

Just a few thoughts about solo cruising....

 

If you want to dance with one of the dance hosts, you need to sit near the dance floor and look interested. None of the hosts have asked me to dance in almost six weeks but I sit away from the floor and don't make eye contact (I can't dance).

 

The photographers seldom ask if I want my picture taken when I am by myself. If I am walking with someone they ask frequently. So if you want a formal portrait, ask.

 

I am at a table (in Britannia) with all singles. We have a great time together.

 

There are solo travelers get togethers every sea day. Some go all the time (I went once and it was not my cup of tea). They also have a solo travelers lunch once every cruise.

 

I love the freedom of cruising solo. Try it!

[Cats2010]

 

If you want to dance with one of the dance hosts, you need to sit near the dance floor and look interested. None of the hosts have asked me to dance in almost six weeks but I sit away from the floor and don't make eye contact (I can't dance).

 

The photographers seldom ask if I want my picture taken when I am by myself. If I am walking with someone they ask frequently. So if you want a formal portrait, ask.

 

 

 

I also enjoy travelling as a solo and, with one exception, I never had problems in making contacts. To the contrary: I love it!

 

However, I don't agree that one has to sit near the dance floor etc. to be noticed. Whenever I have been to the Queens Room, hosts came by to 'take care'. The same applies to photographers.

 

I would like to recommend not to stay amongst singles only, but also to mix with others (not too much, there are some jealous women watching their husbands ...) :rolleyes:

[landre1020]

This discussion thread is making me want to get sailing again!! :)

 

I also enjoy travelling as a solo and, with one exception, I never had problems in making contacts. To the contrary: I love it!

 

However, I don't agree that one has to sit near the dance floor etc. to be noticed. Whenever I have been to the Queens Room, hosts came by to 'take care'. The same applies to photographers.

 

I would like to recommend not to stay amongst singles only, but also to mix with others (not too much, there are some jealous women watching their husbands ...) :rolleyes:

[Olliesmum]

We have sailed on QM2 many times, always PG or QG (thanks to the fairy),

 

Are you saying you receive an upgrade to the grills every time you sail?

[pepperrn]

Are you saying you receive an upgrade to the grills every time you sail?

I read it that pmb1 books PG and has been upgraded to QG on occasions. Maybe I'm wrong... pmb1?

 

Have you been visited by the upgrade fairy, at least once?

Edited February 20, 2014 by pepperrn

[dancinman66]

Only ever had three upgrades through all my cruising

So I am not one of those lucky ones

:)

 

 

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[pmb1]

Are you saying you receive an upgrade to the grills every time you sail?

No, of course not. But I think that we have been luckier than most. In twelve PG bookings we've had four free upgrades to QG and one that cost us $200 pp. And the one time we booked Britannia Club to see what that was like, we were upgraded to PG. And, no, I have no idea why. For what it's worth, we have always booked way early and directly with Cunard, and we do say nice things on line about how much we have enjoyed our time on QM2.

[Olliesmum]

No, of course not. But I think that we have been luckier than most. In twelve PG bookings we've had four free upgrades to QG and one that cost us $200 pp. And the one time we booked Britannia Club to see what that was like, we were upgraded to PG. And, no, I have no idea why. For what it's worth, we have always booked way early and directly with Cunard, and we do say nice things on line about how much we have enjoyed our time on QM2.

 

Astounding. I'm a Diamond and have always booked way in advance through Cunard. I've been in every category from inside to QG and the only upgrade I've had is once, from inside to oceanview.

 

The grills nearly always sell out before other grades, so I don't understand why there would be so much upgrading to QG when there is a very good chance they could be sold.

[dancinman66]

Depends on cruise

I watch a lot of times qg suites are all that is available near end

Plus there are so many diamonds and very high level ones means not as much for upgrades unless you have 500 plus nights to start

Too many do lots of worlds

I am diamond but know I am nothing in scheme of things

Cheers

Greg:)

 

 

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