cheap table sales

[Norfolk Brit]

Oh no, not leopard-print. Don't you want something more along the lines of an orange feline design? :D

 

I suspect it would now be a little beyond its sell-by date.

 

Mary:D

[Salacia]

At least on QM2, the tables are only outside the shops. It's always clear to walk along the other side of the atrium (past the champagne bar). I think the photographers and their trailing cords are a bigger hazard to navigation on board.

 

Hi Kathy. Yes, I agree with you about the photogs. BTW,I've seen sales tables in the corridors, not just outside the shops on QM2. I believe these vendor's tables hold merchandise not sold in the shops. Perhaps they're not on every voyage?- but my recollection is that they've been set up on most if not all of the voyages I've taken on QM2. Regards, -S.

[Cruachan]

A couple of days ago I gazed in horror at a rail of furry leopard-print bodywarmers, and pondered on Cunard's image of understated elegance.

 

Mary

 

Oh wow! I hope they've still got some left in September. I can just picture myself in a furry leopard-skin bodywarmer. That is soooooooooooo moi!

 

:D:D:D

 

J

[Norfolk Brit]

Oh wow! I hope they've still got some left in September. I can just picture myself in a furry leopard-skin bodywarmer. That is soooooooooooo moi!

J

 

Can't wait to see the snaps.:D

 

Do hope you're not disappointed; as I watched in open-mouthed horror a lady, old enough to know better, tried one on, completely ignoring my muttered "Put it down. Now!".

 

Mary

[Leucothea]

I hate the tat tables too but must admit they seemed very popular.

 

I think they've had those for a long time now. I believe they had them on QE2 as well, if I remember correctly.

 

Not everything is tacky on those tables, although most are not very interesting. I rarely spend much time around them, but when walking through (3 Deck I think?) I'll take a few glances. The choice of things to buy in the shops, is relatively narrow. The tables are rather like a flea market. And I don't think their presence is an earth shattering issue.

[Leucothea]

It isn't Cunard selling the stuff, the shops are operated by the franchise holders who are Harding Brothers of Bristol.

 

Exactly. Paticularly since Cunard was sold to Carnival, it is a business and it is more like a cruise ship than it was.

 

If anyone saw "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", well she and her husband were poor, became wealthy and moved to a posh neighborhood. However, their new neighbors snubbed them. The local pastor advised them that those who rejected them were "2nd generation", and afraid of their own fairly recent similarity to these newcomers. "Go to Europe and mingle with nobility and royalty" he said. "They will accept you because they have nothing to fear."

 

What does that have to do with the tables on QM2? Well I don't think their presence is going to turn Cunard into a boozing, rock climbing, tacky cruise line any time soon.:eek: :)

[keithm]

I hate the tat tables too but must admit they seemed very popular. Speaks volumes as to the type of passenger on the ship now!

We've sailed Cunard since the launching of QM2 in 2004. Those crappy table sales were as popular then as now. As I've stated before..It does help the revenue stream. I've bought some items for friends & relictives(intentional spelling)I usually just get some rather tasteful costume jewlery.(eye of the beholder they say).

[Tess of the Sea]

We've sailed Cunard since the launching of QM2 in 2004. Those crappy table sales were as popular then as now. As I've stated before..It does help the revenue stream. I've bought some items for friends & relictives(intentional spelling)I usually just get some rather tasteful costume jewlery.(eye of the beholder they say).

 

Well, costume jewelry...on a luxury ocean liner like QM2? Billionaires buying costume jewelry? :rolleyes:

 

But seriously, they have had these tables since 2004. I'm not sure they had them on QE2. I do remember they had a Harrods shop and a regular shop, which also sold some items that were slightly touristy. I would rather that than lower standards in terms of service.

[capnpugwash]

Well, costume jewelry...on a luxury ocean liner like QM2? Billionaires buying costume jewelry? :rolleyes:

 

But seriously, they have had these tables since 2004. I'm not sure they had them on QE2. I do remember they had a Harrods shop and a regular shop, which also sold some items that were slightly touristy. I would rather that than lower standards in terms of service.

 

They have had these tables for the past 60 years at least! There is no rule that you have to buy from or even look at them.

[Cruachan]

They have had these tables for the past 60 years at least! There is no rule that you have to buy from or even look at them.

 

Personally, I don't mind the tables in the least - in fact I'm quite partial to a quick rummage around on them. I've even bought items (T shirts, a watch etc) for myself. I also find them a useful source of small gifts to bring back with me for sundry relatives and work colleagues.

 

I think that at least 80% of the problem lies with their location on QM2. On the two Vistas they aren't nearly so obtrusive - they are positioned outside the shops which seems to be a fairly natural place to have them and they don't cause too much of an obstruction. However, as far as QM2 is concerned, people seem to get upset because they are positioned right at the entrance to what is, in effect, the grand processional "avenue" leading to the Britannia Dining Room.

 

J

[hansol1966]

Why not as on the QE2 which had a shop for accessories..bric-a-brac under $10 could Cunard find a better location/shop for what obviously people want to buy on the QM2. The shop onboard QE2 did a roaring trade so it can be done.

[pepperrn]

Why not as on the QE2 which had a shop for accessories..bric-a-brac under $10 could Cunard find a better location/shop for what obviously people want to buy on the QM2. The shop onboard QE2 did a roaring trade so it can be done.

 

Just as long as the shopping centre isn't on the balcony of the main show lounge/theatre...

[keithm]

Well, costume jewelry...on a luxury ocean liner like QM2? Billionaires buying costume jewelry? :rolleyes:

 

But seriously, they have had these tables since 2004. I'm not sure they had them on QE2. I do remember they had a Harrods shop and a regular shop, which also sold some items that were slightly touristy. I would rather that than lower standards in terms of service.

Wish I was a billionaire. Oh well. Usually I get something fairly tasteful. There can be some fairly pricey stuff, such as the amber jewlery.

[warringtonian]

Wish I was a billionaire. Oh well. Usually I get something fairly tasteful. There can be some fairly pricey stuff, such as the amber jewlery.

 

I used to sell jewellery years ago in one of my pharmacies. One of my friends wholesaled it. The mark-up was enormous. Don't think that because it's pricey it has any real value.

[Ray66]

I used to sell jewellery years ago in one of my pharmacies. One of my friends wholesaled it. The mark-up was enormous. Don't think that because it's pricey it has any real value.

 

The amber jewellery they sell on board during the Baltic cruises is the genuine thing so they say, not the cheaper stuff you can find in some shops. They weigh each piece for you - it isn't priced up.

[keithm]

The amber jewellery they sell on board during the Baltic cruises is the genuine thing so they say, not the cheaper stuff you can find in some shops. They weigh each piece for you - it isn't priced up.

It's still priced way up. Either way you may still be buying quality. If the amber is secured in gold fittings, I'd say that it's pretty high quality.

[Tess of the Sea]

Wish I was a billionaire. Oh well. Usually I get something fairly tasteful. There can be some fairly pricey stuff, such as the amber jewlery.

 

 

I was joking about that. :) Costume jewelry, real jewelry, who cares. Status symbols are just that, symbols, important to those who worry about it, a sign of insecurity in an upwardly mobile world. I suppose it takes being secure in one's role in life (or to the manor born), to have little concern or worry about these things.

[capnpugwash]

I was joking about that. :) Costume jewelry, real jewelry, who cares. Status symbols are just that, symbols, important to those who worry about it, a sign of insecurity in an upwardly mobile world. I suppose it takes being secure in one's role in life (or to the manor born), to have little concern or worry about these things.

 

I never wear costume jewellery, whether it is amber or red.

[Jimsgirl]

Perhaps most of the buyers are the same people who only come on Cunard when they can get a really cheap deal, the ones who write " I am cruising on Queen** but I refuse to dress up".

 

Anyone who cruises regularly on Cunard (or any other line ) have seen so many of these tacky items they avoid the table sales. It is the same with photographs, just how many photographs of ones self taken in front of the lifebelt can you show your friends?.

 

Maybe Cunard should consult their legal advisors , as to the danger from a a law suit if someone falls and breaks a hip trying to walk in the 12 inches the photgraphers leave in the walkways.

 

Obstructing the walkways should be banned.

[Leucothea]

Perhaps most of the buyers are the same people who only come on Cunard when they can get a really cheap deal, the ones who write " I am cruising on Queen** but I refuse to dress up".

 

Anyone who cruises regularly on Cunard (or any other line ) have seen so many of these tacky items they avoid the table sales. It is the same with photographs, just how many photographs of ones self taken in front of the lifebelt can you show your friends?.

 

 

Well, I've been sailing on the crossings for over a decade now at a rate of about twice a year, and I do glance at the tables sometimes. I'm wondering why this is such a hot debate.

[Leucothea]

I suppose it takes being secure in one's role in life (or to the manor born), to have little concern or worry about these things.

 

Quite.

 

I worry more about the man who put his chewing gum on the edge of his plate, to save it for later...:eek:

[eratog2]

I would have to disagree with "cheap" and "tat" on my crossing last week - on one day there was a sale by Oro d'Oniforo (I think that was the name), and there was a bracelet for FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. I know I shouted that, but honestly! Fifteen thousand dollars! I mean, who buys something at that price from a table sale . . . . . I also heard a "special price" for a pair of earrings for eight hundred pounds sterling. Yes there were the $10 watches, and cheap t-shirts, but there were also Guess handbags and purses which were an excellent price, I know as I bought a bag and purse.

 

Personally, I like to have a look at the tables, sometimes I laugh, and think they are having a laugh, but I have also bought some good things from them. :cool:

[pepperrn]

Maybe Cunard should consult their legal advisors , as to the danger from a a law suit if someone falls and breaks a hip trying to walk in the 12 inches the photgraphers leave in the walkways.Obstructing the walkways should be banned.

 

May I suggest, on QM2, you follow my examples?

 

I either:

A. Use the C stairs/lifts so I miss the photographers completely and enter the Chart Room, Sir Samuels or the Britannia Restaurant directly.

B. Walk aft down the centre-line corridors as if the photographers weren't there, straight between light-stands and backdrops.

C. Go via the Champagne Bar & Chart Room on Deck 3 or the Casino on Deck 2, in both cases by-passing the photographers.

(as I usually request a table "upstairs" on Deck 3 I almost always go via the Chart Room, this means a stop for a drink of course... :) )

 

Simple really, I figured it out on my first voyage.

Very best wishes.

[suzyed]

For the most part the sales don't interest me. Since I have a nickel allergy and don't wear costume jewelry or watches, I don't even bother looking at those tables.

I will admit I have purchased an evening bag or two in my travels. I hate spending a lot on a bag that only matches one outfit or evening gown...so $10 is about right for one of those.

The first time we sailed on QM2, i heard a woman tsk-tsking about the sale tables and then she almost knocked me on my buttocks elbowing her way to the table to grab one of the sweatshirts they were selling!! LOL! Too funny! :p

 

So, yes, I imagine they wouldn't have the sales if folks weren't buying....but they do! ;)

[suzyed]

Quite.

 

I worry more about the man who put his chewing gum on the edge of his plate, to save it for later...:eek:

 

EWWW! That is plain awful!