Quick guide to Cunard

[kruzgal]

We are considering our first Cunard cruise (QE to the fjords/northcape), usually we choose Celebrity or Royal Caribbean (Celebrity being our preference). Are there any particular differences onboard Cunard that we need to be aware of? I know the dress codes have changed recently - do our teenage sons have to wear jackets on the casual nights or would their usual clothes of smart chinos and shirts suffice? Comments/comparisons from people who have sailed Cunard and Celebrity would be great. Really just looking for a 'potted guide' to Cunard. Thanks

[pepperrn]

We are considering our first Cunard cruise (QE to the fjords/northcape), usually we choose Celebrity or Royal Caribbean (Celebrity being our preference). Are there any particular differences onboard Cunard that we need to be aware of? I know the dress codes have changed recently - do our teenage sons have to wear jackets on the casual nights or would their usual clothes of smart chinos and shirts suffice? Comments/comparisons from people who have sailed Cunard and Celebrity would be great. Really just looking for a 'potted guide' to Cunard. Thanks

Hi kruzgal,

Welcome to the Cunard board, sorry I can't answer all your questions about differences however...

I can say that your teenage sons will need a tailored (suit) jacket if they wish to join you for dinner in the main restaurants on board (except the Lido) or any of the bars, theatre etc. I've seen even very young children in suits/jacket and trousers on board Cunard ships. The Lido and nearby Garden Lounge don't require jackets in the evening but, so I understand, the rest of the ship does.

 

You can see photos of the Queen Elizabeth's interiors via the link below, to help get you in the mood. I hope they are useful.

 

Have a great time, QE is a wonderful ship, some amazing public rooms and an outstanding theatre, a huge Bon Voyage! :) :)

[balf]

They would need a jacket, though the definition of jacket is not stated. You do see all sorts in the MD room.

 

David.

[pmb1]

They would need a jacket, though the definition of jacket is not stated. You do see all sorts in the MD room.

 

David.

Anything but frayed denim will do, I guess. But why not get them blazers with breast pocket crests to die for? Their favorite rock icon or Hogwarts, for example.

[supered]

Hi kruzgal

 

We are going on QE for the first time in a few weeks, but have sailed on QV and QM2. We sailed on Celebrity Eclipse in October 2011 and that ship was quite modern in decor whereas Cunard ships are much more traditional. The dress code is much more strictly observed than Celebrity so that is a must. This is a link to the relevant section of the Cunard website that states Children under 18 do not have a dress code but should dress as smartly as possible bearing in mind the dress code. https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/dress_code

 

One of the best spots on board for pre-dinner drinks is the Commodore Club which has great views forward. It has a great speciality Martini menu and live piano music in the evening. Although the ships atmosphere is slightly more sedate than Celebrity, although there is a great nightclub on QE, The Yacht Club. The ships have many "wows" but no ice-topped Martini Bar :D

 

A great tip is the freshly cooked Pizza and Pasta station in the Lido. The Pizzas are delicious and ready in 7 minutes. Also Cafe Carinthia for speciality coffees nicely presented with a biscotti and glass of water. They also have pastries in the morning, sandwiches at lunchtime and cakes in the afternoon, all included. The coffees are extra.

 

The Golden Lion also does a Pub Lunch everyday which is not to be missed, not to mention Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. This has to be done at least once.

 

I hope this helps. Have a great voyage.

 

Eddie

[supered]

I forgot to mention that unlike on Celebrity the Britannia Restaurant is open everyday for lunch including port days but except on embarkation day.

[Cruachan]

Anything but frayed denim will do, I guess. But why not get them blazers with breast pocket crests to die for? Their favorite rock icon or Hogwarts, for example.

 

Hogwarts - that's a wizard idea. But I would guess there will be a few who may not fall under its spell; not too bad if the kids just potter around, but if they wander off and start to harry people, who knows, they may even snitch on someone.

 

J

[kruzgal]

Thanks everyone for your contributions - a great help. We are still trying to decide whether to 'jump ship' to Cunard but I am sure we would have a great time if we do. :)

[Salacia]

We are considering our first Cunard cruise (QE to the fjords/northcape), usually we choose Celebrity or Royal Caribbean (Celebrity being our preference). Are there any particular differences onboard Cunard that we need to be aware of? I know the dress codes have changed recently - do our teenage sons have to wear jackets on the casual nights or would their usual clothes of smart chinos and shirts suffice? Comments/comparisons from people who have sailed Cunard and Celebrity would be great. Really just looking for a 'potted guide' to Cunard. Thanks

 

 

Hi kruzgal. Yes, the dress code changed about one month ago. And just in the last few days, we learned (thanks to another CC member) of a dress code change on at least one particular "Stars at Sea" voyage: Recommended: Jeans, no jacket. Regretfully, I can't say with any certaintly what the dress code would be for the cruise you are interested in booking. Regards, -S.

[bazzaw]

The words "conservative, sophisticated, adult, formal" come to my mind when I think of Cunard ships. The words "teenage boys" don't. However I don't have any personal experience of actually taking teenage boys onboard a Cunard ship - but I am sure others here will have done so.

 

Barry

[pepperrn]

... I can't say with any certaintly what the dress code would be for the cruise you are interested in booking. Regards, -S.

Do any of us know for certain, for any cruise or crossing, from now on?

[Whitemarsh]

Do any of us know for certain, for any cruise or crossing, from now on?

 

Lets just hope it doesn't get any worse. My fear has always been that a dumbed down dress code is merely a taste of things to come.

 

Since Cunard is now doing theme cruises, why not a Fashion Police themed cruise? We'd have something along these lines.

 

1. Formal five nights a week (with diamonds mandatory for the ladies) except for the first and last nights of any voyage.
   
2. The other two nights would be smart casual (no jacket required for the gents).
   
3. Real clotted cream for afternoon tea.
   
4. Caviar available free of charge every three days in the Princess Grill and once a week in Britannia.
   
5. Prices in the spa are reduced by 50%
   
6. Drink prices are reduced by 20%
   
7. Crepes Suzette are now flambéed table side in the Britannia Restaurant.
   
8. Smoking allowed in the cigar room.
   

 

And that's just for starters. :) Cunard can offer downmarket theme cruises for those that want them, and upmarket theme cruises for the rest of us.

[Happyboating]

Whitemarsh,

 

We like. Are you thinking of organising a charter? If so, please let us know the dates and we'll book. I'm not sure I can comply with the diamonds but my diamonique, curtesy of QVC, looks quite good.

[Whitemarsh]

Whitemarsh,

 

We like. Are you thinking of organising a charter? If so, please let us know the dates and we'll book. I'm not sure I can comply with the diamonds but my diamonique, curtesy of QVC, looks quite good.

 

Will do. :) Preliminary research indicates a transatlantic would be the appropriate voyage for the charter.

[Happyboating]

That would be total perfection, especially if we could do a B2B from Southampton.

[pepperrn]

Lets just hope it doesn't get any worse. My fear has always been that a dumbed down dress code is merely a taste of things to come.

 

Since Cunard is now doing theme cruises, why not a Fashion Police themed cruise? We'd have something along these lines.

 

1. Formal five nights a week (with diamonds mandatory for the ladies) except for the first and last nights of any voyage.
   
2. The other two nights would be smart casual (no jacket required for the gents).
   
3. Real clotted cream for afternoon tea.
   
4. Caviar available free of charge every three days in the Princess Grill and once a week in Britannia.
   
5. Prices in the spa are reduced by 50%
   
6. Drink prices are reduced by 20%
   
7. Crepes Suzette are now flambéed table side in the Britannia Restaurant.
   
8. Smoking allowed in the cigar room.
   

And that's just for starters. :) Cunard can offer downmarket theme cruises for those that want them, and upmarket theme cruises for the rest of us.

Count me in on your charter please :) .

All the above details look like great ideas!

(How much extra would I have to pay to not have caviar served to me in the Britannia Restaurant? :D ).

All best wishes.

[fantasy51]

I'm with Whitemarsh on the themed cruise, as long as diamonds in a ring are sufficient.

 

I'm with Peppern on the no-caviar front.

 

I would also suggest that the gentleman hosts be screened for their dancing ability before being accepted for this cruise.

[Whitemarsh]

Fashion Police charter cruise.

 

B2B transatlantic from Southampton. Five nights each way (enjoy QM2 as the commodore puts the pedal to the metal)

 

1. Formal five nights a week (with diamonds mandatory for the ladies) except for the first and last nights of any voyage.
   
2. The other two nights would be smart casual (no jacket required for the gents).
   
3. Real clotted cream for afternoon tea.
   
4. Caviar available free of charge every three days in the Princess Grill and once a week in Britannia (5% price reduction for those passengers who advise that they will not partake at the time of booking)
   
5. Prices in the spa are reduced by 50%
   
6. Drink prices are reduced by 20%
   
7. Crepes Suzette are now flambéed table side in the Britannia Restaurant.
   
8. Smoking allowed in the cigar room.
   
9. Gentlemen hosts are pre-screened to ensure dancing skills are to the standard expected by Cunard passengers.
   
10. Vibes will be taking a well earned break. A DJ will take residence in G32 and Max Raabe & His Palace Orchestra will hold court in the Queens Room.
    
11. Your voyage sales specialists Dragana & Petra will give away a bottle of Cristal at each cocktail party as part of a lucky door prize.
    

[Wordzz]

Lets just hope it doesn't get any worse. My fear has always been that a dumbed down dress code is merely a taste of things to come.

 

Since Cunard is now doing theme cruises, why not a Fashion Police themed cruise? We'd have something along these lines.

 

1. Formal five nights a week (with diamonds mandatory for the ladies) except for the first and last nights of any voyage.
   
2. The other two nights would be smart casual (no jacket required for the gents).
   
3. Real clotted cream for afternoon tea.
   
4. Caviar available free of charge every three days in the Princess Grill and once a week in Britannia.
   
5. Prices in the spa are reduced by 50%
   
6. Drink prices are reduced by 20%
   
7. Crepes Suzette are now flambéed table side in the Britannia Restaurant.
   
8. Smoking allowed in the cigar room.
   

 

And that's just for starters. :) Cunard can offer downmarket theme cruises for those that want them, and upmarket theme cruises for the rest of us.

 

Where do I sign up?

Perhaps this should be sent to Cunard. Could this be the start of a backlash?

[keithm]

Fashion Police charter cruise.

 

B2B transatlantic from Southampton. Five nights each way (enjoy QM2 as the commodore puts the pedal to the metal)

 

1. Formal five nights a week (with diamonds mandatory for the ladies) except for the first and last nights of any voyage.
   
2. The other two nights would be smart casual (no jacket required for the gents).
   
3. Real clotted cream for afternoon tea.
   
4. Caviar available free of charge every three days in the Princess Grill and once a week in Britannia (5% price reduction for those passengers who advise that they will not partake at the time of booking)
   
5. Prices in the spa are reduced by 50%
   
6. Drink prices are reduced by 20%
   
7. Crepes Suzette are now flambéed table side in the Britannia Restaurant.
   
8. Smoking allowed in the cigar room.
   
9. Gentlemen hosts are pre-screened to ensure dancing skills are to the standard expected by Cunard passengers.
   
10. Vibes will be taking a well earned break. A DJ will take residence in G32 and Max Raabe & His Palace Orchestra will hold court in the Queens Room.
    
11. Your voyage sales specialists Dragana & Petra will give away a bottle of Cristal at each cocktail party as part of a lucky door prize.
    

I thought April Fools day already occurred, but I like the idea of the cruise.Dragana/Petra? God, nearly forgot about them. They're still on board??

[keithm]

I'm with Whitemarsh on the themed cruise, as long as diamonds in a ring are sufficient.

 

I'm with Peppern on the no-caviar front.

 

I would also suggest that the gentleman hosts be screened for their dancing ability before being accepted for this cruise.

Yes, especailly when the dance host brags.."My father died dancing....At the end of a rope!"

[Louise D]

We would also have to address the issue of good quality lecturers consistent with the upmarket Fashion Police theme.

 

Two who I am fairly sure would be available and would have the necessary lecturing skills would be:-

 

(1) Hilary Kay from the British version of the Antiques Roadshow, who used to give really great lectures on QE2.

 

(2) Hugo Vickers, the author of books on famous personages such as the Duchess of Windsor, the Queen Mother, Cecil Beaton and Vivien Leigh.

[Whitemarsh]

I thought April Fools day already occurred, but I like the idea of the cruise. Dragana/Petra? God, nearly forgot about them. They're still on board??

 

You make it sound as though they were on board the original Queen Mary. :D Yes, as of February this year both are still on board.

[Whitemarsh]

Fashion Police charter cruise.

 

B2B transatlantic from Southampton. Five nights each way (enjoy QM2 at speed as the commodore puts the pedal to the metal)

 

1. Formal five nights a week (with diamonds mandatory for the ladies) except for the first and last nights of any voyage.
   
2. The other two nights would be smart casual (no jacket required for the gents).
   
3. Real clotted cream for afternoon tea.
   
4. Caviar available free of charge every three days in the Princess Grill and once a week in Britannia (5% price reduction for those passengers who advise that they will not partake at the time of booking)
   
5. Prices in the spa are reduced by 50%
   
6. Drink prices are reduced by 20%
   
7. Crepes Suzette are now flambéed table side in the Britannia Restaurant.
   
8. Smoking allowed in the cigar room.
   
9. Gentlemen hosts are pre-screened to ensure dancing skills are to the standard expected by Cunard passengers.
   
10. Vibes will be taking a well earned break. A DJ will take residence in G32 and Max Raabe & His Palace Orchestra will hold court in the Queens Room.
    
11. Your voyage sales specialists Dragana & Petra will give away a bottle of Cristal at each cocktail party as part of a lucky door prize.
    
12. Interesting lecturers: Hilary Kay, Hugo Vickers, Karl Lagerfeld, Lady Pamela Hicks, Helen Mirren and MEP Daniel Hannan.
    

[Wordzz]

You make it sound as though they were on board the original Queen Mary. :D Yes, as of February this year both are still on board.

 

YoYo was on board for our TA on 26 April. She was lovely.