class difference?

[tv24]

I've been thinking a lot about this. A lot of us seem to agree that many cruise lines differentiate levels of service. They charge more and provide more perks and sometimes some passengers put on airs because they paid more and got more. But I think the issue for Cunard is branding. Cunard's ads brand the line as a series of levels or classes of service. And then there is the branding associated with formal dressing. I can't tell you how many conversations I have had with veteran cruisers who have said, "I would never consider Cunard because it's too formal and too class-structured."

 

So IMHO Cunard's ads and branding have created this issue that does not fit the reality that the ships are no more class-conscious than other lines, and no more formal than many other lines that have dress-up nights.

[ExArkie]

I have heard the complaint of Cunard's "class differences" many times from those who have never been on one of the Cunard ships. With a lot of questioning and prodding, the underlying concepts that makes the ones to whom I have spoken believe in the class consciousness are (1) Cunard has a history of class separation in the grand old days of ocean travel (everyone has seen the movie Titanic), which is sort of like never buying a Ford automobile because you think their 1918 model was not of good quality, and (2) Cunard requires male passengers to wear a tie on some nights. The latter seems to be the overriding reason, that anyone wearing a tie is automatically presuming himself to be in a higher social class, regardless of cabin category. The reverse snobbery of deciding that casual dress is the true sign of societal exceptionalism appears to be lost on them.

[Shuffleboard Dude]

"Class" - a group sharing the same economic or social status; social rank

"Class" - divisions of varying travel categories, each with its own price, perqs and rules

"Class" - dignified or restrained form, appearance, behaviour or style; sophistication

 

Of course I'm aware of these differences, thats why it made me chuckle... ;)

[ABoatNerd]

Thank you Ronbe65, excellent analysis.

 

We do not patronize the mass lines with their overt class segregation. Our last voyage on Celebrity was tainted by guests and staff constantly insinuating that our standard balcony was a lower class. This tainting activity seems to have increased as reported by CC posters on the Celebrity board. Will not participate with the SWS.

 

Our voyages on Cunard ships have been no where as class segmented as previous voyages on Celebrity. As someone posted, CC posters complain about Cunard's class system and they have never been on Cunard. Celebrity, NCL and MSC have class systems far more overt than Cunard.

 

The mass cruise lines today are hypocrites to the cruise line heritage.

 

Back in 1974 when the S.S. France was taken out of service, the cruise line ceo's were shrilling that the French and Cunard lines deserved to die because of their class systems. They crowed that their product was democratic and everyone was treated equally.

 

Fast forward to the height of departure from one's roots.

 

But the world moves on and so be it.

[ToadOfToadHall]

Classes on trains and planes is not what classes on NCL/MSC or suite perks on Cunard are.

 

Yes they are - they are very much the same concept.

 

Take a plane; If you travel 1st class you get a separate lounge at the airport. You get a screened off area of the plane. You get different food on the plane.

 

Take a Cunard ship; If you travel Grills class you get your own check desk. You get your own separate lounge on the ship. You get different food on the ship

 

 

That's the reason why.

 

No it's not.

[Bennybluehat]

At the end of the day money does not buy you class or make you a better person. So I shall enjoy my Britannia balcony cabin which I have worked damned hard to pay for & not give a stuff about those who think they are better than everyone else!

[ddgarner1]

My wife and I have been cruising for over 25 years, mostly on RCCL. More often than not we have occupied either the Royal Suite or the Owners' Suite and have enjoyed the sitting at the Captain's table on many nights. My wife has most often been happy with our accommodations and our dining companions. In Oct., I'm beginning to attack my bucket list beginning with a TA crossing on the QM2, in steerage, inside, solo. My wife is staying home, believing that absent numerous ports of call for shopping and sightseeing, the thought of "just me" and lots of ocean would make her uncomfortable at some (early) point during the 8 days at sea. I've always been perfectly happy roaming the ships, making new friends among both passengers and crew, particularly in the bars, library, casino and at a large table for dinner. I've always found that some combination of sincerity, humility, courtesy, as well as a smile and ready laugh overcome almost all things otherwise offensive to proper decorum. In fact, some of the best times I've experienced afloat have been with the crew when a couple have sneaked me into the crew bar or one time I was invited to join some crew members in Georgetown at a local bar they frequented during a brief opportunity for them to escape the ship. We've lived in Europe, and in the UK we have experienced the vestiges of those who are "class conscious." (Many were all-too-kind to explain such things to their poor Colonial cousins from the Americas... ) Perhaps I'm naive, and will be enlightened during my crossing, but I don't expect that my election of an inside cabin, eschewing Queens Grille, will make one bit of difference to me or to those with whom I interact.

[babs135]

At the end of the day money does not buy you class or make you a better person. So I shall enjoy my Britannia balcony cabin which I have worked damned hard to pay for & not give a stuff about those who think they are better than everyone else!

 

Well said. Except for the fact that I will be enjoying myself in an inside cabin. !!!

[majortom10]

I dont know why so many get "upset" by the class system on Cunard ships. Many cruise lines now offer better facilities and dining for suites and higher paying passengers. If you go on a land based holiday and fly if you are prepared to pay extra you can go into a "lounge" at the airport prior to boarding and then on the flight there is perhaps 3 or 4 different types of fares you can purchase the more you pay the more room you get and better food. Really do not know what the "hang up" is on Cunard and having been in both a QG suite and inside cabin nobody knows or cares once you are around the ship unless of course you want them to know and then that is down to you as a person and nothing to do with Cunard.

[majortom10]

There is no class system on Cunard.

If there is someone who is "upset" by a nonexistent issue, it may be due to misinformation of what Cunard really is.

 

Happy cruising!

 

I agree there isnt a class system on Cunard but is always widely discussed on many forums and also the resaon why a lot of people mistakenly give as a reason for not cruising with Cunard which was the purpose of my thread. Having said that it was widely pushed not only by Cunard but also onboard on my first ever cruise with Cunard on QE2 in 1997.

[eroller]

As far as a social class system, no that doesn't exist on Cunard or really any cruise line. No one is better than anyone else regardless of what accommodations they have booked. Also just because someone has booked Queen's Grill doesn't make them more wealthy than someone in an inside cabin. It all just depends on what you want to spend for that particular cruise. This is no different than anything in life. Trains, planes, cruise ships, hotels, etc. all offer some form or "class" if you will. Basically you pay more you get more. Some are more segregated than others. So if you want to call it a class structure, go right ahead it doesn't bother me in the least. It's just not a class structure in the social standing sense ... only in the level of accommodations you decide to spend on.

 

I will say in many conversations onboard Cunard, your level of dining does come up. I don't think it's in any way a show of oneupmanship, although I have encountered this on the rare occasion. It's more a curiosity, and people wanting to know how the level of service and accommodations are in the Grills and even vice versa. I guess it's a bit of human nature to want to know how something is that you're not experiencing. Many are just curious if it's really worth the extra cost. The response is generally across the board with some saying absolutely and others not really.

[kohl57]

Having cruised in QUEEN ELIZABETH in Britannia (obstructed view balcony) last August and this August (P2), I can say the considerable extra (rather more than double the cost) was worth every penny. And as they say, once you go up, you never go down.

 

For us, I must say the level of cuisine and service didn't make the difference... we frankly were impressed with the service and cuisine we received in Britannia last year. Very much so.

 

I'd rate the "worth the extra", in no order (again for our preferences)

 

Private outdoor decks... simply superb service, little perks, deck chair service of fruit, sandwiches, ice cream and full afternoon tea and immaculate surroundings etc. it reminded me of First Class deck chair service on QE2 and Dennis Dawson. The bar service on deck, too, was exceptional. My post swim margarita was literally waiting for me. Utterly quiet, too. SO much better than the other opens decks. So much superior, too, to the limited little deck on QM2.

 

Private lounge: we liked this especially for pre luncheon drinks when it was quiet. Pre dinner, we much preferred the wonderful atmosphere of the Commodore Lounge. On QE/QV this lounge offers wonderful views, too.

 

Full tub bath in the cabin

 

Dine when you wish with a set table and stewards for whole trip. Bliss. Knocks "freedom dining" out of the park in our opinion. After just a day, our stewards and the wine steward knew and anticipated our preferences. That's true service.

 

Preferred times for embarkation and disembarkation. We were aboard in 12 mins after arrival at the Ocean Terminal. And our luggage, all of it, was outside the cabin within 20 mins of boarding. That's impressive. And you get the luxury, too, of a proper luncheon in the dining room, too. We have a full afternoon of holiday as a result and a marvelous sailing enjoyed on the terrace of the Grill Lounge.

 

And yes, the "free drinks" and included gratuities sealed the deal... this is a superior product to Oceania (which we have taken nine cruises with and really like) and a better value, too.

 

The only aspects that were not impressive were the cabin overall, the room service menu (which has been cut back and for Princess Grill at least, is the same as it is for Britannia) and yes, we really really dislike the dreary beige/brown and tacky fake wood of the overall decor.

 

But no... we aren't going back to Britannia. We are hooked and already confirmed for QV next September to the Med in Princess Grill. And it was a real effort to secure our preferred cabin and deck, too. We went from a waitlist to a guarantee to a Deck Five and as of today, to our much preferred Deck Four location all in the fortnight since returning from this most recent cruise. This is a superb product and the demand is warranted.

Edited October 2, 2018 by kohl57

[eroller]

And as they say, once you go up, you never go down.

 

 

 

I have absolutely no problem going back and fourth. I can honestly be just as happy in an inside cabin as a QG suite. I find them equally enjoyable in different ways. I'm usually just happy to be on a ship.

 

The additional deck space of the Grills means very little to me. I pretty much sail Cunard only for crossings, preferring less dressy cruise lines for port intensive itineraries. On a crossing, especially a winter one the outdoor deck space can go unused for the entire trip. The same applies to the Grill lounge/bar for me at least. A little boring and subdued for my taste. I'm rarely in there and usually out and about around the rest of the ship, which is a bit more alive.

 

But to each their own. Their are definitely perks and plusses to the Grills, but for me personally they don't always warrant the extra $$ which can be substantial.

[kohl57]

Oh I agree... for a straight crossing (which I've done in Queen's Grills and Britannia on QM2), I would never spend the extra for Grills. But on a cruise especially one in good weather (hello Cunard that's why we like Med cruises!) with lots of sea days. No question. That and the delightful option on QE/QV of dining al fresco, too.

 

And yes the Grills Lounge reminds me of the lounge at Euston for the night sleeper to Aberdeen. Why, one could doze off before even getting aboard. We did like it for a pre lunch drink but in the evening, it was deadly dull.

[eroller]

Oh I agree... for a straight crossing (which I've done in Queen's Grills and Britannia on QM2), I would never spend the extra for Grills. But on a cruise especially one in good weather (hello Cunard that's why we like Med cruises!) with lots of sea days. No question. That and the delightful option on QE/QV of dining al fresco, too.

 

And yes the Grills Lounge reminds me of the lounge at Euston for the night sleeper to Aberdeen. Why, one could doze off before even getting aboard. We did like it for a pre lunch drink but in the evening, it was deadly dull.

 

 

Makes sense. The main reason I don't pick Cunard for regular cruises is I don't want to worry about dressing up after a long day sightseeing in port. It's the last thing I want to think about. Now on a crossing when I have nothing else to think about I love it. Now a cruise with a lot of sea days would be different.

[Solent Richard]

The open decks are the reason why I as tourist class - pardon Britannia - passenger prefer the QM2 over QV & QE.

All in all QM2 is a very ''equal'' ship whilst QV&QE are a bit less so. If I were a Grills passenger I would expect some additional privileges like reserved seats in the theatre and a private pool.

 

I think that we will see a somewhat of a revival of class separations in the future, though not necessarily on Cunard ships.

 

Don't they already exist with MSC's Yacht Club?

[Solent Richard]

I dont know why so many get "upset" by the class system on Cunard ships. Many cruise lines now offer better facilities and dining for suites and higher paying passengers. If you go on a land based holiday and fly if you are prepared to pay extra you can go into a "lounge" at the airport prior to boarding and then on the flight there is perhaps 3 or 4 different types of fares you can purchase the more you pay the more room you get and better food. Really do not know what the "hang up" is on Cunard and having been in both a QG suite and inside cabin nobody knows or cares once you are around the ship unless of course you want them to know and then that is down to you as a person and nothing to do with Cunard.

 

Couldn't have put it better Major.

 

Sadly, all too often, those that complain have the problem. :evilsmile::evilsmile:

[eroller]

Don't they already exist with MSC's Yacht Club?

 

 

With many cruise lines. Yacht Club with MSC, Haven with NCL, the new Retreat suite only areas on Celebrity, Royal Suite Class on Royal Caribbean, and even Carnival getting into the mix with the Havana cabins. They offer a private pool and lounge every day until I believe 7pm when it opens to everyone.

 

It's a big trend right now offering suite only private areas, or even a ship within a ship concept, and I think it will only get more prevalent. Big mass-market lines are taking away a bit of market share from luxury lines by offering these upgraded areas. In some respects the service, food, and accommodations are every bit as good, even better. Plus they offer choice, something most cruises want these days.

[eroller]

I don’t see it as a problem at all. Very market driven and people that pay more are wanting more. No different than people paying for first class on an airplane and being in a different cabin.

 

The ship within a ship concepts I’ve experienced (both NCL and MSC) have been very discrete. It’s not in your face and I’ve sailed both in and out of the exclusive areas.

[kohl57]

Indeed. And the more discreet, the better as far as I'm concerned. I like Princess Grill especially as it's low keyed and I find too much contrived pampering to be, well, too much. We had a butler on QM2 in Queens Grill and I never cottoned to him or indeed found out why he was there. It was a bit creepy in fact. I value the quiet privacy, exceptional cuisine and service that PG offers and that it's self contained without anyone much noticing or caring about it elsewhere in the ship. We didn't resent or covet "the grills" when we were aboard QUEEN ELIZABETH last year in Britannia. But sure enjoyed it when we decided to spend our money for it.

[Kolami]

It's not 'tourist class' (who uses this phrase any more?). You either sail in Britannia class or pay more and sail in the Grills, either Princess or Queens. Unless you run into some pretentious snobs you will never know who is sailing in which cabin.

My question is whether the menu (food) is the same in the 3 dining rooms?

[helpthejuggler]

Not exactly the same. Some dishes will appear in both, but not necessarily on the same day.

 

 

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[tv24]

And there is some ability to order off menu in Queens Grill.

[MarkBearSF]

Also - although I assume much of the ingredient prep work is done in a common area downstairs, the dishes are done in the smaller grills galley serving one tenth the number of passengers, providing opportunity for a bit more care per plate.

[autumn lass]

We were taken on a tour of the Grills galley in July, all food is prepared there. They have staff working in the galley 24/7. The night shift prep the sauces which are made from scratch and the vegetables. I have food allergies/intolerances which is why we book the Grills as I preorder and I have had off menu items suggested to me by the assistant maitre d who takes my preorder. We don’t use the Butler apart from in room breakfast on port days when we have a trip booked but know he is there if we need anything.

 

 

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