Britannia Dining/Buffet

[BobBranst]

9 minutes ago, Newleno said:

Really appreciate all the responses did not mean for my original post to be so morose or melancholy.  I just meant, well, you know, you go somewhere and there is a certain decorum that should be followed and then you get some joker that sais something like: "this is a free country I will do what I want"  Well I just didnt want to be that guy.  I hate to dress up and would try to bring the minimum just do get by, so I just figured I could wear khakis and a polo to the buffet and would fit right in. (I just was not sure that the buffett was open for dinner)  thanks again 

You can certainly do it that way, but it would a shame to cheat yourself out of the Cunard experience  because of the dress code.

[newjoisey]

the buffet is open for dinner [certain nights sections are for paying dinners] there is PLENTY of sections for you wearing khakis and a polo [i guarantee people we be lesser dressed] i would bring a sport coat too . YOU WILL NOT GO HUNGRY   

[Dermotsgirl]

You’ll find that most of your travelling companions will be average, everyday people, who’ve worked hard to be able to afford their cruise. 

 

There might be be a few ‘Hyacinth Bouquet’ types. I don’t know if you are familiar with the British sit-com ‘Keeping Up Appearances’, but Hyacinth is a character who likes to give the impression that she is posher than she actually is.

 

On any cruise there’s a chance you might bump into a ‘Hyacinth’, but they can be quite entertaining and you can have a giggle about them later! 

 

A dark  suit and a tie will be fine for formal nights in the main dining room and you’ll meet all sorts of people from all walks of life. 

 

 

[kentchris]

2 hours ago, Newleno said:

I just meant, well, you know, you go somewhere and there is a certain decorum that should be followed and then you get some joker that sais something like: "this is a free country I will do what I want"  Well I just didnt want to be that guy.

Well said. There’s plenty of space onboard for those who don’t want to or can’t comply with the dress code, but the ‘do what you want’ approach amounts to disrespect for those who do comply (however willingly). You’ve got a healthy attitude: I hope you have a great time. 

[Jimbo59]

On 5/16/2019 at 11:26 AM, Newleno said:

Hello and good day, We have not traveled  on Cunard (we are frugal travelers with only undergraduate degrees).  I dont think Cunard passengers (during specified seating times for dinner) would be interested in conversations on how we save money by  taking the megabus instead of amtrac or how we save money by walking from penn station to the pier instead of a taxi. etc.   Frankly I think you would find us boring and possibly low class dinner companions.  So as not to bother anyone we would just eat all our meals at the buffet, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  So my question is, is this possible?  Can we just eat all meals at the buffet by ourselves?

 

(There is a decent priced cruise from nyc to hamburg, with a stop in southhampton, we would like to go to stonehenge (southhampton), this cruise seems like a very econmical way.  I priced out hotels, airfare, etc and this cruise well the numbers seem similar (as opposed to just 3 nights in england if we flew round trip), we have been to London before and we just need a day trip to see stonhenge (heck taxes on airfare alone coming out of London is about $181, plus the trains back and forth to London,  expenses etc, well like I said this cruise may be the way to go)

 

Thank you 

 

Nobody on a cruise knows how much money you have or don’t have. Very wealthy people can be frugal. Most people are interested in money saving tips. You’ll fit right in at the restaurant.

[Jimbo59]

Check out London Toolkit for transfers from Southampton via Stonehenge:

 

https://www.londontoolkit.com/tours/private_southampton_stonehenge.htm

[tv24]

Newleno:  You seem like lovely people and I know you will find kindred spirits on a QM2 crossing.  I strongly recommend that you NOT avoid dining in the Britannia restaurant which is truly beautiful and has quite good food.  If you are shy about dining with others, ask for a table for 2.  There are lots of those and for the later seating they are not in great demand.  Yes you can eat in the buffet, but I personally do not like it.  I don't think the food is not very good and the atmosphere is too much like a high school cafeteria.  I know this sounds harsh, but please, the Britannia dining room is so much better.  And don't forget the pub, which is great fun and casual.

[babs135]

OP, you can eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR; you don't have to 'dress up'.  Although you can ask for a table for two I would opt to ask to share a table - you may be surprised to find how well you fit in.

Re the evening dress code;  could you manage a dark suit or perhaps dark trousers (not jeans) and smart jacket.  Pair it with a shirt and a bowtie for the formal nights and you're fine.  That way the whole of the ship will be open to you to enjoy the full Cunard experience.

Please let us know how your trip goes.

[Se1lad]

There is a free self service launderette on board with free detergent so you don't need a different shirt for every night.  I'd second everything said above - eating in the MDR is really worth doing.  Nice as the food is in the buffet the experience is not really that special. 

[fizzy1]

Am i right in thinking that the gentleman may not be able to visit the theatre in the evenings without a minimal dress of button down shirt and chinos ? Also  a lot of the bars require a jacket . Such a shame not to experience a huge amount of this wonderful ship . Maybe Cunard is not the right line to be sailing with 

Edited May 18, 2019 by fizzy1

[fizzy1]

21 hours ago, Newleno said:

Really appreciate all the responses did not mean for my original post to be so morose or melancholy.  I just meant, well, you know, you go somewhere and there is a certain decorum that should be followed and then you get some joker that sais something like: "this is a free country I will do what I want"  Well I just didnt want to be that guy.  I hate to dress up and would try to bring the minimum just do get by, so I just figured I could wear khakis and a polo to the buffet and would fit right in. (I just was not sure that the buffett was open for dinner)  thanks again 

No shame in eating in the buffet in the evening . We never eat in the main dinning room on any cruise line as we dont like the atmosphere. We eat in the buffet and speciality restaurants as we always manage to get s good deal .  However, we still abide by the evening dress codes as after 6 pm  in the evenings the rest of the ship is strict in applying it . A minimum of button down long sleeve shirt  and chinos is the least dressed that you would probably be. A great deal of the ship will be off bounds for you i  believe in polo shirt and  khakis and you will be asked to leave some of the bars  or even enter them  if you do not have a jacket  . Surely you have had occasions when a smart shirt and trousers is what you have worn ? Just pack them ., then you will be able to experience a lot more of the liner   

[BobBranst]

1 hour ago, fizzy1 said:

Am i right in thinking that the gentleman may not be able to visit the theatre in the evenings without a minimal dress of button down shirt and chinos ? Also  a lot of the bars require a jacket . Such a shame not to experience a huge amount of this wonderful ship . Maybe Cunard is not the right line to be sailing with 

Unless there has been a recent change, a jacket is required in the Royal Court Theater.   According to the Cunard website:  (QM2 venues underlined)

 

Relaxed evenings.

From time to time, not least after a rewarding discovery ashore, you might wish to round off the day in a more relaxed style. You will be pleased to know that many of our bars and lounges welcome you to unwind in more casual outfits during the evening, but we do ask that guests refrain from wearing torn or tattered clothing, pants, sandals or sleeveless t-shirts. Casual venues include: King Court, Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club and G32.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Years ago on the QE2 we shared a table with Gladys and Arthur.  She was a housewife and he owned a hardware store.  We had a great time and never were at a loss for relaxed conversation...totally enjoyable.  Go to dinner in the MDR and have an adventure.

[Aquadesiac]

No need to wonder if you're cut from fine enough cloth for an adventure like this. You are.

 

We'll be on the QM2 for the first time this July and plan to adhere to the dress code because to do so seems like good manners and makes the evenings feel more special. For smart casual evenings, I'll wear something I'd wear to church. The DH will sport nice trousers, shirt (sans tie) and a jacket. For formal nights, I have a simple black sleeveless gown to pair with several different jackets or pashminas. The DH will bring a tux, but he could easily wear a dark suit instead. The dress code really doesn't seem that onerous.

 

That said, clothes really do NOT make the man (or woman). They're just a way to signal respect for yourself and others. I'd rather have a conversation with someone who is curious and willing to share the adventure of a grand cruise with us than someone trying to impress with mere "stuff."

 

We were blessed to take the 2018 WC on Princess and I got a chance to visit with a lady who was in an inside cabin on the lower deck. "It's what we can afford," she said, "but we're here! and that's the main thing."

 

I heartily agreed.

 

Don't fall prey to comparing yourself to others. It's never a good thing. I remember one cruise we were seated with two other couples for lunch. The other two gentlemen started talking about their boats and comparing their relative size. The conversation went something like this:

 

Guy 1: "MIne's a 28 footer."

Guy 2: "I own a 32 footer. How about you? How big is your boat?" (This directed to my DH,  who had not  contributed to the debate up to this point.)

DH: "My boat has wings." (He's a private pilot and we owned a Cessna 182 at the time. But the point is, while he wouldn't have started down this comparison conversation, he certainly brought it to a screeching halt.)

 

There will always be someone who has more money, more stylish clothing, houses, cars, higher degrees, or impressive careers than we. So we don't try to compete. My goal is to be the most authentic version of me that I possibly can.

 

And if I'm genuinely interested in others, I'll worry less  over what they think about me.  

  

Sorry for the book-length post. This touched a nerve. No one should feel unworthy of a grand experience.

[BobBranst]

It's been my experience that, more often than not, the people who brag about their wealth are not the ones who have it.

 

Edited May 23, 2019 by BobBranst

[Solent Richard]

9 hours ago, Aquadesiac said:

 

We'll be on the QM2 for the first time this July and plan to adhere to the dress code because to do so seems like good manners and makes the evenings feel more special. For smart casual evenings, I'll wear something I'd wear to church. The DH will sport nice trousers, shirt (sans tie) and a jacket. For formal nights, I have a simple black sleeveless gown to pair with several different jackets or pashminas. The DH will bring a tux, but he could easily wear a dark suit instead. The dress code really doesn't seem that onerous.

 

 

 

 

Don't fall prey to comparing yourself to others. It's never a good thing. I remember one cruise we were seated with two other couples for lunch. The other two gentlemen started talking about their boats and comparing their relative size. The conversation went something like this:

 

Guy 1: "MIne's a 28 footer."

Guy 2: "I own a 32 footer. How about you? How big is your boat?" (This directed to my DH,  who had not  contributed to the debate up to this point.)

DH: "My boat has wings." (He's a private pilot and we owned a Cessna 182 at the time. But the point is, while he wouldn't have started down this comparison conversation, he certainly brought it to a screeching halt.)

 

There will always be someone who has more money, more stylish clothing, houses, cars, higher degrees, or impressive careers than we. So we don't try to compete. My goal is to be the most authentic version of me that I possibly can.

 

 

  

Sorry for the book-length post. This touched a nerve. No one should feel unworthy of a grand experience.

Good morning Aquadesiac.

 

I'd just like to tell you how much I loved and enjoyed your comment particularly the parts I've marked up.

 

You will always have those who must remind you one hundred times that their cut-offs are by  Joseph Ribkoff despite them looking no different to those bought at any high street chain. 

 

And, like your husband, I much prefer to be dragged into the conversation on 'how many cruises have you done?' as opposed toeing the instigator.

 

You and your husband are going to have a wonderful time in July and I wish you a genuine Bon Voyage.

 

[babs135]

These last postings remind me of one occasion on the QM2 we were seated in the MDR with 3 other couples.  We introduced ourselves and when we got to the last couple, who as it happened were the youngest, she very pompously announced that she had an Oxbridge degree (can't remember which university) and she was in this, to her, the most important job in the world and one she thought we wouldn't have heard of.  (so important I can't remember!).  Unfortunately for her I had heard of the job and started to converse with her about it.  Clearly she was very 'put out' by the fact that she wasn't unique and as a result she and her husband never ate with us again and if we saw them out and about she would do a quick turn and run the other way!!!  Thankfully this is an unusual occurrence for us because we have met some wonderful and engaging people that we've suddenly realised that we are the last ones in the dining room such has been the flowing of the conversation.

 

Her loss, because the rest of us got on famously.  

[Victoria2]

Nothing wrong with High Street cutoffs. Cheap and extremely wearable. My wardrobe is full of them. As most of us don't talk clothes or labels unless specifically asked for advice or our  opinions, as long as passengers are presentable and abide by a dress code, it doesn't matter what label clothes have inside them. No one has  x-ray eyes to see that label just as no one can see what size the garment is.

[Solent Richard]

4 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Nothing wrong with High Street cutoffs. Cheap and extremely wearable. My wardrobe is full of them. As most of us don't talk clothes or labels unless specifically asked for advice or our  opinions, as long as passengers are presentable and abide by a dress code, it doesn't matter what label clothes have inside them. No one has  x-ray eyes to see that label just as no one can see what size the garment is.

😁

Edited May 24, 2019 by Solent Richard