Cunard Cruisers - How are things where you are ?

[LittleFish1976]

3 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Some people just seem to be able to suck the joy out of anything .... did he have anything positive to say ?

 

He did actually, Hattie. He was in awe of the brilliance of the wait staff in the QG dining room - said food and service were incredibly good. The negative stuff he mentioned seemed to be nit-picking given the wifi situation on the Queens which we're all aware of, and the need for some maintenance on the QM2 after the long period out of service.

 

As regards two of the lifts in one stairwell being out of service, he spoke as though it left Grills passengers no alternative but to use the stairs (which he said was impossible for some passengers) which is surely incorrect.

 

 

 

 

 

[bluemarble]

20 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Some people just seem to be able to suck the joy out of anything .... did he have anything positive to say ?

 

He was also impressed that Cunard has adopted their new wifi plans which replace per-minute plans with per-day plans. He was happy to see Cunard has followed suit with other lines in that regard. He felt the pricing was in line with other lines as well.

[D&N]

On 8/1/2022 at 9:55 PM, Host Hattie said:

The Mediterranean 

Do you have Cannes as a port call?

[Host Hattie]

Not this time, we're supposed to be calling at Marseille.

P&O have recently moved all their calls to Toulon so I am half expecting a change.

[D&N]

29 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Not this time, we're supposed to be calling at Marseille.

P&O have recently moved all their calls to Toulon so I am half expecting a change.

No use to you then.

We'll probably visit Île Sainte-Marguerite in next few weeks, with our usual picnic. Aiming to get to a cove at south-east of island for just after 10 am (about 2.4 km walk).  Shores are mainly rocky rather than beaches, which makes water very clear for swimming and there's some tree shelter from sun.

It would be very do-able from a cruise ship. Ferries leave from virtually where tenders drop off at Quai Laubeuf/Quai Saint-Pierre and take about 15 mins. There are southern shores within 1.1 km of drop off point, although best spots get taken early. Paths are wide and reasonably flat, although none of them are paved, so buggies and wheelchairs with small wheels would struggle.

Anchorage on south between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat is very popular with small boats and there was even a pizza catamaran! Don't know if they deliver to shore or just takeaway for boaters.

It also has the: Fort Royal, where The Man in The Iron Mask was imprisoned for those seeking culture. We've done that so only go for the swim/picnic.

There are a couple of restaurants on the north nearer the jetty. Elton John staged an impromptu performance beside the DJ in the more expensive one last August.

[D&N]

57 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Not this time, we're supposed to be calling at Marseille.

P&O have recently moved all their calls to Toulon so I am half expecting a change.

Ah of course. Their Mayor, who is a socialist ecologist, has recently been reported as wanting to ban cruise ships on days when pollution is high.  Quite how any cruise line can plan for that I don't know.

Some reports point out that Marseille doesn't supply enough shore power facilities for the ships equipped for that, meaning they need to keep power plants running in port. So if they invested in that they could cut pollution without losing revenue.

[Host Hattie]

We called at Cannes on Queen Victoria in 2010, after a stroll around we were heading in the direction of the tender stop when I saw a woman who looked very like someone I knew. When the man carrying the beach chairs behind her also looked familiar I found my voice and attracted their attention. 

We had time for a couple of drinks and a catch up, it was one of those small world moments!

[ronpes]

13 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

Back to our regular programming - hope the horses have recovered @ronpes.

 

They were moved to a different field last night and apparently were still very hyper. 

Today when I went to see them, I was told that one of them, decided to jump the fence and go and play with the ladies in the next field. Unfortunately, he didn't quite clear the wire fence and took out six posts and cut his legs. The fence was quickly repaired and apart from a bruised ego, the wounds are not deep and once cleaned up he will be fine.  Silly boy ! 

[ronpes]

18 hours ago, techteach said:

@ronpes The negative reviews for the QE are really bad. There is a new video on YouTube re. QM2 from a very intelligent German cruiser, In Queens Grill suite, showing lights sideways in the hallways, people sitting in the halls to access internet. Cunard needs to wake up, take notice, and fix the problems. I care deeply and I haven’t even cruised Cunard yet.

 

This may be one of the clips that our friends referred to although I haven't watched it myself. 

I suggested listening to Gary Bembridge and his podcast ie Tips for Travelers  (I hope I am allowed to say that? if not no worries HH and just edit it out from this post) ) and in my opinion gives a very balanced review. 

[ronpes]

12 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

Some people just seem to be able to suck the joy out of anything .... did he have anything positive to say ?

I agree and I have met one or two of them over the years.

Sadly on our many cruises from time to time we meet the odd individual that constantly pours out negative vibes. We always make a point of making a polite "good evening" and move away.

I simply don't need it. Life is too short. 

[ronpes]

2 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

We had time for a couple of drinks and a catch up, it was one of those small world moments!

 

I am constantly amazed how small the world is now and on our travels across the globe we have bumped into folks either we know or are from the same city as us.  

 

In 2018, our son went on an expedition to Antarctica and when he boarded the ship in Ushuaia, another passenger recognised another Scottish voice so asked our son where he was from.  It turned out the chap was from the same city as us and also said which neighbourhood he lived. Our son remembered that my wife's best friend still lives in that part of town so he mentioned their names. It turned out that not only did he know them, he was able to give their correct address as he used to deliver mail to them. And, he also used to drink in the same pub and share the occasional pint with her husband. This is all on a ship almost 9,000 miles away from home and talking to a stranger!. Spooky or what !

[Host Hattie]

We're back to nice sunny weather, I went round to a friend's yesterday for an afternoon of catching up and non-alcoholic drinks. Mr HH hosted a few friends in our garden.

We finished watching Bosch Legacy this week so I wanted to thank whoever recommended the original series.

[ronpes]

We too have been enjoying the sunny weather.

We went to our beach this morning for a leisurely walk along the prom and then had a seat and soaked up the sun whilst enjoying watching the waves.
There were a few folks in for a dip which is brave as the North Sea is always very cold, regardless of the time of the year.

 
This afternoon it was time to catch up with garden chores and cut the grass etc. 

All done now and am now sitting in the garden as I write this enjoying the peace and quiet. 
I’m sure there is a beer at the back of the fridge with my name on it!

[Lanky Lad]

Almost ready for my short trip on QV on Wednesday. I have completed my health declaration and am fit to travel to the terminal. Covid test to do on Monday and drive down on Tuesday. It's been too long since my last trip on QV.

[rakkor]

Down at Jane's dad's for the weekend and the Covid fairy has struck. His partner wasn't feeling too good with a cold, so Jane persuaded them to do a test. He was negative, but she's positive with the strongest T-Line I've seen so far. So it looks like we'll be coming down with it, which may be a godsend for our upcoming September Cruise. I expect Jane's dad to test positive soon as he has all the symptoms, albeit just a light cold. Hopefully it stays that way.

[Host Hattie]

Oh no ! Hope you're all OK

[Kynance]

7 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

We're back to nice sunny weather, I went round to a friend's yesterday for an afternoon of catching up and non-alcoholic drinks. Mr HH hosted a few friends in our garden.

We finished watching Bosch Legacy this week so I wanted to thank whoever recommended the original series.

I think that may have been me, Hattie 😊. Glad you have enjoyed Bosch. I did miss my favourite character from the original series, Grace, in the reboot, though. She’s also a bit of a style icon for me - I love her trouser suits. Sadly, I do not have the height or figure to carry them off in the same way. 🤣
 

We have been watching the new James May travel show  - Our Man in Italy. My best friend thinks if I wasn’t with the present Mr Kynance, I should be married to James!! (I’d be fine with that, actually…) 

[alc13]

Bosch Legacy!  How did we not know of this!

 

We've started watching Peaky Blinders.  Emphasis on watching, because the listening part is hit or miss.  We may have to turn on closed captions.  It's really too violent for me but I like the way it looks.

[Host Hattie]

I loved Peaky Blinders but the accents were a bit hit & miss in the first series ! It's worth sticking with it and closing your eyes if necessary at the very nasty bits.

Hope your Covid test was OK today @Lanky Lad, have a good drive to Southampton tomorrow

 

 

[Tonopah]

82 days until we arrive in London, 85 until we board QM2. August is my least favorite month. It is so hot and miserable, no holidays or big events to look forward to. September seems too far away. I’m hiding in my house reading Christmas Murder novels and pretending our voyage is just around the corner.  Hope all is well with you all

[Lanky Lad]

2 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

I loved Peaky Blinders but the accents were a bit hit & miss in the first series ! It's worth sticking with it and closing your eyes if necessary at the very nasty bits.

Hope your Covid test was OK today @Lanky Lad, have a good drive to Southampton tomorrow

 

 

Thanks HH. The covid test was negative so I have finished my packing and am all set for the drive tomorrow.

[neeuqdrazil]

2 hours ago, Tonopah said:

82 days until we arrive in London, 85 until we board QM2. 

 

I'm at 91 and 98, respectively, and I also cannot wait. 

[ronpes]

21 hours ago, alc13 said:

Bosch Legacy!  How did we not know of this!

 

We've started watching Peaky Blinders.  Emphasis on watching, because the listening part is hit or miss.  We may have to turn on closed captions.  It's really too violent for me but I like the way it looks.

We are not familiar with that show so will be sure to give it a try. Thanks to all for the recommendation.

I tried Peaky Blinders a wee while ago and gave up on it as it was a tad too violent for my liking. 

Our current "go to" programmes for entertainment are Chicago Med, Fire, and Blue Bloods. 

My wife is totally addicted to "4 in a bed" and watches it daily.  

 

On the cruising topic, I have been busy trying to get my head around the ArriveCan App for our trip to Alaska in September. I think I now understand it but it is a tad confusing that you cannot complete it earlier than 72 before you embark on your cruise which means I will have to complete it in Seattle. Hmm,....not ideal but it is what it is. . 

[Host Hattie]

Biggles wishes the Cunard cats Happy International Cat Day 

[DaisyDancer]

Tiffy says thank you Biggles and happy international cat day to you too.