Stuck with a metal cabin on QV

[firsttimewithcunard]

Although we have been waiting for many months for an upgrade it looks as if we shall be stuck with a metal balcony on our first ever cruise (QV, Singapore to Southampton, leaving March 16).

Two questions, is an upgrade now unlikely now we have paid the balance of our bill. Secondly, if we have to stick with a metal balcony, does it matter much?:(

[jp2001]

Although we have been waiting for many months for an upgrade it looks as if we shall be stuck with a metal balcony on our first ever cruise (QV, Singapore to Southampton, leaving March 16).

Two questions, is an upgrade now unlikely now we have paid the balance of our bill. Secondly, if we have to stick with a metal balcony, does it matter much?:(

 

Since you don't seem happy with your cabin location, try to call Cunard or you travel agent to see how much it would cost to get a glass balcony. Might be worth it.

[bepsf]

This is why it rarely pays to get a guarantee in hopes of an upgrade: You often end up in a cabin that nobody else wanted.

 

It's always best to book the specific stateroom that you'd be happy with.

[guernseyguy]

is an upgrade now unlikely now we have paid the balance of our bill.

 

No - it is still entirely possible (and possibly more likely now you have paid in full) - any time until you arrive at the pier....I have yet to sail on the Queen Victoria but was very happy with my metal (in-hull) balcony on the QM2 (but that was on a Trans Atlantic). Keep your eyes peeled for special offers on your segment - and if the price drops below what you paid get your TA to call Cunard and ask for either an upgrade or onboard credit. The worst Cunard can do is say 'no'.....

 

[NomDePlume]

No - it is still entirely possible (and possibly more likely now you have paid in full) - any time until you arrive at the pier....I have yet to sail on the Queen Victoria but was very happy with my metal (in-hull) balcony on the QM2 (but that was on a Trans Atlantic). Keep your eyes peeled for special offers on your segment - and if the price drops below what you paid get your TA to call Cunard and ask for either an upgrade or onboard credit. The worst Cunard can do is say 'no'.....

 

 

Good advice in case of price drops. Just be weary, if you get an upgrade to an obstructed balcony, that there isn't a lifeboat in front of it... I, too, loved my Deck 5, in-hull, midships balcony on the TA... ;)

[RobertGraves]

Just be weary, if you get an upgrade to an obstructed balcony, that there isn't a lifeboat in front of it... ;)

 

 

There is no such danger, as QV does not have balconies obstructed by lifeboats, like the B6 and B5 categories of QM2 (she only has oceanview cabins obstructed by lifeboats).

 

The OP does not say if they occupy an A7 or an A6 category cabin. In the first case, the danger is that they can be upgraded to an A6 at the front part of the ship and still have a metal railing.

 

On the other hand, in the case that they already occupy an A6 cabin, perhaps they could request not an upgrade, but a transfer to a same grade cabin with glass railing.

 

In all cases, seek for sure a balcony cabin at the back of the ship (over the Britannia Restaurant). There are also some A6 glass railing cabins at the front of the ship, close to the lifeboats (see a photo of QV). And all A5-1 categories have of course plexiglass balconies.

[RobertGraves]

As others have said, an upgrade is always possible, although by no means certain. Irrespectively if you have paid in full or not.

 

As to metal balconies, those on QV are even better than the in-hull cabins of the QM2, as they have more surface open to air and light. And I have travelled on the latter and still had a wonderful time. If you stick with a metal balcony, my experience is that it doesn't matter much.

 

Metal railing cabins on QV are exactly the same with the other balcony cabins in terms of size, decor and interior configuration. The only setback is that you cannot see any sea view when seating. You have to stand, but then you have unlimited view.

 

So, it is up to you. If you need to spend a lot of time sitting at your balcony and enjoying passing landscapes, you should upgrade to a glass railing cabin. But if you want just to have air and light, and nice views for some minutes, metal railing cabins are just fine. Especially if you prefer to keep your money or spend it on other cruise-enriching activities (drinks, shopping, spa, casino, shore excursions, etc).