sinbad10 757 Posted July 30, 2015 Report Share Posted July 30, 2015 Have I done the right thing just booked a roundtrip Transatlantic crossing 14 nts for £789 for an inside cabin but now starting to have doubts whether I have done the right thing. Done many cruises but this will be my first with Cunard and wonder if it will be too formal and will I be out of my comfort zone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobBar 204 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Have you done other cruises prior as the prices you are quoting is a bargain for 14 nights as I could not get even a 7 day cruise around the Canada / New England route this fall for that pricing. Formal attire happens after 6pm and only for 3-4 nights of each segment, a good dark suit suffices or a tux or dinner jacket, for men the other nights require a jacket with tie optional in the MDR and bars otherwise one can eat in the buffet and Winter Garden areas. https://ask.cunard.com/help/life-on-board/dress_code The aspect of a transatlantic is the time at sea to relax , enjoy the talks and events during the day plus meet people. Majority of your time is not formal. Go with an open mind , relax and enjoy yourself No way could you be able to go on other cruise lines or a hotel for that amount and duration and enjoy fine service and food Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Solent Richard Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Have I done the right thing just booked a roundtrip Transatlantic crossing 14 nts for £789 for an inside cabin but now starting to have doubts whether I have done the right thing. Done many cruises but this will be my first with Cunard and wonder if it will be too formal and will I be out of my comfort zone. Good morning Sinbad. "Have I done the right thing"? Well that will depend on you letting us know a little bit more about what you consider your 'comfort zone' However, let me say from the beginning though that that is a cracking price and I can only surmise it is a last minute deal for a very close crossing. Many of us on here, and that includes more than 5 members, recently sailed on Queen Mary 2 on her Anniversary Atlantic crossing. We had a ball. As for formality, obviously Cunard do have a higher standard of dress than most other cruise lines. You can expect to have four formal nights on each leg. Otherwise, the dress code if you want to dine each evening in the Britannia Restaurant will be jacket (I'm assuming you are male here). Personally I find that no big deal and certainly not a show stopper. My view is never to be dull when it comes to dressing up... During the day almost anything goes... ...and you'll find it like most cruise ships. That is with the exception of the daily activities. I know I am not alone in often struggling to get to every activity I want to: such is the variety of activities on the daily programme. Here are two examples taken from that recent voyage... Excuse the highlighting, it was used to illustrate the activities I wanted to be at and how they impacted on others. I'll leave it there for now. Let us know of any other concerns and I'm sure many of us on here will be able to put your mind at rest. Do remember though..."There is no such person on Cunard as 'just a passenger'" Sailaway and RobBar 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Land Ahoy 797 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Hi I think you have done the right, I'm sure you will a great time. I wouldn't be concerned about having an inside cabin, those who book a balcony are unlikely to use it very much the Atlantic Ocean is usually cold and windy. Afternoon tea in the Queen's room is good fun. The guest lecturer's on board are better than their competitors and in my case I have enjoyed their presentations even though I wasn't particularly initially interested in their subject matter. Have a great cruise. RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
buggalugs 44 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Cunard is amazing. The service the food is just superb. I think you've got an amazing bargain where can you go 4*+ full board for £789 for 14 nights. Yes Cunard do have standards and dress codes but enjoy. RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Seven Seas 147 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 I’m sure you’ll have a great time Sinbad, put your doubts to one side, relax and look forward to your cruise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sinbad10 757 Posted July 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 The cruise is 22/10/2015 so not totally last minute and the return Transatlantic is a Jazz theme with Natalie Cole and Blue Note onboard. RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sinbad10 757 Posted July 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Have you done other cruises prior as the prices you are quoting is a bargain for 14 nights as I could not get even a 7 day cruise around the Canada / New England route this fall for that pricing. Formal attire happens after 6pm and only for 3-4 nights of each segment, a good dark suit suffices or a tux or dinner jacket, for men the other nights require a jacket with tie optional in the MDR and bars otherwise one can eat in the buffet and Winter Garden areas. https://ask.cunard.com/help/life-on-board/dress_code The aspect of a transatlantic is the time at sea to relax , enjoy the talks and events during the day plus meet people. Majority of your time is not formal. Go with an open mind , relax and enjoy yourself No way could you be able to go on other cruise lines or a hotel for that amount and duration and enjoy fine service and food No I have never cruised with Cunard before it was a special price I saw on Cunard's website and booked with Bolsover yesterday evening. RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Solent Richard Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 The cruise is 22/10/2015 so not totally last minute and the return Transatlantic is a Jazz theme with Natalie Cole and Blue Note onboard. Magic. Cunard do Jazz really well... My Youtube offering... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Solent Richard Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Any more questions Sinbad, it's nearly my weekend and I'm off to commemorate the death of the TOT 45 years ago today... RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sammy sun 1084 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Hi Sinbad, I have never done a transatlantic with Cunard but what I would say is that by my reckoning, you have definitely done the right thing. You've booked what always appears an excellent cruise line for a price of less than £60 per person per night. Anytime you can do that, you've done the right thing! RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Monica 31 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Ye you've done the right thing don't worry, it's all something new at least! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cast ashore 100 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 I agree with everyone else Sinbad, you’ve done the right and at least it will be something new . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cunardcruiser 11 Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 Hello Sinbad ! ' have you done the right thing' ??? hello !!!!!....... You are talking here several days in pure luxury ! and not too mention "A Headliner" like 'Natalie Cole' not forgetting you are sailing on Cunard's Flag ship ! ...you don't get the like's of this on Thomson ! I'll be onboard also ..look out for me ... 3rd stool at the Bar from the left ( starboard side ) Commodore Bar 7.30pm every evening ! lol RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cunardcruiser 11 Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 Oooops should read ...3rd stool facing the Bar, which is on the left .....Starboard on the right .if I swing me stool around ! RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobBar 204 Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 And all the folks said YES Cunardcruiser 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sinbad10 757 Posted August 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 Disappointed to now find that Cunard do not provide shuttle buses into Manhatten when we arrive into New York on our round Transatlantic and excursions will only be available when onboard and they cannot guarantee that there will be any at all. Having just spoken to Cunard in Southampton and got the attitude that majority will be disembarking in New York and new cruisers will be embarking to cruise to Southampton. Was told it really is 2 cruises together but not one and the impression given was that they dont care about the minority that are doing 14nt roundtrip. Not what I call 5 star service and what you expect from a cruise line that everybody seems to "falsely" claim to be the best when clearly they lack in customer service. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pennbank 134 Posted August 14, 2015 Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 Disappointed to now find that Cunard do not provide shuttle buses into Manhatten when we arrive into New York on our round Transatlantic and excursions will only be available when onboard and they cannot guarantee that there will be any at all. Having just spoken to Cunard in Southampton and got the attitude that majority will be disembarking in New York and new cruisers will be embarking to cruise to Southampton. Was told it really is 2 cruises together but not one and the impression given was that they dont care about the minority that are doing 14nt roundtrip. Not what I call 5 star service and what you expect from a cruise line that everybody seems to "falsely" claim to be the best when clearly they lack in customer service. Sinbad10 If for any reason there are no coaches for a day into Manhattan you could always take the Ikea Shuttle Taxi https://www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/ikea also you could order a Taxi via http://www.arecibocc.com/contact.php They are Brooklyn based and get a prearranged time for them to collect you. However The yellow Cabs in Manhattan sometimes do not know the way to Brooklyn Ship Terminal and you can get held up in traffic. So Arecibo are the way forward. But The water taxi would be the quickest. You will see it from the Ship. RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sinbad10 757 Posted August 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2015 Sinbad10 If for any reason there are no coaches for a day into Manhattan you could always take the Ikea Shuttle Taxi https://www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/ikea also you could order a Taxi via http://www.arecibocc.com/contact.php They are Brooklyn based and get a prearranged time for them to collect you. However The yellow Cabs in Manhattan sometimes do not know the way to Brooklyn Ship Terminal and you can get held up in traffic. So Arecibo are the way forward. But The water taxi would be the quickest. You will see it from the Ship. Unfortunately looking at the website the first Ikea shuttle taxi doesnt leave Pier 11, Manhatten to Ikea until 1215 so will be far too late. RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobBar 204 Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 If I remember correctly the Cunard site does tell you that Excursions are not offered in New York nor Southampton as they are embarking and disembarking passengers that same day. It is true that for those passengers leaving the ship if booking excursion / travel to airport then they leave early in the morning and are taken on a tour of New York, luggage on bus locked and allowed time to wander then board for afternoon / evening flights. As my friend said, an unexpected bonus I can appreciate your concern and short of Cunard ensuring you have the same stateroom, escorting you through immigration , obtaining your new sail away card and a card to denote you can reboard the ship right away without formal checkin, or tour the city. May I suggest once cleared with your new boarding pass and day card that you simply go to the Black Cab section of the terminal and for a flat rate you can get into town. You can then be a tourist , use the Hop On Hop Off and when finished go to a hotel requesting a Black Cab to return to the ship. One can also find out the Hotel that boarding passengers are leaving from and use that as your central point plus you can enjoy a quiet ship . Another option is reserving ahead of time a limo or such for a tour All the best http://www.toursbylocals.com/NewYorkLayoverTour I do feel though you are a bit unfair to Cunard as majority of cruise lines I have been on do not offer unless through transfers a tour of the port when passengers are embarking or disembarking as the ship must be cleared and ready for the next group plus all staff are assigned extra duties while others are leaving or renewing contracts not forgetting the Excursion office is closed for the day. While on board or prior have a meet and greet with those doing the 14 days and you will find experienced prior cruisers who can suggest options Cunardcruiser 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sinbad10 757 Posted August 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 If I remember correctly the Cunard site does tell you that Excursions are not offered in New York nor Southampton as they are embarking and disembarking passengers that same day. It is true that for those passengers leaving the ship if booking excursion / travel to airport then they leave early in the morning and are taken on a tour of New York, luggage on bus locked and allowed time to wander then board for afternoon / evening flights. As my friend said, an unexpected bonus I can appreciate your concern and short of Cunard ensuring you have the same stateroom, escorting you through immigration , obtaining your new sail away card and a card to denote you can reboard the ship right away without formal checkin, or tour the city. May I suggest once cleared with your new boarding pass and day card that you simply go to the Black Cab section of the terminal and for a flat rate you can get into town. You can then be a tourist , use the Hop On Hop Off and when finished go to a hotel requesting a Black Cab to return to the ship. One can also find out the Hotel that boarding passengers are leaving from and use that as your central point plus you can enjoy a quiet ship . Another option is reserving ahead of time a limo or such for a tour All the best http://www.toursbylocals.com/NewYorkLayoverTour I do feel though you are a bit unfair to Cunard as majority of cruise lines I have been on do not offer unless through transfers a tour of the port when passengers are embarking or disembarking as the ship must be cleared and ready for the next group plus all staff are assigned extra duties while others are leaving or renewing contracts not forgetting the Excursion office is closed for the day. While on board or prior have a meet and greet with those doing the 14 days and you will find experienced prior cruisers who can suggest options Whilst I agree with a lot of the sentiments you mentioned the cruise is advertised in their brochure/website as a cruise of 14nts so therefore people booking it will not be disembarking or embarking in New York and Cunard should at least provide a shuttle bus if not a small sample of excursions as to get from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to Manhatten and return independently is not that easy by public transport. There are stories on other forums on the net that if you wave a yellow taxi down in Manhatten they will not take you to Brooklyn at all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cunardcruiser 11 Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 Disappointed to now find that Cunard do not provide shuttle buses into Manhatten when we arrive into New York on our round Transatlantic and excursions will only be available when onboard and they cannot guarantee that there will be any at all. Having just spoken to Cunard in Southampton and got the attitude that majority will be disembarking in New York and new cruisers will be embarking to cruise to Southampton. Was told it really is 2 cruises together but not one and the impression given was that they dont care about the minority that are doing 14nt roundtrip. Not what I call 5 star service and what you expect from a cruise line that everybody seems to "falsely" claim to be the best when clearly they lack in customer service. 14 nights on a 'Premium Cruise line', not to mention the flag ship of Cunard for just under 800 Quid ! plus a headliner like 'Natalie Cole' thrown in ! and you still expect a shuttle bus to take you to Manhattan.! Maybe , you have after all, moved out of your comfort zone, whatever previous cruise company that was. £789 for a round trip ,and you have a Beef ! Wait until you have to pay 15% service charge on all drinks in the Bars . Lol RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobBar 204 Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 Sinbad10, With due respect , per the web site , you will see it is two voyages , not one as they are headlining a major Jazz artist out of New York so to give an option of not flying to New York, one can cruise to New York then return on same ship enjoying what the majority of embarking passengers in New York are doing . If I have it right , you are on voyage M525b and M526 where M526 is the brilliant Jazz entertainment . You are blessed beyond words... Oh,, I hate to say this but you will have to disembark the ship in New York period as all passengers must pass though USA Immigration, with proper papers and passport in hand. As you are one of the privileged passengers who are sailing back then I believe you will be escorted through and back , thus embarking again but ahead of the majority then you can enjoy your day. One way around the worry of a Yellow Taxi not picking you up is I mentioned prior, a Black Taxi from a Hotel, tip the doorman or ask the concierge at a hotel to get you a taxi and tip them,, that is how it works. Your other benefit was this low fare you obtained.. many of us would have jumped at the opportunity . Aside from your low fare, your other expenses will be the daily Auto Gratuity and the 15 % on drinks .. small price indeed Have a lovely vovage http://bluenotetravel.com/tour/blue-note-jazz-at-sea/ http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1155-m525b-sou1-nyc1/ http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1157-m526-nyc1-sou1/ pennbank found the 14 day posting , thank you ,.. regardless as I replied it is still two 7 day voyages in terms of port departurtes .. your price on the just now advertised link has now gone up.. enjoy http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1156-m525c-sou1-sou2/ pennbank 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pennbank 134 Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 Sinbad10, With due respect , per the web site , you will see it is two voyages , not one as they are headlining a major Jazz artist out of New York so to give an option of not flying to New York, one can cruise to New York then return on same ship enjoying what the majority of embarking passengers in New York are doing . If I have it right , you are on voyage M525b and M526 where M526 is the brilliant Jazz entertainment . You are blessed beyond words... Oh,, I hate to say this but you will have to disembark the ship in New York period as all passengers must pass though USA Immigration, with proper papers and passport in hand. As you are one of the privileged passengers who are sailing back then I believe you will be escorted through and back , thus embarking again but ahead of the majority then you can enjoy your day. One way around the worry of a Yellow Taxi not picking you up is I mentioned prior, a Black Taxi from a Hotel, tip the doorman or ask the concierge at a hotel to get you a taxi and tip them,, that is how it works. Your other benefit was this low fare you obtained.. many of us would have jumped at the opportunity . Aside from your low fare, your other expenses will be the daily Auto Gratuity and the 15 % on drinks .. small price indeed Have a lovely vovage http://bluenotetravel.com/tour/blue-note-jazz-at-sea/ http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1155-m525b-sou1-nyc1/ http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1157-m526-nyc1-sou1/ He is More Likely to be on this M525C Sold as Round Trip http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1156-m525c-sou1-sou2/ http://www.cunard.co.uk/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1156-m525c-sou1-sou2/ RobBar 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobBar 204 Posted August 15, 2015 Report Share Posted August 15, 2015 He is More Likely to be on this M525C Sold as Round Trip http://www.cunard.com/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1156-m525c-sou1-sou2/ http://www.cunard.co.uk/cruise-search/book-a-cruise/cruises/qm/1156-m525c-sou1-sou2/ True,,, thank you pennbank ,, regardless NY and Southampton are not port visits but turnaround ports.. Do hope he meets some experienced BtB passengers who can set him straight Many services he can use out of NY , even take the ships offer of a taxi into downtown which they make available a few days prior I just looked at the Inside Stateroom price and it is now $3,600 cdn or 1,800 gbp , which is a 1,000 gbp more than he paid per his OP ,,, Man is very very blessed indeed pennbank 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.