All Aboard! (Roll Call )

Place your roll call entries in this thread.

I sent form and authorized $$$. What do I do now???
[get out the tenter hooks?]
------------------------
norma

Hello All!!! I am so excited...I am counting on all you experienced Cunarders to help me out...I have never sailed on Cunard before!!!!

Welcome to Cunard Cruisehappe! Ask away, we're a friendly bunch in here!!

Hey, Nick...it's courtesy before breakfast and a tug on the forelock after noon, ain't that the protocol?
rotflol
______________________
norma

Thanks Nick.
My husband and I usually sail NCL...I like the freestyle concept. Other cruisers have told me that Cunard is stuffy and not relaxed is that true? I think this cruise is a great opportunity and I would like the experience and the itinerary.
Can you just tell me alittle bit about the Cunard experience. I know my husband needs and Tux which he alread owns!!!!
Thanks so much for the warm welcome!!!

Welcome Cruisehappe:
I've sailed on Cunard since '88 [all QE2!], the July 4th trip this year will be my 1st on QM2. I've also been on Princess to Alaska [inside passage+return].
Cunard isn't staid or stuffy, it's more on the order of visiting a favorite aunt that everyone dotes on and tiptoes around, but really is a hoot, and she let's her hair down without losing her dignity. True, they don't have water slides or hairychest contests [ugh]! BUT, aside from no shorts in the dining rooms, it's a RELAXING voyage. It's no joke that Cunard 's slogan has bee "Getting there is half the fun".
The staff is phenomenal!! They're efficient, not underfoot; quiet, not there to be a friend...but to SERVE. Your comfort and satisfaction is their goal, period.
Cunard is from a time when aeroplanes were NOT available for travel. This was the ONLY method of getting from A to B, and speed was not a concern; way before instant gratification!!
It's not a coincidence that the ads tout the library, getting a book and reading anywhere on the ship is a popular daytime activity. Pamper everyone in their spas, and drop some $$ in the casino; just the thought of afternoon tea in the Queen's room makes me swoon...and I really do have to check out that champagne bar.
But, mostly it is like switching off the 21st century, and grabbing a teak deck chair and check your eyelids for light-leaks. AH-H-H-H-H [and while you're checking a staff member notices a chill and covers you without waking].
______________________________
norma

Thanks Norma...you just painted a very romantic picture.....
It sounds heavenly!!!
Do you have to eat in the main dining room or are there buffets as well?

Cruisehappe,
There's always a Lido Deck [the big buffet place, very big, very casual], but on any of the new Cunard ships I think there's more lounges and pubs where you can get grub...and of course 24 hr room service. And TEA!!!
I'm pretty sure wherever you sit on any Cunard ship, when you catch the eye of a staff member, they'll get you a nosh. Maybe not prime rib & gravy, but something. I swear they are terrified that one day a passenger will feint from hunger, so they try to keep one well-fed at all times. SIGH! Is it 2010, yet? Are we there, yet??
_________________________
norma

Thanks for the info....I can't wait!!!!!

Thought I would just stop by to say good morning!!! Wishing everyone a great week!!

Can't wait, in a week's time we'll be booked and planning!!!

Can't wait!!!

Good Morning All!! We are one day closer!!!! Wishing you all a blessed day!!!

cunar-deer wrote:

Cruisehappe,
I swear they are terrified that one day a passenger will feint from hunger, so they try to keep one well-fed at all times.
_________________________
norma

Norma, while I was on my crossing I was taking a tour of the galley and since I was rushed that morning only had a little fruit for breakfast. I starting feeling a little faint toward the end from smelling all the food. Here I was in one of the top galleys at sea with literally TONS of food surrounding me and I nearly fell over from hunger. Of course 2 words to the chef and it was quickly rectified. Afterall who would want this for a press release "Pregnant Woman Faints From Hunger While On QM2 Galley Tour"

Becky,

Norma really did put it best. Were NCL is like visiting your best friend since Grade School, Cunard is like the proper (remember proper is not stuffy!) well mannered but fun loving Aunt like Norma discribed. Culture, refinement, good food, long talks are paired with long dinners, a Pint in the pub followed by darts or trivia, a martini mixing class that gets louder as it goes along, strolling the halls and reading about the Queen Ships of the past or playing cards with new friends. Snooze, read, dance, drink tea, boogie in the disco which is always full at night, feel like a movie star as you grace the dining room with your grand entrance on formal night having dressed your best. Ahhh Cunard!!

It sounds absolutely wonderful!!!! I can't wait!!!!! I love the way you both make it sound so romantic!!! I was nervous at first that if was stuffy....but now I think it will be an absolutely wonderful experience!!!

Becky and Nina,
The best aunts I can remember [not mine, but close] are the ones Cary Grant had in 'Arsenic and Old Lace'. If those aren't the loopiest old dears, I don't know who may be! But there's no Teddy charging up the grand stair [more's the pity].
Nina, I'm curious about the Planetarium on the QM2, have you been there?
_____________________
norma

I want to hear any and all tips....and stories!!! Keep 'em coming Norma!!!
Nina I know you are experienced as well!!!

Becky and everyone:
Check out the Cunard web site...they have posted the first few Queen Elizabeth Maiden Season voyages, thru the holidays! link: [www.Cunard.com]
norma

Thanks Norma!!

Hey where has everybody been???

Hi Becky,
Been up to my ears in alligators, and forgot that I'm supposed to drain the swamp !!
There's so much going on with all of the portal topics, and work...I just wait until there's a notice in my email.
Anyway, I guess that NO news is good news.
_______________________________________
norma

How do you view through the Portal??

On the top line of this page is a green line with an ant [??] 'home' 'portal' etc...
I click on portal and check out what's popping since I last checked. Also, I clicked on 'watch this topic' just to the top right of this reply block...that sends me an email with a link to those portal/forums I'm watching for updates.
WHEW!! Sounds more complicated when I type it out :-).
_______________________________________
norma

Hey Nina...today is the day.....are we booked?