Christmas 2009

Fingers are crossed that 2009 will be out of NYC!!

How is Cunard as far as traveling as a single? Are there socializations of other single passengers?

I'd like to know about the gentleman dance hosts. I'm divorced with no man in sight but, I'm very interested in sailing at Christmas in 2009 with my kids who will both be in college at that point.

Will college kids be bored on this ship? They're not the party, gun-ho, athletic types. They'll actually go to classical concerts and operas with me. They enjoy dressing formally and, I think they'd enjoy the experience.

What are your opinions?

Hello Dr Donna and JeanMarie glad to see you posting on the Cunard board I hope you feel right at home.

Donna, there are quite a few singles that travel Cunard and I think you will find even the couples very welcoming as well. You will have no problems making friends

JeanMarie, it sounds like your family was made for Cunard! There are usually several dance hosts on each sailing happy to wisk you off your feet. Plus, who knows what fun CF member you might meet that will enjoy taking a few spins around the floor with someone who from their pictures looks like she loves having fun. (If not, just ask my husband he is really a very good dancer and I don't usually mind loaning him out every once in awhile )

Donna - I'm a single too and, I always meet people on Cunard sailings. True they aren't always the same age group but, I've had a splendid time making new friends of every age and every location around the globe. Make sure to request a large table for dinner, this will give you the best start of networking with others onboard!

And JeanMarie, just a hint about the gentleman hosts, they aren't usually the best dancers

For those who have younger children (under the age of 10), what has been your experiences with the children's program? This sailing will be a quatum leap for us as far as cruising experience and, I just want to know what to expect for our kids.

I might add they are the bookish types and not into rough-housing.

A few more questions:

1) Are children welcome at Todd English?
2) Are quads available or would we have to book two cabins? If that's the case, are adjoining cabins available in the lower categories like insides or promenade cabins?

Thanks!

Been following this board and thread for a while and decided to finally register and say hello. I am EXTREMELY interested in a group cruise at Christmas in 2009. Why Cruise Critic or any of the other boards haven't attempted something like this is beyond my comprehension - I think it's a GREAT idea!

I've been on 15 Cunard sailings so if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask!

Josh wrote:

For those who have younger children (under the age of 10), what has been your experiences with the children's program? This sailing will be a quatum leap for us as far as cruising experience and, I just want to know what to expect for our kids.

I might add they are the bookish types and not into rough-housing.

A few more questions:

1) Are children welcome at Todd English?
2) Are quads available or would we have to book two cabins? If that's the case, are adjoining cabins available in the lower categories like insides or promenade cabins?

Thanks!

Josh,

1) To the best of my knowledge there are no age restrictions at Todd English, however, be advised that there isn't a children's menu and the food is aimed at a more sophisticated palate which might not appeal to younger children. My suggestion is to review the menu - here's the link: http://cunard.com/OurShips/default.asp?Ship=QM2&main=din&sub=#ToddEnglish

You might find that Todd English is something that might be enjoyed more so by just yourself and your wife

2) Quads are usually available but book early since capacity control kicks as sailings begin to sell out.

Hope this helps!

Michael, I'm so glad you decided to join and post! On behalf of the board I must say we will be looking forward to your valuable imput on all things Cunard. What has been the most memorable Cunard cruise so far?

Josh, there are some adjoining cabins in the lower grades as well as quads. If you are interested in either though I would be amoung the first to book. I know for myself I will be booking my quad right away (unless I can talk my sister into nannying for me then we will get an adjoining of balcony with inside across the hall.) Any of the prime family arrangements are always some of the first to go especially on holiday weeks and Christmas is the biggest. In short...BOOK EARLY!
And yes, savor TE for that romantic evening alone

Nina,

Do you happen to know if quads are available in all categories? If not, would it be too much trouble to let us know which categories are available as quads?

Thanks!

G'day from Melbourne! Been following remotely and when you announced the 2009 group cruise, I had to register. We're keeping our fingers crossed that QM2 is sailing from New York City, it will be our first trip to the States and we're excited about leaving from New York!

Welcome to the board Mate! I have some clients heading to your neck of the world next week. How's the weather? I hope you can join our group in 2009, I think it's shaping up to be quite the international gathering! You must come in early and experience NYC or maybe take the train down the coast a bit and see some of our other wonderful cities as well. Anyway, don't be shy in posting!

Lisa D wrote:

Nina,

Do you happen to know if quads are available in all categories? If not, would it be too much trouble to let us know which categories are available as quads?

Thanks!

Quads are available in the following categories:

D6 - D2, C4-C2, Q5 & Q3-Q1

Triples are available in the following categories:

D6-D2, C4-C2, B5-B1, P3-P2, Q5 & Q3-Q1

Thankfully, for those of us who like to have a balcony and have small children there are several connecting balconies as well as insides directly across from balconies on many decks (for when we are fortunate enough to drag a nanny aka sister along)

These go fast, when space opens up be ready to reserve your cabin!

AmbianceTraveler wrote:

Welcome to the board Mate! I have some clients heading to your neck of the world next week. How's the weather? I hope you can join our group in 2009, I think it's shaping up to be quite the international gathering! You must come in early and experience NYC or maybe take the train down the coast a bit and see some of our other wonderful cities as well. Anyway, don't be shy in posting!

Thank You! Weather has been lovely we're in the 80s and sunny!

Really beginning to lean towards joining you guys - this would be a first holiday cruise and first Cunard cruise for us. We're waiting for pricing before making any final decisions but, we've agreed it might be worth it, even if we have to book an inside cabin.

We're already on page 10 and we just started 2008, can't wait to see how many pages we build up by December, 2009!

Ok, here's my situation, I've NEVER cruised before...yep, I"m a cruise virgin but, we're at a point in our lives that we'd like to stop and smell the roses and enjoy a more relaxing vacation and, every year we talk about taking a cruise. Well, the holidays for about two weeks in 2009 would suit our needs and scheduling perfectly but, naturally, as I'm sure most of you were, we're nervous about making such a huge commitment. I love the spirit of the this group (I've been following stealth mode for a while now) and from what I've read in reviews and brochures, I think Cunard would be a pretty good fit for us.

As a true first timer, would all be kind enough to let me know what I can really expect? How dressy is dressy? How much money I'll need onboard? And basically how all of this works. I'm totally lost but, would love to be part of this experience so any and all advice is need and welcome!

Thanks!

Looks like you can count us in too!! Fantastic that this group actually came together, I'm more than impressed!

Day Tripper wrote:

Ok, here's my situation, I've NEVER cruised before...yep, I"m a cruise virgin but, we're at a point in our lives that we'd like to stop and smell the roses and enjoy a more relaxing vacation and, every year we talk about taking a cruise. Well, the holidays for about two weeks in 2009 would suit our needs and scheduling perfectly but, naturally, as I'm sure most of you were, we're nervous about making such a huge commitment. I love the spirit of the this group (I've been following stealth mode for a while now) and from what I've read in reviews and brochures, I think Cunard would be a pretty good fit for us.

As a true first timer, would all be kind enough to let me know what I can really expect? How dressy is dressy? How much money I'll need onboard? And basically how all of this works. I'm totally lost but, would love to be part of this experience so any and all advice is need and welcome!

Thanks!

Day Tripper,

You're certainly starting at the top! Not that there is anything wrong with that (sorry for that Seinfeld pun everyone). Cunard is a bit different than most other cruise lines, it's definitely more formal and there are no "casual nights" in the way that other cruise lines offer. Cunard causal nights mean dresses, pant suits, sweater sets and the like - don't even begin to think jeans!! Semi-formal is cocktail dresses and jackets and ties or suits for gentleman. Formal...time break out your best long gowns and tuxedos for men. As far as money onboard, like most other lines, Cunard is on a cashless system - sorry, no that doesn't mean everything is include - what it does mean is any "extras" like alcoholic drinks are charged to your stateroom. At the beginning of the cruise during the check-in process you'll be asked to either make a cash deposit or give a debit or credit card to take care of these onboard charges. And, I don't want to scare you off, don't worry most everything is included in the price of the cruise and that includes all meals (except for Todd English which is the alternative restaurant). As a rule of thumb and this is just for me personally, I allow myself $200 per day for days at sea and $350 for days in port, per person. There are people who can get by on much, much less but, I have a bad vice...it's called the casino!! So that's why allow that much spending money for onboard.

Just keep asking us questions, we'll have you like you're an old pro by the time the cruise rolls around! You couldn't have picked a better cruise line or for that matter group to join for your first cruise!

Hello Day Tripper, So glad you are thinking of joining the group! Cruise Junkie answered most of your questions but here are a few more tips:

What to pack (at a glance)
Polo shirts, shorts and slacks, sports coat, a couple suits and ties, tux or formal suit for guys.
For ladies, Several cocktail dresses or pant suits, 3-4 formal gowns (depending on length of cruise) or formal coordinates. slacks, shorts and blouses for day wear. Sun dresses work well. You will see some people in jeans during the day.

The Caribbean tends to be a bit more casual due to the warmer weather.

For onboard you should expect at least $10.00 a day in tips per passenger and then the rest is up to you. As Cruise J. mentioned, the Todd English is $20-$30.00 per person depending on when you go and the spa will easily set you back $100+ a visit. Drinks vary any where from $3.50 on up and you can buy wine by the bottle from I believe $25.00 on up. A good shore excusion will cost between $50.00pp and $200.00pp depending on what you want to do. (Third party companies like www.shoretrips.com are very good and often a better value)

As to the process, for this group you would start by putting down a deposit (12-25% of cost depending on when you book) on the cabin you want once pricing comes out some time in March. Final payment will be due 90 days prior to departure. Once your cruise is confirmed I (as the group leader and assigned TA) will assist you with any other travel arrangements you may need. (Getting to the port, an over night in NYC first etc.)

You will need a passport for this sailing, (I recommend getting that now, they are good for 10 years).

Keep reading the boards and feel free to ask as many questions as you have. We are all happy to answer what we can

Really, really, really want to book with you guys but, can't do anything until I know both the dates of sailing THEN I need my dates at school (I'm a teacher). I can get away with a day or two of calling in sick or as personal days, but, beyond that I'm pushing my luck. My fingers are crossed!!!

We're considering it! Schedules pending.

More than likely we're "in" as well

Interested for sure but, we still need exact dates.

Nina are you going offer anything special as far as shore tours, maybe a group shore excursion at a particular port?