Transatlantic Crossing
#136
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 9,223
Interesting article about transoceanic crossings: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ramseyq...lantic-cruise/
#137
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
Formal wear is only on Gala nights. Otherwise, you dress as though you are going out to dinner at a nice restaurant. When I go, I won't be going to any of the formal night dinners. There's other places to eat on those nights. And besides that is only dinner, not breakfast or lunch on those days. You can even order room service. Lots of options. If there weren't any other options on those nights, I wouldn't go either.
#138
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/2MM,DL DM/2MM,UA Gold,Hilton Diamond,IHG Plat,Hyatt Globalist,Marriott Titanium
Posts: 12,164
#139
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
#140
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
....I also forgot to mention that the Carinthia Lounge and Sir Samuels have complimentary food during the day. The Carinthia Lounge is rated very high by many passengers.
#141
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: TRS & SFO, sometimes BRU & NYC
Programs: DL DM; AFKL FBE; ITA Exec
Posts: 239
This may be a very redundant question, but "formal"??? It leave much to interpretation - will a dress suit + tie. (i.e. what one would wear to a wedding/funeral or very important business event) do the work, or is it really the über American "prom for adults" black tuxedos (what we call a smoking jacket) and bowtie? Not to be blunt, but as a gay European male who has lived in seven countries, I look more put together on an average stressed Tuesday noon than most UK/US straight men achieve when their wives demand elegance on one of these formal things [cue cynical tone].
My better half is having a birthday-with-a-zero and has always wanted to do the Atlantic crossing, and as love conquers all, we are returning from Italy via Southampton in September in one of the club suites. I have to admit, I loathe cruises out of different reasons, but ... ci sono cose che vanno fatte per l'amore. This was for both of us a large worry, although they say to have dialed back the silly pseudo formalisms of things. Any thoughts (and I suppose efforts to convince me about cruise holidays) will be welcome.
On a different tack, as a GLBT couple, will we be in the frightful minority among the tedious suburbanite set? I can hold my own and don't care that much what others think, but it's also nice to know one isn't in hostile territory. It is a holiday, after all, and it just gets old to be the sore thumb on the hand.
My better half is having a birthday-with-a-zero and has always wanted to do the Atlantic crossing, and as love conquers all, we are returning from Italy via Southampton in September in one of the club suites. I have to admit, I loathe cruises out of different reasons, but ... ci sono cose che vanno fatte per l'amore. This was for both of us a large worry, although they say to have dialed back the silly pseudo formalisms of things. Any thoughts (and I suppose efforts to convince me about cruise holidays) will be welcome.
On a different tack, as a GLBT couple, will we be in the frightful minority among the tedious suburbanite set? I can hold my own and don't care that much what others think, but it's also nice to know one isn't in hostile territory. It is a holiday, after all, and it just gets old to be the sore thumb on the hand.
#142
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
This may be a very redundant question, but "formal"??? It leave much to interpretation - will a dress suit + tie. (i.e. what one would wear to a wedding/funeral or very important business event) do the work, or is it really the über American "prom for adults" black tuxedos (what we call a smoking jacket) and bowtie? Not to be blunt, but as a gay European male who has lived in seven countries, I look more put together on an average stressed Tuesday noon than most UK/US straight men achieve when their wives demand elegance on one of these formal things [cue cynical tone].
My better half is having a birthday-with-a-zero and has always wanted to do the Atlantic crossing, and as love conquers all, we are returning from Italy via Southampton in September in one of the club suites. I have to admit, I loathe cruises out of different reasons, but ... ci sono cose che vanno fatte per l'amore. This was for both of us a large worry, although they say to have dialed back the silly pseudo formalisms of things. Any thoughts (and I suppose efforts to convince me about cruise holidays) will be welcome.
On a different tack, as a GLBT couple, will we be in the frightful minority among the tedious suburbanite set? I can hold my own and don't care that much what others think, but it's also nice to know one isn't in hostile territory. It is a holiday, after all, and it just gets old to be the sore thumb on the hand.
My better half is having a birthday-with-a-zero and has always wanted to do the Atlantic crossing, and as love conquers all, we are returning from Italy via Southampton in September in one of the club suites. I have to admit, I loathe cruises out of different reasons, but ... ci sono cose che vanno fatte per l'amore. This was for both of us a large worry, although they say to have dialed back the silly pseudo formalisms of things. Any thoughts (and I suppose efforts to convince me about cruise holidays) will be welcome.
On a different tack, as a GLBT couple, will we be in the frightful minority among the tedious suburbanite set? I can hold my own and don't care that much what others think, but it's also nice to know one isn't in hostile territory. It is a holiday, after all, and it just gets old to be the sore thumb on the hand.
https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cun...e/what-to-pack
Just remember, these only happen about 2 nights out of 7. The other nights are smart casual, where "some" people still dress up.
#143
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Posts: 2,560
[...] This was for both of us a large worry, although they say to have dialed back the silly pseudo formalisms of things. Any thoughts (and I suppose efforts to convince me about cruise holidays) will be welcome.
On a different tack, as a GLBT couple, will we be in the frightful minority among the tedious suburbanite set? [...]
On a different tack, as a GLBT couple, will we be in the frightful minority among the tedious suburbanite set? [...]
I did not notice any GLBT couple, but I don't think I would have, unless the couple chose to be ostentatious. Certainly I saw nothing that I would have interpreted as threatening or challenging toward an alternative lifestyle (but again, I might have just missed it). On the other hand, I suppose I'm in the tedious suburbanite set, although I had never realized it before I read your post.
#144
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
On my one Crossing, I saw many plain suits at Gala Night. (Also many tuxedos, but certainly someone in a plain suit was not in a small minority.) Even at themed nights, there were many plain suits or tuxes, without theme-based add-ons.
I did not notice any GLBT couple, but I don't think I would have, unless the couple chose to be ostentatious. Certainly I saw nothing that I would have interpreted as threatening or challenging toward an alternative lifestyle (but again, I might have just missed it). On the other hand, I suppose I'm in the tedious suburbanite set, although I had never realized it before I read your post.
I did not notice any GLBT couple, but I don't think I would have, unless the couple chose to be ostentatious. Certainly I saw nothing that I would have interpreted as threatening or challenging toward an alternative lifestyle (but again, I might have just missed it). On the other hand, I suppose I'm in the tedious suburbanite set, although I had never realized it before I read your post.
#145
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tampere
Programs: BA EC Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,259
Cunard QM2
Exploring the possibility of a trans-Atlantic crossing. The general description of the Queen's Grill suite says
> Complimentary mini-bar stocked with your choice of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
but then a further information page says
> A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks.
Two bottles?!? Are these the standard mini-bar 35-40 ml bottles or full size? Are they provided once, at the beginning, or are they restocked daily (or more often, upon requst)? TIA
> Complimentary mini-bar stocked with your choice of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
but then a further information page says
> A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks.
Two bottles?!? Are these the standard mini-bar 35-40 ml bottles or full size? Are they provided once, at the beginning, or are they restocked daily (or more often, upon requst)? TIA
#146
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
Exploring the possibility of a trans-Atlantic crossing. The general description of the Queen's Grill suite says
> Complimentary mini-bar stocked with your choice of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
but then a further information page says
> A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks.
Two bottles?!? Are these the standard mini-bar 35-40 ml bottles or full size? Are they provided once, at the beginning, or are they restocked daily (or more often, upon request)? TIA
> Complimentary mini-bar stocked with your choice of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
but then a further information page says
> A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks.
Two bottles?!? Are these the standard mini-bar 35-40 ml bottles or full size? Are they provided once, at the beginning, or are they restocked daily (or more often, upon request)? TIA
Remember, you can bring your own wine/champagne/spirits/soft drinks on QM2. More than 2 full bottles. I plan on bringing spirits. But you can only drink them in your cabin or public areas like around the pool. Not in any restaurant or lounge that sells and serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
#147
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa
Programs: Delta Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, All on my own dime.
Posts: 5,534
Exploring the possibility of a trans-Atlantic crossing. The general description of the Queen's Grill suite says
> Complimentary mini-bar stocked with your choice of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
but then a further information page says
> A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks.
Two bottles?!? Are these the standard mini-bar 35-40 ml bottles or full size? Are they provided once, at the beginning, or are they restocked daily (or more often, upon requst)? TIA
> Complimentary mini-bar stocked with your choice of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
but then a further information page says
> A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks.
Two bottles?!? Are these the standard mini-bar 35-40 ml bottles or full size? Are they provided once, at the beginning, or are they restocked daily (or more often, upon requst)? TIA
I would add that The Queen's Grille is one of the best dining venues at sea. Feel free to order "off menu" anytime. Just put in your request at lunch time the day before. If it's on the ship, they can make it. One of our favorites that we order at least once is Escoffier's filet mignons lili with pommes Anna. It's decadent. A filet mignon sauted in clarified butter and served with artichoke hearts and features a sauce made with four different wines and garnished with truffles and fois gras. I take a copy of the recipe from the book, "The Last Dinner on the Titanic" to give to the chef.
#148
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 4,103
They're "full bottles" and only stocked once on the crossing. You'll be billed for any others that you request. Mixers are complimentary and in small bottes/cans. We requested fresh squeezed orange and (when I could drink it) grapefruit juice for mimosas and salty dogs which were brought in glass carafes.
I would add that The Queen's Grille is one of the best dining venues at sea. Feel free to order "off menu" anytime. Just put in your request at lunch time the day before. If it's on the ship, they can make it. One of our favorites that we order at least once is Escoffier's filet mignons lili with pommes Anna. It's decadent. A filet mignon sauted in clarified butter and served with artichoke hearts and features a sauce made with four different wines and garnished with truffles and fois gras. I take a copy of the recipe from the book, "The Last Dinner on the Titanic" to give to the chef.
I would add that The Queen's Grille is one of the best dining venues at sea. Feel free to order "off menu" anytime. Just put in your request at lunch time the day before. If it's on the ship, they can make it. One of our favorites that we order at least once is Escoffier's filet mignons lili with pommes Anna. It's decadent. A filet mignon sauted in clarified butter and served with artichoke hearts and features a sauce made with four different wines and garnished with truffles and fois gras. I take a copy of the recipe from the book, "The Last Dinner on the Titanic" to give to the chef.
#149
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa
Programs: Delta Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, All on my own dime.
Posts: 5,534
Note that the aforementioned applies to Queen Mary 2. The other three offer both grilles, but the suites are different.
#150
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa
Programs: Delta Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, All on my own dime.
Posts: 5,534
At the risk of beating a dead horse, allow me another thought or two about your particular situation, i.e. putting in for upgrades. Princess Grille is a perfectly lovely experience. You are unlikely to be disappointed sailing in that class. As previously stated, on QM2, all PG suites are on the same deck and are the same size. Queen's Grille suites are usually occupied by people who can afford throwing money at Cunard or are booking them as a special treat. They easily run $750-$1000, per person, per day. Price differential in PG is due to the fact that some suites are aft and some suites are forward and might feel movement in rough seas. Don't be discouraged, however. Queen Mary 2 is an ocean liner, not a cruise liner. The difference is, she was built to take what the Atlantic can throw at her. That isn't to say you won't see a ripple or two in your martini glass in the middle of a Force 8 gale, but it's nothing like what her same named predecessor (a slow roller), or a cruise ship would be like in a similar storm. I've heard some passengers book a January crossing in hopes of hitting a storm just to experience it.
Bottom line, I suggest trying the Princess Grille first and then try a Queen's Grille after--if you're okay with the fare. You'll enjoy a delightful and classic experience in both classes.
Bottom line, I suggest trying the Princess Grille first and then try a Queen's Grille after--if you're okay with the fare. You'll enjoy a delightful and classic experience in both classes.