The idea of Cunard’s elegance is what draws me to it. It may be because I’m close to 30 and no longer go out to clubs, but the idea of being on a formal ship is more appealing to me than a Las Vegas at sea cruise.
I remember going on a Celebrity cruise back in 2008. For men, "formal" meant a tuxedo, "semi formal" meant a suit and tie, and "casual" meant at least a button down shirt. And they'd politely but firmly turn you away at the entrance to the dining room if you didn't meet the dress code. I loved it and miss those days.
Yes I went on that cruise too and every night was dress up night. I liked it but by the fourth night I just wanted to relax and stay in my lounge wear and order room service.
I'd honestly be so tempted to go all out for a formal dress code on a cruise ship. Top hat, waistcoat with large pocket watch, the works. Go full blown victorian and pretend it's the golden age of steam liners.
That absolutely sounds like my kind of travel. I love dressing up and not being looked at weird for being overdressed, afternoon tea is my favorite meal and also being in an environment that doesn't cater primarily to families as it's not my situation. Thank you for sharing!
Cunard was our last cruise line prior to the pandemic and it was lovely. Being one of the youngest family in the cruise, it was quite nice having to "dress-up" for a lot of formal nights compared to the previous cruise lines we've taken but, nonetheless, we're used to it. My advice is to wear a slightly loose jacket as it will visibly become tighter as the cruise went on due to the great food Cunard serves.
My first 3 cruises were on the QE2 in the late 90's/early 2000s. I chose Cunard specifically because of the dress code. Tuxedos and ball gowns. High tea. Dancing with the orchestra. The amazing formal service. Absolutely elegant! Great memories. Thank you for bringing those back.
I didn't think that I had any interest in cruising but somehow I started watching your reviews and found them really well presented and obviously of great value to anyone thinking of cruising. Fascinating to see the interiors of the amazing ships. I was dead against the idea of cruising but now I'm kind of tempted! Well done Emma!!
The transformation from your everyday “Cookie Monster” persona, to the elegant renaissance lady that comes out when your dressed in formal attire is nothing short of stunning 🤩
This is my kind of cruising! I didn't realize such cruises still existed. I feel like this is something someone should do at least once in their life, just for the experience.
I've always looked at Cunard as the image of the Old Formal Ocean Liner where you relax, as opposed to the "Fun" cruise ships that populate the world now, where they throw so many on-board attractions at you that they tend to rush from event to event.
I’m going on the Queen Mary 2 next year, I already made a goal to sit down next to random ladies during afternoon tea and bluntly recite “But the purpose of a university is to find a suitable husband. Rose has already done that.”
@@alicemiller9304 Perhaps rich , it is a bit expensive to cross on The Q M 2 , if I did it many people can . The last time it cost me , $1,600 Canadian ,I know flying is faster and cheaper , but I do not like flying . Airlines act as if they are doing people a big favour . I returned on Norwegian's Escape ,it was much more fun and $1,400.
Holy cow that interior is quite spectacular. My impression is Titanic on steroids. And the red dress sure suits the occasion. This seems to be the first cruise appealing to me. But is probably out of my budget
I’ve only ever cruised with Princess Cruises and Cunard is strikingly similar across the board. I love Princess and we go fairly often. I love the formal nights as formal wear is different in different cultures so it’s fun to see what is considered formal wear across the globe. Glad to learn about another classy cruise liner!
I will always kick myself for not trying to find the time and the money for one of the all-time great travel packages. About 25 years ago there was a package available that was fly one way between the U. S. and the UK on the Concorde and sail the other way on the QE2. I knew it would be a memorable experience, I just felt I couldn't swing it. Try not to let too many of those experiences go by in your life if you can.
I think that is so true Paul. As a family we've done some great holidays and at times, pushed the boat out (excuse the pun). My children, now young adults, often remind us of the fab holidays they had growing up. As I tell them now, memories remain long after the price is forgotten.
You had me at Concorde. As a child we dropped my mother off in NYC for her flight on the Concorde. My father wanted to wait outside to see her take off. I thought it was ridiculous. How would we know which plane she was on. Then we heard the sound and I understood.
I cruise with all three Cunard ships and normally travel solo, it is amazing how quick you can make friends by dining at a large table, join in the quiz , meet people on a shore excursion. I think your take on this is very good. I don’t remember you mentioning the ultimate Upstairs Downstairs with the Queens Grills and Britannia staterooms.
I was on a cruise and another solo traveller from our dining table said she was looking forward to the Gala evenings , oh boy did she go to town, on the Roaring 20s night she dressed a a flapper, it was fabulous, she told me later she picked the lot up for less than £30 at a charity shop.
Yes, and I'm grateful that it still exists. I hope they continue to be in business for generations to come. If you need to be told how to dress perhaps then this is not the ship for you. If it's burdensome then spend your time and money with another company. This is fine because there is something for everyone.
Liners? Cunard is called “Cunard Lines” but they offer normal cruises, short and worldcruises with a lot Ports of Call. We have cruised with them.... Indeed formal but defenitely not “the last formal liners of the world”. We didn’t like the stiff upperlip ambiance.
As an American I have never wanted to go on a cruise ship. However, this sounds wonderful and it isn't based on everyone getting drunk. I don't drink alcohol and I would love to experience this type of travel. Thank you for sharing 😀
I've been on a ton of cheap Carnival cruises, and an all inclusive cruise with Celebrity (though that was $$$), and I don't drink. Even on a cheap cruise there is plenty to do without being in a drunken stupor.
First question , do suffer from motion sickness? I sailed across on The Q M 2, there was a couple from The Canadian Prairies , the flat lands ,he managed okay , with the motion , she did not . I am over sixty , but I still enjoy fun activities ,when I crossed on The Q M 2 , it lacked fun activities .I then returned , to North America on The Norwegian Escape , it was so much better and much more fun and I did not see any , fall down drunks .
My Mum was the head stylist way back in the 40’s on the Cunard line. It was and I see, still is, a magical shipping line! Now if only I could drag my husband on board and make him wear a bow tie!
Hi Emma, I’m definitely older than you are now. My first “Real” Cruise was with HAL in 1983 on the madden voyage of the ms Nieuw Amsterdam at the age of 21. We had been told by travel agents that HAL was a formal ship, casual during the day & Dress Up after 5:30 everywhere on the ship unless you were in the pool. Casual was still a jacket & tie for the men & some sort of dress for the women. Formal Night was like Cinderella’s Ball. On a 14 night cruise that was minimum 4 Nights at the Ball. I’ve become somewhat of a HAL snob, 30+ cruises all on HAL & 1 Cruise on a Carnival Ship the Splendor, the week before it was stranded with No Engine Power in the Pacific Ocean, toilets backed up & no air conditioning. But I always refer to Carnival as a “VIP” Cruise Line {Very Intoxicated Persons} Not as many of some Mariners (Cruise Points). HAL has always had free Room Service. When they knocked at the Door it was a mini production. The waiter would ask where would you like to dine & processed to lay out a white table cloth out and then set the table as if your were in the main dinning room. That will absolutely blow your mind of what’s to come. My parents & I were Speechless! As Cruise lines go, HAL was founded in 1873 in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 & Cunard Britain 🇬🇧 in 1840. Myself I still refer to these companies as Ocean Liner Service. There has been a fight on Cruise Critic for the past 10 or more years about Lowering the Dress Code to be more competitive with more younger passengers. Yes your correct Emma, Cunard is a Older clientele as is been HAL. Yet to see a Water Slide on a HAL or Cunard ship. But they do have a kids club & a nursery “Who would bring a newborn on a Cruise”. Emma if you ever want to take a Cruise on a Ship where High Tea is White Glove Service & they even have a Indonesian Tea Ceremony & a fun Cupcake🧁 Tea Service which is also delightful. Please accept this invitation to relive Ocean Liner Service on the High Seas.
@@Thokko Thanks for the update. I can definitely say it’s been a long time since my last HAL Cruise. So much has changed in the World & I’m not even referring to Pre-Pandemic. Memory’s of the past will live on forever hopefully the rest of my life. I can remember my first HAL Cruise the Spring of 1983, 15 Days R/T from San Francisco to Mexico on the Nieuw Amsterdam which was actually a back to back at the halfway port of Acapulco. Funny thing is that we had a port day in Zihuatanejo the smallest I’ve ever been too. By today’s standards, I’d be shocked if any modern ships could even fit inside & be able to turn around. As we came in around 8 am you could literally throw a tennis ball on either side & hit land. We tended to a little wood dock to the surprise of this little fishing village. We had to take a 20 minutes bus ride over the hill to the one hotel resort & the largest airport you couldn’t believe of Ixtapa. In 1983 the port of Cabo was another little dock & a Straw Hut of Mexican Souvenirs. No Town to see, Nothing to look at & not even a Cantina for a beer. But the Ship was Brand New & we had table side Flambé Dessert every night in the Main Dining Room. We were seated with another family of 3 with the daughter twenty also. The two fathers fell in Love with the Flambé Stewart & between the two of them tipped him & the Maitre d’ we ended up with Banana Foster, Cherries Jubilee or Peach Foster. The parents would always Close the dining room down because the waiters would continue serving them coffee until the entire dining room was cleaned & set for breakfast the next day. Late Nights we’re spent in a Disco which was like the Officers Club & a few passengers. Back in those days Heineken Beer was only .75 cents & it was the Real thing from the Netherlands. What else would a Dutch Company serve.
While I have not 'cruised' on a current Cunard ship, I have sailed across the Atlantic on the QEII twice. Yes, the food is a major cut above that served on other cruise ships. Crossing the Atlantic, because there are no stops, Cunard has things scheduled to entertain the passengers. The best from my two cruises was a lecture series from a retired Scotland Yard Chief Inspector on solving a real pair of murders. One hour per day of lecture and slide show, and it was fascinating. I found out later that the lecture series paid for his cruise (i.e. Cunard gave him the cabin free, round trip, for the lecture series, given both ways across). I also won an 'international' trivia pursuit game for the USA, US versus UK versus Australia.
I really enjoyed the lectures on this cruise. There was a Concord pilot who told us all about its design/operation and the very sad accident over Paris. Two one hour sessions I believe. Fascinating!
Yes, one of the great pleasures of a Cunard crossing are enjoying the lectures. They seem to have the best, smartest and most entertaining people. I do all three every day.
I may never cruise but I recently had your channel show up in my feed. I love your style of presentation, cheerful manner, and organized flow of detailed information and experiential notes. Insight into another way of life, for me.
I worked a few contracts on Cunard when they needed me and I knew the cruise director onboard who used to be on Princess. He is a Brit so he went back home! I loved it because it was so different and really interesting. I am a Canadian and Sam Cunard was a Canadian born in Nova Scotia. Being of English and Scotish heritage I felt like it was a part of my heritage too. Cunard is definitely different and unique and for those that like it, its amazing. I like the mid size ships and the uniforms, the British way of doing things, the traditions of the past glory of cruise liners. Sometimes it was hard for me to understand what some guests were saying even though we both spoke English. Plus the jargon was interesting too! I had to ask what some words and phrases meant. One gentleman said I want to enjoy a joint tonight. As it turned out it meant a joint of beef! The formal wear, the planetarium, fencing, libraries, ballroom dancing, the museum onboard. Was fantastic. I am not sure I am a fan of the "class system" onboard but its pretty cool!
Cruising with Cunard is my dream, to sail with a ship line that once boasted the likes of the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Lusitania, Mauretania... so on and so on is an incredible thought
I've worked on many different cruise lines over the last 10 years and Cunard is definitely top 5 for me (Viking, Cunard, Holland America, Celebrity & Princess). I loved their cabins (I was lucky enough to be in passenger cabins as I was a guest lecturer) and the beds were the ABSOLUTE BEST I have EVER slept on! I always recommend it to my friends and family as to me it is the true experience of traditional cruising. I've really missed living on ships over the last year!
As has been mentioned I've not been on either of Cunard's "cruise ships." I have done two Transatlanitcs on their ocean liner Queen Mary II. Much the same as your video suggests, but not port days. Love it! Best way to get across the pond. The first was my wife's retirement vacation, and she had us in Queen's Grill. Coat and tie every night, with a tux on formal nights, slacks and a button shirt for breakfast and lunch. GREAT food. The second trip was in a balcony cabin. The food in Bratainia was good, but not up to Queen's Grill. Though it was better than the main dining room on other similar sized ships. For the men, if your tux, suits, sport coats and shirts fit properly they are not uncomfortable. If they are uncomfortable, they are not properly fitted. And before you complain, think about what the women are wearing. Some of those outfits, as good looking as they can be, cannot be comfortable. Just get properly fitted clothes and let your inner Kingsman out for the cruise. No bar fights though. Thanks for the video and the memories. David
Emma, your Cunard video is right on the mark. My wife and I love Cunard, particularly the QM2 on a trans-Atlantic crossing (QM2 on a Crossing or TA). You have captured the essence of Cunard perfectly. Well done! One of the things that surprised us most about a Crossing is that for between 25% - 30% of the people on board this is how they travel between the US and Europe. We meet so many extraordinary individuals on these voyages. It's like the movie Titanic but with a better ending. On our last cruise I took water color classes from a world reno.
oops, hit post by accident, sorry. Meant to finish by saying that on our last Crossing I took a water color class from a world renown artist. Next crossing will definitely include fencing lessons. Great job Emma.
When I was in my late teens I had the journey of a lifetime, 1st class on a P&O liner, Southampton to Sydney. I was probably around the youngest passenger on board and enjoyed every moment, talking to extremely interesting well travelled older people and even playing deck games with them. Formal dress at dinner, casual buffet for lunch. Unforgettable experience 😁
I am a diehard Princess cruiser. Never had any desire to try another cruise line, except Cunard. I LOVE a more formal armosphere - the idea of a theme park atmosphere onboard a ship is not appealing at all! Afternoon tea is my ]favorite thing to do. Your video,has inspired me to book a Cunard cruise!!!
QV is my favourite. I felt odd on my first day on Cunard but by evening was so at ease with it. I like in the wonderful service, decor, informal daytime and formal elegant evenings. Makes a change to normal life. So I keep returning to Cunard. Maybe doing myself an injustice but only sailed with Cunard so far.
I live in SoCal and the only exposure I’ve ever had to “sailing” on a Cunard vessel has been when I’ve visit the Queen Mary in Long Beach. I really hope to someday sail on the QM2!!
Great review! I've sold cruises on and off for 30 years and you bring out the normal reaction from your average cruiser. You helped set the record straight. I think "CLASS" gets a bad rap this days and Cunard is one of the last care takers of the term. And the fact that Cunard is not for everyone, Is just fine with the line's loyal customers. They might not admit it publicly for fear of being labeled a snob, but it's true.
I worked for Princess till 2012. At the time, Princess had a special “desk” that handled Cunard reservations in the US. I learned a lot about Cunard, history and such, too. Cunard has their White Star service; only Queen’s Grill cabins are allowed to use the Queen’s Grill, and only Princess Grill cabins are allowed to use the Princess Grill. Those dining rooms have a dining slot of three to four hours and have reserved seating, so the passengers in those cabins may eat any time in those hours. In essence, Cunard does have a “class” system, but I’d like to cruise with them any way
When I moved to the UK from the US, I took the QM2. It allowed us to take as much baggage as we wanted, and of course, it was a great experience. I would totally do it again. Amazing ship, amazing staff and great people.
When I traveled on the Queen Victoria and the itinerary said “informal” for that night. I wore a dress shirt and a blazer with dress slacks, I was stoped at the dining room door and was sent back to my cabin because I was not wearing a tie. That surprised me. But other than that, I really enjoyed it. I was in my 30s at the time, I felt comfortable. I didn’t feel out of place at all.
I’m surprised by that. I have never worn a tie on informal nights on Cunard. The dress code for informal doesn’t include a tie. Glad you enjoyed the cruise despite that though
We went on one cruise that had a “no jeans” after 6 dress code. We weren’t aware of this rule as it wasn’t mentioned in the paperwork we received (was a group themed cruise). We each had one pair of “not jeans” slacks so went shopping at the first stop. I would rather not have to worry about dressing up or a formal night after all the years of having to wear dressier clothing for work. I can see how this would be fun but wouldn’t have a use for the outfit afterwards. If there was a place on board to rent the outfits, I would be more willing to try a high end cruise. Love just travelling with my one carry on bag too! Have done a 3 week trip with no problem with a carry on and trips to a laundromat! Love your videos!❤️🛳
Please share how you pack for a formal cruise. How many dresses and such and how to properly pack them as well as what else is needed for a 7-night cruise. Thank you
Gentlemen need a jacket and tie, you can’t drink in a bar after 6pm without a jacket. Ladies need a couple of dresses or dressy separates. I wore smart trousers and glittery blouses (I hate dresses)
I'm Definitely gonna go on a Cunard cruise. I absolutely Love their incredible Beautiful Ships. And my favorite part are the formal evenings. Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴
I took my first (of many) cruise in 1981 on a ship called La Boheme when cruising was a totally different dynamic. It was pretty much always semi or formal and had a class to it which is pretty much non existent today. It seemed so much more civilized and the words “classy and manners” actually meant something. Cruising today is definitely not what it used to be and I suppose for most people a better way to enjoy their hard earned vacation. for me, I miss the renaissance and charm of old school cruising. cheers.
They are my favourite cruise line. I love the formal dress codes and the afternoon teas and the ships are so elegant. We have always found that even on informal nights the ladies wore evening dresses. We are booked on the QM2 again next year. We have been on the Queen Victoria too- lovely ship
I've sailed on the QE II with Cunard and it was fantastic. The dress code was a highlight for me and very welcomed. The itinerary presented before sailing allowed planning for the wardrobe though my suitcases were filled to the brim! The entire long trip was elegant and full of adventures with fascinating dinner companions, cuisine, entertainment and more. It's luxury cruising at its best and I can't wait for another trip in the future.
I enjoyed your video! I'm one of the most informal people and I pioneer casual dress code at work, for example, but I've been on two Cunard cruises and booked my third in December.. I find getting dressed up for the evening a nice way to organise the day at sea. I also found it a lot less stuffy than I imagined it, I never got the sense of people looking down their noses at the quality of what you're wearing at all, people were mostly just having fun with it. I can see it's not for everyone but for me it is exactly what I want out of a cruise!
I have been on Cunard twice before I turned 30. I just really liked the peacefulness of the ship. Everyone was so friendly and polite. Lovely food. Never too crowded. It was the most relaxed holiday I have ever been on.
I love Cunard, especially the QM2. I have had 3 cruises on Cunard (one a transatlantic), and we are booked on a segment of the 2022 QM2 world cruise. I don’t find it as “formal” as you do, but I have not been on the other large lines that you have, so don’t have that to compare it to. We enjoy the formality. I enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work. I would like it even more if you had more vlogs like this one on Cunard! Thanks.
It is so easy to get spoiled on Cunard. . And we like being among the youngest passengers. Sit at a large table with people you don't know. We have made friends from around the world over the years.
I really enjoy sailing with Cunard. We immigrated to Europe from the US on the Queen Mary 2-- with tons of luggage (they let you bring as much luggage as you can have arranged to bring to the ship!). Two adults and a 4 year old! He was like a little mascot always people wanting to talk to him in his little tuxedos. Life long memories of a very lovely time. I long to do it again soon!
Although I have not experienced a cruise with formal dining rules, I think that it would be rather enjoyable with a group of friends who want to have a bit of fun with this elegant lifestyle. Afternoon tea sounds lovely at sea, and I would take advantage of this service as much as possible. In fact, I think I will steep a pot of tea right now in anticipation of a future Cunard cruise!
@@maggi0310 Thanks for identifying this issue of coordinating dinner plans on days with the Afternoon tea. My understanding is that the tradition of Afternoon tea began since dinner was served later in the evening around 9pm. So, I will take into consideration evening dinner plans when reserving an afternoon tea on the same day. Possibly, other times are available for dining that will accommodate making for a pleasant experience overall. Hope you have fond memories of your time onboard.
Different strokes for different folks. I'm glad you had a memorable experience. I strongly dislike formality, so I'd have to hide in my cabin almost all the time. I'm more of a "shoes optional" kind of guy....
Hi! Just discovered your channel! Lovely video, your “talking head”-parts are really nicely framed, the colors of the entire shot are beautiful and the world map in the background adds to it. Both interesting and relaxing! Great work!
everything you say is so true, from another 1st time Cunard cruiser (OCT 23). I would just add that the service is impeccable and my next Cunard cruise is on the drawing board. I can't wait!
I sailed on the QM2 in 2010 after only have sailed on RCCL, NCL, and Carnival. However, I did a lot of research and knew it was very formal. So, I purchased two formal gowns and packed my husband's best suit for formal evenings. This sailing was in the United States over Thanksgiving, so it did not sell well. To fill the ship, the prices were very reasonable for Cunard. It turned out that most of the passengers did not dress super formally, and I actually felt overdressed. That was until I spoke to a British gentleman in one of our ports who was sailing on Princess. He told me, "dear you weren't overdressed. Everyone else was underdressed." He made my whole cruise. :) Thank you for a fantastic video and for bringing back a wonderful memory!
I adore dressing up for cruises! I usually sail with Carnival and gets some looks when I show up in full length formal gowns. I wouldn’t however want to stay in my dress all evening.
I just got back from a 6 day Carnival cruise this past Saturday and girl, I rock every single formal gown I wear. We're talking hoop skirt, train style types that people have to walk around. Always get a ton of compliments. Do it! Its one of the only places you CAN.
My wife and I love Cunard and have been on Queen Victoria 4 times, we just love the dressing for dinner especially the "Gala" nights, usually the very first one is the Black and White Ball, usually the evening of your first sea day, others may be The Victorian. Last cruise we were on 2 years ago there was a roaring 20's theme and it was great. The ladies in their 20's flapper style gowns and a few gents were dressed as Al Capone complete with miniature violin cases and machine guns (toy ones naturally). We don't find it snobbish at all having to follow the dress code, it all just fits in with the surroundings so well. Not to everyone's taste but we love it.
I'm shopping around for cruises, and this sounds like an amazing experience. I definitely prefer an adult atmosphere. I'm really enjoying your content, lots of helpful information. Thank you.
I love Cunard Cruises. You should try there transatlantic cruise from Southampton to NYC. It is so beautiful in December. The formal nights most guys are in Tuxedos not just coat and tie that's what you wear on the regular nights. I've only been cruising for the last 15 years and I've only been with them and Holland America. I'm going to try Celebrity Cruises soon. I heard that they are really nice. I hate cruises where there are unruly children on there. I can't wait to go on a world cruise. The longest one that I've been on so far is for 30 days and it was great. No Kids, and mainly adults.
I crossed on The Q M 2 , 3 times , I like the formal nights . Years ago in the western part of the world , even blue collar people had formal attire ,for special occasions and they also had some manners . Today that is gone and some people look down , on formal attire and manners . The world is changing and not for the better . As for The Q M 2 , I ask where are the fun .active , activities ?
@@Jay-vr9ir I the the Q M 2 is because it's so laid back. I go on it to relax and to get away from everything, phone, e-mail, meetings and etc. I don't want to go on a floating amusement park like most of the large cruise ships have gone. If you want to be entertained you should look into the Crystal Cruise or Seabour, or Silverseas cruises may more your style.
I am a Platinum World Club Cunarder. I love the formal nights and always have. In the "old days" (ten or more years ago), it was old-style... formal EVERY night except first and last LOVED it! I miss those days. And yes, if you turn up for dinner in a puff-painted sweatshirt (and I've seen it happen!) or without a tie, you will not be seated.
I just love this woman. If she is married, he is the luckiest man on earth. Beautiful smile and a goodness that just bearms from her face, Thnaks for your wonderful videos. My traveling days are over so I love traveling vicariosly thru your vids. Keep up the good work.
We tried getting into the QM2 back in April of last year but the pandemic rubbished our plans. We're still hopeful we'll take a Cunard cruise at some point in the future. Fingers crossed!
LOVE Cunard. Love the food and the mature vibe. I do dress up. For gala nights you can buy fabulous used evening gowns very affordably from Poshmark, or get a Rent the Runway membership. For semi-formal nights just dress up your business, wedding guest, date night or church attire. Some day I might try another but for now Cunard is my cruise line!
One of my absolute dreams is to cross both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans by sea. I'm gonna need to bring the BIG suitcase for the Atlantic, clearly.
I love Cunard - have been on several of their ships including the QE2 on its last season - they really are my favourite, and would choose them over every other cruise line! I have been on lots of other cruise ships and I do love a royal Caribbean cruise, but you can’t beat Cunard!!!
My first cruise was with American Holland up through Alaska. It was such a beautiful cruise ship and I really enjoyed being able to dress up so often ❤️ although I was surprised when a full ball gown was worn. It was a beautiful sight to watch though 🥰🥰🥰. So you can imagine how disappointed I was to go on a more “modern” cruise the following year which I found boring and ordinary. Still love cruising though ❤️❤️❤️
Loved our cruise on QM2 and look to do it again. Cunard holds on to the cruise experience as it is intended to be and not the floating amusement park cruising a lot of people appear to embrace today (why not just go to Disney people if you want to ride rides instead of enjoying an ocean experience).
I have been on The Q M 2 , 3 times I do not like to fly . I understand it is not my cup of tea either . The Q M 2 is way too basic for me , I want to be entertained and The Norwegian Escape is great , so many clubs and amenities , on The Escape . I wish Royal Carib and NCL would do regular crossings across The Atlantic, not just repositioning cruises .
We had a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon & we were on a Cunard ship. We were treated like royalty & the formal evenings was a lovely time to get dressed up.
I have crossed on The Q M 2 , 3 times ,I hope you are a fantastic ballroom dancer , when it comes to waltzes etc . The ballroom if definitely for experts , if you are an expert , you can steal the ladies away from , the professional dancers that are placed onboard The Q M 2 .
@@Jay-vr9ir I wouldn't call myself an expert, as there is always more to learn. I'm definitely above average though. I consider myself a very good social dancer.
@@davedove67 That is good , due to the fact that it is very one sided , because they have male dancers for the ladies on The Q M 2 . The male dancers , receive free passage in exchange , so their job is to dance with the ladies , but , they cannot dance with the same lady . They have to work the room and cannot play favourites . There was this one old bald guy with glasses, that was a very good dancer , I would see him at breakfast and all the young ladies would congregate around him . It made me wonder , what his secret was . It would be nice if they had ladies , to dance with single men . Although I was a hit , in The Norwegian Escape's night club , not because I can dance well , I am below average ,it was because of my attire . I purchased a silver sequin vest, fedora silver sequin hat with flashing lights and a flashing bow tie . I was rocking , I suggest get yourself a snazy outfit . If you need any suggestions , just ask .
We lived in Germany with the Army the summer I was going into 9th grade. My parents had saved, went through the military travel agency, and booked us a room on the Queen Elizabeth II. We were in the bottom of the boat with the crew but it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was truly like being in another world. We dined with these delightful British couples who told great stories and were definitely "higher class" than we were. Took ballroom dancing classes during the day and then went to balls at night. I will never experience that level of luxury and upper-class living ever in my life but it was fun to pretend for a week.
Not at all something we'd like. We've brought suits and ties along on our MSC cruises for formal night but I just did not enjoy all the fuss. For me vacations are all about relaxation and low low stress. But, I'm happy for people who DO love the elegance and formal night to have this sort of option! Thanks for sharing your experience of it! :)
I sailed a few times on the QEII as a child in the 70s and remember dressing for dinner at the captain's table every night. The staff always treated me wonderfully because there were so few children on board.
No matter how much she might try not to stand out, I doubt Emma will be able to pull it off. She is one of the most pleasant, outgoing, upbeat persons that I have ever watched; she has given me some valuable insights into cruising. I put Cunard on my wish list. I lived in Australia for five years. It is a toilet. Not a restroom! I like precise language as opposed to beating around the bush. It is what it is.
We went on the Queen Elizabeth two years ago to Alaska for a 10 night cruise. We're from Queensland Australia and really don't dress formally at all. Everyone on board was lovely and we had a great time. I didn't have any formal dresses, just some nice dressy tops and skirts and my husband took a jacket and a tie for dinner. Some people were dressed up formally in sparkly dresses, but not that many and you could always go to the buffet if you didn't want to dress up. I loved the afternoon teas and the fact we had tea/coffee in the room. Staff were lovely.
So Cunard is basically the closest you can get to the Titanic experience without actually sinking and time traveling. :) Elegant!
well hopefully
Cool. As a Big Titanic fan, I might go.
Is there a package that offers the sinking at least? If the time travel can't be accommodated I understand
Cunard and White Star Line (who created Titanic) combined so it quite literally is the closest you can get to experiencing the Titanic
@@mcgoo721 Oceangate offers that.
Finally a chance to reuse those bridesmaids dresses!
Literally 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
If only we all had 27 of them 😂
I was gonna say thats a little mean but since emma said literally...🤷♂️
My cousin and I love cruises in part because we can wear all these dresses that we have hanging in our closets.
Haha.
The idea of Cunard’s elegance is what draws me to it. It may be because I’m close to 30 and no longer go out to clubs, but the idea of being on a formal ship is more appealing to me than a Las Vegas at sea cruise.
Sounds good! 😁🥳 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Same. I'm 33 and this sounds like my new idea of a great time. Screw Vegas 😂
Im just over 60 and Cunard still looks too old for me. Besides I'd look like a man with a head transplant if I dressed like a penguin.
Definitely!!!
I'd love to take this cruise as well. So very lovely and elegant. I hope to go in the near future.
I remember going on a Celebrity cruise back in 2008. For men, "formal" meant a tuxedo, "semi formal" meant a suit and tie, and "casual" meant at least a button down shirt. And they'd politely but firmly turn you away at the entrance to the dining room if you didn't meet the dress code. I loved it and miss those days.
Ooo! 💕💕
I have been on a Celebrity cruise in 2019 and 2020
On *Celebrity*? Wow... Times have changed...
Yes I went on that cruise too and every night was dress up night. I liked it but by the fourth night I just wanted to relax and stay in my lounge wear and order room service.
Celebrity is amazing and my favorite!❤️
I'd honestly be so tempted to go all out for a formal dress code on a cruise ship. Top hat, waistcoat with large pocket watch, the works. Go full blown victorian and pretend it's the golden age of steam liners.
YESS!!!! That would be soooo fun!!!! 😂
I have some steampunk clothes including a very snazzy red military-style jacket and matching handbag. Probably too inyerface for Cunard though!
I bet passengers behaved themselves, no drunken group fights on Cunard!
I made my own formal wear and people loved it , on The Q M 2 .
Don't forget spats, a monocle and dress sword! (Would a powdered wig be appropriate or would everyone just think you had lost your hair to syphilis?)
That absolutely sounds like my kind of travel. I love dressing up and not being looked at weird for being overdressed, afternoon tea is my favorite meal and also being in an environment that doesn't cater primarily to families as it's not my situation. Thank you for sharing!
Yessss! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I love being overdressed as well, I might treat myself at some point!
Its not a matter of being overdressed. Its the atmosphere, the elegance that makes you feel special throughout. Love it.
Look at the pre info they send you. Smart casual.
There was afternoon tea on my eight day carnival cruise on the Vista too lol
Cunard was our last cruise line prior to the pandemic and it was lovely. Being one of the youngest family in the cruise, it was quite nice having to "dress-up" for a lot of formal nights compared to the previous cruise lines we've taken but, nonetheless, we're used to it. My advice is to wear a slightly loose jacket as it will visibly become tighter as the cruise went on due to the great food Cunard serves.
My first 3 cruises were on the QE2 in the late 90's/early 2000s. I chose Cunard specifically because of the dress code. Tuxedos and ball gowns. High tea. Dancing with the orchestra. The amazing formal service. Absolutely elegant! Great memories. Thank you for bringing those back.
I didn't think that I had any interest in cruising but somehow I started watching your reviews and found them really well presented and obviously of great value to anyone thinking of cruising. Fascinating to see the interiors of the amazing ships. I was dead against the idea of cruising but now I'm kind of tempted! Well done Emma!!
The transformation from your everyday “Cookie Monster” persona, to the elegant renaissance lady that comes out when your dressed in formal attire is nothing short of stunning 🤩
This is my kind of cruising! I didn't realize such cruises still existed. I feel like this is something someone should do at least once in their life, just for the experience.
Try Seabourne Cruises!
They are just the best !
I've always looked at Cunard as the image of the Old Formal Ocean Liner where you relax, as opposed to the "Fun" cruise ships that populate the world now, where they throw so many on-board attractions at you that they tend to rush from event to event.
Yes! So true. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I’m going on the Queen Mary 2 next year, I already made a goal to sit down next to random ladies during afternoon tea and bluntly recite “But the purpose of a university is to find a suitable husband. Rose has already done that.”
Hmm 🤣🤣🤣
Be careful the male dancer , latch onto the random ladies . So single men stand around looking , lost .
I hope you get a crossing with the RADA actors, plays, poetry and acting lessons
The QM2 is the MOST formal of the Cunard Queens. Lots of seriously rich Americans.
@@alicemiller9304 Perhaps rich , it is a bit expensive to cross on The Q M 2 , if I did it many people can . The last time it cost me , $1,600 Canadian ,I know flying is faster and cheaper , but I do not like flying . Airlines act as if they are doing people a big favour . I returned on Norwegian's Escape ,it was much more fun and $1,400.
Holy cow that interior is quite spectacular. My impression is Titanic on steroids. And the red dress sure suits the occasion. This seems to be the first cruise appealing to me. But is probably out of my budget
It’s really not too expensive, pretty mainstream in terms of prices not a luxury priced line 😀💕 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
the Cunard line been around since the liner days of the Titanic
@@johnanderson6401 They were around since 1840
Go to the Cunard site for all their cruises and prices. If two people share a cabin, the price is OK. However, Cunard is not Carnival.
@@Mrrossj01 true but Carnival owns Cunard but i take Carnival any day
I’ve only ever cruised with Princess Cruises and Cunard is strikingly similar across the board. I love Princess and we go fairly often. I love the formal nights as formal wear is different in different cultures so it’s fun to see what is considered formal wear across the globe. Glad to learn about another classy cruise liner!
That red dress is just stunning!
Thank you! 😁❤️
Never been on a cruise, no real plans to ever do one, yet somehow your videos are really interesting and entertaining!
Yay thanks Chris! That’s the highest praise indeed 😀❤️
I will always kick myself for not trying to find the time and the money for one of the all-time great travel packages. About 25 years ago there was a package available that was fly one way between the U. S. and the UK on the Concorde and sail the other way on the QE2. I knew it would be a memorable experience, I just felt I couldn't swing it. Try not to let too many of those experiences go by in your life if you can.
Oh my goodness that would have been AMAZING!!!!!
I think that is so true Paul. As a family we've done some great holidays and at times, pushed the boat out (excuse the pun). My children, now young adults, often remind us of the fab holidays they had growing up. As I tell them now, memories remain long after the price is forgotten.
Great advice, Paul!
My Mom did this with my Grandparents, and it was as epic as one would hope!
You had me at Concorde. As a child we dropped my mother off in NYC for her flight on the Concorde. My father wanted to wait outside to see her take off. I thought it was ridiculous. How would we know which plane she was on. Then we heard the sound and I understood.
I loved tea time and always waited on line twenty minutes early to be able to sit by the musicians.
Sounds good! It was very popular. 😀👏🏼
I cruise with all three Cunard ships and normally travel solo, it is amazing how quick you can make friends by dining at a large table, join in the quiz , meet people on a shore excursion. I think your take on this is very good. I don’t remember you mentioning the ultimate Upstairs Downstairs with the Queens Grills and Britannia staterooms.
I’m not a Queens Grill person sadly! Maybe one day. 😂💕
@@EmmaCruises I’m the same.
I was on a cruise and another solo traveller from our dining table said she was looking forward to the Gala evenings , oh boy did she go to town, on the Roaring 20s night she dressed a a flapper, it was fabulous, she told me later she picked the lot up for less than £30 at a charity shop.
Love Cunard, the last formal liners of the world!
Pretty much yep! ❤️
Yes, and I'm grateful that it still exists. I hope they continue to be in business for generations to come. If you need to be told how to dress perhaps then this is not the ship for you. If it's burdensome then spend your time and money with another company. This is fine because there is something for everyone.
Try Regend or Oceania
@@avv1435
They are cruises, Cunard has liners. All are nice, but there are differences.
Liners? Cunard is called “Cunard Lines” but they offer normal cruises, short and worldcruises with a lot Ports of Call. We have cruised with them.... Indeed formal but defenitely not “the last formal liners of the world”. We didn’t like the stiff upperlip ambiance.
As an American I have never wanted to go on a cruise ship. However, this sounds wonderful and it isn't based on everyone getting drunk. I don't drink alcohol and I would love to experience this type of travel. Thank you for sharing 😀
I've been on a ton of cheap Carnival cruises, and an all inclusive cruise with Celebrity (though that was $$$), and I don't drink. Even on a cheap cruise there is plenty to do without being in a drunken stupor.
Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I appreciate it 😀❤️
There's no law that says you have to drink. Non-drinkers have many tasty and healthy options.
Not everyone bases their cruise on getting drunk.
First question , do suffer from motion sickness? I sailed across on The Q M 2, there was a couple from The Canadian Prairies , the flat lands ,he managed okay , with the motion , she did not . I am over sixty , but I still enjoy fun activities ,when I crossed on The Q M 2 , it lacked fun activities .I then returned , to North America on The Norwegian Escape , it was so much better and much more fun and I did not see any , fall down drunks .
That red dress was stunning!
Thank you! 😀🥳
I know Joseph
We adore Cunard! It is a beautiful and peaceful experience. The itineraries are fantastic and the speakers are wonderful.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I can’t wait till cruises are back up properly - Cunard is definitely on the list!
Yesss! They require vaccines from the uk this summer so I’ll be waiting :( 😂❤️
My Mum was the head stylist way back in the 40’s on the Cunard line. It was and I see, still is, a magical shipping line! Now if only I could drag my husband on board and make him wear a bow tie!
Oh wow, that's so cool! I'll bet they'd be delighted to have you!
Hi Emma, I’m definitely older than you are now. My first “Real” Cruise was with HAL in 1983 on the madden voyage of the ms Nieuw Amsterdam at the age of 21. We had been told by travel agents that HAL was a formal ship, casual during the day & Dress Up after 5:30 everywhere on the ship unless you were in the pool. Casual was still a jacket & tie for the men & some sort of dress for the women. Formal Night was like Cinderella’s Ball. On a 14 night cruise that was minimum 4 Nights at the Ball. I’ve become somewhat of a HAL snob, 30+ cruises all on HAL & 1 Cruise on a Carnival Ship the Splendor, the week before it was stranded with No Engine Power in the Pacific Ocean, toilets backed up & no air conditioning. But I always refer to Carnival as a “VIP” Cruise Line {Very Intoxicated Persons} Not as many of some Mariners (Cruise Points). HAL has always had free Room Service. When they knocked at the Door it was a mini production. The waiter would ask where would you like to dine & processed to lay out a white table cloth out and then set the table as if your were in the main dinning room. That will absolutely blow your mind of what’s to come. My parents & I were Speechless! As Cruise lines go, HAL was founded in 1873 in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 & Cunard Britain 🇬🇧 in 1840. Myself I still refer to these companies as Ocean Liner Service. There has been a fight on Cruise Critic for the past 10 or more years about Lowering the Dress Code to be more competitive with more younger passengers. Yes your correct Emma, Cunard is a Older clientele as is been HAL. Yet to see a Water Slide on a HAL or Cunard ship. But they do have a kids club & a nursery “Who would bring a newborn on a Cruise”. Emma if you ever want to take a Cruise on a Ship where High Tea is White Glove Service & they even have a Indonesian Tea Ceremony & a fun Cupcake🧁 Tea Service which is also delightful. Please accept this invitation to relive Ocean Liner Service on the High Seas.
That sounds awesome. I’d love to try Holland America I never have, never had the impression it was as formal as Cunard though! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
@@Thokko Thanks for the update. I can definitely say it’s been a long time since my last HAL Cruise. So much has changed in the World & I’m not even referring to Pre-Pandemic. Memory’s of the past will live on forever hopefully the rest of my life. I can remember my first HAL Cruise the Spring of 1983, 15 Days R/T from San Francisco to Mexico on the Nieuw Amsterdam which was actually a back to back at the halfway port of Acapulco. Funny thing is that we had a port day in Zihuatanejo the smallest I’ve ever been too. By today’s standards, I’d be shocked if any modern ships could even fit inside & be able to turn around. As we came in around 8 am you could literally throw a tennis ball on either side & hit land. We tended to a little wood dock to the surprise of this little fishing village. We had to take a 20 minutes bus ride over the hill to the one hotel resort & the largest airport you couldn’t believe of Ixtapa. In 1983 the port of Cabo was another little dock & a Straw Hut of Mexican Souvenirs. No Town to see, Nothing to look at & not even a Cantina for a beer. But the Ship was Brand New & we had table side Flambé Dessert every night in the Main Dining Room. We were seated with another family of 3 with the daughter twenty also. The two fathers fell in Love with the Flambé Stewart & between the two of them tipped him & the Maitre d’ we ended up with Banana Foster, Cherries Jubilee or Peach Foster. The parents would always Close the dining room down because the waiters would continue serving them coffee until the entire dining room was cleaned & set for breakfast the next day. Late Nights we’re spent in a Disco which was like the Officers Club & a few passengers. Back in those days Heineken Beer was only .75 cents & it was the Real thing from the Netherlands. What else would a Dutch Company serve.
While I have not 'cruised' on a current Cunard ship, I have sailed across the Atlantic on the QEII twice. Yes, the food is a major cut above that served on other cruise ships.
Crossing the Atlantic, because there are no stops, Cunard has things scheduled to entertain the passengers. The best from my two cruises was a lecture series from a retired Scotland Yard Chief Inspector on solving a real pair of murders. One hour per day of lecture and slide show, and it was fascinating.
I found out later that the lecture series paid for his cruise (i.e. Cunard gave him the cabin free, round trip, for the lecture series, given both ways across).
I also won an 'international' trivia pursuit game for the USA, US versus UK versus Australia.
I really enjoyed the lectures on this cruise. There was a Concord pilot who told us all about its design/operation and the very sad accident over Paris. Two one hour sessions I believe. Fascinating!
Yes, one of the great pleasures of a Cunard crossing are enjoying the lectures. They seem to have the best, smartest and most entertaining people. I do all three every day.
That sounds amazing
I may never cruise but I recently had your channel show up in my feed. I love your style of presentation, cheerful manner, and organized flow of detailed information and experiential notes. Insight into another way of life, for me.
I worked a few contracts on Cunard when they needed me and I knew the cruise director onboard who used to be on Princess. He is a Brit so he went back home! I loved it because it was so different and really interesting. I am a Canadian and Sam Cunard was a Canadian born in Nova Scotia. Being of English and Scotish heritage I felt like it was a part of my heritage too. Cunard is definitely different and unique and for those that like it, its amazing. I like the mid size ships and the uniforms, the British way of doing things, the traditions of the past glory of cruise liners. Sometimes it was hard for me to understand what some guests were saying even though we both spoke English. Plus the jargon was interesting too! I had to ask what some words and phrases meant. One gentleman said I want to enjoy a joint tonight. As it turned out it meant a joint of beef! The formal wear, the planetarium, fencing, libraries, ballroom dancing, the museum onboard. Was fantastic. I am not sure I am a fan of the "class system" onboard but its pretty cool!
Hahaha!! I’d not think beef... 🤣🤣🤣 That sounds really interesting. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
@@EmmaCruises was it lamb then?
Cruising with Cunard is my dream, to sail with a ship line that once boasted the likes of the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Lusitania, Mauretania... so on and so on is an incredible thought
Yess!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Go for it! Transatlantic inside cabin are affordable
Cunard is basically a resting home for the filthy rich and old who never stays up longer than 10 PM.
@@bohemianwriter1 Oh how wrong you are!
I've worked on many different cruise lines over the last 10 years and Cunard is definitely top 5 for me (Viking, Cunard, Holland America, Celebrity & Princess). I loved their cabins (I was lucky enough to be in passenger cabins as I was a guest lecturer) and the beds were the ABSOLUTE BEST I have EVER slept on! I always recommend it to my friends and family as to me it is the true experience of traditional cruising. I've really missed living on ships over the last year!
Ooooo!!!!! I don’t remember the beds but that sounds so good. What did you lecture about? 😀👏🏼
@@EmmaCruises I'm an ex Goldsmith so I did talks on Rare Exotic Gemstones, The Crown Jewels and Faberge'.
@@JessicaLaLuna Oooo!! That's awesome.
As has been mentioned I've not been on either of Cunard's "cruise ships." I have done two Transatlanitcs on their ocean liner Queen Mary II. Much the same as your video suggests, but not port days. Love it! Best way to get across the pond. The first was my wife's retirement vacation, and she had us in Queen's Grill. Coat and tie every night, with a tux on formal nights, slacks and a button shirt for breakfast and lunch. GREAT food. The second trip was in a balcony cabin. The food in Bratainia was good, but not up to Queen's Grill. Though it was better than the main dining room on other similar sized ships. For the men, if your tux, suits, sport coats and shirts fit properly they are not uncomfortable. If they are uncomfortable, they are not properly fitted. And before you complain, think about what the women are wearing. Some of those outfits, as good looking as they can be, cannot be comfortable. Just get properly fitted clothes and let your inner Kingsman out for the cruise. No bar fights though.
Thanks for the video and the memories.
David
Both those trips sound AMAAAZZZINGGG!!! 😀😍
Yes. Well fitting clothes are comfortable. I have fallen asleep on the couch in a suit because I forgot I was wearing it.
Broke some old hearts with the red dress, I see. Great video. Your parents are great bargain hunters.
Absolutely! They taught me well. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Emma, your Cunard video is right on the mark. My wife and I love Cunard, particularly the QM2 on a trans-Atlantic crossing (QM2 on a Crossing or TA). You have captured the essence of Cunard perfectly. Well done! One of the things that surprised us most about a Crossing is that for between 25% - 30% of the people on board this is how they travel between the US and Europe. We meet so many extraordinary individuals on these voyages. It's like the movie Titanic but with a better ending. On our last cruise I took water color classes from a world reno.
oops, hit post by accident, sorry. Meant to finish by saying that on our last Crossing I took a water color class from a world renown artist. Next crossing will definitely include fencing lessons. Great job Emma.
A trans Atlantic crossing is not a cruise.
When I was in my late teens I had the journey of a lifetime, 1st class on a P&O liner, Southampton to Sydney. I was probably around the youngest passenger on board and enjoyed every moment, talking to extremely interesting well travelled older people and even playing deck games with them. Formal dress at dinner, casual buffet for lunch. Unforgettable experience 😁
Oh my that sounds incredible! 🙏
The only thing you need for a formal night there is a black dress. Is very easy.
Cunard Cruises are the best. Really, really enjoy the dress code and especially formal nights. Enjoy. 👍👍👍 4-15-21
😀👏🏼 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
love love formal nights..hate when there is no dress code in the dining room
I agree wholeheartedly. Wonderful Cunard
I love the formal dress code, as it creates a sense of occasion.
I am a diehard Princess cruiser. Never had any desire to try another cruise line, except Cunard. I LOVE a more formal armosphere - the idea of a theme park atmosphere onboard a ship is not appealing at all! Afternoon tea is my ]favorite thing to do. Your video,has inspired me to book a Cunard cruise!!!
Yessssss! Sounds good to me. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
QV is my favourite. I felt odd on my first day on Cunard but by evening was so at ease with it. I like in the wonderful service, decor, informal daytime and formal elegant evenings. Makes a change to normal life. So I keep returning to Cunard. Maybe doing myself an injustice but only sailed with Cunard so far.
Yes!! It’s amazing how fast you get used to it. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
It's very calming this channel
I live in SoCal and the only exposure I’ve ever had to “sailing” on a Cunard vessel has been when I’ve visit the Queen Mary in Long Beach. I really hope to someday sail on the QM2!!
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I get seasick, so the Queen Mary in Long Beach is the closest I've come and staying on her was lots of fun.
Great review! I've sold cruises on and off for 30 years and you bring out the normal reaction from your average cruiser. You helped set the record straight. I think "CLASS" gets a bad rap this days and Cunard is one of the last care takers of the term. And the fact that Cunard is not for everyone, Is just fine with the line's loyal customers. They might not admit it publicly for fear of being labeled a snob, but it's true.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Cunard was always my favorite company
Especially their older ships
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I worked for Princess till 2012. At the time, Princess had a special “desk” that handled Cunard reservations in the US.
I learned a lot about Cunard, history and such, too.
Cunard has their White Star service; only Queen’s Grill cabins are allowed to use the Queen’s Grill, and only Princess Grill cabins are allowed to use the Princess Grill. Those dining rooms have a dining slot of three to four hours and have reserved seating, so the passengers in those cabins may eat any time in those hours.
In essence, Cunard does have a “class” system, but I’d like to cruise with them any way
Most cruise lines so that, MSC do NCL do etc 😀💕
When I moved to the UK from the US, I took the QM2. It allowed us to take as much baggage as we wanted, and of course, it was a great experience. I would totally do it again. Amazing ship, amazing staff and great people.
That sounds amazing! 😀👏🏼
You would need 50Kgs of luggage just to comply with the dress code. 😄
Tried many other cruises, we swear by Cunard only, the best of the best, the most elegant by far. A touch of class !
When I traveled on the Queen Victoria and the itinerary said “informal” for that night. I wore a dress shirt and a blazer with dress slacks, I was stoped at the dining room door and was sent back to my cabin because I was not wearing a tie. That surprised me. But other than that, I really enjoyed it. I was in my 30s at the time, I felt comfortable. I didn’t feel out of place at all.
Yep! Exactly. That’s good. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I’m surprised by that. I have never worn a tie on informal nights on Cunard. The dress code for informal doesn’t include a tie. Glad you enjoyed the cruise despite that though
Never wore a tie on an informal night and we have done 3 X QM2 and 1 X QE.
We went on one cruise that had a “no jeans” after 6 dress code. We weren’t aware of this rule as it wasn’t mentioned in the paperwork we received (was a group themed cruise). We each had one pair of “not jeans” slacks so went shopping at the first stop. I would rather not have to worry about dressing up or a formal night after all the years of having to wear dressier clothing for work. I can see how this would be fun but wouldn’t have a use for the outfit afterwards. If there was a place on board to rent the outfits, I would be more willing to try a high end cruise. Love just travelling with my one carry on bag too! Have done a 3 week trip with no problem with a carry on and trips to a laundromat! Love your videos!❤️🛳
Please share how you pack for a formal cruise. How many dresses and such and how to properly pack them as well as what else is needed for a 7-night cruise. Thank you
I’ll have to take one first! Haha. Will do. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Gentlemen need a jacket and tie, you can’t drink in a bar after 6pm without a jacket. Ladies need a couple of dresses or dressy separates. I wore smart trousers and glittery blouses (I hate dresses)
I'm Definitely gonna go on a Cunard cruise. I absolutely Love their incredible Beautiful Ships. And my favorite part are the formal evenings.
Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴
Sounds good! 😁🥳 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I took my first (of many) cruise in 1981 on a ship called La Boheme when cruising was a totally different dynamic. It was pretty much always semi or formal and had a class to it which is pretty much non existent today. It seemed so much more civilized and the words “classy and manners” actually meant something. Cruising today is definitely not what it used to be and I suppose for most people a better way to enjoy their hard earned vacation. for me, I miss the renaissance and charm of old school cruising. cheers.
They are my favourite cruise line. I love the formal dress codes and the afternoon teas and the ships are so elegant. We have always found that even on informal nights the ladies wore evening dresses. We are booked on the QM2 again next year. We have been on the Queen Victoria too- lovely ship
Yep yep! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I've sailed on the QE II with Cunard and it was fantastic. The dress code was a highlight for me and very welcomed. The itinerary presented before sailing allowed planning for the wardrobe though my suitcases were filled to the brim!
The entire long trip was elegant and full of adventures with fascinating dinner companions, cuisine, entertainment and more.
It's luxury cruising at its best and I can't wait for another trip in the future.
Sounds amazing! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I enjoyed your video! I'm one of the most informal people and I pioneer casual dress code at work, for example, but I've been on two Cunard cruises and booked my third in December.. I find getting dressed up for the evening a nice way to organise the day at sea.
I also found it a lot less stuffy than I imagined it, I never got the sense of people looking down their noses at the quality of what you're wearing at all, people were mostly just having fun with it.
I can see it's not for everyone but for me it is exactly what I want out of a cruise!
Yeah!! I was worried about that. Everybody was nice 😀💕
Cunard Line. Recreating the golden age of the ocean liner for those who missed the first one.
I have been on Cunard twice before I turned 30. I just really liked the peacefulness of the ship. Everyone was so friendly and polite. Lovely food. Never too crowded. It was the most relaxed holiday I have ever been on.
I love Cunard, especially the QM2. I have had 3 cruises on Cunard (one a transatlantic), and we are booked on a segment of the 2022 QM2 world cruise. I don’t find it as “formal” as you do, but I have not been on the other large lines that you have, so don’t have that to compare it to. We enjoy the formality.
I enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work. I would like it even more if you had more vlogs like this one on Cunard! Thanks.
Thanks Randy! I didn’t even dream of a UA-cam channel when I went on this cruise 😂👏🏼
It is so easy to get spoiled on Cunard. . And we like being among the youngest passengers. Sit at a large table with people you don't know. We have made friends from around the world over the years.
I am hoping to do a transatlantic crossing on a Cunard one of these days. This was very informative.
Yessss me too! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I really enjoy sailing with Cunard. We immigrated to Europe from the US on the Queen Mary 2-- with tons of luggage (they let you bring as much luggage as you can have arranged to bring to the ship!). Two adults and a 4 year old! He was like a little mascot always people wanting to talk to him in his little tuxedos. Life long memories of a very lovely time. I long to do it again soon!
Although I have not experienced a cruise with formal dining rules, I think that it would be rather enjoyable with a group of friends who want to have a bit of fun with this elegant lifestyle. Afternoon tea sounds lovely at sea, and I would take advantage of this service as much as possible. In fact, I think I will steep a pot of tea right now in anticipation of a future Cunard cruise!
With all meals couldnt fit in afternoon tea as dinner at 6pm
Sounds perfect!!! 😀😍
@@maggi0310 Thanks for identifying this issue of coordinating dinner plans on days with the Afternoon tea. My understanding is that the tradition of Afternoon tea began since dinner was served later in the evening around 9pm. So, I will take into consideration evening dinner plans when reserving an afternoon tea on the same day. Possibly, other times are available for dining that will accommodate making for a pleasant experience overall. Hope you have fond memories of your time onboard.
@@EmmaCruises It was quite nice although I am looking forward to scones bring served to me!
Different strokes for different folks. I'm glad you had a memorable experience. I strongly dislike formality, so I'd have to hide in my cabin almost all the time. I'm more of a "shoes optional" kind of guy....
Totally get that. It’s a good job we are all different, variety is the spice of life as they say 😀💕
Hi! Just discovered your channel! Lovely video, your “talking head”-parts are really nicely framed, the colors of the entire shot are beautiful and the world map in the background adds to it. Both interesting and relaxing! Great work!
Thanks so much! It’s made a huge difference being able to film during the daytime with some daylight, summer is coming!! 😀👏🏼 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
everything you say is so true, from another 1st time Cunard cruiser (OCT 23). I would just add that the service is impeccable and my next Cunard cruise is on the drawing board. I can't wait!
Tailor: “what can I help you with?”
Me: “I’d like to look like Mr. Peanut!”
🤣🤣🤣🤣
"It geniunely felt like being in some kind of movie."
No wonder the video was giving me flashbacks to Titanic.
😂😂😂😂
I have talked to people on beaches who came from these ships and it sounds like a whole different world.
Does kinda feel like a pretend movie 😂😅
I sailed on the QM2 in 2010 after only have sailed on RCCL, NCL, and Carnival. However, I did a lot of research and knew it was very formal. So, I purchased two formal gowns and packed my husband's best suit for formal evenings. This sailing was in the United States over Thanksgiving, so it did not sell well. To fill the ship, the prices were very reasonable for Cunard. It turned out that most of the passengers did not dress super formally, and I actually felt overdressed. That was until I spoke to a British gentleman in one of our ports who was sailing on Princess. He told me, "dear you weren't overdressed. Everyone else was underdressed." He made my whole cruise. :) Thank you for a fantastic video and for bringing back a wonderful memory!
Yes!! I’ve heard if you’re ‘overdressed’ people will just assume you’re going to, or coming from somewhere better 🥳😂
I adore dressing up for cruises! I usually sail with Carnival and gets some looks when I show up in full length formal gowns. I wouldn’t however want to stay in my dress all evening.
I just got back from a 6 day Carnival cruise this past Saturday and girl, I rock every single formal gown I wear. We're talking hoop skirt, train style types that people have to walk around. Always get a ton of compliments. Do it! Its one of the only places you CAN.
Yes I too would enjoy the formal wear. You use to see that on ships on Gala night back in the 70’s. Thanks for the video!
My next cruise in Feb '22 is on Queen Elizabeth in a Balcony Cabin. A 5 night local cruise
Sounds good! 😁🥳 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
My wife and I love Cunard and have been on Queen Victoria 4 times, we just love the dressing for dinner especially the "Gala" nights, usually the very first one is the Black and White Ball, usually the evening of your first sea day, others may be The Victorian. Last cruise we were on 2 years ago there was a roaring 20's theme and it was great. The ladies in their 20's flapper style gowns and a few gents were dressed as Al Capone complete with miniature violin cases and machine guns (toy ones naturally). We don't find it snobbish at all having to follow the dress code, it all just fits in with the surroundings so well. Not to everyone's taste but we love it.
Oh goodness that sounds so fun!!!!!! I’d love that. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I'm shopping around for cruises, and this sounds like an amazing experience. I definitely prefer an adult atmosphere. I'm really enjoying your content, lots of helpful information. Thank you.
Thanks lots Luke! All I’ve done here is make me want to book another Cunard cruise 🤣🤣🤣
I’m 62 years old. I’ve been on the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises when I was in my 30’s. I’d love the Queen Victoria 🙋🏽♀️💕
I love Cunard Cruises. You should try there transatlantic cruise from Southampton to NYC. It is so beautiful in December. The formal nights most guys are in Tuxedos not just coat and tie that's what you wear on the regular nights. I've only been cruising for the last 15 years and I've only been with them and Holland America. I'm going to try Celebrity Cruises soon. I heard that they are really nice. I hate cruises where there are unruly children on there. I can't wait to go on a world cruise. The longest one that I've been on so far is for 30 days and it was great. No Kids, and mainly adults.
Oh yes! I’d love too. Sounds good! 😁🥳 Thank you! 😁❤️
I crossed on The Q M 2 , 3 times , I like the formal nights . Years ago in the western part of the world , even blue collar people had formal attire ,for special occasions and they also had some manners . Today that is gone and some people look down , on formal attire and manners . The world is changing and not for the better . As for The Q M 2 , I ask where are the fun .active , activities ?
@@Jay-vr9ir I the the Q M 2 is because it's so laid back. I go on it to relax and to get away from everything, phone, e-mail, meetings and etc. I don't want to go on a floating amusement park like most of the large cruise ships have gone. If you want to be entertained you should look into the Crystal Cruise or Seabour, or Silverseas cruises may more your style.
@@saminqueens Laid back , relaxed on The Q M 2 ? You could be pronounced dead by morning on that thing .
I am a Platinum World Club Cunarder. I love the formal nights and always have. In the "old days" (ten or more years ago), it was old-style... formal EVERY night except first and last LOVED it! I miss those days. And yes, if you turn up for dinner in a puff-painted sweatshirt (and I've seen it happen!) or without a tie, you will not be seated.
Oh goodness really?! Interesting! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I didn't know that the dress code of the Cunard cruise was quite the same of the trasatlantic service.
I just love this woman. If she is married, he is the luckiest man on earth. Beautiful smile and a goodness that just bearms from her face, Thnaks for your wonderful videos. My traveling days are over so I love traveling vicariosly thru your vids. Keep up the good work.
We tried getting into the QM2 back in April of last year but the pandemic rubbished our plans. We're still hopeful we'll take a Cunard cruise at some point in the future. Fingers crossed!
Yess! Fingers crossed for you 😁🙏
LOVE Cunard. Love the food and the mature vibe. I do dress up. For gala nights you can buy fabulous used evening gowns very affordably from Poshmark, or get a Rent the Runway membership. For semi-formal nights just dress up your business, wedding guest, date night or church attire. Some day I might try another but for now Cunard is my cruise line!
One of my absolute dreams is to cross both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans by sea. I'm gonna need to bring the BIG suitcase for the Atlantic, clearly.
Oh yea sooooo much!! 😍😍😍
Not only gonna, you are most likely GOING to need a large suitcase.
I love Cunard - have been on several of their ships including the QE2 on its last season - they really are my favourite, and would choose them over every other cruise line! I have been on lots of other cruise ships and I do love a royal Caribbean cruise, but you can’t beat Cunard!!!
That sounds awesome! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
So wonderful to see the inside of a ship again even if it’s through a computer screen
Haha me too! 💕😀
I've listened to many of your videos and your dialog is really, really well done. You provide a lot of useful info and also the personal experience.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
My first cruise was with American Holland up through Alaska. It was such a beautiful cruise ship and I really enjoyed being able to dress up so often ❤️ although I was surprised when a full ball gown was worn. It was a beautiful sight to watch though 🥰🥰🥰. So you can imagine how disappointed I was to go on a more “modern” cruise the following year which I found boring and ordinary. Still love cruising though ❤️❤️❤️
Loved our cruise on QM2 and look to do it again. Cunard holds on to the cruise experience as it is intended to be and not the floating amusement park cruising a lot of people appear to embrace today (why not just go to Disney people if you want to ride rides instead of enjoying an ocean experience).
I’m glad there’s something for everyone 😀💕 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Cunard is not my cup of tea, but I watched your whole clip, why? Because your voice is so sweet, music to my ears. Thanks.
Thanks so much, appreciate that! 😀💕
I have been on The Q M 2 , 3 times I do not like to fly . I understand it is not my cup of tea either . The Q M 2 is way too basic for me , I want to be entertained and The Norwegian Escape is great , so many clubs and amenities , on The Escape . I wish Royal Carib and NCL would do regular crossings across The Atlantic, not just repositioning cruises .
We had a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon & we were on a Cunard ship. We were treated like royalty & the formal evenings was a lovely time to get dressed up.
I definitely want to try a Cunard cruise. I enjoy getting dressed up and doing a bit of ballroom dancing.
Yesss! ❤️💕
I have crossed on The Q M 2 , 3 times ,I hope you are a fantastic ballroom dancer , when it comes to waltzes etc . The ballroom if definitely for experts , if you are an expert , you can steal the ladies away from , the professional dancers that are placed onboard The Q M 2 .
@@Jay-vr9ir I wouldn't call myself an expert, as there is always more to learn. I'm definitely above average though. I consider myself a very good social dancer.
@@davedove67 That is good , due to the fact that it is very one sided , because they have male dancers for the ladies on The Q M 2 . The male dancers , receive free passage in exchange , so their job is to dance with the ladies , but , they cannot dance with the same lady . They have to work the room and cannot play favourites . There was this one old bald guy with glasses, that was a very good dancer , I would see him at breakfast and all the young ladies would congregate around him . It made me wonder , what his secret was . It would be nice if they had ladies , to dance with single men . Although I was a hit , in The Norwegian Escape's night club , not because I can dance well , I am below average ,it was because of my attire . I purchased a silver sequin vest, fedora silver sequin hat with flashing lights and a flashing bow tie . I was rocking , I suggest get yourself a snazy outfit . If you need any suggestions , just ask .
We lived in Germany with the Army the summer I was going into 9th grade. My parents had saved, went through the military travel agency, and booked us a room on the Queen Elizabeth II. We were in the bottom of the boat with the crew but it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was truly like being in another world. We dined with these delightful British couples who told great stories and were definitely "higher class" than we were. Took ballroom dancing classes during the day and then went to balls at night. I will never experience that level of luxury and upper-class living ever in my life but it was fun to pretend for a week.
That sounds amazing. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Not at all something we'd like. We've brought suits and ties along on our MSC cruises for formal night but I just did not enjoy all the fuss. For me vacations are all about relaxation and low low stress. But, I'm happy for people who DO love the elegance and formal night to have this sort of option! Thanks for sharing your experience of it! :)
Yep! This is the best attitude to have. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Ya, you should try a carnival cruise, you could even catch a spirit flight into ft. Lauderdale.
I sailed a few times on the QEII as a child in the 70s and remember dressing for dinner at the captain's table every night. The staff always treated me wonderfully because there were so few children on board.
I appreciate that you enjoy the buffet soo so much haha
Of course!!!! Your profile picture is a little scary Bob 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
@@EmmaCruises ur welcome Emma 😁
@@EmmaCruises and your now on 5 .46k subs but three days ago you were on 50k! That means In 3 days you’ve got 4.6k subs !!!
No matter how much she might try not to stand out, I doubt Emma will be able to pull it off. She is one of the most pleasant, outgoing, upbeat persons that I have ever watched; she has given me some valuable insights into cruising. I put Cunard on my wish list.
I lived in Australia for five years. It is a toilet. Not a restroom! I like precise language as opposed to beating around the bush. It is what it is.
Was Hyacinth Bucket there? 8^)... Actually, I would love to do this for a honeymoon cruise.
Hey Mark! 😀
yes, she brought along her white 'princess' phone,and her royal Dalton china (with the hand painted periwinkle design ) ha ha ha ,loved that series
Onslow and Daisy ate at the Captain’s table!
@@ravenel2 That was one of the best episodes of that show.
@@ericdumptee9084 Ah yes, the white princess phone WITH automatic redial...
I’ve cruised quite a bit and love dressing for dinner. I can wear casual at home! I will definitely look into this line.
From librarian 🙍 to glamour queen 🧑 All on under 30 quid, well done!!!😄
Hahaha 🤣🤣🤣🥲🥲
We went on the Queen Elizabeth two years ago to Alaska for a 10 night cruise. We're from Queensland Australia and really don't dress formally at all. Everyone on board was lovely and we had a great time. I didn't have any formal dresses, just some nice dressy tops and skirts and my husband took a jacket and a tie for dinner. Some people were dressed up formally in sparkly dresses, but not that many and you could always go to the buffet if you didn't want to dress up. I loved the afternoon teas and the fact we had tea/coffee in the room. Staff were lovely.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼