Introduction to a Sea Voyage on Cunard

Introduction to a Sea Voyage...

We departed from the Cunard terminal in Brooklyn on 3 May 2013 at about 5.00 p.m., having embarked at noon.  As with other cruises taken on a different line, our bags were not delivered until 7.00 p.m.  Stupidly, I had packed all my bathing costumes so could not use the Hot Tub or any of the Pools.  This is a view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.  It was only of the only views I had during our departure from New York as we had been given 'Early Seating' in the Britannia Restaurant at 6.00 p.m. each night and my companion rushed me to the table...  In the circumstances, some good photographs of the New York skyline would have been worth more than the dinner which was not fantastic.   The manu on Embarkation/Disembarkation Days tends to be less than superior.

The word 'Cruising' has become as popular in recent years as the activity which is now accessible to individuals from all walks of life and all economic situations.  I had thought that Cunard would be one of the few lines to maintain the high standards of the Golden Years of ocean travel but I sadly was quite mistaken.  First of all, Cunard has been purchased by Carnival and there is a policy of filling every berth at ANY price.  One therefore has a large percentage of passengers who couldn't care less about the dress code or the historical background of the famed Transatlantic Crossing.  What makes matters worse is that the staff is unwilling to chastise guests for their disregard of policies and in many cases,  are not very familiar with Cunard policies.  90% of the members of staff I encountered on the Queen Mary 2 were new to Cunard and the ship and had not worked for more than three months!  Evidently, Cunard cut costs by 'retiring' many of the experienced staff members who had served faithfully for decades, preferring to hire new people who, having no experience whatsoever and no seniority, could be paid the very minimum.  As with other firms who have taken this perilous road, this policy is certain to backfire.

I spoke with a number of veteran Cunard guests, many of whom booked the Transatlantic Crossing on an annual basis and/or took World Voyages frequently.  Sad to say, they will NOT be doing so in the future.  For the most part, they were deeply disappointed with the 'new' face of Cunard and indeed, felt a sense of personal betrayal.