P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
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P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
We're soon off on an almost-back-to-back, seven nights on Azura and seven on Queen Victoria with just a day in a hotel in between.
We've splashed out this time on a suite on Azura (that wasn't a very big splash - the price when booking opened was so low it would have been rude not to) and a Princess Grills mini-suite on QV.
I will report back in due course.
We already know that the main benefits of the Azura suite are a bigger cabin, butler and priority boarding (though we get that anyway). We also know we get a different restaurant and some exclusive areas on QV, and again priority boarding.
But beyond that it's a blank canvas as we've not done either before (other than a 2 nighter in a similar suite on Ventura that we mostly spent unpacking and repacking so it passed as a blur and doesn't count).
So we only have 7 days in each. From those with more experience of this up market world what should we look out for in each to take full advantage? What mustn't we miss?
We've splashed out this time on a suite on Azura (that wasn't a very big splash - the price when booking opened was so low it would have been rude not to) and a Princess Grills mini-suite on QV.
I will report back in due course.
We already know that the main benefits of the Azura suite are a bigger cabin, butler and priority boarding (though we get that anyway). We also know we get a different restaurant and some exclusive areas on QV, and again priority boarding.
But beyond that it's a blank canvas as we've not done either before (other than a 2 nighter in a similar suite on Ventura that we mostly spent unpacking and repacking so it passed as a blur and doesn't count).
So we only have 7 days in each. From those with more experience of this up market world what should we look out for in each to take full advantage? What mustn't we miss?
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- Senior Second Officer
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
The PG suites on QV are ok - rectangular rather than square (as they are on QM2). However, the other perks are well worth having, in particular the excellent dining in the PG Restaurant and the private outside deck area. We don't use the Grills Lounge much (it's always been a bit like God's waiting room on our cruises) and much prefer the Commodore Club. Unlike most on this forum, we prefer a quick grab and go for lunch, so only use the restaurant in the evening, but gather you are allocated the same table for breakfast and lunch as well as dinner.
We always head for the restaurant a little while after boarding and check we're happy with the allocation. If not, they will try and accommodate you.
Last time we were on Cunard (last October) we rolled up to the terminal at about 11.00 and were on board by 11.20am. Lunch is usually served in the Grills, though we head for the smash and grab; it's most civilised at that time of day. Cabin (sorry...suite) should be ready when you board.
Have a wonderful time.
We always head for the restaurant a little while after boarding and check we're happy with the allocation. If not, they will try and accommodate you.
Last time we were on Cunard (last October) we rolled up to the terminal at about 11.00 and were on board by 11.20am. Lunch is usually served in the Grills, though we head for the smash and grab; it's most civilised at that time of day. Cabin (sorry...suite) should be ready when you board.
Have a wonderful time.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
From P&O - never been with CunardMervyn and Trish wrote: ↑18 Apr 2019, 11:24From those with more experience of this up market world what should we look out for in each to take full advantage?
In theory, and usually in practice, you have higher priority boarding than Caribbean tier - you will be on board by 12:15 (assuming you are at the terminal by that time). Also you will have the benefit of the exclusive "lounge" in the terminal (slightly better than the bun fight with free tea/coffee).
Other "perks":
- You can have a civilised breakfast in the Epicurean
- Room service is free - but should be ordered via the butler (one nice touch on our last cruise was that when we were on an excursion that did not get back until 13:30 the butler had sandwiches waiting for us upon our return)
- You can have any MRD meals in your suite
- Priority disembarkation at tender ports
- Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise
- Canapés every night (not really a perk as most of them are not very good, but the chocolate dipped strawberries on the first formal night are well worth having!)
- There are a few little touches that you would not be aware of, such a better tables in the select dining venues - especially if booked via the butler
Last edited by david63 on 18 Apr 2019, 13:05, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Have not sailed with P&O for a while but when we had an aft facing suite on Arcadia the perks were 2 bags of Molton Brown toiletries (his and hers) afternoon canapes and a Butler. This was before they straightened the stern and the balcony was huge.
The best perk were the toiletries and the balcony, we didn't use the Butler and the canapes weren't memorable. No special dining.
On Cunard the dining is the main perk, you have a beautiful restaurant with your own pre-assigned table for all meals and vastly superior choices for meals, with evening dining between 6:30pm and 9pm
There is also the courtyard, an outside luncheon dining area which is lovely in warmer climes.
There is a grills lounge with a concierge and reserved decking on 2 levels where there are iced drinks available and also sun cream.
Deck stewards will bring round ice-cream to your sun bed on warm days,
In the cabin there is also a pod coffee machine, and you can get free coffees in the grills lounge during the day, cappuccino etc.
Afternoon tea is also served in the PG restaurant.
Priority boarding and disembarkation of course
The best perk were the toiletries and the balcony, we didn't use the Butler and the canapes weren't memorable. No special dining.
On Cunard the dining is the main perk, you have a beautiful restaurant with your own pre-assigned table for all meals and vastly superior choices for meals, with evening dining between 6:30pm and 9pm
There is also the courtyard, an outside luncheon dining area which is lovely in warmer climes.
There is a grills lounge with a concierge and reserved decking on 2 levels where there are iced drinks available and also sun cream.
Deck stewards will bring round ice-cream to your sun bed on warm days,
In the cabin there is also a pod coffee machine, and you can get free coffees in the grills lounge during the day, cappuccino etc.
Afternoon tea is also served in the PG restaurant.
Priority boarding and disembarkation of course
Last edited by Midlandslass on 18 Apr 2019, 13:48, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
The White Company now, and one between the two of you.Midlandslass wrote: ↑18 Apr 2019, 13:45the perks were 2 bags of Molton Brown toiletries (his and hers)
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
If you're on QV to the Fjords on 12 May we're doing this one, so might see you on board. We're also doing a B2B, but staying on QV after the Fjords and going to the Baltic.Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑18 Apr 2019, 11:24We're soon off on an almost-back-to-back, seven nights on Azura and seven on Queen Victoria with just a day in a hotel in between.
Anyone been to Gdansk, more specifically suggestions welcome for getting from Gydnia to Gdansk - Cunard do a trip, but not keen on being tied to their timings.
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Topic author - Commodore
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
May see you in the Commodore Club; won't see you in the Grills - we're in the bilges for this one.
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Topic author - Commodore
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Yes we're usually steerage! Special treat this time.anniec wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 17:23May see you in the Commodore Club; won't see you in the Grills - we're in the bilges for this one.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 18:41
Your a brave woman Anniec
Last edited by Stephen on 25 Apr 2019, 07:59, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
She recognises class when she sees it......
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
with Trish yes.....
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Topic author - Commodore
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
I never discuss Brexit in polite company. And have avoided the thread on here since it became increasingly vicious.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Which nicely sums up our "similar views".Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 14:08I never discuss Brexit in polite company. And have avoided the thread on here since it became increasingly vicious.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
On my recent trip on Oriana the B word was brought up once or twice but I politely said It was a banned subject while on holiday and most people were ok - few exceptions but I just ignored them and refused to get drawn into the conversation - the same as on the forum reallyanniec wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 15:10Which nicely sums up our "similar views".Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 14:08I never discuss Brexit in polite company. And have avoided the thread on here since it became increasingly vicious.
Janis
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
We were on a table of six on our recent cruise and the B word came up with one chap. Well, this chap was away like a dog with two tails quizzing everyone what their views were . Bu99er me if we didn't get him and his wife again on a table for six. His wife must have said something to him as the B conversation didn't arise again. Of course, I was on my best behaviour
Last edited by Stephen on 25 Apr 2019, 17:08, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
I believe they have removed the option to order off menu in PG but the a la Carte menu is still there. Nevertheless, the restaurant is of a higher standard.
The PG suites are pretty much identical to the Superior De Luxe cabins on Ventura and Azura but you receive water daily, there is an Illy coffee machine and you are (un)lucky enough to get TWO bottles of the awful Pol Acker on boarding. I think there may be a fruit bowl too.
Make good use of the Grill’s Lounge - the Concierge has a desk in there too - and make friends with Lucia if she is running the bar, she’s a star.
The PG suites are pretty much identical to the Superior De Luxe cabins on Ventura and Azura but you receive water daily, there is an Illy coffee machine and you are (un)lucky enough to get TWO bottles of the awful Pol Acker on boarding. I think there may be a fruit bowl too.
Make good use of the Grill’s Lounge - the Concierge has a desk in there too - and make friends with Lucia if she is running the bar, she’s a star.
Gill
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Thanks Gill. That's how they looked on the website but I wasn't sure. Will suit us that's our usual cabin choice on Azura/Ventura. We've only gone up a step on Azura this time as the price was just silly cheap.GillD46 wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 19:02I believe they have removed the option to order off menu in PG but the a la Carte menu is still there. Nevertheless, the restaurant is of a higher standard.
The PG suites are pretty much identical to the Superior De Luxe cabins on Ventura and Azura but you receive water daily, there is an Illy coffee machine and you are (un)lucky enough to get TWO bottles of the awful Pol Acker on boarding. I think there may be a fruit bowl too.
Make good use of the Grill’s Lounge - the Concierge has a desk in there too - and make friends with Lucia if she is running the bar, she’s a star.
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Mervyn, Life is too short not to take advantage of an opportunity. Enjoy.
Gill
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Don't worry about that Gill, he knows how to do that when it come to getting a round in
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Re: P&O Suite v Cunard Princess Grills
Phase 1 begins. Arrived Mayflower terminal 12.10. Barely sat down in exclusive waiting area before we were lead to boarding. We would have been first to board if not for the dozy woman at the door to security who hadn't got the message it was opening and held us up while others diverted and used the other door. Nonetheless on board and sat down in the Medina Restaurant for Cava and curly canapés by 12.30. I have to say the offering was much better than the only time we've done it previously on a 2 nighter on Ventura. Cabins ready by 1.15. Just been visited by the Butler.
Last edited by Mervyn and Trish on 04 May 2019, 16:12, edited 1 time in total.