Entered Service 2004 - 148,528 tons
Make no mistake, this is a magnificent ship!
Large, yes, but quiet, smooth and comfortable. The cabin (sorry, Stateroom)
was very good and our steward was as good as any we had had previously.
Shame about the rest!
Cunard say that their White Star service is better than any ashore or
afloat. Not true. Apparently (we were told) the serving staff were originally
all Asian but now a lot of them are Eastern European and it must have
dragged the level down. Service without a smile seems to be the watchword.
In the buffet a couple of the servers managed to get through the whole
cruise without saying a word to us. Most strange! The food is OK but
not exceptional and the dinner buffet (if you don't want the formality
of waiter service) was pretty grotty. Generally only one type of potato
and this either gratin or onion. Roast beef and gravy, the veg were
mushrooms, spinach and gratin potatoes! Is it me? Don't talk to me about
the prices! I've compared the cost of Saga and other lines before but
just one example. Saga - house wine (including tip) about $15. Cunard
- house wine (including tip - 15% is added to all bar orders "for
your convenience" - another untruth) about $32. This price comparison
holds good across the board. One afternoon the Commodore (not Captain)
was pleased to sign QM2 books (which could obviously be bought on board).
Please do not bring postcards or other trivial items. In other words,
if you don't pay up he won't sign. It again makes me realise how good
Saga are.
2009 Mediterranean
Delights
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