We just completed a 17-day cruise on Cunard from NYC to LA through the Panama Canal. We enjoyed the trip, but it could have been better if the management at Cunard paid attention to a few details, like these:
-Air quality. On several days our side of the ship had paint and varnish fumes circulating into our rooms via the AC, forcing us to vacate on several occasions. We know it was not just our room since we had relatives in another stateroom on the same side.
-Activities on at-sea days. While we enjoyed the lectures, there could have been more activities available. On another cruise line, we enjoyed movies on the top deck throughout the day over the pool area. It would be an easy add to the pool areas.
-PA system. We were told that they didn't wish to "disturb" us in our staterooms, so PA announcements would only be in the public areas and on one channel of our TV. However when you have an all-day tour guide during the Panama Canal transit, you don't want to be stuck inside trying to hear, when you have a balcony room. Why can't there be outside speakers with an on/off switch?
-Better coordination with ports-of-call. I realize we were only one of many ships in Ft Lauderdale that day, but seriously you'd think they would get together and BUY the darn water taxi service so it could be run right. Also some of our lesser ports (like Puntarenas and Manzanillo) relied entirely on the guests purchasing the shore excursions to escape a depressed downtown area, when the cruise line could have worked with the locals to ensure there were clean accessible activities for all that would benefit their local economy. In one location, the street market vendors were trying to sell in vain to the visitors who had been spirited away by bus.
-Seems like a lot of chemical use onboard for "sanitation"... what the heck are they spraying everywhere?
-Coffee. I realize the Brits aren't known for coffee, but can't they get a real barista onboard to teach them how Americans like to drink coffee? Yes, I realize we are spoiled by Starbucks.
The good: EXCELLENT service. The people who work for Cunard are the best, truly they work above and beyond to serve guests.
Great food in general, esp. in the dinner service. Should make the most of that, by giving folks more opportunities for "culinary education" or galley tours etc, than only on the last day at sea. We also enjoyed the very informative tour guide who joined us on the Canal day, who (if you were in earshot of a speaker) could be heard throughout the ship. read more
