kernow

Agree, I do the same. On last weeks cruise I actually forgot my pack of disposable cloths and had to buy some in Haugesund😄. For the first 2 nights I just used my hands with my wash off cleanser and my skin felt horrible and dry. We had wash rags everyday without asking, I actually use them to dry my hands never for my face😁. We also had a box of tissues in the dressing table drawer again without asking. As a British woman if there were no tissues I'd just use toilet roll which I tend to do at home.

We were on Virtuosa last week, no pizza delivery anywhere until after 6pm. It was the same last year. Mentioned it then and was told it might change but no, we still had to go to the main buffet at lunch time if we wanted pizza.

The restaurants do book quickly so do it as soon as you board, we did it at 2pm on the first day and could not get our first choice of time and day. I think they have a stand on the promenade somewhere to make bookings (we used YC concierge). We didn't use the spa this time but have previously, if they are not too busy they do not time you. There is a photo desk in the main atrium, they display all the photos there, they will tell you all the details.

I've been cruising myself and missed the end of your review, just spotted it and caught up. Glad you had such a good time, really enjoyed following along, hope you have a lovely trip with your sons next time.

Diamond get a bottle of prosecco and a plate of macarons in the cabin plus a bar of chocolate and a gift(was a drawstring bag last week). You also get a free meal in a speciality restaurant (best perk imho). Not sure about the party on a 5 night cruise. The one hour spa experience is in the Aurea spa, has saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, heated loungers etc. You have to book your one hour slot. The free photo is only a certain one, not your choice. We never bother with it but they were taking them at the Diamond party last week so maybe that one. On Virtuosa you do not get a letter in your cabin telling you the benefits (like RCL/X) they expect you to know and ask for things eg. when you book your meal tell them you are using your diamond perk. It will say your status on your cruise card.

The internet was great everywhere except the day when we were in Olden when it was unavailable the whole time we were docked, came back a few minutes after sailaway. I didn't try text but was able to facetime and WhatsApp without any problem.

We had wash cloths, tissues and bars of soap in YC on Virtuosa UK sailing last week. All there on the first day and replaced when used.

I'm interested in this too. When we were onboard last they were telling us about the new South Africa itineraries. Hoping they will do them in 2024/25 as DH has a big birthday and has always wanted to visit South Africa.

Hope you have a great time, I'm sure you will.

We had a relaxed breakfast this morning and left the ship around 9.30 am. One of my favourite things about YC is that the departure is flexible and not rushed. You just get ready to leave when you want and one of the butlers will take you down, it can be a bit embarrassing as they take you straight to the front of the line. This morning us and another couple were taken together and a group who the butler cut in front of started shouting at him and us. We told him just to let them go as none of us wanted a scene. I really wish they would open a separate exit for YC guests so it doesn't affect other passengers. We were a bit later getting off than we thought. Someone who had already left the ship posted on the FB group that they had left their child's necklace in their cabin. I asked the concierge if anyone could possibly have a look for it and luckily they found it and bought it up to me (I've promised to post it to the family). The concierge staff were amazing as they went out of their way to locate it. We were through the terminal and in our car in no time and we're now back home and already missing the ship Overall we had a great week, after the first day or two the service in YC seemed smoother. As I've already mentioned they do seem short staffed over the whole ship. On the sea day yesterday we had arranged to meet up with my cousin for a farewell drink in the afternoon. We said we'd meet at 4pm at L'Atelier bar. When we arrived it was closed (apparently opening at 5.30) so we walked along to the Champagne bar only to find it also closed. The one bartender behind the bar told us we would have to go to the Casino (smoking) bar. How crazy to have two of the main bars closed on a sea day afternoon! The ship is still beautiful, very clean and well kept. All the food we had was good and we had fun. We met a few people who were moaning (mostly about queues and lack of seats) but most people seemed to be enjoying themselves. All I can say is I wish I was still onboard😀.

Ooh, let us know what you think. Back home now and sorting out the washing, I'll give final thoughts shortly. Missing all the YC staff, had to make our own dinner😂.

Currently sitting in Top Sail lounge after dinner on our last night onboard. We've had a relaxing sea day onboard, weather has been hazy sunshine and calm seas but a bit chilly. It was the diamond event this morning then lunch on deck ( with a jacket on😀) and farewell drinks with friends we've made onboard. Cases all packed and ready to go out. I'll come back with some final thoughts in a day or so but overall it's been a great cruise once again.

For me it would be perfect balcony weather in Dec, warm but not too hot. We would use it a lot. I think someone mentioned alcohol before, on your itinerary it will be available on the ship in all ports. It's Saudi Arabia where they are not allowed to serve it. It's very expensive on land though and not widely available to buy. If you are staying in Dubai before the cruise and like a drink visit the duty free shop in Dubai airport on arrival and buy some for your room, you cannot purchase it in supermarkets.

We've been to UAE and your other stops quite a few times both on land based trips and cruises. We did it once with MSC on Musica a few years ago. Passenger mix will be mostly European including quite a few Brits ( its a popular holiday region for us). Temps at that time of year will be nice, low 20s with cooler evenings. Taxis in all ports will be plentiful and reasonable, don't worry it's very safe. Certainly in the UAE they are metered, make sure they switch it on. Sir Bana Yas is a private beach day for cruise ships (all the lines use it, not just MSC) think the private islands in the Caribbean but a bit simpler. Muscat is walkable to the souk, nice beach front Corniche and safe. You can get a taxi to take you on a tour if you want one. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are modern cities with lots to see so do some research and decide what takes your fancy. Khasab is a small place, we just walked around but not much to see. Many people take a boat trip to see the Fjords which are supposed to be lovely. Let me know if you have specific questions. I love travelling to this part of the world.

Currently on Virtuosa.Below pics are from yesterday's and today's planner. They also seem to have a 2 for 1 happy hour in L'Atelier everyday.

It's still really busy but I think if you keep it in perspective no need to let it spoil a cruise. Some people moaning but we've spoken to lots of people who are enjoying themselves(families, couples etc). We've been down in the Promenade area every evening and enjoyed the atmosphere, drink service can be a bit slow at times ( our cocktails took 20 minutes in L'Atelier last night versus maybe 5 in YC). Not too much of a problem for us but can see it getting annoying if it's every drink. We've seen lots of people ordering 2 drinks at a time which I don't suppose helps much either in the long run. All the staff we've seen have been lovely and are working hard. If they are going to fill the ship to this level I do think they need more staff. We were talking to a nice family last night who said they had been on last summer in school holidays when it was even busier but the staff seemed more experienced and so quicker. They thought there were lots of new staff who were still getting up to speed. Seats can be scarce at times but I think if you're a couple who are happy to share a table you will find some somewhere. Larger groups seem to have more of a problem. I'd say around 90% British but we've spoken to American and German and heard people speaking Spanish too.

That's interesting about the breakfasts. We were talking to some people today whose cabin is underneath the YC grill and they said there was noise early in the morning and they couldn't understand why.

Forgot to say it's White night, we're starting off the evening at our favourite L'Atelier for some cocktails.

The YC opened for lunch today so we ate there before getting off for a walk around the town. It's National Day in Norway today so it's a public holiday with most things closed. It was nice to see all the locals out with their families, many dressed in national costume. It seemed like a nice town and we've had full sunshine all day. We came back and sat out on our balcony, I even needed sunscreen😀.

We're port, as we've come around the coast starboard currently has the sun.🌞 We've just been for a walk around the decks and lots of people (including my cousin😀)on sunbeds around the main pool where it is sheltered. Not quite bikini weather for me but very nice, Mark of course has his shorts on😅.

We've woken to bright sunshine and beautiful seas with a few white tops this morning. We were up chatting and drinking until past 1am last night, by the time we went to bed the ship was rolling. We slept soundly and right now there is just a gentle movement. We are not due into Kristiansand until 2pm but according to Vesselfinder we may be much earlier. We're sailing along close to the coast at 20 knots. Beautiful views from the balcony.

Just been warned by the captain that we are expecting rough seas overnight and tomorrow morning, I've taken a Bonine😀

We've done both and I don't think you will go wrong with either. In 2010 we did a 14 night baltic which included St Petersburg, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallin and some others (I can't remember) which was fab but we also love all the scenery on this itinerary.

It was in YC but I think some of the items are the same so maybe you will have it.

Just getting ready to sail away from Flam, looks like we are waiting for a late excursion. The weather today has been lovely, the odd cloudy but mostly sunny. We did the train last year and had no plans this time so decided to go for a walk to the main village a mile or so away. As we were walking we stopped to take a photo of a crashing waterfall, there was another couple from the ship doing the same. We chatted a bit to them and asked where they were from. They said Birmingham which is where my family are originally from. Long story short it turned out the lady is my second cousin that I have not seen since childhood. My grandad and her grandmother were brother and sister so we have spent the rest of the day reminiscing about relatives and childhood memories.Such a strange coincidence. Sorry with all of this I forgot to get much info on Flam😁.