Oh-But-Is-It

Me and my husband have cruised Marella with another couple, approx. half a dozen times.  We don't pay for particular cabins, and we are all on the same one booking.  we are put no more than a couple of cabins apart each time.

When I was in Jordan they were happy to take US dollar, euro and sterling …….. like you, just needed small notes for ice cream, tips, postcards, souvenirs etc ………… you will be fine with US dollar.

Many thanks for your advise and suggestions . I now know its not just me !

47 days till my Canary cruise, however, although excursions are detailed and advertised, they are not available (on sale) to book online.

Does this seem odd to you. I have booked cruises with Marella and excursions several months in advance in the past.

Hello, there are some example menus available on the Thomson website. Select CRUISES, then select ON BOARD EXPERIENCE, and then select DINING ...... about 5 menus on the right of the page for you to peruse. :D

How do you know all this, 'oh wise sage' ????

Calvi in Corsica is a good beach day. You will most likely take a tender too shore. Follow the coastline via the marina (very pretty, not hilly, a 15 mins easy stroll) will get you there. You cant get lost, and don't need a taxi. 15 Euros will get you 2 x sunbeds and umbrella. cafes selling snacks and drinks. Water is crystal clear, very calm flat, (need to walk out a bit before it deepens).

Many thanks Geezer466,

Will take your recommendation for beach in Barbados, and also snorkelling in Bonaire. And think an excursion for Grenada, but will certainly keep my eye open for those rum punches ''glug glug''. Many thanks for your kind info.

Many thanks for confirming, I will keep my eyeballs peeled.

Thank you, didn't even think to try that :rolleyes:.

I seem to remember a while ago someone posted here that in a Colombian port there was (tucked away, within the actual port) a small garden and seating area with tropical birds in the trees. They made it sound very nice, and certainly worth looking at when passing through.

Was it Cartagena Port, and does anyone else know of this ?

Am visiting the following ports in November ........

Bridgetown - Barbados

St. Georges - Grenada

Kralendijk -Bonaire

Willenstad - Curacao

Oranjestad - Aruba

Are these good DIY ports ? Beaches within walking distance, snorkelling, jet skis , towns to walk around etc ..... or are excursions more appropriate ? Any info is much appreciated. Thanking you in advance.

On the Dream last month, I paid £27 for a neck and back massage (approx. 20-25 minutes) ........ lots of offers on throughout my stay.

Very enjoyable .... until the lady wanted me to buy the massage cream for £49 !

Thank you both very much for your help, much appreciated.

Have booked for this winter a B2B cruise on the dream with flights via Jamaica.

Can you clever peeps help me with the following ..........

* Do I need a visa for Jamaica prior to my flight ?

* Is Dr Caves beach close by to the Montego Bay Port (or any beach), and is there a shuttle bus service ?

My trip also incorporates Cuba, I am very aware re the currency situation, but having pre booked all excursions with Thomson (no DIY) could I get away with US dollars (for instance if we are taken into a cigar factory ? As I don't for see any expenses arising other than that.

Your help is much appreciated, thanking you in advance.

I usually book 6 weeks before (personal preference, suits better to our lifestyle) I always get flights, deck etc that I want. It usually drops another 10% after that but I find the choice of decks, outside rooms and airports are limited for my tastes. A/I of course I must pay for, but im finding that a bit of a raw deal, seems things we like still have a payment premium on them !!!!!!

Whenever I book early, always caos forces cancellations, sickness, death those type of things.

I think they are still cheap from the bars. Maybe £4.50 per pack. A little tickle not to be sniffed at !!!

I have not been able to access Sailaways blog either. It says NO LONGER AVAILABLE !!!!!

Alas, hope he has not defected to the FaceBook with all his worldly knowledge.

As long as they get rid of that awful Majesty ............... i'd rather float on an inner tube !!!!!!!!!!!!

On Saturday 20th , BBC2 at 5.30pm there is a 30 minute documentary about Cunard's history ............... Thought some of you might be interested.

Hmmm ........ Your talking me into it.

Many Thanks. Your all correct, I must get brave and take the bull by the horns, otherwise I will miss out on wonderful things.

Still apprehensive though !!!!!!

I have never before flown long haul. The longest flight I have suffered is 5 hours (with Thomson actually). When I say suffered, I refer to cramp (knees on chin) conditions and someone's chair reclined into my face, pressing my nose across my cheek !!!!

I find myself considering the carribean, however the 10 hour flight is preventing me. Im told the Dreamliner is much more comfortable (standard class) .............. What can I expect that would be different to my Thomson short haul flights ? Or is it the same old thing , just new packaging ?

Your wise words of info would be much appreciated.

Soooo, I know it has been established that I am getting meaner with age, but on leaving the Majesty Friday, thought I would nip down to the photo gallery to see what photos might be there of 'little ole me'.

Ah ha .... there was my old chops staring back at me from the board, which photographer was now clearing to be thrown away, ready for the new arrivals.

''How much ?'' I enquired, holding an above size photo (small 5x7 normally £10)

''That's £15'' he replied

After spluttering and swaying back and forth I offered him a fiver.

''It is not what you offer me madam, it is the price of the photograph'' he sneered

''Put it in the bin with your others then'' and went to catch my transfer.

What a odd chap to rather throw it away, than take a fiver, for something that cost shillings to print. It wouldn't have been so bad if it was framed. For £15 I want my chins and 2 stone airbrushed off !!!!!!!

I never understood the 'Platinum' motive ........... some new rug and a kettle in a cabin are bog standard facilities to other liners !

Langton Couple glad you had a good hols on the Hellenic Classics, we did too. Although I have never been on the Dream so cannot compare, I must say I would choose not to use the Majesty again. We didn't mind the food, we also appreciated the good service, entertainment and excellent housekeeping. What we didn't like was the outside deck to sit. If you wanted a sunbed 'no problem' they were everywhere, but we like to sit when chilling and to be confined in a glass surrounded deck with limited seats most of which were in the shade and a stage that only a priviledged few could enjoy because it was faced away from 80% of all who were seated, was in my opinion poor planning. I prefer the Celebration for its outside rear decks and a stage that can be seen by all. On the subject of Hellenic Classics ............. why they took us to Kalamata is a mystery, the Projects in the Bronx looked more inviting. Never have I seen such a grotty place. Apparently the place had little to offer the tourist and was heaving with beggars, needless to say I stayed on board. Of all the places of Greece, im mystified why here !!!