Korimako

You're lucky - ours is checked at check-in. If it's over the limit - weight or size, it has to be paid for and travel as checked baggage. And it costs much more if it has to go as checked baggage at that point, so we all know to stick to the limits. Which is what I meant by concentrating one's mind!!!

Are there no limits on size and weight of cabin baggage in the US? Our national carrier's weight limit is 7kg and size limited to 118cm (H+W+D) including wheels. That concentrates the mind wonderfully when packing one's carry-on!!

Yes, thanks, I should have thought of that! I have identified a few online, but it's always helpful to get a personal opinion. Have now posted there too.

I am taking a river cruise from Lyon and intend spending a couple of nights in Lyon before it. Any recommendations for mid-price hotel near the old part of Lyon? I would also be interested in any tours/guided walks, particularly any that feature the traboules. TIA

I have yet to hear of anyone who comes to New Zealand and raves about the spectacular beauty of our cities!😂 Very little of our magnificent scenery and landscapes are within a day's coach trip from any of our ports. On a cruise, you will barely scratch the surface. Which is why most people recommend a land trip for NZ.

Hi all On these boards somewhere it was said that Princess provided transport ( not necessarily free of charge) from Southampton Cruise Terminal to LHR. However, I asked my UK based TA if she could add this to my booking and her reply was that there were no official Princess transfers and that I would have to arrange that myself. I am now totally confused (not difficult!) Any advice gratefully received.

And is that supposed to be an amusing conversation starter??? It’s what I might expect from a nine-year-old.

I have, but I am still none the wiser. Is this a North American thing?

I am fully aware of what 'breaking the ice' means. This is what I found to be totally incomprehensible. "What Did Mr. Spock find in Captain Kirks restroom?"

What on earth does this mean???

Thanks all. I wasn't really clear in my 'easier' comment. Flying from LHR is a direct flight to my destination, whereas I have a connection if I go from Southampton and the onward flight is on Sunday as there are no Saturday flights, which would mean an airport hotel. Prepared to put up with LHR for that reason!!

Thank you, but I am now thinking it might be easier to take the Princess shuttle (if there is one) to LHR and book my onward flight to Scotland from there rather than from Southampton. How long would I need to allow for travel to LHR terminal 5 on a Saturday? I'd rather go in a lounge at LHR than risk missing my flight.

Do Princess have a shuttle to Southampton Airport?

Do Princess have a shuttle to Southampton Airport? I'll ask on Princess board also.

Yes! I read both - print books at home and e-books when travelling. I don't want to have to pay the excess baggage on the extra suitcase(s) of books, even paperbacks, nor have to struggle with a heavy suitcase - when flying internationally. I can easily read a book a day.

If we were 40 years younger, then we probably would just just head for a recommended bar. But given we are 2 ladies with a combined age not far short of 160, I think we'd be more comfortable with something more organised! But thanks anyway 🙂

We’d like to do food tour tasting cichetti in Venice. Has anyone any recommendations?

Thank you 🙂

Thank you so much. I've seen many of your posts on the Italy forum and know that anything you recommend is bound to be worth investigating.. Grazie mille (I'm trying to learn some Italian before I go!) K

Hello Edinburgher, I'm back again! I have googled 'Venice for Visitors' but nothing matching that came up. There were various sponsored, similar sounding sites, but it would be a great help to me if you could tell me which is the official one. I would also like to buy tickets for the Vivaldi concert at the Chiesa Santa Maria della Pietà but I also get conflicting results there too. Thank you from a fellow countrywoman!

Thanks - I'll have a look at these

Thank you! DIY it is!! I'm also not too keen on being one of those tourists following a flag or umbrella like a Lorenz gosling!!

I've been wading through all the usual booking and hotel websites trying to find a suitable hotel for 3 nights in June. I just wondered if there was any sort of list/ personal recommendation topic on here to stop my eyes and brain from freezing!! TIA

Has anyone done this? I'm in Venice for 3 nights in June and not sure whether I need an organised tour or if it would be better to just wander on my own. Any advice gratefully received! TIA