sailing canary

Hi crystalspin No need to apologise - I found it really interesting! I haven't been yet. If all goes well I'm hoping to go in November, but there are health issues (and therefore insurance issues), so fingers crossed. Or I'll have left it so late I won't be able to afford what's still available! I'm still determined to only go with cabin baggage and a tote.

Just a headsup. The 2024 Olympic Games will be held in France between 26 July and 11 August. Most of the events take place in and around Paris, but there are other venues which might impact travel in those areas. The other venues are Lille Vaires sur Marne Marseille Lyon Bordeaux St Etienne Nantes Châteauroux

You gave me a bit of a fright there! I AM on Air New Zealand, so I checked and fortunately as I'm going PE, the allowance is 10kgs. Phew!!!

Which are your favourite balcony cabins on Majestic Princess and why? And - which have you stayed in that you would never book again!!

Yes, I am flying, so I have to keep the weight of my carry-on/roller under 10kgs. Thank you for all your replies - lots to think about.

Help needed!!! I am intending travelling with just a roller carry-on and my handy tote bag for my next cruise (can't handle normal size suitcase on my own). It's actually for almost 3 weeks, but I'm thinking if I pack for one week, then I'll just repeat twice more. I don't care if anyone notices I've worn something before. I've seen numerous YouTube videos, but most of them seem to have much bigger carry-on luggage. I will be using a bag which conforms to European and international sizes and weight. Many of the videos I have seen are aimed at US travellers who seem to be allowed to bring much bigger (unweighed) bags on board. So, suggestions please. Criteria: Female, late 70's, haven't worn shorts for about 40 years, probably won't go in the pool, definitely won't go in a hot-tub/spa. Prefer trousers to skirts. Weather should be fairly average, not too hot or cold, but I will have a warm cardigan and pashmina for the flight, so can layer up if I need to. Any suggestions VERY gratefully received. Thank you 🐦

It's a 45 minute drive from La Rochelle. If you Google their website, it gives details on how to get there. Maybe renting a car as there are 4 of you might be a less expensive option? There is a drop down menu choice on the website for an English version if your French isn't up to it. I tried to cut and paste it to here but failed!

If you're Googling this, it would be better if you used the correct spelling - SEville, not SAville. Also Sevilla if it's a Spanish language website.

You might find something here - it's the official tourist board site for Toulon. https://toulontourisme.com/en/

If you go to www.seatguru.com, there are comments and advice on each and every seat on every airline you might have to travel on!

It is the national airline of Portugal.

Eating when the locals eat ..............not sure what you mean by that?? The 'locals' will be having Lunch 14.00/14.30 Dinner 21.00 - not unusual for people to go out for dinner at 22.00 Also not sure what you mean by 'late snack/coffee and a treat. Just curious.

How comfortable are you about eating late in the evening? Unless you go to a restaurant catering for foreign tourists - which will not be an authentic experience - dinner will start at 21.00 if that. On the other hand, lunch will start at 14.30!!

So does this mean the onboard language is NOT French????

Coldplay - Music of the Spheres World Tour. May 24-27.

Except they only operate in the South Pacific!! I really would like to 'do' northern Europe, particularly the ports of the Hanseatic League.

Actually, that's the reverse of what I'd be looking for!! We lived in France for many years and I'm a fluent French speaker so I'd prefer a cruise aimed at Francophones.

I'm interested to know what the proportions of different nationalities are found on Ponant cruises and does the makeup change depending on the embarking ports and destinations? This will affect which cruise I'll choose.