little britain

Yesterday’s drinks expenditures $129. Oops. 🙊 
 

We should have complimentary Premium WiFi 🛜 as we were DBE but it wasn’t loaded against our account, so we went to Sailor Services ( 🤦‍♀️ yes the Sailor stuff is beginning to irritate ) - very short queue, people with iPads etc; the guy asked us to pay ($75pp) and it will be refunded today. Will keep a that. 

The cabin is not as stark or IKEA like as I was expecting, there are even 2 small paintings 🖼️ ( no art in the corridors or stairwells which makes them very bare and drab).

No cupboard doors but a curtain instead, shelves, some with baskets for your things, a few hooks, a very large lower ledge ( with hidden drawer) from when they used to rearrange the beds to a sofa during the day. And one side of the bed has a raised side which again would have been the sofa armrest. It does have a sliding wooden shelf on it which is very useful ( like a tray) to put your glasses/phone etc at night. 

The curtains automatically open, pita when you’re peeking out at night to see what the weather is like or if you can see land! 

We also have a chair and a small table - looks like something you would see in a hospital. 

Quite a few plug sockets and usb ports.

There is a tablet for controlling the tv, thermostat, mood lighting etc. 

The balcony has 2 chairs and a very small low table, and the hammock but it’s a good depth.

The bathroom is tiny. Not sure how larger people would fit through the shower doors. Huge bar of soap, shampoo etc in containers on the shower wall, nice thick toilet paper! 🧻. There is no low level night lighting though which is surprising for a new build ship. We have those sensor travel lights bought on Amazon which are very effective. 
 

I know you’re dying to see the pyjama party…

the chocolate martinis 🍸 are definitely not as good as on RCI 

Sailaway was quite spectacular- past the Royal Navy and the Gunwharf Quays ( an outlet mall) and old Portsmouth.. crowds waving us off as big ships here are still a novelty. Shhh 🤫 don’t tell ER!  

Our first booked dinner was in Pink Agave, the Mexican. Portions were sensible, ideal for sharing. DH had a green Fresco cocktail and then we shared a bottle of delicious Oregon rose ($40). 

The staff were interactive and friendly and because of the no tipping policy, they weren’t intrusive or fake, and certainly no begging for a 10 ✅. The maitre d’ even cleared the table so everyone was working as a team. Good to see. 

Tonight there is a show at 10 and then the famous pyjama party… I’ll post tomorrow! 

Distance from terminal to Aperol Spritz…

the wrist band charging bracelet room key thingie

Towels on the loungers

Razzle dazzle

pink Agave entrance

Test Kitchen

raise the flag when you want a drink 

free ice cream in many flavours 

for the gamblers a European roulette ( better odds! )

Home to on board took 1hr 5mins.

There didn’t seem to be anything separate for DBEs but we were onboard quickly. 

Cabins were ready immediately ✅

We watched the very funky safety video, then off to explore. 
 

First impressions - wow. Very spacious, lots of places to sit many bars, all with a different vibe, and as for the food… items freshly prepared to order, boxes of salad, bento, tacos, freshly made individual pizzas….and the cakes! 
 

You may have read of the disruptions caused by eco group Extinction Rebellion. Last week they chained themselves to the locks preventing cruise ships entering Amsterdam. 
So last night at 9pm we received an email saying to avoid this anticipated local disruption we will now be docking in IJmuiden and VV will provide complimentary busses to shuttle passengers into the city centre about 30 miles away.  The irony of this must be lost on the ER people ! 

We set off today for a 4n cruise on Virgins Resilient Lady to Amsterdam from Portsmouth. We live about 30 mins from Portsmouth so an easy drive. Portsmouth is traditionally a big Naval base and a ferry terminal to get over to France. The ill fated Brilliance transatlantic next April was meant to end there too but for us it’s a first. The sail in/out should be quite spectacular through the very narrow gap by Old Portsmouth.

Anyway; this was booked as a weekend away over our anniversary. I booked via the USA - they had an option to pay early and get a further 10% off the price so it ended up costing $1424 for 2 in a regular balcony with hammock. This included $300 in Bar Tab and a further $100pp in Bar Tab. That should be enough! We do not have any Sailor Loot which is the kind of OBC that can be spent on anything else ( and on drinks if your Bar Tab runs out) 

With Virgin you don’t have to buy drinks packages.. you just load up on your Bar Tab ✅ which is non refundable but it does mean you can order bottles of wine instead of by the glass. Very adult ✅ 

I’ve noticed Virgin is different. Sometimes annoyingly so. 

Every email greeting is Ahoy Sailor. 

The cabin numbers are the same on both side of the ship - the only differentiation being A for Port and Z for Starboard - 🤦‍♀️!  So yes there are 2 cabins with the same number on each deck! 

You don’t get bag tags until the port. 

No children. ✅

They did a kind of status match which gets us DBE ( you get a lot of acronyms on Virgin!) Deep Blue Extra enables us to board after the RSs (rock stars in suites). 

Boarding starts around 1:45 and disembarkation is around 10am … much more civilised.✅

The app is pretty nifty. You make your restaurant reservations the second they open 45 days out. RS can reserve 60 days out. We have pre booked 4 dinners and one brunch. It kinda takes away the spontaneity but with only 4n we want to try as much as possible. 

There is no main dining room, all restaurants are included although there are some upsell options ( as the all you can drink brunch $25) 

No tipping. ✅

To prepare: we had to go shopping 🛍️. Red pyjamas for both of us for the  first night pyjama party - starts at 11pm; then red jacket for him, and red dress, sparkling jewellery, shoes and handbag for me for the Red party on day 3.  Ok perhaps I didn’t need another pair of shoes and another handbag ! 
 

35 minutes ago, rcdc48 said:

Hi All,

 

Has anyone had any experience of bringing spirits on in Civitavecchia?

we have a drinks package and I know we can bring one to the cabin but was just wondering if its possible at that port.

Denise

No shops at Civ port. There is a little supermarket in town which has wine at good prices. However security in Civ is tighter - they have a Naughty Table set up for those who have extra stuff in their hand luggage as they go through xray 

26 minutes ago, sgmn said:

Slightly off topic query.  If I as a diamond,  cruise celebrity as an elite, when I get to Diamond plus does my celebrity elite status automatically upgrade to elite plus or is it a one and done crossover 

Anyone know?

I do not think it’s a one time thing… as you move up in one you should move up in the other 

8 hours ago, orville99 said:

Differential equity is not equity. Either make it a perk for all, or do it for none. Just like the internet perk for non pins in suites on those classes of ship that is not offered for non pins on suites in lower class ships. Consistent inconsistency is a hallmark of RCL's inept approach to its customers.

 

One of the reasons why we are booking elsewhere - I don't deal well with corporate incompetence.

Same can be said for actually being a P. 
On my last 2 cruises I was Not Pinnacle Enough to be allowed into CK or the lounge. In my mind you either are a P or you are not.
My future cruise bookings reflect my frustration with RCI. The Zenith match could not have come at a more appropriate time 

1 hour ago, Jonem2001 said:

I wonder if this is in response to the protests on the 23rd August sailing - we were held up in the locks at IJmuiden for around three hours as Extinction Rebellion protestors chained themselves to the lock exit gate. They were eventually removed by police, but we were late into Amsterdam as a result.

 

Docking prior to the locks would remove the risk, but it won’t be popular - the cruise up the river and central walkable pier in Amsterdam are highlights, and IJmuiden isn’t exactly scenic.

 

I can’t think what other ‘local disruptions’ would account for the change…

Yes it is. The ER idiots are planning a big day of protests on Saturday 31st. 
 

The irony of stopping cruise ships slowly gliding up the canal into Amsterdam and this being replaced with dozens of courtesy shuttle busses 🚌 continuously running backwards and forwards to get the guests into the city centre has obviously passed them by 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️!!! 

Ahoy, Sailor,

We wanted to let you know that, due to anticipated local disruptions in Amsterdam, we are making a slight adjustment to our docking location. Instead of docking in Amsterdam proper, we will be arriving in the coastal suburb of IJmuiden, just outside the city. This change allows us to minimize any disruptions to your voyage and your plans ashore.

We’re pleased to announce that we will be arriving early in IJmuiden- 1 PM ship time (2 PM local time), providing you with an additional six hours in port. Our departure on September 1, will now be at 7 PM ship time (8 PM local time). 

To ensure you have a fantastic experience in Amsterdam, we’ve arranged complimentary shuttles to and from the city. Additionally, we have confirmed with our tour operators that all booked Shore Things will proceed as planned. Please keep an eye on your app for any updates regarding timing.

We appreciate your understanding and are committed to making your journey as enjoyable as possible. Thank you for choosing Virgin Voyages, and we wish you an excellent time on your voyage!

Can't wait to sea you on board.

Itinerary leaving Portsmouth 30/8 for 4n sailing 

4 hours ago, orville99 said:

Only useful for us if they extended it fleetwide since we refuse to ever sail on any of those classes again.

Why 🤷‍♀️ - it was provided on ships which have a CK to compensate for people not being able to get into CK.

No CK no voucher needed

Round the world cruise not going anywhere…

Three months into their global cruise, they've not left Belfast https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jl3720yw3o

23 minutes ago, RobInMN said:

How about Southampton? They do other fjord cruises on Quantum class ships from there, why couldn't they do the Arctic Circle, other Norway cruises, Iceland and the other northern cruises they did out of Amsterdam from Southampton?

Because Anthem will be leaving Southampton for the last time in a few weeks, to be replaced by Independence and Liberty which are not cold weather ships.. 

45 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Not sure the abandonment was Norway port limitation related - more likely $ revenue related.

Their North Cape cruises sell out every year as do their Iceland trips. 
My friend has just done a great Iceland and Greenland round trip from Southampton on Princess. 

So it looks like RCI abandoned their Amsterdam market too early… wondering if they will be juggling ships for their 26/27 schedule to get back in there now ? 

25 minutes ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

Shops are at B or C? That was the question....one of them B or C doesn't have shops!

B has the shop. You can walk along the external walkway on the upper level between B and C 

12 hours ago, Jumping Cruiser said:

I think they will see how Disney Adventure (Ex-Global Dream) plays out in Asia. She is a similar size to Oasis/Icon, so will be a good thing for Royal to watch before making any firm decisions. However, if she performs well, I expect to see some fierce Royal competition within a few years.

Not forgetting Adora Magic City out of Shanghai too!

17 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I think wires got crossed. The next Oasis ship is more likely to be Legend since that's the ship code assigned to it ("LE"). Icon 3 has a ship code of TR and Icon 4 has a ship code of HE.

LE Legacy

TR Treasure or Triumph

HE Heroine

🤷‍♀️

49 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

The only thing that I found odd about Southampton was that you had to queue as soon as you arrived to drop your bags off.  After that everything flowed very smoothly.

Strange: they usually have a van in the carpark collecting the cases from the boot ( trunk) of the car as you park. Or you wheel the across the road and drop them at one of the porters and then walk into the terminal 

14 hours ago, taglovestocruise said:

Not drinks. There is a wine shop and a Liquor store next door. 

The shop sells all essentials -  wine, tee shirts and toiletries… 

23 minutes ago, sailorsgal said:

Can you buy  Vodka and wine in these shops . We have read they take it off you and you can get thrown off the ship. ??

Firstly you’re allowed to take one bottle of wine per person onboard. 
Secondly the wine shop is after the X-ray security at checkin. There has never ( in my experience) been a second X-ray machine as you board the ship.