wowzz

I wouldn't pay that much for seven days. I'd rather spend the money on three specialty restaurant meals.

That is a very UScentric point of view. I wouldn't necessarily disagree with some of the points you make, but there is a big wide world of cruising out there, that does not include the US.

Recently porters have not been that much in evidence. However, it normally is only 20 yards or so to the luggage area, so not too much of an issue.

But, the op is asking about bidding for an upgrade, not paying the full price. I think the better cabin location, and the dining arrangements are worth paying extra for - the key question is how much extra are they worth. Personally, on a bidding system. I would bid about $100 pp for a 14 day cruise.

We experienced the same Artic conditions back in April. I'm amazed that they haven't turned the thermostat up. If it's too cold for us to drink, you can tell it is bad !

Glad that the nightly turndown service is gone. Hated having to tidy up the cabin so it was in a fit state for the steward to come in and tidy it up !

The problem that you neglect to mention, is that all these trend setting youngsters don't have the time or money to cruise for more than one week per year. Which is where us oldies come in and save the day, by cruising two or three times a year, for weeks at a time. We may not be market drivers, but without our money, there would be no cruise industry to drive !

This was discussed at length some time ago. If some random stranger was walking close behind you, and decided to take a chance and go into your cabin for nefarious purposes, I suppose it is possible, but in reality the whole scenario is so unlikely as to be unthinkable.

You can track people down by using the screens in the lift lobbies. No need to carry your phone around.

The Medallion is the same as the cruise card. Everything else is smoke and mirrors which you can ignore completely.

Realistically, Arcadia needs a mega million pound refit, as she is very tired. P&O will obviously carry out mandated dry docking, ongoing maintenance etc, but there is no way that millions of pounds will be spent on her in the last five years or so of service.

When I was a student (no sniggering) back in 197? I had a basement flat in Morecambe with an outside loo. I found that it was possible, in the height of winter, when waking up on the morning , with mind control (!), to get dressed and drive to Lancaster campus before needing to partake of the centrally heated "facilities ". Nowadays, of course, I wouldn't even get to the dressing stage before a visit is in order. Ah, the joys of youth !

I think that booking early is probably the way to go for coveted cabins such as wake views. But, as I get older, my time horizons get shorter. We have three cruises booked for next year, but I am finding it difficult to summon up any enthusiasm to book a 2024 cruise. Too many unknowns in the current environment. So, I'm going to wait until mid 2023 before making any concrete plans for 2024. I have a sneaking feeling that, as long as you do not need a specific cabin type, there will be bargains to be had.

Loads of taxis available at the terminal, or you could Uber.

Sorry, you have totally lost me. Why would the cabbie only want £60 when the meter says £65 ?

I think the OP does have a passport.

But they don't ! You do not need to even download the app if you don't want to. You are making an issue out of nothing. Just turn up with your passport. Not exactly difficult!

As has been said, boarding passes are not issued any more. When you enter the terminal, your name is checked against the passenger manifest, and you are then directed to the check in area. This is where your passport is checked.

Personally, I would give £5, less if the driver was a grumpy git !

Unfortunately no one at Princess told you that you do not have to do anything in advance. Just turn up at the port with your passport and vaccination/test documents if required, and you are good to go. Everything such as emergency conracts, photographs etc can be done by the check in staff at the pier.

Not surprising really, I suppose. Inflation at 10%, mortgage rates doubling, etc, means that the very market Arvia is aimed at (young families)are having to rein in their discretionary spending, if there is any left at all.

I just wonder if there is a limit to how many people want to do a fjords cruise ?

At the end of the day, the lure of the beer overcame watching Midsomer Murders.

I think you'll find that the health form must be filled in during the 24 hours before departure. You cannot complete it earlier. After all, what is the point of filling it in, say 7 days early ?

Well, we were planning to take a walk along the Trent, to the next village today, for a lunchtime pint. But then I realised that Harry would be along shortly to point out that 91.3% of those people who die when walking, are over 63 years old, so we are going to stay in and watch a repeat of Midsomer Murders instead ! Don't want to take any risks at our age.