clairebearinaus

I have a related question - so sorry to hijack this thread with it but I didn't want to post a new one on a very similar topic. I've heard it's possible (though unlikely) that a Royal UP offer could come on embarkation day. Does anyone know if RCL would allow such a late cancellation and refund of any DBP, Key etc that would become unnecessary as the result of an upgrade?

We had no problem getting a table for 2 in any of the restaurants.

Last time I looked there were reviews of the excursions on Carnival's own website. (Perhaps in the general website and not under your actual booking, from memory.) I decided against the dolphin feeding as the reviews were mostly negative, along the lines of what Sinbad said above - lots of money for a few seconds' interaction and there's a long conservation presentation beforehand, which might be a bit boring for the little ones.

I did a cruise on Encounter last year (I think they're very similar?) having previously cruised on Princess, Celebrity, Royal among others. We like to spend our days relaxing in a quiet spot on the deck, in the sunshine, with a cocktail or 2. Jazz ourselves up early evening and head downstairs for dinner, maybe a show or some music, a few more cocktails. We had very low expectations of P&O but honestly? It was absolutely fine. The adults only area and sun deck above it at the aft were lovely spots to relax and read. The food was fine, nothing set our world on fire but the choice of 3 different MDR cuisines kept things interesting, and we had a lovely meal with wonderful service in the 'fine dining' restaurant. One of the bars was pretty rowdy of an evening but there were more relaxed alternatives, and movies showing on the pool deck. There was a wonderful little gin bar on Encounter, I don't know if it's on your ship though.

I haven't been myself but have read lots of information on this ahead of my own cruise next winter. The general advice seems to be that it will be cold on boarding day and the first sea day, and turn nice over the course of the second sea day. Lovely and warm in Mexico then cold again by the time you wake up on your final sea day. So I'll be packing a bit of everything, and things that can easily be layered.

Thanks chengkp75, I really appreciate the time you took to look into it and reply again.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it's more complex than we hoped. We're travelling in Sri Lanka, I'm quite confident that the logistics would work re: land travel but it's a moot point if the cruise line isn't going to allow it. I'll have another look at private tours and see if we can make something work. It's just a little annoying as we'd be headed halfway to the next port stop then have to double back on ourselves to return to the ship, when we could have relaxed, stayed the night, travelled the rest of the way at at a leisurely pace the next day.

Hello, I'm hoping someone will have advice or, even better, experience of this. My upcoming cruise stops at 2 ports on consecutive nights which are in the same country and about 4 hours apart by road or rail. We are particularly interested in a place about halfway between the two. The ship doesn't offer an excursion there and we feel it's a bit risky to travel that far and back in a day. Would it be possible to leave the ship behind at the first port, stay overnight on land and then join the ship at the second port the following evening? I understand I'd need permission from the ship, does anyone know what the process would be and how likely it is to be approved? I imagine we could 'accidentally on purpose' miss getting back on the first port but do not want to do that! Thank you.

There are ATMs at the airport.

I buy Bonine (Meclizine) from the States. About $20 for 100 tablets including shipping. It's the stuff the ship medical centres hand out so I'd suggest going there in your case.

Thank you! I'm adding all suggestions to my list.

Hello, I'm seeking your advice to help us plan walking tours of Cabo/PV/Mazatlan. We're excited to experience authentic Mexican street food - not being from the US we're not really exposed to it other than TexMex style chain restaurants that serve nachos/burritos/tacos. So I'd appreciate advice on interesting foods we should be trying, and where best to try them. We're aiming to explore all 3 ports on foot; I'm sure we will be hitting up some of the big tourist spots on the waterfront for the view and atmosphere, but would also like to poke around the back streets to visit places the locals like to eat at. Also keen to do a tequila tasting and any other must-dos involving drinking, if you have any favourite places to do that please share. Thanks

At this stage you can't use OBC to book excursions though. I've paid for one and am hoping to visit guest services and switch to OBC once on board. (It's a covid re-book cruise with a truckload of OBC!.)

We did a 2 nighter last week. My first Cunard cruise. Not what I expected (or hoped for) in terms of formality and sophistication. The ship is lovely, but I think your suspicions are right and there was a bit of a 'Jetstar' vibe. That might have also been because the 2 nighter was quite affordable, so some peoples' only chance to try Cunard? On gala night we saw many men in just pants and shirts, women in sundresses and Teva-style sandals. A couple next to us at the gin bar both in jeans. A few tuxes and glittery floor length gowns but they were the minority where we were (gin bar, Verandah restaurant and the ballroom thing I forget the name of).

Thank yo LittleFish, it wasn't too bad. Certainly hasn't put me off cruising!

I disembarked QE on Saturday just gone. Became ill Sunday and tested positive for covid on Monday. My first case of covid, and I've travelled a lot, including other cruises, in the last year. I hope you have a lovely cruise, and that you and your companions stay well.

We disembarked on Saturday (just a 2 night cruise). Masks were required everywhere 'except when eating and drinking and in your stateroom'. Most people followed it pretty well; there were some exceptions though. Many popping masks under chins or removing altogether when on the open decks. Once people were sat in a dining or drinking venue, it was masks off regardless of whether they were actively eating and drinking. Absolutely no masks to be seen (on passengers) in the Yacht Club disco late at night. We were allowed to use our own masks, or the lightweight blue paper type supplied. I believe the cruise before us had stricter requirements and had to wear the pointy cardboard type. As an aside, I have developed cold/flu symptoms overnight and will be testing soon.

I was able to book the Verandah online, but quite close to the sailing date - maybe a week or two out? We really enjoyed our meal there. I think part of it was that we weren't blown away by the MDR the night before (2 night cruise). There are some unexpected options, e.g. hamburgers, but some real gems in there too. I agree it's way too much food, and I'm pretty 'good on the fang' as my dear grandad would say.

You can also just log into my.gov.au to get into your Medicare records. No need to download any apps.

Very helpful, thank you! I can relax and stop checking my booking to see if a theme has been added.

Most of the time I am cruising with my partner, who is already shorter than I am, so I wear flats. On the other hand, my children tower over me so when the three of us cruise together (or go out anywhere, really!) it's a good opportunity to dust off my favourite heels. I never, ever wear hose. Opaque tights in winter, yes, but I don't do cold weather cruises.

People who are onboard now are posting that they are frustratingly anchored off IOP but can't go ashore.

I also read on Facebook that she is headed towards an unscheduled port stop (might have been Isle of Pines?) to drop off an ill passenger.

I haven't used them myself but I believe there are online services which do this. They watch you do the test on Zoom or the like, and email you the paperwork you need.

Queen Elizabeth is showing a gala night 6/1/23 but still no info on what the theme will be (which is irritating as I want to go shopping!).