Cardiff girl

The easiest way to get to Bruges is probably an MSC excursion or a taxi from the port gates, assuming there are enough waiting. The local shuttle from near the port gates is cheaper & fairly straightforward. Shuttles and trains stop around 10 /15 mins walk from the centre of Bruges, taxis get you closer.

Thanks again. I'd probably enjoy the walk, just trying to work out the fastest/easiest way to get there. Re taxis, I'm the same - I didn't see any last time, but I wasn't looking. Maybe the best thing is to enjoy the various stages of the journey and see them as part of the day out. At least I know all the various options now (apart from the 33 bus from Blankenberge 🚍).

Also, would a taxi drop off at Zeebrugge-Strand station, and how much would that cost, roughly?

Thanks, Gumshoe. I was straight off the ship in Oct, then sat on that port shuttle for ages waiting for others to come and fill it up! It seems that, with the walk across the park from shuttles and trains, the short journey from Zeebrugge to Bruges takes at least an hour, or more with queuing/missed connections. So, if a taxi is €62x2 return, it'd be €31 each if they let four share. Are there many cabs, and do they drop closer to the centre? 🤔

An hour should work but personally, I'd allow longer to feel comfortable. Last Oct Border Force wanted to see every passport on our ship, causing anxiety and delay. Sometimes four or five big ships disembark on the same day. National Express has a Change and Go add on. You can board any available coach 12 hours either side of your departure for £5 per passenger each way.

Thanks, that explains why I've seen both station names given. It seemed like it might be simpler than getting a shuttle to Blankenberge, also quicker & cheaper than shuttles. I guess we'll see how we feel on the day. Has anyone tried the 33 bus from Blankenberge? The cheapest but slowest option, I think.

Has anyone got the train from Zeebrugge? It's supposed to be 30 mins walk from the cruise terminal & the trains go hourly.

I used the local shuttle last Oct. It's Cruise Express, €20 direct or £21.80 through Viator. It runs from 8.30 - 12 noon every half hour. It comes back every half hour from 4 hrs before boarding. It was a bit chaotic - those who'd prepaid told to wait with those queuing to pay, while the first bus went past empty. Other people found it fine so maybe I was unlucky. I left Bruges 2pm to be sure to get back. https://www.cruise-express.be/en/services/bruges I read that taxis are fixed rate €62 each way. The P&O shuttle is currently £39 for a half day, £40 for a full day.

This has not-great photos of the obstructed windows, under a list of cabins to avoid! https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/aurora-cabins-to-avoid/

Thanks, Mike. So there's just standard fittings with a space in the middle? As you say, a missed opportunity. If they're that dark I might ask if we can swap, though I've already paid for obstructed on early saver so they've no obligation to change us. Anyone know if P&O might be helpful if I rang them? Thanks.

Hi Mike, it's a few years on but we've just booked these cabins on the basis that they're supposed to be larger and the price was good. What did you think of them? Was there much natural light? Were the rooms noticeably bigger? Any pics at all? Thanks.

It was the same in January - I tried both and used the lower one at busier times.

Is there much difference between Cinnamon on 5 and Saffron on 6 for freedom dining on Ventura? On sister ship Azura I was told the lower one was calmer as the one above was closer to the theatre, etc. They serve the same food, they look the same - any reason to pick one over the other? Thanks in advance.

Thanks very much for that price list - £50+ for cut, style & blowout. I guess the plus covers long hair, etc.

Oh, I thought I'd seen £40 or so for a cut on Azura. Maybe it was one of those where the wash, the blow dry, etc add to the cost - "£5 for a chair, madam?"🤣

Thanks - I remember the heavy sell! If they're expected to do everything that might be why some people haven't been wowed by the results. We'll see.

Haha, that's what I had in mind! However, I've already booked an excursion that was selling out, now I'm contemplating booking dining... Still, a nice problem to have!

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good! Thanks both - maybe not worth taking the risk! PS How do people spend OBC?

Has anyone had a hair cut on board a P&O ship, ideally Ventura? I'm thinking how to use my on board credit and I think I've seen reasonable rates for hair. Has anyone got a salon price list? If I resist the usual pre-cruise cut I could use up OBC getting one onboard - if I'm likely to be happy with the result... 🧟

Hi Mark, so sorry for your loss. Only you will know when to take that leap. However, in my experience there are usually a few widowers and widows braving solo cruising with plenty of friendly folk happy to dip in and out of companionship. On Azura there were well-attended daily solo meet ups plus get-togethers we organised. For me, solo cruising allows the freedom to be alone when you wish, combined with the chance of enjoying the cruise with a new 'gang'. I always feel nervous beforehand then always meet some lovely people. Good luck, whatever you choose to do.

Well done - was that through a TA? There's a roll call for that cruise and a couple of Facebook groups (I'm on it).

The Nietzche trail leads from Eze Sur Mer on the beach up to Eze village at the top of the hill, and it sounds like you would be dropped at the start of the village.

NavyPanda, would you be able to do tables of best value offers based on solo occupancy and/or date?

She could book assistance at stations: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/plan-assistance.aspx

I agree about considering an overnight stay, with so much travel disruption. I've stayed near the station and enjoyed meeting others I'd met through roll calls on here and Facebook. If you're driving down to meet her, hotels offer parking and transfer deals - an extra evening with your friend? I've also been offered a lift on a roll call. It was after I'd booked the train, but you never know. Happy travels!