Southcityblue

Couple of photos from the Damen Verolme Rotterdam Facebook page posted today, look to indicate a fresh coat of paint has now been applied, Looking good! 🔴⚫️ not my photos.

My personal experience in Southampton has always been good, and that’s after admittedly paying no attention to the boarding times (I know that will not sit well with some). My reason for this is we have a 5 hour drive down to the terminal so aiming for the 3pm boarding pass suggested embarkation time would be too much of a risk, so always aim to arrive 12:30 - 13:00 to allow for delays. When we arrive they have always just sent us via the priority lane without a question. Both Oct & Dec last year we arrived around 2 hours early. Hopefully you can just arrive at the time that suits you and board, let’s face it they are not going to make you wait around if they can get you through and boarded (depending on how busy the terminal is of course). Your experience (irrespective of policy change) will no doubt be determined by how smoothly boarding is going and the flow of passengers.

Funnily enough….just 80 days to go. We are WB 15th Dec…. Safely say we cannot wait (had to bring my signature up to date) There is just something extra special about the TA crossing - keeps us coming back… and as you say it has been a while.

IMHO- West would be my choice, as a Brit. 25 hour days iconic arrival views. Still having time in New York to look forward to, post cruise (walk off a few of the calories). Always find new things to do there, time after time. Practicality wise, allows us to fly back to a local airport - instead of arriving back to Southampton still facing a 5 hour train journey (as car would be at home). All of that is faffing dealt with on the way out. Granted this is not so much of a Problem for those located in the south of England. I would still never turn my nose up at an eastbound crossing though…😊

Thanks so much for your reply - I certainly didn’t expect a live update! doesn’t look like there has been much movement on that front - might have to bring my own clubs 😂

Due on a T/A in December - and was wondering if anyone was aware of the indoor golf simulator being “back in service” for private bookings? (by the indoor pool) When I was last onboard Dec 2022 - it was only open for open “activity sessions”. The type advertised in the daily programme, such as Nearest pin competitions, baseball and football games. Speaking with Entertainment Director at the time he said they couldn’t in good faith rent the area out for a cost as the equipment (clubs) were so poor, he was hoping for new equipment to be purchased.