Waju

We met a recently bereaved man on a cruise and his story was very similar to yours. Such a lovely man who used to save us a sunbed in the mornings 😎 Anyway, this was his first cruise without his wife and he joined in everything going and was really surprised at how easy it was and much fun he had. He had his 'moments' and sometimes took himself off somewhere quiet and that's fine, that's how he coped. Strangely enough we don't do many cruises now that he isn't on! He's living his best life and although I never knew his wife I'm sure that's what she would have wanted. Good luck with whatever you decide - sometimes the first step is the hardest.

It makes me really sad you have to go through this. Your post is excellent - very well put x

Sorry, just realised where you're from! I suppose you just have to decide what's important to you then - cabin choice or £500 to £800 to spend on board. That amount would more than cover or bar bill as drinks are reasonable on P&O. Happy choosing, that's half the fun!

It does sound interesting. It could mean a little bit more revenue for P&O with the only extra cost being a little bit of admin. It costs the same to have the cabin cleaned whether it be an inside or a balcony and maybe just a bit more for a suite.

Just ask your agent to price both grades - we usually do that. It's easy enough then to work out if the difference is worth the extra money. As wowzz said parking in Southampton has become quite expensive, although there are cheaper alternatives if you shop around. Some cruises have a few port shuttles some have none - I suppose that's easily 'googleable' though. Just be aware that if the port is a working port the shuttle is usually free. Also, check the distance from the port to where you want to be as P&O have sometimes said its a 20 minute bus ride when its been an easy 10 minute walk!

I like Mercia, some nice shops. We live on the Derby/Nottingham border so not too far away. We had a canal boat for 5 days last year and only got as far as Willington but it was lovely. Yesterday was a really miserable day weather wise (I never left the house) but it's looking a bit better today. Have a lovely day!

What a good idea and it sounds like you had a lovely day! Was that Mercia Marina?

I bet that was a brilliant night - I love a good party!

Can you pick me up on the way? 😊

All of that is home made???? You are all so very clever - wish I had an invite to the party 😉

I saw a cruise advertised the other day that circumnavigated Australia, it looked amazing. Sorry, not very helpful but I can't for the life of me remember where I saw it 😒

It would be a World Cruise segment wouldn't it? So Arcadia, I believe, for the next two years - I think Australia would fall end of January/early Feb?

Almost the same topic ...... has the Captains speech/free drink party returned or is it still a voucher for a glass of fizz? Also, is there a peninsular club drinks evening?

Oh dear I hope you're feeling better soon

Hopefully we will 🙂

Thanks for that Joysey, I thought it was probably too good to be true - just can't understand why it says Primo/small hot chocolate - unless Primo means small at Costa does it?

That's worrying majortom as we've both just got over it! Hope you are not feeling too poorly with it.

Morning everyone, Can anyone who has cruised with P&O recently tell me if staff are still having to wear masks? No reason I need to know other than it popped into my head 🙂 Also, when looking at the drinks package options (not that I would ever buy the ultimate one) the soft drinks package says Primo/small hot chocolate whereas the other two say Primo costa coffees - does that mean the soft drinks package includes Costa coffee? Looks a good option to me if it does. Thanks

There is a little duty free shop before you embark but as happy v says it isn't very good. I think we got fairly cheap vodka to take onboard but mixers weren't cheap.

There are some excellent prices on the 2024 world cruise - has anyone booked?

I wonder why Arcadia does the world cruise? I wish it was Aurora too.

I won't be around tomorrow so please wish Pauline a very happy birthday from me!

Thanks everyone

I think my relatives on board already hold a record for days at sea - they were on Arcadia when Covid hit and I think they had 29(?) sea days in a row!!

Does anyone know why Ventura is missing Bermuda today and heading straight for Freeport on the 14th? I think this will mean they have had 11 sea days 😲