Csardas

The issue of constant, loud music is enough to put me off Celebrity.

Hi Hattie,

Thanks for your reply. I'd thought about a day room but thought I'd ask about staying on board as it would be simpler!

Halfway through the cruise we have a day in Athens and intend sightseeing then but not again on leaving day in July.

I've had a quick look at hotels but as I've never been to Athens I'm unsure about location. Our holiday cost includes transfer from ship to airport but that can be amended. Should we look for one near the airport or the port?

Thanks for your help so far!

We have a disembarkation issue too. Finish cruise in Athens and our travel agent has arranged a taxi pick up for 17:00 for our 20:00 flight. We didn't take the Cunard flights as we could get direct flights to and from Scotland and Cunard weren't willing to go with these. Do you think there's any chance we'll be able to stay on board? I don't think an excursion would work as I don't think they'd hold onto the luggage. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions?!?

Why was the Celebrity Silhouette so good? Have only had one cruise so far-QV- and more Cunards booked but am curious about Celebrity too.

What about a single bottle of gin?

The photograph above, with the queue going to the left, is to get into St Marks's. The Doge's Palace queue is around the corner and it's never that bad. You don't need a tour; there are extensive notes in every room and area of interest.

Last time I was in a Gondola it was €70 for 40 minutes-day price, evening is more expensive. If you want to do it, walk back from St Mark's Square to the left a few streets as it's a bit quieter at the station beside the Bauer hotel. You can state whether or not you want to go on the Grand Canal or not. Gondoliers are highly trained-killing tourists is not good business!

Save some euros, or a lot of euros, for coffee at Florian's. It's expensive but a great experience. Looking at the Cunard tour prices, you'd be much better off yourselves. Doge's Palace was €14 last time there and free for EU citizens if pensioners and had proof of age. Enjoy!

If you need to style your hair, rather than just blast it dry, I would definitely take your own dryer. The one provided is pretty basic and I don't think would be effective for a proper blow-dry.

Have a lovely, and perfectly coiffed, time!

Agree with all the sensible comments above. If you don't want to dress up, don't go Cunard. And no, it's not a generation thing- my 20 something daughters and male and female chums revel at the opportunity of a Black Tie event. I find it amusing that those who don't want to dress up want the rules changed for them yet would scream blue murder if a Cunarder were to book a casual ship and want the dress code raised a level for them!

We're booked on a July cruise that has 2days in Istanbul (QV). Do the cruise lines follow Foreign Office advice or are they even more risk adverse and may change/cancel anyway?

Thanks for that!

No, the cruise is in the Med. Seems a bit odd and I don't have a brightly coloured formal dress-nor do I want one!!

We've got one on our 9/7 QV cruise. Does anyone have any experience of a Carnival Ball?

No! I have to wear one at work every day and hate being "tagged". I'd never wear one voluntarily.

Scoured the website and can't find any. Could anyone point out where they are? Could only find menus for the additional charge restaurants.

I know it probably wouldn't come under a disability, but it might be worth emailing them and telling them about your anxiety problem. I'm sure they'd like to enjoy your holiday and if they'd confirm a 2, you'd be able to look forward to it without worrying.

Classy!!

We booked through a TA for our July cruise and have a 20:00 flight home from Athens, with a private transfer booked for 17:00.

Obviously we have to be out of the cabin at 8 but does anyone know how late you can stay on the ship? Is there usually a specific exit time for those who've made their own/non Cunard arrangements?

After much deliberation we've chosen our cabin and are happy enough with its position so we've ticked the "Don't upgrade" box. I just wondered, as we've booked quite early, if Cunard ever offer specific upgrades to those who've already booked in order to sell easier to sell cabins? We booked a BF, the cheapest balcony cabin without a restricted view for next July and 2 days later there are no BF or BE cabins left! If so, do they ever contact those who have selected not to upgrade?

Please don't apologise Peter- back pain is a serious, life-limiting condition. I'm sure they could get you an armed chair if you drop them an email stating it's a medical issue. You want to be able to enjoy a long leisurely meal in comfort!!

Sorry, the "like" was about a post several pages back.

I would "like" too if I could.

Gentlemen-take a look in the mirror. I truly believe that men look their all time best in Dinner Jackets/kilts! Why wouldn't you want to wear it when it's so flattering?!?