Muckyduckway

A follow on question - I've had a look at the four MDRs and am aware they all serve the same menu. Apart from the views, is there anything that would make you choose one over the others? On NCL there are two MDRs on the ships I've been on, and I really dislike the secondary MDR because it's always noisier, the ceilings feel lower and it just seems less welcoming. I could just go and try them out, but on a seven day cruise there's just not enough time to waste! TIA

@davecttr Thanks so much, that's really helpful. I'm guessing here, but the page that starts from 7:30pm, pretty much the same every night, with acts moving around locations? Or is it different every night? If different every night, then that's the page I'd be most interested in. If not, then you've provided exactly what's needed. Thanks again.

That's brilliant - no problem reading it. Is there a "What's On" summary per day? On NCL (my most recent cruiseline) one of the pages lists everything that's on that day, irrespective of whether it's a show, a talk or an activity. If there is, then that's the page I'd be most interested in, if you'd be so kind. 🙂

Good news about the bridge cam - we're doing an inside cabin for the first time, so being able to see outside before going outside is beneficial. 2) I have a weeks worth from two weeks ago but can I post them on here with enough resolution to be able to read them? I'd appreciate it if you were able to try posting one to see if it works out - if it's not too much bother 🙂 And thanks. Any cocktail drinkers out there?🍸

First time on P&O, trying to get the lay of the land... 1) Is there a channel on the TV that shows an outside view? Usually, it's the same as the webcam but P&O seem to have abandoned webcams! 2) Do you have copies of the onboard information sheet (Horizons?) you could share? Trying to figure out if I want to book anything, which is difficult when I have no idea of the ship activity schedules 🙂 3) Is there a bar or bars that is better for cocktail drinkers than others? Cocktails you'd recommend that aren't available shipwide? Thank you.

There's just the two of us, so even though it's smaller than our usual cabins, space shouldn't be much of a problem. I asked because on NCL the sideways inside cabins have quite a following, so wondered if there were any aspects of the square cabins that were particularly good or bad.

Thanks all. I was considering it for embarkation day, a bit of relaxation which would also save me time ahead of the cruise and the prices seem acceptable. A major bugbear for me is the hard sell, so any chance of that and it's a definite no from me.

Wow, that's bad. I was anticipating some negative experiences but nothing quite so extreme. Sorry you had to go through that.

Any differences in the layout? Looks like the beds are turned 90 degrees? Bathroom identical?

Were you happy with the quality of the service you used - they did a good job, polish lasted ok, no hard sell, etc? I've seen a few posts on this topic but nothing recent. TIA

Considering trying P&O, specifically Iona. For anyone who has seen the square inside cabins, what do you think of them, pros & cons versus standard rectangular cabins? TiA

Thank you both for your responses. So much to consider, but those snow capped mountains are such a draw. Thinking that early to mid June might work for us - the research continues.... 🙂

This review was delightful - useful reading for future cruisers to Alaska, beautiful photos, personable and humorous prose, a truly individual perspective that told it like it is but with a light touch and composed demeanour. The world needs more teacher librarians 🙂 As you have done Alaska numerous times, presumably at different times of the year, would you recommend any particular time over the others? We have Alaska on our list and have read many pros and cons but having read this review I think your opinion would be most valuable.

It's a pity that person didn't pin him down on what law exactly he was referencing. When it was just Piraeus, it didn't have too much impact but anything more than that would put quite the dampener on anyone who enjoys a drink. I'm hoping you are right about licensing and it is all a distant memory soon, but feel sorry for those affected, especially as that service incurs additional cost.

And they're both in Piraeus today (the original port of contention) along with several other cruise ships! But mustn't be many cruise critics posters onboard.

For anyone on this inaugural departure from Trieste, how was the trip from Venice, embarkation in Trieste and anything else you'd care to share with future cruisers? Looks like a great day to set sail...

We had a similar experience on the 8th May sailing. We were seated in O'Sheehans at 12:23 with Margaritas in hand at 12:28, the Great Outdoors was also more than willing to provide full bar service. Ditto for Santorini on our last port day - no problem getting alcohol at any of the bars. Whatever is going on didn't affect us at all, but I hope it all fizzles out as we're booked on the Gem in October. ( 🙂 hic!)

It's very tempting... but only if I can purchase onboard for one person. Neither of us care very much for champagne, which is where a lot of the value lies, and beer drinkers see no value whatsoever. I may just decide to pay out of pocket for anything over $15 and see how much of a hole that makes! For research purposes, of course. Waiting for PCR results, so can't allow myself to anticipate too much, just in case.

Funny you should say that, our last MDR breakfast on the Star was really bad, food was fine, but the staff were all over the place, grumpy and unhelpful. Vowed never to breakfast in MDR at end of cruise. Any other day, definitely a great choice.

Would anyone currently on the Jade care to share any tips or observations that could be of interest to future passengers? TIA

Thank you both.

Could anyone with an upcoming 7 day cruise tell me what dollar price is for upgrading from included Premium Beverage package to Premium Plus? TIA

Thank you, these are good suggestions. Bamba sounds like a snack for us. 🙂

We've recently booked in a Veranda cabin for Vista's inaugural Panama canal cruise. On our one and only O cruise on Marina we were allowed one reservation in each of the four speciality restaurants. Our booking confirmation for Vista shows only two - one each for Polo Grill and Toscana. I'm aware that with a new ship there are no certainties, but does anyone have any insight?