Broughton

Up until last year we were happy for Marella to pick. Been in some ones on the Celebration that rattled a lot but that didn't bother us too much. However on Disco 2 last year our outside cabin on Deck 3 was located right under the smoking area on Deck 4. Nothing against smokers but a party of passengers used that area until  well after 1am  on the first two nights of the cruise creating a considerable noise and scraping of chairs making it impossible to sleep. Although we got that addressed would now pay the extra to pick a cabin.

Was on D2 at the start of September and for the first time in my 9 cruises did not take my tux having felt out of place wearing it on Celebration last year. I did wear a new long sleeved shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes. As always my wife was dressed in her finery.  Although not paying too much attention I felt there to be a good mix on Dress to Impress Night of people in formal gear , suits, shirt and tie etc. Didn't see anyone in t-shirt and shorts in MDR.

Was in Surf and Turf later in the week and there were people in there wearing shorts which no in way could be described as tailored.

As someone said earlier in the thread we like to dress smartly for dinner when out so always make the effort when on a cruise. I don't have a problem with people dressing as they want but where there is a dress code, it is well advertised on D2 , it should be respected and adhered to. 

I can see them, both on desktop and tablet. On my desktop they are fourth down on the middle column on tablet sixth down on first column.  Might be different on whatever device you are using.

Not got a kilt Ormy. Don't have the knees for one 🙂 I do agree though that they look good and have seen them worn on other cruises.

We are going on Discovery 2 at the end of August. Have always taken my Tux on previous Thomson/Marella cruises but for the first time I felt out of place on the Celebration last year as I estimated that less than 25% of men were wearing them. So this year I am just going to wear trousers with a smart long sleeved shirt and tie. Will save some weight in the cases.

Thanks Kruzekka. You input and advice is much appreciated.

Thanks for the very comprehensive reply Kruzseeka. There is  train option but it looks like it is only part of a bigger excursion and does not include tickets for the Sistine Chapel/Vatican Museum. It is also £126 per head which is a bit expensive given that there are no entry tickets.

I've had a look at the link you have provided and the on-line ticketing option looks good especially if it as it says you will skip the queues. Will have a further look at this option start of July as it says you can book them 2 months in advance. Then will decide whether to go on the bus tour or do Rome On Your Own.

Been to Rome twice previously, both from cruise ships although not Marella. Did Rome On Your Own both times but never went into the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Going with Marella this year first week in September and was also thinking of doing the  'Classical sights and Vatican City' excursion as we definitely want to visit them this time. The thinking was that having the pre-booked tickets and being on an official tour it may be faster to get in rather than stand in a long queue. 

Does anyone know whether if we buy tickets on-line, rather than through Marella,  it would speed up entry ? If so Rome On Your Own would become our preferred option.

Hi Sheila, It didn't really affect me too much as I am quite a heavy sleeper and the vibration is most noticeable in the cabins when the ship is moving and things start rattling. In port there is no real issue. My wife is a lighter sleeper and it woke her up more. That said it did not affect our enjoyment of the cruise as we really like the ship and the atmosphere aboard. We have been on her 4 times. The cabins were  spacious and comfortable. They were double cabins though so I can't vouch for the single ones.

We have been in both 704 and 707 and there is definitely quite a lot of vibration in them.

There isn't actually any double cabins at the back of the ship on deck 1/2

Ok lets say the double cabins nearer the back of the ship on these decks. Been in 707 on deck 2 and 902 on deck 1. Both are very spacious and nice cabins but they definitely both rattle when the ship is moving..

From experience cabins on Deck 1 and 2 at the back of the ship definitely rattle due to the vibrations. Closer to midship a lot better. I never noticed anything. Then again my wife would say that's normal for me.

Can't speak for the Explorer but was on Celebration last week and would estimate that less than 30% of men were wearing dinner suits on the Gala Night. Some had lounge suits and many in shirts with a tie. So probably no need for a Tuxedo.

Been on the Celebration 3 times (going again on her again this year). First twice we were at the back of the ship and the vibration/oscillation was quite noticeable and caused a number of things in the cabin to rattle. Third time we were nearer midships and hardly noticed anything.

Started doing survey. Answered first few questions then cancelled when the demographics questions came along. Never filled these in on the holiday experience surveys they used to hand out and not doing so now.

Thanks Jvtravel. Zadar itself although not spectacular was a nice place to wander around. Not too big and a few out of the ordinary things to visit such as the Sea Organ.

As an addition to the above. It would be good to know if this has changed for the better as we are on the Venetian Vistas in August this year and it would help make the decision whether or not to into town that day.

Had Zadar as a port of call a few years ago. They had just opened a new cruise port terminal and it was the first time that a Thomson (TUI) ship had used the terminal. Prior to that the terminal situated close to the centre of Zadar.

The new terminal was a good distance outside of the old town of Zadar and there was a shuttle bus which would take people in and out to the town. I'm sure that there was a local charge for this (it was not Thomson running the service) but can't remember what it was. Think it took about 15-20 mins for the journey. The trip in was fine but unfortunately and probably due to the fact that this was the first time that this shuttle service was being trialled coming back was not well organised. We queued up at the correct place didn't get on the first shuttle as it was full, which was fine. There was then a long gap until the next shuttle arrived by which time a large queue had formed. This one stopped near the back of the queue and all the people there jumped on causing near mutiny from the people waiting at the front as there was no room for them. I would imagine that the process will be more streamlined now.

Had a quick browse and it appears that credit cards are accepted. Can't guarantee that though. Costs 150 Kuna per person for the walls.

On departure day you will probably be off the ship between 8 and 9 to get to the airport for a mid morning flight. So no chance to explore that day.

If you are going to walk the walls make sure you have Kuna available to pay. Was last in Dubrovnik 2 years ago and Kuna was the only currency accepted for going on to the walls. Taxis to and from the ship take Euros

Different experience for me and I am sorry that the OP had such a hassle. It is not a nice thing to have to do. Had to cancel our holiday yesterday due to family illness. Called the 02034512682 number. Got answered within a couple of minutes. Cancellation carried out and confirmation email received within 10 minutes. I was expecting it to be much more complicated. So very pleased that it was straightforward Just got to see if travel insurance will cover us now.

No fridges in outside cabins Decks 1 & 2. Don't know about other decks.

Thanks. Thought that was the case. I also remember that in our cabin (at least) the hairdryer and kettle were on the same switch. That meant you could not use them both at the same time. Thought the hairdryer was dud before we realised that and switched over.

I might be imagining it but I thought each cabin had a hair drier supplied. Please correct me if wrong.

Thanks for the replies. Glad to know most things appear to be open. Was a bit concerned as when we were in Messina on a Sunday a few years ago most things were shut. Definitely looking forward to Venice. Been there once before on the Majesty and loved the sail out down the Grand Canal. Will try and see the sail in this time.