patnlcc

Sir Bani Yas Island is a stop on our upcoming cruise. Seabourn are offering two excursions, a safari or a visit to archaeological sites. We don't fancy either. Can we simply go to the resort I've read about and spend some time there or can that only happen as part of a tour?

Can you list your ports of call, please? The very knowledgable and helpful folks on here will then be able to advise you.

I also have a coupon for anyone who wants it. Email me at pat.marwick@ntlworld.com

Have a look at the referral thread as mentioned above and you'll get a €400 coupon.

We actively seek out cruises with lots of sea days. We love the unrushed feel of choosing what to do. No early rises if we don't want them. Lots of fun things on board like the Officers' Deck Party and the boat building as mentioned. On last year's April transatlantic we had an crew versus guests Olympic Games. Such a fun event.

Hilarious! I love that comment!

Sunviking is right (Hi, Ann!) we did the same. Booked excursions in advance, paid by credit card and once onboard, asked them to take the charges from our OBC. They did this, but it took months and several phone calls to Seabourn to get the initial credit card charges re-imbursed.

Our transatlantic cruise on the Odyssey calls into Funchal, Madeira on 22 April which I believe is the date of the annual flower parade. I'm told grandstand seats sell out months in advance. Has anyone been to this? Any advice on where to go for the best view? Will Seabourn arrange something?

Apologies. Wrong board.

Our transatlantic cruise on the Odyssey in April stops in Funchal on 22nd which is the date of the renowned flower parade. I'm told grandstand tickets sell out months in advance. Has anyone been to this? Any advice on where to go to get the optimum view? Will Seabourn arrange anything?

Hi, I have a referral coupon for anyone sailing on Seabourn for the first time before 14 April 2018. Email me at pat.marwick@ntlworld.com

Both of us will get $400 onboard credit.

Also check if your travel agent charges credit card fees. We moved to one who doesn't and it makes a big difference.

Worth mentioning that if you pre-book, you have to prepay. We try to use up any onboard credit on shore excursions and it's easier to book after boarding.

There was a really lovely and meaningful act of commemoration on 11th November last year while we were on the Sojourn.

Hi John. We're on the 15th April Barbados to Monte Carlo on the Odyssey. Can't wait. Best wishes to you and Wendy.

To JK300, looking forward to meeting you and your wife again. Pat and Bill from Scotland.

Hubby is vegetarian and I don't like caviar, so us too!

We were on the Sojourn in November and were forced to spend less time on our balcony because we had smokers on both sides. We consoled ourselves with the knowledge that things were about to change. Yes, you should report the smoking. No need to say more.

Wonderful. Loved it. Thank you so much.

We also love sea days when there is always a full onboard programme. You can participate, or not, the choice is yours. Sea days are soooo relaxing. Do give it a try, am sure you will love it.

We have done a number of transatlantics - southern rather than northern. We've been lucky enough to have lovely sunny weather. The worst choppiness was on an eastbound, after Madeira and before entering the Med, and even then it wasn't too bad.

In April this year we did a transatlantic (SB) with 11 sea days between Ft Lauderdale and Madeira. Loved it, loved it, loved it. So peaceful and relaxing.

The OP should buy a travel size white noise machine. They are the best things ever invented. I never travel without mine.

I had set up a referral coupon with a newbie, but it has fallen through. We sail on 3 November, so I have a coupon for anyone sailing before then. Sorry, it's just 10 weeks away. If you'd like a coupon, please email me

pat.marwick@ntlworld.com

Keep it coming, Ron, we all love travelling with you and Ann.