Simon-t

We were on Island last month in Greenland. We had a tip from another passenger when sailing through Prince Christian sound that the front balcony area on 10 and 11 would be open. There was no announcement from the bridge, or any official “opening” of the area, but the area was open and probably had no more than 20 people out there. Just keep going forward on those decks, and you can’t miss it. it was very windy and cold, but the views were incredible.

I think it varies enormously. Tipping in restaurants is common in the UK, but the only people who tip in pubs are US tourists. It’s not insulting at all, and I doubt any bar person will turn the tip down, but it can across as a bit brash.

I always tip when in North America because it is respectful to follow local customs and practice. I think what can irritate some people outside North America is the apparent insistence on tipping in Europe, Asia etc because of US cultural preferences rather than following local custom not to tip in every situation.

To be fair, that sounds a bit like me the first time I tried on my Dinner suit post- lockdown !!

I would also suggest Marks and Spencers. Their formal range is pretty good value, and available in a good range of sizes. The option of ordering online and collecting at the Southampton Branch is a good one, as they may not always have your size in stock. I've never rented formal wear on board, but I suspect it would be no cheaper than buying from M&S.

Answering the OP's original question (rather than discussing the merits of formal nights!) our cruise from Southampton in August on Island Princess had a huge variety of dress on formal nights. Quite a few tuxedos, lots of suits, chinos and shirt/ jacket, through to those dressing as they did every other night. In truth, none of those looked particularly out of place, although the majority did dress up.

I've nothing to add to the suggestions on transport, but I will say that Duxford is an incredible museum and well worth the trip.

We are looking at a cruise next year on Spectrum of the Seas and considering an aft suite. Are there any issues with aft cabins on Spectrum with noise or vibration? We have experienced this on some older ships, but does anyone have experience of an aft Cabin on Spectrum?

I agree with suggestions for the train, although if you do hire a car and drive, options in Liverpool are better than many UK cities. If you stay near Albert Dock (best place to stay for tourism) the parking at the ACC convention centre nearby is secure and pretty reasonably priced.

As per other posts, Flam, Olden and Gerainger are great ports. Three deep fjords is an excellent itiniary, and those three are amongst our favourite stops in Norway. I would have a look at a trip to the Briksdal Glacier from Olden, Flam railway, and the various viewpoints around Gerainger which are spectacular.

It is possible to see whales from the ship, but you do need to know what you are looking for. The best way to locate whales is usually the "blow" when they surface. We also saw a group of humpback whales from the cliffs at North Cape when we were there last year, along with lots of seabirds.

I would also suggest a tour to Esysturoy and Gjogv. Torshaven itself is nice enough, but it would be a shame not experience the stunning and unique scenery which the Faroe Islands offer. We went on a ship tour to Gjogv which had a couple of stops along the way, and which was an amazing way to spend a few hours.

This is definitely true. I genuinely can't remember the last time I used cash in the UK.

The cruise port is about five miles from Belem so quite a hike. The tower, monument and monastery are all worth a trip, although personally I would take a cab! The port is close to the centre including Alfama, the old town, and the castle all of which is very easily walkable from the port, although it is pretty hilly.

It really depends on budget and where you want to be based. We like the St James Trafalgar Square which is very central and decent sized rooms for central London. the Doubletree Hilton Tower of London is also a decent choice.

You will be able to pay for pretty much everything on card. We do tend to tip in restaurants, unless there is a service charge already included (check the bill). 10% is fine. Even then, it is not "expected" in the way it is in North America. Lots of people do not tip in restaurants and it will not cause offence. Tipping in pubs and bars is not really a thing. Taxis, the tradition was to round up to the nearest pound, but with contactless card payments that seems to have fallen away. In the unlikely event I was paying in cash I would probably round up, but virtually all payments are contactless (in the main cities at least). I would take a small amount of cash to tip tour guides, where tips are appreciated (and sometimes expected). In short - you are not going to offend anyone in the UK by not tipping, but tips in restaurants and to tour guides will be appreciated.

The taxi rank at St Pancras is clearly signposted from the Eurostar Terminal and is only a short walk. There can be a line for cabs, but there are always plenty available and you will not have to wait long. Personally, I would use a taxi with luggage rather than the tube.

In London, Norway and Paris you will be able to pay for pretty much everything on card. Might be worth having a small amount of local currency, although in the UK some places are now card only.

I can't remember the exact time, but it was around 8.00am in the morning from memory. RC were running departures every half an hour or so, and we had no trouble moving our allocated time to an earlier one. Transfer time was about 2.5 hours.

Tipping culture is very different in the UK compared to North America. Tipping in restaurants is relatively common and as ziggyuk says, 10% would be the norm. Often a service charge of 10% is included, and if so, there is no need to tip more unless the service is exceptional. Tipping in pubs and bars is not at all common, and not expected. For taxis, traditionally people tended to round up to the nearest pound, but that has happened a lot less with the increased use of credit and debit cards. Tour guides do tend to expect a tip, at least from American tourists! Beyond that there is really no expectation to tip.

Visa will be accepted just about everywhere. To confirm what others have said, the UK has become almost cashless since the pandemic. Tips in restaurants and taxis can generally be paid by card. I would probably have a very small amount of cash for tips for tour guides, but otherwise you will be able to pay for pretty much everything on card. In fact, most places will prefer contactless card payment for even the smallest purchases. I genuinely can't remember the last time I used cash in the UK

This is definitely true. Since the pandemic you are more likely to find places not accepting cash than you are not accepting cards. I genuinely cannot remember the last time I used cash in the UK.

We got the Royal Caribbean transfer from Ravenna back to Marco Polo airport last year. It is then easy to catch a water taxi into Venice. Tickets for Alilaguna transfer in to Venice can also be bought from the Airport, but I am not sure what luggage limits there are on there.

I would also suggest Taormina. Beautiful town with some lovely views. The walk up to the old Greek Theatre is well worth it, with incredible views from the ruins over to Mount Etna

We've never had any delays leaving the parking at Southampton - always quick and efficient. I agree with others about travel time to Dover. M3, M25, M20 is almost a list of top traffic delay hotspots! And as has been said, there are often delays getting into the ferry port at Dover when you are there.