AndyMichelle

So glad you are asking these questions, saves me doing it😊 We knew our way around before lock down, now feel like newbies again... I'm sure you will have a great time, please keep us informed, we would really appreciate it. Andy

I had a feeling the councils line was possibly just trying to pass the buck... Southampton roads are poor at the best of times and struggle to cope with this amount of ships, it only needs minor things like a car breaking down and the world stops... Andy

It's been a nightmare. Hope everyone boarded OK. Andy

Sympathies for anyone boarding or disembarking in Southampton today. The town has been gridlocked for large parts of the day due apparently to cruise traffic. Buses, coaches and taxis are all affected. Let's hope everyone managed to board. Andy

My favourite ship is Britannia, Michelle's is Aurora... Not had the pleasure of the real big ones yet, but have tried all the others. We have had great cruises on both, but I struggle for the first few days on the older ships, getting used to dated decor, closed in spaces and a not fit for purpose TV. Michelle says this is all part of the charm... We also found previously that the better entertainment and staff seemed to be reserved for the newer ships? All that said, after a couple of days, I tend to adapt to a more sociable environment where the clientele seem much more friendly and Andersons on Aurora is probably our favourite place on any ship for a nightcap. A different experience, but both extremely enjoyable for us. Andy

My new business venture almost set up at Ocean terminal... 😂😂😂

Sounds like a plan Dai... Andy

Ordered a cake for Michelle's Birthday for our upcoming cruise on the app without any issues. Andy

Shame, we could have bought you a drink... Andy

Looking forward to it Dai Andy

We sail on 30th June Dave, is this the same as you? Andy

It takes me about 20 minutes, but I still ain't doing no 3 night cruise... 😂 Andy

Nobody cares, lots of us do it... It might be worth just parking at West Quay for £5 per day and walking/Uber back. Andy

Yes, just go to the drop off point, hand over your luggage to a porter or stick it in the hole in the wall, then drive out. Easy peasy... Andy

Have a great time, Andy

We have always arrived early, mainly out of excitement, but would never have minded waiting but never had to. Not so keen on potentially standing, queuing outside, so will now do as I'm told. Was always under the impression that the people booking you in never minded, as it enabled them to fill any gaps and get us all through efficiently before the coaches arrived. Andy

If only... Seems like they are making early arrivers queue outside while the terminal sits empty... Doesn’t make any sense, the old system of take a card and wait for a gap seemed to work fine... Andy

It's funny how quickly perception changes... I think the 'small ships' being referred to by ICF are Azura and Ventura... It's not that long ago we were calling these the 'big girls'... 😊 Andy

Good points being made on both sides of this debate, really enjoying it. In my and many others simple world, embracing change is not easy, until we get used to it. If things have to change, we want it set out simply and to run smoothly. Once this happens, we will all be OK. Andy

There is a medical term for it Selbourne. What is it now.. Over active??? Oh that's it, over active knife and fork... 😂 Andy

Possibly not hair at all, sounds more like something shedding from the carpet or being drawn through from the underlay. Alternatively, coming from the hoover. There would be no reason why hair could not simply be picked off from a wool carpet. Andy

You can keep him Pete, I'm a Hammer...

Good summary Selbourne. We accepted pre covid that standards were dropping, but still found it suited us to have 3-4 cruises a year on P&O that we thoroughly enjoyed. We are on Britannia soon and are hoping this is still the case as some of the prices advertised are just too tempting. However, if the offering doesn't suit us, we will look at alternatives. Andy

Great news, have a fantastic time Andy

That's not good enough for us Pete, we will take any kind of win... I really don't want to come to Stoke next year... 😒 Andy