Canuker

Personally, starting at St. Pancras, I would not schlep baggage across London to Waterloo down on the Underground.. I'd take the 13:00 from St Pancras south to Brighton, arrive 14:18. This gives you time to pick up some midday refreshment at St Pancras to eat/drink on the train. Then take the 14:43 Brighton to Southampton Central, westward along the south coast, arriving 16:31, in time for your hotel check-in. Again, giving ample time to change at Brighton. Perhaps a refresher at the station buffet. Although it may take longer than via Waterloo, it's a much easier route with baggage - and likely cheaper, too. Leave from platform "A" at St. Pancras, on a lower level than the Euro-star terminus; there are elevators and escalators. The change of platforms at Brighton (a terminus) is all on ground level. The train terminates at Southampton, so no rush to get off. This is all main line rail travel, it does not involve the Underground at all. Trains to Brighton are frequent - about 4 an hour. The Southampton train departs half-hourly at xx:13 and xx:43. Lots of options. Cheaper "Advance" tickets are bookable online at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

The ferry between Southampton and Hythe village represents a very pleasant, easy and inexpensive excursion for cruisers to/from Southampton who have time to spare. Hythe is about 15 minutes 'mini-cruise' from the Southampton Town Quay, a few minutes walk from where the big ships dock. Hythe is on the edge of the New Forest and still has that little village vibe, very different to the big city. A mini tour of Southampton docks is part of its route. Unfortunately the ferry has been suspended since August 22 2024, with no current indication of when it will resume. Click here for details of stoppage. The alternative public transport involves a 15 minute walk to a bus (Bluestar #8) that takes about an hour each way (assuming roads are not clogged with rush hour or cruise port traffic). If/when the ferry resumes (and even if it doesn't!) be sure to 're-hydrate' at the delightful brewpub a stone's throw west of the Town Quay, called The Dancing Man.

Well, what a difference 4 days can make! Birdnutty: better disregard my post #5. Hurricanes and tropical storms that affect the southern States and the Caribbean are invariably born somewhere east of there, in the Atlantic. Not Debbie. Currently a category 1 hurricane with up to 65 knot (75mph) winds, she was born in the Gulf of Mexico, off the west Florida coast and, because of the very warm waters there, hatched surprisingly quickly. It will cross northern Florida and southern Georgia, then make its way up the East coast. For your Saturday departure from NYC, she'll have been downgraded to a tropical storm, winds of around 40 knots. By the time you're scheduled to leave, the storm's centre should be off the coast of NYC or Connecticut. Your ship would ordinarily take a fairly straight line SE to Bermuda. I can envisage the captain either taking a more southerly course, nearer the coastline then swinging left at some point towards Bermuda (to skirt the storm and use the trailing winds) or perhaps delaying the departure from NYC waiting for the depression to move further up the coast. If it hasn't passed NYC by late afternoon on Saturday, winds will be onshore and you're looking at a possible delayed departure. Now all this assumes, of course, that the ship was able to dock on time from its previous cruise... Yes, I'd be prepared for the possibility you will not depart on schedule. I see you live in Connecticut. So presumably you won't be flying in the NYC? At least that's not going to delay you. But others from further afield whose flights are affected will be delayed getting to the ship. As to the rest of your vacation - don't forget the umbrella... Some good news for you: as a birdwatcher, there's always the chance some birds will have been thrown off course and have taken refuge in Bermuda.

Happiness can come in unexpected doses. Getting into the crawl space under the stairs is never something this body relishes, especially since the light in there decided to pack up. My wife can expect the odd expletive when I must go in there, like when packing for a cruise. Suitcases are fairly easy to find but I knew my water shoes were in there somewhere too. Ugh. So imagine my joy at almost immediately spotting them, backing out clutching them and not banging my head once!

Hmm. Ish. If you've cruised often with Cunard, you presumably like their elegance - tuxedos, ballroom dancing, Royal Ascot themes, etc.. You also know that Celebrity is slightly above average for a mainstream cruise line. I'd place Princess a tad below Celebrity. They have "formal" nights but few, at least of the men, will be seen in formal wear. Suit or jacket - perhaps. That's all in the evening. Daytime, I'd say they're more remarkable for their similarities than their differences. As long as you're not expecting "strictly ballroom" you'll be fine. Having sailed all three lines, these are my takes. Others may disagree. And that's OK too.

Lucky you.

We hit the check in last year with less than 3 minutes to the (hurry hurry) deadline (don't ask). We were the only passengers in there. They knew exactly who were were, by a process of elimination and greeted us by name as if we were long lost friends. They didn't look at any of our booking papers or passports, nothing. Said stand here, while they took our mugshots and then whisked us off in the direction of the gangway. Quickest check-in we've ever had!

Thanks EM. She looks very grand and elegant.

When we all sign in to CC there is a picture of the stern of a cruise ship, featuring 2 golf greens and a blue sports court. Can anyone identify it, please? Just curious - it looks very inviting, though there seem to be no one in sight.

Hello everyone, Canuker here. What about the weather for our first couple of days? Well, no nasty storms in the pipeline we'll all be glad to know. At least not where we're going. Had we left from NYC instead of returning there, it would not be nice, but that's another story. For us, just typical east to south-east trade winds, the norm for this time of the year. Some light clouds for sailaway, wind becoming fresh our first full day at sea, with headwinds of around 15 knots, coupled with our own speed of say 18 knots will combine for a perceived wind of around 33 knots, or 38 mph or 60 kph. Maybe the skipper will speed up at night and slow a little during the daytime. But with temperatures in the low 80's °F (~28°C) the wind may be a welcome relief out on the decks. Find the right spot for you and you'll be fine. Indeed, folks tucked away up there in the Sanctuary, out of the wind, may find it too warm. Seas will be slight, no trouble at all for our skipper, Captain Mario Ciruzzi and his crew. Or for us. Happy sailing, Canuker. PS I hope to come up with an update on August 7, just before a lot of people set out from home.

Looking forward to meeting everyone at the Sea View Bar sailaway party and at the Meet & Greet. Thanks to all who have helped organize these. Best, Canuker.

Sounds like a plan, FMG. You've got it nailed. Wandering off topic, re your trip to South Wales, I'm going to guess you changed trains at Salisbury or Westbury or Bristol, all of which have pedestrian ramps and 'subways' between platforms. Southampton has only stairs and elevators, which are to the west of where you enter the platform; use them to access the island platform 3A. If you want refreshment for the train, I doubt the little kiosk at 3A will be open on a Sunday; use the café on the platform where you enter. As you climb aboard I shall also be in Europe: exploring the delights of Innsbruck.

FMG: one further thought. Your post #4 states you are heading to Gatwick on Sunday September 08. There are 3 cruise ships scheduled to turn around in Southampton that day. If that is the day you arrive in Southampton it's going to be a busy day in and around the port. Around 9,600 passengers are getting off and another 9,600 are getting on, if they sail full. Add to that the crew movements and the ship's suppliers and, yes it's busy. I'd suggest that: 1. either pre-book a taxi / Uber /whatever to pick you up by about 10:00 am (to allow for traffic problems). The normal journey time to Southampton Central is around 5 - 10 minutes (ask for the "Bournemouth" side of the station, it's closer than the other. "London" side). Your green livery train will be standing at platform 3a, waiting to commence its journey at 10:30. I don't know if this is feasible for you but if things look clogged up, it is quite walkable, if you're on either the Disney ship or the RCL ship. I'd allow 20 minutes if you are hauling baggage. Not as onerous as you may think - I've done it more than once. Here's a map to show you where you berth (bottom left) and the location of the station (top, leftish). Keep right at that Gate 10 roundabout. If you're cruising Cunard, into berth 46 (off the map to the bottom right) let me know and I can tell you that route if needed (about 20 minutes travel time).

If I was to choose a spot in the Atlantic this time of year - for weather - it would be Bermuda. The best that huge ocean has to offer. Almost certainly no bad weather or rough seas. Perhaps a shower or two on your second night aboard and into the next day. Bermuda: light south to southwest breezes and light waves originating from the southeast. Again, perhaps the odd shower but altogether plenty of sun. These typical short sharp showers are easy to spot. If you notice the locals are suddenly heading indoors for no apparent reason, it's a good bet it's about to rain - they know. Other than that, soak up the lovely weather BN. High temperatures: the mid-80s in the shade. With the wind behind you on the way back to NYC, it may seem all but calm out on deck, especially on the starboard side. Good luck with your birding.

FMG: As JB says, You don't have to change at Havant. But if you haven't changed at Havant you haven't got an alternative until you get to Barnham. And I've never heard of 'em barrin' 'em at Barnham. For me, it's Barnham, bar none!

Be sure to pre-book the bus. It can get hectic when cruise ships are in port.

OP: I'm guessing you are referring to the Isle of Man (steam) Railway. It is the nearest one to the port where you'll dock. Walk due west, along the North Quay Road, after leaving the port, following the harbour inlet inland. The railway is on your right, after maybe 15 minutes walk. Even if you don't board a train (you should!) it's well worth a visit. For a small narrow gauge railway the station at Douglas is quite a sight. Take binoculars and walk to the end of the platform, for a better view of the steam loco shed. With any luck there will be a train waiting at the platform, for a good look at the rolling stock. The railway runs mid-March to early November.

July 30. Well the system described in post #2 seems to be behaving itself. It has not intensified nor has it moved west. It's still harmlessly off The Cape Verde islands. Not a threat. Meanwhile we have 2 depressions in the Pacific, off the coast of Mexico, again they seem to be fairly stationary - and avoidable.

Thanks wj

Hello FMG, Adding to what I2D has written, I can now give you specifics for your particular journey. You can change at either Havant or Barnham; I would choose Barnham because the station stopping time is a little longer, especially if carrying baggage. Times are for Sunday September 08, 2024. all trains operated by Southern Railway. No on- board refreshments. 1. Train 1 of 2. 10:30 Depart Southampton Central, platform 3A eastbound. Train destination: "Littlehampton" Train originates here so should be available a few minutes before departure. Then EITHER: 2. 11:10 Arrive Havant, platform 1 eastbound (4th station stop). Train pauses for <1 minute. Refreshments may or may not available on platform (Sunday service). 8 minutes wait here. 3. Train 2 of 2. 11:18 Depart Havant, platform 1 eastbound. Train destination "London Victoria" Train due to arrive 1 minute earlier. This is the next scheduled departure from this platform. OR 2. 11:30 Arrive Barnham, platform 3 eastbound (7th station stop). Train pauses for 1 minute. Refreshments may or may not available on platform (Sunday service). 14 minutes wait here (couples up with another train). 3. Train 2 of 2. 11:44 Depart Barnham, platform 3 eastbound. Train destination "London Victoria" Train due to arrive 12 minutes earlier at 11:32. This is the next scheduled departure from this platform. THEN (both options) 12:47 Arrive Gatwick Airport, platform 2 northbound. (14 station stops from Havant, 10 station stops from Barnham). Train pauses for 1 minute. Escalators and elevators available from platform up to airport concourse terminal 1, where there is a free rail shuttle to terminal 2, if needed.

Nice work, FMG. Yes, on the Southern Railway website too tickets are available in advance for as low as £7. Others are priced at around £10 and £15 - all less than the standard fare of about £20. Advance fares are available to book online up to around 12 weeks before travel date, but these seats are limited supply and may well sell out. Vigilance will pay off - as it has for you. I'm also seeing tickets between Southampton and London Victoria for about £13 - another steal. FMG, if you tell me your departure time from Southampton, I can answer your last question.

mdgary (OP): thank you for posting this. Very helpful: we board the day your cruise ends. 2 questions, please: 1. Your cruise sailed as "sold out". How busy wold you say the ship is? Any bottleneck areas? 2. What is the current status of the "Take 5 Lounge", please? Is it still usable as a lounge or has it become part of the casino? How's the casino smoke in there? Is it still called "Take 5"? Thanks, Canuker

To APDMOM or anyone else who has been on board very recently: The "Take 5 Lounge", on deck 6 forward: is it still a lounge or has it been swallowed up by the casino? How is the air quality in there now?

1. Chewton Glen hotel. Recommend the afternoon tea (al fresco if it's fine wx). 2. Balmer Lawn hotel. A little less pricey but still VG.

The new timetable outlined in post #1 is now in effect. I have complied a timetable for this service, extracted from the national timetable #178, effective until December 01, 2024. Click here to access the timetable. The difference between it and post #1 is that the station used to change trains is Barnham, not Havant, which is recommended by the train company, Southern Railway (though changing at Havant is still feasible). In summary, after about 7:30 am through the day and evening, journeys run every half-hour (hourly on Sundays). Before 7:30 am, times vary from that format. The change of trains at Barnham involves no use of stairs or elevators. Time between trains there is typically 12 minutes (more on Sundays) giving the opportunity to pick up coffee and snacks on the platform if required. Trains originate / end at Southampton, so there is no rush to board / alight there. Trains pause at Gatwick for a full minute or two. total journey time is typically a little less than 3 hours. Since most of the Gatwick trains listed also use London Victoria, these times are also shown, for passengers who wish to go to / from central London. One-way fares are approximately £20 (~US$26). These fares are less than half the price of those offered by rival South Western Railway, routed via Clapham Junction,which requires elevators and/or stairs.