paularmstrong

From memory there is a spot one level above swimming pool and on prom deck

Done many Caribbean cruises on many different cruise lines , started off with princess which were great though I found them to be a bit sterile and lacking in atmosphere though we were a lot younger than most other people on ship . Found then Thomson to be yes older smaller ships the atmosphere and itinerary a lot better . Now i feel Tui are very expensive compared to others using brand new ships . Cabin wise choose midship and not a high floor but high enough to escape engine noise

The dream . From the moment we were shown our suite without the balcony we were promised . woken by fire alarm 2am first night to be locked behind firedoors as the engine room was on fire . Not being able to sail fast enough to see all itinerary as only one engine worked . Ship had constant list to one side , running out of water . Son witnessed man getting 3 teeth knocked out . and always the last to leave port as it was embarrassing starting the one engine leaving anyone and anything covered in thick layer of soot

We did glacier and booked direct from the tour company as soon as you dock into Olden , around 30 minutes in coach then dropped us at base of mountain where troll cars took us just about to glacier then a 10 to 15 minute walk to get to it . Well worth it paid around £70 per person and it was 28 degrees.

Yes the Spirit brings back happy memories , meeting new friends pre dinner around the bar in observatory lounge 

The ships have come a long way from the old Thomson ships , I did like Destiny with its varnished teak decks and hut tubs that more resembled sheep dips !!

Just recently came back from Fyords and sailed with Fred Olsen , I always thought of these as an older persons cruise line however it was great . Sailed from our local port , 5 nights included Alesund and Olden where we climbed the Briksdal glacier . We had very smooth crossings and 28 degrees weather , included drinks pack and cabin with picture window , We did not go balcony as assumed it would be cold . Yes an older smaller ship but spotless and first class service and great food .

I sailed on Arvia in February and did not like the booking carry on , We found it not too bad if we had pager so could get by , it was the likes of some venues were booked fully for the two weeks , still we have booked again for next March and will book in advance 710 club etc , anybody know when these can be booked please 

There are two side by side as i remember on Arvia in Brodies beside pool table , ship must supply darts

They used to always used to do an offer toward the end of the cruise where you could fill the bag and it used to cost around ten pound to wash and dry as many clothes as you could fit in the bag , which i always used to do .. until all  my brand new clothes got shrunk as they use dryers 

Done this many times with TUI , try and get Madeira for New years Eve , the firework display is well worth it , must of been around 6 cruise ships docked off Funchal when we did it a few year back

Wrong cruiseline pal , P&O do not have didgem cars ,water slides or balcony inward facing cabins sorry

interesting having just done Arvia we were going to do it again next winter but no flights from Newcastle airport , Po seemed to have fallen out with maleth and their lies the problem , They have built this amazing ship which sails around the west indies but seem to be having difficulties getting people to the ship. Relying on TUI as the charter seems to be having its issues after all they have there own ships and landbased holidays holidays to fill , Thomas cook airlines gone which leaves which long haul charter flight company 

agree the NCL ships are very good , remind me of princess , also for solo travellers there is the solo section with your own lounge and only solo key holder section , nice cabin with double bed which our teenage son loved , this was on the epic which is a bigger ship but price wise it was good 

Just returned from Arvia and we were going to get the drink pack but we had £600 obc which we then had to top up £360 for two weeks we also brought on a few drinks as we drink a lot by night so i did not think it was worth it

My partner and i took 2 bottles of fizz 1 bottle of malibu and 1 bottle of gin on arvia 3 weeks ago in suitcases , at a few ports we also brought on beer and wine in carrier bags no questions asked

just came off Arvia last week and hardly any kids for 2 weeks

       we had to use safari for the app , mind the app never seemed to work well for all six of us

One of the deal breakers for me was that as part of the cruise pack it flew from our local airport NCL which is a great and rare thing. Newcastle direct to Barbados 

They seem to be doing more fly cruises I know they do a two week fly cruise around canaries and sure i have seen med too , as part of the package they used Tui for flights .

Yes we too have looked at Ambassador after seeing their boats on last few cruises , Marella have had loyal past customers me included but think they have priced themselves out also still awaiting phone call or mail regarding two issues last February .

They do the whole cruise and flight as a package

Well after many years and cruises with marella going as far back as destiny and spirit we decided to give P&O a try this winter and having just returned these are my thoughts . We first clapped eyes on Arvia last winter docked in beside her in Antigua making the Discovery look like a dirty tug boat . Arvia worked out cheaper than TUI . Only thing that was missing on P&O was free drinks pack but with £600 on board credit that took care of that , we still required £360 top up for two weeks for two week cruise but still working out much cheaper . The ship is in a different league to any TUI ship also the food , restaurants bars etc , only downside was ship may be to big for some and itinerary not as good but on a ship as big as this sea days are not a problem . give P&O a try

Thanks tiger 

cheers