paulatsea

it’s not right to have any incorrect charges - being charged for someone else’s purchases is unacceptable in my opinion even if it’s a small amount - and it could be fraudulent as well as a genuine mistake. It’s sloppy. With a medallion system there doesn’t need to be any errors at all if they are always tapped or swiped for every transaction - this takes very little time. I lose faith in organisations that charge incorrectly - it gives me the impression that other things are not done correctly and accurately. the Face ID was just an idea - I expect everything will be biometric eventually. interesting thread - must admit I was surprised and disappointed to read here how common these charging mistakes seem to be.

Touch ID or Face ID to verify every purchase. Mandatory. Face ID probably easier as they have them on the system. All serving staff have body cameras to verify. Just a thought. My first princess coming up soon in 37 days from Southampton - I am from London UK- looking forward to using the gadgets and wizardry. I hate it when I get incorrect charges.

Interesting !! I found one segment just googling 2008 Aurora cruise -which I assume you have done - I am not allowed to post it here as it’s from a travel agent website. may be possible to piece together by days and weeks of searches ! This will be difficult I think - maybe some collector has some brochures on eBay ? Have you asked P&O if they keep historic data ? YouTube videos ? Why ?? !!

Thanks Martha - I’ve booked for 7:30 at soleil day 1,3,4 and cielo for day 2 and 5. We are going to Norway 5 nights May 19 from Southampton - we live in London UK. I couldn’t get a decent time at estrella - only early like 6:30 or later from 8:50 - but understand things will change nearer the date or onboard - but will probably go to estella for breakfast and check it out. I realise I am being a bit OCD about all this - but that’s just me !!! As it’s a short cruise I don’t want to make too many mistakes and dinner is important to us -as are pre-dinner drinks so I really appreciate all this feedback. We normally do p&o Aurora or Arcadia adults only - but princess looks like a higher quality product all round hence giving it a go !

Thank you

Thank you snaxmuppet, devonuk and karatemom2. Very helpful.

Hi - struggling to find a definitive answer to this for sky princess - new to princess but not to cruising. Have read above replies but still don’t get it. Tried YouTube videos and most just mention “main dining room” without being specific about which one they are showing. Is there any difference in decor , layout or food or ambience between these 3 restaurants i.e Soleil, Cielo and Estrella - besides location - what Is the difference. are the menus different ? Is the seating and layout different ? Is the ambience different ? Are some busier than others etc Be very grateful for any advice.

Thanks 🙏 what about the other countries ? Do Marella tell you what you need to do ?

Captain - did you find it difficult getting visas - I’m thinking of doing this trip in 2026. And did you need any vaccinations ? hope it’s ok to jump in on this thread with my question.

Thanks 🙏 we will miss your daily reports.

Read a book called “the pirates daughter” by Robert Girardi and some of it was set in the Azores - so I had always wanted to go there. Love to go back some day.

Yes from me - we stopped there on a transatlantic some years ago - and loved it. fantastic place.

I am on the Rotterdam 4 nights Aurora - boarding when you get back on Friday. It’s been a great blog - thanks. I would be interested to know how your throat is after you get back - and hopefully a brief review of your Cunard trip. Best wishes.

I predict your sore throat will get better the day you arrive back in Southampton.

I agree - marella has always been good for us. All inclusive and always fantastic staff. Good flights and transfers. Very well looked after. Easy to get a nice table for breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant and not cramped.