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I've been to most of the Med ports, so if you let us know where you are going, we can let you know what to do. Most experienced cruisers don't use ships excursions, as you can usually do the same thing yourself cheaper, but the big advantage is that if something happens (like the coach has a flat tyre) and you are late back, the ship will wait for you. If you are on your own and you are late, the ship will go with out you (lots of youtube vids of pier runners available). So my number one piece of advice to a new cruiser is DON'T MISS THE SHIP!!! Simon

On some ships (the Anthem especially) we eat in the WJ. We have been on Anthem 2 times and never eaten in the MDR as the food in WJ is brilliant....and you can have any combination you want (eg curry and chips!). As Ashland says, you will be pleasently surprised!! Simon

Last time we did it on Celebrity in 2016 and you didn’t need one then…don’t know if it’s changed. Simon

Done the canal transit twice...once on RCI Legend of the Seas (now owned by Marella I think) and once on Celebrity Infinity. This is a 'must do' trip for any cruise fan! Simon

Apparently been in Barcelona today (according to marinetraffic), but doesn't say where she is off to next. Simon

Just thought, this may be obvious, but I know someone who forgot and it cost them a few pennies! Both cruises are financially independent, so you must check your account and settle it on the first cruise departure day like you would normally. You cannot rectify anything about the first cruise during the second cruise. Simon

Wow!

Yep, do the check in, but I have never had to show my second set sail pass. As far as I can remember (dangerous I know!), I've always has my second card the night before. Perhaps they've changed the system, as the last b2b I did was before you started having your cards left in an envelope at the door. Simon

Usually you don't have to check in as such for the 2nd cruise. You will get a letter saying the procedures for turn around day, which normally says that your new card will be left in your cabin the last night. If you are staying in the same cabin, no problems. If you are moving, you can do it yourself or staff will help. In US ports, you will be escorted off last, go through 'immigration' and then return on board. You usually get a b2b lunch somewhere. Any other country, you don't normally have to do 'immigration', but you can get an 'in transit' card that lets you skip security lines if you decide to get off the ship. If you are staying in the same cabin, tell your steward to leave 'changeover' day to the next day...gives them more time and they will appreciate it. If you are changing cabins, go and find your new steward and ask them to do your new cabin first, so you haven't got to hang around waiting for it. Though cabins will be available at 1pm (or whatever), as you are on a b2b you will be allowed into your cabin anytime. Thats all I can think of! Simon

Correct, you can do those times, but they go quickly, so effectively you have to do it on the day and unlike Ventura (which selbourne mentioned) you can’t ‘walk up’ any more. However, one night we were in a 1 hour queue for 3 MDR’s and the Aqua was showing as full. As we walked past the Aqua, we asked if there was any chance of a table. They said no problem if you don’t mind sharing, so we walked straight in. That shows how good (not) the system works! Simon

You can’t pre book MDR, only speciality restaurants. MDR has to be done on the day via the app…which is a right pain in my opinion! Simon

I think I saw somewhere it was 5425…though we had 2 air evac’s (2nd and 3rd days) and at least 2 families were ‘asked’ to get off the ship(!), so that brought it down a bit! Simon

Just got off the Iona Xmas cruise. Apparently around 800 children on board, but didn't see most of them! (They like the kids clubs). Many of these could travel as Xmas school holidays had started, but in early Dec that won't be the case, so probably a lot fewer children on board, but you still won't see most of them. We were sailing at full capacity, but didn't seem overcrowded, even on sea days when the weather was a bit chilly outside. Its a good ship and as a plus point, The Quays is a great idea for a dining space. Quick (and hot!) freshly cooked food in not too big portions...ideal for a 'snacky' lunch...they do good breakfasts too without the bedlam of the Horizon buffet! Go for it; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Simon

Luckily I live in Northampton, not Southampton, so I'm totally in agreement with you Doug😁 Simon

We got off Iona yesterday. The ship pushed on to get in for 4am, so I thought there might be a bit of a departure delay, but a friend on your sailing has just told me you are sailing at 6am Monday! Are you allowed off the ship to go and see the 'sights' of downtown Southampton!? Make the best of it...at least you have no washing up to do!! Simon

Currently on Iona and can confirm all above. We usually ask for tablets of soap, but they are no longer available, so if you need some…bring your own!, though Palmolive soap is available in the shop (£2.50 for 3 bars). Simon

Thanks Elaine...Hope you and Lysle have a great New Year cruise. Simon

Agreed. I don't know what I want to do tomorrow, let alone 3 weeks time!! In the old days, we used to just wander into the theatre and stay near the back. If you liked the show you stayed; if you didn't, you could slip out without disturbing anyone. All this 'planning' makes the cruise seem more like Butlins at sea than a nice relaxing 'do what you want' holiday. With that said, we are on the Iona on the 16th for Xmas and all theatres are booked...though we might not go to them all!! Simon

Hope you manage to see 'the lights' this time and not the snowstorms we had last time! Simon

From memory (dangerous, I know!) its pretty straightforward. Walk from the station west towards the port...its only about 1/2 a mile. At the SW corner of the fortress is the Port Shuttle bus stop which will take you along the harbour wall to your ship. It was free when we did it several years ago, but I don't know if thats changed. Simon

If you don't fancy the market in Hamburg, or its chucking it down with rain or snow, I highly recommend the largest model railway in the world (complete with airport with 'flying' aircraft). https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com Simon

Since the rail companies were privatised, the ticketing system is a mystery to everyone and don’t even get me started on split ticketing! As you say, the prices do vary and that’s why you have to look and choose the price and time that works for you. As you say (again), if you buy a ticket for a particular service, you have got to use it on that train. As you can’t buy a ticket until next May/June anyway, I would wait and see what is happening nearer the time and we can help you out if need be. At least you have an idea now of prices and times. Simon

This route is usually operated by Southern Rail. Currently, there is one train an hour that does not require you to change trains, although if you were desperate, you could do it at any time by changing trains...personally, I wouldn't bother! You have plenty of time to plan your journey and you can't buy tickets until 12 weeks prior anyway. Current price is £9.50 and the trip is just under 2 hours, as this is essentially a commuter line that stops at nearly all stations, but you'll get to see the countryside! Probably best site is https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search You can use others, but £9.50 is cheap anyway, so probably not worth the bother. As to going to London and back, you have a choice of going to Victoria or London Bridge stations. Don't bother with the Gatwick Express...it costs more and saves you 5 minutes! Just a use a 'normal' train and as this again is a commuter route, I'd just buy a return ticket at Gatwick on the day. Everyone will now violently disagree with me!😁 Simon PS if you are at City Cruise terminal, its a 10 minute easy walk to the station.

I don't think this view applies just to CocoCay. On so many ports the excursions sold are "transfer to XYZ beach" or "...3 hrs free time at beach" or similar. Surely if you want to go to a beach, it must be cheaper to just go to a hotel/resort with a beach rather than a cruise! I don't like beaches either...would much rather be wandering round a town or something, but it gets me how many people just want to go to the beach...just seems odd to me! Simon

I was thinking that. Say flight arrives 1pm-ish, through immigration and baggage etc by 2.30, get to Kings Cross about 3.30-4...almost hitting peak time for fare prices and start of rush hour. I'm just wondering if it might be better to bite the bullet and stay somewhere near Kings Cross overnight?...just a thought. Simon