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Off on a 35 night cruise, so we will be using them. Are the washers and dryers still free? and cost of 'powder' in the shop too please. Thanks Simon

Its free when you are in port, when it just goes up and down. Its $19 at sea when it goes over the side as well. Simon

Ho hum...more expense!!!🤑 Simon

Same for Ventura 1st Dec - 5th Jan. Do you think we'd get a way with a Randox 'fit to fly' test, like we did for the Anthem in August, or has it got to be actually observed?? Simon

Thanks for rescuing my aged brain!! Simon

We were on Anthem 14th August. Did a Randox lateral flow test (£11 each click and collect from local shop), did test on Saturday morning and uploaded photo of test, certificate back in 20 mins. Took copy to check in...no problem whatsoever...piece of cake! Simon

There were loads of them about when we were there 3 weeks ago. Didn't see anyone 'struggling' to ride one, so you should be OK. I would think its an ideal way to visit the newish buildings built on the old course of the river (there is a name for it, but it totally escapes me!!!). We did the HOHO bus and would have liked more time to explore the area. Hope the trip works out OK. Simon

Can't help with the bike rental, but so you know, Valencia is a commercial port, so you can't walk out. Choices are taxi or the free port bus which drops you at the red pin on this map outside the ferry terminal building. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/39.4551027,-0.327667/39.4550702,-0.3277092/@39.4547343,-0.3293665,17z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0 Simon

You and me both! ...and I've seen several news reporters get it wrong live on TV! For anyone under 70, its not a concept we are used to. Simon

Was on Anthem a couple of weeks ago and Joff said he was getting off for his break prior to the ship doing its TA back to the USA (Oct 17th I think), but didn't say who was taking over. Simon

I think so, that definately rings a bell, but it was about 8 years ago(!!) and my memory isn't what it was.🤪 Simon

Pretty sure. I think if there are no places left, the site won't let you book it. Had that happen to me once on a late booking ages ago, though I stand to be corrected. Simon

In that case, yes...you are guaranteed parking with CPS and it sometimes works out the best option of the three on select bookings...just depends. Simon

We have kettles and tea and coffee in the staterooms for sailings in Europe, but as I understand it, as soon as the ships come back to the USA after transatlantic, they all get packed away, as your safety rules are different to ours. Simon

Is that the Ventura December cruise? She leaves from the Mayflower and we are already booked with with P4C...about £60 cheaper than CPS. Just did a Med cruise and mentioned to P4C guys we'd be back in December and they said no problems. I have no worries (about parking!!!). Simon

Try https://westquaycars.com/ Highly recommended by many CCers's Simon

You can't go direct on the Northern line, because St P and Waterloo are on different loops, so you've got to change somewhere. I'd go Piccadily line to Leicester Sq, then Northern line to Waterloo. Simon

Ok, I stand corrected! Simon

Thanks all. Davekathy...I'm sure they didn't have the happy hour first night🤔 Simon

Just a quickie...I know in the good old days, the evening diamond drinks 'event' didn't happen on the first night. Now we have drinks loaded on our seapass cards, are they available as soon as you get on the ship or later that evening or not until the next night!? Thanks Simon

Ok, thanks Roger. Simon

If you look at 2:30 in the vid, the electronic display has a D in it...thats coach D (we call them coaches, not cars!). If you have reserved a particular seat, they usually put a little 'reserved' ticket on the seat top to (hopefully) stop anyone else sitting there. Simon

I'd recommend the East Coast route...much more scenic (especially north of England/Scotland section) if you are sitting on the right hand side of the train. Found this vid which might help decide between LNER and Lumo Simon PS He only changes trains at Newcastle to show the difference...you would go through on one train.

According to where you want to go, you can use Kew Bridge, Brentford or even Syon Park...they are all on the same line. Have a look on Google Earth. Theoretically, I suppose you could change at Clapham Junction, but i) not all trains stop there and ii) its a right pain to change platforms there 'cos you have to go up and down stairs. As the whole trip is about an hour, I'd go into Victoria. Simon

Best way is the train. Use https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search to search for a train. You want to go from Gatwick Airport (GTW) to Kew Bridge (KWB). Basically, the Gatwick train will take you into Victoria station, change trains, then back out to Kew Bridge which is on Kew Bridge Road. Cost £16.60 one way...take about an hour. Where do you want to go on Kew Br. Rd.? BTW, there is a train strike Saturday 13th August if you are travelling then. Simon