Ocean Mouse

We did Pre-Clearance through Dublin in early March this year. The whole process took little more than 30 minutes although we were probably just lucky to hit a sweet spot. Be aware however that there is very few facilities in the lounge after Pre-Clearance. Arriving in Miami was a dream, just walked off the flight and straight to baggage claim.

3 hours ago, SCX22 said:

 

Wouldn't say that.  When it comes to tea, loose leaf is superior to bagged, which you can't even get on Princess ships anymore, but you can on Cunard.  If you go to Asia, specifically Java or China, you can get loose leaf tea far superior to those that are available in the states for a fraction of what you would be paying in the states.  By the time the tea is processed by the big names, there's a price premium attached. 

 

If you are a serious tea drinker then loose leaf is the only way to go.

My current favourite is a silver tip jasmine tea, very delicate and fragrant 

Elizabeth line to Whitechapel then District line to Tower Hill

I'm fine with liquid shower gel but hate scented products. And chance of getting unscented?

Thinking about a transatlantic next year and wondering if the ship carries a full complement of passengers. Do the ships feel crowded?

Exactly 

2 hours ago, Gettingwarmer said:

So you didn’t inform them you were cancelling?

Nope

On 10/5/2023 at 4:29 PM, Ocean Mouse said:

Our 5 week roundtrip cruise to the Caribbean was due for final payment today. After our experience on our last cruise we have decided we will not be going.

This means losing our deposit but as we booked this cruise nearly two years ago the money is long gone and its loss is not regretted. Far less painful than forking out another £8k+ for something we would not enjoy 

So an aft facing balcony cabin on deck D should be available shortly. I hope it finds a good home

Had an email from P&O this morning giving us until this Thursday to pay. I expected them to immediately flog off our cabin, and for a lot more money than we contracted for two years ago as it is fully booked. Fascinating 

I suppose like a lot of British people we sailed P&O because it was very convenient to sail from Southampton but for us they are moving too far "down market". Definitely continue to cruise. Recently tried Oceania, fabulous cabin, service and ship but eyewateringly expensive. Next up Princess. Have previously sailed with MSC (wonderful transatlantic, dreadful within Europe), Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. We are going to expand our horizons 😁

Our 5 week roundtrip cruise to the Caribbean was due for final payment today. After our experience on our last cruise we have decided we will not be going.

This means losing our deposit but as we booked this cruise nearly two years ago the money is long gone and its loss is not regretted. Far less painful than forking out another £8k+ for something we would not enjoy 

So an aft facing balcony cabin on deck D should be available shortly. I hope it finds a good home

Premier inn hotels usually have a desk of sorts with the tea/coffee supplies and kettle and a chair to sit at the desk, upright generally rather than armchair. Should have a hairdryer attached to a wall near a mirror but if this proves not to be the case they will have one at reception you can borrow.

If you have a credit card with a chip you don't need a lot of cash. Most stores, restaurants and even street vendors will take payment by card

Unless you plan to explore outside the city centre I would definitely recommend the train. Liverpool city centre is a nightmare to drive around even if you are used to UK roads. For your return journey it is then a direct train to London with easy journeys onward to Heathrow or Gatwick 

When we used APB we were directed to a drop off lane next to the luggage "hole", as soon as we pulled the cases out of the car they were whisked away and we were directed to the car park. On our return we walked off with our luggage for a quick getaway, wheeled them to the car And were away very quickly 

As there are three dining rooms which one has the embarkation day lunch?

Whether you go afternoon or evening bear in mind it could be cold and/or wet and take appropriate clothing. Also if you are sitting you will probably need a cushion and if you get a "groundling" ticket you could be standing for three hours 

Be aware that even if you have a timed ticked this is just for entry to the Tower itself. There may also be a queue to enter the jewel house which can move quite slowly at busy times.

4 hours ago, JG&Lcruisingnewbies said:

I’m new to Princess too, from the UK. sailing to Norway out of Southampton in August
 

Oh dear. I think I might be going to the buffet just for cheese & crackers to take to our cabin. Do you know what crackers are available please?

I guess we’re spoilt in the UK with our own & other European cheeses readily available.

 

Sadly the cheese board available on the recent ish P&O cruises was pretty rubbish too though 😞 

 

 

I would most definitely agree

When we first started cruising 15 years ago cheese was brought to the table on a trolley and the waiter would slice off whatever portion size you required. Our most recent experience, on a different cruise line, was a couple of tiny slices served on a very cold plate so that it was stunned into tastelessness.

My husband and I will be taking our first Princess cruise in the spring. We neither of us eat deserts but do enjoy cheese at the end of dinner. Is the selection good? We are British and enjoy to a wide variety of European cheeses.

If you can manage your luggage consider self disembarkation, saves the hunt for luggage 😁

There are lots of lovely restaurants on the beach at Le Havre. Got to be the Moule Frit and a carafe of  crisp white wine 😋

Thank you for your comments. The reviews of Aer Lingus I have read haven't been very encouraging. Will ensure we are adequately fed and watered before going the to the preclearance area.

We are UK passport holders. We will be flying to Miami with Aer Lingus via Dublin, chosen primarily to take advantage of preclearance of US immigration and customs.

We will be seated in economy.

Does anyone have experience of (a) flying long haul with Aer Lingus in economy (b) Dublin airport transit and preclearance?

No "blue book" for UK cruisers