DavyWavey70

Do we get a wristband now?

But they do also have access to sometimes hugely discounted components if they are licensed to use the dynamic packaging systems. A Good TA will be on the ball, knowing where and when heavy discounts are due to drop. Flights, hotels, cruises, transfers, excursions and so on are all often available to be packaged at much lower rates than retail. As an example, my last cruise was less than half of the rate of a direct booking with the line but also included drinks, tips, dining, Wi-Fi and obc for no extra. I Do admit when your TA is your partner they do work pretty hard to get you the biggest bang for your buck though.

Loving every minute of this trip JP xxx

How petty. I Think we’re witnessing more and more the constraints being imposed and the lack of autonomy available to the crew.

His live from Portofino is quite magical too.

Sometimes I just can’t stop myself.

Just to lower the tone somewhat, here is one of my favourite performers ever who sold out the Albert Hall for 15 consecutive nights. Unfortunately I can’t find a video of her performing this masterpiece there, I wish I could, but here is another version of the Ballad of Barry and Freda.

Hope it’s sorted soon QSS. It’s like winter here right now. I’ve lit the fire the last 2 nights.

I’ve been wondering for some time about Mr Luxury. He hasn’t posted for a while now.

There may well have been Klingons on the starboard bough.

At least your FA spoke! My FAs preferred method of communication was a grunt with an accompanying eye roll.

QSS, I’m really chuffed that my Roasty pointers were a help to you. Everybody deserves proper Roasties. Regarding Delta, I just wasn’t prepared for how they operate and that’s my bad. The return journey was even worse. It took over an hour to board the plane, The entirely uninterested FAs were nowhere to be seen. We left over an hour late, missed our slot and so on so I never even got to see the Virgin lounge at JFK, I had to run through the airport and got there a few minutes before they closed the doors. Luckily, when I got to the Virgin plane I was greeted with a glass of Champagne and things started improving. I Must be honest it wasn’t a great first impression of US domestic flights.

Fascinating article Jeff, there’s certainly a vibe on upper class that is a bit rock and roll. He’s certainly a disrupter. I Enjoyed Upper class very much and the crew were amazing but the onward leg on Delta from AtL to FLL was grim. They couldn’t even be bothered hurrying the passengers along, trying to get a drink out of them was reminiscent of raising the Kraken and the inflight first class meal was a greasy box of perspiring Salami. Branson’s charisma has certainly helped them dodge many bullets over the years. They do need to evolve though. Personally, I can’t wait for my first first class flight on Emirates next January. They do have a bit more money behind them though but I’d happily fly Virgin UC again but not if it meant enduring a Delta flight to complete my journey.

Speak for yourself. I Don’t use the Casino often but it’s nice to have it there. There’s nothing to stop you walking on by whilst others enjoy themselves in there. Why would you want it eliminated entirely?

That’s not the word used by my mother Lola.

Many thanks Lois, they have been so busy since they opened on Thursday and have taken quite a few bookings already. It looks like a great proportion of bookings in the branch are going to be cruise.

No, it was my nickname as a kid because of my wavy hair.

Thank you Lirio 😁

Indeed Lois, I did love the whole “trendy, edgy, untraditional feel of the ship. I Also never mind being the best dressed person in the room. I’m led to believe that Azamara isn’t a very dressy line too but frankly I don’t care. I’m eagerly awaiting my impending deliveries of some new tailored silk shirts, shoes and jackets that I can throw together last minute 😁.

I Will do Jeff. He still pretends he knows nothing of the plan when he sees the girl that headed that team as she now works for the company that he has franchised with. I’d never have been able to hold my tongue. Everybody knows what a ladydog she is though but he smiles sweetly.

What happens in Benidorm…….

I’m so very proud of him. He was made redundant by Thomas Cook in May 2019 and went out on his own. Thomas Cook actually put a plan together to put him out of business by running a loss making branch around the corner from him. They went into liquidation on his birthday that September. He employs 7 of his past employees and they have over 130 years of experience between them. I Hope I’m not breaking any rules posting this photo of his beautiful new shop in what was recently voted the best seaside town in Wales but I’ve checked and you can’t even see the business name on the certificates. I’m so proud of him, his fantastic team and all that they’ve achieved.

Just remember Jeff, Those with a will to travel will find a way!

That makes me sad to read Jeff. I Must admit that shortening the bucket list whilst I’m still young enough (49 & 12/4) to endure 35 hour flights is my current plan. European River Cruises and a week at Reid’s can wait until I’m in my 90s. I Hope all of my fellow cruisers get to tick every box on that list!

It’s a mystery yet to be solved by many regulars over the years. The “up charge” list is readily available and easily found by means of a quick search.