moniquet

I did feel second class on QM2 because we only had a balcony. The grills have separate dining, bar, deck space. The second time we went in grills, much better.

Who are the beards that make you uneasy?

Forget it. Have just been informed they shave before killing. That's a relief;)

We wanted to book a future cruise while onboard, and chose a very-low-OV-category. The cruise consultant actually sneered when we told her the category we wanted to book.

 

A previous poster said:

 

 

 

I've been in every category of cabin except penthouse on Holland America. Let me assure you, the treatment one receives in a Neptune Suite is definitely more than a notch above the treatment one receives in the other categories :) I laugh when I see some posters (who always travel in a suite) insist that they receive outstanding service and treatment and therefore anyone who doesn't report the same level of service/treatment is mis-stating or mistaken. Of course those posters have no basis for comparison, since they always sail in a Neptune Suite, but it doesn't seem to stop them from insisting on their own particular (and narrow) view :)

 

DH and I have been blown away at the personal service and exceptional treatment we have received when in a Neptune Suite, compared to other cabin categories. So IMHO you can expect somewhat better treatment, if you ever do decide to splurge on a suite :)

I agree, love the Neptune suites and the perks. The way to go:)

Agreed, capriccio.

Moniquet's take isn't typical of us Brits, we tend to be more "stiff upper lip" ;).

 

JB :)

Stiff upper lip indeed. How old are you 80:rolleyes: the stiff upper lippers fought for our freedoms, they did not lie down and wait for the next attack due to political correctness. I think you are trying to portray a Britain that doesn't exist anymore...it's gone!

I think we are way off topic here. People visit places according to their perceptions and it is not up to us to try to convince them. Personally I would feel a bit guilty if I had tried to convince someone on a forum and then something happened. I am in London a lot but I do feel uneasy when the beards get on the underground with backpacks. I holiday in France too but seeing Police in So much gear they can hardly walk around Nice flower market doesn't fill me with confidence.

I should have added For their beliefs. Flame me if you want but I am with Trump on this issue. Different ball game. I lived 13 years in Spain during ETA doesn't make me an expert on it.

Thanks, as I suspected. I once did a slight whinge on Cunard board years ago and got thanks for sharing. Seems to be cropping up more recently.:D

True but most of them weren't intent on killing Westeners.

What does thank you for sharing really mean:confused: I see it used quite a lot but only when people complain about something. eg. Poster says my last Princess cruise was awful and there is always someone says thank you for sharing. However, if someone says their last cruise was great no one says it. Does it mean get lost, shut up complaining ;) or am I imagining it.

So, if we decide not to go to certain places the Terrorists are winning. I have news for you guys, they are winning. Whilst our Leaders are fooling around eg. Obama doing the Tango in Argentina and UK Prime Minister taking a holiday in the safe Canary Isles people are getting murdered. We are Sitting ducks.

Same everytime there is a terrorist incident. Candles lit, buildings lit with the latest country to be attacked. Another tourist venue off the list (bookings on Greek isle of Lesbos down 90%). I would think the places that have already had an attack are the safest. Right now we are sitting ducks. Ok. Saying if we don't travel the terrorists win, they are winning anyway otherwise we wouldn't be having these discussions every few months.

I am English but feel much safer in America and Caribbean than in Europe. No matter how many googlers spew out statistics it is our perceptions. Will still go to Nice every spring though:)

I pass by the entrance to Churchills war rooms a lot. Wait time varies. Obviously worse during holiday periods, lines were massive around Christmas. Late afternoon seems quieter but cannot be guaranteed.

Suppose the usual culprits will come on and say you have more chance getting killed pulling out in traffic blah blah. I think they are all in the travel trade;)

Princess, Cunard, RC, HAL, Carnival, all the musters were chaotic. Certainly don't inspire you with confidence. However, I don't dwell on it:)

Seems as you have done a bit or research and if you don't mind the issues go ahead. It certainly has had a bad press and comments on the web. You get what you pay for.

Have flown AA, BA and Virgin. All are acceptable, not much difference in either.

We were out in the sun for a couple of hours boarding QM2. I think it was a problem with immigration. The crew did come round with bottles of water. No we did not arrive early.

I would DIY. Could be careless 21 yr olds applying for you. Last week in UK news a British man left it to a TA to apply for esta for a cruise departing USA. He was held by immigration overnight because the stupid TA had ticked the box which asks something like 'are you or have you been involved in terrorist activities':rolleyes:

There was a similar thread recently where an old woman had a tiny dog on a cruise. She took it in the dining room every evening dressed in a different outfit! There were complaints of it yapping. The people who lie about it being a service dog then spoil it for the genuine. Very similar to the ones who don't really need mobility scooters but hire them to zoom around the ship.

We have missed Half Moon Key twice.

I would guess Grand Cayman then Belize. Grand Cayman because so many ships stop there. Then Belize because of the distance from Ship to port. Both are tender ports.

We have been to Belize twice and it was not tender:confused:

There is a good food market in Picadilly. Just a stroll from the Ritz and Fortnum and Mason. It is in the Courtyard of St. James Church. Only certain days.

http://piccadilly-market.co.uk/food-at-piccadilly-market/

This! With a couple of cautions.

Some of the exchange companies have automated machines that look like an ATM. BUT they don't exchange at the interbank rate (as ATMs do), and they charge a commission.

Some ATMs ask you if you accept the exchange rate in dollars when they recognize the US card. Select "no" and your withdrawal will be processed in the foreign currency and then be converted by your bank at the interbank rate. If you select "yes," the transaction will be converted to dollars on the spot at a less favorable rate. Either way you'll get hit with a foreign transaction fee (if you card has one).

Good point, I was just about to post this. Can be costly.

I have no idea but if anyone wants to fund me for a year I will let you know;)

That is what I said, cheap and cheerful. Not all "typical" English pubs are great either. London is not always more expensive, depends if you are in the know.

The Grapes in London, owned by Ian McKellan the Actor is very reasonable priced. Historic links, Charles Dickens used to drink there. Good food and prices. Try it.

Had a light lunch overlooking the sea in Sussex yesterday. Prawn sandwiches £10 for 2 people. Wine, although we didn't have any was £11 per bottle.

 

Talking of tea rooms, there are some excellent ones in Arundel close to my home. The Castle is worth a visit.

Just realised I made a mistake. To friends over the pond I should have said SHRIMP:D