RNCheryl

But I’ll give the Beatles a skip. Can’t wait for when the cruising demographic ages enough that it’s more fiscally responsible to have a Depeche Mode or The Cure tribute show. 

But, will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm Sixty-Four?

Hope you have a great cruise.

(We loved the Beatles on the Bliss)

4 hours ago, Genealogy_Lover said:

We've been looking at helicopter flights--seems like an amazing way to see Kauai! Thanks for the info! Did you use an Uber to get to the airport?

No, we were staying on the island and had a rental car.

We haven't been on POA, but Kauai is our Happy Place.  Checking google, the airport in Lihue is only 2.5 miles from the dock.  I would go on a charter flight (we have used Jack Harper) and fly over the spectacular Napali Coast, since you won't be seeing it on the ship.  You will never forget it!

Very much enjoyed our Reserve minisuite on the Regal last summer.  By the third day, the dining room attendants all knew our names, brought my preferred wine before being asked, and we were visited by the Director of dining services (Don't remember his exact title) at least 3 times.

Itinerary is the reason we booked Prima:  Iceland and the Norwegian fjords, as well as brief stops in Brugge and Amsterdam.  One member of our party does not, shall we say, have a great deal of patience.  Do either of the main dining rooms take reservations?  Is there a sample of their menu available?

As far as entertainment goes, is it a problem for two of us to wait in line for seats and notify him when to join us?

Any other recommendations?

Thanks

Our best tour was in Kirkwall, Orkney.  We traveled with Tours by Locals, and our host was Mark C.  Highly recommend, willing to customize the tour to your specifications, or present you with his fabulous itinerary.

Maybe the best quote of this posting:  Blind date with a book.

Jim, the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island near Melbourne is a hoot.

Your pictures make me (almost) want to do that flight from the US west coast to NZ.

Jim, your pictures are lovely with an artistic eye.

What was that very small building on the University campus?

Kangaroo ED?, really....

The crew, especially on the Regal this summer.

Laundry facilities:  helps in packing

Crooners, EXCEPT on the Regal this summer

Who the hell orders a kale martini?

Thanks for your review.  We sailed with Allie this summer, and, unfortunately, cannot echo your response.  We saw her twice on excursions, and despite smiling and waving to her, no response.  Hope our experience was in the minority.

Jim, count me in on the vicarious followers of your adventures.

This past summer, for the very first time, we used an airport lounge (Heathrow), and booked Business American with the individual reclining bed  seats and assorted goodies.  Kind of spoils you for future long haul flights!

Appreciated your biography, feels like we all know you better now.  Any history for Iain?

If you hang out at the Martini Bar and find a couple named Karen and Roger McNeil, talk to them.  They are a fantastic couple with lots of cruise experience.

We were on Regal Princess this summer.  The favorite stop by far was in Orkney Islands.  We toured with Tours by Locals. with Mark.  We saw Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Italian Chapel.  

As an example of his willingness to make our day great, we saw a glimpse of the Regal at the dock from up high, but not enough time for a picture.  He did a detour round so that we could get that picture.  A delightful gentleman with a world of knowledge about his home island.

Slept wonderfully in Mini suite on Regal.  The bed was exceptional.

The Coral is my favorite, and we were on the Canal cruise a few years ago.  Main take aways from our cruise.  Crew is fantastic.  Got a coffee every morning and as soon as the barista saw me, started our brews.

Cartagena Colombia excursions require a great deal of patience in ignoring aggressive vendors.

I have never been so hot in my life, and we live in Florida.  Sailed in February.  Just take precautions; hydrate, light colored clothes, sun screen hats

This was my least favorite cruise, but my husband can't wait to do it again.  Go figure.

We are only a party of two, but Blackberry Cars has confirmed 66pounds from LHR to S.Kensington, and 189pounds from hotel to Southampton.

Very easy communications, specific instructions on where to meet at LHR.

Cotswold Eagle, of course you are right.  The fare from LHR to S.Kensington was 66GBP.

And the 189 was from hotel to Southampton.  Thanks for the heads up.

KrusinGal, my husband and I are slightly your seniors, without the knee issues.  We have used, and plan to use, steps at tube stations when we return this summer.

But with luggage, and following an overnight flight, we have selected Blackberry Cars to pick us up at Heathrow and deliver us directly to our hotel in South Kensington.  Cost was 189 GBP.  They gave explicit directions where to meet them outside the airport.

It's Odyssey COACH Tours.

We are going on the excursion to Giant's Causeway, a couple of scenic stops, and then the Titanic Museum.  We paid 71GBP each.

I notice that several of the dates are filling; please check soon.

https://odysseycoachtours.co.uk/giants_causeway_tour/giants-causeway-day-tour-small-group/

20 hours ago, JDincalif said:

We had dinner at Le Jules Verne. It was undeniably very expensive but what a way to experience the Eiffel Tower and Paris itself: long, leisurely dinner with fine food and wines and attentive service, incredible views of Paris from full daylight through dusk, lights slowly illuminating the city and its stunning monuments, boats twinkling on the Seine, even a brief rainstorm that provided a dramatic backdrop to the sparkling display on the Tower itself (no less dramatic seen from the inside). For us, this was truly a once in a lifetime experience and remains a cherished memory.

Totally agree.  I debated myself for weeks about spending so much for one dinner.  It turned out to be one of the highlights of years of travel.  I was worried that the service might be "stuffy" as we are in no way foodies, but was pleasently surprised.  Dusk to dark, splendid

Agree with caripoo.  Entertaining and informative

We are staying in S.Kensington where we feel at home, but a suggestion is to make sure you know if there is air conditioning in the hotel of your choice.

We have cruised many lines, and look for itinerary first.  Chose Princess British Isles.

Also took into consideration laundry facilities.  12 night cruise, plus 4 nights in London:  Do not want to pack all the clothes we own!!

Also, part 2, we have had 3-4 previous Princess cruises where service and product were excellent.

Love the Princess Choir and its performances!