carlmm

Does somebody have a recommendation for tours from Nafplio? I'd like to see Mycaene and/or Epidaurus. Is public transportation available? Are there operators providing shared tours? (As solo traveller a private tour is no option.)

Thank you @LandLockedInAZ2, for your empathy and the helpful information!

Yesterday I booked a cruise and paid with my credit card. Fine. Today I want to add some item on the website and I get the message "Bad news - we cannot use this card. Good news -you can add a new one" Had anybody the same problem? How did you resolve this? And, in case anybody at Celebrity read this: This automatic displayed line, is in my opinion an example of worst corporate ignorance and cynicism. Make sure you site works!

Thank you all!

I have just booked a cruise but unfortunately I did not get my asked for late dining but was assigned early. That is far too early for me (hey, I am European 😉) Nothing else would be available. What do you think is my chance of changing this on board? Any experience?

I am considering the QM2 cruise lazer this month from Sydney to Hongkong. It has an overnight March 13th to 14th. I might have to leave on the 13th already. Will this be a problem?

They do offer robes for guests with diamond status. Do you have a status with RCCL? If so, you can Apple for a status match with MSC.

In my experience there are no queues or protocols. Just leave as you like. Only exception would be a rare tender port.

@lebreos @tring @molecrochip @GOQ @Fionboard @Winifred 22, Thank you all for you valuable input! Everything sounds encouraging.

I am considering a Canary Islands cruise aboard the Azura in March. Is this a good idea for a German? I have enjoyed my frequent trips with Cunard, will it be very different with P&O? How comfortable is it for solo travellers? Shared tables? Socializing? How long is there live music in the evenings? Well frequented bars?

Re 1: Sicher können das nur das Reisebüro oder Cunard beantworten. Rechnen würde ich damit, abgesehen von möglicherweise einem Flughafentransfer, eher nicht. Alternativ ist der Bahnhof in Le Havre mit dem Taxi in wenigen Minuten zu erreichen, ein Zug nach Paris direkt benötigt unter 2 1/2 Stunden.

Re 2: Germans do not need a visa for short touristic visits, just a passport. Deutsche benötigen für kurze touristische Besuche kein Visum, nur einen Reisepass.

In my experience, no, it is not allowed.

Looks like just another case of US border control. This has nothing to do with MSC. Ships are required to zero out in US ports when coming from a non-US port.

My experience this year: One security line. Then the split.

For what it is worth, I asked my travel agent this type of question some time ago when I booked a solo rate, knowing about the potential for somebody joining later. Basically the answer was yes, it should be possible. Only the difference between the rate paid and the double occupancy rate (if any) for two would be due. Yet, the need for a change did not materialise, thus it is not practical experience but just a theoretical answer given by one TA a few years ago. Now your upgrade example is obviously more complicated.

I certainly would like to see a Cunard cruise with more African ports. It is possible as the example of other lines show. German Phoenix cruis line's Amera for example stops this winter in Dakar, Banjul and Jamestown. The stop in St. Helena is even overnight.

Of course there are hotels, mostly at the upper end, that do offer washcloths but in general: Yes, they are not standard in Europe. Or maybe the other way around: Only Americans complain about not having washcloths and there are already a number of threats about this. A non issue for most Europeans.

Do you say, staying in YC gives you access to the diamond party now? Would defeat the whole purpose of a loyalty programme.

Could you post a quotation or source for this? I have never gotten this and the rules were stated as above: "same cabin". I would happily proof to the relevant staff that I am entitled to invite a guest from another cabin when sailing solo.

They call them gala nights. The interpretation of this term varies a lot. Tuxedos/dinner suits, suits, just trousers/pants and collared shirt, full length gowns and all kind of dresses and other kinds of outfits.

Re 3. I understand Americans get water for free in the MDR. Re 4. You can eat on board. Indeed it is much peacefuller than on the island.

Not on the QM2 bit maybe an indication. On the Queen Victoria I asked for cream instead of Milka for my coffee in the morning and got it in the Britannia restaurant. In the lido there used to be cream available at the coffe stations until last year at least, too, but unfortunately it is not available anymore.

What your TA "called" a family cabin but was not really according to MSC's terminology? If it indeed were just two cabins you booked your TA might have better explained to you the real facts, what you booked and the T&C of MSC. There have been a number of similar posts before and the base line is (Sorry for not having an answer more likeable to you): Whatever your TA might have told you, MSC always has the right to change your cabin numbers. Thus if it is one (1) family cabin it might be moved but should stay together, if there are two (2) cabins booked, they might be moved independently. It has happened in the past, it now has happened to you, and most probably it will happen in the future. Rarely, but sometimes. Nevertheless, good luck in your attempt to get it changed.

I have not received a questionnaire following my recent QV cruise even though they announced on board everybody would receive one within a couple of days.