Solent Richard

Taking early morning coffee in my waterside apartment on Wednesday when I was attracted by the sight of Seabourn Quest approaching Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The seas were very choppy and wind quite fierce and rain was drizzle. Nevertheless I ventured onto my balcony armed with trusty Nikon. First photograph... The Captain was obviously assessing the situation vis-a-vis the tender situation and started a starboard turn towards me... Decision made and Seabourn Quest heads back out from the Solent towards the English Channel... I tracked her position later in the day as she headed down the English Channel on her way to the next scheduled port of call, Belfast. Always such a shame when visits are abandoned but it was the correct decision. 48 hours later, weather so much calmer and I spot my favourite cruise line, Hapag-Lloyd, their Europa arriving at Cowes this morning.... Luck of the draw I guess.

Another must for any Capetown visit... ******* I wonder how many can remember the days when Cunard sailed into Capetown in daylight?

Just for you @palomarboy ..... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2019/09/07/one-way-to-do-cape-town/ Whatever else you do, be sure to make it one evening (best to book0 to Mama Africa... ****** ...and the Coke Bottle Chandelier .... *****

Having called at Flåm on a recent cruise along the Norwegian Coast I've added a full description of how we organised ourselves to make the most of the day there. Here's the link to my cruise blog covering that visit to Flåm ....... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2023/08/02/one-way-to-do-flam/ ***** *****

Well said @LibertyBella . I too scan the cruise excursions thoroughly well in advance in order to get a feel for what is on offer. Very often though I see places of interest that clash with other personal interests that preclude the ship's excursions. As one who cruises by itinerary (Not Ship) the challenge is then on to achieve the maximum benefit from a port call. (I've recently hit my 248th different port of call in my cruising record). That will often entail a cost that exceeds that of the ship's excursion. Our visit to Florence and Pisa being a prime example... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/10/29/one-way-to-do-florence-and-pisa/

Dubrovnik: Walk the wall and visit some bars and restaurants. Yep, that's exactly what I'd do - and did a little bit more.... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/05/one-way-to-do-dubrovnik/ *******

Alas I've never been one to just wander. When not partaking in a planned excursion I must have a plan in order to get the best out of places. For example, for Zadar (see link above) I had a plan...

Good morning @H926PDC. Unless you have serious mobility issues there are a number of ports there that can easily be done without booking excursions. Take Zadar for instance... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2023/01/27/one-way-to-do-zadar-croatia/ A recent addition to my cruise blog port visit section. Just click on the above link. ******

It works exceedingly well since it was introduced on P&O.

Sorry to hear that. I just checked our last stay and it was between 2nd and 7th of March. So I guess they must have something big going on as even BDC can offer no availability.

Couldn't agree more @funtastic, two class acts... ******** I also remember what, at the time way back in 1965, was a class hotel at the top of Orchard Road, the Hotel Singapura. I have a photograph of myself at the Pebbles Bar which I recall was a good staring point before heading to Bugis Street at midnight...

Hi there @paulco Only a beer? 😃 Couldn't resist stretching our budget to the full Monty - aka Singapore Slings.... ******

and ******* And yes, the rooms span the width of the hotel, hence our bathroom had the Garden view balcony and the City view bath...

And of course, there's nothing better than taking your Club 55 breakfast overlooking the cruise terminal where, on embarkation day your ship will be waiting....

With some six cruises either starting or termination in Singapore over the last 10 years, there's no question in my mind: I'd book where I want to stay and at a level that suits my wife and myself. Hence on most occasions we would opt for the Marina Bay Sands.... An outstanding hotel convenient for so much that Singapore has to offer. Opt for a Grand Club Room... ...definitely not a box room, with a view over Gardens by the Bay... ...with full use of the infinity pool... ...and of course full use of Club 55, their exclusive lounge serving complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening beverages and canapés.... Grand Club guests also have complimentary luxury shuttle service from the airport and your room will be ready whatever time you arrive: ours landed at 0845hrs.

I forward my sympathy. This will be my first Azamara cruise and I'm finding iy both unbelievable and frustrating. Like you I wish to use my OBC for a particular excursion and m profile on their webpage says I have none to use though it's clear on my original invoice that I do. Full payment is due soon: I wonder if I delay will I get a response?

I have recently completed a full review of a weeks Norwegian cruise onboard MSC Virtuosa on my cruise blog. It was certainly a little different from what we normally experiece and there's a comprehensive 'Itinerary section covering the ports of Flam, Olden, Haugesund and Kristiansand. Here's the link... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2023/07/03/msc-virtuosa-you-get-what-you-pay-for/

Thank you. Samsonite. Well worth the initial outlay ..and circumnavigated the world on many occasions... 56 Cunard nights worth.... 😂

And in operation on the last night ... Never knowingly not having a photograph for every occasion. 😂

Always happy to oblige @Bell Boy....

It would appear that most comments/answers have gone off on a tangent that may not be the comfort you were seeking @Mr and Mrs A . There is a problem, not insurmountable, that comes with using a 'Debit' card in preference to a 'credit ' card and that revolves around the fact that the cruise company, in fact all cruise companies, will require a pre-authorisation amount to cover your possible onboard spend. No great problem with a credit card, they usually have a generous amount of credit available to you. Not so a debit card. To obtain the pre-authorisation your Debit card account (Usually here in the UK a current account) must have a sum of money equal or more to that pre-authorisation amount. Should you then reach that amount while onboard the cruise line will seek a further amount of authorisation to cover their sales to you. So, in a nutshell, you simply have to have in excess of your anticipated spend sat in your 'current' or whatever account your debit card is linked to. Plus of course any additional amount that may be required to pay any Direct Debit against that account. By the way, that pre-authorisation amount will take upwards of 14 days to clear, after your final bill has been paid. I hope this helps.

Perfect, I'm a big user and those look fine. Thank you.

Ah, my Home Town port. No shortage of Castles and Cathedrals for those prepared to book excursions I would guess. ********

I don't see a list of ports on your intended cruise @rubyclaret however you may find these two reviews of mine helpful even though both were done from Cunard ship visits.... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2019/09/07/one-way-to-do-cape-town/ https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2021/04/10/one-way-to-do-port-elizabeth-south-africa/

And well worth every cent... ***** ***** *****