Solent Richard

Most travel Insurances that I have taken out offer a choice of excess in order to limit the premium size. Caveat Emptor.

We too are disappointed having wanted to experience Arvia before she based herself in the Caribbean (done that to death) but there, these things happen and its hardly P&O's fault. As if they haven't had multiple problems t cope with over the previous two years, let's hope there is a watertight compensation clause that compensates them from the builders, Meyer-Werft. Fortunately we still have fond memories of Britannia's maiden and another maiden on the horizon.

And God alone knows why they chose to serve Pol Acker in the Grills.

Thank you most kindly @krb1000

I fully agree. Cunard should take a leaf out of Celebrity's book where, just two weeks ago, we attended a Captain's Club Party... Okay, it was on 'The Lawn' in open air but there's the challenge for innovation on Cunard ships.

I see from our national press that Silhouette has a busy programme out of Southampton in 2023. Thank you for your kind comment.

Probably the most recent independent review by a Celebrity cruiser that could well give you an insight... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2022/10/19/celebrity-silhouette-9-night-spain-france-cruise/

And I note your first stop is La Coruna. We were there two weeks ago and, should you not have anything already planned, here's a photographer's challenge for you @photosg .... *****

Good to see in 7 years that Cunard haven't overdone the cut backs on certain favourites... 😂

Thank you. I guess the photos come with practice. 😁

Hi there. You raise an interesting point. I wonder would they be prepared to substitute for you as they do in Cunard's Grills,

Good afternoon. I have just published my comprehensive review of Celebrity Silhouette's most recent 9 night France and Spain cruise. The blog review also contains a full itinerary review that future cruisers on this itinerary may find useful. I'm always happy to answer questions. Here is the link... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2022/10/19/celebrity-silhouette-9-night-spain-france-cruise/ *****

It was announced on Facebook 2 hours ago...

5 Police vehicles at gangway and suitcases off loaded. Captain spotted at gangway with radio. Exciting to have so many Facebook users sailing on this one.

Just in case Cartagena is a new port of call for you... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/08/07/one-way-to-do-cartagena/

Not with Cunard but we took the opportunity to go private and it turned out to be a worthwhile day. We had visited Luxor previously by river cruise but that was before digital photography. As @roscoe39 says, the security issues are more to do with a local police money earner - in as much as you generally set off in a convoy with police escort. Anyway, I wrote a review of our day on my cruise blog, here is the link if you are interested... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/12/03/one-way-to-do-luxor-from-safaga/ There were many passengers who'd arranged a private excursion in of course to those who chose to go with the ship. There is plenty of choice quayside... As always the great joy of going private is you can tailor your day and see spectacles that do not always feature on the mass tours...

Gosh, I hadn't realised we were still running this thread.

Again, in all my times cruising with Cunard I cannot recall the weather (sea state) postponing dancing in the Queens Room. Shows maybe but never dancing.

Thanks for that @Bell Boy. It would appear then that while on Queen Mary 2 one can expect to see a tea dance promoted in the daily programme but on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth it is rather ad hoc (requested) as opposed to programmed.

Thank you @BklynBoy8 but that was taken on Queen Mary 2, pictures of which I have already added to this thread. My issue is that of all the times I have cruised on the Vistas, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, I have never witnessed a tea dance: hence my earlier request for any photographs.

On our last Queen Victoria cruise, 19 days with 12 sea days, there wasn't one 'Tea Dance' in the Queens Room. I'd love to see anyone's photos of one as they have certainly passed me by.

Couldn't agree with you more @Bell Boy though I'm not so sure that the Vistas do a 'Tea Dance'. It's always been a disappointment for us that they've certainly not done one while we've sailed on either. Nothing like the occasion onboard the Flagship... In the meantime I did think that the tea offerings on our last Queen Victoria cruise, albeit in the Grills, was deemed satisfactory... The rolls do appear somewhat more delicate than the offerings in the Queens Rooms... Having said all that Cunard would certainly have to up their game somewhat to match the style and quality offered by Oceania... *****

Good morning. I've recently completed my review of our visit to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. It's a particular easy place to visit with plenty to see and do. Here is the link... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2022/08/17/one-way-to-do-charlottetown-prince-edward-island-canada/

My wife and I have recently completed a cruise along Croatia's Adriatic coast onboard Lady Eleganza on her maiden season. I have written a comprehensive review on my cruise blog with over 50 photographs.... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2022/07/21/lady-eleganza-croatia-and-adriatic-maiden-season/

I'm picking up some interesting vibes circulating on social media regarding the Trans Atlantic Queen Mary 2 sailing on 29 April this year. As a shareholder I'm always delighted to see business coming onboard however on this particular voyage the group, some 270 in number, did have 'exclusive' use to a number of the ship's facilities, including early evening dance sessions in The Queens Room... There is no doubting the quality and style of the group. I'm a little surprised the subject as yet hasn't been raised on Cruise Critic. Are there any views on the subject?