Presto2

Whatever this thread has really made me smile. Can't believe there are so many replies. Have to say that after this I will have to sign in to DA .. Ducks Anonymous !!!!

That doesn't sound good. It is unusual for Barbados to be hit I think .... such a shame.

A lovely post. We would hope that P&O do the same thing again.

I used to watch the news when these places were affected and was obviously touched by the plight of those affected. Must admit, now we have visited it seems to make it more real and it hits home more ...

We would certainly want to go and support them. Lovely people.

Have just read on the BBC that on one island .. think it is St Vincent .. there are no buildings left standing. So terribly sad.

We remember St Vincent as it seemed very poor but it was one of the most memorable days. The people were delightful and it is so sad to here that so much damage has been caused. In many ways we don't know how lucky we are in the UK.

Have just been catching up with the news regarding hurricane Beryl as it moves across the Caribbean. So sad to read that some of the beautiful islands we visited in January have been battered. St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Barbados to name a few. The poor people don't have much in terms of material things so it must leave the islands in desperate need. Thoughts go to those affected.

Despite being 'retired' I still get the chance to volunteer and go on some trips with the children. Had an amazing day walking up on the Roaches in Leek from Gradbach to Lud's Church today. It was stunning. I can't feel my legs now and even the vet asked me if I needed a steroid to help me earlier but for those of you who are close to this area and have never been, give it a go..... It is stunning. (I have to do it all again on Friday so I can feel the need to put a bottle of wine in the fridge ready for my return !)

We can but dream......

Ps they are great fun in a hot tub !!

We have stayed at Darwins Escape lodges a few times and we always brought home a plastic duck as a gift from the company. This one is from Ilfracombe. He now lives in Wales with his 3 friends from Cumbria !!!

Sorry I think it's really good natured fun. We found one and left it for others to take home. Plenty worse things can happen on a ship and this isn't one of them surely.

That's a great help. Thanks for the info. :-)

Thanks. Tendering is one of those things you can't predict I suppose. No fun of its really choppy but ok if it is still and calm ! Hope your wife's knee is getting better.

Thanks for this. My friend is able to walk confidently with a stick and is only small and (she'd be pleased that I say this) is only about 8 and a half stones in weight. Having said that, I do know that tendering can be difficult dependant on the weather conditions and fully understand that the cruise ship crew can not be expected to lift people.

Hi, We know that P&O have a 'test' for passengers to ensure that they are able to use the tenders safely. I think it is that they have to step over about 18 inches and over a step independently. Is there such a test on Marella? We have a friend who is able to walk unaided with a walking stick but would struggle to stride that gap totally unaided without anyone to support and we want to check before booking as one or two ports are down as tender. (Well Santorini isn't but am guessing that it will be). Thanks for any help you can offer

I think he is a former teacher and has done a number of cruises and seems like a nice guy. Have seen a number of his videos but he has no more expertise than I have..... make of that what you will. Don't think it is appropriate to quote him like he is a font of all knowledge though to be honest.

Someone been handing you a gin this morning ? 😉

And I still stick by my comment. As a previous senior manager / leader I know that sometimes decisions are made that those at the top are not allowed to explain or share reasons with stake holders with due to folk wanting compensation or what social media says. Not easy for those on the receiving end but this is the world we live in and people and society have made happen ... Yes I was worried at the time as is natural but seeing it through Spock's eyes of logic without the benefit of hindsight what you have done ? Ps I am a Tekkie so apologise for the reference to Spock

Reading all of the above it seemed like Catch 22 for PO and hindsight is always a wonderful thing when it comes to which decisions to make.

Glad to read that you are all home safe and sound after your adventures and Happy Birthday to Mrs YP. Hope you manage to enjoy the celebrations today and that the sun shines ....we can all but dream !!!

I even found myself singing to it -- in my head of course

We have a flight with TUI to Cyprus in September and booked extra legroom seats. We have been allocated row 2A and 2C on a dreamliner so we are more than happy. We have already booked for 2025 and managed to find a Dreamliner Flight and have booked 4A and 4C 🙂 We don't get the premium perks but we get the extra legrooms seats so more than pleased.

Yes they were on Britannia when we were on board. The only reason we didn't do it was because we had done one in 2015 when she was new. We've done them on Oceana, Britannia and Ventura and find them to be excellent value - though the Captain makes a difference to the overall experience. On Oceana and Britannia both Captains were amazing (Willard and Brown) while the one on Ventura couldn't have been bothered with us. (I can't even remember his name ..) We were told on CC to go to Reception as soon as you board and ask if you can put your name down as sometimes they fill up even before being advertised. Enjoy