Presto2

We are with TUI, but for those worrying about airlines after last year's issues this can only be good news with Virgin and this new company - who look really good, with great aircraft. 🙂

Oh no that's even worse. Makes my black carpet seem a minor problem !!!

Oh no .... hope it wasn't gloss ....

The first one that appeared was a black blackbird.. then as they were trying to catch him out popped another one the same size bit dark brown... she left black soot behind her !!!

We have had an interesting start to our week when we arose to find thick black soot all over the front part of our lounge, covering the light coloured newish carpet, gas fire and coating everywhere in the room in a layer of soot. There was also the frantic flapping of wings behind the fire. I did the useful thing of freaking out (at the thoughts of some poor bird stuck in the chimney behind the fire) while hubby contacted the plumber to get the fire off the wall and wept hysterically at the mess that was once our carpet. Ironically, our elderly cat wasn't the slightest bit interested ............. Thankfully the plumbers came within about 3 hrs after another job for us and discovered the problem. Not one pigeon as we thought, but 2 black birds - a male and female - and a large twig! Either they were not very good at nest building or love was in the air and it quite literally brought the house down. Oh well, the birds have now flown (bet she is giving him an earful) and we have cleaned up. Well apart from the HUGE black mess on the carpet we will have to deal with. We were told that we could not have a cowl fitted to the chimney as the fire was still in use, but apparently there are new types now so that is one of the first jobs we get done in the coming weeks. I need a lie down now ....

Our redundant stickers go on the inside of any travel guides we have bought for the holiday or the inside of the cruise brochure we used to be given pre cruise. It was a good idea at the time but when we see them we have noooooooo idea what tour it was ??!!

Just walking on to the ship for the first time. Always special and no other feeling like it. 🙂

This made me smile. On our Caribbean cruise we were constantly told to avoid looking like a tourist ........................................... makes me chuckle now. We tried, but failed miserably at every port.

Oh well - better than previous years when they've been at the bottom of that league. Well done for getting this far Crewe.

Didn't know that - fingers crossed for Crewe 🙂 They can swap places with the Vale then .....

It was our 9th visit, but first in May - and first out of main school holidays. We have been in April for Easter a few times but we have mainly had to go in August so are used to it being really hot ! Love the hotel though as it always has a great sea breeze and plenty of shade. We have booked to return for our 30th anniversary later in the year expecting it to be cooler, but the staff told us it is still really hot, so guess we will have to cope with it as in the past. This year it was a real mixture of weather though it was still warmer than a summer's day at home !

Spot on !! It is a beauty isn't it! Put that hotel chain The Constantinou Bros in charge of a cruise line and they'd be difficult to beat!!

We will be there soon ----- just praying the weather holds out. We had new furniture for our decking in early March and have only used it for half an hour at most. Hoping we all get some decent weather before the school holidays begin.

Have just returned from a fabulous 2 week break in Pafos, Cyprus so lots of reading on here and catching up with what you've all been up to for the last 2 weeks or more.

Manic ... the ship will be full and though we always had a good time we are looking forward to it being quieter now that we are not limited to school holidays. In terms of when the holidays start you will still find children on board before the break up date ....

The Glasshouse was the best part of the ship to us. Much nicer than the one on Britannia and Azura. Am sure we will try again some time. 😀

Yes we noticed that one and are planning to go along. Must remind hubby to book the tickets. Perhaps some of us can meet up ?

I'm retired .. have more time 😉

That's Azura. :-) I'd go back to her anyway. It's her sister Ventura that doesn't float our boat ..

Spot on. I showed Mr Presto Avrils photo and he said 'she doesn't change much does she' meaning Joan Sims. Made me laugh .. though he hadn't got his glasses on..

We wondered if the cruise itinerary and cabin choice didn't help .. and the weather ...so we have thought of giving her another go some time.

I've said many times that Avril reminds me of that wonderful actress in the Carry On films who played Sid's wife in Carry On Abroad. Answers below please 😉

Sadly we didn't like Ventura for some reason.. though we loved Azura! Think we would be disappointed if this was the only adults only option.

What annoys me is when you try to book a cabin for a 14 night med cruise and it says the cabin isn't available. You then check the 2 weeks as 2 7 night cruises and it is available. In the past we have had to phone PO and ask them to release cabins for a 2 week cruise ... its a real pain.

I thought you could book them from the same section you can book things like chocolate strawberries etc etc under the gift section from your personaliser. Have a look there .. am guessing you need to phone up though.