PORT ROYAL

Time to roll out the big guns at Group’s Head Office. Send one’s “no action” complaint, together with the booking reference, stating the urgency to: Executive.Correspondence@carnivalukgroup.com The Guano will hit the air oscillating device.

Close to the terminal? - Southampton Harbour Boutique Hotel? - Pig in the Wall Old English Pub/Hotel? The White Star Personal favourite being Lime Wood - Not close to the Terminal

Send a message on Face Ache to House of Rums on Fort de France.

Rain? In the Caribbean? No, it’s liquid sunshine. A little tip. Purchase a few (supply) disposable plastic Ponchos (the very small packaged ones). Carry wherever one goes, then Ponchos are always there if needed, and take up no space or weight.

Travel time? About 40 minutes to Royalton with an an additional 3/5 minutes for Cap Maison. Taxi used to be $40 per cab e/w (3 years ago), so work on a maximum range of $45/50 Allow an extra 15 minutes for the return journey, allowing for the possibility of busy port traffic. Beach: Both have good beach access. Cap Maison is a boutique hotel on Smuggler’s, it’s a very small beach in a beautiful cove setting. Royalton is on a major sandy beach. Cap Maison involves a set of steep steps, while Royalton has a relatively flat access. Both can deliver the required shade. Food: Royalton is of a modern “American/St Lucia interpretation, a good standard to which the majority of guests would immediately recognise and find very acceptable. Cap Maison is more ethnic and moves towards small restaurant gourmet cuisine Drinks: Royalton gives the usual list, while Cap Maison has the list, but with it’s own concoctions with wonderful twists to expand and challenge one’s taste buds. Side by side, one would take Cap Maison (Naked Fisherman) for the beauty of the setting, food, drinks and service. A better experience gives one better memories. But, as ever, one pays the money and makes the choice. Enjoy the beauty of St Lucia and it’s people.

As one showed interest in Orient Beach, then consider Coco, book the day with beds in advance https://www.cocobeach.restaurant Walk from taxi to Coco is along flat terrain and children are welcomed. Excellent food and drinks with a special menu for young ones. Give them a call to discuss all one’s group requirements. All will be met at Coco.

The example being set, no matter how small, can also be followed by those who wish to exceed the basic minimum published dress code. One was given a suggested code improvement by @D&N which was accepted with thanks. Any small decision made to improve the dress code by an individual must be applauded, without the need for others to snipe or decry, especially by those who may have absolutely no wish to participate in making any sartorial improvements.

It’s one Voyage…. Go for it…

Ageas Hilton have night stay, duration park, breakfast and dedicated private taxi to/from port. https://www.ageasbowl.com/hotel/accommodation/cruise-from-southampton/ One retains the car keys.

This video will give one an indication, but majority are closed. https://youtu.be/KceVxuBCxC4

So pleased one now has everything resolved…..

You’re back….

https://www.marriott.com/search/findHotels.mi?scid=e2032f6e-668f-4b5b-975a-d7095c7bcf68&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInaWtxZnS_wIVlrbtCh3sFAFHEAAYASAAEgJjBPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Nearly overlooked Cecelia’s https://highpointantigua.com Close at the moment for a refit. But send a message to let one know when opening There is a beach with beds etc., for use by patrons only. Again only for discerning people.

Then take a look at Sheer Rocks, taking a Rock Pool with Cabana, or just a bed by the swimming pool. There is no beach though. https://sheer-rocks.com

Rather than “negotiate” on the quayside, just discuss and book a bespoke private tour with….

Yes, all the “popular” beaches will be rammed… But there is a place that has all the requirements for genteel and discerning Cruisers also Vacationers……Catherine’s Cafe…. https://catherines-cafe.com Book one’s lunch/day in advance….. Space is limited. The private taxi fare is $40 e/w keeps the herds away…..Worth the extra dollars. Link to recent critique….. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2921982-catherine’s-cafe/#comment-64965335

New Cunard Voyagers? DW and I (pre COVID) enjoyed 80 to 130 Voyage nights each per year. The new customers usually have up to 14 nights pp for a holiday, but are price fickle and not loyal. Therefore, as mentioned by a MD, to replace DW and I, the Math does suggest probably 12 to 20 new pax per year, every year, again and again. MD then added, without considering the actual onboard spends and forgetting the many appreciations and gifts to staff. It is accepted Carnival hold true to the fact that DW and I are only two very small, of little consequence, revenue streams. Carnival know best, being only loyal to themselves.

One does agree….. Same with the dumbing down of the dress code to suit anyone and everyone. DW made a perceptive statement last night, mentioning that although we will continue to maintain previous formal Cunard dress code standards, there will come a time when we look around at the clientele and think “not for us anymore”, then it will be time to move on. And we will…

(S) Ships Crew (Rowdy) (H) Herds (T) Towels

Obviously, one’s requirements are mobility specific. Therefore suggest a direct contact with Beautiful Barbados https://www.beautifulbarbadostoursandexcursions.com They can design a bespoke tour to one’s requirements, with a seamless delivery to the airport. It can include a Bajan Lunch (consider Juju’s) and rum/drinks (possibly at a local rum shack close to Juju’s - Rico’s mother?). Length and aspects of the tour can be discussed direct with BB.

We have Chase and Virgin Money. Both “Fee Free”

The Best Contact Curtain Bluff for availability and exact pricing for one’s dates. Price will be in the range of $200/250 pp - includes food, drinks and use of facilities. Also, take a tour of rooms (Bluff etc) for future bookings.

For a touch of “Retail Therapy”, consider a hotel close to or on Via Cola di Rienzo. Sorry, but only have personal knowledge of La Rovere on business (company booking), so nothing to compare it with in the area. A nice hotel, no frills, simple, clean with excellent service and a short walk from Via Cola.

Good plan 😉 Just think…. Fare from Port to Station €30 (stand and deliver fares) - Train Fare for 2 pax €30 - Taxi from station to Hotel €30 - Total €90 Luggage loading to and off train is difficult even for able bodied as steep steps and high. Train corridors are narrow and seats with sight of luggage are minimal. Train air-con poor. Then dragging suitcases along both platforms etc., etc.. So much angst for saving €70 Don’t forget to arrange the early arrival time at one’s hotel. They usually have secure luggage storage prior to official check-in, leaving one free to explore or take a nice lunch. Or the hotel will allow an early check-in.. Again early explore or lunch. It’s good to talk to the Concierge prior to arrival. Asking @cruisemom42 for a recommendation for lunch and dinner close to one’s hotel. One thing is a must… Una Passeggiata Serale - Hand holding is obligatory Enjoy Rome and it will enjoy you