babs135

2 Days to go! Drive down to Southampton tomorrow and sail on the Queen Victoria on Saturday.

We are sailing on the Victoria this Saturday and our check-in time is a very nice 1.30 pm. The hotel will let us keep our room until 12 o'clock so can we go to the terminal straight away? I would think that by the time we've loaded the car, moved it to an off-site parking lot and been shuttled to the ship it could be about 12.30-12.45 pm. I'm assuming that this would be okay?

For the last two days I've been hearing about people complaining of banging and shuddering on the Victoria. It could be absolutely nothing more than heavy waves, although one person is claiming that they were told that 'something is broken'!! Anyone on board now who can help?

Correct. Apparently taken in the 1990s. Strange how a photo can just capture a moment.

I've borrowed this photo with the permission of the photographer because I really like it. Not really a port and reasonably easy, but just a lovely sight

Agree very much with this sentiment. We've sailed on some of these gigantics of the sea (!) and whilst I freely admit that we did enjoy the cruises - please don't shoot me - we have always returned to Cunard where we feel very much at home. Only 3 weeks until we board the Queen Victoria, but who's counting?!!

Cunard pier runners!! Never thought I'd say that, especially when you think of the usual age of the passengers. Really enjoying this thread as we will be onboard over Christmas and New Year. @LadyL1 What did you do in Lanzarote? We will be there overnight and I'm curious what there will be to see.

With the introduction of bidding for an upgrade I was wondering whether free upgrades are a thing of the past or do they still exist?

28 days until we cruise and 76 episodes of Grey's Anatomy to watch. It's going to be a tight finish!!

Slightly silly question. We will be on the Queen Victoria for NYE and I'm wondering whether the celebrations are confined to the Queens Room or will there be stuff happening in the Golden Lion or Commodore Club? We were on board last year and spent midnight on deck watching the magnificent fireworks display in Madeira, but having seen it once, may decide to stay indoors. Need to know so that we can get seats!!!!!!

We live in the north west of the UK and although we have travelled to Southampton on the day of sailing it is not really recommended but sometimes the only option. We've stayed at the Elizabeth House Hotel in Southampton which does a very nice breakfast and they will keep your car while you're away and organise a taxi to the port. If you must travel down on the day, then look at Penguin Parking which will shuttle you to and from the port. Regarding your question re ports, I'm not sure what you mean. The website for your cruise, you haven't said who you are sailing with, will have information on them and you can also Google for more information. You've been told where to look here but another site which may help is: Whatsinport.com Please don't hesitate to come back and ask any questions.

It's possible that Madeira may be a tender port for our upcoming cruise. Can anyone tell me how long the journey from the ship to the port is please?

Government launches probe into nightmare Saga cruise that left 100 passengers injured when storm hit the Bay of Biscay and caused vessel to veer to side (msn.com)

Talking about loud conversations reminded me of the time I was on a train and the lady in the seat behind me was in full panic mode. She was a lawyer on her way to London for a case and had forgotten her files/notes!!!!! I often wonder what happened to her client.

Thanks for the suggestions but I was hoping that there may be a local (UK) number for Cunard who could then contact the ship? Obviously we will have opportunity to access emails when in port but it's the time in between.

Having mentioned twice (!) the possibility of having to transfer our Christmas and New year cruise we are still very hopeful that we will be able to do the cruise but we may need to be contacted whilst we are at sea (just to keep us abreast of a situation). We have a family member who, if necessary, will contact us, but is there a specific number she would ring? Thanks.