lincslady

That is a shame. I hope the dinner at the Pearl Tower is great - I am not sure I could cope with moving round the scenery at that height! But the views will be fantastic.

I was going to ask if you had seen a Chinese acrobatic show, Mysty, but no doubt as you have been there before you will have done so already. I found them almost unbelievable. My favourite ship, Seabourn Sojourn, is with you in Shanghai, I see. I imagine the weather is getting a bit more amenable now?

I agree about the possible percentage of smokers onboard. I suspect this has been one of Fred's main attractions recently, a deliberate decision by their management.

Thanks, we understand now. Your first report sounded as if there were more than two casualties, perhaps from an accident on board. I hope you were able to reassure the ship's Doctor; it must be hard to make the right decision in this situation.

I was up (well, awake) very early, Davey, then had a mug of tea with shot of whisky in and went back to sleep. Just woken again. I do hope nothing too disastrous aboard the Muse, no doubt we will find out soon.

'Casualties' sounds ominous, drron. Please elucidate when you can.

Let's hope the charter group are not going to be too fussed about seeing someone in her curlers then! That is something I have never seen, and wouldn't wish to. Or is she with the group? If she was a Brit, I would guess a star of one of our soap operas, set in the northwest of England.

I don't think the ships docking that bit further out will make much difference to 'overtourism'. People in the middle of their cruise are still wanting to visit the city, understandably. They will just have a shuttle to get nearer to town. It is nice, however, if you are able to dock in the near to town berths, which certainly quite a few ships, including medium sized ones, used to do.

Love the fresh look of the room, but honestly that is an enormous menu, to me quite off putting. I am surprised anyone in the catering department thought it a good idea. It could be better if it had been divided up in a better way, perhaps.

So sorry to read your news, Jane, but much relief that you did not break any bones. As you will know yourself, you will be suffering from shock and no doubt aches and pains from muscles hurt when you fell, so be really kind to yourself for some days, and let people do things for you until you really feel yourself again - in my recent experience of a fall it takes a couple of weeks to really feel fine again. A very gentle hug from me too.

Unfortunately these fascinating places, so different to what we westerners are used to, are mostly very hot and humid all the year round, so it is hard to find the right time to make the most of them.

I agree. A great dinner should be relaxing, which I fear this would not be, after trying to get through the menu. I expect the food will be generally delicious, but there really is too much choice for even the most sophisticated diner to cope with easily. And it does all look a bit pretentious - there is no need to try to make a big impression on the sort of passengers you get on Seabourn and similar ships; they have already seen it all. Put fewer items on the menu, and change it more often, perhaps.

Wow! I would want to study that menu and wine list for some time during the day before setting foot in Solis. Otherwise we would be there for hours just digesting the menu, never mind the food.

I'm guessing you mean their shipping line, rather than the Monegasque royal yacht?

Just as long as everyone realises that they are effectively giving money to two worthwhile charities, which I am pretty sure is the case, and a seat at the concert is a bonus if you get it. This does need to be made absolutely clear by P and O, otherwise it could be considered a bit of a con.

Ideally arrange your own transfer by taxi to the airport, as your plane is earlyish. And as early as you can manage. There are reliable firms, someone will chime in with a name, I am sure. I imagine you will get a hotel for the ight before arrival, if using Seabourn for your flights, in which case transport to the ship is provided. If you are booking it yourself, again a taxi from the centre of town to Piraeus, which is not too far.

And Happy Easter to you as well, Mysty and Myster.

I think there was a falling out of love between Seabourn and Keller quite some time ago. He insisted on having his own type of oven etc. in the galley, and apparently was very demanding - though pleasant enough to passengers when he was first on board (we were there as it was being set up). Once it was functioning, there was the odd very opaque hint from staff that they were not too keen on him.

Can we take the s****r off please - they don't bother me, but it was still a bit of a shock, so for a real arachnophobe a nightmare.

It is, IMO. a shame you had Tenerife instead of Madeira. Much less attractive and interesting. Presumably something to do with weather?

Lovely to hear from you, Jeff. Those prawns look utterly delicious - and your wife may be the most gorgeous thing on two legs, but she has bagged herself a man who can certainly satisfy her tastebuds, something many of us would give a lot for! Congratulations on your anniversary, and may you have many more. Lola

Just fabulous. Giraffes are so elegant, aren't they. Something I had not noticed before.

Here's hoping you had all the year's bad luck in one go, GOQ, and everything will be tickety-boo for the rest of the year. Do you remember that expression, tickety-boo? Just came into my mind from donkeys years ago.

Brian, there is nothing more satisfying than donating surplus but good condition clothes to a charity shop. It is a triple win; you clear out the wardrobe, someone who maybe can't afford new clothes gets a bargain, and the charity gets money. I have worked in two hospice shops, and thoroughly enjoyed the work and making friends with fellow staff, so for me it was a four times winner. I have to say, if that is all right, that hospice shops are very deserving of help, as they get only a certain amount of government assistance to do their invaluable work, and really rely on donations and shop takings.

A really nice way to serve foie gras, with some brioche too. Just a pity the photo does not do it justice, drron.