JATeesside

Hi, I’ve been to Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor which are all fine with shuttle buses or to just wander, you don’t need trips. I’ve been lucky enough to sail into Venice so not done a trip. My only concern is apparently the Italian trains are notoriously bad for cancellations, if you book with the ship, they have to wait for you! Even just book something like “Venice on your own”, then just the transport there. Venice is so accessible to do on your once you are there.

Hi, we are on Explorer 2 in a fortnight, I will let you know about the sunbed situation! We love Marella and were on Discovery 2 in September. Generally as someone has said above, people are so selfish with towels on beds and leaving them empty, it drives me mad! My tip is find your space and move a bed, sometimes what looks like a good spot is really windy and the best places are to be behind something. The dining room is really accommodating if you want to just sit on a table for 2, however we like sharing it's great to meet new people, the people sharing with us might not agree!!! It's really good to look on some of the port info on itineraries, but also other websites, I think trip advisor also might have some info. I'm a total geek in doing research, but it pays off, we have had some amazing finds and recommendations for doing that! When people are well travelled they know the less touristy places, the best views, best food and drink and most importantly "what to avoid". Your interties are the absolute best, you couldn't have made better choices in my opinion, the sail in to Kotor is like the sailing into the Norwegian Fjords! Venice is spectacular, but equally Trieste is lovely if you don't want the trip in. I will answer any questions you have if I can about the Sail Three Seas when we are back and equally I've done the Adriatic a couple of times. I think you will love it. It's great to do your research, for me it's all part of the holiday and the excitement leading up to it! In terms of tipping, I always tip the cabin stewards they work so hard (for not a lot of money, generally have families back home) and they keep your cabin spotless. Bar and restaurant staff is more of a choice, depending on the relationships you make and the service you get I think.

Does anyone know if there is a proper labelling system and choice of vegan options on this ship? We were on Discovery 2 in September and the choice was fine once you asked but the labelling so poor! There were many options on the Buffett that were vegan but not labelled as such. Thanks in advance