alpha whiskey

11. Olive Grove on Iona and Arvia

Hi Andy Pleased about the news you gave about the sofas 👍 Won't have to pack the spirit level and bricks now! This one for Michelle, perhaps 🤔..... Have they got new hairdryers in the cabins? Previous experience is that they were extremely underpowered. Thanks 😊

That's exactly us too!

Read across lots of different boards and cruise lines and I think you will pretty much find that they all follow much of the same format..... The good, the bad and the ugly! Always balance it with the positives, the live reviews, and useful tips and experiences from others, and don't dwell too deeply on stuff that you know won't bother you.

Yes....Our sofa was at such an angle that you couldn't even sit on it. Cabins definitely need some attention. 🤞 Still an enjoyable cruise, as they all are!

You are doing slightly better than me! Sindu, Epicurean, Beach House won't even let me click ...greyed out with 'coming soon' Damn, knew I should have done it last night!

I was offered to book yesterday, but was busy, so took a look today and it's reverted to 'coming soon' That's for Iona in June Anyone else having problems today?

Ok, now this is getting confusing...I got the 'book dining now' type email last night for Iona ; clicked through and had a quick glance, but as I was busy decided to look again today. Today is here, and that has all changed to the 'coming soon' scenario. Anyone else had this?

That'll be the one for me then! Can you get a shower whilst eating a Kit Kat I ask though?!

We have sailed on Iona 3 times, but I'm afraid to say have never ventured to the gym! Son and girlfriend will be sailing in June, and they want to know if there are showers and changing rooms available for gym users. I can see changing rooms on the deck plan, but not sure if they are for use by spa guests only. Can any gym users confirm if you can get a shower afterwards or if you have to drip sweat all the way back to the cabin?! 😰 Many thanks

Unfortunately no organisation will ever please all of the people all of the time. They can only hope to please most of the people for most of the time. I have been so impressed with staff members on P&O sitting with guests running through menu choices when they have indicated severe food allergies and intolerances, which is a totally different issue.

The morning after a good night in Brodies?? 🥂🙃

From my experiences on P&O they offer meals with meat; meals for vegetarians; meals for vegans. All boxes ticked. Perhaps if some are having a huge problem with the offerings, it might be the time to change their cruise line. Personally, value for money, a comfortable ship, nice itinerary, reasonable food choices, pretty much does it for me. P&O ticks that box as well.

One tip from me for Britannia....if you have long/thick hair bring your own hairdryer. The one provided (at least in our cabin) was extremely sloooow.

No problem for us on Iona in January and February this year. (2 different, 2 week cruises) Just asked the cabin steward for facecloths (bring my own body lotion), an extra bath towel and on one occasion a change of pillows as they were a bit hard for our liking. Nothing was a problem and promptly appeared that same afternoon. The extra towel and facecloths were replaced every day. We were in a standard balcony and a lowly Atlantic tier.

Interesting and informative read, thanks. However, sounds like a door-slammers paradise! 😩 Good luck to everyone. We have Premier on our next cruise, but will try and close our door quietly. Sorry to our neighbours in advance.🙃

Wow! Bet you could tell a tale or two from your time there! 😉

Ah Come on!!! We live in a great area . On the coast. £2 bus ride gets us to the port of Southampton! Trip to the IOW takes you 'abroad' 🤣

Agree that Alesund has much more to offer. However, (weather permitting ) there is a beautiful recreational area in Haugeshund called Djupadelen which we walked to from the ship. It was a beautiful day and lots of people were out to play. Swimming, walking, family picnics. It is a very well kept area, paved trails, small waterfalls, even clean free toilets! https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/djupadalen/1593/ Tripadvisor has good reviews and lots more pictures. I am probably in the minority here, but we do quite like the town and immediate surrounding area.

Absolutely.......and they don't charge for a bag either! 🤣🛍️

Seek and you will find!

Absolutely, if shopping is your thing, do not miss Gunwharf. It's also a very nice place to visit. Whenever we have visitors staying with us, they always request a trip to Gunwharf Quays! Here are all your fabulous possibilities! https://gunwharf-quays.com/shops

Ditto what Brian1 recommends for Portsmouth, but also have a look at this website https://royalarmouries.org/fort-nelson Nearer Fareham than Portsmouth and has free entry.

Know what you mean. My shifts start at 6.30 am and these past few weeks have definitely been getting more of a struggle! Lovely in the summer though. Won't be long until we have to get up another 10 mins earlier for ice scraping/defrosting the windscreen! 😭 Just keep thinking of that next cruise......

Yes, I can second that. Often meet with friends for an evening out in Southampton and wouldn't park anywhere else.