alpha whiskey

We were on the same cruise too, and missed it. 😔 DS and girlfriend used the buffet that night and enjoyed the food as much as their evening in Sindu. We shall look out for it, for sure, next time 👀😋

....Or when you book a Princess cabin! 😲

Thank you for your reports. We were on Iona just a couple of weeks ago, enjoying much of what you are doing now. I see you are in Haugeshund tomorrow. It gets a lot of negative press on here but we have visited 4 times and have had great days doing different things each time. The walk through town, past some pretty houses, and out to the National monument is what we did the first time. This time we carried on the coastal path, past the little lighthouse and on towards Kvalsvik sculpture park to see the horses, which was well worth it. We are in our 60's and 70's, not hikers, but enjoy a good stroll! Some describe the town as run down, but compared to a lot of our UK towns it appears to be positively thriving with small independent businesses. Admittedly there are not the big department stores or designer shops if that's what you are looking for. On another occasion we walked to Djupadalen (about 2 miles from town). It is like a country park, set around a lake and where the Norwegians come out to play! On the way back we walked alongside a chap on his mobility scooter who had an enjoyable day too. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g226925-d3494157-Reviews-Djupadalen-Haugesund_Rogaland_Western_Norway.html Before tackling the bridge back over to the ship we always treat ourselves to coffee and cake at one of the numerous bakeries/ coffee shops. What I am really trying to say here is, give Haugeshund a chance. Look beyond the shops and I am sure you might be pleasantly surprised. Have a lovely day tomorrow, and hope the good weather stays with you 🤞

Nationwide refused my husband due to pre existing medical issue, but Holiday Extras gave a good quote, but now with Barclays via monthly fee on bank account and who charged a very reasonable one off supplement for the condition. I think it's horses for courses. Some will give you cover. Some won't. No rhyme or reason to it IMHO.

Yes, definitely give it a go!

Oh no, when did Iona start charging for Olive Grove? It was included when we last sailed on her in Feb. (apart from a supplement on a couple of items)

We always put 2 on per case. 1 on the top handle, 1 on the side handle. After they've been folded we sellotape over them for extra strength.

Which ever ship you decide to cruise on, just enjoy it. Things will change. Of course they will, and not only onboard. Already some ports are restricting or not allowing ships to dock. Make the most of it while you can, as above all else this is what will impact on our cruising enjoyment the most.

There was English bacon on Regal, but it looked a bit anaemic and boiled (?) P&O definitely does it better! There was a lot more menu choice on Regal in MDR and buffet, but we found the quality of the meat much better on P&O. We do get bored with too many P&O roast selections though. You can't win them all! We didn't have to put up with queuing like poor ICF did, or have difficulty getting a MDR table when we wanted it.

Yes, his twin sister was alive and well on Regal a couple of weeks ago.....making an appearance at breakfast too, with custard!

Just back from Regal, and all our pre booked dining times (6pm-ish, non shared tables) were honoured, with no queues. Service was pretty good too. I think ICF was very unlucky on Ruby.

Absolutely agree with you. Princess live has nowhere to put a drink down, neither can you write comfortably. They provide a clipboard to rest on (but not the most hygienic looking things) Difficult to form a team when you are stuck sat in a line too. The vista lounge was way underutilised on our cruise too. Many evenings it just sat empty 😔 Otherwise, a great cruise 😊

Takes out all the stress and forum discussions of what to wear on formal nights. However, you'd definitely have to be 'beach ready' otherwise you still might not be smart enough to enter the MDR! 😜

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?? 🥂🙃