Morgans

The hotel is lovely - our family are big fans of it. Reception will easily get you a taxi to/from the country pubs JB lists above and you would have experience of English pubs outside of the city if that is what you would like. Or eat in of course - the restaurant is very good.

We have also stayed at the Hilton Chilworth which is also very pleasant and comfortable. They sometimes have big coach parties here which can make it very busy however - the bar here is comfortable with lots of big, comfy chairs. Drinks can be pricey but that is standard for Hiltons.

Both hotels are very welcoming.

I believe the Lanesborough hotel is superior - the bedrooms certainly are.

We can recommend the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Kyoto - beautiful hotel with its own waterfall in the grounds, superb restaurants and shops underneath. IT is just across the road from Nijo Castle and has a free shuttle to the railway station. Worth a look.

On 28 February 2019 at 3:44 PM, Elephant1151 said:

We have also had this added to our account on the last day.  

How much were you charged for Vietnam?

18 minutes ago, AJB1970 said:

Hi Morgans

 

Many thanks for the info about this cruise - I'll take a look!! 🙂

 

Amanda

We booked this a while ago - still trying to choose a hotel for Singapore! Good luck with your search....(perhaps see you on board!)

There is a cruise departing Singapore on the 23rd March 2020 on Cunards Queen Elizabeth which would tick all of your boxes. It departs Singapore and goes onto Vietnam, Shanghai, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan - you can vary the length to suit your requirements eg Singapore/Hong Kong or Singapore/Tokyo. You would be very well catered for with a great choice of excursions and you can add on extra days at the beginning in Singapore before joining the ship.

We have visited the aquarium in Lisbon and it was great - too far to walk so we took a taxi and arranged a pick up time. Everyone enjoyed it - the time we went there was a special display of penguins and Antarctic creatures which was lovely and very interesting. The cafe there is also excellent and very, very reasonable . Recommended! 

Just be aware that neither properties are very central at all - the Kensington one is a good distance out to the west and the London Bridge one is south of the river and not in the best of areas. I think the hotel description says it is in the City of London but it is no way near. You will be spending a lot of money on taxis especially if you wish to travel into central London - perhaps you can use your points for a more central location?

We have tendered into Portimao and then from the drop off point we were transferred to Praia da Rocha to visit the town and beach there. I can't recall where in Portimao the tender pier was situated but I don't think it could have been that close to the town as I don't remember seeing anything of note but could well be mistaken as it was a few years ago.Only small ships can dock with the larger vessels having to use tenders.

Praia da Rocha's beach is spectacular with the rock formations and we had a lovely day there. It was very hot but it's a busy town and there is an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants. Fish dishes and Cataplana (fish stew) are specialities of the area. 

On 13 February 2019 at 12:27 PM, AzureGreen23 said:

You obviously don't live in Amsterdam. 

There is a big problem with too many tourists in the center of Amsterdam, especially in the summer months and when cruise ships dock. The extra tourist tax is to cover the costs of keeping the city clean,  making sure that public transport runs smoothly and is able to meet the increased demands caused by so many tourists. Hotel guests will also pay the extra tax.

 

We were there in the summer, after a break of about 5 years and we saw such a difference- the city was heaving with tourists (yes we were two of them of course) and the canals were choc a block too with all sorts of boats. Several of these appeared to be booze trips, boats rammed with people apparently enjoying drinking, shouting and loud music - accompanied by the all pervading smell of hash which seemed to be very, very prevalent.

We have always loved Amsterdam, but the difference, to us , was very noticeable and unfortunately wasn't very pleasant.

Club Quarters St Pauls (hotel) is right next door to St Pauls and has cafes, restaurants, buses just seconds away. Nice area too - worth a thought. (Also not too far by taxi or bus to the Tower.) 

Durham is lovely and is only about 15 mins from Newcastle (in fact the fastest journey is only 11mins) so would be much quicker to get to than York. The Cathedral is magnificent and there are guided tours around the castle which is directly opposite the cathedral, easiest access from Silver Street. Walk along the river and cross the bridges - it's very attractive indeed. There is also an excellent market.

However York is lovely too and much bigger than Durham and so has more attractions . You would enjoy both so whichever you decide, you will have an interesting day.

(I am biased as  I am originally from Durham!)

4 hours ago, Miaminice said:

 

It‘s a fairly new rule... and only applies to group tours with certified tour operators. I think  Cunard probably does that.

 

Thank you for this. 

Yes - travelling with Cunard from Singapore to Japan, and Shanghai is a port of call. 

Thank you Betty - I will have to check this out. As I understand, if arriving and departing on a cruise ship in Shanghai and doing the ship's excursions, then nothing is needed (from UK) but I will have to do some checking. 

I was hoping someone could give some insight to excursions which will be offered.

Many  thanks for your reply.

We shall be visiting Shanghai with QE early next year and although it's a long while away we are wondering what excursions might be on offer. The cruise lines are generally similar with what they offer so any insight or recommendations would be welcome. Are we correct in thinking that if we do the ship's excursions we won't need a visa?  Many thanks.

Penhaligons are lovely and quite expensive - hope they keep them.

When i search for voyages and destinations, they are not loading.....

Thank you Ira for your observations re Aurora and P & O - I enjoyed reading your report. We are P & O fans too ( also Cunard) and look forward to seeing your photos.

Arcadia is our favourite- so well done on booking another for 2020 - where will this cruise be going?  You may find the demograph of passengers different as of course children are not allowed. She is a lovely ship with some classy bars and restaurants. We have done several very long trips on Arcadia and would happily book again in a heartbeat. You will love it.

When you book with Lner on line you will be allocated seats with your booking - you can change your allocated ones to ones of your own choice which are next to/near the larger luggage racks at the end of the carriages where you will be able to keep an eye on your bags. Do this on line immediately with your booking - rather similar to checking your seats with an airline.

If you book 1st class ( and has been said if you book 3 mths out the fares are comparable with 2nd class) you can check the layout of seats and some have spaces next to them where you can keep your luggage near you - usually the centre of the carriage. Also with 1st class you get food/drink/snacks included which aren't too bad at all.

We always use Lner - the tickets are marginally cheaper as you are not paying a little commission to the Trainline. Tickets with Lner are usually available from approx 3 months out. That said, Trainline are perfectly legitimate and many people use them. I wouldn't have thought there would be any rush, however, as tickets won't be sold out with 3 months to go.

Have a look at these hotels:- 

The Chamberlain  - traditional pub/hotel with very good rooms and excellent food

Hotel Indigo 

Motel 1  - new hotel, very smart but very reasonable prices

All three of them are in a street called the Minories, not far from the Tower of London, they all have a bus stop literally outside their front door and only a few metres from a tube. They are all of a very good standard and reasonable rates. Worth a look.

We like Addison Lee - have a look at their website. They are very good.

Have a look at www.EvanEvansTours.com - they offer a selection of trips out of London. I know they also do a Edinburgh 3 day one too.

Whilst Arcadia's suites may not be quite up to the standard of the Grills in Cunard, she is still lovely ship - excellent speciality restaurants and very smart bars. Pub & pool area are great too! We have done two very long cruises on her and enjoyed every minute - well done on saving all that money! 

We have travelled on both Cunard and P & O and enjoy both (next one on Cunard.) Depends on costs, itineraries and what you are looking for. It is a shame about the lack of Med cruises but P & O do them very well indeed.