tmee

I often repeat portions outfits if they are clean.  But I will rarely wear the EXACT same outfit on a second leg. So maybe a simple dress worn twice but with different accessories: belt, scarf, jewelry.  Or maybe a black skirt with different tops or blouses.

Part of the fun of packing for travel for me,  or actually in daily life LOL,  is creating specific outfits to wear so I don't WANT to repeat 🙂

I would not personally wear something "distinctive" twice on the same holiday.

tmee

Hi there,

I was on the Queen Victoria around the Adriatic last fall. We had a slightly different itinerary with an overnight in Venice.     The shared stops on your itinerary are Venice, Dubrovnik and Corfu.

(I apologies in advance for these videosJ)

Venice:  I opted to take the Brenta Rivers and Villas tour first day. (Ship tour) I really wanted to see the Villas so I find that type of thing interesting, the drive itself was very nice and scenic. While I myself did a large amount of walking around the grounds gardens, labyrinth etc.  One could avoid the walking possibly avoid the walking if desired. 

https://youtu.be/3n_fPOPqn1s

https://youtu.be/M-qdwyJlEuE

 In Venice proper I toured on my own that night and the following day.  I took the people mover (it worked out very well for me)   shopping wandering, eating, visiting churches etc.  Which had many, many photo ops one was so inclined.

I wanted to catch a concert in one of the Villas or churches but I kept missing them for various reasons. 

https://youtu.be/w7qaGybu3wE

Dubrovnik:  I took the Game of Thrones tour. (Ship tour)  It was a great way to see Dubrovnik whether you know or like anything about Game of Thrones or not.  (The person who took to tour with me had never watched Game of Thrones but she was the actually the one who told me to take the tour and we both enjoyed it)  However, there was a lot of walking involved so this may not be the best option.

Dubrovnik itself indeed was an interesting historic place to which I would like to return.

https://youtu.be/jKd-lHlbHUo

Corfu:  I did a small private tour (3 people) around the island organized by someone on my Roll Call…. I think that this may be a good option especially if your group is mobility prepared.   That way you can cater to the amount of walking you would like to do.  The most walking I did in this tour was at the Achilleion Palace, but those who have limited mobility can enjoy the gardens and maybe have a beverage at the little café.

https://youtu.be/njnWcisA5w8

As far as the ship goes, comparing to the QM2 (my opinion of course)    the QV was definitely smaller so I had to get used to that.   I did like, at times, that the Queen’s room was in the middle of the ship so I can watch the dancers while passing by.  However sometimes it did lend difficultly when the through passage way was closed when there were events were going on.

I liked the style of the Golden Lion Pub on the QV  (felt more ‘pubby”  J)   The Yacht Club was nice as it overlooked the outdoor area, as a contrast from dance “club”  on the QM2

https://youtu.be/Sdk6-Cs-B94

I missed the Library on the QM2.  I didn’t really use the one Queen Victoria as much just because of the location I think.  I prefer it slight more secluded.  But I did like the spiral staircase.

The ship felt more intimate.  The theatre is smaller and has the theatre boxes which I thought were interesting.  I can see why someone may enjoy them, however it was not my favourite part of the theatre.

The size of the ship definitely helped it feel like a “cruise ship”   I ran into the same people frequently based on the size.  I really liked being able to walk around the promenade deck.

 If you do stay in the Grills you will have the opportunity to watch the sail into Venice from the terrace, which as others have mentioned previously, is very beautiful.

I am sure you will have a lovely time.  If you have other questions I can try to answer.

tmee

No one has been shoe shopping:)?

I realized I had Not posted the faux boat shoes I bought...

I actually have been wearing them in my none cruise life a bit...They casualized....(is that a word?) Some of my summer dresses I have been wearing.

I found these blue and white striped cuties (amongst others) this weekend ....I have been feeling very naughty-cal....(I want to roll my eyes at myself ):rolleyes:

I'm thinking I can wear them with an all white outfit to give it some interest....

tmee

I still "overpack" on cruises (I consider it part of the luxury of cruising) but I do carry much less than many. (one checked bag) The thing that has helped me immensley is to make lists of what I will wear each day and carry one extra outfit for both daytime and evening. That way the worry that "I won't have enough"..." just in case" is eliminated. For a seven day cruise I generally don't repeat my evening or day wear. However I went on a multi week cruise/trip recently on a more formal line and I did repeat in the evening on occasion but mixed and matched... so I personally didn't feel like I was wearing the same outfit each evening and the combinations of the outfits looked vastly different.

But the detailed daily lists help cut down on the excess. I find if I can visualize what I will wear each day and what I will need, I will carry much less. I still returned home with items I didn't wear, but I didn't have to do or send out laundry or wear dirty clothes. My bag was less than 50lbs and still had room for holiday purchases:)

On land vacations I pack less...everything fits in a carry on but I still make the lists.

I hope this helps...

tmee

So, I have to ask: what did you use the rubber gloves for?

Haha I forgot about this post, but I had to dig through trash for a piece of jewelry that dropped. I remember looking at it, and thinking... "I don't want to do this..." Then I remembered the disposable rubber gloves (thanks Mom:D:D:D!) I found the piece of jewelry in question, disposed of the gloves, used sanitizer AND washed my hands and jewelry, put the jewelry into a plastic zip lock bag and back into my luggage to take home for a thourough cleaning LOL. Disposable rubber gloves have been in my luggage faithfully ever since.;)

I have actually used the gloves recently to protect my manicured hands when I wanted to participate in an onboard painting class.:)

tmee

You are very welcome. I always like to read different people's perspectives, so that I would just give my view. I really thought I would miss things from the QM2… and I did, but I discovered other things that I liked as well:)

Escorted to ones stateroom ! my goodness those days have long gone. I think the last time I was escorted was on the QE2 or Caronia way back in the 1980's. ;) In those days ( on turn around) there was always a team of 'off duty crew members' who were prepared to opt in for a bit of extra over time and maybe a quick buck $ or two. The first meal on embarkation day ( if we were lucky) was afternoon tea served in the ballroom, otherwise we had to wait for dinner.

 

Today on embarkation days, the 'majority of crew members' are busy either in the Grills, the main dining room ( lunch for visiting travel agents & those in the industry, day visitors etc ) whilst others are on duty in the Lido/Kings Court or the Pub .

I was surprised whilst embarking the QE2 in New York for a crossing in April 2008 (six months before the ship's retirement) that all passengers were shown to our accommodations. It had been quite a while since that happened on any voyage we were on - perhaps the mid-1970s.

Ah if I had only been able to sail during those times:D. But,funny enough my very first sailing on QM2 in 2013, I was escorted to mystateroom by a smartly dressed bellman. He carried my hand luggage and showed me about my room. (I was staying in asheltered balcony at the time) I felt like I was on one my lovely land vacations. I thought that this was standard until I spoke to my dining companions later on and realized I was the only who receive that particular courtesy. It was very nice perhaps I was spoiled early on :cool:

tmee

Activities:

This voyage was meant to be relaxing so, I spent time receiving spa services, and I did not participate in many of the activities onboard. But, if I am quite honest, I did feel like there were not a lot of options of things that I wanted to do during the day. There were a few things, but nothing that I saw, I thought I don't want to miss that, as I have thought in the past. But different people like to do different things, so everyone can't be happy all of the time.

One complaint I have is the public computers and printing. Why is there only one single computer that you can print from? I spent 2 days trying to print one single page, because I could never manage to use that computer. I tried early in the morning, and late at night, but the printer was not working properly. So I needed to wait for the "computer area" to be staffed, but then of course there would be another passenger sitting at that particular terminal (not printing anything) for large portions of the day (they must have had a lot of minutes :)) I am not sure why they don’t allow printing from the other terminals, but I definitely felt as if I spent waaaaay too much time trying to print my single page document.

Décor:

Thanks, tmee. That's good news that "The Lion's Share" is now available on QM2. The initial roll-out announcement last September only indicated it was going to be available on QE and QV at that time.

You are welcome. The QM2 sailing I was on, was last November (2017.) So, they may have been testing to see how it would go?

tmee

Here are the menus and the price ( $25) from the Queen Elizabeth...and the Queen Mary 2 so I suspect the Queen Victoria is similar.

Queen Elizabeth

QM2

tmee

Above is a pic of Queen Elizabeth yesterday afternoon in Singapore

And here is QM2 this morning in Singapore

tmee

Here is a really bad view of the two from inside terminal....:D I didn't think of taking picture unitil I was so close

tmee

Hi shoe divas,

I love the shoe photos, especially those boat shoe heels....I would totally wear those :D.

So we are in my favorite shoe time of year....mid autumn.. when every store has summer shoes on extreme clearance :cool:

I just bought several for my upcoming trip..including a pair of boat shoes (the traditional variety;)) I will post the photos later.

Happy Shoe shopping!!

tmee

As a frequent yet quiet reader, I have always enjoyed reading her forthright comments, keen observations, witty repartee. She will be missed.

My sincere condolences to her family.

tmee

Hi Sailing Sara,

I had actually asked a very similar question prior to my first crossing a few years ago on QM2 (around the same age as you too :)!)I too am a dress/skirt kinda of gal. Over time on my QM2 sailings/Crossings I have worn dresses or skirts everyday except for maybe five days out of the whole bunch. (not sundresses as the weather has always been too cold on my sailings for that particular garment) As mentioned above you will see all types of attire, but you certainly will not look out of place smartly dressed in a dress :) I hope you have a wonderful time!

If I can find the link to my thread I will post it.

tmee

here is the link to my thread, at the end I listed what I actually ended up wearing on that first crossing. (I usually wear heels most of the time, but I ended up wearing flats a lot during the day because of the movement on the ship.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1946324

tmee

Thank you very much!

tmee

Hi again OP here. I just wanted to thank all of you for your insight and honesty. It has given me a lot to think about.

The smallest ship have sailed on was the Viking Serenade (I think that was also my first solo cruise :) ) I remember it feeling small.

So I am realizing I should think about Azamara more like an extra, extra large yacht or a nice small hotel/resort that happens to be traveling through the water :)

I do like live music, so it is nice to hear that there are musicians playing. Trivia is fun. And

I am all about informative, quality lectures :D

I have another question about dining, can one opt to dine at a table solo in addition to the option of sharing?

tmee

Hello all,

I need some advice and insight. I have booked my first Azamara sailing several months ago. But now I am having second thoughts. So I would really appreciate some information from you veterans :)or those “in the know” so that I can be fully prepared about the product I willr eceive. I have booked the line because I wanted to try another line (I have sailed most of the other main stream lines as well as Azamara's sister lines) to explore the possibilities.

These are my “concerns.” :D

I am currently booked as a solo passenger, so based on the marketing materials it appears as most guest are in pairs :)…and a bit older than I, so I am wondering a ship this size works on a solo level? Dining, how exactly does thiswork if one is traveling solo?

Small ship size and activities. I am very used to sailing on a much largership and having planned activities and lectures and well…I wonder what is there to do on sea days? I certainly do not mind enjoying the ocean, but I just wondered what else is there to do? Are there places to “discover” onboard?

What else would you tell a newbie, solo, slightly younger demographic to expect.

Thank all of you so much for your help in advance!

tmee

Oh, those are super cute! What is the material? Is the floral design embroidered?

tmee

Oh I love that idea! Have you tried them?

tmee

I watch this thread a lot but I don't generally post as I don't have a lot pictures of "me" in my dresses. But your post, toxicfairy, made me want to. People have their own sense of style and you don't always have to be on trend. But to me the most important thing is to find clothing that flatters you, and that item may not be the most fashion forward. For me I am tall and thin and I wear classic styles that flatter me, mostly things cut on a bias. When people see me they always say "you are so tall and thin it everything must look good on you" But that of course is not the case. It is helpful to have a friend or relative (mine was always my mom) to give an honest opinion of what looks is good on you (at least that second opinion). And to be okay if they kindly say... "well that isn't the most flattering thing for you to wear" I personally love things with empire waist... but because of my body make up that is not best thing for me to wear. So try out new trends, but you may find that something completely different looks the best on you. I am a firm believer that anyone can look amazing in the right dress. And anyone can make the right dress look amazing!!

tmee

Wearing shoes twice?! What is that? LOL I would love to travel with so many shoes but I have so many clothes, I travel within self imposed limited of 3 evening shoes.....with one of three I must wear at some other time. Maybe at an event onshore pre-cruise or climbing onboard ship :D

So to my Shoe Diva sisters:

Has this ever happened to you...?

You buy a pair of shoes you really need but don't wear often (like flats)... Then you take a cruise....

You come back and six months later and say "boy I wish I had a pair of flats" so you buy a pair for another holiday.

Then a couple of months later you go through your closet for clothing and accessories you want to donate and there in the pile, is a brand new pair of never worn flats you bought 8 months ago still in the box ;p!!!

This has just happened to me. I found the same pair of flats that I posted HERE in this thread back in September LOL! Since I don't often wear flats I had forgotten that I had bought them. So I bought another pair that are cute but didn't really work for air travel...and two months ago bought the third pair of flats (the ones that I just posted a week or so ago...)

I admit it I have TOO many shoes....(or at least black flats right now :))

In the "donation closet", I also found a brand new pair of gorgeous silver vintage inspired ankle strap peep toed sandals (that I have never worn) because I forgot I had them (I must have been in a cleaning frenzy right after I bought them and I put them "away") .....and after looking at you lovely ladies' pictures I had just been saying to myself... "boy I wish I had some opened toed silver evening shoes with straps and a decent heel..."(sigh) well I guess now I do....:)

I won't tell you how many other unworn shoes I found in the abyss:) ah well its like shopping all over again!

Sincerely,

tmee

Thanks! They are actually Jessica Simpson. They are called Mandalaye

(they are inspired these Chloe originals below)

I actually like non originals :D a bit better because of the toe box style and the heel (which of course you can't see in this picture :confused:

tmee

Does this means that you need to take a trip to Morocco? :) perhaps he has two left feet..;). (okay that was really bad I know... )

I forgot to post these.... somehow I am in a flat mood... my beloved black travel flats had reached their last leg so I bought these... They are super light weight and good for walking and look cute with little skirts and such :) They have already made it through 3 holidays in two months :)

tmee

I can't believe it, I have that problem more often than I like! (which is why I am always looking for shoes with adjustable ankle straps) but to your question :D I have both taken out the elastic and reattached it shorter...or if I'm really ....hmmmm what's the word... lazy..😆 I have just done a quick tack of the elastic without removing it from the shoe (I usually have done this when the elastic has stretched out not on new shoes)

You can also take them to a professional and have them shorten it for you, but depending on the shoe and material doing it yourself isn't too difficult.

tmee

Oh my ladies I love your shoes!!!

I saw these when I was out shopping for yet another pair of black pumps:rolleyes:... tried them on and they actually fit...so I had to buy them. I rarely ever wear thongs but these happened to match my cork clutch I bought last year :D So it gets another season with these shoes ;p

tmee