gadabout60

So very sorry and sad to hear your news Josy. I was feeling very sorry for myself as I have just returned from a cruise with you know what, but this puts everything into perspective. Those poor children. Sending you love

Thanks for that Graham. The receptionist implied that the staff get nothing at all. I will do as you suggest

Can I ask a quick question of you knowledgeable folk. I don’t want to start a new thread and I can’t see a recent thread. I'm finishing up a cruise on Britannia. I understood that gratuities were now part of the fare but wanted to give a little something to my cabin steward and waiter. I went down to reception to get a couple of envelopes and asked to confirm that tips were automatically included. The girl on reception said there are no tips and staff don’t get anything. Is that right? I have tried googling but can’t see anything useful. I don’t know now whether leaving a smaller tip is offensive or if I should be leaving a much larger one.

As a Glaswegian I would say stay in Glasgow! Very regular train (and coach ) service between the 2 cities

I have been awake since 2.30 ☹️

That seems really inflexible- am sure they could have managed as after all your table would then be free

No green beans!

It seems to me that P&O need a list of those noisy cabins and declare the problem at point of sale like they do with obstructed views. Then sell at a discount and as someone said above party animals could book them knowing the issues and knowing they are unlikely to be too bothered by the noise - with the discount being a sweetener.

I just saw Debra’s blog and am going to start on it next weekend

I totally agree with this. You really seem to make the most of every day - both in port and at sea. I love how you embrace the local culture and get a feel for your ports by trying to meet locals and eating the local food etc Other cruisers do seem stuck in the past and reflect too much on little changes or lack of pillow gifts. I don’t think they understand how much debt some cruise lines have. Thank you for your blogs and your positive attitude

The point I was making is that I don’t value a mention at a corporate seminar - seems meaningless to me. Regardless of status with any cruise line I don’t look to be mentioned Not worthy of a debate though -if a mention floats your boat go for it

I’m sure they appreciate everyone’s business - or should . There are other events for cruisers with loyalty. Maybe have to agree to disagree on this one

To be honest when I read your post setting out what the day was going to entail I thought it sounded dull and wondered why anyone would want to spend a port day doing that drive for a PR reception. I’m not sure why recognition mattered though?

Thanks for kind thoughts @lincslady and @Beckett Finally fell asleep at about 3 until close to 7. Feel tired now and I know I have time to fit in a nap this afternoon but that will have consequences tonight!

Anyone in the wide awake club about? can’t seem to drop off tonight and small problems are magnified at this time of the morning

Other good thing about York is a day at the racecourse if you get your timing right

Glad to hear it

I am mostly a lurker but the person who I haven’t heard of in ages is Emma with the “low riders” I do hope she is ok as she often mentioned she has health issues Gail

I think I probably misunderstood MaryAnn’s post - I took it to mean they would book back to back weeks in the Caribbean rather than a GV to get perks

I’m not saying anyone would turn down perks- what I am saying is I would not choose any holiday based on the perks. the destinations would come first for me.

When I lived in Buckinghamshire I was always amazed at the high prices charged by (presumably farmers) selling fruit in lay-bys. Virtually no overheads but much more expensive then supermarkets and greengrocers

I am interested in your comment about back to back cruises yielding more perks. Do the perks matter that much? I appreciate you have cruised to most places but personally I’d rather have interesting destinations than perks

Well you missed out. Was more than a reality show

I almost gave up after the first episode but glad I stuck with it - by the 3rd episode I was hooked too!

Anyone watch The Traitors? I really enjoyed it