Canal archive

Only joking but it took an Aussie to rank Scenic with Viking!

The reason for the Lille stop was because there as yet were no border facilities in Avignon. Technically you could board the first Eurostar from London have lunch in Marseilles and return to London in the same day. May try it one day.

We’ve Eurostarred several times to and from mainland Europe for river cruises canal barge journeys and other chasing around Europe excitements. Much better than flying far more relaxed. The only drawback was on our return from the South of France having to get off the train for border control at Lille.

Kristelle we’ve never had to wait but as with everything there’s always a first time. On our last two Scenic cruises the fitness team were more in evidence, walking pole lessons and practice, some yoga and Pilates just ask at reception. Bikes available whenever possible to use them, if you want to do any extra exercise you can. I haven’t tried a salt therapy yet though.

Ohhh I see - or 6 - 9 light breakfast in your cabin 9 - 12 gentle stroll close to your mooring 12 - 1.30 snacket in the lounge bar 2 - 5 afternoon snooze or on board activity 7 - 9 excellent dinner with newly acquired friends with drinks in the lounge to follow. Change as required.

With a British subsidiary.

I’ve been on quite a few Scenic river cruises and read a lot on these boards and I to have never heard of a ‘chill rating’ maybe someone can enlighten us please.

When you look at the small print the allowance is very close to airline requirements and as I said tuck under the bed nicely out of the way, left open so anything unwanted, unclean or used can be put in easily ready for the dreaded packing.

As the experts say a pop of - colour, bling or unusual can set off any outfit. A well designed piece that doesn’t have to cost a fortune (but may take some finding) can wow the crowd no problem and be completely understated. Mind you classics are very useful but where do you get them these days, oh well off to the sewing machine, knitting needles, crochet hook you name it I’ve most probably got it.

In the U.K. as we have the NHS some of us are just a bit lackadaisical about keeping track of these things and so a week or two ago I got an alert on my phone to say I was able to get my booster so husband and I are off next Saturday to be punctured again. It’s one of the cases of ‘isn’t technology wonderful’.

From a museum in Scotland blinged more than mine was but those were the days, mini skirts and kinky boots. Sadly the doyen of the look, Mary Quant has just passed away.

DH rarely takes a jacket if we’re cruising during the summer months but yes a light one at other times of the year and the air con in the restaurant especially can be a little chilly I take a few wraps We have always taken a full size (airline size) suitcase each, they tuck nicely away under the bed. We’ve always taken carry- ons but smaller ones. We’ve never had a problem and we’ve cruised with Scenic over many years including the one your setting out on, it was our second and as our first was only eight days my husband decided that it was far to short.

Oh dear what a pity but never mind what an opportunity to go looking for another pair. It sounds like you may have caught the bug though that of the river cruising variety.

Well it was at the time AMA i think Viera or could be Veela if you enlarge the picture, maybe because the hull is in shadow.

Our first South of France on Scenic we had I suppose a taster about 10 of us had a tour and a demonstration plus taster in one of their lecture theatres. Quite an eye opener I hadn’t realised how many famous chefs had taken at least some training there and reciprocated by doing training sessions themselves.

You’ll go under the rising bridge, interesting. Lyon have you been to the Paul Bacous institute if not it’s well worth a visit and Arles is interesting it’s a great cruise we’ve done it twice.

If it’s any help there is a diary of French strikes as far as they can asses on - world in Paris.com - you have to scroll down quite a bit.

Are you sure you were on Scenic as they are all inclusive and unless your drinking really really high end you shouldn’t have paid a penny for any drinks unless you traveled with them about 15 years ago.

My sympathies are all with you both. I didn’t think there could be a more unattractive bow than those on Viking but I’m pretty sure you’ve found one. The Portuguese are a warm friendly nation with some amazing history. Have you seen any old red English telephone boxes yet?

Ural guy I hope your knees get sorted, I now have two complete new knees the relief of no pain has to be NOT felt to be believed. I know it doesn’t work for everyone but thank the gods it did for me or I’d be in a wheelchair now.

Depends on your starting point but for the first time we’re trying couriered luggage and if it works that’s the way to go. Failing that I’d love to see the mix and match flow chart. I make one every time we go on any special trip.

I’ve done a quick recy on the U.K. site and yes the costs have risen but that you’d expect but no where near that amount. I will say there's no resemblance across the board it really seems quite random.

Oh yes I see, well all they’ve done is returned to how it was I think about ten years ago. When it first started it was offered to all customers as an enticement then after you’d done a few cruises as a bonus. There have been several changes with the frequent users perks hinted at recently along with the dropping of the luggage etc., I doubt it will be anything better and I’m old enough to remember when it was not all inclusive. I find it interesting what other nationalities see and experience on their cruises.

Over Easter it was the Devizes to Westminster canoe race on the Kennet & Avon Canal and because of the water levels on the Thames only 35 very experienced paddlers were allowed to take part evidentially the locks on the Thames had both top and bottom gates open. Usually the youngsters take two days and the speediest are SAS or SBS watching the experts is something special.

I’ve never been impressed with branding on a product. When did Scenic stop home to transport transfer.