Rob1966

Just be a bit careful, we have been to Beachlimerz 3 times, you need to try and determine whether there is a swell or the tide is in? The beach will be none existant if so - if the sea is out, it's beautiful place and the food and drink is great.

Barcelona is no worse than NY, London, Paris, Rome etc
Just be careful, I have toured Barcelona 3 times without issue, each time using the public transport.
I have seen pick pockets at large but again, they won't bother you if you're careful.

It's a fabulous place with lots to offer, just be sensible.

I would recommend the HOHO bus to get around, stopping at each attraction.

Try https://italytoursharing.com/

We did this tour many years ago with them from Taormina and it was fantastic.

On 11/29/2022 at 5:04 PM, Lornaburg said:

 Would like to know this too.   Not taking tux because of the weight but my partner will wear smart trousers and a proper shirt. On P&O we dressed to the nines and so did everyone else but that sailed from Southampton.

I have been ordered to take my Tux hahaha - I would have objected but as it's Christmas maybe more people will wear them?

On 11/23/2022 at 9:56 PM, Hatteras51 said:

I have received word that Reflextions hopes to open next week. 

I have just messaged them on FB, they are open, I have reserved a beach clam for our visit late December.
Great place to spend the day.

Hi all,

How many dress to impress nights are likely to take place on a 14 night cruise over the Christmas period? and which nights would they be, a bit of a tough one, but maybe someone who has done this cruise round the Caribbean recently could help?

We will be on board from 18th December until 1st January.

thanks

Rob

Hi folks,

Does anyone know the current taxi fare to Mambo beach? And also, would we need to specify a time for pick up, or will there be taxis waiting in the area?

thanks

Rob

Does anyone know if you have to check in baggage when returning from Barbados?

I know when using P&O you never had to, we received our cases back in the UK, they also used TUI for flights.

On 11/17/2022 at 9:19 PM, tartana said:

We are considering heading this way next week.  Is it safe to say that if a taxi driver says they will return for us near a certain time that they will?  That's my only concern really. And I see in new reviews that Shipwreck has some "real" toilets now.... maybe we'll see soon LOL. 

Reading the reviews, one review says the beach has gone because of erosion, this has put me off a little.

We did a day at Palm court from the cruise a few years back, the food was great.
The only thing which stops us going back is the place gets full with crew from the ships, and it became quite rowdy.

We were there over the Christmas/New year period, we bumped into the carnival parade which was amazing.

I am due to cruise at Christmas, when am I likely to receive this questionnaire?

Hey Presto!

We have sailed on both and they are similar in some things but not in others.

Advantages of Marella for us, is adult only and inclusive drinks packages available.

P&O are stricter on formal nights, my Wife forgot to pack my Tuxedo one Christmas and we were not allowed into certain bars and the MDR on formal evenings, Marella are not so strict, we can take or leave the formal evenings (It's hot in the Caribbean wearing a Tux) but we also enjoy them, more so on Celebrity.

We like the Limelight club on P&O, it's intimate and entertaining.

We think the entertainment on Marella is better than P&O.

We preferred the room on Marella but that is being picky.

We chose Marella this year mainly because the itinery has 2 new islands we haven't visited before,  the inclusive drinks is a big thing for us, we don't go mad but it's nice to know you can drink anything anytime.

Our decision is usually based on itinery, both cruise lines are fantastic, our preferred cruise line is Celebrity but we were happily surprised at the quality of Marella and we think it's as good as P&O.

Forget the above, I've just found the article stating Marella are scrapping the testing after 1st October with the exception of people departing from Greek ports.

After reading the travel requirements for our Christmas Caribbean cruise on the cruise planner, I can't see and requirements for a pre cruise covid test.

Can anyone confirm you no longer need to take a video test prior to getting on the plane?

thanks

Rob

On 9/8/2021 at 5:02 AM, NWHairGal said:

Looking for a recommendation for a private tour company on Dominica for March 2022.  Bumpiing Tours seems to be out of business.  Pepper tours also doesn't have a working website.  I'm assuming they are now out of business.  Does anyone know of a reputable private tour that is still in business without having to use the cruise line? 

Did you manage to book a tour? If so, who and what was it like?

Good evening,

We will be on Marella in the Caribbean at Christmas, how many people wear Tuxedos? I'm more than happy to wear one but don't want to be in the minority.

Has anyone any experience of Christmas day and New year meals on Marella?

thanks

Rob

Can someone who has recently cruised on the 7 night staycation form Southampton to Liverpool/Belfast, let me know which nights the Chic nights were please?

thanks

Rob

I received an email titled "Important Updates to Testing and Health Screening Requirements"

This contained a link to register with Eurofins and a reference ID.

It was sent from Celebrity, I booked my cruise on 11th August, so not very long ago.

We are looking to book a cruise for 21st August from Tilbury, could someone advise what type of vehicle is provided for the Chauffer service? I'm thinking of suitcases and comfort.

thanks

Rob

On 11/25/2019 at 9:27 PM, purplesea said:

Returned yesterday from Barbados with Virgin flights, and as promised here is what we experienced.

 

On the outward flight we asked the P&O rep at the airport is the luggage would be transferred direct to the ship or if we would have to collect it at Barbados. We were told that they had agreed with Virgin to have the luggage put into separate containers and it would be transferred to the ship.

 

On our return we put our luggage outside our cabin as usual the night before, but had to go ashore at 8.30 and claim it and then check-in in the terminal (the shed next to the ship) as you would at the airport, it was then loaded into vans and transported to the airport for us to collect at Manchester.

 

Muster drill was held in the Live Lounge with just a small number of passengers. After going through the normal procedure the crew then led groups to their various muster stations.

 

 

 

Did they weigh the baggage for the return flight?

3 minutes ago, TSUmom said:

What is the price for a day pass?

The price is 25usd per person up front. This pays for the bed and umbrella. The remaining money comes off your bar bill at the end. So when I went I believe the beds and umbrella for 2 was around 25usd and the other 25 came off the bar/food bill at the end. I think they charge up front for the reservation as they don't allow the beach to be oversubscribed. 

We will be returning in 6 weeks, we can't wait. 

I would like to also mention Beach Limerz, we are returning in 6 weeks and cannot wait - they never let it get overcrowded, the food is wonderful and the beach is fantastic.

If you speak with Gail, she will arrange a taxi from the port for you. As much as I would like to try other beaches/places, I know what to expect at Beach Limerz and it suits our needs perfectly.

I am now flying with Virgin, I've flown a few times with Virgin and never had any issues, I am very pleased.

I am flying in 7 weeks, I have just rang P&O asking about seat reservations as the flight details are now listed in my cruise personaliser, I was told I will receive an email in due course with flight a booking reference, I can then reserve the seats online via the Virgin site - I was also told the aircraft had been chartered, I was wondering if the passengers from the TC flight would be split up and put on different flights.

Virgin do not usually charge to reserve seats, I am hoping this is the case.

I am also pleased my return flight is late (20:05) as I will get plenty of time in Barbados on the final day.

I have paid for my seats on the aircraft, the payment was taken by P&O, so I am hoping this is refunded somehow, on board credit would be fine, or seat reservations on the new flight.

I do echo what everyone else is saying, that this is a real shame for all concerned, I feel most for the Thomas Cook employees, imagine been a rep abraod? Very sad.

4 hours ago, bup1224 said:

Rob on a cruise ship day, our beaches are usually crowded (especially with a larger ship).

With that being said, for what you are looking for which sounds like a calmer water beach, take a look at Mambo beach or Blue Bay.

Perhaps a day pass at Avila, Santa Barbara Resort or even the Renaissance hotel. 

Here are the taxi rates.

 

The  Avila Looks to be good value, what would be the rough cost of a taxi from Port?

thanks

Rob