mrsgoggins

25 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

The thing is the chances of getting a ship full of well behaved children and delightful parents on ships this size is slim to none

 

This might be so with the bigger ships but I’ll share my experience of 2 cruises that spring to mind.

Celebrity is the cruise line we use most.  Our 1st and 2nd ever cruises with them were back-to-back on Constellation in 2015 in the Med out of Venice.  The first cruise was August and had many young families with children and I remember being impressed at seeing the Kids’ club activities around the ship and when they were brought into the theatre towards the end to entertain us.  They added to my enjoyment.  The follow-on cruise was into September and it became virtually adults only with an older demographic and had a completely different feel.

My first ever P&O cruise was a 7-night Easter holiday cruise with many children on board.  Again I was totally impressed by the many children we encountered, so much so that we booked an almost identical cruise taking our own grandchildren the follow year.  They were not warm weather cruises however, and I have found that this can play a part in the types of folk you get on board - let’s say that the ‘liveliest’ passengers we have encountered have been on Canaries cruises out of Southampton with Royal Caribbean and to a lesser degree, P&O (not Celebrity however).  
 

We are lucky enough to cruise often and even the ‘lively’ behaviour referred to was only occasional, and chalked up to experience and has not put me off either cruise line.  I should perhaps add that we don’t sunbathe and have never sat by a pool on a ship, so would never experience poor behaviour in these areas.

4 hours ago, Harry Peterson said:

So very true - everything they get their hands on is cheapened and ruined.  At least we still have alternatives to brands like Hershey's, notorious for tasting of vomit!

Oh Harry - at first it was the Lindors we disagreed on and now Hershey’s 😂😂.  Only this afternoon I enjoyed a small Hershey’s with whole almonds!  I do agree with you about the regular bars though, so we can go back to our usual harmonious ‘relationship’ 😉

I’ve read Gervase Phinn books and am quite envious that he’s a guest speaker on Aurora right now.  Looking forward to following along, so thanks.

3 hours ago, Peanut006 said:

Good afternoon everyone, hope you are all ok today.

 

It’s a bit breezy here today with a mixture of cloud and sun, at least no rain for a change.

 

Yesterday my neurologist told me my problems with walking were more likely the progression of my MS. He just told me to drink plenty of water, take vitamin D, take some exercise and rest when I need to. I do all these already so there is not much more I can do apart from just get on with it and do what I can.

 

To cheer my self up I booked a cruise with the grandchildren on Independence of the Seas August 2025 to Baltic towns/cities

 

Off out for a walk(scooter) with the dogs now 

 

Michelle

It was possibly what you were expecting to hear Michelle, even though the word 'progression' when applied to medical conditions is one we would rather not hear.

So glad you managed to cheer yourself up by booking another cruise and going out with the dogs. Good for you.

In a day of fast-moving domestic news, I’m happy to restrict my comments to Strictly 😉

Anton is my favourite judge who always makes me laugh, and I’m pleased that Angela was kept in. I think she is technically very strong and if they marked her down, it would be for having a 79 year old body!

Now Motsi is another matter.  I deliberately start to watch the live programme 30 minutes after it starts so that I can fast forward Motsi’s comments and lose a minute of each of the contestants’ VTs.  It’s likely that Angela will go at Blackpool and I’d be delighted if either Ellie or Angela Scanlon won.

Off to brave the wind now to head north to Lancaster for my grandson’s birthday.  Think we’ll give the M6 a miss though; too many high-sided vehicles.

Don't you just despair at the behaviour of some passengers?  Very poor indeed.

Thanks @Cumbrian1 for a good, detailed account of your return flight.  It's because we are tall (and not slim either!) folk that I would never risk a cruise with P&O in the Caribbean.  We need to know we could get PE seats on booking our flights - and without sitting up until the wee small hours to get 2 by a window!

@Selbourne I completely agree about the preserves in the yellow plastic pots!

P&O is not our favourite cruise line despite having a few under our belts with more in the future, however the breakfast service always impressed until this year. I loved that the toast came in a rack and the glass pots of Bonne Mamman preserves. The pots were still available on Iona in March, but had been replaced by the yellow plastic on Ventura a few months later.  Some times it's the (very) small things you remember, but hey ho, cut backs are everywhere and are no real surprise given the bad time experienced by the cruise lines.

I'm pleased that you had such good dining experiences in the MDR and that your wife didn't have to endure the poor lift etiquette experienced on Iona.

Safe travels home and I look forward to reading your final review.

3 hours ago, LA30 said:

Does anyone have experience of this port?  We normally do our own thing - often just walking around and soaking up the atmosphere. 

I was there last Sunday - and there were five ships in port, which is not uncommon.  Crowds, tat sellers, combined with high temperatures made friends sorry they had left the ship!  We’ve been a few times, done a tour, done the walk round and so we happily stayed on board.

If there’s anyone who actually likes this port, I have yet to meet them! 

2 hours ago, Harry Peterson said:

Those two channels really are first rate!  I won’t pay for Sky, but I’m delighted Sky Arts can be had for free on Freeview.

This exactly in our house too!

4 hours ago, Beckett said:

Today's equivalents wouldn't know harmonies if they bit them on the arse John. I was lucky enough to see Crosby Stills Nash and Young at Wembley Stadium in 1970. Fab fab fab!  Jane xx

I really did laugh out loud when I read your comment Jane; almost spilled my coffee 😂.  I’m a fan of those who can manage great harmonies and enjoy it when BBC4 or Sky Arts (forget which!) show performances by Simon & Garfunkel or the Everly brothers for instance.

13 hours ago, Mysticalmother said:

Mysticalmother  ...... the passage up the West coast of Portugal was even worse than the BoB…imho.

 

I'm on Celebrity Silhouette which was delayed due to the weather - should have left yesterday but now leaving Southampton today - and one of the senior staff said exactly what you said!

An interesting read, thank you.

Thank you again @grapau27 and @purplesea. In the end I decided to try Uber for the first time and it worked like a dream! Lovely driver who arrived within the 1 minute the App showed! I did end up tipping double the £2 I had intended due to inexperience, but still less than £10. 

I'm now on the ship with a window table in Tuscan Grill, looking out at rain and Norwegian Star docked. I just need the storm gods to stay away for the next 10 days 🤞.

Wishing you all a good week but especially those of you who have challenges to face.

34 minutes ago, P&O SUE said:

I have nothing against getting a taxi and know the local phone number off by heart, but it’s a bit more difficult with my Mum, she has a trolley which she is very wobbly with and a very heavy wheelchair that is not really suitable although we used it in the hospital when we were visiting I couldn’t have managed it without John. 

Forgive me if I am mentioning something you have already done but maybe a local authority assessment could help with suggestions and more aids around the house that might assist your mum?  The LA were very good with a gentleman for whom I hold Power of Attorney and provided many aids. The falling is obviously a big concern.  We did buy a lightweight aluminium wheelchair for short car journeys for him, which I could manage, although I appreciate that as a non-driver this would not help you.

Really feel for you right now. 

13 minutes ago, purplesea said:

Sorry no experience of Uber.

We stayed at the West Quay Premier Inn in September and pre-booked two taxis from the foyer. They arrived at the time we booked and I received text notifications with the registration numbers and the type of cars just before they arrived. 

Thank you. That was very useful information and that’s what I’m going to do now you’ve given me that information 👍
 

I’m both a planner and a worrier - and taxis and Ubers take me out of my comfort zone!

Advice on Uber use would be much appreciated. I've downloaded the App and added credit card details.

I'm currently at a Southampton city centre Premier Inn after having travelled down from the NW on an Eavesway coach to City terminal (excellent by the way). I should have been sailing to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Silhouette today but due to the storms and the closure of Lisbon port, she is still sailing and the latest ETA is 5.30 pm today, Sunday.

Celebrity offered boarding at 11.00-1 am initially (now moved to 9.30-1.00 am) or 7.00-10.30 in the morning, and that was our choice; hence the PI booking.  They have also laid on a shuttle service to the shopping area, which coincidentally is 150 yards from the PI, so getting here was unexpectedly easy.

Tomorrow morning we will go to the port early-ish - about 7.30 I expect. On check in I mentioned this and the assistant recommended we pre- book a taxi (direct line in foyer) rather than using Uber, saying it could be difficult in the morning.

I've no experience of Uber but thought this would give us flexibility if we are even earlier. Anyone think Uber might be a problem for us early on a Monday morning in Southampton?

Thanks 

So sorry to read of your loss Sue and the challenges you face. It sounds like you have a good family so I hope you are able to get all the support you need in addition to your mother. 

22 minutes ago, BigAl94 said:

I would be more inclined to follow this. All sorts of factors including other port traffic, pilotage availability, berthing crew etc. Doesn't mean that a ship can just rock up and get immediate attention! Given the uncertainty I fail to see why Celebrity doesn't make a call now and allow passengers to stay on board till early morning, that way everyone knows what they are dealing with including those boarding for the TA. Are they serious about dumping passengers on shore Sunday night to find own accommodation?

This exactly!

Celebrity have promised more details by noon UK time today and I’ll be hoping for a  Monday departure rather than any possibility of sitting in the terminal building for hours late at night waiting to board.

That, I assume, would also assist many passengers currently on board who would not need to leave the ship immediately after what is likely to be a rough crossing of the BoB and into Southampton.

11 hours ago, Selbourne said:

I must apologise, as I could be accused of that in my excitement to share our news about the Aurora 65 nighter that we booked on the spur of the moment last week. It certainly was never my intention to rub anyone’s nose in it and, in my defence, the prices I have quoted are clearly visible on the P&O website for all to see. Also, as you know, late savers come with some limitations and risks and no OBC. 
 

I'm so pleased that you have been reassured that you were not the target of anyone's displeasure. Count me in as one who has followed all of your planning (and trip report) posts and was delighted that you and your wife have a bargain.

I've done cruises with Celebrity, Princess and P&O (2) this year, but only with the P&O Iona cruise did I experience several people sharing how little they had paid. As previously reported, one comment was.... '£50 a day, i can eat more than that'.  I wasn't at all upset at the people who had got the bargains, and congratulated them on their good fortune. I was irritated at myself for having booked at launch and definitely not a bargain price and with P&O!

I'm very familiar with fluid pricing, particularly with airlines, and have had more than my share of good deals over the years, being quite a savvy consumer, but I'll be very cautious with P&O should I book with them in the future.

The only cruises I would now look at for launch bookings (with P&O) would be 'one off' itineraries or if I needed popular holiday times. 

1 minute ago, Adawn47 said:

I also put a piece of marzipan in some of the mince pies too for the marzipan addicts.

Namely me😋

Avril

Me too Avril, and what a good idea 👍.  Marzipan is something I always make from scratch with just a bit of brandy added.  As a near non-drinker my Christmas cakes get a good slug of brandy one way or another 😁

5 hours ago, Splice the mainbrace said:

Mary Berry has a recipe using butter.

https://www.maryberry.co.uk/recipes/christmas/special-mincemeat

That’s the one I use too 👍

Thank you for taking the time to write about your trip.

We have not been on Arvia but have been on Iona - the cruise we enjoyed, the ship not so much! Your review has confirmed that we won't be on Arvia either, but was very interesting to read about nonetheless.

34 minutes ago, Purdey16 said:

Ohhhhh Denny’s graham we lived in there when we lived in Canada, I think I would be two tone Tessie now if we stayed.😂

I know what you mean!  We limit ourselves to one Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast per trip, because that sees you right through the day 😋😋 …. Well, more or less 😉

15 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

We were visiting the boardwalk and had booked dinner in a restaurant on the Boardwalk.

Any recommendations for other places you ate Graham?  We always have at least one meal at Carrabba’s, a lunch at a Cheesecake Factory (the lunchtime barbecue ranch salad - my favourite - has more than 1200 calories 😱), Miller’s Ale House and like to try the occasional new place, so suggestions would be welcome.

I hope you are managing to stay awake given that you flew back overnight.  I really dislike the flight back; it takes me days to recover. Next year we are sailing back, yeah!

2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

It is 8°F and sunny here.

We got home this morning after 8 days in Orlando Florida where temperatures ranged between 30°C and 35°C.

I know both resorts well Graham!  I'll be heading to Vero Beach, followed by Old Key West myself before the end of the year and am booked in at the Boardwalk next year.  Are you a member or just visiting?  We rarely visit the parks these days (but still have non-expiring tickets) but they are lovely places just to chill IMO, and we have friends not too far away.  Shame about the exchange rate though.

It's a few years since we've been to the Longhorn steakhouse - looks good.  You've brightened up my Sunday no end 💐

2 hours ago, Harry Peterson said:

And Ken Dodd was very fortunate indeed to have had a Liverpool jury. Anywhere else in the country and he’d have ended up in prison like Piggott.

‘Thirty Bob Kid’, an autobiography written by Dave Dutton, a journalist-turned-actor, contains a few chapters on the years when he was a scriptwriter for Doddy and is quite enlightening about Ken Dodd’s relationship to money.  So much so that a fellow scriptwriter to Doddy suggested they should write a book and call it ‘How tickled we weren’t’.