NEWBY CRUISER Iberian Sojourn - Oriana

[jimjams]

Hi everyone, I am new to the boards so i'm not sure where I should start :rolleyes: with my first post. Maybe someone will be kind enough to guide me if I am in the wrong place:confused: .

Soon I will be embarking on my very FIRST cruise :D ( Iberian Sojourn on the Oriana) and wondered if anyone out there can offer me some useful advice on the do's and don'ts of cruising (Oriana preferably) it would be gratefully appreciated.

thanks Jan

[The Monocled Mutineer]

The following notes are for a first timer on P&O from a Southampton departure point of view:

 

Your 1st Cruise will be one of the BEST cruises you will ever go on.Believe you me: nothing beats the 1st of everything you do during your 6n onboard. This is not to say with the 90%+ certainty that you will become addicted to cruising, that you will not have wonderful, future cruises too. But, there is something very magical about your 1st cruise:

 

I capture a bit of that magic when I see the cruise through a newcomers eyes.

 

Don't feel that you need to book a tour at every port of call. The ship is a destination in itself. There is a very special atmosphere on sea days which (in my view) is rivalled by a day on board when at port, or better still at anchor. The ship takes on a quieter ambiance with half or more of the passengers ashore. There are no queues and the service up on deck is snappier. With a very few glorious exceptions, you will find little better ashore.I tend to go only on tours where a "must-see" is a long distance from the ship and the public transport cannot be relied on. I also find an afternoon tour preferable to a morning one as breakfast on board in popular destinations can be somewhat "traumatic", especially in the self-service restaurants.

 

Advice? Suggest you arrive early’ish at the terminal say around midday. When you arrive at Mayflower you say good bye to your cases as they are placed in a "hole-in-the-wall" by a porter. You will next see them outside your cabin when you board or say about 30 mins after.You proceed into check-in where tickets & passports are checked: you are given your cruise cards there and then: this is both your charge card (you can use it straight away without the need to register your credit card/bank charge card - unless you intend to charge casino chips/tokens to it) and ID to get back on the ship when at port. (I understand that the procedure to register your charge/credit card now takes place at check-in – others will no doubt confirm)

 

You then proceed into the embarkation lounge following a security check (x-ray machine for your hand luggage, etc - rather like an airport) then unlike an airport you then pose for your photograph.

 

Make sure you look your best and smile - tomorrow your photo along with 1800 other passengers will be on display in the Photo gallery for naughty chaps like me to have a laugh (when you look like I do, stones and glass houses spring to mind)

 

Embarkation for the majority of passengers start from c.14:30 (although this now starts earlier). You will have already boarded after noon (suite priority) and will be plied with gratis drinks.

 

When you are called there is then a long walk while you carry your hand luggage along covered walkways that seem to go on for ever.Eventually you suddenly reach a large deck hatch opening and as you step on board it is if you have entered another world.

 

You will be greeted by an officer or one of the Entertainment team (ENTSs - not be confused with Treebeard from the Lord of the Rings) and, if you require, a white-gloved steward will relieve you of your hand luggage and take you to your cabin via lift or stairs.

 

WARNING: You will have studied the deck plans for months and you will think you know your way around.

 

WRONG: The deck plans are in 2 dimensions - the ship is in 3 dimensions.

 

HOWEVER: within about 24 hours you will know your way around!If you are lucky the steward will take you directly to the cabin. Sometimes the stewards do get lost!

 

At last your cabin, (with hopefully your luggage outside). Get to know your home for the next xx nights. There will be continuous safety video playing on the TV and your cabin key-card will be in the door with a spare one on the writing desk with all the bumph and info folders. Have a look at today’s issue of the ships newspaper ORIANA TODAY - it will have a nice picture of your well-fed Captain (they usually look as if they have had a few “Captain’s Dinners”) saying "welcome aboard". This will confirm what times all sorts of things are happening today and tonight. The only compulsory thing you must attend is the ships safety briefing held in your muster lounge at c.16:15 (it takes about 30 mins and you will find your muster station location on the back of your cabin door)

 

Your cabin steward will shortly introduce himself and ask what time you would like to be awakened and whether you prefer Tea / Coffee in the morning.

 

There will be a card in your cabin confirming your Dinner reservation which will show Restaurant name, sitting and table no. You might like to go down to the restaurant to see what table size and where it is. At about 15:00 the restaurant manager will be on duty and will try to accommodate any changes you might wish to make.

 

The tablets my Val takes (she is sensitive to motion) are Stugeron. Take 2 c.15:00 (2 hours before sailing) and then 1 every 8 hours until unconsciousness or sleep occurs! You will awake the next day but will probably have missed lunch by the time you wake up.

 

Now if you are sensible and have brought quite a few garments and suits it will speed unpacking if you packed them at home on hangers. But hey! ... hang the packing let's go and explore the ship.

 

As I said earlier, afternoon tea is served from c.15:00 in one of the restaurants or self service style in the CONSERVATORY

 

If it's a lovely April day the prospect of sitting out at the TERRACE BAR afterwards sipping a cocktail of the day or a bottle of champagne is a tempting prospect.

 

In no time at all bells and announcements will go off requiring you to go to your muster station.

 

You will need to go back to your cabin and retrieve your life jacket and take it with you.

 

Once the VERY IMPORTANT safety drill is over (about 16:45) you can then go out on deck and start to enjoy the proceedings regarding departure out on the Promenade Deck. (Of course you might have a port-side balcony cabin in which case you can swank on your own private space).

 

There is champagne at £2.75 (I think) a glass - good value and a jolly band on the quayside playing Maritime & Military Greatest Hits.

 

In no time the last lines have been slipped, the last gangway removed and suddenly the bow & stern thruster push this Beautiful ship away to warmer climes. THE CRUISE HAS BEGUN.

 

The peregrination and twisting down the Southampton Water, Calshot Spit, the dog-turns to starboard then to port, traversing Cowes Roads and then on to the Pilot drop-off takes about over 90 mins.

 

It is lovely just to sit on the Promenade Deck and watch the last of England slip by. (or in the Crow's Nest Bar if inclement).

 

And just think your cruise has only just be.You will have a wonderful time.

 

You will want to book again as soon as that sad day back in Southampton arrives.

 

 

Some Suggestions:

============

 

1. Unless you really have to, avoid the reception desk on embarkation day and disembarkation day.

 

2. Avoid queues to leave the ship by avoiding the gangway for the first couple of hours in port/at anchor (unless you're on a tour).

 

3. The Fish Main course as a starter if none of the "regular" starters tickles your taste buds.

 

4. Order wine for dinner at one of the bars during the afternoon (or via the Wine Line). Your choice should then be ready and waiting at your table when you arrive. For wine/food matches, dinner menus are available to scrutinise at some bars.

 

5. Without going daft, maximise on the Cocktail of the Day ... good value.

 

6. Champagne at £2.75 (?) a glass at departure is good value.

 

7. Do not rely on the library to be able to supply your travel book needs for destinations on your cruise. They are for reference only and cannot be removed from the library. Bring your own Baedekar, Insight, Rough Guide, etc.

 

8. Do not rely on the library to supply the latest blockbuster from J.K.Rowling, John Grisham, Stephen King, etc. They will have a copy or 2, but 500 other passengers are also relying on reading a copy during the cruise. Bring your own.

 

9. If you go to a film in the evening after dinner - beware - unlike a shoreside cinema, this auditorium gently sways - the combination of warm sun all day, a beer or 2 at lunch (wasn't that curry lovely?) 2 or 3 cocktails of the day, 6 course dinner, a bottle of Rioja, and an Irish Coffee, and the darkness of the cinema will induce narcosis. But don't be embarrassed - you are not alone. The cinema in the evening sometimes reminds me of Paul McCartney's "Frog Chorus" - the sound of syncopated sequence snoring!

 

10. (As per 9 above) try not to do this in the show lounge / theatre - especially if the cheeky comedian is performing. It must be either funny or disheartening to the hard-working, slick company singers and dancers when confronted with "An Ocean of Faces with Mouths Wide Open and Eyes Wide Shut"

 

Tom & Nicole in the cinema aren't really there!

 

11. If you are lunching up on deck, it is a good idea to secure your wine / beverages before you go to make your selections of food.

 

12. Save most of the unpacking (unless you choose to travel very lightly) till when you retire tonight. Excepting 2n-4n party cruises, the 1st night after dinner is usually a fairly quiet affair with many people retiring early as "it's been a long day". If the weather is glorious in Southampton, get yourself into some deck wear and relax in a lounger up on top with a Pimms, a G&T, a cocktail, a glass champagne or whatever tickles your taste buds (for example get a tray of afternoon tea comestibles from the deck restaurant) for a couple of hours before attending the compulsory SAFETY DRILL c.16:15(?).

 

13. When you leave the cabin to explore the ship take your Dining room table card (which is in your cabin on arrival) and visit the restaurant at c.15:00 (a manager/maitre d will be in attendance). If you are not happy about the location of your table, its size or/and the sitting, there maybe the opportunity to change it. Likewise in the hopefully unlikely event of having the "table companions from hell" (most folks who cruise however are a nice bunch) get this sorted after your 1st dinner. (Only twice out of c.20 cruises have we done this: the 1st for environmental reasons - we were right by the waiters fast lane and revolving doors to the galley; the 2nd time after the main course and before dessert - yes they (the “companions”) were very bad!!!).

 

14. Forget about snappy cabin-service (room-service) on embarkation day. If you desire a bottle of champagne or/and nibbles for the departure up on your balcony order them as soon as you board and say you want them in your cabin ready for after the safety drill.

 

15. As I am a very early bird and my wife enjoys the luxury for her of a lie-in, I keep in contact with her during the morning a couple of times by using one of the bar or corridor telephones. This saves a lot of traipsing down the length of the ship and we don't have to waste time looking for each other and arranging where to meet for late breakfast or early lunch.

 

16. Do not feel that you need to book an excursion for every port or for all the day that you are in port. I personally feel that excursions are not the best value for money. The exception would be where there is a "must-see" that is a long way from the port or/and where public transport cannot be relied upon. If you are late getting back to the berth or tender point the ship will NOT wait for you unless you are on an official tour that has been delayed.

 

17. Do feel encouraged to linger on board when in port or at anchor. The ship takes on a different and not unwelcome ambiance with half or more of the passengers ashore. Remember all the facilities that you have already paid for are at hand, the service will be snappier and, other than in the most exceptional of destinations or establishments you will find little better ashore. To my mind spending a day onboard in a unremarkable port is the equal of a warm, languid sea-day. RELAX and forget about traffic, pollution, pick-pockets, paying out for this, that and the other, etc, etc.

 

18. Other than when the ship is very quiet it is nearly always quicker to use the stairways. That way you keep yourself trim (remember there's a lot of food morning, noon and night that's just there for the taking) and it helps free the lifts up for those less ambulant of folks.

 

19. On the last day (usually at sea) pack all but one of your cases as early as possible. That way you are free for most of the rest of the day – a day to savour the last of what will be one of the most memorable holidays you will ever take … and believe me … you WILL go on more P&O cruises but the 1st will ALWAYS be special!

 

20. You will standout as a Newcomer if:

 

a). You call the ship a boat.

 

b). You ask what "floor" is the cinema on.

 

c). You refer to your cabin as your room.

 

d). You call the bow the pointy end and the stern the blunt end.

 

e). You refer to the right hand or left hand side of the ship. Depending on whether you are facing the pointy or blunt end, both sides of the ship can be left and right. That is why there are the terms Starboard & Port.

 

f). At the safety drill on embarkation day you come in to the muster station wearing your life jacket.

 

g). When you see the Captain doing a tour of the ship and glad-handing passengers you call out "'Ere! Who's driving the Boat, Cap'n?"

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL CRUISE!

 

Derek “The Monocled Mutineer” Kane

 

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[jimjams]

Mr Mutineer, wow, what a fantastic response! Better than I ever imagined...many thanks for taking the time to post. I will print it and keep it with the rest of my documents;) .

 

regards Jan

[hollyanna]

Hello Jim Jams and welcome to the boards and the world of cruising! There is not really a great deal for me to add after the previous poster!

I will not be the only one to tell you that you will love your first cruise, expecially on Oriana! I have been on her last year before the refurb and loved her!

 

One tip I would give you is to make use of your first afternoon on board before the muster drill by booking your table for a night or two at Oriana Rhodes specialty restaurant and any beauty treatment you may want for any special night such as blow dry for formal night etc.

 

I hope you a fabulous cruise and am sure this will be the first of many!!!!;) Hollyanna

[LibraLass41]

I agree

 

When we got to our cabin on embarkation day, we checked our luggage was all there, hung up a few formal pieces, and then booked a table at AR (we were on Arcadia - so Arcadian Rhodes) for a port day evening on first week and Orchid on a port day evening the 2nd.

Usually the formal nights are held on a sea day, and these are more fun in the main dining room with your dinner companions I reckon. Check when making a table reservation if unsure.

I also booked some hydropool spa sessions 3 dor £20, these were 1 1/2 hr sessions, so booked them for a sea day too - take your diary so much to book and cram in. I also did a digital 2part camaera course as well, and a relaxation course ! PHEW!

 

Sue

 

p.s. You can (for now)take on your own alcohol, we took a 3litre box of wine onboard for in-cabin drinking as we had a balcony, take a bottle of your favourite tipple if you want in your hand luggage.:D

[loobylouuk]

M/Mutineer what a great reply.

Had to tell you that i loved reading your response.

I have gained some valuable tips and laughed my socks off too.

Thanks

Lou:D

[jimjams]

Thanks Hollyanna and LibraLass41, I can't tell you how excited I am, the advice you have given is really useful for a first timer like myself. Also, once again a big thanks to Derek “The Monocled Mutineer” Kane. brilliant advice...much appreciated.

Nice to know help is at hand if needed.

 

thanks Jan

[Welshgal]

Oriana was my first cruise ship too, I fell in love with her. I was also booked on the 'Iberian sojurn' but then got more leave and was able to swap to the Oceana still departing 1 Sep but for 2 weeks instead of one. Once you've got the bug.............

If you're a (very) early riser the best bits are being ondeck before everyone else is up & you have the ship to yourself.

I'm on deck for every arrival in port & disembarkation - Oriana has open bridge wings so no problem seeing what is going on & listening to the comments from the officers!

[jimjams]

Oriana was my first cruise ship too, I fell in love with her. I was also booked on the 'Iberian sojurn' but then got more leave and was able to swap to the Oceana still departing 1 Sep but for 2 weeks instead of one. Once you've got the bug.............

If you're a (very) early riser the best bits are being ondeck before everyone else is up & you have the ship to yourself.

I'm on deck for every arrival in port & disembarkation - Oriana has open bridge wings so no problem seeing what is going on & listening to the comments from the officers!

 

Welshgal, thanks for your reply... I have to admit to being an early riser, i'm usually awake before 6 :p ( is that early enough)?, so being on deck(before everyone else) and having the ship to myself sounds exciting.;) Having never sailed before, I can't begin to tell you just how much I am looking forward to my Oriana cruise, not long to wait now!

 

As for the bug , I have just nicely booked my 2nd cruise on Ventura 10/10/2008, so maybe i'm on my way to being smitten. :D

[hollyanna]

Jimjams... lucky you..... is that the 2 weeks cruise round Monte Carlo, Rome etc? I would have loved to go on that one! I have Ventura booked but only the 2 nighter in September:o ...suppose better than nothing! Well done! Keep up the momentum!!!Hollyanna

[jimjams]

Jimjams... lucky you..... is that the 2 weeks cruise round Monte Carlo, Rome etc? I would have loved to go on that one! I have Ventura booked but only the 2 nighter in September:o ...suppose better than nothing! Well done! Keep up the momentum!!!Hollyanna

 

Thanks Hollyanna, I know I am very lucky! 2 cruises in the space of just over a year for me is fantastic I have to tell you. I had to work hard on hubby though:rolleyes:

 

Here are the cities we visit

 

Barcelona

Monte Carlo

Florence/Pisa

Elba

Rome

Alicante

Gibralta

 

If anyone has visited any of these wonderful cities, I would be grateful for any kind on advice regarding the day trips etc. As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I have never sailed before so I am as green as grass and haven't had chance to trawl through web sites looking for such info.:confused:

 

For example, are Euros acceptable in all of the stops I have mentioned? How much are the organised trips, are they expensive?? ... might be wise for us to take advantage of trips ( would hate to get lost and miss the boat!!!:eek: )

[daiB]

Thanks Hollyanna, I know I am very lucky! 2 cruises in the space of just over a year for me is fantastic I have to tell you. I had to work hard on hubby though.

 

Here are the cities we visit

 

 

 

Barcelona

Monte Carlo

Florence/Pisa

Elba

Rome

Alicante

Gibralta

 

If anyone has visited any of these wonderful cities, I would be grateful for any kind on advice regarding the day trips etc. As I have mentioned in an

earlier post, I have never sailed before so I am as green as grass and haven't had chance to trawl through web sites looking for such info.:confused:

 

For example, are Euros acceptable in all of the stops I have mentioned? How much are the organised trips, are they expensive?? ... might be wise for us to take advantage of trips ( would hate to get lost and miss the boat!!!:eek: )

 

 

Hi Jimjams,

 

We have been on a similar cruise but not to all your ports so here goes

 

1. Barcelona - You can do this on your own they have a hop on hop off bus and you will see all the main sites. You could do the round the city tour from the ship usually 3 hours and then they will drop you at the bottom of the Ramblas. You must do that.
   
2. Monte Carlo - No tour needed. We were tendered in, it is quite small and you can see all of it by foot. They do have a little train which passes most of the sites including the GP circuit
   
3. Florence/Pisa - Do not try to do both, too rushed. Take the ships trip to Florence and either get the one with the guide or do it yourself. The town is fairly compact and can easily be done in the day.
   
4. Next 3 pass have not been.
   
5. Gibraltar - As you get off the ship there are taxis waiting to give you the tour, the rock, the monkeys, the caves and then drops you at the end of the main street for you to make your own way back to the ship, passing Boots, M&S, Next etc and of course duty free and pubs. You may have to cut this short if you are only there for a half day, but I am sure you can do it if you are off the ship early.

All of the countries take the Euro except Gib where the £ in King.

 

Even better than the ports, are the sea days of course, when there is so much to do or not do as the case may be.

 

Have a wonderful cruise and watch out for PCB's

 

 

:)Happy Cruising:)

 

 

:cool:

Dai

[jimjams]

Hi Jimjams,

 

We have been on a similar cruise but not to all your ports so here goes

 

1. Barcelona - You can do this on your own they have a hop on hop off bus and you will see all the main sites. You could do the round the city tour from the ship usually 3 hours and then they will drop you at the bottom of the Ramblas. You must do that.
   
2. Monte Carlo - No tour needed. We were tendered in, it is quite small and you can see all of it by foot. They do have a little train which passes most of the sites including the GP circuit
   
3. Florence/Pisa - Do not try to do both, too rushed. Take the ships trip to Florence and either get the one with the guide or do it yourself. The town is fairly compact and can easily be done in the day.
   
4. Next 3 pass have not been.
   
5. Gibraltar - As you get off the ship there are taxis waiting to give you the tour, the rock, the monkeys, the caves and then drops you at the end of the main street for you to make your own way back to the ship, passing Boots, M&S, Next etc and of course duty free and pubs. You may have to cut this short if you are only there for a half day, but I am sure you can do it if you are off the ship early.

All of the countries take the Euro except Gib where the £ in King.

 

Even better than the ports, are the sea days of course, when there is so much to do or not do as the case may be.

 

Have a wonderful cruise and watch out for PCB's

 

 

:)Happy Cruising:)

 

 

:cool:

Dai

 

Hiya Dia,

 

Many thanks for your very useful info regarding our ports of call and currency , I will print off and keep for it reference.

I like the sound of the sea days, like you say, there is so much going on, one is spoiled for choice. I just cannot wait! :)

 

The Sojourn/Oriana cruise 01/09/07 is only for 7 days and with fewer cities to visit but from what I have read on the CC boards, will be equally as exciting. Oriana is a lot smaller ship, (but classy) is how I read it from the itinerary. We have had that cruise booked since Easter last year, the wait has seemed never ending , nearly there...only 4 months to go.:D

 

kind regards Jan

[Welshgal]

Early Riser - you need to be!

I'm usually on deck way before 06.00 to check out whether the pilot has been taken on board and whether we are going to be first in at a particular port. You can then gauge at what time to fit in a 'quick' breakfast in the Conservatory without being too far from the action.

 

Each Captain takes great pride in getting in ahead of the rest, sometimes they take it in turns, depending which itinerary everyone is on.

I love watching the docking procedures and deckhands, watch carefully enough and you'll know in advance whether to go port or starboard for the best view.

Oriana is a trully wonderful ship, with service which is 'top notch'. The cabin steward/ess always take great pride in their work and love to see 'their passengers' in their finery on formal nights. On subsequent cruises they remember you.

Although I'm having a change this year and on Oceana in Sept (Med) & Arcadia New Year (Panama Canal) & Aurora Nov 08 - E Med/Egypt.

 

The best cruise is the one you're on!

[jimjams]

Hi Welshgal,

 

Cor blimey, I will really have to be an early riser:eek: can I do it??? cause I can:cool: .Thanks for info, I appreciate it.

 

Oriana was a good choice for me then:D , I did spend ages on internet doing my homework ( in a fashion) coz this is new to me ( being my first cruise) and with so many cruises to choose from it was hard...each ship sounds fantastic but Oriana stood out at the time ( Easter 2006) when I booked the cruise.

[LibraLass41]

Hi

I am doing a similar cruise to you 'Med Splendours' on Arcadia in 6 weeks time.

I have researched the ports for a while , and agree with Dai re barcelona, monte carlo etc.

 

For Alicante, I have been told there is a nice promanade,with cafes and shops and a beach, so I think that port day will be a relaxing stroll around, and maybe some sunbathing on the beach and lunch for us. We will need it after the hectic days in Florence,Rome and barcelona!!!

 

For Rome, I have chosen a 11 hr tour with pando 'Essence of Rome' which takes in all the main tourist attractions in one day;

trevi fountain, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum,Forum St Peters Bailica.... remember if you go on any trips in Rome you will have to cover your shoulders and knees, or you won't be allowed in. The trip is quite expensive at £95pp but it is 11hours, with guide and access to sites infront of public queues, plus a lunch in a restaurant.

 

Have you been on the 'onboard forum' part of Cruise Connections the pando site??? There is a destinations and trips part where people are talking about trips and giving ideas all the time. do have a look. there is also a dress code section if you are worried about what to wear.

 

Sue

[Cabinboy1943]

Hi Jimjams

 

I can give you some info regarding your cruise. Alicanti. We did a guided tour but to be honest it was something we could have done on our own. For a breathtaking view of the city, and the nearest you will get without going up in a helicopter,go to the Castillo de Santa Barbara. This is a hilltop fort that you can see as you sail in. We went up by coach but there is a lift that takes you right up to the top.

 

We had a very nice guide and, though not on the itinery, he decided to take us to the Museu de Fogueres. This is in the city centre and basically every year they have a festival with models made of combustible materials, a lot of them life size. They are absolutely fantastic and I do not use that discription lightly. They vote for the winner and that goes into the museum and the rest are burnt.

 

They cover a wide variety of subjects and quite honestly have to be seen to be believed. You will love it.

 

We did the Rome on your own thing. The coach takes about one and a half hours from the ship and drops you by the Vatican. Very busy. We waited an hour to get on a opentop bus as that was the only way we could see the main sights in the time we had. You can hop on and off but we did not fearing we would have a problem getting back on another one. Most sights are about half an hours walk between them.

 

The coach to Florence takes about the same time and drops you 15 minutes walk from the centre. A wonderful city with so much to see.

 

I will be off line now for a few days as my shiny new computer has decided to have a sulk so it is going back for a replacement. If I can be of any further help please let me know as will be back on here when my replacement computer arrives.

 

Have a wonderful cruise

 

Cabinboy1943

[jimjams]

Hi Sue & cabinboy,

 

Many thanks for taking to time to reply, both of your posts have been very helpful.

Sue, where would I find... 'onboard forum' part of Cruise Connections , do you have a link.? ( I couldn't find it)

I have saved the useful info posted from you both, it will be invaluable when planning our trips when visiting the various ports of call especially Rome . I had completely forgotten about the covering shoulders/knees, would hate to miss out , thanks for the reminder.

 

I think we will opt for the organised tour when in Rome, it is the one place I want to see as much as possible ( so much to squeeze in). As for Florence, I think we will take advantage of the coach tour, re- ( both cities) see more and worry less.:p

 

Do you have to book in advance? if so...where?

 

Hope you are soon back on line v soon cabinboy,

 

regards Jan:)

[LibraLass41]

http://www.pocruises.com/cruiseconn/asp/home/homepage.asp?sessionId=AF76754C-4371-4FF8-AECD-B4020E810E44

 

This is the link for P and O main cruise chat site 'Cruise Connections' sometimes called CC.

 

Two ggod parts are 'Messages' A posting site like this, and Onboard Forum - called OBF sometimes, where you can ask specific questions on port destinations, dress code, ships etc.

 

Sue x;)

[jimjams]

http://www.pocruises.com/cruiseconn/asp/home/homepage.asp?sessionId=AF76754C-4371-4FF8-AECD-B4020E810E44

 

This is the link for P and O main cruise chat site 'Cruise Connections' sometimes called CC.

 

Two ggod parts are 'Messages' A posting site like this, and Onboard Forum - called OBF sometimes, where you can ask specific questions on port destinations, dress code, ships etc.

 

Sue x;)

 

Many thanks Sue:)

[Cabinboy1943]

Hi jimams

 

I now have a shiny new replacement computer. Hopefully this one will not decide to have a sulk.

Further to your visit to Rome and Florence I think you would be wise to take the organized trip to Rome. At least you won't be waiting an hour for a bus.

 

As I said the coach drops you off about 15 minutes walk from the centre of Florence. The guide meets you as you get off the coach and then you just follow her round the sights. The one we had was very good and managed to cram a lot in. Once the tour was finished she told us the time and place to meet for the return and we could then do our own thing. This left us plenty of time for a spot of lunch and a wander round. Watch out for the street traders with portable stands. They are everywhere and the police keep moving them on with little effect.

 

Hope this is of help. Have a wonderful cruise

 

Regards Cabinboy

[LibraLass41]

Let me know if you found 'OBF' ok, it is easy to get into once you are into the site and registered.

 

Sue

[jimjams]

Let me know if you found 'OBF' ok, it is easy to get into once you are into the site and registered.

 

Sue

 

Sorry I haven't replied sooner, been away and just nicely returned home. Yes, have found site, as yet not registered...but will. Many thanks xx

[jimjams]

Hi jimams

 

I now have a shiny new replacement computer. Hopefully this one will not decide to have a sulk.

Further to your visit to Rome and Florence I think you would be wise to take the organized trip to Rome. At least you won't be waiting an hour for a bus.

 

As I said the coach drops you off about 15 minutes walk from the centre of Florence. The guide meets you as you get off the coach and then you just follow her round the sights. The one we had was very good and managed to cram a lot in. Once the tour was finished she told us the time and place to meet for the return and we could then do our own thing. This left us plenty of time for a spot of lunch and a wander round. Watch out for the street traders with portable stands. They are everywhere and the police keep moving them on with little effect.

 

Hope this is of help. Have a wonderful cruise

 

Regards Cabinboy

 

Hi Cabinboy, sorry about not replying sooner..like I said to Sue (last post) been away. Glad to hear you are up and running with your new 'puter':D . When mine died on me a while ago, I was totally lost!

 

Many thanks for the info re Florence and Rome. ( especially the warning re street traders):eek: ..useful and most appreciated. xx