Nippy Sweetie

I did read your post but gave up at 'walk ware'.

Of course there is fashion but there is also style. Many don't appreciate the difference.

I've shared those links to him. He's a terrific chap and would be an asset on any cruise. Good company and a real old fashioned gentleman.

That's great to know. Thanks all. I'll pass this on.

I was speaking to an elderly neighbour last night who was interested in river cruising. However, as a single man, he found them extortionately expensive as he'd have to pay double. Do any river cruise companies offer single cabins or reductions for single occupancy? Any ideas welcome.

Flights are always included in our bookings with Viking. We've always arrived on the day of the cruise and it's been fine. Better than fine really. Last time our flight was delayed and we worried about getting to the ship. No need to worry. A staff member was waiting for us. Our cases were immediately taken and we didn't see them until in our cabin. Lovely transport with cool water provided and on to the ship. Lovely!

Why not just have the included wines at mealtimes and pay as you go for drinks outside this? Could work out much cheaper and you still have enjoyable drinks.

We've done Cunard dressy cruises and are finished with that sort of thing. However, on Viking cruises , ocean and river, we do change for dinner. I feel the staff has gone to a lot of trouble to present a nice dinner for us and that we should respect their efforts. We're not very dressed up, just showered and changed into a nicer outfit than the one we've worn all day. People can, of course, wear what they'd like and we can draw our own conclusions about them.

@Canal archiveand of course you'd need pocket squares to match your ties. Important to maintain standards!

My DGSs wore ties to school from age 5. Compulsory and smart.

Neither of us even possess any jeans. OH likes to wear a jacket at dinner. Just a linen one and with a collared shirt. I've recently weaned him off the tie habit.

@pontac I remember eating off the ship in a variety of places. They were fine by me and certainly better than on the ship. Just remembered a revolting dish of black pudding mixed through rice. Yuk.

I do love a menu! Thanks for posting. The food on our Douro cruise years ago was so dire that I actually complained. I got a sort of, 'There, there, pat on the head' from head office. I didn't expect much but thought it right to complain. I still remember some of the dishes. Yuk! Subsequent cruises have been fine.

Easy direct travel between Edinburgh and Kings Cross. No need to change. Quite quick too. Probably works out the same as flying by the time you add in getting to the airport in Edinburgh and getting to London from Heathrow.

Also in Europe just plain heavy relentless rain! It happens.