shippmates

I have linked several bookings on different cruise lines and the only thing that I can see is what items we wanted to link. This included same dining table, if you want the same hotel pre or post cruise. I could not see anything other than those items.

I am doing my first TA/ repositioning cruise on Anthem in 2 weeks. I am looking forward to finding out how Royal handles a TA. I have completed many TA's on Cunard and they do an amazing job on them. Do not be afraid to do a TA, they are so different that a normal cruise. Just remember you have more sea days in a row than you do on other cruises.

I do not think Holland is thinking about selling the Volendam. It is going into drydock in October and will be back in service for the 42 day Med America sailing. That will be my first sailing on her and looking forward to seeing the ship. I do enjoy the smaller ships more so than the larger one. The Rotterdam was a beautiful ship and I did enjoy my sailing on her.

Volendam is going in dry dock in October and will be back in service for the November 9 sailing.

Not sure how many cruises I have done on each line but have close to 40 cruises on Carnival, Holland, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Cunard. They have all been a great adventure since 1999.

I had friends that were told they could not bring a scooter on board unless they had a handicap cabin. I would make sure you tell them you will be using a scooter when you book your sailing. There are not very many handicap cabins available so book early.

I am doing my first TA on the Anthem next month. I am looking forward to experiencing it as I have done several TA's on the QM2 out of NYC. I will be getting off the Anthem and returning to NYC on the QM2. I always try to plan my trips so I can cruise back as I do not like to fly and I avoid all jet lag. The sea days are my favorite part of any cruise.

I know this is not Royal but the Queen Mary 2 has a regular TA schedule all year long. They sail roundtrip from NYC to Southampton every 2 weeks. You are able to book the roundtrip or you can book either of the segments separately.

I would do it but then I love the ship. You will get a fair idea of what the ship would be like. I suggest you don't try to do everything in these two days. Explore the ship, attend the tea in the Queens Room, enjoy your meals. I am sure you will want to book a longer sailing in the very near future. TA are just wonderful to do. They are my favorite as I so enjoy the ship and all the sea days.

I have several cruises booked in the next two years. I love being on a ship so for me the longer they are the better I like it. The shortest sailing I have booked for this year is on QM2 and it is only 7 days. You will become addicted and a 7 day cruise will not be long enough. As my husband would say, "I will not unpack for less than 10 days". He so enjoyed his time on the ships watching the ocean go by. I will be on the Anthem for 14 days next month and then 11 days on the QM2. These are all b2b.

I like the fish and chips for one lunch and my nest go to for lunch is the cauliflower leek pie. My two favorite lunches in the Golden Lion.

I am having lots of trouble getting my confirmation that the stock benefit has posted. I have had to submit it 3 times to stock perk and they keep telling it will be sent to Cunard and I will hear in 5 days. I have been dealing with this March 1st. I have emailed and they say, please resubmit due to issues with the processing.

If you are considering getting a scooter for onboard, please let the cruise line know. You are not to leave your scooters in the hall for safety reasons. I know that many people do and it is frustrating trying to get in some halls. Hope you enjoy your cruise.

They are yours to take home. When I was on the Rotterdam, I got a nice canvas bag and on the Eurodam I got a plastic bag. It is like one you would buy in a grocery store.

I have not had this experience on HAL but had a burial at sea on Queen Mary 2. It was so moving for me. It was planned through the cruise line in international waters and calm winds. The Captain did the service and gave me a certificate with the coordinates, I had to have a biodegradable urn and the travel papers from the funeral home. I was surprised with all the ship did with the captain, memorial programs, flowers and just the comfort I felt in Cunard handling of my husband's burial without any charge to me. I am sure that Holland would offer the same level of service.