Kimbasmum

Just to clarify, Covepoint, we went to the Retreat because the Sun loungers on deck were not cushioned but the ones in the Retreat were, and suited us fine, but there was obviously a charge to use that facility. Saminina, we are experienced Seabourn passengers and cheerleaders for the brand, but this time, as explained, the sofa in our suite was a disgrace and complete eyesore.

We were recently on Ovation and bitterly disappointed with the state of the couch in our suite, which was rumpled and baggy, certainly could not have lived with it at home. I imagine it had been over-wet. The suite attendants could do nothing and two complaints to customer services did nothing to remedy the situation. There was a team onboard converting TK during our second week. We observed two members of the team looking around the furnishings in The Retreat and making notes, Sadly our old bones could not tolerate the uncomfortable deck loungers. We asked if there is any likelihood of these being changed, but a shake of the head was our answer. So , I doubt whether there have been any changes since you were last aboard, apart from the Solis area.

You went through a lot to get that meal, and the food looks splendid. What a pity the ambience conspired against you too! Sounds like one of those occasions/meals you will remember forever for all the wrong reasons - I think most of us can relate to that at some time! Enjoy your downtime with Downton and the duvet.

Oh dear that sounds an ordeal for you - but good in parts! Hope you recover quickly and that you enjoy the ‘fruits’ of your labour. I have been enjoying your postings and photos, hope you continue with a wonderful cruise to celebrate your anniversary in style.

We haven’t cruised around South Africa, but visited Zululand a few years ago and travelled around driving ourselves. Not sure whether that would be safe now, but we had no problems, although there are certain areas to avoid ( as in most places). The Azamara excursions seem to offer game-drive experiences and similar ones seem to be offered through search of independent tour companies. Of those, my preference would be the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Drive. The Drakensburg is a wonderful area, including the Battlefields and Rorke’s Drift, but is a 14 hour trip. Personally speaking, we didn’t enjoy the St.Lucia wetland lake, or the Cultural Village. There was little to see on or in the lake and the theory behind the village may be well-intentioned, but not to our taste. I don’t see those options with Azamara and can understand why. Hope this gives food for thought. Have a wonderful cruise.

Here in the UK our flags are being flown at half-mast and bells have been tolled in respect for the late HM Queen Elizabeth II. Tributes have poured in and we are in mourning. Although the late Queen had been looking frail, most of us were not ready for her sudden passing yesterday. She was a constant throughout most of our lives and we have known no other monarch. We are to hear from the new King Charles III later today and there will be a State Funeral in about 10 days. Meanwhile many events have been cancelled and we are in a sombre frame of mind.

With regard to tendering, this is always dependent on safety. Conditions were tricky for this operation at the end of April on Quest in Sorrento, Amalfi and Dubrovnik, with the service having to be suspended or reduced. The weather was lovely, but the swell made the tendering operation very difficult at times. A fellow traveller told of a previous experience when they were tendered to shore and adverse conditions developed which were such that they could not return to ship that day. They were accommodated overnight in a hotel. So, be aware that this can happen, and if you need medication, it would be worthwhile taking a small supply with you as a precaution. I am sure this was a rare occurrence and the staff do their utmost to ensure a smooth service, however the Captain always has the last word.

We were on Journey in January and the tv was the old system .

Enjoy your suite - well done and happy birthday!

Could I ask if the same acupuncturist is on board? I think you called him Dr. Death. He seemed to lurk around every corner!

Regarding your question on night-life, the evening entertainment onboard follows a pattern of once- nightly shows provided by Cruise Director/Assistant and a small group of dancers and singers and musicians, with an occasional guest entertainer. No big scale productions. The atmosphere is more intimate and there is usually something to entertain most tastes. Pre-dinner music in bar and disco type music after about 10.45 pm. Depending on the cruise, it can be a lively crowd but sometimes less so, especially if it is port intensive and people are getting up early for tours etc. I believe bigger ships in the Celebrity fleet have more onboard entertainment. I remember that Oceania entertainment was similar to Azamara but can’t compare with Viking.

We were on a Ryanair flight from Stansted yesterday. The Assistance staff were run ragged, working 10/12 hour shifts and clocking up 35,000 steps per day. At 15.00 they had processed 400 passengers. At one point one of the staff was being asked to be in two places at one time, and I heard the comment that somebody would be missing their flight. There were 14 assisted passengers on our flight. Increased demand, shortage of staff, it was rather chaotic. Arrival at Alicante was a similar experience. Not enough staff, but the ones who were trying to do their job were trying so hard!

The Owners Suite which we had recently was on deck 7 forward. The anchor going down most mornings was a wake-up call. On the whole, we enjoyed the extra space, including big balcony. The sofa was a challenge, definitely lacking in cushions on the back. We usually have breakfast in-suite but we could have had it in Aqualin as I think all other suites can. We had course by course dinner for us and friends once in the suite but could only choose from Discoveries menu. We did get an invitation to have cocktails with other ‘top suite guests’ but as we were travelling with friends and 5.30 is early for us, we did not do that, nor did we get any special invites or ‘front row seats’. We enjoyed it, but are not ‘spoilt’ for our next cruise - we will be happy in a Veranda or Club Continent.

Thanks Linda - time to pull round before we go back to Spain on Tuesday! Hope you enjoy your next trip. Take care.

We will certainly bear this in mind if we use Venice Airport again. I had had a fall in Montenegro and was hobbling, and Husband had a head injury argument with the corner of the bathroom sink resulting in stitches which had to be checked before we were allowed off the ship. The doctor said that if he became unwell on the coach, just ask them to stop. Can you imagine!! Despite the above we loved the itinerary and enjoyed the mostly pretty ports. Our favourite lunch place being outside Windows in the sunshine. We were fortunate to enjoy good weather in the region. The moral to our experience is to ‘get a taxi to Venice airport’, avoid deep steps in Budva and put the light on in the bathroom!!