Verokaren

We just stayed at the Cotton house in August and found it to be quite lovely. It is so interesting architecturally, and the service was impeccable. The room was the upgraded room with a balcony, which only overlooked other villas, but we spent so little time there it didn't really matter. The bathroom was very nice, the linens and beds were super comfortable, and the location was fine. The Palace hotel, which is right next-door, had a really fun rooftop bar as well with live music. I emailed them ahead of our arrival to request an early arrival, and they were able to get us into a room around 10:00 AM. also, we highly recommend the restaurant Arcano in Barcelona!

I have not talked to anybody about a full length mirror, but definitely found a place where they could swap out the existing mirror for a full length one!

I checked with Vincenzo this morning in Baristas, and sadly, they cannot make a chai latte. I did see them making several iced coffee lattes, however! I did notice they had the box of assorted teas as well.

Greetings from Vista on its current voyage, Barcelona to Southampton! I read Maxamize's fantastic review last evening with trepidation, as this was our first day on board the Vista. I thought I would share my first impressions to allay some fears out there. I think we can all agree that the ship is absolutely beautiful, and it appears to be designed with the future in mind. I too have to wonder what they were thinking regarding the closet design, but wonder if they were trying to incorporate the full length mirror and/or door to the next Suite to make connecting rooms. Unfortunately, my TA nor I noticed that 10031 is a connecting room, so we do not have the full length mirror. Oh well… Probably better off that way, 🤨. This is definitely waste of space, though. Also, I think they could have made the bathroom shower, slightly smaller as it crowds the first sink coming in. Just a minor detail… More importantly, we have our first day at sea today, and I was pleasantly surprised by the civility at the pool! There were many chairs and even big loungers still available at noon, and the vibe was peaceful and fun. I was approached several times by the crew, offering iced water, and everyone has smiles on their faces. We were even startled yesterday to be greeted by a crew member in Aquamar who recognized us from the Riviera a year or two ago! we also had dinner and Toscana last evening. I did feel like the portions were smaller, which is fine with me. We had some pastas, and then the Dover sole, which was yummy as usual. Wait, staff were slightly rushed, but I'm sure that was the same in the main dining room. Further evaluation needed for all dining areas. I will say the bakery and expanded Baristas is fantastic! Beautiful little quiches and baked goods available all day. Vincenzo is holding down the barista bar! We did request a few little things from our Butler like ice in the room and sparkling water, and they were delivered within five minutes! I am also keeping a close eye on the new Crystal reviews, but for now, Vista is maintaining, and perhaps exceeding Oceania's bar. I'll keep you posted with further updates, if anything changes!

Hmmm… so we would have to cab to London Bridge Station and then take the Thameslink train to Gatwick? Does that drop you off at a convenient location at Gatwick?

This is great - thank you! We are not concerned so much about the price of the transportation, but just thought it would be more fun to try the train. Should we be concerned about rail strikes for that line?

Thank you for this! We will have a large suitcase and two carry-ons. Should we buy the train ticket ahead of time?

What is the best way to transport to Gatwick from here on a Saturday in August? Thank you in advance!

Here are some fun food photos from that trip!

We did O in FP last spring for their 10 day itinerary and absolutely loved it. Regarding the food, while in Nuka Hiva, they brought aboard loads of fresh tuna, and we had the most delicious seafood extravaganza for two nights. I loved that they took advantage of the local catch. We had some great excursions, both through O and privately arranged. Perhaps the only thing missing would be more speaker series. We definitely want to go back soon, so I'm enjoying this thread. I do think cruising this area provides the ability to see multiple islands and varied terrain.

Yes, we are sailing on Oceania Vista, and they unfortunately, cancelled the call to St. Malo, which gives us one full day in Southampton before we disembark the following day. I had already built in a London day, so on disembarkation day, we have a private car hired to take us into the city to our hotel for a day. We will fly out of Gatwick the day after that, so no opportunity to be close to Heathrow. Thank you for your input, JB!! I have followed your posts for awhile and have gleaned much knowledge from them! 🙂

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We are going to be in Southampton for a full day before disembarking the next day. We would love to use this day to see Windsor Castle, but cannot find any specific tours for this only. I've reached out to some private car companies like Twelve Tranfers, but they have not responded for this tour. Should we rent our own car? I understand taking a train is too complicated. I appreciate any input and help!!

Hello Jane!! I thought you were doing London to London on her? I'm ready to go back to French Polynesia!

Thank you for organizing this, Carol! Can't wait to be on board beautiful Vista!

Hello Jane and Ed!!! As I recall, you two are doing the London to London right after us, right? We really toyed with this one, but at the end of the day, we are hoping it will be fun and interesting. We are also going to be on the Vista for New Year's Eve - JOIN US!!

I am also on this cruise and appreciate the insights and tips for what to do.

Hello Jane and Ed!! Your ears must be ringing as Mark and I were lamenting that we wished you were here with us on this sailing on the Riviera! Hope all is well in your world. We would love to catch up! Let us know what you have booked coming up. P. S. Mark was lucky at the Blackjack table last night 🙂

Ugh! What stateroom?

Seems like she is getting around regardless. Thank you for taking the time to post, ToxM! Wishing you all travel mercies and a wonderful sailing! I'll be anxiously awaiting your posts!

We are getting ready to board Riviera on Jan. 4th, and I'm wondering if the engine problem will be addressed by then? It looks like it's been an issue since at least October - yikes! Appreciate any updates!

We also did this cruise this past March, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the newly renovated Hilton in Papeete with a day pass. They have a lovely breakfast buffet, and a wonderful pool where you can lounge around until it's time to board. It's a quick, 10 minute taxi ride from the hotel to the pier. There will be passengers who disembarked that morning as well as passengers waiting to get on, so a fun vibe.

Can anyone recommend a great beach that is not suffering from the influx of seaweed this summer? We will be there the 3rd week of August and appreciate any tips!

Can anyone recommend a great beach that is not suffering from the influx of seaweed this summer? We will be there the 3rd week of August and appreciate any tips!

I have been reading about the terrible sargasso seaweed problem in the Caribbean this summer and am wondering if it has affected Coco Cay? If so, where is the best beach to avoid it? Thanks from all of you that have visited in the last few weeks! We are on the August 21st HOS.