Kittyonions

We recently did this excursion on our own. Booked in advance on line for Segrada Familia ( don’t miss the pensioners rate, if applicable) and took a taxi from the port. Had a tapas lunch after touring the cathedral, allow about 2 to 3 hours. Then a taxi back to ship. Very easy, can’t remember the taxi fare, but was on a meter. Hope this helps.

Good point TigerB , we are looking forward to the birthday/anniversary celebration. Sure it will be a very enjoyable evening, whatever time we eat!

Many thanks for your help and advice. Have taken Moleys suggestion and booked the 6.45 slot, and will attempt to change to a bit later once on board. If not possible, will have to be a bit careful with the afternoon scones and cream. Thanks again, Kitty

I’m hedging my bets in case BoB throws any surprises, Ginger Nuts for me!

We are a group of 5 friends travelling on Arvia leaving Southampton on Sunday. Would like to book Epicurean for a birthday/ Anniversary celebration but only time we can book is 6.45 ( all other times are greyed out). However, can book tables for 2, 3,4 for various times. Any ideas how we can overcome this problem. Many thanks.

I’ll be looking out for you! Please post as soon as you are finally cleared by your Oncologist, to be able to travel. Kitty

Purplesea, I’m sure the ports of call for the Arvia cruise are only a minor concern for you. Fingers crossed that your consultation goes well, and look forward to seeing you onboard!

Forgot to mention we too have linked bookings. Hope you are luckier than us Selbourne!!

Well, the information given by Moley regarding boarding times doesn’t work on our latest experience. We are on Arvia on 14th May and have booked 3 adjacent cabins on deck 10. We have all been given different boarding times (including 12.45 for us as mere Atlantic mortals) and are travelling down to Southampton together with a friend who has been given 3.30 boarding. As we all booked select, I would like to suggest that those paying full fare should have the opportunity to choose a boarding time when making the booking (obviously those on higher loyalty levels taking priority) See you on board Megabear and Purplesea!!

Just be aware that if you are a keen photographer the open decks on Iona do not lend themselves to get the best pictures ( due to the high protective screens, presumably to provide shelter from wind) . We ended up balanced on the top of one of the hot tubs, luckily no worry of swell or rolling in the fjords. If you have a balcony cabin, that is the best place to get pictures, but obviously only one side on way in, and repeat on the way out!

Yes, we have done this cruise in May twice. On both occasions we were lucky with the weather, and in fact we swam in the pool it was so warm. At that time of year there is still plenty of snow around, and the waterfalls are at there best with the snowmelt. In my opinion, the best time to visit.

As Purplesea has gone on holiday, I will reply on her behalf. We too are on the Arvia departure on 14th May, and can confirm that all our ports are still showing as originally listed.We paid our balance several weeks ago, but still expecting to see a change sooner or later! Hope that helps with your port /excursion planning BeeEss!

What a great idea, to pass the time on the flight! Hope you have a wonderful cruise, will be following you as you enjoy those beautiful islands. BVI was my favourite ( we chose to spend the day at Brewers Bay)

Many thanks Selbourne ! From the initial problems re dining it appears more of us than P & O expected, are choosing to eat in the reduced number of MDR. We are not sailing until May, but will look out for the chance to pre book tables.

Can you explain when/how to book the table on Arvia please!

Many thanks Brummijam, just what I needed to know!

Hi, can anyone let me know if I need an adapter for charging phones in the cabin on Explorer! many thanks,

Hi, can anyone who has recently sailed on Explorer let us know if any port information is provided on board by Marella, or do we need to print out maps etc before we join the ship. We prefer to DIY rather than use organised excursions. Many thanks.

Many thanks for that information. Am used to the P & O booking procedures where the option of twin/king bed is included in the booking process!

Hi, hope some Marella regulars are able to give a bit of advice. Having booked Explorer for Canary Islands on 24th January, I have paid additional £50 to choose my cabin. Can anyone advise how I can request a double bed for our cabin? Any other tips or advice much appreciated. Many thanks.

Have a wonderful cruise Megabear2, and look forward to hearing your thoughts on Britannia. Hope you are able to make a decision on your future cruises. With a low deposit for Christmas 2024, seems to be too good an opportunity to miss!

My suggestion would be to try to get a balcony cabin on C deck. They are much deeper than the higher decks, and although partially overlooked are about twice the size of other decks. Also, if you want to be in the sun use outer part, or else sit further back in the shade of the higher balconies. You sound pretty flexible, so I’m sure you will enjoy Azura!

We found a good place for a quiet pre dinner drink was the Tamarind Club (before the entertainment started) , hardly anyone in there, so a very comfortable place to meet up and chat!

Sorry I managed to ruffle a few feathers with my comment on sharing tables - should have known better!

I agree with your comments Wonky, but do not understand why so many insist on a table for 2. We too were on Ventura in October, and despite having booked a table in MDR on the app, when we arrived at reception we were often asked if we minded sharing a table. This for us was never a problem, and feel that with the staffing problems at the moment, if it helps we will always be flexible.