Trevor Fountain

That's just what the Italians said on Costa Concordia.

P&O are a million miles away from my first cruise with them in 1992, however it is an unfair comparison as I can book a balcony cabin today for less than I was paying for an outside cabin back then.

There are many things that have now gone from P&O, however I am not at liberty to name them, for "operational reasons".

FWIW I think as a gesture of good will FOCL should give you a fair cash refund. However I am not sure why you think you have "contracted ports". Have you read your contract? Here's what the relevant section states; 7.1 Published Holiday details and those details notified to you at the time of Booking may be subject to changes by FOCL after the Booking has been concluded, as a result of changes in circumstances that have occurred since the Holiday was originally planned. Such changes may include omitting, substituting or adding ports of call; we may re-route the cruise vessel or flights or change a port of embarkation and disembarkation, flight class, cruise vessel or other arrangements that form part of the Holiday, including restricting the availability of any onboard facilities and services. Such changes may be made in the interests of promoting the health, safety, comfort or enjoyment of Passengers or the operational efficiency of the Holiday. Wherever possible, details of such changes will be communicated to you in writing. As I said, I do think you should be fairly compensated, but for the benefit of other cruisers, particularly new cruises, I think it is important not to mis-lead folk that ports are part of the contract and thus guaranteed. They are not. So if it is so important that Madeira is not a suitable alternative to the Canaries,say, then a cruise is not a suitable holiday.

Are you sure your Son isn't just looking for an excuse not to go on the cruise? Maybe he doesn't want another vacation with his parents but doesn't want to hurt your feelings.

Do I need to declare the use of a shoe horn?

Regardless of what the Law may or may not say, imagine if all the passengers decide, oh, that's a good idea lets stay ashore for an extra day and join the ship at the next port. For goodness sake, book a cruise for what it is, and if you want to stay on land, then book a land based holiday.

Voyage of Terror - The Achille Lauro Affair, starring Burt Lancaster. Made around 1990 I think.

Welcome to CC. I think if your request to rejoin the ship ay a later port was to become widespread, it would be a logistical nightmare for the cruise company. Maybe if you wanted to end your cruise in Germany, that could be reasonable, but a cruise is a journey that stops at various ports along the way. It is not a hop on hop off service.

Trieste is a City 160 km from Venice. It is not close to the Lido and has nothing to do with the port of Venice served by the people mover/ There will be ships tours to Venice, or you can get a train from Trieste to Venice.

I don't see the problem. So the shops sell goods that are overpriced. So what? They don't force anybody to buy. I think plenty of folk do actually buy goods on board, and I'm sure the shops get a good return. If somebody enjoying their holiday wants to be frivolous and pay whatever for a watch, handbag or anything else for that matter, and it gives them pleasure to do so, that's fine by me. How do you know the goods are overpriced? Oh I see, you go in the shops and then google for the price on land, no doubt using the overpriced wifi package that you bought.

I checked our booking (3 in a club balcony suite), and it is actually £200 higher with 50% off than the 35% at time of booking. I don't get it. Booked direct in Miami, but subject to uk t&c's.

Many happy returns 6. Hope you are having a great time aboard QV. Hopefully you will have some sort of birthday bash tonight with a few G&T's, and a catch up with K and C. Were they members of the Sunshine Band by any chance? It's my birthday later this month, and I'm hoping to have a bit of a bash with D, G and S attending. Though I might settle for KFC instead of a RBD. Can't decide if I should book a QV cruise, so I'll continue to read your live review. PS. You're not spies are you? Regards T F 23

This may not be visible anymore. Since the pandemic P&O have been papering over the cracks.

No I haven't stayed in one of these cabins, and nor would I. Neither have I done a bungee jump or ate L'escargot, both of which I know without trying, I would hate. Why anyone would choose (I note you didn't, but was allocated), a balcony where people are walking past, as opposed to one with unobstructed views is beyond me. Each to his own, and I'm glad you enjoyed it, but definitely not for us.

Can I ask, how you find Cunard compared to NCL. I really like NCL, but haven't cruised Cunard since the QE2 retired.

Yes, but as soon as I read you called him 6 it reminded me of my favourite TV show, The Prisoner. I should have added Great review btw. Thanks.

Your husband is not a number, he is a free man!

Just make sure you avoid Deck 8 balcony cabins. They are set back with the prominade deck passing in front of them, so people walk right past your balcony.

I see Madrid have banned electric scooters on their transport due to exploding batteries. https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/10/27/electric-scooters-banned-madrid-public-transport-incident-involving-exploding-battery/?utm_source=breaking&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=promoted-stories

I haven't read through the full thread, so please forgive me if I am repeating previous comments. One thing I would say is that when it comes to dining, QM2 is a three class ship. It is dependant on the Suite/Cabin you book which determines where you may dine, and the three classes are very different. Only 1st class (Queen's Grill Suite) passengers may dine in the Queen's Grill, which has the finest cuisine, best chefs and top silver service waiters. Then you have 2nd class (Princess Suite) which is still really very good, dining in the Princess Grill. Then for most of us it is steerage. The MDR's or extra for speciality. The difference between the Grill's and MDR's is like comparing La Bernardin in NYC to Nando's. Oh and don't think you'll get in the Grills without suitable attire, regardless how much you paid for your suite. They do however do possibly the best afternoon tea at sea, which is inclusive for all, and not to be missed. Personally I find Cunard a bit stuffy, and I'm used to wearing Tuxedo's and Lounge suits, but I've got to the stage now where NCL are more than good enough for me.

It has nothing to do with feedback. They are hexagonal for "operational reasons".

Perhaps cruise lines which accept mobility scooters on board, should think about supplying their own (or through a third party), for hire whilst on board, and booked at the time of the cabin booking. This would minimise the risk caused by anyone bringing a substandard, or poorly maintained model on the ship.

When? Which ship?

https://www.loenskylift.com/opening-hours-and-prices