Solent Richard

Each of course to their own.

Each of course to their own Major. Not of course recognising myself in either of your categories I would probably speculate that it's one of the reasons I seem to extract so much more enjoyment from my cruising - no matter who I cruise with. And as for having regular printouts of ones account - God forbid the effect on forestation - well I'm shocked. My recollection is that I've only ever received such when they are automatically sent out when on the longer cruises. Just saying but its interesting to hear how others pass their time onboard. 😀

Well said Bell Boy. Sometimes I do wonder, particularly about those folk who sail Grills, really spend time checking and rechecking their paper receipts. One of the joys on my recent MSC Yacht Club experiences was, when outside the confines of the Yacht Club, once you'd showed your Diamond card it was never required again for any additional drinks. Also, as you have said elsewhere, the problem doesn't arise on Seabourn or Silversea. On a lighter note of course, the only 'check' I'm particularly interested in would be my final onboard account to ensure my full OBC had been used.😂

And maybe the final chapter for Cunard Princess as she arrives at her final destination in Turkey.... https://oceanicinsight.com/former-cunard-and-msc-ship-will-be-scrapped-in-turkey/

Frankly, if cost isn't a problem, why consider anything but the top end - The Grills. As for food, well in my vast experience of both Princess and Queens Grills, your choices of off menu food, Asian or otherwise, will be met in both. As for the Head Chef visiting your table, well that's a practice I've always adhered to, again, both in Princess and Queens... Plus of course either Grill gives you access to the Grills Terrace - always worth the extra as with MSC Yacht Club.

Hah. Small world and well spotted. I'll send my wife a link to the video. Yes, I recognise the Red Tux on the ballroom floor. I remember the incident well. We continued drinking while the pianist continued playing. That was Captain Oprey's first command of the Queen Mary 2 and, at an earlier CTP, chatting to his wife Cheryl, we discovered they were relative neighbours of ours. Needless to say we later had to give up a Grills dinner in order to dine with the staff... 😅

My wife and I have recently completed a cruise along Croatia's Adriatic coast onboard Lady Eleganza on her maiden season. I have written a comprehensive review on my cruise blog with over 50 photographs.... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2022/07/21/lady-eleganza-croatia-and-adriatic-maiden-season/

Aha, while you were on The Princess in 1990, we were in the Caribbean on her sister ship, Cunard Countess... ***** I liked your video particularly as it brought back memories of Odessa and of course the Potemkin Steps. We were there later and I wrote a review on my cruise blog... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/04/23/one-way-to-do-odessa/ ...which included a visit to the catacombs... One wonders what use they have been put to these days?

Ah, it's all down to one's interpretation and personal character I guess. A picture is worth a thousand words... The explanation is however the above was and remains my minimum standard for embarkation. You'd never spot me like that on subsequent days onboard. It was in Singapore and you'd be surprised at some of the photographs I have of what some thought acceptable. 😂

Lovin it.

And in the event you'd like some tips on what to see in Bruges, well here you are... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/06/15/one-way-to-do-bruges/

If you've paid the non saver fare then there should be a free bus into Blankenberge. From there it's quicker by train... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/06/15/zeebrugge-for-dummies/ *****

While enjoying today's sun on our balcony earlier this evening there heading down the Solent was Queen Victoria. She appeared to be well ahead of normal sailing time and was, indeed, directly opposite us and passing Norris Castle on the Isle of Wight a good 30 to 40 minutes earlier than usual. Anyone we know on her?

For those who are averse to ship's excursions and 'expensive' private tours here is a pretty definitive way to get to Rome from Civitavecchia .... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2014/05/15/one-way-to-do-rome/

That's a great idea. Florence is such a great visit and with the extra time it would be even better... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/10/29/one-way-to-do-florence-and-pisa/ ******

Spot on with the joining blazer Sir...

Genoa is very easy to do by oneself. Here's how I did it... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2014/06/13/one-way-to-do-genoa/ Indeed, it was so good I added a second did review.... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2014/06/18/one-way-to-do-genoa-via-balbi-last-minute/ ******

I'm often amused by the arguments for and against using agents. Sure there are discounts to be gained but over the last two years its the agents, particularly those in the UK, who have come in for massive criticism for withholding refunds after Covid cancellations and when the cruise lines have refunded them. It's very much like insurance travel policies really. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. 😀😈

Now that's what I call a perfect attitude. Many years ago Celebrity contrived to lose one of our cases between the ship and the terminal at Buenos Aires - we had a post cruise hotel stay there. They initially tried desperately for me to claim on my insurance but I stood my ground. The case was eventually discovered at the airport after we had departed and then had an amazing journey around South America eventually arriving home... ****** To be fare to Celebrity, they eventually gave us a 33% discount on another cruise which excluded air fares. So we booked an ex Harwich cruise on Celebrity Infinity. I wish you similar good luck.

So very sorry to read about your luggage. I would have thought Cunard have little choice but to eventually replace your cases like for like.

My good lady swears by them. Funnily enough we are sailing with another line in a couple of weeks time ( Lady Eleganza) and APT have sent us two cubes each as a thank you for booking again gift.

That's my man, love the style: you are not alone.

There, I've gone and joined your subscription list and left you a comment.

I'm not sure 'Grab & Go' the day before would work for us, particularly as we cruise with a number of different cruise lines with variances in styles of dress and social. We both find individual lists are essential, particularly when sailing with Cunard, when repetitive dress and colour is definitely not our style. 😀

LOL. I like it 😂