dronnygirl

Friends of ours visited the Baltic last May on Britannia and had an overnight in Helsinki.

We were on Explorer 2 in September and were told she was going in for refurb in October. We asked what was going to be done and it was mainly work on the engines and underneath. Some of the staff were staying onboard to help with painting and cleaning. Most of the ship looked to be in good condition and so was our cabin but, as you say, the bathroom let it down. The grouting in the shower was in desperate need of attention, it's a pity as it's such a quick and easy fix

I can recommend Stugeron tablets for sea sickness although the ships are very stable. Having done many cruises I've only had to take tablets twice. They are around £4 in Boots but much more expensive on board

Welcome PrincessAMC, sometimes it happens that ports are changed round, it may be that there are several ships in a port on the same day. Marella should inform you. It's quite natural to feel a little nervous on your first cruise wondering whether you will like it but all I can say is that most people get hooked! It's a great way to see the world. Just go with an open mind and you'll have a great time

Hi 2BA, personally we'd go for the extra port, but that's why we like cruising. Aren't there any local flights,? I thought you were 'up north ' like us

Hello, I assume you've booked Explorer 2 if it's adults only. We have done many Marella cruises and did the Adriatic cruise in September. We had a lovely time and hope you will, just go with an open mind. The ship is older, being ex Celebrity, but we found it to be in good order in all the public places. Our cabin, although dated, was kept immaculately clean. The staff are very friendly, the captain and officers regularly wander around and we often saw them eating in the marketplace. There are several places to eat and we enjoyed our food although I don't think it will compare with Cunard or Princess, but you won't starve. We always found places to sit around the ship, it gets busy around the pool as all ships do but we found plenty of loungers on the top deck where it was quieter. Just go with an open mind, it's a beautiful part if the world and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Never used them but we are tempted to try an Ambasador round Britain cruise. Reviews are good and they sail from 6 different ports.

Before looking at MSC, check out the reviews for Virtuosa over the summer. We know people who said they would never again cruise after their time cruising on Virtuosa.

Perhaps if you post under Ports Of Call you may get a response

Great thread, thank you so much. We sail to the Baltic in June and would love to hear about any not to be missed places or experiences

So pleased you enjoyed your cruise. The Caribbean was our first cruise and led to many more. It's enabled us to see places we would never save seen without cruising.

Pleased you had a great cruise. Pity you didn't get to explore Muscat, its a lovely city and very safe to wander round

I believe it's £160pp for 7 nights to upgrade. Whether or not to upgrade is for you to choose, we're not big drinkers and find the basic package okay for us, we just pay the extra for the odd drink or coffee.

Thank you Summerinkefalonia, some great itineraries. However as Howmuch has said, they will have to have competitive prices. Rival cruise lines have some good prices and we are giving them a try next summer so we'll see how it goes.

When we were on board recently the staff said that it's mostly work on the engine etc and lots of painting. Not sure what's being done in other areas. Many of the crew were excited to be going home although lots were staying on board. They said they would be painting and cleaning but they would be staying in the cabins and eating in the dining rooms

Only you can decide what's best for you. We've had outside and balcony cabins and both worked. We like to sit on the balcony and have a drink when we get back from a tour but equally you could have a drink on deck. With the time difference you will wake up early and it's lovely to sit on the balcony with a coffee watching the arrival into port, but equally you could put the money saved towards your next cruise! Enjoy whatever you decide

Personally I wouldn't be paying out money to FB unknowns. As BJ said, you can share a taxi, they usually take up to 8 people and we like to share our experiences with others. Enjoy you cruiser

All over the Caribbean you will find locals waiting at the dock who take tours round their islands. It's definitely the easiest area for DIY trips and much cheaper than the ship tours. You can negotiate where you want to go or they will have a map to show where they suggest. Best is to get off the ship early then you will have time to do a trip and then have a look round the local town before getting back on the ship.

You can stay on board until the coach takes you to the airport. You will have to vacate your cabin at 8am but you can apply to have a cabin for a few hours for a charge or a curtesy cabin will be available. Your all inclusive applies until you leave the ship. You can also leave the ship if you wish but must be back for the coach

Thank you for your responses. Hopefully it will be the centre then.

Could someone please advise where Sky Princess docks in Stockholm

I think they start in May cruising from Marmaris. Fabulous itineraries, worth looking at

We used Iceland Guided Tours, excellent company and you pay when the bus picks you up

Dress to impress night is usually the sea day, hope this helps

I've also read about a tax imposed by the Spanish on food and drink. It seems this is being passed onto clients by NCL, even those who have prepaid for a drinks package. Let's hope other cruise lines don't follow suit, although the prices Marella are charging It's probably already been factored into the total price