dronnygirl

Hi FTC, as previously mentioned all you need is holiday insurance either for Europe or worldwide depending where you are going. This should cover for land based holidays and cruises. If you wish you can purchase 'cruise cover ' as an extra and this will pay up to £150 for each missed port. However it is quite rare to miss a port so we never bother. If the worse comes to the worse you just get an extra sea day. Marella will not usually compensate if it's too windy to dock etc, they don't miss ports unless it's very necessary. (We once couldn't dock in Agios Nikolas in Crete due to high winds but the captain managed to dock at Heraklion instead.) Hope you have a great first cruise

I think Jayneykul is referring to the £45 pp pd charged by P&O

Can really recommend Iceland Guided Tours. We did tours in Rekjavik and Akureyri and they were fantastic. They were waiting at the port and there were 8 of us on the small bus so we were given choices of some of the places we wanted to visit. Lots of stops so the kids won't get bored and plenty of comfort stops. Fabulous place, lots to see and kids would love it

Dubrovnik is so easy to DIY. You can take a bus to the city gates and just wander. You can purchase tickets to walk the walls but it's a good walk and can get very hot. Or you can wander round the streets with shops and cafes. There is a small harbour which us lovely to sit and have lunch or a drink. There is also a cable car up the mountain for beautiful views. Another option is to take a taxi waiting at the port and they will take you on a short tour of the area, including up the mountain, then drop you at the city gates.

Thank you Gil3, I'll look into it. Always prefer to check out places ourselves rather than ship trips

Thanks Fife, apologies I wasn't having a go. We like to get an idea of what we will be doing beforehand. At least we won't be disappointed on the day. Looking forward to the other ports.

Oh dear, you're not painting a good picture! Oh well, at least we'll have a relaxing day. Thanks

Mmm, looks like we may do the same. Thank you for the info

Thanks Jim, I understand the port is quite a way from the town. Was there a bus? We will be there on a Sunday so most places will be closed but we would like to see the mosaics

Does anyone know if there is a shuttle provided from the port to the city please?

The MDR is situated on one deck and there is an Italian section on the deck above (free). When you go to the MDR they will ask if you want a table for 2 or a shared table (usually for 6). Most of the tables in the Italian section are for 2. The Italian menu rotates every other day but there is plenty of choice. At lunch time there is the snack shack with sandwiches, salads, burgers, fish/chips etc. There is a coffee port for cakes etc, and some ships have Nonnas for pizza etc. If you Google each ship you will be able to find exactly what is included.

May and September are the best months in the Med, during July and August many of the Europeans are holidaying too so everywhere is very busy.

Hi Presto, we have done many cruises with Thomson and Marella. We have also cruised with Princess and P&O. We loved Princess but didn't like the fixed dinner arrangements so that put us off. I would say Marella is fairly similar to P&O but we weren't impressed with the entertainment on P&O (although it's a while ago). The food was slightly better on P&O in our opinion. Marella ships are older like Arcadia and Ventura but are well kept and the staff are the best we've known, always smiling and helpful and even the officers all speak to you. Marella itineraries do it for us, lots of choice and the fact that you fly to the port is an advantage, also only 1sea day per week. Entertainment isn't as good as it used to be but they have some good shows and excellent musicians aboard - oh and don't miss the crew show, fabulous! No formal night but 'dress to impress' in its place. You will find that most people make an effort but there are always a few that can't be bothered, but I think this is now across all cruise lines. Just give it a go but go with an open mind. You've cruised before but I think a lot of the negative reviews recently are often from first time cruisers who haven't done much research. Discovery is our favourite ship but we are on Explorer 2 in September, however we've booked Princess next June as we want to do the Baltic so we will be able to compare.

Check out Holiday Extras, they have parking but it appears to be cheaper to stay at hotel the night before with transfers and parking included

As stated cruising is covered. However you can usually pay extra for 'cruise cover'. This just covers missed ports due to itinerary changes etc. Personally we don't bother with this but some people do, if you miss a port due to bad weather or other reasons you could make a claim for each missed port. You must obtain proof of missed port from the ship fir the insurance company.

Catania is a lovely town and really easy to explore. You can visit the market and try the produce. Or you can wander up the main street where there are shops and cafes and some ruins. We really enjoyed our day there.

Thanks Charlie, just booked for 2024 so can't wait!

Thank you

Could someone please advise where Sky Princess docks in Stockholm? Is it the centre or Nyasham?

Once a week there is 'dress to impress' night. This isn't formal but everyone dresses smart. Just dress as though you were going to a nice restaurant

I would ask when you are on board, it's always possible there could be a cancellation.

We took a tuk tuk tour waiting outside the port. It was brilliant and took us around the city and to Belem. The driver showed us the sights and eventually dropped us up in the town where we were able to get the lift down and meander back to the ship calling off for a drink and a Pastais de Nata (custard tart, not to be missed)

DIY option - leave the ship and head towards the town. Cross the road into a lovely square with market stalls. On the right is a Tourist Information office. They can advise on a trips and can sell you a ticket for the bus which is just around the corner. After around 10 mins on the bus the driver will put you off at the cable car. At the top are lovely views and walks along the trails. There is a small war museum worth visiting and there are drinks and ice creams. A great half day trip and you can get refreshments in the town before returning to the ship.

Interesting to see, I was particularly I interested in the kitchen. I like that it's much more hygienic but we usually eat there at lunch time and like to have a salad and maybe hot meat or something from another counter. Not sure how that will work but I guess it's just a case of adjusting. The rest of the ship looks good, looking forward to trying it although we are also looking at another cruuse line for a complete change

Hi GC, Naples is the home of pizza. Lovely little places all around selling it. Just pick a place full if Italians and you'll be ok. Sorrento is beautiful. Again just find a local restaurant with a view and enjoy!