FangedRose

The ships are both "of an age", both a similar size, both adult only. They have a different layout, but facilities are much of a muchness. The ambience is much the same. Some prefer one over another, but I can't say I have a strong preference either way. I would choose which itinerary I prefer (if there is a difference), sailing dates, availability of preferred cabin(s), and price.

Yes I agree about the stops. It is not a timetabled service. The route, and the number of passenger pick ups dictate the route and timings. That is why you need to book it in advance so the route and timings can be worked out. They are in touch with Southampton re any boarding delays. They are also in constant contact with other drivers, and are aware of any holdups and will slow down, or speed up as necessary.

I agree increasing sea days by sailing slower is making itineraries less appealing to us, no matter how they rap them up "relaxing sea days". I disagree, I love sea days, don't like many port days one after the other and deliberately seek out cruises with a lot of sea days. They are not relaxing at all! One activity after another, and time to explore the ship.

Got confirmation of my new reduced price. From "the other place" (fb) is seems to only be Arcadia and Aurora cruises in 2025.

Wonder if it is connected to the fact that I've £600 knocked off my British Isles cruise in 2025?

That happens more often than passengers realise. All cruise ships have a morgue. One incident sticks in my mind is of a passenger who died before the ship had even set sail. I once had a cabin directly above the "crew gangway", and at nearly every port there was an ambulance waiting. Passenger gangways were not opened until after the ambulance had left. Not surprising really when looking at the age demographic of passengers (especially on longer cruises), the stress of travelling is a cause; and the change of routine often means medication is missed or mistimed. It always amazes me how many people's diabetes suddenly disappears when on board a ship!

I have to use Intercruise coach as Eavesway don't pick up any further north than Preston now! Just as if 2/3 of the UK don't exist!

Newcastle certainly has an international air terminal! Did you mean to write air bridge?

Just switch on airplane mode until you can the port.

I have used it in the past. It works to an extent. It's not the same as using an iron, or a professional pressing. I have stopped ironing and got rid of anything that "needs" ironing (like linen), so didn't take it with me last cruise and didn't miss it. In short, it's better than nothing, but not the same as pressing.

No choice I've you live north of Preston.

On my last cruise, which was on Aurora in July/August, we were told (by the captain and the ents manager) that Aurora consistently came top in the feedback form scores, and if we wanted her to stay in the fleet we needed to fill in the form (if we got one) and give good scores. We were also assured that she was safe for another five years (I think) at least. Never been on Oceania, but was on Oriana once, and there were so many systemic faults such as the vibration, and the electrical problems, which even two extra generators plonked on the top deck couldn't prevent ship wide failures. Aurora and Arcadia don't have any such problems, apart from the plumbing which all ships (who carry passengers) suffer from.

Yes I know. I was talking about the return journey when dropping off at various places. Luckily I was seated above the luggage door and spotted him offloading my case and stopped him driving off when my suitcase was still sitting on the pavement.

Exactly! Unless you book a cruise with extra obc offer taking the coach offer is (as you say) a no brainer.

Eavesway have nerfed their service drastically recently. As I say in my reply to another comment, they no longer pick up north of Preston on the west side of the country, for example.

My experience with both Intercruise and Eavesway is that Intercruise is more reliable. They hire coaches according to need so are more flexible with numbers. The coaches are usually Ellisons or similar (particularly for long journeys) so very comfortable. It is the "preferred partner" of P&O, therefore there is more communication and support if anything goes wrong. They did have trouble with their phone lines for a time last year which caused a bit of stress (if you take the coach travel option when booking a cruise you can't book online) but that has been resolved. Eavesway have nerfed their service drastically over the last few years, reducing pick up points etc (nothing north of Preston for example). Never had any issues with Intercruise unlike my experience with Eavesway. For example, making a one hour diversion to pick up two passengers, off loading luggage at wrong drop off points, and not checking that all cases had been claimed before driving off, coaches breaking down, changing pick up point two weeks prior to departure after arrangements (hotels etc) had been booked and paid for. And all these happened to me on only two journeys with them, compared to dozens with Intercruise.

We had that on my last cruise. Not because there was anything wrong with the food, she just didn't like the look of it, or she fancied what somebody else had got, or she just changed her mind!

But that would mean getting up and dressed. Therin lies my problem. 😁

Never even crossed my mind! Most places don't even offer discounts until you are 66 now anyway.

Thank you for all the info. I have been interested in Ambassador since they begun. However, no food between 9.30 and 12! On holiday! I could never force myself to eat before 9.30am on a normal day, never mind on holiday.

Just had a thought. There are two coffee shops on Britannia, virtually one on top of another. One is the proper Costa coffee place. The other is a fancier cafe, still serves Costa coffee (as do a lot of bars around the ship) but the cakes are "special" and paid for. Maybe you were in the wrong one?

There was "free" cake at Costa on Aurora in July, but no biscotti, I had forgotten all about that until you reminded me.

Depends on availability, you would have to ask on board. If you want to choose dining preference you need to pay select fare (even then it is not guaranteed, but I've always got what I requested).

In my experience talking to non public facing crew is useless. 1. They usually have no, or very little English. 2. They take their orders from their bosses, not passengers. I will nod and smile, say good morning, but I would never dream of asking a maintenance crew member to stop work, I would always go through reception. The only exception was when I stopped (by standing in front of them) a crew member from washing the Quoits Court 15 minutes before a scheduled competition was due to take place. If the court was wet the competition couldn’t take place. I repeatedly pointed out the schedule to them but it took a passing officer to resolve the situation.

From Carlisle we usually have a pick up time of about 5am. Bearing in mind it's come from Glasgow or Edinburgh it can actually arrive between 4.45am and 5.30am. Pick up points for early starts is usually a hotel near a motorway junction and oftem people will stay at the hotel if they live a long way from the pick up point. It will wait until a good few minutes past the notified pick up time and then the driver will attempt to contact you. (Which is good if you've slept in, not so good for those sitting on the coach!)