Noggins

Oh, I don't recall reading that. I'm ambivalent about casinos but one observation I would make (sorry we're still in Venice and wider comments will take a little longer yet to pull together) is that we were 500 souls (to use the old fashioned expression!) - about the typical number I think Vince has told us to expect? With so much public space it does mean that several venues feel deserted and lacking in appeal for lack of atmosphere. The key exceptions being the Cove and the Avenue which become crowded because that's where the vibe and the action is. The ship certainly felt empty at times. And that's not necessarily a good thing? A casino would not draw off many folk, I suspect, so wouldn't affect the situation. Adrian

I think you may need to search for treasure elsewhere - I can't see there being any chance of an about turn on a casino anytime soon.

Symphony has arrived in Venice this morning (Fusina) and is being readied for a 3 day charter (for a wedding - wow, that's some wedding party!). I'll post some thoughts on how we found things shortly but suffice to say that NC is very hard to differentiate from OC (in a good way). Adrian

Do it! They are both wonderful countries to visit whether by ship or overland - or both! You can expect some rocky seas if you cross between the two. If it's not obvious fly biz - ideally on a ME airline wioth a stopover there - Abu Dhabi ideally. If you require a Passepartout I can make myself available - given some notice (10 minutes would be adequate). Enjoy!

Goodness me, Roy... It is great to see you travelling again - and to have you entertain us, as you have for years. But you are a bit of a worry! Whilst you are clearly not one to overplay any niggles for goodness sake do take things easy. Obviously there is nowhere quite like a cruise ship - pardon me, ocean liner - to relax and I hope you will do just that. Have a wonderful time. Adrian

sorry to correct you there, old chap, but English for an umbrella is actually 'brolly' - don't you know..... (you need a plum in your mouth to articulate this correctly)

Maybe not just formal nights, Colin.... And we have had an incrdible hot and dry Summer - believe it or not. I'm sure the world of CC is gagging to hear of our two upcoming EJ experiences! Wishing you both a fab time and am looking forward to a good read. Adrian

Hi Colin - are we due to hear some pearls of wisdom from you guys very soon? EJ trip still coming up? Hope you enjoy as much as Stickman is currently enjoying his experience. Adrian

could someone possibly ask whether one might take along one's own 'roll' and have it filled....?

When you think about it a luggage tag has a lifespan of around an hour, maybe two if you're unlucky. Pierside to your room.

We too received an impressive looking package yesterday. It had been couriered from the US and had to be signed for. It contained non personalised luggage tags and a one page letter contained within a folder with a picture of OC Symphony in Sydney harbour. Overall NOT impressive - especially given that the personlised cruise ticket has to be downloaded and printed! (but early days - hopefully this approach can be improved upon.....)

you know, you can do something about that........

end in Venice on the 6/10 - or 10/6 if you are left handed.

Funny the twists and turns that life takes...... Who would have thought OC could go belly-up in such a spectacular way? Who could have predicted the whole Noggins clan would, post COVID, move to Scotland to start a new life? And not even Noggins could have predicted that he would find himself shortly to be checking out that Symphony was truly shipshape AND have a Serenity cruise in '24 lined up (with the Panama transit that had been part of our last - but not achieved - OC cruise). Explora was to be the '24 highlight but if some of the early comments are anything to go by it may fall short - we'll see.... Choosing a room on Symphony was an interesting experience - I didn't immediately notice the variety of tabs for the suites. And even now I am not entirely sure if we have 'classic', '2018' or '2023'. It'll be a surprise! If there is anything useful to report on from Symphony I will be sure to do so. But please remember that I have never been known to post anything that was actually useful..... Adrian ps with thanks to our London TA, without whom none of this would be happening.

Me too - and I won't be going back to SS. Nothing to do with dress code - it just got nowhere near OC standards across the board - oh, OK a standard Crystal room does not compare but a room is just a room for me / us. Back to NC in a few weeks. Can't wait.

340 you're welcome! (enjoyed the trip from the start)

Muriel - I think Mr B may have been rather cleverly mashing together two separate words - gymnasium (where you go to get fit) and sanatorium (where you got sent when sick to get you fit again!). All schools of a certain type had both. Adrian

I find it amazing that this cruise gets remembered so often - especially as it was 10 years ago almost to the day. There were so many CC members on board I wonder whether we can we ask for a show of hands for anyone that WAS NOT on that cruise?! Our abiding memory was having metal plates bolted onto our deck 5 (OV) window and getting ushered upstairs to a balcony cabin on deck 8. And then wondered whether, from a motion of the ocean point of view, it had been a good move! Adrian

No, we never made it to the Vintage Room either for the reasons you describe. Yes, we are booked on Explora for a Caribbean trip in Spring 2024. I see you will be ahead of us - we'll be looking out for your review! It all seems a long way off but the way time flies by it will soon come round. Best to you both Adrian

I'm a bit slow to come back to this thread.... (Hi Colin!) Don't forget Crystal always charged for the Vintage Room - which provided an upscale menu and included fine wine. Seems to me that Anthology is a version of that where you are not obliged to share a single large table. And, likely, it will feature on a regular / daily basis rather than just occasionally. As has been said, until the wines can be seen value cannot be judged. Adrian

I'm afraid I can't provide any more of a factual answer but I too would speculate that your wife will need to appreciate that radio silence. She will, of course, have the option of watching your track daily using one of the vessel tracking web sites. If I may put in a modest request..... Please look after the ship as we are booked on the first StM to StM trip once you arrive! Have a wonderful crossing - we have done many on larger ships but never with sails. Should be a real experience! Adrian

Goodness - I wonder how many others from the clutch (the collective for CC forumites?) had spotted that cruise as a cracker - even without taking account of the travelling alumni booked onto it!? We could have guaranteed at least 3 at the CC meet and mingle. (subject to paddleboard / spinning / BBQ tasting event / 'Who can eat the most fries' competition / knitting class commitments.)

We were too - I had really been looking forward to that one.... Chucked the paperwork out only a couple of days ago.🙁 Adrian

What?! You too! Beginning to look like April 54 was the fun time to be around. (omitting the consequences for those involved / the world / CruiseCritic etc etc)

Interesting - on a simple count back that was roughly the date I was conceived. I'd like to think it wasn't an entirely boring day for those concerned.... 👀