shsdawg

I have been looking into this line for a vacation. Not much info out there. So a couple questions. For the trips ashore during the day, where they wet landings? Did the ship provide a naturalist or historian to discuss the various areas you were in? Did the common areas seem crowded when you were watching the scenery go by? thanks ahead of time for any information.

The boat has a small tender/lifeboat that looks like a miniature WWII landing craft complete with a bow ramp. I don't recall getting my feet wet, but I had water proof shoes. At most places we landed at small jetties or floating docks. The tender was about 15 feet long and carried 6 plus 2 crew.

No naturalist or historian but the crew was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the area.

We got lucky in that there were only 8 on our trip, 5 of whom were our party. Most trips on the two original boats will have 10 or 11. They had a couple cancel at the last minute. It was never crowded. There is ample space. There are three open deck areas (we were on the Glen Massan) and passengers are always welcome in the wheel house.

Sorry I was late replying, this is my first visit since my original post. Think of this line as a very relaxed house party that travels some of the best marine scenery in the world. We all want to go back, and might. Do be prepared for the Scottish weather. I think we had at least some rain every day we were there. The temps were mostly in the 50s F (we were there in early July). It was a welcome break from a Mississippi summer for us. In all honesty I think I would have been disappointed if the weather HADN'T been that way.

We just got back from a cruise to the Isle of Skye on the Majestic Line's Glen Massan. It was WONDERFUL in every way. Don't let the small size of the boat put you off. It cruises in protected water for the most part and anchors up every night. The cabins are small but very functional and comfortable. Because the boat is small it pokes it's way into tiny out of the way ports and isolated lochs. The scenery is as good as I've ever seen, and I've been on cruises in Norway and Alaska. The food was just simply outstanding. It was fresh, local, and incredibly prepared. The mussels on the last night were still in the water 2 hours before dinner. The crew went out of their way to make this one of the best trips of our lives. The laid back atmosphere was something I REALLY enjoyed too. This was just an outstanding cruise.

FYI: BB King announced yesterday that he is in hospice care at his home in Las Vegas. Very sad news here in his native Mississippi.

Media hype

Try SPB tours. I bet they could arrange something for you. That's who we used when we were there and they were great.

So why did you say you were sailing from London?

 

David.

Because London is one of my favorite places on the planet and I'm getting to spend two nights (I wish it was more, WAY more) there prior to the cruise. It will be THE highlight of the trip for me. I was aware it sailed from Southampton, just as I was aware that the cruise doesn't end in Rome itself. I'd love to have a a day or two in Southampton too. In fact I would be happy to spend the entire time in the UK. That just isn't possible. This is a perfectly silly argument to me, enough already. All I wanted to know was if a dark suit would be ok on formal night. Thanks for those who answered that.

Your cruise will be Southampton to Rome.

 

Cunard doesn't sail from London. Not yet!,

 

David

I've sailed from Southampton before. I do know where the port is and how to get there from London. Thanks everyone on the dress stuff.

I looks like I will be doing a Cunard Cruise with family from London to Rome next summer. Most of my cruising has been on HAL. I like the look of Cunard but one question: Will a dark suit as opposed to a tux feel out of place on formal nights for a male? I'm not really that fussed about dress personally but I don't want to offend.

is that now you pretty much have to have a passport to get back into the US from anything that stops out of country, closed loop or not. The first time I went to the Carribbian (Grenada) all you needed was a birth certificate. I wouldn't dream of trying it without a passport now.