Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Spangles on April 12, 2018, 05:59:41 PM
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Hi,
I'm off on a 1 week cruise in a fortnight. I've never been before, I have the usual anxieties; will I have major anxiety resulting in a breakdown!
I am trying to research what cruises are like, and to be honest I'm really looking forward to it apart from the anxieties that I always get when I go away.
I can't wait for some sunshine, just going around some Greek islands.
Have any of you ladies cruised before?
Can you tell me what it is like and pass on any useful tips?
I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks
xXx
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I think that we have a cruise thread :-\
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Shellb don't worry I've been on many cruises and the medical facilities on board are usually first class plus remember you have some really good hospitals in Europe these days not that you'll need them but it's good to be aware they are there for you.have you got your European health card,the old E111,take it everywhere with you very simple to apply for it online.it covers any emergency care you need in Europe.itll tell you which countries it's valid in now.all good measures to reassure you.
The cruise ships are great there's no such thing as boredom or feeling penned in,it's a floating hotel room ,what's not to like about a great nights entertainment after dinner then bedybyes and wake up in a new port every day depending on itinerary then get off the ship either on organised tours or do it yourself.we found the Greek island of Mykonos on a cruise and fell in love with it and now go two three times a year to the same hotel where we are treated like old friends ,we get picked up from airport and driven back every time hopefully you'll find somewhere like that when you go.when your at sea there's all kinds of shows and entertainment on deck and the food is 24/7 in a selection of restaurants usually.you will have the time of your life you go and enjoy it.take a well stocked first aid kit with you in your bag when you go on trips then that'll help overcome any anxiety you may have but once you get on that ship you'll wonder why you were so uptight.have fun I know you will love it.xx
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Himself thinks he would be bored ::) and I suffer with anxiety around lots of people. I would love to go to see the Northern Lights ........
Let us know how U get on. I've bumped the other threads ;) and did U watch Jane Macdonald the singer in recent programmes?
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Hi Daisydot and CLKD,
Thanks so much for your replies I really appreciate them. I have a fear of getting ill when on holiday, (story for another day!). Be a I've has MH issues in the past and still do, it's always a fear I have when going anywhere.
Oh Daisydot, Mykonos! What can I say.... I'm so excited about going there, I've always wanted to go, ever since watching Shirley Valentine! I hope it has the same effect on us xXx
CLKD, thanks for the threads, I did catch some Jane Mc Donald, it was good.
I'll let you know how I get on and I really hope you get to the Northern Lights xXx
:thankyou:
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I know exactly what you mean I've cancelled so many holidays India Cuba you name it I cancelled and uoset my hubby but didn't care I was so terrified of getting ill like you,I've gotten past that now by doing what I told you to do it really does help and I just don't get into situations I'm not comfortable with now,you really will enjoy it and you'll love the windmills in Mykonos and the open air cinema and hopefully you'll get to santorini too bet you can't wait, xx
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Hi Shellb we have been on around 12 cruises, and I can honestly say it's the one place where I don't worry about being ill. They have doctors, nurses and a medical centre onboard. Plus in true emergencies, you are never too far from land. Probably easier to get medical help than when you are at home....I am SO envious, wish I was going, you will LOVE it......Santorini is beautiful. Have a wonderful time and don't worry about anything, you will be so well looked after.
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That sounds amazing, pls take me with... ;)
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Thanks elle - a friend of mine has an aunt who sold up her very large property and bought a flat at Southampton. This her family has the use of whilst she cruises all over the World - meeting people, full board, hospital facilities etc. on board. Cheaper than a Care Home too ;)
Maybe take an anti-anxiety 'as necessary' medication with you? Plenty of books, you don't have to leave your cabin if it's a problem, food can be ordered in ......... do take copies of your prescriptions with you though.
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I'm another cruise addict, if you have any questions we'll be happy to help. I've cruised only from Southampton because I don't like flying but I've been with P and O, Celebrity, Princess and Royal Carribean, as you can see I'm not loyal to any particular cruise line if the price or itinerary suits ;D
My pre first cruise worry was that everywhere onboard would be busy, no seats long queues etc but it's not like that, in fact I don't know where everybody hides ::)
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Thanks again ladies,
Two Hoots I'm going with P&O, any tips?
xXx
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I have mostly cruised with P and O :) the vast majority of passengers are British and they price things in pounds on board. I like freedom dining, I don't know whether you have chosen fixed time or freedom I've done both, freedom just means you turn up when you want to eat but sometimes they give you a pager if there is no table available, you don't normally have a long wait maybe 30 minutes is my maximum wait.
Your cabin steward will provide you with extra coat hangers, ice or extra toiletries, just ask.
I don't usually eat breakfast at home but I do like room service breakfast when I'm on the ship :)
Every evening you'll get a copy of a what's on guide for the next day, it'll tell you what time you dock, when to be back on board and all the entertainment, it's worth reading but don't be like me and re read them when I get home and find lots of things I've missed ;D
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Hi Two Hoots,
We have got freedom dining and a balcony 😀
Yes I will remember to read the guide each evening!
How does the tipping work?
Thanks so much
Shellb
xXx
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I remember with Thomson the tipping was included but other cruise company's have their own policy's they usually put it in small print try googling your particular company or yo7 could email them then stick it in named envelopes before you leave,ie maid steward waiter whoever you've been advised to tip so your prepared.i really hope you have great fun you'll nit have a care in the world once your onboard.well done you xx
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Oh There's Posh - a Balcony ....... could you fit me into a suitcase please ;)
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CLKD if you can fit in my case you can come!
I go a week on Thursday starting to get a bit wobbly 😏
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No your not your shaking with excitement and we're all jealous lol.keep thinking about all the beautiful things your going to see,think about the open air cinema on Mykonos with the barbecue food served at it while the cats are purring around your legs under the wee blanket you have wrapped round them it's idyllic.the marina you dock at has the most wonderful cobbled streets with masses of upmarket shops.think positive you'll love it.xx
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Tipping is big topic which causes no end of bad feeling on cruise forums, but you can choose to either continue to pay the p and o recommended tips, which they will automatically add to your on board account or go to reception and ask to have them removed, or reduced, the best policy is don't tell anyone what you decide to do ;D but I would always tip the cabin steward if they are helpful, they have always been helpful to me and usually very happy and chatty.
If you have a balcony definitely order room service breakfast, it's lovely to sit outside and eat it or to sit with a glass of something nice in the evening :)
The biggest thing you should be worrying about is becoming addicted to cruising, I have a friend who didn't fancy a cruise but her partner did, they booked a 7 night cruise leaving last May, since then they have been on three cruises, with two more booked this year and already looking at next year ;D ;D
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Your so right two hoots if they paid them a decent wage they wouldn't have to rely on tips and that upsets our conscience when we get hit with that information,all part of the plan.
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Do the staff get paid at all or are they well paid but the tips are that: a thank-you for work well done? Do make sure that the staff receive the monies offered, that they don't go into a big pot for sharing out!
When my anxiety is low I could think seriously about a cruise .........
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The crew do get paid, by our standards it's not much but compared to what they earn in their own countries it's a good wage. On p and o most of the restaurant staff and cabin stewards are from India, Goa or the Phillipines. There are so many stories about tips and who keeps what, it depends what you read or who you listen to so many conflicting stories.
It's always interesting to chat with the crew if they are not too busy, a waiter was telling us about going into his grandmothers garden and picking mangoes from the tree, I also like to find out what their favourite ports are, Sydney is a popular choice :)
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Has anyone ever done the cruise that goes up the coast of Norway, to the top? (Not to be confused with the inland fjord trips.) If so, would you recommend?
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I've done the fiords and am going again in July but I haven't been to the arctic circle, I've read reviews and it sounds really good especially if you are lucky enough to see the northern lights. I think the northern lights cruises go in early spring, in March if I remember correctly and they book up quite quickly.
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I did consider it from Harwich for the Northern Lights but DH thought he might be bored ? ::)
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Well CLKD that balls in your court :rofl:you have the power to ease that boredom :jiggy: :lol: go for it x
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Now what ever do you have in mind ......... :rofl: :whist:
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Thanks again ladies!
This time next week we should have set sail😀
I'm looking forward to a week in the sun, as for tipping I'm going to opt out if possible and tip who I want to tip.
It's a whole new experience for us and I hope it fulfills all of my expectations, I feel already that if I get on well I may do it again!
Shellb
xXx
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Anwers on a postcard then ;). - packed yet?
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No not yet, full of PMT, anxiety and pre holiday wobbles today 😢
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You'll get there Shellb just try and think of the positives of the holiday and make sure you have your crisis bag packed that's the thing that will release the pressure,I even take stitches strips with me lol.im off on holiday tomorrow for 6 days and I'm a bit anxious but not terrorised like previously.i so hope you enjoy it's going to open the doors for you for your future plans xx
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Oh Daisydot,
Thank you.
Have a great time, you will be fine too. Where are you going, hope it's somewhere lovely xXx
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Hi Shellb I'm off to Lake Como ,Milan and st Moritz and nothing's spoiling it for me,I'm in agony with my back and shoulder tonight but it can naff off I know it's the same old mind games my body is playing to try and stop me being happy so it's on a loser again.ive did what dg suggested and taken gaviscn after my dinner so I know there's absolutely no basis for these pains and I'm determined not to let this win.Everythings ready to go so fingers crossed weather wise but I don't really mind I'm prepared for everything lol.enjoy your weekend xx
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Well, case is packed and anxiety is high! Tummy in summersalts, dry mouth and running to the loo! Off at 4am and full of all the usual worries and anxieties!
Looking forward to some sun, sun, sun!
I should relax into it in a couple of days.
xXx
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Hi Shellb
Never been on a cruise, but if I do I want the Greek one.
Never been to Greece, always Spain (canaries) and Majorca.
So wish you a great time, let us know how you get on,
I hate flying, so maybe I'd enjoy a ship.?
Enjoy....relax...
Jd x
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Well, case is packed and anxiety is high! Tummy in summersalts, dry mouth and running to the loo! Off at 4am and full of all the usual worries and anxieties!
Looking forward to some sun, sun, sun!
I should relax into it in a couple of days.
xXx
I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself and hope you will let us know about your adventure when you get home :)
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I was sure I would hate it but I loved it. Hope you do too shelb. This is the time when your anxiety will probably be at its highest as you prepare to go but hopefully once you're on board you will be more settled. Oh to be sipping cocktails as the sun is setting watching beautiful islands slip by 8) I will look forward to hearing how it went.
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Hi Shellb I hope by now your on your cruise and ephaving the time of your life,I'm just heading home to U.K. now.have a fab time x
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One of the problems with a cruise holiday is being unable to dock and it seems like the ship has been unable to dock in Mykonos today because of strong winds :( even if it's windy I hope it's warm enough that Shellb can relax onboard and enjoy the sun :)
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I'm dying to know how she's doing ;D
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I'm dying to know how she's doing ;D
So am I :)
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Me too🤞🏻👙🌴🍧🍹
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My idea of hell would be for the vessel I was on to be stuck outside of a Harbour :'(. It happens in the Channel quite often.
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My idea of hell would be for the vessel I was on to be stuck outside of a Harbour :'(. It happens in the Channel quite often.
Usually the first thing you know if you are unable to dock is an announcement from the bridge, but the ship doesn't stop it continues cruising slowly towards the next port or sometimes you go to an alternative port that's easier to dock in.
It's a nightmare for the restaurants as they have to provide the food as everyone now staying on board and the entertainments department usually organise a full programme of activities, I quite like if they show a film in the theatre, when I was on a cruise that couldn't dock in Guernsey I watched the Kings speech (it was a few years ago when the film was quite new) :)
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Sadly not an option for x-Channel ferries ::)
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Ladies hello!
I did it and I'm back!
Had a few blips of anxiety, other than that I was fine.
We had a really lovely time, I could easily do it again.
Two hoots, you were right, we couldn't dock in Mykonos due to the winds so we had another sea day. I was very disappointed as that was the one place I was looking forward to.
I feel recharged but I am slipping back into my old mood, still I'm going to play travel agents on my computer and look for the next holiday! OH wanted to book something the day after we got back but I've not got my head in gear yet.
Was totally spoilt on the ship, didn't have to lift a finger.
Thanks so much for all your replies, it means so much to me.
Love
Shellb
xXx
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:ola: fantastic news Shellb I so pleased for you. The world is your oyster now! :ola:
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I'm so pleased for you Shellb it's such a huge mountain you've climbed but you did it,as Robin says the worlds your oyster now.
Stick to short haul the first few times you go anywhere and your confidence will continue to grow,you'll get blips but you'll find it easier and easier to cope with them and remember most countries in Europe are just as well equipped as ours if not better,my medical attention when I lived in Spain was far superior to here so I have no problems when I go there because I know exactly where to go and what help I can get,I'm off again on Thursday to Benidorm and I can't wait bags are all packed and raring to go 😃.
Well done xx
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Daisydot and Shellb, It's really uplifting to read you have both overcome your anxieties enough to be able travel abroad. I've a way to go yet due to added complicating factors but I'm getting better every day and really beginning to believe I will have my own adventures soon. I'm really pleased for you both and thank you for putting a spring in my step this morning. Happy holidays Daisydot xxx
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Thank you Robin as you say your nearly ready and I'd recommend a few trips out and about before you fly further afield it really does build your confidence up.i cant believe the change in me,I was scared of nothing and used to fly back and forward to my house in Spain without batting an eyelid I had my car parked at airport long term and they used to bring it to me to meet my flight and off I'd go not a care in the world just dying to get back to my cats and my ducking and diving to raise funds for them.then it suddenly all changed I lost the plot and everything nose dived I couldn't meet people or go anywhere I was scared of everything.we sold up and came back to the U.K. and things just got progressively worse for the next 5 years BUT I'm back with a vengeance now 😂 it takes a wee bit of time and hard work but you'll bounce back with the right help and support.xx
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Postcards please ?
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'Mass brawl' breaks out on P&O cruise ship Britannia ............ ;D
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Oh I saw that over someone dressed in fancy dress as a clown!!! ;D ;D maybe he was giving out the jelly and ice cream!!
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Don't let jaypo know :-\ :-X
I wouldn't give a thank U for jelly :sick02: and clowns can be freaky :o
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BOO!!!
Clkd,wasn't me honest 😆😂
Cruising is going down the pan,ships are getting bigger and bigger and it's honestly like Blackpool at sea,they seem to cater for this type of crowd now,the type that just want to eat and drink as much as they can,we have stopped going with P&O once 5* luxury,now think butlins,hence the reason we now only go with Cunard,a lot more expensive but well worth paying for.the bigger the ship,the worse the passengers
Obviously I'm so well behaved 😇😇😇
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Hows the weekend going?
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Just arrived yesterday,so went out for our supper,just having a quiet day today after the long drive 😊
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Quiet thus far ............ :whist:
I didn't think it was you causing the riot as you are otherwise entertained ;-). This time ;)
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I've never experienced ‘Butlins' at see with P&O. I go fro smaller ships and not the newer, larger ones. However it clearly states in the dress code that fancy dress etc is not allowed. P&O have also said that there was no ‘clown' on board, therefore I think it's probably the tabloids running short on crap,stories to attract readers😂😂😂
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I got home yesterday from a cruise on a larger Celebrity ship. I don't drink or eat too much, I've never taken part in a fight and I don't lie around the pool all day. I like to go to the talks, this time I found the Russian royal family talk fascinating and it brought to life the fabulous palaces we visited in St Petersburg. A cruise holiday gives me the opportunity to visit some amazing places that I'd never get to because I'm afraid of flying, and sailing from Southampton there is no limit on how much luggage I can take ;D
A cruise is what you want it to be, don't believe everything you read in the papers ;)
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Who gave the talk on the Russian Royal Family?
I think that I would enjoy the experience ........ DH thinks that he would be bored ::)
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I forget the speakers name but he was American and had a lovely manner when speaking, I went to three of his talks, the Romanovs, Peter and Catherine the Great and Rasputin. It's not a history I know much about but seeing the grave of the Romanov family I knew enough to feel moved about their final hours.
Sky tv have made a mini series on Catherine the Great starring Helen Mirren, it's going to be on in the autumn :)
I take a kindle on board with me but I've yet to open it :) I don't know where the time goes on sea days but it's not reading ;D
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I love that you enjoyed yourself :medal: ......... could you feel the sea or hear the engines :o
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The sea was totally flat for two weeks and we only saw clouds on Saturday off the coast of England ???
The only time we hear anything from the ship is when they move sideways and the sea is churned up, our cabin was on the sixth floor :)
You can do a behind the scenes tour of the ship, the kitchens, bridge, printers and laundry, it's supposed to be very interesting and one day I will do it, when I find the time ;D
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6th floor :o ............... out of how many floors: does one abseil in times of trouble :o :o - I wouldn't look out from that high up, I 'd be sitting in the middle of the room with a bag over my head :P :D
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I forget the speakers name but he was American and had a lovely manner when speaking, I went to three of his talks, the Romanovs, Peter and Catherine the Great and Rasputin. It's not a history I know much about but seeing the grave of the Romanov family I knew enough to feel moved about their final hours.
Sky tv have made a mini series on Catherine the Great starring Helen Mirren, it's going to be on in the autumn :)
I take a kindle on board with me but I've yet to open it :) I don't know where the time goes on sea days but it's not reading ;D
Do you get any solo travellers on your cruise trips? I have never done a cruise except a small group one on the Nile when there weren't more than about 12-14 in the group. I am just curious.
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I know P and O have a solo passenger get together for coffee and I know someone who made a friend on board so they went in excursions together. I also know they like to put solo travellers on dining tables together, but you don't have to share.
The biggest negative of solo travel is the cost, you don't pay much less than two people sharing :(
CLKD - there is no deck 13 so the Buffett was on deck 14 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Which ships have you been on TH?we've done oceana,Ventura and azura not done the smaller ships,I'd advise ANYONE to steer clear of the larger ones,if you don't want those idiots who just go to eat and drink,I dread to think what the staff onboard think of brits who behave like this.
It's the best way,in my humble opinion to see beautiful places you wouldn't normally,Norway for instance is fab as is Iceland
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I know P and O have a solo passenger get together for coffee and I know someone who made a friend on board so they went in excursions together. I also know they like to put solo travellers on dining tables together, but you don't have to share.
The biggest negative of solo travel is the cost, you don't pay much less than two people sharing :(
CLKD - there is no deck 13 so the Buffett was on deck 14 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
yes I know about the cost of going solo. One of the reasons why i don't do it.
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Which ships have you been on TH?we've done oceana,Ventura and azura not done the smaller ships,I'd advise ANYONE to steer clear of the larger ones,if you don't want those idiots who just go to eat and drink,I dread to think what the staff onboard think of brits who behave like this.
It's the best way,in my humble opinion to see beautiful places you wouldn't normally,Norway for instance is fab as is Iceland
Only bigger ships, Azura, Ventura and Britannia with P and O. Eclipse and Silhouette with Celebrity. Grand Princess. Ovation, Independence and Navigator with Royal Carribean.
It's a great way of seeing places, never thought I'd go to Russia ;D
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Apparently a lot of the Artic Circle is on fire including Iceland :-\
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R there any non-events cruises? Non- C.mas? No New Year celebrations? I looked up cruises for Jews and Passover is on offer :-\. Fort Lauderdale. So that means flying there and back. I want peace and quiet. Not joining in but looking at scenery. Jane was on a tender to get to the Croatian coast, that would be a no-no ......... if I couldn't get from liner to shore by stepping off I couldn't go. :-\
Oh well, don't have a Passport anyway ;D
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Xmas on board can be taken or left clkd,yes,they put up decorations etc but you don't have to join in in the festivities,we don't,we love watching the fireworks in Madeira on Hogmanay but that's it,we're lucky enough to be in a suite at the back of the ship,so we eat in our room some nights and that's what you can do if you don't want the whole Xmas thing or go to a speciality restaurant and not the main dining room where all the Xmas crackers etc are going on,that's the great thing about cruising,you can do whatever you like :)
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:thankyou:
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I love a cruise and plan to go on many more when I'm older. So far been on the Emerald Princess and Fred Olsen Black Prince (small ship now decommissioned). Both fantastic x