lincslady

I can see from the excellent BBC weather news that it is raining heavily in Nashville, but I think the strength of the hurricane has gone down a lot?? I hope they don't get floods (my grandson lives there, hence the interest). It is unusually widespread, Tennessee do not normally get affected.

Delicious except the peas should be a little bowl, so that those of us who hate them do not have them all over the fish and chips! The hurricane as you might expect is lessening in power, and in Nashville it is just raining more than usual, so hopefully no real danger anywhere in Tennessee.

Similar - had several suites on deck 4 but always towards the dining room end, and no noise at all; in fact the extra little corridor outside means you don't hear passing people in the main corridor. Recommend that end if you are choosing. And that is applies to all the three smaller ships, in my case.

Those photos are envy-making! Has been rainy here, but not too bad. Slight concern for me as the Florida hurricane is reaching as far as Nashville, where my grandson and family live. They don't usually get anything there, slightly too far to the west luckily. I will no doubt hear if there are problems, and will check their weather on the useful BBC weather info. My news is as exciting as Avril's; taking rubbish out to the bins by my gate, and that is all, except I was relieved to find out (after far too long) that my echocardiogram did not show any real problems. Have a good day everyone.

Almost one expedition team member for each passenger?

Funnily enough, Saga is actually definitely better than five or ten years ago, as they used to have old ships virtually ready for retirement, and for about the past 5 have had two brand new attractive ships tailored you could say to the British Saga style. The only slight downside for most of us is that they are larger, holding 1,000 passengers each. Otherwise the all balcony cabins, specialist restaurants etc. is a huge improvement, as well as the all inclusive drinks.

Oh dear - well, it is good to hear both sides of the coin, I guess.

The weather plays a big part - lunch outside on embarkation day always seems a treat; much less so if you have to be inside. Sitting in the sun with that first glass of something cool is to be recommended.

That is a shame, as it is a lovely little place to wander around, and of course the sail in and out is gorgeous, and lasts a long time. Not ideal to have large ships docked or anchored there.

As a Saga fan (admittedly now quite ancient) I think Tts has been just a tiny bit unkind about the age of passengers on Saga, unless it has taken a turn for the worse in the past few years. I have always found that at least 50% of those on board were active and lively, and though maybe 75 or so still behaving like anyone much younger. The oldest are often actually very interesting to talk to, though there will always be a few curmudgeons. However, that applies on most cruise lines. The staff are generally from the countries who treat their elders with consideration, and are not only efficient but also helpful to those who need assistance, which keeps things working well. As he says, the standard of food and drink etc. nowadays at least matches the 'luxury' lines, and all cabins have balconies. What might be considered a downside by some is of course that the passenger list is essentially British.

Yes, apologies , the comparable Courvoisier is normally only £4 cheaper than the Remy VSOP (though on offer at £30 at present). However, I feel sure that we were drinking the VSOP Remy on board, now definitely downgraded if it is the Courvoisier VS.

I am not really a cognac drinker, but have always enjoyed a glass of the Remy Martin on board in the past, which was the regular offer (or one of them), and had only had Courvoisier a couple of times, not on cruises, and disliked it. Just looked at the prices, and here in the UK Remy is considerably more expensive than the Courvoisier (£48 against £35). No further comment needed.

Me too, Avril. Recently developed arthritis in both hands (quite lucky not until now) and on damp days the fingers really hurt when trying to do anything. Especially with the fiendish opening devices on jars, tins, big yogurt cartons etc. Sometimes even my strong son can't undo jars without the useful little thingy. Good to hear from you, you have been rather quiet lately.

The sort of day that will stick in your memory.

I think Christmas Dinner is always called that, regardless of when it is eaten. I know lots of people have it early afternoon; I have always preferred to have it in the evening, say 6 or 6.30. But suspect my family are in the minority. Often enjoy Boxing Day more, with cold bird and some of the extras, but hot roasteds of course. Much easier on the cook.