Eglesbrech

YC is a lovely experience, I’m sure you will enjoy it. Because of the amazing YC public areas we hardly spend any time in our cabin so nab a YC inside when we can, not always possible as they go fast. Just for information the insides are small and little short on space for storage so we usually take some magnets for extra hanging space and lightweight collapsible boxes to store things like shoes. There is a useful space under the two chairs that takes a 10 by 10 by 10 box which you hide all sorts of bits and bobs in (if the sizing is the same on your ship, we have only been on Virtuosa and Euribea). Packing cubes are handy as well for the high top shelf. As others have said, you will get hooked on the YC.

We have been busy booking tickets for shows. We are travelling down to Edinburgh to see Hamilton. The Pitlochry Festival theatre for Foot Loose and Sense and Sensibility. Dougie Maclean in Perth (my favourite singer by far). Ben Elton for comedy If anyone is heading north there are lots of really great shows available.

It’s a minor heatwave here. We sat out and enjoyed the sun and some cheese & wine. Just come in from the garden and the house is hot from the solar gain. Most unusual for here but hot, hot, hot!

Personally we prefer the Spey and Avon restaurants to the bigger and busier main dining room (though it is absolutely fine too). They are higher up the ship so a little more ships motion but smaller, quieter and usually with a decent sea view from the tables. Any wine you bring onboard will need to be handed in, it will be returned to you at the end of the cruise. Some of the merchants in Oporto will deliver straight to your home. There is another section of cc for ports of calls, you may get some advice there.

Welcome to cruise critic. You are off to the Azures then and the meteor shower. How lovely. Balmoral is an older ship but has very elegant public areas. We love the crows nest and the lovely outside areas. If you haven’t thought about it already have a look at the speciality restaurants which are very good value if booked in advance. The afternoon tea is also very pleasant. Fred offer some interesting activities and very good guest speakers, usually experts in what you are going to see. We enjoy the cookery demos showcasing local foods. The martini events are also fun. If you have any questions the folks on here are all friendly and have a wealth of knowledge, someone will usually be able to help you. @jeanlyon is just back from the Azures so may have some suggestions.

I drove down to visit family at the weekend and made a detour via Limekilns to see Braemar one last time. You could see she was on the move as her position had changed. Another nice old ship gone. We had some great cruises on her.

I like that one but we could get creative with other events such as: - The early morning towel on the sunbed race - How high can you pile the plate with food in the buffet before it topples or the ever favourite - how many more people can squeeze into the already full lift Endless possibilities.😀

Yes CPS can be booked independently as you say however in the last year it is sometimes closed off for forthcoming cruises. They are only taking the select complimentary bookings for some cruises. We were looking at a cruise in June last month and there was no pay for parking available even back then. My advice to anyone now is unless you are booking well in advance then check that you have parking (any parking) before pressing the button to book, as it is becoming more difficult to get at peak times. September is a nightmare during the boat show.

We use them for heavy jackets on cold weather cruises, saves crushing clothes in the wardrobe. Oh hangs them from the ceiling which seems to have a stronger magnetic hold that the walls and they don’t slide down.

We certainly get enough and very regular marketing….but no surveys and we always got them in the past.

The interview I read quoted the CEO as saying two to three years after agreement is reached at government level. There will also be primary and secondary legislation requirements, which are outwith the gift of the airport authority. And he said two years last year as well, I think... so I wouldn't take that as a firm timetable just yet, more just putting pressure on the government! That’s why I said “apparently”.

You must be special. We have had none and neither have any of our travelling companions.

Great description of the process from the Juggle above. Edinburgh airport will apparently be providing this service in 2 years time according to their press releases.

Surely listening to feedback is part of good customer service and part of a managers role? anyway each to their own.

And the coal out in the yard in a bunker or coal hole. I used to love the stories my grandpa told me about the fire fairies. Simpler times.