Korimako

It's precisely that it IS a French company that I have booked one of their cruises!! I have no idea what you meant by your comment 'we all know etc etc'. Our French neighbours and friends when we lived there were the most charming, helpful and likeable people I could hope to meet. I wonder how my French friends would describe Americans?????

Any recommendations??? There are plenty advertised on Tripadvisor etc., but nothing beats personal experience! TIA

On a cruise sailing from the UK, will it still mostly be US wines? Or will they have Australian and New Zealand wines also? No idea about US wines and would rather not use up my allowance trying to find one I like!

Thank you to all who replied. I won't bother getting any of those currencies, but will just use my contactless card as I do at home. Someone further up the thread mentioned the possible need for euros - not a problem - I have some left over from the last trip to France and will get some more as I am spending time in France, Italy and the Netherlands. Finland, Estonia and Germany use euros.

Hoping for some actual info. I'm going on a Baltic cruise and will already have euros for those ports which accept them as I will also be spending some time in the Netherlands, France and Italy. My concern is getting SEK, DKK and NOK and then being left with them at the end of the cruise. How easy is it to just use my credit card and not have the need for cash? Here in NZ, I can't remember when I last used actual money. Everything - including a cup of coffee, the newspaper, parking fees - goes on my credit card. If Norway, Denmark and Sweden are equally cash-free then I would probably risk not getting any currency at all. Any experienced advice gratefully received. TIA

Will it be OK though to pay for 'touristy' things like canal boat trips and museum entry with a credit card? And cafes?? I don't particularly want to have to get lots of euros and I would never use my debit card in those situations. In fact, I only use it to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Thank you JB for your very detailed reply. I think I'll wait until I actually arrive before deciding what to do.

Thank you JB - I was hoping you'd reply! I'll certainly hang about as long as possible on board. I know the hotel will store my luggage - I mentioned that in my original post, so no idea why Cruiser Bruce thought they wouldn't 😄 Would it be an idea to have a trip over to the Isle of Wight do you think? Would Osborne House be doable?

I'm disembarking in Southampton and staying overnight in Southampton. I will already have done a bit of exploring as I will be in Southampton for 2 days before the cruise. I was looking for something that would while away a few hours without too much effort on my (elderly) part!

The ship docks in Southampton at 07.00 and I can't get a guaranteed early check-in at my hotel (I've asked). They have said they will store my luggage, but what can I do to while away the time until possibly 15.00, other than settling down with my book in the hotel lobby??? Any ideas gratefully received!

Thank you - I have had answers - but it was a shuttle to Southampton Airport, not Heathrow that I was enquiring about.🙂

How do you know that?

Does anyone know if wine bottles on Princess leaving from Southampton are screw top or cork? I like to have a bottle in my cabin to enjoy a glass on the balcony and would prefer not to have to bring a corkscrew.

From what I've read on these boards, that is a peculiarly American 'custom'. Nowhere else in the world does it. You can wear white whenever you like - even in the depths of winter!

Another vote for Bath - not only is it a very attractive town - it has Roman Baths! I once had a very memorable birthday lunch there. Known as Aquae Sulis in Roman times.

You're lucky - ours is checked at check-in. If it's over the limit - weight or size, it has to be paid for and travel as checked baggage. And it costs much more if it has to go as checked baggage at that point, so we all know to stick to the limits. Which is what I meant by concentrating one's mind!!!

Are there no limits on size and weight of cabin baggage in the US? Our national carrier's weight limit is 7kg and size limited to 118cm (H+W+D) including wheels. That concentrates the mind wonderfully when packing one's carry-on!!

Yes, thanks, I should have thought of that! I have identified a few online, but it's always helpful to get a personal opinion. Have now posted there too.

I am taking a river cruise from Lyon and intend spending a couple of nights in Lyon before it. Any recommendations for mid-price hotel near the old part of Lyon? I would also be interested in any tours/guided walks, particularly any that feature the traboules. TIA

I have yet to hear of anyone who comes to New Zealand and raves about the spectacular beauty of our cities!😂 Very little of our magnificent scenery and landscapes are within a day's coach trip from any of our ports. On a cruise, you will barely scratch the surface. Which is why most people recommend a land trip for NZ.

Hi all On these boards somewhere it was said that Princess provided transport ( not necessarily free of charge) from Southampton Cruise Terminal to LHR. However, I asked my UK based TA if she could add this to my booking and her reply was that there were no official Princess transfers and that I would have to arrange that myself. I am now totally confused (not difficult!) Any advice gratefully received.

And is that supposed to be an amusing conversation starter??? It’s what I might expect from a nine-year-old.

I have, but I am still none the wiser. Is this a North American thing?

I am fully aware of what 'breaking the ice' means. This is what I found to be totally incomprehensible. "What Did Mr. Spock find in Captain Kirks restroom?"