showingdiva

Oooohh ... keyboard warrior. I'm recovering from eye surgery. Not much I type makes too much sense at the moment.

On embarkation day on Virtuosa, there's a central point beside L'Atelier for booking restaurants. I've only ever used it then, so unsure how long it's available there. Deck 6 on the galleria.

Congratulations to everyone who has been tempted by a new itinerary or ports and registered. 2026 isn't that far away. I fully understand why some cannot commit that far in advance for a number of reasons. For me, it's a bit of carpe diem. Something to look forward to and enjoy the thought of planning for. P&O, I will come back to you at some point. Honestly. But MSC's Mr Paradiso does keep returning my lovely white ghost to me every summer .....

If you are in the P&O site, you can change the cabin type to whichever you prefer. There's a blue filter bar near the top that says "Ports to Visit", "Ships" and "More Filters" - the drop down arrow allows to change to "Cabin Type"

Captain Hashmi. A man no-one would dare to defy and a steadfast presence around the ship. I recall a very succinct message on embarkation when the late Queen Elizabeth had just passed away - to say that there was a condolence book, there would be no sailaway celebrations or horns, and that it was his ship, and therefore we were in mourning accordingly.

In Hamburg, MSC use the Steinwerder cruise terminal. Currently on a winter cruise loop for MSC Euribia, but soon by MSC Preziosa. I'm pretty sure it's MSC Poesia that's going to / from Warnemunde over the next couple of years.

Arcadia was my favourite P&O ship by a long way. So many cruises and so many happy memories on board. I'm not old ... just like Arcadia, a little bit creakier than I used to be ..

Disappointing to hear this. Absolutely no need. Hopefully this is a very small minority, but would be a shame if this even partially reflects the new audience P&O are trying to attract.

I've just let a held booking lapse for this same reason on a short 2025 cruise. I do understand that cruising solo, one's back is always going to be against a wall, but £300+ per day in a single cabin doesn't sit well with me (especially as travel to Southampton and a hotel also need factored in). Seeing Apex does appeal to me, but not at those prices, so sticking with my two current loves, Virtuosa and Mary.

Irrespective of where you're cruising from or the cruise line, there will passengers who are young, elderly, immobile, fat / thin etc from lots of countries around the world - everyone from buggies to mobility scooters and everything in between. Your sons will in no way be conscious, or made to be because of their size. As TWO said above, space in cabins and bathrooms can be on the snug side irrespective, but enjoy the cruise and the beauty of Scandinavia. It sounds as if your son really does want to go, despite the impassive response.

The food in the "normal" MDR on MSC (based on my multiple experiences on Virtuosa and more recently on Euribia) is fine - as one would expect from an Italian owned, Swiss HQ'd, Maltese registered, English captained, Scottish executive chef run ship. And my travel companion and I have tested them over the years with our linked cabins and between us being pescatarian and having a severely restricted diet. And no green beans!

I had a similar reaction during a ship visit on the then HAL Rotterdam which is now, of course, Fred's Borealis. Not sure how much of an advertising feature Fred make of them, but HAL thought they were quite the selling point.

I haven't worked on a Fred for a few years now, but I always remember the smell of it on board the ships I did (Braemar and Black Watch) and that passengers automatically assumed they could light up in our terminal (they couldn't and still can't).

"From 1st April 2025, smoking will no longer be permitted on cabin balconies. This applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic cigarettes that emit any vapour – even water vapour. Electronic cigarettes that don’t emit vapour will continue to be permitted for use inside cabins and on cabin balconies but are not permitted in any non smoking public areas."

Virtuosa is currently sailing passenger-less around Africa on her way back from Dubai to Southampton. Essential crew only. So, Chef Lisa may well be on either Seascape or Meraviglia very soon.

Changes apply from 1st April 2025. When smoking will no longer be permitted on balconies (with the exception of e-cigarettes that do not emit smoke, which will continue to be allowed in cabins / balconies and designated areas). All three ships will still have multiple designated outdoor smoking areas across several decks where smoking / vaping will be permitted.

Now it's funny you say that, but I've already booked 2025, I have now also for 2026 and have managed to co-ordinate Virtuosa with a short Queen Mary 2. Beyond delighted, particularly as both ships are filling very quickly, Virtuosa because of some new itineraries and ports to MSC and the latter just because she's Queen Mary 2.

No green beans ?!! However, in all seriousness, as a pescatarian myself, I would be disappointed with that. Especially with a cover charge.

I'm also a fan of the Boots anti-viral foam, although putting my NHS hat on, fully agree that soap and water applied properly is really the only way forward with norovirus exposure. I also use my elbows to steady myself on escalators and stairs, not just on cruise ships, although I appreciate others may require much more grip. Why elbows .. well, I've yet to meet anyone who can then touch their faces with them.

To be honest, the difference in price buying in advance or buying on board isn't huge .. from memory about £4 or 5. Still quite the bargain from what one would pay to see in a theatre in the UK.

There are two performances on a given day of the same show. There's no way they could set up the effects to do two different shows each day. You can book for your chosen show via your booking on the MSC UK site, but you cannot pick your day or time until you are on board - the price includes a "free" alcoholic / non-alcoholic cocktail. The times of the shows are 7.45pm and 9.45pm. Last year (can't promise this year will be the same), Arkymea was on days 1, 3 and 5 and Ajredez on days 2, 4 and 6. For what it's worth, having seen each show twice, in my humble opinion, Arkymea is the better one.

I believe most MSC refunds for anything take two banking cycles

Have eaten solo in Hola! on two different ships (sorry, cannot comment on steak restaurant as pescatarian). Never had any issues, felt awkward or treated any differently Take your phone, a book or the daily program with you.

If you like Indian cuisine, Kutis in Mayflower Park is lovely (don't open on Mondays though) https://www.kutis.co.uk/food-menu But as others have said, there is a wide choice across the street in PI West Quay. The restaurant in the PI - Thyme - is okay. Think 'Spoons.

You need to claim through your own insurance, not MSC. This has been in effect for some time now.