wowzz

From memory, the cut off is three days prior to the start of the cruise

The shareholded obc benefit has to approved every year, around July, so theoretically it can be withdrawn. Personally I think it unlikely that it will be stopped, given the resentment such action would cause.

They are newcomers?

And if you compared the cost to this time last year, you would need to have a lie down !

Actually, in the UK, holidays are one if the areas specifically excluded from age discrimination legislation, so banning under 18s is entirely legal. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance#:~:text=discrimination - dual characteristics-,Age discrimination,an exception from the ban

I know the feeling only too well !

Have to say that we don't bother with any of the hand sanitiser malarkey, and have had no problems for the last 50 years of travelling ! Used sanitiser for a short while in the early days of Covid, but again, stopped when it became apparent that the virus was highly unlikely to be transmitted via surface transference.

Not so sure about that. How does Saga get away with it, if it is illegal to discriminate on age grounds ?

You actually are talking about going through security, not customs.

We gave been on Sky and Regal recently. Both had basins at the buffet entrances, with staff encouraging you to wash your hands. We did, obvs - I just don't understand the mentality of those who refuse to do so.

Can't imagine wanting to get off that early ! Cup of tea in the cabin, then breakfast in the buffet, and stroll to the car 8:30 or so. Nice and leisurely, and then stop at Tesco Newbury for morning coffee. No rush.

What are you missing? Basically, spending as much time as possible ashore, preferably on a private tour, to see a little of the country you are visiting.

Source please ? Plus, what is the average cabin revenue/profitability per passsenger - no way that you will know that! It doesn't matter how old your passengers are, it's how much money they spend. And, guess what, us old uns spend more, cos we aren't going to be around that much longer ! Which is why we don't contribute to the drink smuggling threads - we have enough money to buy our own drinks !

Basically, your husband needs to wear a jacket and shirt and tie for formal nights.

I once flew to the US and back in 24 hours for a one day meeting. Never changed my watch, but I was in a confused state for some time afterwards. Hats off to flight crew who do it all the time.

I'm not arguing Harry. We are not all confrontational. Just saying that when the stars align, anything is possible.

So, even if all empty, only 600 pax, so cruise will be over 75% full !

I took it that you got off between 7:30 and 7:45 ! Even so, over over 40 miles in less than 45 minutes, taking the 30 mph limit in Southampton into account, is pretty good going !

Are you sure about your timings ? Not sure you can get out of Southampton in 10 minutes, let alone get beyond Newbury !

Which means nothing, as it does not take into account "guarantee" cabins. ie passengers who have booked a cabin grade, but who, as yet, have not been allocated a specific cabin.

No, but you can use the cc dining area for breakfast, with a better level of service, imho, than in the MDR.

You are correct. It obviously will vary from ship to ship. We experienced no staff issues on Regal at the end of May. I certainly would have been annoyed if I had to wait for cc dining.

Or, alternatively, small, luxury ships, charging top rates, leading to a higher roi !

On our last cruise, we never had to wait to be seated in the cc dining room for dinner. Same area each night, same waiters. However, we ate at European dining times (8 pm plus) not US dining times, which might make a difference.

I would be looking at developing new, untapped markets, and using the US market as a cash cow.