Sophistikatie

Thanks scott! Yes that could also be an option with the camel ride - I must look into it :)

Thats great Dididi - thanks for letting me know :) Do you have any idea what time they closed at night?

Thanks ToadOfToadHall you are being very helpful. Re the hold I guess I thought if I was topping up my account in cash and the account was always in credit with the cash - they wouldn't need to put a hold on my debit card as I wouldn't be using it to pay anyway. I was thinking of putting $500 or similar on my account and topping up again later in the journey if necessary.

Does anyone know the distance between the cruise port and Rancho Texas? Cant seem to get a straight answer through googling!

Also has anyone been here and would you recommend with a 3 year old?

Thanks!

Thanks you Bracarense - I have looked into the Cies islands and they look amazing! I think I will be adding it to our itinerary!

Re. Lisbon - how far are the aquarium and the zoo from each other and the port?

Great thank you! I must look into times etc. Looks like we will be in Vigo from 9am to 5.30 so should be plenty of time and may leave us with an hour or two back in Vigo after. The beaches on the islands look amazing :)

I am also looking into things to do in Vigo and one thing that has been recommended to me is a trip to the Cies Islands. I have done some research since and I have to say I will be hoping to visit them depending on ferry times etc. Think it is a 40 minute ferry ride so still enough time to enjoy. Supposed to be one of the nicest beaches in Europe!

Thanks for the very informative replies everyone. I do see the point re medical emergencies - in this case a credit card may well be very valid.

Regarding paying in cash - can one just go to the Pursers desk and top up the account whenever they want? Surely there would be no need to put a hold on any card as long as the account remained in credit at all times?

Is it possible and worthwhile to do a day trip to the Cies Islands when docked in Vigo?

No I would rather not get a credit card.

Any idea on what that amount of hold is or how they calculate it? Just worried about problems as sometimes these holds take a few days to clear etc.

Yes I have a debit card - however I know I sometimes run into issues with not having one with hotels etc. and want to make sure our holiday is stress free. Will I need to have a certain amount on the debit card at all times or anything like that?

I do not have a credit card - is this going to be a problem going on a QV cruise? Would love some advice on this..

We are going on a cruise on May 10th to Spain, Portugal and the Canaries on Cunard Queen Victoria and are trying to put together a bit of a plan. Myself and my partner are travelling with our 3 year old girl so we want to do more family friendly activities (waterparks/zoos etc) rather than historical/museum type things.

We are hoping to go to Loro Parque in Tnerife - i know this seems to be a 40 minute taxi drive but am hoping it will be worth it. Siam Park would be too far.

In the Gran Canaria would it be possible to go to both Palmitos Park and Aqualand Maspalomas on a day trip? Are these far from the cruise port? Love the look of the dolphin encounter and swimming with sealions!

Currently looking at options for Lanzarote also - if we have done waterparks/zoos we might just go to a nice beach or some watersports - any suggestions? Or is the waterpark there good and near to port?

Our other ports are Lisbon, Vigo, La Coruna and Madeira. I know there is a big aquarium in Lisbon that we may visit but if anyone has any suggestions for here or the other ones that would be great!

Oh my god Colin, I would be in my element! :)

Oh lovely, i hadn't seen this referred to anywhere. Travelling May 10th to Spain Portugal and the Canaries so hoping for it to be warm enough!

Oh wow that sounds great! :) Looking forward to the speciality restaurants more than the fine dining if I am honest! Are the speciality dining buffet style too?

Oh thats great!

Looking forward particularly to sushi at sea a couple of nights hopefully :)

Oh that's great. Leaves more space in my luggage! Thanks everyone :)

How often do they have each speciality restaurant in the Lido? For example is it Prime one day then Bamboo the next etc. and then start over again? Love the look of their menus! :)

Thanks for the tips!

Can anyone provide me with specifics on the kids club - opening times etc and closing times at night?

This is a great thread.

Does anyone have daily programmes uploaded for Queen Victoria?

Oh that's great!

Do they have all types of books, from chick lit to crime (like Harlan Coben etc?)

Is one able to take books from the library on Queen Victoria - to read in the cabin or other areas?

I read a lot and quite quickly so hoping not to have to bring lots of books with me and enjoy the ones on board instead.

What types of books do they have in the library?

We will be going on a 12 night cruise on Queen Victoria to Lisbon, Madeira, Canary Islands etc. on May 10th with our 3 year old girl. We won this cruise (still pinching myself :) ) and have had no experience with cruising before. I understand Cunard isn't the most focused on child activities but I have seen they have children's club etc. so hoping it will be fine.

Has anyone travelled on Queen Victoria and have any experiences or insights on this?

Thanks - that's really informative. I hope they stick to those times as there is "early afternoon" given on the Cunard site where it is 17:00 on the link you have given me. Thanks again!