Cardiff girl

Also, I found the Bilbao shuttle details on last year's programme - £13 adult & £11 child for a return from the pier to the centre of Bilbao, around 30 minutes drive.

@amurray88 you're right - I'd completely forgotten that. Last year there was a complimentary shuttle from the ship to Place de Verdun, by the cathedral, about 20-25 minutes away.

Thanks @perakcruiser, I'll check bus times next time. Also, travellers should allow time for the shuttle from the ship to the gates - you aren't allowed to walk, and it can take a while to fill up.

My experience with the local shuttle two years ago was chaotic and time-wasting, though the people on P&O/MSC shuttles didn't have complaints, apart from paying more. Last year I got the train from Blankenberge and that worked well. Finding a group to share the cost of a big taxi would be quickest and easiest, as they drop you in the centre.

Do trains often sell out with prebookings, like on some other routes? I'm a bit wary of buying in advance, in case we miss the train.

Thanks @alserrod. I'll probably do that, like I did a year ago, but I was wondering how much the shuttle was, which might be easier and quicker. It's a half hour walk up to the metro.

@elmsliebev How did you get on with your cruise? Hope you had a good time. I'm reviving this for up to date shuttle prices and travel tips for Le Havre and Bilbao, if anyone has them. I`ve found my programme from 2022, when the Le Havre shuttle was €10.99 return for adults, €8.99 for children (3-13 years). Tickets were left in cabins the night before, bar codes scanned as you board, so you only paid if you used it. The shuttle ran 2km to Place Perrett, leaving every 40 minutes. First shuttle 9.30, last from ship 16.00, last back to the ship 19.30. Any updates? I'm also looking for current info on: La Rochelle - I think you walk from the ship Bilbao - docks in Getxo 20 km away, and last time I got the local metro La Coruña - I think you walk from the ship Thanks in advance.

Thanks for posting all those. Which brand of mineral water do they sell? Was it in plastic or have they started doing cans of water?

I don't recall any taxis around the coach park in Bargeweg. There may have been benches in Minnewater Park, which you walk through to the centre, but if you have mobility issues, could you find others to share a cab? They go straight to the centre, meaning more time in Bruges and shorter queues for boat trips, etc, if you're the first ones there!

I think they're two different processes, and if you're happy with what you've got I'd cancel your balcony bid and save the ££. When are you going? Hope you have a lovely first solo cruise. There should be plenty of opportunities to meet up with other solos.

Google maps has the 24, 25, 35 and 95 buses into the city from Museu de les Ciences stop. Then the challenge is finding the bus stop back 🤔...

Goes to show you can't assume - three different times we've experienced between us. Maybe it's earlier on the bigger ships? Anyway, a cab back from Reid's shouldn't take long so as long as you book a sensible time you should be OK. Loads of other diners will be going back to the ship.

I've emailed P&O customer service in the past and got arrival and departure times, though with the caveat that they could change. Sandancer, in the past Funchal has been 9.30 aboard for 10pm sailaway on the standard Canaries/Madeira route, but on repositioning it's 5.30 for 6pm. Does it say 'early evening'?

Thanks for this. Jumping on this, what about shuttles for Palma de Majorca and Cagliari?

We got a pair of swans on Azura in December. I think it's down to the steward, if there are kids or an occasion, but generally speaking, don't expect towel animals. MSC still do them, along with turndown.