elmsliebev

we're both from the UK and like you, we prefer a mix of nationalities. We're on a Tokyo to Singapore cruise later this year and have already linked up with some Aussies for a private tour. It will be our first Oceania cruise, though we've been with several other lines. Cunard is a favourite because of the mix of people but I have to say we're both looking forward to the less formal dress code on this one.

ok thanks. Hoping it's Ocean Terminal but as I think that's the easiest to get on the Star Ferry and to Victoria Peak.

does anyone know which terminal Oceania use in Hong Kong? We will be there in November on Regatta. Thanks.

I love the QE library - though I have to stop myself from reshelving the books properly! Your review is wonderful, I especially love the Commodore Club.

we were on QE in August 2022 and I ordered it then in the evenings. It's so good!

you can also order it in the evenings as part of room service.

My husband is lactose sensitive - like the OP he's ok with most cheese and kefir etc, but milk and cream are an issue. On QE in 2022 there was no problem getting lactose free milk in the MDR or the bars such as the Commodore Club and Cafe Carinthia. We also requested lactose free milk in the cabin and kept in the fridge. The maitre d came round each day in the MDR with the following day's menu to discuss the options. Finally I can recommend the Premium alcohol free drinks package, we made great use of it!

I asked about alcohol free drinks being in the Simply More package and was given this answer. Soft drinks in the cabin are also inclded AFAIK, don't know about AF beer. Good Morning, Non-alcoholic wines and beers are included in the House Beverage Package. Other inclusions are water, soft drinks, speciality tea and coffee.

we claimed when we got home from our QE trip. As you say, there may be other missed ports but I do hope not for your sake. Such a shame to miss Key West. I've been impressed with how Nationwide have handled the process, both for our covid exploits and a previous medical incident.

we have only used cabin confinment but I've just checked with my brother & sister-in-law who also had it. They got it per person for a missed port last September. When we claimed, I did it all on line, very easy process.

it's a flat fee for the add-on. We use Nationwide and bought the add on £40 cruise cover. Used it in 2022 when we were confined to cabin with Covid on QE. I can confirm no increase when I took it out again in 2023!

We use Nationwide and bought the add on £40 cruise cover. Used it in 2022 when we were confined to cabin with Covid on QE. I can confirm no increase when I took it out again in 2023!

I also have Tiffany form. My husband says I can spot the turquoise sign from at least half a mile away. He's not wrong. Very much enjoying your blog, it's made me consider a much longer trip once we are dogless!

that's great, thanks so much. A different site to the one I found that didn't have times on. And I now know that Liggetid means Length of Stay in Norwegian!

wow, wish we lived nearer! We are booked on her in June though.

thanks. I've just seen that there is a Cunard trip on the train departing after our train time so we'll be ok timewise.

we are in Flam on the Queen Anne in June and have booked the Flam railway. Tickets are fully refundable and we should be back in Flam by 15.45. The port schedules just show "early evening" departure time - any idea what time that means? Thanks.

we were on QE's Alaska season in 2022. One of the speakers we had was a woman from Manchester who is a whale expert. She was excellent, and was usually in the Garden Lounge late afternoon for a chat. We also had a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, very good. My favourite was a woman called Felicty Aston who took an all-female team of novices to the North Pole. She was so inspiring. Cunard used to give details of speakers well in advance on the website but I don't think that happens now.

we are on our first Oceania cruise in October. it's 16 nights - will there be more than 1 Captain's Cocktail party? I know we won't get invited to repeat cruisers events!

might one alternative be to download the Kindle app on to Lady S's ipad? I know it's bulkier to use but I have the Kindle app on my ipad mini and it works very well. I prefer it to my actal Kindle now.

Azura is already in the Canaries. We were on the repo cruise in October, in an inside cabin and had a great time. Certanly slept well, and had no problems finding plenty of peaceful outside space to relax.

we flew from T2 in October and it was fabulous! We were with Jet2 who were very well organised. It was an early flight and we did baggage drop and through security in under 20 minutes. We had an excellent breakfast in Wagamama. It's the best experience going through Manchester for many years.

I've just done this for a Cunard cuise and I skipped the income, phone number bit. Waiting to see if it gets approved!

I sent off an email to claim my Shareholder OBC for my cruise later this year. I got an email back saying they are trialling a new way of claiming via an app called Stock Perks. I have downloaded it and applied, using the same screenshot proof as I'd done previously. Just waiting to see what happens next! It's not particularly onerous but it's a US-developed app eg they ask for zip code not post code. You can skip bits where they ask for some extra details like income (why??), gender (also why??), etc. anyone else used it? The email doesn't say you have to use it and I expect that if I pushed back there would be the "old" way of doing it still, though it doesn't mention that in the email.

Yes, the market in Cagliari, San Bernadetto I think. It was about a 30-40 minute walk.