Emmandjay

Perhaps we should start up our own boarding time 'swap' group. We have 3.30 for our next cruise and would love to have your 1pm, as invariably we will get to the port much earlier. Don't turn this into a big discussion thread again!

If you are thinking of taking the coastal tram, it's worth going on to DeHaan. Still the seaside but a more attractive town. There's nothing to see near the port.

Good to know that we can drop the car and the luggage early. We don't want to walk to anywhere in particular, just don't fancy sitting around in the terminal.

Is there any reason why you can't turn up about noon, drop off the car with CPS, hand in the luggage, then walk back out of the terminal into Southampton until your later boarding time? Appreciate that this may not be an option for the less mobile.

On our first P&o cruise a couple of years ago we passed some time in Southampton before driving up about half an hour before our allotted time of 3.30. We were greeted by huge queues of cars, similar to when you board a cross channel ferry. We were worried at one point that we wouldn't get on before Britannia sailed! We eventually boarded over an hour later.

It spoiled the day somewhat as it was our wedding anniversary and we had booked a meal in the Epicurean.

Just trying to avoid the same situation on our forthcoming cruise.

With Celebrity you park yourselves in their designated parking area. Your luggage will be collected from there and you only carry your hand baggage to the terminal. Usually they will be at your car as soon as you have parked and will load your cases into their truck.

Blu is our main reason for booking Aqua Class. It's really good.

Celebrity used to give much better port information. On our last cruise (Baltic), you had to go to the excursions desk to get a printed sheet, which wasn't much help. I agree with Steamboats re thorough research beforehand and always download maps and guided walks where I can. It only takes a small notebook and a few sheets of paper. Trip Advisor and CC forums are great sources too.

The ships have overpriced excursions - avoid them where possible.

We were on Eclipse in May. There were long queues to exit the ship, as expected. I would recommend people to get there early if possible. Once off the ship we were impressed with the operation in the terminal. Lots of lines were open, we were directed by a member of staff and the lines moved at a steady rate. I would say that the immigration officers were serious rather than unfriendly and indeed, on returning that evening, we got a smile!

The terminal was clean and tidy both inside and outside.

Day 2 there were very short lines. I appreciate that you have a difficult job, especially if there are numerous ships in port so I'd like to say well done and thank you .

We enjoyed your city too!

Recently did this cruise on Eclipse.

Zeebrugge - port provides shuttle bus to gates. Short walk to tram stop.

Warnemunde - docks right in town near railway station.

Tallin - near old town. Easily walkable.

St Petersburg - some way out but most people on booked excursions picked up there.

Helsinki- West terminal. Short walk to tram stop. Tram takes you to main station.

Stockholm - Frihamnen. Local bus stop at port gate. Could possibly be walkable if fit.

Copenhagen - Langelinie terminal. Short walk from Little Mermaid.

Hope this helps.

We did this cruise in September a couple of years ago. The North Sea crossing was relatively calm both ways (it can be quite rough). On the whole the weather was fine except for a very rainy day in Bergen and some sudden thundery downpours in Stavanger. In Geiranger it was really warm and sunny.

This is a great cruise and one we wouldn't mind repeating sometime.

Agree with the OP - the production shows were awful. Rock city in particular was very 'shouty' and the choreography could have been better.

Damian, the CD was a little over the top -calm down dear! He could be good if he was less frenetic all the time.

On the Eclipse now. Feel very sorry for the people who are sick and missing some of this wonderful cruise.

I must commend the staff for their efforts in dealing with this outbreak. They are working so hard, continuously cleaning and sanitizing. Many are having to do double shifts, serving in the dining room and then spending the afternoon cleaning it all.

Those of us who are still healthy have a lot to thank them for.

Thanks for your informative reports. Love the fact that the latest Aqua class perk is half a cherry tomato and different breadsticks - they should publicise this more. Who needs daily water anyway?

Seriously, please look after the ship as we are on the next cruise (22 May Baltics). Eight days and counting!

We cruised to Norway on the Eclipse a couple of years ago. Whilst the sea wasn't rough, there was a noticeable swell giving a slight rolling effect for some of the time. The captain said he was using the stabilisers and I think this helped a lot. Depends really on how much you personally suffer from motion sickness - I felt a little unsteady, DH not affected at all.

We also have the unlimited internet package for 2 (as part of a promo). Mine will probably go unused as I don't take a tablet or phone on holiday.

Do you think I could ask Guest Services to swap it for something else such as extra OBC, or maybe a meal at a speciality restaurant? We already have a drinks package.

Hi again

Took your advice 'on board' and paid by phone today.

email invoice arrived this evening showing all balances paid. Result!

Thanks once again.

Thanks both -that's very helpful. We'll wait for Celebrity to contact us and then we'll probably pay by phone. Agree that their website isn't the greatest.

The final payment for our upcoming cruise is due in the next couple of weeks. Have searched the website to find out whether we can pay on line, but can't find the info.

Can anyone point us in the right direction?

Many thanks.

Thanks everyone. Ehg you were very helpful. I guess we should plan for any type of weather!

We're looking at private tours with Alla or TJ for St Petersburg.

Help please from anyone who did this cruise this year.

Were there any ports, apart from St Petersburg, where the ship docked too far away to walk into town?

If you did the ship excursions in St Petersburg, were they good value for money? Did you see as much as the private group tours?

In general, if you sailed in May, what was the weather like?

Thanks for any info.

How far in advance of your cruise did you book? We will be there next May/June.

A good idea -not everyone's comfortable with formal dress on holiday.

Agree that some standards should be set. At least a jacket for men and no shorts or T shirts in dining rooms.