jeanlyon

We have a few ports we are happy to go to, have a wander, a light lunch, just take in the atmosphere. We do mainly like to try to see new places. One of the reasons I have booked Fred Olsen for 2024. St Malo, Brest, Madeira, 2 ports in the Azores and Oporto. Makes a change. This year on Aurora, they have already substituted, Rhodes with Messina which I am not happy about, having never been to Rhodes.

Yes agree. Just that if Azura was too big, we wouldn't be trying anything bigger!

I tried Azura a few years ago. Hated it. Crowded, noisy, particularly with that awful seascreen. And too big.

Same here. Haven't cruised since October 2019, so our cruise on Aurora in October is one that has been moved 3 times. We have also booked Fred Olsen for April 2024. So we are going with an open mind. I'm sure Aurora will be much as we remember. We don't cruise on the bigger ones. they just don't appeal. Why do we cruise? Don't want to fly. Fairly easy run for us to Southampton and then the holiday starts once you're unpacked.

I have never watched them either. In fact, when they appear in ads, I can't bear them.

Exactly what I think. What would I do with him?

Sorry to hear that. Dysentery is nasty. I've had it when I was aircrew. We had a loo blocked off on the aircraft just for crew. We all had it. Ours was amoebic dysentery. Might depend upon where they picked up the water. Actually, although I can quite understand why you took the Immodium, it's the worst thing you can do, as the bugs need to get out, not be kept in. I am really surprised they didn't have antibiotics on board. They always have before.

Just wish you had told me 5 years ago!! 🤣 Also, can't think why I never looked into it myself.

That looks like the one for us then!!

What the hell does a concierge do. I don't even understand the term in relation to a ship? If you look it up it says Guest Relations Manager?

Yes you have to have a Nationwide Flexplus account. It's £13 a month which is £156 a year and covers you for worldwide travel, mobile phone and breakdown cover. Our upgrade for 2 med conditions for my husband was £141.40 - age extensioin for both of us £65 and cruise cover (missed ports, cabin confinement) £40. Total for us £401. I almost cannot believe the price considering my lowest quote for only European cover was £850 and up to £1500.

Can I just thank those who advised me about the above travel insurance. I am now covered for annual worldwide cover with 2 medical conditions (we are 76 and 85) for the amazing sum of £401. Just wish I had know about this before. Been with the NW for over 20 years! LOL Cheapest other quote was £850 and most other were over £1K. I learnt something interesting. Having declared my hip replacement, I was told that as I wasn't on any meds and had no problems in the last 12 months, I don't need to declare it.

absolutely agree. The only good thing about my Caribbean tier is the on board discount.

Never have known what the devil they are for. Mine go in the bin. Bit like being at school. Get a badge if you are a prefect!

We;ve paid more than we usually do for this one, but just decided we wanted to do it. The next one will be a late booking.

Never need to eat again at that time of night. Why would you?

St Malo, Brest, Madeira and the Azores, back via Oporto. Following the eclipse apparently. On Bolette. Shirley's last cruise was on Bolette and she really liked it.

I had a reply that told me nothing, so you aren't missing much!

Yes I would never stay with the same company without doing a comparison. Mind you, having started with Nationwide, I don't think we are going to get it cheaper. taking into account the £13 per month for the account, our worldwide is going to cost just under £400. that includes my husbands 2 conditions, age uplift and cruise uplift. You also get mobile phone insurance and breakdown cover.

Just in the process of doing that. It's going to save us a fortune. Even with Age extension and Cruise cover.

I have halved my annual insurance price thanks to those on here telling me to upgrade my Nationwide Flex account.

Ha ha. You hit the nail on the head there. Just had to Jehovah's witnesses on the door step and when I said very nicely, I don't believe in religion, they went on and on and asked me who made the beauty on the planet. I said "science and biology". And they went on again. I have said this before, I feel very lucky that in my flying career starting in the 70s, we had black, brown, Chinese, Muslim and gay crew. We never even noticed. It was just whether you were a nice decent person or not. I feel it's rather a shame that it is necessary to have gay get togethers, but it obviously is, so good luck to you. Andrew, I well remember meeting you with my husband and Shirley and you telling us about losing your partner. As you chose to join us on quite a few nights after that I can only assume we made you feel comfortable, either that or you just loved Shirley singing.🥰

Usually the case. Same on P&O

which restaurants did you go to? Is there an Indian or Asian one. That would be good.

Thanks for that. Really good to know. My friend did enjoy the ship, but very sad to say she died in January. Rather sudden. We shall miss cruising with her. Yes really pleased to have booked. Calling at St Malo and Brest, so that will be different.