LondonLad60

I didn't really mind being shot at. I was more miffed at being awoken from my afternoon Zzzz by the sound of a pipe and drum band outside our balcony...

If one of your Italian ports is Livorno, I suggest you try it in a restaurant called Il Paradosso - you can find it on google maps. The food there is also very good.

My favourite coffee in Italy is a Ponce (which thankfully is pronounced ponchay), and it's a speciality of the town of Livorno. It consists of a small glass of sweet espresso, a shot of rum, a shot of brandy and a slice of lemon. After three of those one lunchtime I was left feeling rather mellow for the rest of the afternoon...

As this will be your first Saga cruise, could you please consider writing a review on your return? I'm sure the regulars on this forum would love to hear your thoughts.

Sipsmith and Tanqueray are also on the inclusive list.

I'm pretty certain that the slimline tonic is Britvic

I've never had any problem accessing any venue when wearing a lounge suit and tie on formal nights

On cruises where there is bridge, the card room is in use between 10:00am and noon for beginners and improvers instruction and from 2:00pm for duplicate play. I have seen other people playing in there during instruction, but providing they sit at the other end from where the instruction is taking place, and provided they are quiet, the instructors tend to tolerate them. The instruction sessions only take place on sea days - not sure about the duplicate play. I've seen people playing card games in the Living Room, which is a good idea as it's easy to hail a passing waiter and ask for a drink.

Up to 7600 passengers including kids? Rather you than me...

The world's largest cruise ship (Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas) is soon to arrive in Miami. From the cruisecritic news page: "Icon of the Seas is also the size of a small city, with the ability to carry up to 7,600 passengers (double occupancy is 5,610 people, but the ship is built for families so expect that number to be higher) and 2,350 crew. It measures 1,198 feet long – more than three football fields – and is 250,800 gross tons." It also has, "...the largest waterpark at sea, with six waterslides, and a suspended infinity pool" Any Saganauts fancy booking a cruise on her? No? Thought not...

Not really of any help to you, but I'm reminded of a thread when this question was asked some years ago. One gentleman replied, "On any cruise of longer than 7 nights I always pack a spare pair of underpants, just in case of an accident". I assumed his tongue was firmly in his cheek... On a more sensible note, I'm not sure how many electric sockets there are in Ventura's cabins, so a four socket extension lead could prove useful if you need to use multiple appliances at the same time.

On our last cruise (SoA ,Med in September), instead of cramming everyone into the Britannia Lounge, library and North Cape Bar, use was made of other venues - our tag no.was 14, and our venue was the Khukuri House. The Supper Club was also used.

I empathise with you over disembarkation, but at least it is organised, and to me it is preferable to the last time I disembarked from Arcadia, which was just chaotic.

It's worth a try, but don't hold your breath. I have written directly to Paul Ludlow at P&O, and also to the CEO of Sainsbury's. On both occasions, I was replied to by customer services executives.

I never fill in the questionnaire on the ship - I always do it from home; for the reasons you mention, plus, as far as I'm concerned, the cruise doesn't end until the chauffeur pulls up outside our house. By doing this, if there is any last minute issues (such as disembarkation) they can be mentioned.

Perhaps they appreciate that if you want the best, you have to pay for it.

I was on SoD's Christmas cruise last year. Take an additional small case or holdall - you'll need it for all the goodies you'll be given during the cruise. Either that, or don't pack your main cases to full capacity. This advice was given to me before the cruise last year, and I thought the person who offered the advice was joking. She wasn't.

If anyone is travelling to Cumbria they have every right to be concerned, although hopefully things should improve by tomorrow https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67604834

Followed by keelhauling.

On a New Year 2017 cruise, I can't remember for certain, but I think they started to come down on January 2nd.

I was on Aurora Christmas 2019. My Christmas Day lunch consisted of a hot dog and fries washed down by a couple of glasses of Rioja out on the open deck. Dinner was a much more grand affair - it was a formal night, and the dinner had seven courses - starter, soup, sorbet, main, dessert and cheese. For the seventh course waiters brought around trays on which were mini mince pies, slices of Christmas cake, dried and candied fruits, nuts, etc. Whatever else, you certainly won't go hungry. I don't know how or why this comment has been posted again - it wasn't me. Honestly!

I was on Aurora Christmas 2019. My Christmas Day lunch consisted of a hot dog and fries washed down by a couple of glasses of Rioja out on the open deck. Dinner was a much more grand affair - it was a formal night, and the dinner had seven courses - starter, soup, sorbet, main, dessert and cheese. For the seventh course waiters brought around trays on which were mini mince pies, slices of Christmas cake, dried and candied fruits, nuts, etc. Whatever else, you certainly won't go hungry.

I was on SoA in September, and Shane was the Cruise Director. Without wishing to tempt fate, I thought he was pretty good.

Three on each ship. For descriptions and sample menus see https://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/ocean/our-ships/spirit-of-adventure/fine-dining.aspx and https://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/ocean/our-ships/spirit-of-discovery/fine-dining.aspx

No, you can only book once on board.