AndyMichelle

Now there's a problem.. My choice on both menus would be pie... Is it acceptable to 'double pie' 😊 Thanks for posting the menus Selborne, we have been playing along. Andy

We were on Britannia last July and commented how good condition we thought she was in... Not disputing others findings, but we didn't see any leaking roofs or damaged carpets. The public areas that we used appeared in good condition and our cabin was spotless. Hopefully the refit in April will iron out the issues as we are booked on her again shortly after. Our cruise was not perfect, but none of the niggles were because of the condition of the ship. We found her a good fit for us. Andy

Welcome. Your questions have been answered, but I will just add that tips are included, not worded as optional, so there is absolutely no need to tip if you don't want to. We tip for good service from anyone who we feel enhances our experience, but no longer feel obliged to. Have a great cruise. Andy

Enjoying the menus Selbourne, thank you. We are choosing what we would have each day. Have to say, I am finding more I would really enjoy on the limited lunch menu rather then dinner, but can always find something. Andy

Don't disagree, but surely they can't accept bookings from smokers then make it non smoking... Andy

Thank you, I laughed out loud at the 'deconstructed sherry trifle' with no sherry etc... 😂

We are non smokers, but many have the need and enjoy it, so agree that sensibly placed areas should be provided. I hope they don't remove them as we are booked on Britannia soon after the refit with Michelle's elderly Dad and partner who both smoke. We have booked them as close to the smoking area (G deck aft) as we could get as they have limited mobility. Never thought I would say this, but fingers crossed they leave the smoking areas just where they are... Andy

For drinks you can. The app was being used for dining for the evening and was very busy at peak times,, but we managed to get in twice. Definitely worth the visit. Andy

Fine for lunch, fine for drinks only and I believe kids are welcome, definitely seen teenagers in there. The dessert flights are definitely worth trying. Andy

Hilarious... But we were poor

My mate 'Grubby' used to work on the veg stall on Romford market, (pand o' mush 50) I worked for 'Peter the Pleater'... Andy

Britannia is very much a family friendly ship, as the Captain kept reminding us on our last trip. Kids are a constant in the Live Lounge, Brodies etc, but there may be some rule of not being allowed on the dance floor after 9.30? From our perspective, on our last cruise, kids were given far too much freedom with toddlers pulling over equipment on the stage and being allowed to sit on the bar in Brodies playing bingo gone 10pm, amongst various other things. We even found a young girl about 5-6 going up and down in the lifts gone midnight looking for her parents... We love seeing kids enjoy themselves, but there has to be some parental responsibility. The simple fact you are asking these questions in advance shows you are not that type of parent, so thank you for showing other passengers some respect. I hope you have a fantastic time, I'm sure you will. Andy

I love these threads... 😜 I really don't mind if formal nights are scrapped, I really don't mind if formal nights are kept because, you know what, I have choices. I can choose to book with other lines, I can choose to not partake if I don't fancy it. If I went to a nudist camp, can I choose to keep my socks on? 🤔 (Asking for a friend) Andy

So glad you are going, it sounds like you need it. Be prepared for the best night's sleep you have ever had in an inside. We prefer a balcony, but have had some great bargain holidays in the' blackout box'... Have a fantastic time. Andy

Nothing changes then... We were on Ventura at New Year in 2019, it was absolutely rammed, so much so that the Glasshouse was just being used as a pub and every venue was overcrowded. Staff were rushed off their feet. We put it down to parties of adults squeezing 4 into a cabin etc. Despite all that, it was still our best New Year ever, so can't have been all that bad. Andy

That's why we don't need to go into 'town' anymore Cathy. All our Christmas shopping was done in the places you mentioned, for the rest, we have Whiteley down the road. It was not a planned shunning of Southampton, just prefer the shopping/dining experience in the smaller places, with the added benefit of supporting local businesses where possible. Andy

I was just going to say that's a bit harsh, but then realised, despite us living just outside Southampton we never go there... Yep, stay on the ship😂 Andy

Oh Avril, just catching up with the posts. Wishing for a speedy recovery for Frank, but you must eat and rest, you will be no good to Frank if you make yourself ill... Sorry to nag... Sending all our love and prayers. Andy & Michelle xx

You definitely don't have to. It's not worded as optional, it is included. Some still do. Some never will. We do if somebody goes above and beyond but don't feel obliged to. Completely your choice... Andy

This will sound strange, but I preferred it when tipping was not included... I always felt the room stewards and waiters were 'working' for the tips, going the extra mile, now it just feels like they are 'just' doing their job. I appreciate they work extremely hard, but I never tipped for the first time ever on our last cruise as it felt like they didn't really care if we were happy or not. Andy

We are doing great Graham, thank you for thinking of us. I try to pop in occasionally, but struggle to keep up with all the goings on, so lurk more than comment these days. You are all still in our thoughts and hope you all have a fantastic Christmas. Andy & Michelle xx

We never used to think this way, but after our Britannia cruise this year, there were certainly times when we were so glad to have the balcony, sometimes you just need a break from certain types of behaviour... Andy

We are similar age to you, slightly older, and although I see the value, our recent bookings we are 'paying a bit more to get a bit more'. There is no getting away from how things have changed, for better or worse, but seeking a bit of solace on our balcony, or switching lines to get a bit better service etc, seem to have crept up on us. We have 2 balcony Britannia cruises and one QM2 booked for next year, so I suppose we have, unwittingly, moved away from the bargains. Andy

We love a balcony, but have had some great 'bargain' cruises in inside cabins. We still mostly choose balcony, but would I rather have 2 cruises inside for the price of 1 balcony? I suppose it depends on destination, do I need a balcony in say Hamburg in December, probably not. Horses for courses and I definitely get both sides of the argument. Andy

Exactly right Snow Hill. No story here. The time to be concerned would have been 2015 when the PE invested. They have probably stabilised the business and made it sellable again, it's their job. Either that, or they would have stripped the assets and dissolved the company, which hasn't happened. They will be hoping to sell it back to the industry, which is good news for everyone. Andy