Ian T

It was all surprisingly smooth the process, from pulling into the test centre at the mayflower terminal to walking on board was about 45 minutes.

i am sure the process will get slicker as time passes , just make sure you have all information to hand as it makes each step a bit quicker .

We went and watched Morecombe and Wise, as we wanted to see what the whole dinner and show experience was like. We wasnt so keen on the show but could see how it could be a good experience with an act you really liked.

Pulse were very good in the live lounge

Last couple of 2 night cruises we have done, their has been extra security on board. they usually hung around the various bars all day and night. They stayed in the background but were just visible enough, to be fair haven't seen any trouble either.

We tried Sindhu on Ventura last summer for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the food and experience, their was some interesting choices on the menu too.

Webcams seem to have got hidden or vanished

We used a tender a couple of years ago in Cannes, it all went smooth. You get the usual peak times as any of the large ships but outside of this all was ok. We have also used the tender on Ventura and the Britannia experience was similar to this if that helps

My daughter was in this age range and she loved it, the kids can do their own thing or get involved and is a good way for them to make friends.

Also my nephew went in there and he made mates too

Their are lots of tables for 2 in the mdr and on both sittings, although be prepared that they can all be close together, ( imagine a person and bit gap between you and the next table in some areas). gives you potentially the best of both worlds.

10 hours ago, sidekick180 said:

Thank you everyone for your very valuable input. Obviously it will be what it will be. Hopefully calm both ways, but if not, there is always the bar. I will just have to make sure the other half gets so drunk that she thinks it's just the effects of the alcohol and not the ships movement.

I like this approach and she will be able to laugh through it, if it occurs

15 hours ago, Eglesbrech said:

Standards or rather quality of the overall product has dropped, for example stopping the really fancy chocolate buffets, special midnight buffets with ice carvings, champagne fountains, complimentary room service, iced water in the cabin each day, proper tea sets in the cabin, silver service, band at the sail away etc etc. Some are not that big a deal but I do miss some of it. 

 

 

 

I agree its a shame the chocolate buffets and associated tour of the galley is no more, as this was a highlight. I have witnessed one ice carving in recent years but not on each cruise which was the norm. With the bigger ships it helps having several entertainment locations, so if their is an act or 2 on you don't fancy then their is always something else to see, even if it is watching the world go by.

Its interesting reading the views /opinions on this topic and that's what makes a debate. I personally have seen some changes in the 30 years I have been cruising, however some of the changes are due to their being more passengers and bigger ships. For me personally and my family the variety of services etc on the ships has meant some cracking holidays and making new friends who we have cruised with since. I cant personally say I have noticed a change in the quality of food in any of the locations, yes it was good getting the service at the table for the vegetables etc, but I guess the meal is now quicker to be able to eat.

Here is a question, are standards dropping or are choices evolving in the same way as modern life?

We was on Ventura last summer and they had a new singer for Pulse, and each time she came on by the pool everyone disappeared. It got that bad that the rest of the band would play without her.

She departed the ship when it returned to Southampton.

Some of the entertainment team can be fiery but usually change their ways with guidance from above.