Altrincham Charter

First time to Italy for me today. I did the Rome and Sistine Chapel excursion. Walked loads today and suitably worn out. We had a brilliant guide. Rome was incredible and so glad that I didn't do the hop-on hop-off type of day because I wouldn't have known where to start. Looking forward to 2 sea days.

Enroute to Barcelona on Tuesday.

First time I've been able to log-on to the forum as I've not been on the Internet often this last week. I am in board and having a fab time. All ports are new destinations for me, except Cadiz. I was blown away by Barcelona yesterday. I did an open-top hop-on bus, and was on it for several hours. I will definitely be back to visit Barcelona. I have ventured to G32 most nights as there's always seats available and there's been a band on too. I had a fabulous view last night port-side from my cabin of the sunset a couple of hours after leaving Barcelona. The Captain's forecast last night of the mistral wind was spot-on as there was some movement in the early hours. Just had a fab morning in Marseille on the little train. Best wishes to you all, Linda.

On the horizon heading due east to Liverpool (seen here passing the most northerly village in Wales).

Ryde webcam captured Queen Mary 2 earlier, en route to Liverpool.

I’m happy with the cabin that I’ve booked and I won’t be bidding. There’s also another reason why I won’t be bidding: If you are sailing solo, you will be charged 200% of your offer amount.

My email has arrived too (just opened it this morning). I am tempted to submit an offer for Britannia Club, as I would quite like a high cabin (deck 12/13). At the same time, I am also happy with the location of the sheltered cabin that I’ve booked. I’ve never done this before and it feels quite exciting to bid for a cabin 😀

Thank you @Host Hattie. I am now in a sheltered balcony (Port). What swayed me was the very specific tips from @Summergee and @exlondoner about having sunshine in the morning on the way south (to help get used to the heat, plus the bonus of a few days of experiencing sunrises), and then having sunshine late in the day on the way back to help with the knowledge that the ship is heading home.

The perfect tip. Two good points from yourself and @Summergee. Thank you.

Many thanks for the replies. This is a great tip, and a scenario that I hadn’t considered. Cheers.

I am booked on the Queen Mary 2 on the 14-night sailing to the Mediterranean on 9th June. I am about to amend my booking from an Inside Cabin to a sheltered balcony. I want to ask fellow forum members if anyone has a preference of either Port or Starboard on a sailing from Southampton to/from the Med. I’m after some tips about sheltered cabin position, mostly to find out if there are any reasons for or against one side of the ship or the other when heading across the Bay of Biscay and round into the Mediterranean. Any guidance or advice (or interesting insights about things to look out for or consider) are very much appreciated. Many thanks and very best wishes.