Fionboard

Notice they are plugging the new "Wellbeing" cruises. Wonder why they are not popular?

The embarkation lunch is always offered to upper tiers and suites. On one of my Aurora cruises earlier this year it was packed, plus they had to hold four Peninsular lunches! Not unusual for Aurora though.

Only a short walk across the road and you are on the sea front with shops, cafes, etc. The main part of the town is quite hilly.

My lunch on Aurora in August was buffet. Maybe it depends on numbers.

The Aurora Baltic last month had shuttles to town. Glad I took one as the walk is quite long and it was very hot! Lovely place.

Only been on Fred once and it was about nine years ago. Was surprised at the number of younger folk on there. Was a good cruise to Norway.

I have that on every cruise because I stick mainly to Aurora and Arcadia.

Had wide screens on all ships in past year, except Ventura.

You do get more for your money on Aurora and Arcadia but then you do pay a lot more! Worth it though.

Go to MDR and ask as soon as you board. 2nd sitting is least popular. Never had a problem.

She has already had a lot of new carpets, furniture, mattresses, deck furniture , curtains, etc. and was looking pretty tidy last month.

I did not say antisocial. However travelling alone is very different from travelling as a couple. I would hate to dine alone on a cruise as I do that at home. I can see the posters point though about the crowding of tables nowadays. Difficult to find a bit of your own space if you want that.

Wish I could get a reduction on my cruise next Xmas on Arcadia. However current price has gone up nearly £1500 from when I booked last Xmas so not holding my breath! No reduction on the Canada one this month either. Obviously must be just for cruises in 24/25.

Could well be. Have not been on her since last year.

Serenity pool is the adults only area. Nice pool and bar. No charge. Retreat is chargeable.

If you do not want to be sociable you can always get room service.

Never been asked to show it. Certificate or schedule should be fine, however, if you were asked.

Yes, right outside. You can see Aurora on this pic taken in March.

Love some of the comments by the expert weather forecasters and vessel masters on here (who were not there)!

Unfor Agree absolutely. Bad things can happen on holiday - fires, storms, floods, tsunamis, even terrorist attacks. Those of us who love to travel must accept the risks or stay at home. Just hope those involved in this incident eventually get home soon and safely.

Aurora has big TVs, unlike Ventura ones which I have to put my driving glasses on to see!

Have been cruising solo for 12 years. Have always had fixed dining and made some long term friends from it. Hate Freedom dining. Personally I prefer the small ships as I always meet people I have cruised with before and find the ambience much more sociable and friendly. You meet the same people around the ship and even when ashore. Have never needed the solo get togethers. I have enjoyed all the ships except Iona on which I had the most lonely and boring cruise (only went on it because it was a giveaway price!) However, these are my personal preferences and I would not want to put anyone off trying the big ships as we all have different tastes. Luckily, there is something for everyone.

Shown on the bar code on your boarding pass.

Storms in the Med can be sudden and violent. Probably made worse now by global warming. Was visiting my father who lived in Majorca once after worst storm for 100 years. Dead livestock and trees in the marina and most of the crops and soil washed away along with roads and bridges. It took everyone by surprise then, probably the same now.

Of course not. I meant I would pay for it myself! Just enquiring about flights as my car would be in Southampton.