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If you don't fancy the market in Hamburg, or its chucking it down with rain or snow, I highly recommend the largest model railway in the world (complete with airport with 'flying' aircraft). https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com Simon

Since the rail companies were privatised, the ticketing system is a mystery to everyone and don’t even get me started on split ticketing! As you say, the prices do vary and that’s why you have to look and choose the price and time that works for you. As you say (again), if you buy a ticket for a particular service, you have got to use it on that train. As you can’t buy a ticket until next May/June anyway, I would wait and see what is happening nearer the time and we can help you out if need be. At least you have an idea now of prices and times. Simon

This route is usually operated by Southern Rail. Currently, there is one train an hour that does not require you to change trains, although if you were desperate, you could do it at any time by changing trains...personally, I wouldn't bother! You have plenty of time to plan your journey and you can't buy tickets until 12 weeks prior anyway. Current price is £9.50 and the trip is just under 2 hours, as this is essentially a commuter line that stops at nearly all stations, but you'll get to see the countryside! Probably best site is https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search You can use others, but £9.50 is cheap anyway, so probably not worth the bother. As to going to London and back, you have a choice of going to Victoria or London Bridge stations. Don't bother with the Gatwick Express...it costs more and saves you 5 minutes! Just a use a 'normal' train and as this again is a commuter route, I'd just buy a return ticket at Gatwick on the day. Everyone will now violently disagree with me!😁 Simon PS if you are at City Cruise terminal, its a 10 minute easy walk to the station.

I don't think this view applies just to CocoCay. On so many ports the excursions sold are "transfer to XYZ beach" or "...3 hrs free time at beach" or similar. Surely if you want to go to a beach, it must be cheaper to just go to a hotel/resort with a beach rather than a cruise! I don't like beaches either...would much rather be wandering round a town or something, but it gets me how many people just want to go to the beach...just seems odd to me! Simon

I was thinking that. Say flight arrives 1pm-ish, through immigration and baggage etc by 2.30, get to Kings Cross about 3.30-4...almost hitting peak time for fare prices and start of rush hour. I'm just wondering if it might be better to bite the bullet and stay somewhere near Kings Cross overnight?...just a thought. Simon

Thanks for the replies. Simon

How busy does The Quays get...especially at 'normal' meal times? Is it easy-ish to get a table? Simon

Lets try that again https://maps.app.goo.gl/hq7Wz5y3ck981Lmr6 Where the red pin is. Simon

When we parked with them last December , our car was here <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1352.5470262950364!2d-1.4506333550716326!3d50.913274022670386!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1696173657467!5m2!1sen!2suk" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe> according to the satnav. Simon

Thanks for that. Simon

Thanks...I'll look into it. Simon

Not strictly a 'cruise' question, but a friend of ours said there are some good outlet shops in the area. I've found the Premium Outlet near Fairfield Village. Are there any others nearer to IAH? Thanks Simon

Come and join our roll call https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2898503-oasis-transatlantic-april-21-2024/page/14/#comment-66007964 By the time we get to Spain, temps should be mid 20's C (mid 70's F). The actual crossing is anyones guess as the North Atlantic is the most unpredictable of the oceans, but we have done the TA the other way in November and it was fine. If you want sun, you want the starboard side of the ship.. There are no mid Atlantic stops (eg Madeira), so unless there is a detour to avoid a storm, I assume we will more or less go in a straight line. Simon

A few vids to help you out Paula https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb8ocJfG_6A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9G1rxM-T4k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHou9OzMaXg Simon

Fair point G...I think its a case of wait and see what happens (if anything). Always good to have options! Simon

I'm sure everything will be fine, but in case the worst happens, I think your best plan of attack is to go to Southampton on your booked NE coach (so you don't lose your fare), then get a train from Southampton Central to Weymouth (about £11 to £12 and 1hr 30 mins, train every 1/2 hour or so). From Weymouth you just need a cab to the port. You could go to Waterloo in London to get the train, but that would mean dragging across London to come out again and lose your NE money. I'm sure others will chip in. Simon

Thanks for that MW...I'll do a bit of googling! Simon

Doing both of those a few days before ‘last day’. Simon

To help you know what you're looking for, this gives you an idea. The exit from T5 is behind the camera; you walk over a little paved area. Simon

Already on our places to visit list! It's just the last day I'm struggling with. Might go to the Tomball Railroad. Simon

Thanks Nichole...that looks really helpful and might even change some plans I have for other days! Thanks again. Simon

Next April, we are coming to Texas to do a bit of a road trip and see the eclipse on the 8th (weather permitting🤞). Our last day is driving from College Station to Houston (hotel near IAH). The only vaguely interesting thing I can find to do on the way is to see the Sam Houston statue in Huntsville. Surely there must be something worth a visit...even a mini golf course! Any ideas greatly appreciated. Simon

Why not take the National Express coach to Victoria coach station if you are next door to it? Under an hour and costs £10 or less. https://www.nationalexpress.com/en Simon

I know its a while ago, but we were in the ES by Newark airport in 2017 and they had gone to 2 free drinks, but after that, you could have anything for $2! Got drinks for my wife and myself...gave the barman $5 and he was happy...after a few, so were we! Simon

I f you ever want to start a conversation with anyone in the UK, talk about the weather. No guarantee either way. It could be anything from blazing sunshine to 2 feet of snow! (well, a couple of inches anyway!) Simon