exlondoner

I was very impressed by the sheltered balc when quarantined in one. If you are over about 5’9”, and sit up straightish, you can see a bit of the sea sitting down. Also the cabin is much lighter than I was expecting. Considering I really didn’t want to be there, it was a very positive impression.

Well, all I can say is that it is a shame you are not near enough for us to drop in for a meal. The ready rack would do. I doubt my taste buds are well enough trained for the dearer stuff.😀

I agree. It is such a relief to have to explain only once that I like to drink a lot of water, while my spouse only has half a glass. And, bless them, once told, they invariably remember.

The Island of Malta might disagree 😀Didn’t QV, with Captain Wright, have a coming together with said island?

Actually, I find that closer to the truth than many uses of the phrase, because I do find it saves me a lot of trouble. In contrast to when banks use this type of terminology. ‘This branch is closing….For your convenience, the nearest branch is (a town 10 miles away, not easily accessible by public transport).’

You are quite right, there it is. I knew you would know. But, as you say, not too easy to find.

I agree that you should know the actual rate before you book, and certainly be informed before you board, which doesn’t seem to have happened. An email would have been nice. I bet there is something somewhere in the very small print though.

In that case it seems a bit of an unnecessary hassle.

And there is the pleasing fact that the word for hospital is ysbyty. Instantly memorable and a useful word to know.

Ask HH. You certainly won’t encounter any non-English speakers, unless you manage to annoy them exceedingly. A friend of mine who lived in a Welsh speaking area of North Wales said, whenever she went into the village shop, contrary to what was put about, the people who were gossiping there in Welsh would immediately change to English, so that she could join in. Lots of beautiful coastline and glorious scenery.

Is it as little as that? I think that is quite a good price compared to a UK restaurant, at any rate.

Just like SWR on this side, but they may be reaching a settlement soon. 😀

I think they use the Coravin system.

Precisely. Hence the contrast. I must say, though, most of the websites I deal with are equally tedious, though I avoid doing anything on line where I can.

I think it has been known for a little while, but I was checking specially, as we have a cruise in May. I can’t understand why they are dropping the vax requirements, unless it has become too complicated to know how many boosters to ask for.

Honestly, in my experience at any rate, once you are aboard, it is much, much better. 😀

This is most peculiar, though typically Cunardlike. Just now I have had an email from them about our voyage in May, particularly highlighting the exciting drinks options. When I followed the link, again there was no mention that it cost extra to book on board. Grrr.

The French Government has cancelled the visit.

I was thinking about the concept of a happy ship, and it is indeed true that most of the Cunard staff I have encountered are either brilliant actors or are indeed happy (most of the time) in their work. I contrast this with my own career as a teacher in nice schools of a subject I find genuinely fascinating. The only time I can ever remember feeling happy was at about 3.45 on a Friday afternoon and during the holidays. This was a pretty widespread sentiment. So, if they are happy, it is more, I think, than most people are, and quite astounding.

Or, as you’ve got a hotel in Soton, sail the afternoon before.

This is none of my business, and you have probably made arrangements, but do you actually want to go to London? If not you could consider a train to Caen (2-3 hours) the the overnight Brittany Ferry from there to Portsmouth, followed by train or taxi to Southampton. https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferries-france/caen-portsmouth/about

That’s a relief. 😀😀😀

If the Lido has Coriander and La Piazza, go for them. I think the Steak Restaurant overrated and somewhat snooty, in a way very atypical of Cunard.

And please reassure me, because I am very neurotic, this journey, Eurostar/St. P/Wat/Soton is for the day before the ship leaves and not the same day?

The underground is wonderful usually, but in this circumstance I would strongly advise you to get a taxi from St. P to Waterloo. It may take a bit longer, and be more expensive, but saves an awful lot of trouble with luggage and escalators, and you get the best view of the most beautiful city (from Waterloo Bridge).