Host Sharon

Except all those extra decks are balcony cabins and ship designers plan for people to use those for sunbathing, completely ignoring the fact people want to socialise on holiday or that one side of the ship is in shade.

I wonder if that is why Iona has the high glass screens along the prom. deck - to stop irrate people throwing loungers overboard in a battle for 'ownership'? Lol

I have a similar issue, although a different medical condition. I wanted to visit Petra so had the same concerns. I suggest you ask the tours people what exactly the tour is comprised of. For example you might be taken to the ruins but can then leave the group and explore at your own pace and just use the tour as a transfer. However, if it is a guided you that you have to keep us with, you might wish to avoid it. Good luck.

If you suffer from sea sickness, generally the lower down the better and the closest to the centre of the ship, the better so you may prefer Deck 4 for that reason.

Great idea but sod's law the new date would be during said cruise!

Ok - ignore this. Surgery cancelled as hospital full 😞 No new date yet. Grrrrrrr.

You are all going to have to manage without me for a while as, all being well, I go in for a heart valve replacement tomorrow. Not looking forward to it one iota but needs must so just want it over now. Happy cruising everyone and stay safe.

It will depend on the countries. Hamburg, Oslo and Bruges are still good during daytime (although the snow I had added to the atmosphere). Others such as Gothenburg and possibly the Tivoli in Copenhagen are much nicer at night. Often these cruises have an overnight in port.

I don't see the issue with allowing dancing with your own partner. Saga certainly allow it.

That didn't happen on my recent Saga cruise. The updated muster drill is - watch video presentation in cabin (you have to watch it before you have access to any other TV channel), go to muster station (without life jacket), check in so they know you have been and then walk straight out again via a one-way system. The only issue became the jam on the stairs which could have been avoided by people going out on deck and waiting until it cleared. Everyone has to use the included transport - no coaches, trains etc, - and the drivers are tested before coming to pick you up. On arrival at the terminal the cars are put in a queuing system and all pax are tested. You wait with your luggage still in the vehicle, until your test comes back negative and only then can you enter the terminal and your luggage is taken and sanitised with sprays. If you do test positive, you are given two further PCR tests and if still positive your driver has to take you straight back home. On tours, the coaches are santisied with aspray and drivers and guides tested before anyone can board. It felt very safe.

Sarah retired. Her last voyage was Oriana's farewell cruise.

Sorry - never sailed with Celebrity so cannot comment. Anyone can dine in their cabin and choose from the main dinner menu for free on Saga.

IMO Saga is equal with Oceania. SImilar amenities, activities and food.

But they rarely sail from the UK.

If you compare prices now, then yes. They are very high. The key to Saga is to purchase a pre-registration and book on launch. That will cut that price by about a third. You also cannot compare a Saga standard cabin (larger, balcony, extra amenities, free full room service etc) with a P&O inside cabin. Obviously it is a choice, but I have reached the stage of cruise less, cruise better.