bobstheboy

You have summed up the reasons why we enjoy trans Atlantic cruising via the southerly route. We enjoy warm sea days and never get bored just chilling, reading and walking around the ship, stopping for a coffee or drink as we please. Roll on Jan next year.

My take on Iona v Ventura is the route to the Caribbean is not so good on Ventura. Going from Northern Spain to Bermuda is a colder journey than from Tenerife to the Caribbean. Personal choice but I prefer the more southerly crossing.

We are doing this one but next year. If you are having a balcony my advice is a port side one. You will get the sun both ways across from Tenerife to the Caribbean. Having done this crossing a few times from the Canaries, you should get warm weather.

The more I read about air con issues on older ships, it makes me vow to avoid them.

That's really good news, especially the hotspot tip. Thanks 😁

I have booked the wifi essential package for my 35 night Iona cruise next Jan for £235. What speed is the norm with this package and is it good in all areas, cabin, lounges, sky dome ect ?

Everyone wants what's best for them.

The usual cause of plumbing issues is stupid passengers flushing wet wipes and similar down the toilet. Toilet paper only, it's not rocket science.

Thanks.

Question for our P&O friend, Moley. You hinted some months ago that P&O were looking at changing the T&C's for OBC to allow customers to use it to buy services before sailing. Any news?

The air con problem on Aurora is enough for me to say it's a ship I would avoid.

I took it to mean going to Aviva direct they do not accept over 75's, not through Nationwide Flexplus account.

I hope this info will be of use to someone. My wife, a type 2 diabetic, started on Victoza injections six months ago. She has lost eleven kilo since then, doesn't have insulin injections twice daily and feeling so much better mentally. She has been struggling to get Victoza recently because it is sold on private prescription for non diabetics to assist weight loss, going rate about £200 a month. She saw an article on Diabetes UK which gave info of a similar drug, but in tablet form, called Rybelsus. She contacted her Diabetic Clinic and she is now on this newish drug. Informed my niece, also diabetic and she is now on the tablet. Her diabetic nurse told her everyone will be changed over to Rybelsus, which is readily available.

Used Triangle with no problems.

My TA works from home as an agent for a national company. She is available through Messenger, social media and telephone and gives a good discount. Saved me £1200 when I cancelled a cruise and rebooked whilst onboard Arvia, all done in 30 minutes before 0830 whilst in Cadiz.

It is getting ridiculous getting a GP appointment. Our local GP practice either wants you to agree to a nurse call back or refers you to the local chemist to see a pharmacist. It must be lucrative for the chemist, half the shop space has been changed to resemble a doctors waiting room, with private cubicles. I know pharmacists are knowledgeable on drugs, medical problems ? No way would I agree to this.

You do what you feel is right for you. My current upgrades expire in July and I'll renew then.

It clearly says if you have current medical cover, it will continue with UK Insurance until it expires. No need to tell Aviva in May.

Do we expect P&O to provide 5000 passengers with comfortable facilities if they all turn up at a similar time ? They try to keep to keep facilities acceptable by allocating staggered boarding times, very reasonable I believe.

Our current Azura experience is very different to Aurora. At lunch the first day at a table for two we asked the waiter if we coul have the same table every night. Arranged within minutes for 6.30pm nd has worked well. Captain walks around and poses for photos, cocktail party in Atrium, as it used to be. Constant temperatures throughout the ship. Food very good, with dishes of fresh veg left on table and extras if wanted of mains.

If you have a data package on your mobile and it allows roaming within your allowance in the EU, you can tether via Buetooth to a tablet. Works well whilst in port, using it now. Jut remember to switch to Aeroplane mode as soon as you cast off.

It is a dangerous practice driving without a clear view.

Currently on Azura. Turndown service, box of White Stuff lotions, daily canapes, fresh fruit bowl regularly replenished and room service wait about 20 minutes.

Avril, my very best wishes to you and Frank.

On Azura and along wth many others enjoying a glass of wine in the restaurants. The shops are devious, with OBC, my wife asked in every shop about vouchers at the end of the cruise, they all told her, no vouchers. Bought a Tissot watch on second day and again told no discount or vouchers at any time. Learnt yesterday that vouchers will be issued and must be spent same day. Sought out shop manager, given the usual rubbish that the staff do not know when and if vouchers will be issued. Outcome is my wife will be given a voucher, not sure which evening, we will keep checking every day. This is a gesture of good will !!!