technogogo

Legend's final cruise from Dubai to Barcelona from 13th March caught my eye last year. I liked the itinerary and the date. Having checked again the price of the cruise has been greatly reduced and I have discovered it is the ships final cruise before it is handed over to Thomson cruises. So... my question is essentially, on a final cruise is there a party atmosphere, or are things already winding down? I guess I'm not sure if the low price reflects demand for quite an unusual itinerary early in the season, or a belief that the cruise will be impacted by staff departure or lack of entertainment? I guess the attitude of the staff is the key?

Has anyone been on a 'final cruise' with RCCL?

We may offer a interesting perspective? We are two days into a cruise on Vision. Previous Cruise was Anthem. Previous two were both Indy. We weren't sure what to expect from the smaller, older ship. We chose the itinerary. But so far Vision is really lovely. The food has been superb. I mean really first class. Really good, the staff are noticeably more friendly and attentive. From stateroom attendant to bar staff and throughout the ship. They all have a friendly lack of formality but while retaining their professionalism. We are loving it on Vision.

I can we'll see how Vision has become a firm favourite with some regular cruisers.

I am not a fan of risotto and never normally order it. But there was a mushroom risotto starter in the main restaurant one night. I tried it and loved it. A few days later I was delighted to find it as a main course in the Glass House. Totally yummy!

Burger is good too. Not to mention the wine flights! I'm sure you will love the food.

As another confirmation. Oasis pool on Azura is free to all. The previous entry gates to the retreat are now further back so that the steps down to the pool are from outside the retreat area.

Also I met a new pool attendant while on the cruise, A419 which departed on July 13th. It was his very first cruise and he did suggest enforcement of sun lounger policy would be part of their duties. Which is a good thing in my view.

My view on the Oasis pool being available to all is generally positive. Despite virtually having this to ourselves in August 2010. The spa package is no longer worth it now though, in my view.. On day two there was a spa offer on treatments, 10% off first, 20% off second, 30% off third. This eroded any small saving from the spa packages. Although the only thing you don't get is prebooking and certainty of availability. Though I'd be surprised if that was a major issue as the spa never seemed busy.

Sorry to go off topic a bit.

Just back from our 2nd cruise on Azura. Something happened which left me very uneasy and I'm interested in peoples views. Especially anyone who knows about pools and pool chemicals, pool sanitisation etc...

Short version: woman urinates in one Oasis pool hot tub. I tell reception. Nothing is done.

Long version:

So basically my wife and I were enjoying a day in the retreat. We were taking our lunch on the chairs in the shaded area, overlooking the Oasis pool. There was a woman on her own in one of the two hot tubs. As I lean forward to take a bite from my very tasty coronation chicken wrap, this woman very clearly urinates in the hot tub. She was a very large woman and created a significant quantity of yellow. She swished it around but then stayed in the tub! Yes really. This really happened. I would not have been visible to her before leaning forward. Even then, I was, in effect, peering over the edge of the balcony so could see her do the deed. There was absolutely no doubt about it. I think the term is Grandstand Seat.

So I now had a monkey on my shoulder. I wasn't happy and started to wonder what would be the correct 'protocol'. I guess many people would have yelled at her and caused a scene. But thats not me. I could mention to the two gents who run the retreat area? But they weren't in sight and anyway are servers. Not deck officers or security or maintenance or Spa or whoever best to address? So I decided to call reception. They could then notify the correct 'responders'.

I told what I'd seen and where to the receptionist who answered. The man didn't ask me for my name but I'd have been happy to give that. I returned to my chair. Finished my lunch. Returned to my comfy sun-bed. Also still overlooking pool. Other people had got into the hot tub by now. Which I wasn't happy about. Where were the responders? What would happen? Well.... essentially nothing did.

About 20mins after I called reception a lady from the Spa came out and spoke to her. I couldn't hear what was said but it sounded like advice cheerfully given and they parted with smiles. May have been just chit chat? About 20mins after that a uniformed deck officer turned up. Ah ha I thought, now she's for it! But he only took photos of some broken tiles nearby - perhaps for the upcoming Azura refit? This was Thursday 17th July at around 2:30pm in case P&O want to know. Again. My call to reception was around 1:20pm give or take 10mins or so.

So urine is sterile. But only in healthy people and presumably only before it is filtered through the gusset of a ladies swimsuit? Pools are full of chemicals. Maybe this isn't an actual problem? It is certainly gross and it did spoil my time in the retreat, especially when nothing was done and other people were getting in and out of the same tub. The woman, lets call her the perp, stayed in the tub for five hours! No really. According to overheard conversation of a friend who came to see where she was. So I'm guessing not just the one pee?

So - much disappointment with P&O response.

That's interesting. I didn't know that the availability of onboard duty free was contingent on stopping at certain ports. Though I guess tax matters always seem as complicated as possible so we shouldn't be surprised!

Thx for posting.

Can you still get cash from reception that is added to your onboard account? But then doesn't count as a cash advance from your credit card account?

Is the onboard currency Euros or US Dollars?

Dellas1000... kudos to you for the photos. Many thanks.

Photos of IOS in Southampton for first time.

Available for viewing on my Flickr photosteam

Yes indeed ... HUGE is the word.

I took some photos too. Hopefully will get them online after I have had a spot of lunch.

A good vantage point for seeing the ship is at the top of the nearby Podium multistory car park - head to level 15. £1.60 min stay if you park there too.

The corner window in Marks and Spencer does not give a good view. There is a new building being constructed which is now tall enough (approx 7 floors) to block the view. Ironically the new building is Carnivals new UK headquarters!

The end of Mayflower park closest was open when we went along this morning. But they are making plans for the fair and festival there. So lots of tents and marquees were being put up. Also a play area covered with sand to appear like a caribbean resort. We dodged around a partial barrier with a restricted access sign (to take photos) and no-one seemed to mind. But later the area may be a little harder to access.

Roll on Aug for our cruise on IOS. We are really excited now!!!