PORT ROYAL

Ageas Hilton have night stay, duration park, breakfast and dedicated private taxi to/from port. https://www.ageasbowl.com/hotel/accommodation/cruise-from-southampton/ One retains the car keys.

This video will give one an indication, but majority are closed. https://youtu.be/KceVxuBCxC4

So pleased one now has everything resolved…..

You’re back….

https://www.marriott.com/search/findHotels.mi?scid=e2032f6e-668f-4b5b-975a-d7095c7bcf68&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInaWtxZnS_wIVlrbtCh3sFAFHEAAYASAAEgJjBPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Nearly overlooked Cecelia’s https://highpointantigua.com Close at the moment for a refit. But send a message to let one know when opening There is a beach with beds etc., for use by patrons only. Again only for discerning people.

Then take a look at Sheer Rocks, taking a Rock Pool with Cabana, or just a bed by the swimming pool. There is no beach though. https://sheer-rocks.com

Rather than “negotiate” on the quayside, just discuss and book a bespoke private tour with….

Yes, all the “popular” beaches will be rammed… But there is a place that has all the requirements for genteel and discerning Cruisers also Vacationers……Catherine’s Cafe…. https://catherines-cafe.com Book one’s lunch/day in advance….. Space is limited. The private taxi fare is $40 e/w keeps the herds away…..Worth the extra dollars. Link to recent critique….. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2921982-catherine’s-cafe/#comment-64965335

New Cunard Voyagers? DW and I (pre COVID) enjoyed 80 to 130 Voyage nights each per year. The new customers usually have up to 14 nights pp for a holiday, but are price fickle and not loyal. Therefore, as mentioned by a MD, to replace DW and I, the Math does suggest probably 12 to 20 new pax per year, every year, again and again. MD then added, without considering the actual onboard spends and forgetting the many appreciations and gifts to staff. It is accepted Carnival hold true to the fact that DW and I are only two very small, of little consequence, revenue streams. Carnival know best, being only loyal to themselves.

One does agree….. Same with the dumbing down of the dress code to suit anyone and everyone. DW made a perceptive statement last night, mentioning that although we will continue to maintain previous formal Cunard dress code standards, there will come a time when we look around at the clientele and think “not for us anymore”, then it will be time to move on. And we will…

(S) Ships Crew (Rowdy) (H) Herds (T) Towels

Obviously, one’s requirements are mobility specific. Therefore suggest a direct contact with Beautiful Barbados https://www.beautifulbarbadostoursandexcursions.com They can design a bespoke tour to one’s requirements, with a seamless delivery to the airport. It can include a Bajan Lunch (consider Juju’s) and rum/drinks (possibly at a local rum shack close to Juju’s - Rico’s mother?). Length and aspects of the tour can be discussed direct with BB.

We have Chase and Virgin Money. Both “Fee Free”

The Best Contact Curtain Bluff for availability and exact pricing for one’s dates. Price will be in the range of $200/250 pp - includes food, drinks and use of facilities. Also, take a tour of rooms (Bluff etc) for future bookings.

For a touch of “Retail Therapy”, consider a hotel close to or on Via Cola di Rienzo. Sorry, but only have personal knowledge of La Rovere on business (company booking), so nothing to compare it with in the area. A nice hotel, no frills, simple, clean with excellent service and a short walk from Via Cola.

Good plan 😉 Just think…. Fare from Port to Station €30 (stand and deliver fares) - Train Fare for 2 pax €30 - Taxi from station to Hotel €30 - Total €90 Luggage loading to and off train is difficult even for able bodied as steep steps and high. Train corridors are narrow and seats with sight of luggage are minimal. Train air-con poor. Then dragging suitcases along both platforms etc., etc.. So much angst for saving €70 Don’t forget to arrange the early arrival time at one’s hotel. They usually have secure luggage storage prior to official check-in, leaving one free to explore or take a nice lunch. Or the hotel will allow an early check-in.. Again early explore or lunch. It’s good to talk to the Concierge prior to arrival. Asking @cruisemom42 for a recommendation for lunch and dinner close to one’s hotel. One thing is a must… Una Passeggiata Serale - Hand holding is obligatory Enjoy Rome and it will enjoy you

Forget the train and all the angst… there is no luggage assistance at both stations. Finding seats together a securing luggage are other problems. Contact Rome Cabs. Other CC. Member will advise alternative road transports.

Ask the Hotel’s Concierge to book for one.

No problems. Mixers are available from shops and stores at ports of call. If not knowing the exact location prior to docking, then one’s wait staff will give directions. Remember ship’s staff do actually know where almost everything can be purchased, port by port. While ice, by the bucket load, is just a request to one’s stateroom attendant. Then, fruit by the slice, is a call to Room Service or a simply ask a bar steward. Or purchase whole fruits when ashore. Small appreciations for staff assistance are greatly received.

And for day two?

Take the €89, it appears to be a very good deal. 5/6 years ago, a Taxi from the station for 4 pax with tons of luggage was €50 Look at €89 as being only €22 each to start one’s cruise with no angst, walking and dragging. Just pay and go with the flow…..

No problem…… One’s Cruise Line usually organise a golf cart (or the like) for every port with a distance to walk. Just give them a call. Know Barbados did operate a shuttle bus to/from ship to/from the Cruise Terminal/Duty Free, only a short walk to/from the private taxi collect/drop point.

One has seen pax doing exactly the same throughout the ship. Even in the Commodore during the day, usually hogging the unrestricted forward view seating. Then, when replenishing, just walk off, leaving their used crockery on the table for the Commodore wait staff to clear. No need to worry, as the future of a genteel Cunard is in the safe hands of this new breed of pax, which Carnival is actively seeking to attract.

Just a note…. Please do not personally carry a glass of wine, or other alcoholic liquids, from one’s Stateroom, or the Cunard public welcomes/gatherings, to one’s table in the Restaurant. It’s so wrong, a no no and not Cunard. Drinks from a Bar are carried to one’s table by a waiter from that Bar.