dronnygirl

Hi Broomeboy, as Jim said you will need to do a trip to Rome from the ship. There are various excursions but they usually do 'Rome on your own' so you can wander wherever you like for a few hours. We went on the train but that's not for everyone . We bought a pop-up map of Rome online and planned our route around Rome in advance so that we didn't waste time . We got to see all the sights , a brilliant day out. Enjoy!

On Explorer 2 this sign is shown for double bed fixed against the wall on deck 8. Not sure if this is the case with Discovery

The water dispenser on each floor is really good, always cold water available and a carafe in every cabin.

Don't forget the weather can go either way, we were in Norway July 2018 and it was very hot the whole time. Shorts and t.shirts all the time. Best to take layers to cover any type of weather

Definitely can get decaffeinated in the MDR and the buffet

The bus into Chania is only 10-15 minutes. You get off in the centre of Chania, cross over the road and you are in a lovely shopping centre. There are modern shops and there are also market lanes. You eventually get down to the beautiful port where there are lots of cafes and bars

Totally agree with all you said Jim. We like to feel comfortable on holiday, really don't fancy the new huge ships no matter how nice they are. However, not sure where you live in Scotland but Ambassador are doing cruises from Dundee! Reading about them they sound similar to Marella and have some good itineraries

We also love Marella, had many fabulous cruises and visited so many places that we wouldn't have visited without Marella. However, we are open to try different things and are booked on Princess this summer as we wanted to visit the Baltic. The price is similar to Marella for 2 weeks (drinks included) but we will have 4 sea days. We'll see how we go but I'm sure we will be back with Marella at some point.

Many thanks for your help

First time on Princess for many years, can we just turn up at the MDR when we want to or do we have to book first?

In Flam there is teepee type shop where you can purchase items made by the Sami people. Some lovely items but very expensive. All can be paid by credit card

Jamie, I think it's appalling what they have offered, and you seem to be very reasonable about it. Obviously these things can happen but should be put right quickly and compensated accordingly. Good luck and please let us know how you go on.

Friends of ours visited the Baltic last May on Britannia and had an overnight in Helsinki.

We were on Explorer 2 in September and were told she was going in for refurb in October. We asked what was going to be done and it was mainly work on the engines and underneath. Some of the staff were staying onboard to help with painting and cleaning. Most of the ship looked to be in good condition and so was our cabin but, as you say, the bathroom let it down. The grouting in the shower was in desperate need of attention, it's a pity as it's such a quick and easy fix

I can recommend Stugeron tablets for sea sickness although the ships are very stable. Having done many cruises I've only had to take tablets twice. They are around £4 in Boots but much more expensive on board

Welcome PrincessAMC, sometimes it happens that ports are changed round, it may be that there are several ships in a port on the same day. Marella should inform you. It's quite natural to feel a little nervous on your first cruise wondering whether you will like it but all I can say is that most people get hooked! It's a great way to see the world. Just go with an open mind and you'll have a great time

Hi 2BA, personally we'd go for the extra port, but that's why we like cruising. Aren't there any local flights,? I thought you were 'up north ' like us

Hello, I assume you've booked Explorer 2 if it's adults only. We have done many Marella cruises and did the Adriatic cruise in September. We had a lovely time and hope you will, just go with an open mind. The ship is older, being ex Celebrity, but we found it to be in good order in all the public places. Our cabin, although dated, was kept immaculately clean. The staff are very friendly, the captain and officers regularly wander around and we often saw them eating in the marketplace. There are several places to eat and we enjoyed our food although I don't think it will compare with Cunard or Princess, but you won't starve. We always found places to sit around the ship, it gets busy around the pool as all ships do but we found plenty of loungers on the top deck where it was quieter. Just go with an open mind, it's a beautiful part if the world and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Never used them but we are tempted to try an Ambasador round Britain cruise. Reviews are good and they sail from 6 different ports.

Before looking at MSC, check out the reviews for Virtuosa over the summer. We know people who said they would never again cruise after their time cruising on Virtuosa.

Perhaps if you post under Ports Of Call you may get a response

Great thread, thank you so much. We sail to the Baltic in June and would love to hear about any not to be missed places or experiences

So pleased you enjoyed your cruise. The Caribbean was our first cruise and led to many more. It's enabled us to see places we would never save seen without cruising.

Pleased you had a great cruise. Pity you didn't get to explore Muscat, its a lovely city and very safe to wander round

I believe it's £160pp for 7 nights to upgrade. Whether or not to upgrade is for you to choose, we're not big drinkers and find the basic package okay for us, we just pay the extra for the odd drink or coffee.