DamianG

Great, balanced review, overall it sounds like certain things were a bit lacklustre (e.g., food, daytime entertainment etc.). Good to see some positives as well though. I’m hoping for some revamped menus in 2025 but won’t be holding my breath!

Opal was by far our favourite MDR on our Iona cruise last year for exactly the same reasons you’ve stated.

I carry a few "essentials" with me every trip to the office. I've had some extra long rides home on occasions but never an emergency stopover (yet!).

I've worked with many people in London over the years who have long commutes including a couple from Southampton. I recall a lady who commuted from Banbury every day and another from Grantham, as well as a few who had accommodation in the city Monday - Thursday before returning to their families in Torquay, Coalville, Eaglescliffe etc. for the weekend. The better salary makes it worthwhile but it's still tough going. Fortunately I only have to be in the office once or twice a month. I will be having a stayover in July and the Travelodge and Premier Inns were quoting around £180 per night. Thank goodness the company has stepped in and booked a hotel for me at their expense.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and diagnosis.

Blimey, what an experience! Hope you're not too sore. On the plus side that will be a great story to share next time anyone mentions Flåm!

Does the upgrade option just state "Superior Deluxe" or specific cabin grades? For example, if it is Ventura I think that the grades would be DA, DB, DD, DE. For an extra £100 a superior deluxe cabin would be worth the extra in my opinion just for that extra space for 3 occupants. However, some of the DE cabins on Ventura are situated on deck 8 aft directly above the Havana lounge where the late night noise certainly wouldn't suit us as a family seeing as we typically go to bed when onboard anytime between 10pm-11:30pm. That's the gamble you'll have to weigh up for yourself. I hope that this helps.

Congrats Brian, really pleased for you & @AndyMichelle Sounds like you had a memorable evening!

Michelle and I once sat with both of them at a Leeds Rhinos club dinner years ago, Rob joined us for the first course and Kevin for the main and dessert. Both fantastic, humble and down to earth regular chaps. Kevin insisted on staying at the table until the last guest left (long after a lot of the other players had already said their goodbyes). Fans were asking Michelle if it was okay if they could interrupt and have a photo with Kevin! I also met Kevin at a shirt signing a few years later and he had time for a chat with everyone (including me). Friends of ours went to Rob's testimonial dinner and were met at the door by him. He stood there meeting and greeting every single guest before dinner was served. Both just great people.

I’ll second that & same goes to @AndyMichelle & any other Hammers on here. Crazy that the final is in a stadium that holds just over 19k fans. It feels to me that UEFA & final hosts are happier pushing thousands of supporters into fan zones to watch on a screen rather than in the flesh. West Ham only got 5k tickets, apparently even Ray Winstone didn’t get one!

My wife says that Iona and Arvia both have a maximum of 1000 children onboard for any cruise. We know from experience that places go fast for the main school holidays hence we are already booked for 2025. There is still plenty of availability for adults on our forthcoming Arvia cruise this August but when I tried a dummy booking including our son recently (just to compare prices) no cabins were bookable.

Lots to do in Lisbon depending on your tastes. Oceanarium (aquarium), zoo, sightseeing tram ride, cable car, shopping, restaurants, bars etc. Make sure you try some Pastel de Nata, either the originals at Pasteis de Belem or similar from market stalls or food outlets.

Vigo is disliked by many but we love it. There are bars, restaurants and a shopping mall adjacent to the port and the old town is a short walk away. Parque Monte de Castro is also nearby and though we’ve not tried it many recommend a ferry ride to Barco Islas Cies. We usually catch a bus or get at a taxi from the port to the beach and promenade at Playa Samil. Then on our return we have a meal somewhere on “Oyster Alley” in the old town.

Sky Princess

10:45am boarding time, fantastic! Happy anniversary and happy cruising. Love that forward view window space by the way.

I've just paid £129.96 with P4C for the "Standard Meet & Greet" (including cancellation option and vehicle spray down) parking service for our 14 night Arvia cruise in August. There are usually discount codes available if you shop around.

This is a great example. We switched to P4C after waiting nearly an hour to park with CPS before boarding Britannia back in 2015. The longest delay we have had with P4C was around 10 minutes when I arrived at the same time as another driver.

Thank goodness, that's great news! We also have multiple names for our Teddy - Tedster (just like you), TeddyG, Ted Ted.... Our Teddy was so tired and subdued when we got home from Wales yesterday (3.5 hour drive for 140 miles) but he is back on form today.

Last day in Gwynned, Cymer Abbey, Afon Mawddach riverside walk and Barmouth. This mini break has been such a refreshing change away from the city. The dogs have loved it as well and were absolutely shattered last night. IMG_3007.MOV

Reminds me of a phone call we got in the cabin once after we’d already gone to bed. ”Hello madam, did you order laminate?” ”Pardon, laminate?” Yes madam, this is room service, did you order laminate?” ”Laminate?” ”Yes madam, LEM-ON-ADE?”

Thanks, Google let me down, maybe it got its information from Wikipedia!

Sister-in-law's Huntaway dog Vala (which I understand is Welsh for "Chosen") and fantastic tapas in Dolgellau last night.

Today we are staying around Brithdir before heading down the road into Dolgellau this evening for tapas. We’ve had a good walk in the countryside this morning but someone disgraced himself by deciding to have a roll in some sheep droppings. (There’s a photo below just in case any of you are wondering whether it was me or TeddyG).

Our Teddy sends his best wishes, glad to hear there’s been some improvement. Also glad you’re sticking around as a lot of us have enjoyed your virtual support and not least your company on here over the last few years. I think it’s safe to say that “new” P&O isn’t going to be for everyone but that doesn’t mean we no longer listen to anyone who is unlikely to sail with them anymore. We still have experiences to share & I personally enjoy hearing all the different viewpoints regardless of whether the subject is P&O, another cruise line or air fryers! Best regards (especially to Teddy).

We are back at my sister in laws in lovely Gwynedd for a few days. The long drive has already been worth it with a day out at Black Rock Sands (near Porthmadog) today. Now enjoying the last of the sunshine with a local brew. IMG_2970.MOV