john1970

I think the Harpist was on my cruise in 2012. It was very tasteful and enjoyable but I can imagine it was expensive and logistically tricky transporting it! I just avoid any loud music or anything herding or group! That's the joy of cruising you can just find your own pace.

No emails at all. Their IT is special isn't it!

For European flights at T5 check in will close -45 minutes before the departure time. You need to go through security -35 minutes before or you will be bounced back. I would aim to be there 120-90 minutes before the flight. T5 is very large and it's a long walk anywhere. If you have status with any One World airline you may be able to use the business class check in. It might also be worth thinking about buying a business class/Club Europe ticket which allows you dedicated check in, fast track security and 2 bag per person baggage allowance. You also then get lounge access.

If you buy a plus fare EG one which includes a checked bag on BA you will get one free change on the day as long as any seat available in economy. Just don't do online check in, You could book a later flight and then if you arrive early ask to check if you can change to the earlier flight. As long as seats available in the cabin it will work for you.

This brings back frustrating memories of the Black Sea cruises that they kept on selling when we all knew the cruise was not at all possible. It ended up as a totally different itinerary whilst keeping the same high cost. We had to quote UK consumer law to get a full refund. I know it's very tricky for them but they will have to bit the bullet and make a decision. The sooner the better for all those impacted.

I am also waiting for New Zealand and Australia 2026. SIlversea have some good itineraries and I want to compare who is the best overall value.

I'm on a cruise immediately after the dry dock in September. Should I be concerned?

I find that when a cruise comes with a lot of OBC the prices for tours are very inflated. You just have to do what's best for you. Sometimes I book ships tour when it's a tricky port for me to navigate as an independent tourist. If it's somewhere like Barcelona where I have been at least 10 times then I will just potter about.

Is this normal procedure for cruise lines? I always pay just before the deadline!

I would go on a waitlist for Princess. Azamara by nature is designed for adults. The ships are small and do not have the facilities that they will make their trip fun.

I know Princess is not comparable but they make it so easy to book and add air on their website. I hope Azamara eventually get to the stage where you can just browse online and add the fights that suit.

I'm not sure another website upgrade would be a good idea!

I just got off of Marina. I saw the survey details but could not be bothered to log in and create a password and then try and do it online using a specific browser. I would have thought they would have just emailed it out. I would imagine they get a tiny response.

I'm guessing she has been rewarded for failure and will get a nice pay off and pop up somewhere else on a board of directors.

I wasn't planning on leaving the ship in Casablanca anyways. I wish it was somewhere more unique then Palma but will do some shopping and have another mooch around. As long as I am away from work I'm good.