specialcruisegirl

Hello Coolers.....

Thank you so much for all your kind wishes, it's very much appreciated. Thanks to Jeffers for posting......it's so lovely to see all the food and travel pics....life has to go on and be enjoyed.

Sophia [emoji4]

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On one cruise following our disembarkation last year the ship was less than half full. Friends of mine who are 350 day Venetians asked to be moved from deck five to nine and they were accommodated but only due to the fact they suffered lots of noise on five forward.....they still had a verandah suite, just different location.

I doubt you will be offered a bigger suite as the price difference is quite substantial.....but one can always hope!

I'm sure you'll have a brilliant time wherever you are.....

Sophia [emoji5]

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In my experience passports are retained at reception until the end of your voyage...you will be asked to collect them before disembarkation.

There are however some port authorities who insist guests show passports...your cruise director will advise if this is necessary.

There are also some ports who require photo ID and for this l always carry my driving licence with me. Other than that your ships pass card will suffice.

Sophia [emoji4]

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Hi Jojo,

The ship is air conditioned and this is controlled very well so you will be fine in sleeveless tops and trousers for the evening although l would suggest a pashmina / shawl to place around your shoulders as some feel the cool more than others.....and bear this in mind if your are planning to dine at Hot Rocks....you are able to control your own temps in your suite.

Hope you have a fabulous voyage

Sophia [emoji4]

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Greetings Coolers.....

Welcome to all our new posters.....

MW...so sorry to hear of your problems....do hope you can get it all sorted.

Spins...hope your son continues to recover.

Hopefully we will hear from JP soon....

Terry...please don't send any nasty weather over here! [emoji6] our forecast isn't good at the moment as it is!

Happy Day

S [emoji5]

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Great finished product pics Jeffers.....made my mouth water!!

Pleased to see JP and Chris have arrived safely.....also looking forward to the travel blog.

Political pruning is nothing new....such a shame in many ways but that's life and we have to respect the mixed views of all and keep our own thoughts close...l personally cannot stand to even look at Mr Trump....or indeed the Mr Blairs of this world today but what can one do.....turn off the news and don't read the papers......makes for a much better and less stressful life...IMHO....this current world is so cruel.

S [emoji5]

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Good Day Coolers.....

Jeffers, that beef looks delicious....don't forget to photo the finished product!! Have got a chicken in the oven here for later....just enjoyed a plate of melon and Parma ham as l was very late rising today so it's definitely lazy Sunday!

You are a good Mum Spins.....do hope your son is able to enjoy your offerings, sounds as though he's really been through the mill.

Must admit l shall miss the Spirit crossing this year.....hopefully the Muse won't disappoint but I'm not at all worried as any day on board ship is a bonus and l still have two Spirit voyages to enjoy this year.

Emirates flights have just been confirmed for December.....first time with them and reviews are very mixed so one can only hope for a good journey!

Sorry Terry but l hate sport with a passion....our TV channels here are now full of Rugby coverage.....[emoji34] watching the historic coronation of our Queen right now which is very interesting as its being shown in full with comments from her maids of honour about the hitches of the day et al...

Thankfully the lady flu seems to be disappearing and I'm starting to feel human again......brandy still helping! [emoji6]

S [emoji5]

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Hi All.......been sofa bound all week with yet another nasty head cold [emoji20] have to disagree with Jeffers about the tinned mushy peas....much prefer the old ones that you soak in water and bicarbonate before boiling with sugar and salt.....my old Granny called them sloppy peas.......Spins will get them again on the crossing pub lunch....the tinned ones [emoji6]

No dry month here...I've been swigging the medicinal brandy....any excuse will do of course...!

Lovely to hear about everyone's cruising plans.....nine weeks tomorrow for me on The Muse.......first cruise in 1971.....lots of changes since then!!!

Hope your last shift goes well JP and you can start your Indian adventure relaxed....safe travels.....currently enjoying Michael Portillos train journey across the USA......something I'd love to do.

Happy Weekend

S [emoji5]

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Hi All....[emoji4]

Spins....do hope your son is recovering well and Dr Spins enjoys retirement....I'm guessing it's the Spirit crossing you're doing again this year.

You were quite correct, l have been in Spain for a long weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it all.

Did a low cost flight into Alicante and stayed in an old favourite hotel right on the beach and only fifteen minutes from the airport....sea view from my balcony was so beautiful and lovely to hear the ocean.

I also found an old favourite restaurant which hadn't changed a bit ..still run by father and son with Mama cooking.....we enjoyed the most delicious sizzling garlic prawns followed by Paella on one day and next time had the grilled squid and pork medallions served with Mediterranean roasted vegetables and simple boiled potatoes....all washed down with a superb wine at just two euros for a large glass........chose by the glass as l had red and my friend white!

The city itself is so great to explore and we walked miles each day just enjoying the ambience.....it was also very clean and safe with friendly locals....we were the only english folk in the restaurant which made for the most pleasant experience!

So all in all a very relaxing break and great value for money......

Back to reality again this week but only ten weeks until the first cruise of the year so lots to look forward to.....[emoji16]

Also looking forward to following JP on the upcoming travels......

Happy Day

S [emoji4]

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Hi All.....

Welcome back to Blighty Jeffers......always good to be home ....nice looking menu in F....doesn't seem to change much though...in the throws of booking Emirates for December here which is going to be a long trek home also but I'm lucky that l can at least sleep!

All packed up for the Alicante departure tomorrow...thankfully the fog that has been swimming around lately shouldn't be a problem after tonight so hoping for a smooth journey.....

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend....

S[emoji4]

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Hello All.....

Thanks Terry for your feedback on the YF shot...glad there were no problems for you....l declined the flu shot this year as I've suffered greatly with it in the past....hence my wariness of having anything!!

Full speed ahead here as l plan for my long weekend in Alicante....shock and horror last week when parts of Spain saw some snow....happy to see that temps are warming up this week so fingers crossed for some spring warmth....l love to sit in the outside cafes people watching with a coffee and brandy...[emoji6]

Happy Day

S[emoji4]

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Hi Mermaid,

No roll call by the look of it and unsure if one will be started, best to keep checking!

Seasoned cruisers usually back away from a 'Maiden' for all sorts of reasons and although l am a well seasoned cruiser myself I'm also very laid back and don't worry about anything that may or may not crop up or indeed where I'm going to dine so am looking forward to exploring the new ship and relaxing.

With regard to ports l would look at what you want to see and do and maybe a little research if you've never visited before......most of the ports on this voyage are at least worth of a walkabout which is what l normally do.

I'm sure it will be a fabulous trip...

Sophia [emoji4]

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Just get the YF and forget about it. Costs about £70, lasts 10 years (although it actually probably covers you for life against contracting the disease) and then you have no future concerns.

I have no concerns about the disease ...it's the side affects of the shot that has me concerned.....maybe l should have been clearer on that....call it senior moments...[emoji5]

Good Day All.....[emoji4]

Really interesting chat about Meds, Shots and other health issues for travelling.....

JP...my surgery have indicated to me that I'll need the YF shot if I'm travelling to India....this of course is another of their so called "cover my back" issues! Our Govt/Foreign Office guidelines are more or less the same as yours.

I am told that l can ask my Dr for an exemption certificate IF l wish not to have it and he will decide if he can offer this with what medication I'm on...which is basic BP stuff. I will be in Mumbai for just one day and then Cochin for two, neither of which will see me explore any further than a local walkabout.......the mind boggles!

Interesting article on BA Jeffers.....reports from friends who use the domestic routes frequently say that the new M&S on board service is dire with very few pax getting served....understandably so.....l have always been impressed with the MAN/LHR shuttle in the past when they've thrown us all a bacon buttie along with a hot beverage in the 40 minute window.....but now one has to pay its of course taking much longer.....will also be interesting to see how Club seats work out on these domestic routes....just doesn't make sense to me at all......next week I am flying EasyJet again and to be honest from previous experience it's been a better product for short haul ....

Happy Friday All.....

S [emoji4]

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That's great news Shots.....[emoji4]

Thanks so much JP for all that information......I'm on the Spirit voyage from Dubai in December so no at risk countries...thankfully! I shall look forward to reading about your travels to the country....I'm sure you and Chris are going to be far more adventurous than I....!

Sophia [emoji4]

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Hi All [emoji5]

Pleased to say the annual MOT went very well particularly as l didn't get the Sgt Major this time but a lovely young nurse instead who happens to know my daughter....so much for me wishing to bend the lifestyle truth on that one....[emoji6]

JP....l hate going to the Dr for anything...this visit was however essential due to the meds l have to take....I'll have to go again at some point to discuss India requirements.....I'm told one has to have yellow fever shots....perhaps you could let us know what you've had to have for your forthcoming trip.

Sorry you're freezing Mysty.....it's been quite mild here this week.

TTS.....crikey 11 months already.....glad he's coming on well for you and you've got good lodging...I've just found a Pooch Nanny for my little fella who's just brilliant....no kennelling, she only takes two dogs at a time and they live in the house with her.

Shots.....so sorry to hear of your health troubles....hope you continue to be well....more cruising is indeed the best medicine!

Great pics again Jeffers.....and the fun housekeeping tale.......on SS l normally have an afternoon nap and place the Privacy card on the door...on the last voyage however my suite attendant decided to ring me to ask if he could enter.....waking me up in the process....grrrr....a quick word of course and all was well in the end.....[emoji16]

S [emoji4]

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Hi All...[emoji4]

Last nights delivery went very well...l was really impressed and will use them again.

Shots.....up until two years ago l lived in the country and there was no chance of anyone offering this service, but l agree I would rather do without it and live rural although I'm still semi rural but with perks! [emoji6]

TTS.....when l was oop north....as you know, l had a post (zip) code in one county...a telephone number in another and a council in yet another....talk about complete confusion....nobody could find us!

Do hope you and Mrs T are keeping well...how's furry baby doing?

On another subject.....my annual health review beckons in the morning with the most delightful Sgt Major Nursey....l fully intend to be the perfect patient and just tell her what she wants or indeed needs to know and shall escape as soon as l can to join my friend to celebrate her birthday at our local hostelry.....

Happy Day

Sophia [emoji4]

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Hi All.....

Spins....hope your sons recovery goes well, never easy when our kids are under par.

Jeffers...well done you for producing the homemade butty for Mrs Jeff........sometimes all we want is something quite simple......beans on toast or egg and chips can be a great comfort amidst all the fine dining!

We have a new local food delivery service here..a one man band who will pick up from any restaurant or fast food joint and deliver to ones home for just £5......going to try it out tonight for dinner as I've been out all day and not in the mood for cooking......problem is trying to decide what l want! [emoji6]

Happy Day

[emoji4]

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Good Day All......loving the photos Jeff and the food looks delish...making me feel hungry!

Weather has warmed up here a tad but still quite depressingly gloomy......looking forward to Spain next week to catch a bit of sun...and always lovely to look forward to the next cruise in April....closet planning already!!

Happy Day

S[emoji4]

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Hi Coolers....[emoji4]

Such lovely pics to enjoy from one and all.....so pleased Jeffers and Mrs J are enjoying Singapore......

Belated Happy Birthday to Chris....

Waiting to see how much of the white stuff we get later as forecast.....looking pretty grim out there right now.....all stocked up so not worried!

Happy Day

S [emoji5]

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Special thoughts with you Spins.....one never ever knows what's going to happen next in any part of the world as it is today....and whilst it is so very difficult to accept it remains so hard when such events happen....l too reeled when l first saw the news.....have been considering FLL as opposed to Miami if departing from there.....but in reality...where are we safe ...one just has to carry on in this very sad world....

Do hope you and Mr Spins are well........

S [emoji4]

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Taxman.....your reports from the Spirit are quite excellent...thank you for taking the time to post on here as a new SS guest.

The Spirit is my favourite ship and guess l am lucky to have not experienced the problems you have had and l do hope all these will be resolved for you during your voyage.

I have found Martin to be most professional and helpful and I'm sure you will find so also.

Please don't feel the need to respond to the negative comments that crop up on this board....we all have our own views and you are entitled to tell us all how it is for you.....

Hope you continue to enjoy and have fun....

Sophia [emoji4]

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Hi All......

Great to see Jeffers has arrived safely albeit with some hiccups......

Terry....always good to read about travelling and various views on such places.....l always think researching a trip is as enjoyable as taking it!

JP.....shame about your emergency interruptions.....guess it's all part of the job that you're used to and you have India to look forward to.....

I'm just back from lunch out with an old friend at one of our favourite haunts....the most delicious charcuterie board to begin followed by a traditional Sunday roast and copious amounts of house vino......a very enjoyable afternoon.

A busy week ahead....Alicante weekend to look forward to in two weeks....

Happy Day

S [emoji4]

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Hi Coolers.......

Weather here in Wales is also cold but not as cold as Canada Mysty....thankfully!

I travelled up to Manchester today to the Apple Store with my failing iPad....they didn't want to know and were most unhelpful even though l was prepared to purchase a new one.....bottom line is that l must contact their customer services to change my password et al....twas a good job DD was with me to drag me out before l exploded!!!

Our very own Jeffers and Mrs J will now be enjoying the spoils of first on their way to Singapore....must be warmer there....[emoji6]

Just three weeks until l hit Spain for a long weekend..hope it'll be a bit warmer there too!

Happy Day [emoji4]

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Wishing Everyone A Very Happy 2017 with Health, Wealth, Happiness and Safe Travels......[emoji348][emoji483][emoji483][emoji4]

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