Cshgrand

Mary I am in 8110. Just shower in bathroom. No divider and the sofa bed is not very comfy. Very hard. Will take some more pics tomorrow. We have our 3 year old with us. Was thinking of possibly doing a separate "live from" review thread from a family with young child point of view if anyone is interested

 

 

This would be really interesting please as we are on the cusp of booking the Anthem TA next year. Info on if/when adventure ocean opens and copies of the kids compass would be great.

The blocks are approximately 3x4x2 inches in size and weigh 2lb. 3oz.

 

 

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Thanks for the quick response! Think we can make room for that.

I didn't know about these are we will pass 140 points on Explorer next month. We are flying with carry on only. Could anyone let me know the approximate size of the packaged block? If it's not possible to pack it I shall contact C&A in advance.

Would anyone who sailed be able to post the cruise compasses from the Westbound TA please?

There is also a frequent coach service from Dover ferry port to Paris via the ferry. Takes a while but it is cheap usually. Look up Eurolines for more info.

They are better quality than Clarks imo, if you are familiar with Ecco I would put them more on a par with them. I have some flat mid calf boots from there and the are very supple and well cushioned. We have a store in the town near me. If it helps I wear a UK size 5/EU 38 and when I buy shoes in the US I wear an 8. My boots work best for me over jeans as (like clarks) I find the calf quite wide cut. I tried them on with a dress and tights after having them for a while and they were too baggy looking.

OP - What time of year/itinerary are you doing?

I just wanted to feed back details of a great day out we have just enjoyed on the Paddle Steamer Waverley sailing down the Thames. She sails a limited number of trips in September/October each year and it was just a fantastic experience. If you have a short time in London this might be a great alternative to a HoHo bus. The commentary was interesting and very informative.

We took a short trip down as far as Gravesend but if you have time to spare and its fits your itinerary I would recommend a longer route to Margate, Whitstable or Southend. All are easy return trips to London by train.

The Waverley also sails from other locations around the UK so worth looking on their website for more info. Excuse the iPhone pics but gives you an impression. Seeing Tower Bridge open was great.

Can't wait til next time! Great review from my favourite CC reviewer. Thank you.

Great start. How far in advance were you able to book your dining? Also did you book restaurants separately or as a package? Last question (for now)...is there anything except meat available at samba grill? Catering for a party with one vegetarian.

We head to Southampton three weeks today but I'm afraid it's northern France and Belgium so no 'palm tree life' on this trip for us. Still really looking forward to it though!

Be careful with the plastic cups as we found they split with a sharp edge. We collected a few of the coated card coffee cups on board and used those instead.

Thanks. Really like the look of lady light travel. Will enjoy reading through the posts (while I am *just* still inside her target demo!!!).

This is what I wore on our recent cruise on Freedom of the Seas on the 1st. formal night, 9-15-14. The gown was alittle long so I'm going to take it to have it hemmed just a little! :)

 

 

 

 

 

Wow! You look beautiful.

Oh my goodness! Stitch Fix! Brilliant idea. I am in the UK and had never heard of this, in fact I only discovered subscription boxes at all this week from reading a blog. I have a US address but it would take ages to get these parcels forwarded on.

I'm in my 30s - read the article on whowhatwear too and was so amused I had to forward it to my friends. I have a hard five years of work to tick off all the things they say I should be able to do before I'm 40!

Great info, thank you JanineM!

I've started to use an app to follow blogs in an attempt to give up buying crazily expensive glossy mags which are actually just full of adverts. It's working so far but would appreciate your recommendations on any good fashion, beauty or cruise blogs you enjoy to add to my app.

Thanks!

You could try eBay for 'Phase Eight' and 'monsoon'. Both are UK high street stores but I have plain maxi dresses from both in heavy jersey. The material is double thickness, packs really well and can be dresses up for formal night.

UK sizing is 4 less than US generally so UK 8 would be US 4, UK 10 would be US 6 etc.

Can I just say in defence of fellow UK cruisers (some of whom may not read cruise critic) that our culture here is very different where tipping is concerned and it may be that people just don't know what is customary. When I first started cruising as an adult without my parents and before I got chatting to people on board/reading CC after a few cruises I didn't tip porters or bar staff because it just didn't occur to me to do so. The concept that port baggage workers may work just on tips is a very alien one to some people in a country with a minimum wage in enforcement.

I now understand what is customary and build it into my travel expenses.

Really enjoying your review so far. Great job!

Some really helpful suggestions thank you. I shall definitely consider leggings and ankle books with a pretty top or even a dress over the top - that would feel a bit smarter than jeans I think and easy to pack.

I am currently clearing out my wardrobe as going to try to start project 333 on 1st October as trying everything on as I sort so will hopefully find some more inspiration based on your suggestions!

At the end of October I shall take a four night cruise from Southampton to Northern France and Belgium and I'm struggling with ideas for outfits.

 

On a cruise I enjoy to dress for dinner, in warmer climates a smart sundress and wedge sandals for casual night for example, but my winter wardrobe usually consists of dressing jeans up mostly because I don't go out much in the winter. Did the same itinerary last year but just didn't feel good about my outfits the way I do with summer wear.

 

So I am looking for some inspiration to help me feel cruise-worthy, please share your pictures or ideas.

Yes, Yes!! I'm very interested as I will be on the Allure next May during the same cruise. Have a great trip!

 

 

Likewise! Will be following along.

Only just found this review as starting to research Explorer prior to a short 5 night in December. I really enjoyed your writing and the detail was great.

I also come from a 'Blended' family and we holiday like this too. My (step)sister has a big wooden sign in her kitchen saying 'remember, as far as anyone knows we are a nice normal family'. It's more of a disclaimer than a reminder I think...

We are taking the same itinerary with our son who will be nearly 7. Our plan is also to visit Cinque Terre but we shall be hiking between towns and taking the train in part too. We are going to have three days on board - Marseilles and Rome like you and Palma although we may take a walk into town briefly.
This is the first time ever we have booked for ship over itinerary and that is because we have visited Palma, Marseille and the much of the surrounding area and have taken a few short breaks to Rome over the years. We figured this our best chance to make the most of the Allure as the Caribbean itineraries have much fewer port stops. We plan to enjoy the pools and outdoor facilities with fewer people around.
Naples is the one place new to us. So far the idea is to take a boat trip on the Amalfi coast towards Sorrento or Capri and explore there.

I dragged DH to Kohls today as his cargo shorts were not going on another cruise with me [emoji6]. This is a guy that despises shopping. Being that it's the end of the season there were some truly amazing buys & I had a 30% off coupon & $10 off of $25 coupon.

 

 

 

He grabbed 34 waist (it's been awhile since he bought something). I suggested he try on some Chaps & Columbia shorts in a 36 (as you know better brands run smaller...hee hee)

 

 

 

. Long story short, 20 minutes later he has new swimming trunks, two pair of running shorts & four pairs of new cargo shorts. Grand total of $64. We're at the cash register & he turned to the man behind us & said my wife just saved over $300, how did yours do? I almost died laughing. Maybe I have a shopping convert, nah...

 

 

I am actually going to show my husband this!!

Well done on your great savings, I've been looking at Kohl's online and they have some super deals.