buchhalm

On that note, why aren't those mini bar "fridges" cold? Certainly not really cool enough to keep medication at a safe temperature.

Yes, good points. I'd like to hear the answer. I book certain cabins that state in the description that there would be "lounge seating". OK, it is not the primary reason for booking certain cabins, but it is a big part of the appeal.

It should not be so difficult to identify "proper balcony " cabins, that it should need "somebody contact you" (good luck with THAT one, anyway). I know there are a few of those cabins ("sunset verandah "?) at the very back, but other than those??

What IS needed is staff empowerment. Most staff members are doing absolutely nada about shouting kids, kids in adult-only areas, diaper babies (and young kids) in the hot tubs erc (and don't even mention chair hoggers). Staff is afraid of customer complaining about them, even if they (the staff members) are only trying to enforce the rules.

It depends on the cruise line. Cunard? 2 suitcases each. Those tuxedos and gowns take up space. Celebrity or Seabourn? One suitcase each. Casually elegant. Carnival? One duffel bag.

So, the OP had a problem with an unprofessional, insensitive crew member. Rather than doing what would make sense - raising the issue with management on board as soon as possible- (s)he sulks on an internet forum looking for sympathy. Sorry, but that achieves nothing. The only people who can act upon this issue and address failures in service and training are the relevant managers on board. Especially if the complainant is still on board as well.

The poor woman probably sent an underling to the liquor store. Finding a diplomatic answer to some rather bizarre questions would need something strong to cope with. Expecting the CEO of an organisation to answer why the "fish is always cooked wrong" (I paraphrase here), is priceless. 😄

How do we see Laura's responses? Will they be highlighted under each question?

The train from Villefrance to/from Nice (or Monte Carlo, in the other direction) runs frequently and is cheap as frittes. It's a bit of a hike up the hill/stairs from the water front. Buy tickets from the vending machine at the station. I believe there are English instructions on the machines. Don't get on the train without a ticket. The controllers can spot tourists from the other end of the train and are ruthless! Steep fines for "fare avoiders "! Villefrance has a lovely beach, about a 10 minute walk from the place where the tender drops you. Walk, with the sea on your right. The restaurants along the waterfront are pretty good, and a lot cheaper than those in Monaco or Nice. Last time we had a huge pot of mussels with triple-cooked frittes for something like €15 and a carafe of white wine for next to nix.

Ajaccio. I have the same "problem ". Stopping there next year, July. Pretty much everything that I can find on the usual tour websites is water-based activities. Meh. Not interested to go from a big ship on a boat for a "coastal " cruise. There seems to be a nice looking National Park nearby, but I didn't find an excursion. As for Toulon, I hope you won't be there on a Sunday. EVERYTHING is closed. Bugger all to do. We were lucky and were met by an old school friend of my wife's, who's husband plays rugby for Toulon. They took us to the countryside, which was nice.

Didn't your mother tell you....? 😉

We pack either underwear and socks that were at the end of their life cycle anyway or get a pack of cheap stuff from KMart. One wear, dispose. Confuses the room attendant. Sir this is waste bin, not laundry basket... The onboard laundry (if there is one) is only used for ironing a few pieces if need be. Oh, and Coles (not woolworths, for some reason) sells a great "wrinkle release spray " that comes in small spritz bottles. Works a treat.

What exactly is the point of "Concierge Class"? A few "pfffff" so-called Canapés that look like cut up leftovers from the buffet and are (and that's the worst part), unceremoniously dropped in the cabin as early as 2pm. Sitting there, uncovered to fester away. We asked the delivery to be stopped on day three. That "Concierge " was not even able (willing) to make a Specialty restaurant reservation for us. Meh...

How did you get into my shed???

Celebrity Cruise Lines springs to mind, especially their "Aqua Class" cabins. Be mindful that Aqua Class sells out rather quickly. Given the somewhat raised price point, there aren't TOO many children on board, especially really young ones.

These people are only hurting themselves. Tourists will find other places to visit. If the "islanders" want to make a point to the French, protests should be staged in France. I hear that there are a few international events going on/coming up that would certainly grab the attention of the French and rest of the world.

It is great to hear that you guys are taking the time for a leisurely drive, rather than "doing" the GOR in a day. Lots to see and you can spend as much (or little) time at places. If not already on the schedule, make sure you visit Cape Otway. A lovely lighthouse to climb up and great views.

For me, in the context of travelling, an "upgrade" means a FREE move upwards to a better cabin/seat/car. "Bidding" and paying for a so-called upgrade isn't one. I'm pretty sure that most of us book certain specific cabins/seats for a reason. We want that cabin location or that's what we can afford/are willing to spend. Being invited to bid for an upgrade is (from what I have seen so far) just a trap. Upgrades seem to be very ambiguously worded, just mentioning "categories ", rather than giving you a (choice if) specific cabins, which might give you an opportunity to make informed decisions. From what I have seen, "savings" are minimal to f-all. The amounts of extra money "suggested" or asked for to "win" an upgrade are too high to be interesting or sensible and are hardly a saving compared to the original/published cost of the "better" cabin. Similar applies to airline seats. Gone are the days where airline staff could make use of their industry perks of buying cheap STANDBY or even confirmed space ID50 tickets. The chances of securing a standby (or discounted) seat in First/Business class are becoming very, very slim. Now that everyone can "bid" for upgrades from Economy for (comparably) lower costs, and even with loyalty points, it is becoming difficult to make use of industry perks.

What's the occasion? Pac Adventure is getting a shower just now..

Looks depressing like Holyhead. (Or however that place is spelt)

Bedrock! Near Fred's house.

Planning is half the fun of travelling. Whatever you decide, make sure you have/take Sturdy, non-slip footwear A hat/cap Sun protection A water bottle 🙂

Has a Protestant vibe to it. So I guess somewhere in Germany

Ha! Hotel Swiss Metropole in Como. Went to a wedding there not long ago.