gumshoe958

And Quantum Class.

Good spot @ARandomTraveler - I’m also on that TA but interestingly you can only reserve dining if you have the UDP, not the 5 night package.

Global Entry means nothing outside the US (except in a handful of airports with pre-clearance for flights back to the US). Athens has a handful of direct flights from the east coast. Venice does not so you’d have to connect somewhere in Europe. Also bear in mind Royal doesn’t sail from Venice itself but from Ravenna, a 2 hour drive away. Bologna is actually the closest airport so only fly into Venice if you want to visit the city first. I’d choose Athens though.

Which non-Spanish port would it call at though, to comply with cabotage law? (Assuming Spain has a PVSA equivalent, which most countries do.) There’s Gibraltar and Tangier - but can they handle an O-class? Or Lisbon or Casablanca - ditto? And probably too far. Plus Rome is the big draw for most Americans on the O-class Med circuit. So Missing out Civitavecchia would be a big no-no.

Who says Icon 3 will launch in Europe anyway, other than some unsubstantiated speculation? The holding back of some Europe itineraries is more likely due to the Israel & Russia uncertainty and/or the only very recently announced delay to the Norwegian fjords ban.

Agreed. @tvo7 please don’t let yourself be guilt-tripped into thinking you’re doing a bad thing. You’re absolutely not. It’s not your fault if a large, profit-making corporation refuses to pay its staff a living wage. You shouldn’t feel pressured into topping it up. Thankfully the vast majority of countries in the world have a far more civilised approach to tipping. On merit, or even not at all. Enjoy your cruise.

One thing London black cabs are definitely not is dicey. Fares are metered, set by Transport for London and the drivers are probably the best trained in the world as they all have to pass the notoriously difficult “Knowledge” test of London’s roads. Consequently they always know the best and quickest route, and are allowed to use bus lanes which can help cut out delays. Right now, in the middle of the morning rush hour, Uber are quoting £77 ($100) if that helps. So “Larry’s Limo” (never heard of them) are ripping you off.

The CD’s primary role is to line manage the entertainment and activities staff. On the big ships that’s pretty much a full-time job as there are so many staff and events. On the smaller ships, with much less to manage, they have more time to be out and about.

It does bread exceptionally well in 150 Central Park.

Yes you can, it works for any bus within 12 hours either side of the one you booked, as long as there’s space.

For those who can’t or don’t want to click on the link, this is very important information for anyone planning to visit the UK next year. For most non-Europeans, including Americans and Canadians, you will need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) to fly to the UK from 8 January 2025. You can apply from 27 November 2024. It costs £10 and lasts two years, and is valid for multiple visits during those two years (or when your passport expires, if that’s sooner). For Europeans, ETAs will be required from 2 April 2025. Applications open on 5 March. All the details and the application portal can be found on the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

A few things to note: You should make the 12:10 if your flight’s on time. But baggage reclaim at LHR can be very variable and make sure you factor in the 10-15 minute walk from the terminal through the tunnels and up to the bus station. The +/-12 hour change is not free of charge and doesn’t come as standard. You have to buy the £5 Change & Go upgrade which you’ll be offered during the online booking process. If you need to use Change & Go on the day, National Express say you can do it online if you have an account, so consider setting one up when you book than just checking out as a guest. Or you can call to change. But as @gnome12 says, any changes on the day are subject to availability and if the 13:30 is sold out, it’s sold out.

What day do you arrive at Gatwick, and what day does your cruise depart from Dover? Do you plan to visit London itself? You should note that there are no direct trains or buses between Gatwick and Dover. You’ll have to change en route at least once. Your only direct option, if your cruise line doesn’t offer a shuttle service, is a cab or private transfer - it’s about a 90 minute drive.

That sounds like the full walk-up train fare (called ‘Anytime’). Cheap advance fares go on sale about 12 weeks out so you’re too early. The bus will still be cheaper but about 60-75 minutes slower.

Royal will happily make a Lava Flow. It’s just a pina colada with strawberry sauce.

Trains are faster and more frequent but you’ll have to get yourself to Waterloo station and carry your own luggage on and off the train (which doesn’t have any dedicated space for large cases). Coaches are slower and less frequent but the driver will take care of loading and unloading your luggage and, as you say, Victoria is closer to your hotel. Coach is likely cheaper although train fares can be quite low IF you book well in advance and select a specific service rather than buy an open, flexible ticket.

Not at all, as long as you’re on the road by around 9:00 or just after you’ll be fine (assuming you’re booking a private transfer).

Assuming you’re docking in Zeebrugge, note that Ypres is about an hour’s drive so at least two of those seven hours will be spent on the road.

The USA also requires a visa or ESTA for transit.

It’s the Hostess, not the Diva, who is - very, very loosely - the CD equivalent. She hosted the Scarlet Night pool party.

The Red Room does have seating, but it’s a flexible space so they can move it in or out as required, same with the stage which can be configured in several different ways. Agreed re Persephone - there’s one live singer but the rest mime. I prefer Duel Reality, the main show on the other two ships, which has more of a story, better circus acts and - crucially - seats! But yes, RCI entertainment is generally streets ahead (although VV do buy in some decent guest acts who’ll be familiar to regulars at the Edinburgh Fringe).

Because under the current family-oriented ‘ship is the destination’ strategy, they no longer do many longer, scenic voyages which largely attract a demographic they’d prefer to cater for with the Celebrity brand.

If you take the tube, there is no need to walk from St Pancras to King’s Cross (they are next door to each other across the street). There are several entrances to the tube inside St Pancras station so just follow the signs when you emerge from the Eurostar. Otherwise, follow the excellent advice above from @exlondoner. Victoria line to Oxford Circus then change to the Bakerloo line to Waterloo from the adjacent platform. OR take a taxi.

As long as you’re among the first off, preferably carrying your own luggage (if Oceania allows that), you should be fine. But I’d want to be on the road by 8:30, or 9 at the very latest.

No. For ticketing purposes that’s the first off-peak train on weekdays. But in terms of crowding the morning peak is in the other direction, towards London. That train shouldn’t be too busy.