Fitzplumbago

You quack me up Jean! You asked a similar question last year… Seriously though, whatever floats your boat, ship or duck in this case! The last duck I’ve seen was on Iona in February, outside the Olive Grove, hanging from a wall decoration. Didn’t spot any on Sky Princess.

I’ve spotted a couple so far… On the ‘grown ups’ ship Arcadia soon, so will have a hunt for more to see if the rumours are true… They are usually accompanied by a message “Hidden by the Bloggs family, please take home and keep, or re-hide on another ship” or something similar. I have never hidden one myself, but thinking of hiding one onboard a Cunard (or should I say Canard?) ship… That’ll blow people’s minds! 😝

The picture I included was taken from one of the port/starboard infinity whirlpools on deck 18. That said, I have no idea if the aft pool issue has been rectified. I'd have thought lessons would be learnt from Iona, but with P&O maybe not!

I was also going to mention that there were staff with testing kits and chlorine constantly looking after the hot tubs during the day. Personally I would imagine there being a far higher risk of becoming ill through eating on the ship! Anyway, becoming a little off topic with talk of hot tub hygiene. I just wanted to mention one small benefit (for some) of Arvia (and Iona) over the other ships as a consideration when booking. Personally I enjoy cruising on any of the P&O ships 😊

I do as most folk do. Relax and watch the world go by. As I've had muscle problems over the past couple of years, a little hydrotherapy does me well too. Plus on Arvia you have the added bonus of infinity views (I'm hoping I have attached the photo correctly) ! As for the extra 16, it simply makes it much easier to find an empty one!

I am looking at those cruises too. Having just been on Arvia, she is a fab ship with plenty of things to do, places to eat... and, importantly to me, 16 more whirlpools than Britannia! However, the latter does have the more appealing itinerary. I have a dilemma though. I am due on a short cruise at the beginning of June, so still within the 'introductory offer' period. All being well, I could book on board with lower deposit and higher inboard spend. But the risk being that lower grades sell out, or they simply put the prices up beforehand. Decisions...

Personally, I find formal wear a little uncomfortable to wear. But I do enjoy the traditional ‘experience’, which is what I believe to be the reason the formal nights exist today. My DJ and trousers cost the princely sum of £23, but I don’t feel as though I look out of place! One day, the experience may cease to be, but I still see many people enjoying themselves on these nights. In fact, the wait for the restaurant on these nights seems to be longer than others. Most rebellious person I’ve seen on a formal night was a gentleman wearing a Beatles t-shirt… It was black and white with the zebra crossing design though, so partially observed the requirements!