Tatra603

I got my segments mixed up with my mini-legs.

Isn't Dubai the start of the third quarter and if so, wouldn't that make it harder to scrap that segment?

If you, like me, hate coach travel and would prefer the train, use a website called Trainline. Even though you normally have to change twice (first at Hayes & Harlington and then at Reading) it's usually still quicker than the awful National Express coaches which don't take a direct route and are subject to the inevitable traffic delays on the M25 and M3 motorways.

I can't find any reference to Suez being closed to passenger ships. I'm on the Dubai to Athens segment of the UWC, so I've been taking a keen interest. It'll be interesting to see what RC do, as they can't just cancel this one and sailing around Africa comes with it's own challenges and dangers, not to mention totally disrupting the port dates for the rest of the WC.

Bring back Rock The Boat. What a brilliant band they were.

Damn. A Celebrity cruise in South America is high on my want list. Any idea on their reasoning?

I too am baffled by the assumption by many that Quantum class are second only to Oasis. I've never taken to the design, particularly indoors (there's a whiff of the shopping mall about it) and much prefer the design of Freedom class or especially Radiance class ships. I'm not a moaner, but I think Anthem has definitely done her time in Southampton and a change is needed. She might be an older ship, but I'm far more likely to book with Indy than Anthem.

I can vouch for them too. Did it 3 years ago. So much fun.

Aruba Tours | Best Tours in Aruba | Aruba Adventure Tours – Around Aruba Tours We did a UTV tour with them in March. Fantastic fun.

Am I the only person in the world who cannot stand Sinatra? Awful mood hoover.

Yes. I thought it was just me. When I use that exact phrase to explain to my cruise friends why I'm not keen on P&O (despite doing a lot more to woo UK cruisers than RC), I get baffled looks. It's just all a bit too "Land of Hope and Glory" for me. Not to Cunard levels, obviously, but I would never consider them for many reasons, not just financial.

For me, the age of the ship is of little importance. I'm fully aware that an Oasis class would be totally unsuitable. Other Brits might feel differently.

Hi Cublet, Thanks. Given my location, it would be madness for me to not use Southampton when doing a UK cruise. I can walk to the terminal from the IOW ferry which docks right next to it. I do love the Radiance class, though.

I don't object to the continuation of a Quantum class in Southampton, although it's far from my favourite class of ship. But it wasn't that long ago that RC had two ships homeporting, Indy and a Voyager class. I would love to see the return of a second ship, a Voyager class or even better, a Radiance class which would allow us RC regulars a chance to mix it up a bit.

I recently did a b2b on Rhapsody. We like Asti, which never appears on any RC ship, so we came with 2 bottles each and gladly handed over the 2 bottles for our second cruise, expecting them to appear in our stateroom on the last day of the first cruise. They never turned up, so I went to guest services and was surprised by the amount of push back. So much so, it made me wonder if I had got it wrong. It took me quite a bit of reasoning with them before they agreed to return the 2 bottles and even then it was with some reluctance on their part. I got the impression they just wanted rid of me. From my point of view, logically, I was entitled to those bottles according to their rules. Also, I really didn't want to have to pack them again and fly home with them.

Well, we're into April now and still no word on when these 17 smaller segments will become available. All my cruise plans are on hold while I wait for the 'scraps' to appear. Surely it has to be soon. Anyone got any inside information?

It's about time the UK got a change of ship as I've never really taken to Anthem. Can anyone elaborate on the main differences between Anthem and Odyssey?

I guessed as much. They seem half the size of a regular inside. Almost like an afterthought. Like they were originally designed as a second bedroom for the JS. Are they cheaper? Couldn't find a way of selecting it on any of my mock bookings.

Ah, so that's what those little rooms are. I was offered these when I did my mock bookings, but had no idea they were attached studio rooms. I even tried searching the cabin numbers, with no results. So those little rooms come included with the JS? That would be perfect. Thank you.

Thanks for all the replies. Fwiw, there is very little difference between balcony and JS on the cruises I'm looking at. (Southampton to Canaries in September) I did some mock bookings. Two connecting balconies £8k. One balcony and one Inside directly opposite £7k. One JS for three adults £5k. That's a lot of extra money for a bit of privacy.

We're toying with the idea of treating my old Mum by joining us on our next cruise. Purchasing a solo room just for her is out of the question for financial reasons. So I've been looking at adding her as a third adult, perhaps in a Junior Suite. Can anyone tell me about how much privacy we (and she) will have? Is there a curtain that can be pulled across at night? Does the fact that the suite is larger make that more difficult than say, a narrower standard balcony room? The ship would be Anthem. Any advice gratefully received.

When are these smaller segments likely to go on general sale? Will they appear on RC's website or will it be TA only?

So when do these become available? I quite fancy doing South America or Middle East. Both regions sadly neglected by RC.

From one Canary to another, please elaborate. OTBC

Thanks for your prompt response. The YouTube review was by Ben & David, a UK couple which was why it resonated as I agree that us Europeans have different expectations from our friends across the pond. I didn't know about the status match. I will investigate further to see what that gets me.