Eglesbrech

Had my covid / flu jags today. The arm with the flu one is stumming! Glad to get them done though. No queue and the actual injections were quick, in and out in no time after all the questions. Blood pressure changes depending on the time of the day and is also affected by digestion. Some people get postural hypotension after eating as pressure reduces with digestion. For those with higher BP and white coat syndrome - eat just before your BP test and you may get a more normal result.

As someone from a country that does not have a prominent tipping culture I never know if what I am giving is mean/ middle of the road / generous. We always pay the autograts and tip extra discretely in cash, depending on the level of service provided. I don’t however go anywhere near the excessive tips reported by some across these cruise boards (if indeed they actually do proffer quite so much). I don’t feel guilty in any event. I just wish all cruise lines would charge an appropriate amount to pay staff and end all this tipping angst. MSC are at least attempting to do so to an extent.

And you have a lovely time on Virtuosa. We really enjoyed the ship.

It’s made in Cumbria. They do standard damson or a chilli damson which is brilliant as a dip. Yes do give it a good https://www.cartmellfarmfoods.co.uk

Have you tried damson ketchup. It’s a bit more tart than tomato and adds a nice zing to fish and chips.

The monument of Norway is just outside Haugesund. It is about 30 minutes walk each way so just a nice stretch of the legs. The locals at the port will give you a map. The town is also apleasant just to stroll around.

The best Farinata I have ever had was from a tiny restaurant in La Spezia - La Pia. It is cheap, basic and authentically local but really delicious food. They make a batch and when it is sold that’s that. For those who have already done all the other more interesting touristically things in the area this is one small pleasure that is left. I managed to get their recipe and still use it at home to this day.

I think if I had been your neighbours I would have returned the favour at 7am😀 Did they give your long suffering neighbours anything that you know of?

Others have answered the rest of your questions. We walked through the casino to the lounge at the back and yes it stank of cigarette smoke and air freshener. Not as bad a stench as on say Princess ships but there non the less. There seemed to be smoking and non smoking areas (or at least ashtrays at some slots and not others) but the smell clings.

We had no problems at all. I have to say it concerned me before I sailed as well. The second last night we hit a storm which is why the ship was very late back into Southampton and while there was movement, it was really not bad. It’s a big ship so feels like a brick in the water. Im a good sailor but my husband is not and he was fine. Added - my OH has just informed me that although he was fine (not seasick which happens from time to time) he did feel the movement more than say mid ships.

We had a connecting door, last minute booking so we had to take what we could get. I can honestly say I never heard a thing from our neighbours. We had two nice young lads (in their 20s/early 30s) next door and spoke to them across the balcony but never heard a peep from them through the cabin.

It did thanks, seridipidy I suppose. Not only are we booked but so are some the family, so MSC have gained some new customers. I hope you had a great cruise too.

I applied before we booked and that was only about 8 weeks ago but I am in the U.K.

Avril I think that like you many older people have faced more month than pay at some point in their lifetime. Manners costs nothing, I don’t care how much pressure people think they are under there is no excuse for rudeness. We eat a lot of pulses and beans (and enjoy them) but at one point in time it was all we could afford. I think our expectations were lower as well.

I have cruised a lot with RCI and Celebrity and like them both. Only one cruise with MSC and we enjoyed it so much we are booked for more. The Yacht club experience is better than the suites experience on RCI in my opinion. We enjoyed the food much more in the YC than RCI Coastal Kitchen. The service is also more attentive but less effusive if you know what I mean. The entertainment on RCI is however very much better than Msc. The MSC shows are pretty pedestrian. Give it a try, I’m sure there will be some things you will really enjoy on MSc (and a few you will miss from RCI). No line is perfect. In case you don’t know MSc offer a loyalty match scheme which you need to apply for before you book. It’s worth applying for, the perks are good including a discount on the actual cruise booking of 5%.

U.K. site is back up. No change for Northern Europe cruises from Southampton.

The site is down here as well but it could be for any number of reasons I suppose. I would like to see the new itinerary’s for 2024 😀. Changing protocols will always annoy just as many people as it pleases but given what other lines have done something will change eventually.

La Rochelle is the definite shuttle.

My first cruise with MSC was all extremely convenient walk off ports berthed in the middle of the towns. The next one will require shuttle buses for one (perhaps 2) ports as the places of interest are much further away. How well do MSC handle shuttle ports? Are there massive queues, do they do it by deck or ticket, do you purchase tickets in advance or at the shuttle, usual costs etc. Any information much appreciated so we can plan ahead.

Cruise companies tell you these things but if challenged formally they usually fold. The problem is you have to go to the time and trouble of challenging them which is usually more than the fee to move and they know it. I would be annoyed too. The problem is all the lines now have very one sided terms and conditions so not a straw to draw between most of them. Pay it then forget it and enjoy the cruise on your nice sunny balcony.

Love the Anthem, I’m sure you and Zapp had a great week away. We were on Virtuosa last week and also gained weight. Trying (and failing) to cut back now ready for the next one.

The Queen is (was) extremely well respected by most Scots. The turnout has been absolutely amazing considering how small some of the villages are that the cortège has passed through. Every resident must have turned out in some (augmented by a few tourists). The respectful silence is haunting. People have been parking up on the motorways and standing on verges to pay their respects. Every bridge on the route has been crowded out. Six of the Balmoral Ghillies carried the Queen out to the hearse and her official piper played a lament to see her off. That must have been extremely moving.

Just off at 8.40am so quite a delay. The only luggage off was YC when we went through. They may be able to catch up but I think embarkation could be delayed.

The ship is going to be an hour (estimated) late so docking 8am. We got a letter in the cabin last night.

The Captain gave a nice speech and a minutes silence was held at noon. King Charles speech is being shown in several venues later this afternoon.