Clodia

It exists. Used to be direct to Newcastle, now change at either Reading or Birmingham. Good service if you use the Baggage Handling Company and travel with hand luggage. I'm flying Newcastle to Southampton in 2 weeks. I prefer the train but so many strikes.

Unfortunately you are right about Iceland. I went on a round Iceland trip last summer with Silversea, and despite being on the Silver Whisper (298 passengers) she had to tender almost everywhere except for Akureyri where being very small she got a berth; even Aurora wouldn't get in anywhere except Reykjavik.

This is all very helpful to me as a friend and I have just had our booking confirmed on the 2026 World Cruise. I'll be 70 in 2026 and if I don't do it then I never will. I'm a gym person and usually a walker so will do at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Normally on a longer cruise I have either breakfast OR lunch, not both, and the smaller dinner portions suit me better. We've asked for a table for 2 (confirmed) to avoid the sharing problem when we want a small meal. I often go for 2 starters and a light dessert. Mind you, we will do drinks, but try not to have more than we do at home.

Glass House can't be booked prior to boarding on Iona,but I went twice and had no trouble getting in. Olive Grove I booked the first afternoon onboard. Everything else booked 14 days in advance, didn't stay up till midnight and got everything I wanted.

That happened to me on Iona in March. I wanted Queen but they insisted my cabin ( a Conservatory Mini Suite) could only be a twin. Quick word with the Cabin Steward, came back from breakfast on the first day to find it remade as a Queen. Of course he got an additional tip. Having the same cabin next month, confirmed as a Queen.

What a ridiculous woman! I'm glad I wasn't on that cruise. Having said that, I stick to my own hairdresser for highlighting and cut and blow dry. I've been to the ship salon for an " up do". Suddenly occurred to me that I will have to have a cut and blow dry at least once on the World cruise 2026, which I booked this week.

I'm on fixed dining on Britannia in May 2024

Just bought the deluxe package today for Iona on November 11th. Will report on it after or during cruise.

I like eating earlier and have had no problems at all on Iona.

Download Pilates Online, and make a one off donation which helps the very good instructor make more classes. Great range of classes with different times and difficulties.

I'm on my 3rd Kindle and have over 2000 books on my current one, including all the classics I consider my comfort reading. I read voraciously and while I like physical books, I can never get enough for a 2 week cruise, especially as the library on the more traditional ships like Aurora gets stripped quickly. So now I download a few new titles before each cruise and pack the kindle.

I was on that cruise. It was a really good menu. Loved Oceana.

Yes they would, because Naturism and nudity in spas and pools is just normal in most of Europe. It's only the British and Americans who have hangups about the human body. I've been to loads of spas and clothes optional beaches in Europe. In fact I've been considering a European cruise line with an FKK sun deck. And yes I go to the pool or hot tub in my robe, but not a dining venue. Can we not all live and let live?

I am a solo cruiser in her late 60s and found it fine. I could have shared tables any night in the MDR but like eating by myself. There were solo meetups in the Crows Nest every day if you want to meet others. I'm a bit of a loner so didn't bother, but was invited warmly by others to join them on several occasions. You could also meet up before going ashore if you felt like company. I felt the service I received as a solo was every bit as good as that received by couples and that hasn't been the case on every cruise I've been on. I'm back on Iona in November, having booked onboard and grabbed the same cabin I had last time. Go for it!

Yes the £10 is deducted from your bill and they charge per dish on Iona and Arvia so if you only want 2 courses, and they are big especially the signature dishes, you end up with quite a small bill for a speciality restaurant.

I had a conservatory mini suite last cruise on Iona and got both.

Been on C deck on Azura several times. Nice big balcony and not overlooked if you sit back. Highly recommended.

I am a retired Headteacher and got into trouble on Iona recently for putting out my arm to prevent rushing at lifts so someone in a wheelchair could get on first. One man started chopping at my arm with his hand until I told him to cease and desist. I really get this as I am currently temporarily disabled having an injury which makes it very difficult for me to walk and climb stairs. Prior to this I never used lifts. My injury will heal with time and physiotherapy, but it's really made me think about those not in such a fortunate position and I'd rather leave early to get somewhere and make sure I stick up for the wheelchair users! By the way, as a foodie I loved Iona. On her again in November.

I was a bit nervous about cruising solo on Iona, but enjoyed it so much that I'm going again later this year. Though I prefer Aurora as a solo, there were no problems booking on Iona. I couldn't get into the 710 club because I forgot to book, but simply turned up 10 minutes before the shows I fancied and got in due to no shows.

This happened to me once on Ventura. Unfortunately I do not possess nightwear as I am a naturist. The cabin steward pulled the duvet off me then screamed and ran away. At least that gave me time to put something warm on and use the loo.

Oh he's good.

You usually meet other solos at the meet up in Panorama if you want to dine with others; I've often done this, and also been invited to eat with other people I've got talking to in Trivia or in the bars before dinner. Some nights I like to eat alone and usually book a time to do that. Silversea are very flexible for solos, unlike some lines.

I have travelled alone for years as well as with others. Cruises I find are the safest, friendliest and nicest way to travel alone. You can join in as much or as little as you choose. I am truly sorry for your recent loss, but I think you will grow into cruising alone, and make new friends too.

I was on the same cruise as you and ditto; delighted with food venues and excellent service.

I also did this; booked 7 nights paying in advance, and got the Olive Grove, which is popular, twice on boarding afternoon. Other nights I walked into the Glass House or the Keel and Cow and asked to be seated. One night I went for early dining in the MDR because there were 2 shows I wanted to see. Liked the bookings because I like to plan, but it seemed to work ok even for those who didn't.