Clodia

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.

Having loved Iona so much despite the negative reviews ( mine has been published today in the review section) I am very happy to consider Arvia for next year.

Greece rescinded ALL restrictions on January 30th. We booked a land based holiday there on the 31st, which was undoubtedly what they intended.

Please DON'T report fatalities or accidents onboard! My friend and I were on a Caribbean transatlantic on Azura a few years ago where there was a road accident on a shore excursion with one fatality and several serious injuries. It appeared on social media and my friend's mother, due to the 5 hour time difference, was absolutely hysterical with fear until we said "S**d the time diff, and phoned her direct. Relatives can be caused severe distress when things get out on social media before official information is given to families.

I've always got priority embarkation when I've had a mini suite.

Just got off Iona and she has the Olive Grove, a Mediterranean restaurant with most menu items being included and small extra charges for paella or hanging kebabs. The lasagne was wonderful. I thought I would hate Iona because she's so big and Aurora is my favourite ship, but the design is good with things split into sections so it doesn't feel as big. Review pending moderation at present, hopefully published soon.

Just got off Iona. I liked Aqua and Opal because they were smaller and dimly lit and I hate bright lights.

Or rum runners! I take these on because they are plastic therefore lightweight, and watertight/very unlikely to leak. And yes I have been known to fill up at ports especially if I want a particular make of,say, Spanish brandy. I wrap the container up in my jacket and carry it on in a bag. Mind you, I do get a drinks package or pay for drinks; i just like having something special for late night drinks on the balcony.

Yes I was caught out on the underestimation of walking in Iceland last year; the trip was advertised as a 3km walk but my watch told me it was over 5 km! I managed it, though I am having a bit of difficulty walking at the moment following an injury, but some people were quite distressed.

I didn't sit up until midnight to book for Iona G306; I went online at midday the next day and got everything I wanted to book in the way of shorex, shows and speciality restaurants. The only annoying thing is that the Olive Grove is still showing as "coming soon"

Suites and Baltic/Ligurian get the first boarding time at 11.45, but I'm not sure how they do it after that. Before covid there used to be a system and I got it out of a staff member, but all that went overboard.

I am on Iona on March 4th, and have made bookings for as many restaurants as possible because I am travelling solo and don't want to share since covid. What are my chances of a table for one in the MDRs, or will I have to have room service any night I cannot get into the onboard available places like the Keel & Cow, the Glass House or the Olive Grove?

I have done 3 solo cruises with Silversea. There's no pressure at all to join in, but if you want to talk to other solos there's a nightly meet up and some do go to dinner together. I am happy to be on my own, though I have joined others at times. I actually think Silversea is one of the best lines for solos, with of course some low supplements if you choose carefully.

I love it!

I often walk as I only have a small rucksack as hand luggage; my main suitcase goes ahead with the Baggage Handling Company. 13 minutes to City Terminal from Holiday inn or Premier Inn West Quay. About 22-30 minutes to the further terminals.