Canal archive

I think this effort just might be banned, I know I’ve only ever traveled with Scenic and I am now absolutely convinced you have never. I don’t know what cruise you were on but in the number of cruises I have been on with Scenic I have never seen any difference in how the passengers are treated if they choose to spend their hard earned cash on roomier cabins or on what we affectionately refer to as Aquarium class you make your choice. Table de Rive is the only area not offered to all and that is clear for all to read about before they embark. Just because there are different colours of name badges does not mean anything apart from that some of us have spent a hell of a lot more than others with Scenic. I sincerely hope and actually don’t expect to come across you or someone as biased as you appear to be on my future cruises. Oh just in case I’m banned happy cruising all.

All Scenic cruisers get one bag = I think 1kg per cabin per cruise free I’m sure I’ve fitted in more and I bet they don’t weigh all of them, it’s referred to as the laundry concierge. Not all cabins but most get 2 items pressed per day. Yes hang in the bathroom but evidently it’s a huge no no to hang anywhere near your balcony and I can understand that. Ask your TA to get a laundry price list from Scenic. I’m waiting for a health/fitness one as I was told it was being updated.

When we did the Douro, the Mateus Palace was closed for renovation when I find my notebook and date for the photographs I will try to help. When my Mum bless her little cotton socks, passed away clearing here house she still had Mateus Rose bottles filled with sand as door stops, now that wine all those years ago was considered quite sophisticated but mum liked the bottle shape - she was quite the wine connoisseur but preferred an evening glass of Tio Pepe straight from the fridge.

French for keeping your scooter well away from this piece of road - chassis de ferme - wrong spelling no doubt but we soon learnt, great big holes in the road!

Pontac I have absolutely nothing against Viking especially because how the treated my all time best friend when her husband was taken ill on one of their cruises I will always have a special place in my heart for that crew and the company. I’m just comparing - and okay I’m generalising here - the overall rankings of river cruise companies. You I must admit seem to have had a strange cruise with Scenic and I’ve never had a Viking cruise but I have met with quite a few who have and have cruised both companies and their comparisons do in no way compare with yours.

Only joking but it took an Aussie to rank Scenic with Viking!

The reason for the Lille stop was because there as yet were no border facilities in Avignon. Technically you could board the first Eurostar from London have lunch in Marseilles and return to London in the same day. May try it one day.

We’ve Eurostarred several times to and from mainland Europe for river cruises canal barge journeys and other chasing around Europe excitements. Much better than flying far more relaxed. The only drawback was on our return from the South of France having to get off the train for border control at Lille.

Kristelle we’ve never had to wait but as with everything there’s always a first time. On our last two Scenic cruises the fitness team were more in evidence, walking pole lessons and practice, some yoga and Pilates just ask at reception. Bikes available whenever possible to use them, if you want to do any extra exercise you can. I haven’t tried a salt therapy yet though.

Ohhh I see - or 6 - 9 light breakfast in your cabin 9 - 12 gentle stroll close to your mooring 12 - 1.30 snacket in the lounge bar 2 - 5 afternoon snooze or on board activity 7 - 9 excellent dinner with newly acquired friends with drinks in the lounge to follow. Change as required.

With a British subsidiary.

I’ve been on quite a few Scenic river cruises and read a lot on these boards and I to have never heard of a ‘chill rating’ maybe someone can enlighten us please.

When you look at the small print the allowance is very close to airline requirements and as I said tuck under the bed nicely out of the way, left open so anything unwanted, unclean or used can be put in easily ready for the dreaded packing.

As the experts say a pop of - colour, bling or unusual can set off any outfit. A well designed piece that doesn’t have to cost a fortune (but may take some finding) can wow the crowd no problem and be completely understated. Mind you classics are very useful but where do you get them these days, oh well off to the sewing machine, knitting needles, crochet hook you name it I’ve most probably got it.

In the U.K. as we have the NHS some of us are just a bit lackadaisical about keeping track of these things and so a week or two ago I got an alert on my phone to say I was able to get my booster so husband and I are off next Saturday to be punctured again. It’s one of the cases of ‘isn’t technology wonderful’.

From a museum in Scotland blinged more than mine was but those were the days, mini skirts and kinky boots. Sadly the doyen of the look, Mary Quant has just passed away.

DH rarely takes a jacket if we’re cruising during the summer months but yes a light one at other times of the year and the air con in the restaurant especially can be a little chilly I take a few wraps We have always taken a full size (airline size) suitcase each, they tuck nicely away under the bed. We’ve always taken carry- ons but smaller ones. We’ve never had a problem and we’ve cruised with Scenic over many years including the one your setting out on, it was our second and as our first was only eight days my husband decided that it was far to short.

Oh dear what a pity but never mind what an opportunity to go looking for another pair. It sounds like you may have caught the bug though that of the river cruising variety.

Well it was at the time AMA i think Viera or could be Veela if you enlarge the picture, maybe because the hull is in shadow.

Our first South of France on Scenic we had I suppose a taster about 10 of us had a tour and a demonstration plus taster in one of their lecture theatres. Quite an eye opener I hadn’t realised how many famous chefs had taken at least some training there and reciprocated by doing training sessions themselves.

You’ll go under the rising bridge, interesting. Lyon have you been to the Paul Bacous institute if not it’s well worth a visit and Arles is interesting it’s a great cruise we’ve done it twice.

If it’s any help there is a diary of French strikes as far as they can asses on - world in Paris.com - you have to scroll down quite a bit.

Are you sure you were on Scenic as they are all inclusive and unless your drinking really really high end you shouldn’t have paid a penny for any drinks unless you traveled with them about 15 years ago.

My sympathies are all with you both. I didn’t think there could be a more unattractive bow than those on Viking but I’m pretty sure you’ve found one. The Portuguese are a warm friendly nation with some amazing history. Have you seen any old red English telephone boxes yet?

Ural guy I hope your knees get sorted, I now have two complete new knees the relief of no pain has to be NOT felt to be believed. I know it doesn’t work for everyone but thank the gods it did for me or I’d be in a wheelchair now.