Iona live 12th August 2023

[ParisHilton]

In case I forget . My nine year old didnt see a lot of options she was interested in. She's less fussy than her elder sister but still a nine year old. Wife said she struggled to find options too,but seemed to enjoy what she had. In fairness we aren't used to fine dining and don't really have the pallete to appreciate it.  Just quickly replying between the 8.30 headliners show which was decent and the inevitable revenge of the Japanese known as karaoke .Probably only about 30 empty seats in headliners. Though I did see blocks of two or three so maybe singles dotted about which ups that number a bit.

 

Will canvas more opinion in the food if I can.

 

[Mad4WDW]

Hi,

If you’re able to could you possibly upload the glasshouse wine menu 🙏

[ParisHilton]

9 hours ago, Mad4WDW said:

Hi,

If you’re able to could you possibly upload the glasshouse wine menu 🙏

 

Yes will try and do that. That's a bar in the atrium right?

Quite often a pianist playing there? My brother in law was politely asked not to play the piano after a handful of notes. Understable as to why the rule is in place. He's damn good though , I think my wife said he's a concert pianist though that means nothing to me. 

Very grey in Stavanger this morning. I'm trapped in the cabin while the children sleep and the wife grabs breakfast in pearl.  Will report back on that later.

I had katsu chicken from the quays  last night. I've never had that (attempting to try something new every day). Surprisingly good. The steamed rice wasn't too good. Bit soggy for me. But I've never been a rice fan. 

I've decided how best to describe the food from the quays / the hot dog and chips from the place in the SkyDome. They are like the food at the fast food bit of IKEA. Portion size wise and quality.  The portions are not large. But adequate. And you can always go back.  And there's nothing wrong with the food, bit it's not good 

As you'd expect from a speciality restaurant the food was better. Ive only been in one , the olive grove, while we were still in Southampton port. Better than quays . Caesar salad and chips was nice but not wow.  Not sure either why it's so popular there. Maybe there's a good view on one side of the restaurant? Certainly don't beat yourself up if you don't get a booking. Or rock up early and you should get in.

The wife said chef's table was lovely .  I forgot to ask what she actually had  , but she really highly rated it. 

 

Quick shower for me now and off to see what I'm supposed to be doing today.

 

 

[ParisHilton]

 

 

According to our horizons for today . Film list has changed .

 

Big George foreman. John wick 4. Avatar. Puss in boots 

 

Which brings me to another irritation. The date / day isn't obvious on every page of horizon. I totally get I could flip to the front page and check. Or I could just keep today's and bin the old ones. But as I've got all three and they are open it's a minor irritation. But they could easily pop the date on the top of every page.  More annoying is the waste of paper. I get not everyone wants their phone but they could pop it on the telly .

 

Also . Not so much annoying but weird. Finding the number for room service .. the menu for room service is in the room but you need to be James bond to find the number.

Oh stepson said room service pizza took about 20 mins and was nice.  I think he said it was £6.50 + room service charge. Seems a tad steep. Baguette and crisps for £1.50 + charge may have to be tried latter in the cruise. But only if that's £2.50 per order!

[ParisHilton]

Minor things. It's not shown up on the telly what I bought yesterday.

Definitely spent £4 on a tub of pringles.

Bought £10 to £20 of drinks. Maybe nearer £30 now I remember the expresso martini.

But of more interest is what gelato cost . I'm sure it's not too bad but he did seem to ring up every topping. Which could well add up.

 

Shower is decent. Doesn't leak all over the floor like Travelodge ones seem to do to me ( I like a loooong shower). And white company shampoo/hair gel is a nice touch .

 

Oh random comment on guest services. Almost no queue at 5.30 embarkation day. Looked to be hefty one by 7.30.

Seems pretty quite otherwise and so far sorted everything I've asked for. Nothing on my list there shouldn't be easily sortable but often companies can't handle anything bog standard. Can't fault them.

 

For regular cruiser's how do you normally tip the folks that service your room. Envelope on the desk at end of week or put it in their hand.

[AndyLovesCruises]

20 hours ago, ParisHilton said:

Yes.  I'm told encanto was at the cinema yesterday, I can't believe they changed after first night.

 

Feels busier now. The pools and hot tubs are busy.  It's ok, with 21 degrees and able to use outdoor pools. But it will be a problem when less clement.

 

Horizon was very busy.

I gatecrashed aqua I think at 7.30 and that was ok. Possibly because plenty forgot the clocks changed.

 

I've managed to avoid line dancing today. But also, didn't get to go the art talk. 

 

I've finally realised why they don't let you message fellow travellers through the app.  It encourages you to buy WiFi. It is frustrating having to coordinate to meet people. Would be worth maybe £10 per cabin to be able to go that.

Top Tip for your next cruise 🙂 buy a white board and stick it on your door (the outside) then you can leave notes to your fellow ships mates of your whereabouts!  Just don't leave the pen outside, I made that mistake only once #comedywilly ....  

 

Edited August 14, 2023 by AndyLovesCruises

[AndyLovesCruises]

24 minutes ago, ParisHilton said:

Minor things. It's not shown up on the telly what I bought yesterday.

Definitely spent £4 on a tub of pringles.

Bought £10 to £20 of drinks. Maybe nearer £30 now I remember the expresso martini.

But of more interest is what gelato cost . I'm sure it's not too bad but he did seem to ring up every topping. Which could well add up.

 

Shower is decent. Doesn't leak all over the floor like Travelodge ones seem to do to me ( I like a loooong shower). And white company shampoo/hair gel is a nice touch .

 

Oh random comment on guest services. Almost no queue at 5.30 embarkation day. Looked to be hefty one by 7.30.

Seems pretty quite otherwise and so far sorted everything I've asked for. Nothing on my list there shouldn't be easily sortable but often companies can't handle anything bog standard. Can't fault them.

 

For regular cruiser's how do you normally tip the folks that service your room. Envelope on the desk at end of week or put it in their hand.

 

You will find that the staff will hang around and be seen in the hall ways on embarkation days, I like to hand it to them personally but some prefer to leave them in the room.  

[grapau27]

On 8/12/2023 at 12:08 PM, ParisHilton said:

Finally on our way for a Norwegian cruise . First cruise for a family of five plus various in-laws.

Have learnt so much from here I want to give something back!

 

On the coach now. Mild panic as it's scheduled to arrive as our boarding slot closes. We'll quiz the driver when he stops for what seems like a considerable break .  I'm guessing there's so few of us for the early spot they've put us on a later coach.  Marginally annoying as wanted the head start on booking stuff!

I hope you have a fantastic cruise.

I will be following along.

[AndyLovesCruises]

We are on this sailing in two weeks, really enjoying the updates.  Have a great cruise! 

[mrsgoggins]

I hand over tips, in an envelope, the day before disembarkation.  Mainly because on the morning you leave, the room attendant may be busy clearing out another room and would need hunting down.  I also give additional tips the night before if we have had the same servers in the MDR for most of the cruise. This was not necessary on Iona because we rarely had the same ones twice and the multiple locations.

[grapau27]

34 minutes ago, ParisHilton said:

Minor things. It's not shown up on the telly what I bought yesterday.

Definitely spent £4 on a tub of pringles.

Bought £10 to £20 of drinks. Maybe nearer £30 now I remember the expresso martini.

But of more interest is what gelato cost . I'm sure it's not too bad but he did seem to ring up every topping. Which could well add up.

 

Shower is decent. Doesn't leak all over the floor like Travelodge ones seem to do to me ( I like a loooong shower). And white company shampoo/hair gel is a nice touch .

 

Oh random comment on guest services. Almost no queue at 5.30 embarkation day. Looked to be hefty one by 7.30.

Seems pretty quite otherwise and so far sorted everything I've asked for. Nothing on my list there shouldn't be easily sortable but often companies can't handle anything bog standard. Can't fault them.

 

For regular cruiser's how do you normally tip the folks that service your room. Envelope on the desk at end of week or put it in their hand.

On P&O tips are included so not necessary to give your cabin steward anything.

If the cabin steward is really good just use your own discretion possibly between £10-£20 cash in their hand on the last day.

[Fionboard]

2 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

On P&O tips are included so not necessary to give your cabin steward anything.

If the cabin steward is really good just use your own discretion possibly between £10-£20 cash in their hand on the last day.

I have always tipped my steward and waiters. They deserve it and really appreciate it. 

[mrsgoggins]

10 minutes ago, Fionboard said:

I have always tipped my steward and waiters. They deserve it and really appreciate it. 

 

I would agree with this.  I've done a lot of cruising over the past few years and whilst I have had some truly exceptional staff members, all have been efficient and deserving of an extra 'thank you'.  My view on this is possibly coloured by the fact that when young, I did a summer season at a high-end Swiss hotel as a chambermaid and appreciate what hard work it can be.  I even leave a tip in a Premier Inn!

 

I am sure those 'unseens' on cruise ships work equally hard and I'm pleased to think that P&O do the 'tips included' thing, which I hope means they are paid accordingly.

 

Edited to add that Guest Services have envelopes at the ready towards the end of the cruise for those who request them.  I tend to save and re-use envelopes which come containing reservations or invitations etc.  

Edited August 14, 2023 by mrsgoggins

[Son of Anarchy]

3 hours ago, ParisHilton said:

 

Yes will try and do that. That's a bar in the atrium right?

Quite often a pianist playing there? My brother in law was politely asked not to play the piano after a handful of notes. Understable as to why the rule is in place. He's damn good though , I think my wife said he's a concert pianist though that means nothing to me. 

 

Bit of a shame that they didn't allow your brother in law to play the piano.

 

Years ago on Oriana the Crows Nest pianist, although good, played a rather uninspiring selection of music.  A couple of times a passenger played whilst the regular chap wasn't there,  The passenger's choice was better!  Was an era when these sort of acts played from an approved/suggested list of music, so may not have been his fault.

 

Whilst we've been on Iona and Arvia, there has been a solo pianist in the Crows Nest.  Same lady last two times, Elena Safonova, who played a better selection of music than previously.  Elena also played requests, if she had the music.  On her nights off, the ship's orchestra leader took her place.

[gsmt47471015]

48 minutes ago, Son of Anarchy said:

Bit of a shame that they didn't allow your brother in law to play the piano.

 

Years ago on Oriana the Crows Nest pianist, although good, played a rather uninspiring selection of music.  A couple of times a passenger played whilst the regular chap wasn't there,  The passenger's choice was better!  Was an era when these sort of acts played from an approved/suggested list of music, so may not have been his fault.

 

Whilst we've been on Iona and Arvia, there has been a solo pianist in the Crows Nest.  Same lady last two times, Elena Safonova, who played a better selection of music than previously.  Elena also played requests, if she had the music.  On her nights off, the ship's orchestra leader took her place.

If she is the lady from Hungary with blonde hair she is an exceptional pianist 😀

[TigerB]

1 hour ago, gsmt47471015 said:

If she is the lady from Hungary with blonde hair she is an exceptional pianist 😀

 

I would joke with our lass that she puts on the accent for the crowd, that she is really from Halifax.🤭

[ParisHilton]

5 hours ago, AndyLovesCruises said:

Top Tip for your next cruise 🙂 buy a white board and stick it on your door (the outside) then you can leave notes to your fellow ships mates of your whereabouts!  Just don't leave the pen outside, I made that mistake only once #comedywilly ....  

 

That's a great idea. I think you can leave messages on the phone but I haven't yet worked out how to pick them up.

[Mad4WDW]

6 hours ago, ParisHilton said:

16 hours ago, Mad4WDW said:

Hi,

If you’re able to could you possibly upload the glasshouse wine menu 🙏

 

Yes will try and do that. That's a bar in the atrium right?

Hi,

Yes the glasshouse is the bar on deck 7 of the atrium, the middle deck 🙂 The wine menu there is different to all the other ones so a look at what's included on the drinks packages now would be great!

 

Thanks!

[zap99]

3 hours ago, Son of Anarchy said:

Bit of a shame that they didn't allow your brother in law to play the piano.

 

Years ago on Oriana the Crows Nest pianist, although good, played a rather uninspiring selection of music.  A couple of times a passenger played whilst the regular chap wasn't there,  The passenger's choice was better!  Was an era when these sort of acts played from an approved/suggested list of music, so may not have been his fault.

 

Whilst we've been on Iona and Arvia, there has been a solo pianist in the Crows Nest.  Same lady last two times, Elena Safonova, who played a better selection of music than previously.  Elena also played requests, if she had the music.  On her nights off, the ship's orchestra leader took her place.

We regularly go to a hotel for new year. This old blokes family asked if he could sing.' He sounds just like Frank Sinatra'. Eventually the resident entertainer gave him the Mike and a big build up. Applause from the family and groans from the audience. So bad, it was kind of entertaining. Best leave it to the paid professionals.

[zap99]

55 minutes ago, TigerB said:

 

I would joke with our lass that she puts on the accent for the crowd, that she is really from Halifax.🤭

My Avitar picture was taken in Halifax.🤣

[CarlaMarie]

On your in cabin telephone, there should be a menu of buttons that will directly link you to various departments and one of them should be room service. The charge for delivery of room service is a fairly new thing! Hope you have all had a great day in Stavanger. 

[ParisHilton]

Stavanger was fun. Macdonald's so the kids could understand exchange rates. For those on a tight budget we didn't do any excursions , just mooched round the town, stocked up on pepsi max and crisps. Bought the kids some trinkets from the market.  There were tourist shops with sweatshirts and coats and the usual stuff at not ludicrous prices, bilut nothing tempting. ( for a cheap souvenir, a flutter should get you some £1 casino chips with a picture of Iona on. Would get much cheaper than that!).

Bottles of prime for £3 . I was told they were a different bottle and would look great on the collection.  I totally bought that one.

Some really nice bakeries with coffee, though I spent £20 on a a couple of  ham rolls , a coffee (large) and a loaf of sliced bread.  My daughter and I will just top up on that when the blood sugars wander.

Nice little town to be fair. Didn't get to do my run but the petroleum museum. 

The pools are very much full of kids. Fine for the kids and the 'lifeguards' have been stopping excessive bombing, but iv wouldnt pull a chair up too close.

Generally though I've not seen unruly kids on board.

 

[ParisHilton]

53 minutes ago, CarlaMarie said:

On your in cabin telephone, there should be a menu of buttons that will directly link you to various departments and one of them should be room service. The charge for delivery of room service is a fairly new thing! Hope you have all had a great day in Stavanger. 

I did find the number in horizon but it's far from obvious. Strange as if assume theyd be keen to advertise it .

[ParisHilton]

I'll be a bit less on duty soon so should be able to get that wine list

[Mad4WDW]

33 minutes ago, ParisHilton said:

I'll be a bit less on duty soon so should be able to get that wine list

Legend !