Best holiday destinations

[Wombat del combate]

Majority of the stops are port towns/cities so it shouldn't be difficult to have a wander round and make your way back in time, think there was only Rome/Florence where there's a fair journey from the port so potentially ones to look at doing an organised trip if we end up going.

There seems to be a fair choice on dining options too, some your traditional large shared tables and others with more varied seating arrangements, not that it's really an issue as most hotel hotel restaurants usually have tables stacked almost on top of each other and plenty of guests like to get chatty when that happens.

Tipping could be a irritation.

I suppose you could go to one of the 'other' restaurants and fend for yourself every night but it seems a bit silly to do that and miss out on the black tie and formal dress events IMO, plus you may have to pay a surcharge to dine anywhere other than the main restaurant. Each to his own though. I suppose you could always load up at breakfast and fuck off all other meals as that's generally served cabin-by-cabin.

Not tipping is a no-no though as it's how the staff actually earn a reasonable wage. Obviously you don't tip the bar staff, just those that offer you a personal service throughout the cruise.

My biggest issue is the lack of time in port: you have to be super-organised to get about and are always watching the clock, it isn't as if you can go for a wander for a few hours to soak up the non-tourist culture and then go back to the main drag.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

I suppose you could go to one of the 'other' restaurants and fend for yourself every night but it seems a bit silly to do that and miss out on the black tie and formal dress events IMO, plus you may have to pay a surcharge to dine anywhere other than the main restaurant. Each to his own though. I suppose you could always load up at breakfast and fuck off all other meals as that's generally served cabin-by-cabin.

Not tipping is a no-no though as it's how the staff actually earn a reasonable wage. Obviously you don't tip the bar staff, just those that offer you a personal service throughout the cruise.

My biggest issue is the lack of time in port: you have to be super-organised to get about and are always watching the clock, it isn't as if you can go for a wander for a few hours to soak up the non-tourist culture and then go back to the main drag.

Having look at the ship details a bit more it's hard to pick out which is supposedly the 'main' restaurant but there is only one that comes with an additional cost, 2-3 with full waiter service and a couple with more relaxed buffet service so there's plenty of scope for shuffling around depending on what we fancy each night. Neither me nor my other half are ones to be bothered by a formal evening either, it says they only do it once a week anyway so even if that sort of thing is your bag then it's still a criminally innefficient use of valuable suitcase space taking a suit and everything for one meal.

Seems I've also got out of jail on the tipping, all gratuities are included, bonus!

Most days in port seem to be 7am-7pm looking at the iternary, seems like plenty of time to get about and do a fair bit as there are only a couple that require much travelling inland, suppose it depends how early you bother getting up to get out and at it.

 

[Hereford Wolf]

If you go on a cruise you have to be sociable as you'll be sat on a large table with, usually, another six people. So you'll have to talk to them. Also be aware that you have to tip your waiters and room attendant, so keep that in mind when you're budgeting. Food and drink is generally fairly priced unless you're on an American company liner in which case you'll get double-digit percentages added everywhere.

Oh, and if you do go out exploring on your own make sure that you leave plenty of time to get back to the ship because they *will* leave without you once their departure time comes.

We always have a table for two - it's never a problem.
We have on the odd occasion sat with other people for breakfast or dinner and they have been very nice.

Always book a drink package if you like your alcohol.
On the Celebrity Cruise I booked a wine package which seemed quite expensive to begin with, but whenever my glass was empty during the evening meal or in the bar later, it was magically filled (with very nice wine).
After the sixth glass, I was past caring!

Always smile and talk to the waiters and catering staff. They are very pleasant and it pays dividends in the long run!

Most ports are fine just to walk around - or get a local taxi to where you want to go.
Excursions are expensive but I would always book a couple - they are usually very well organised.

 

[Langers]

After the huge success of our group holiday in Portugal last month, the idea of a 'reunion' holiday has been suggested, probably in April or May 2018. Cancun of all places - waaaaay out of my current price range but if I've got 2 years to save for it, it's definitely doable.

Kenny - was that where you went to that ridiculously awesome looking football match? And I know NWW raves about Cancun. Even this way off, and even though I've a holiday booked in September with the better half, the thought of going to Cancun is just awesome.

 

[Kenny]

Yep. Stayed at Hard Rock in Cancun. Previous time stayed in Playa del Carmen. That is where Stu goes. I would recommend staying there.

The game at Atlante was superb.
If you go to Mexico, you have to visit Chizen Itza. Get saving squire, it will be worth every penny.

 

[Langers]

*To Google!!*

 

[PPB]

Been looking at a paddlewheel steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River for hubbys birthday. He's really keen, i'm not so sure. Although I suppose 7 days isn't too bad. Don't think i could do any longer than that.

 

[Langers]

FAO Kenny - I'm taking the kids camping in Wales with a group of friends at the end of July. We're staying very near Bala - what's good/not good, football team aside?

 

[Kenny]

It has a big Lake. Think it has a small steam railway by the lake. 99% of stuff in the town is built around what people can do in/under/alongside the water

That's pretty much it. Only really used the Plas Coch pub when I there. It has been 16 years since I was last there, so I would hope its changed a fair bit

Bad:
They have renamed the Town for the duration of the Euro's to Bale. Shocking stuff
Still haven't put a Statue of me near the Stadium despite scoring a stunning volley from 3 yards out v Llangollen in 1999.

 

[Langers]

Not fussed about the statue as long as the blue plaque is still up.

 

[Kenny]

Not fussed about the statue as long as the blue plaque is still up.

That used to be on the goalposts which stated "Just a few yards from here, that English fella was denied the most blatant penalty EVER after a storming 60 yard run through the Glyn Cerriog midfield and defence. He isn't bitter about it though" Took it down because it was a tad to big....

 

[Langers]

We'll take another and nail it up for you.

 

[Kenny]

Picture evidence will be required.

 

[Langers]

It'll be ALL over Facebook. I'll obviously get an ungrateful local to do the hard work.

 

[pavlosmacwolf]

My house this summer, it will be magic our Morris's.

 

[Sniffer]

My house this summer, it will be magic our Morris's.

Selwyn Froggitt! I'd never had remembered him for as long as I lived if it wasn't for your post.

 

[SSB]

FAO Kenny - I'm taking the kids camping in Wales with a group of friends at the end of July.

I'm off camping next week at my favourite holiday destination in Pilton, Somerset. Just hoping the weather is kind :icon_wink:

 

[Parkins left foot]

I'm off camping next week at my favourite holiday destination in Pilton, Somerset. Just hoping the weather is kind :icon_wink:

Down here of late I'm afraid it hasn't been - more water than is necessary!!

Hopefully it will be better next week (I've done camping in wet weather & it's not as much fun)

 

[Nando]

There have been biblical showers in Bristol over the last three days. Parents say it hasn't been as bad just a couple of miles from the festival but it's looking pretty sloppy down there already. Forecast is better over the next few days though so should dry out

 

[Dublin Drummer Wolf]

I'm going to the beautiful city of Krakow on Sunday!

For work.......