Cruise ships

12 cruises completed and more to come.. Doing the half world when I retire in a couple of years then we'll travel back from Oz slowly

Tried Cunard this summer but there were too many stuck up fuckers on there.... Princess was our first cruise but my favourite so far by far was Celebrity but not cheap..

Fancy trying Seabourn but can't justify the cost.. I could have a shiny new BMW bike for what it would cost for the two of us

The best part about cruises for me is that there is no duty driver as you can walk everywhere on board

Off to Orlando in a few weeks where I'll be the duty driver for two weeks... Love it there but there's less drinking... I end up having a few Grey Gooses as nightcaps back at the apartment

I digress my good man,from a personal point of view our ship was made up with good gradely folk from all walks of life.
Cruising is no longer for the rich and famous but now appealing to the mass market.

On Queen Victoria we were assigned open dining which we simply adored.
A different table every evening with new people to talk to and all to a man had facinatinating tales to recant.
Money never came in to conversation which was just as well because we havn't got none.
On one table for twelve some ordered house wine whilst some ordered gin and tonic whilst some ordered fine wines from our sommelier costing upwards of 100 dollars a bottle. Not one person on any of our tables was condecending towards us and by the end of our evening meal we were pals for life.
One couple even cried and said your not leaving are you Taxi ! (open to interpretation)
We had two chums who stuck to us like glue on the "boat" and were in the 70's age bracket.
We took them ashore with us in Ashdod and Haifa and had a brilliant time in their fine company.

I guess in all walks of life you get "uppety tw**s" but that is just the nature of the beast is it not.
And besides the Cunard line operated a two tier class system where the elite ate and drunk of the vine in their own world called the Queens grill.
So the upper echelons of high society mixed it up away from steerage.
However one day we mixed it up with them because we remained in the lift whilst an imbibed chap swiped his card that took you to a secret Harry Potter-esque world of the landed gentry.Access to this floor only by lift card.
We lasted a good forty minutes before my Marks and Spencer dinner jacket and odd socks gave us both away..pah.
It deffo wasnt my Lancastrian accent as all I ever said in their company was yah yah yah and snorted politely along with the rest ?
 
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Done a few. Best one was in 1999. Left UK, Gib, Malta, Suez Canal, Aqaba, Muscat, Bahrain x 2 , Dubai x 4 , Doha, Saudi, Cochin, Singapore, Hong Kong, penang, langawi, Vietnam, Shanghai, back to the gulf for numerous visits. Back thru the Suez. Malta, Majorca, Gib then finally Plymouth . Few visits I have left off as forgot about them - HMS Boxer Royal Navy

And Gib for me was always the best.
Did you do the run up to the top before a slurp or three on maine street ?
 
Strange this thread should come up as we've just booked our first cruise last week. Starting from Malaga and cruising around the med for a week. Not sure what to expect but really looking forward to it.


PistonBlue If you have a chance and like seafood go to the market in Malaga and try the deep fried seafood at the small café inside the market Absolutely the bollocks
As for not knowing what to expect Imagine a five star hotel that moves from city to city with theatre, piano bars, bistros, discos, high end restaurants, swimming pools, ice cream parlours, cafes, coffee shops, casinos shopping and much more and you are almost there

Enjoy
 
Are you getting on in Barcelona on the 23rd, cos that's the one we are getting off, spending two days post cruise in Barcelona before flying home.

Oh and for you and those people talking about how rigidly they enforce the no drink smuggling on board. Carnival don't in Europe so will be bringing booze on board at each port of call., especially now that they have pulled Turkish ports they will be adding 24% VAT to every purchase while on board

Yes, We're having a couple of days in Barcelona first, staying at the Hotel Continental on Las Ramblas. I mainly chose that hotel because it has a free buffet with unlimited wine and beer ;) You will be in Barcelona when La Merce festival is on, we will get the first couple of days and you will see the last couple, should be fun.

I thought that the 24% VAT was just for cruises that go to ports in Greece, ours is the 8 day going to Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Marseilles and Palma then back to Barcelona. It was my understanding that the VAT was 10%.

BTW I've seen you posting on CC (my username is cully1953). You're one of the few on there that makes any sense :)
 
As you have now been elevated onto my best Bluemoon Forum chum list I feel the need to look after your welfare and wellbeing ; )
The lass we use for cruising informs us that the information on ships alchohol policies remains valid.
http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=46
And she is not aware of any relaxation of the rules for any travellers regardless of global positioning.

Their UK website indicates Carnival don't allow this practise but with all sincerity I hope I am wrong and you can indeed take it aboard.
They mention it is for safety in case people over consume and then start to act the pan and get proper learey on board.
I say it is to ensure maximum profits prevail.Give them a bell or email to confirm mate.

Here is a link to a snippet from the wonderful Daily Mail website taken from July 2015.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/t...ttled-drinks-board-pay-pre-ordered-water.html

Here is the Carnival policy taken from their UK website
All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of the exceptions referenced above are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.

Bottled Water
We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on their own supply of bottled water so as part of this policy we have significantly reduced the pricing for (purified) bottled water which will be conveniently delivered directly to your stateroom. Once onboard, the purchase is non-refundable; guests may take home any unopened bottles.
Pricing is as follows:

3.99 USD for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9 fluid ounce per bottle) for pre-cruise purchase. Please visit The Fun Shops at http://www.carnival.com/FunShops/in-room-beverages/water to place your order before your cruise to ensure we have an ample supply onboard.
$3.99 USD (plus gratuity) for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9 fluid ounce per bottle) for purchase onboard by contacting Room Service.

Distilled Water
Guests may bring on board distilled water for use with a CPAP machine or nursery water for families with babies and packed in carry-on luggage.Distilled water may also be purchased onboard at $3.00 USD per gallon by contacting Room Service. The CPAP machine must be packed in carry-on luggage.

Coolers
Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers onboard since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.

Purchasing Liquor During the Cruise

Ports of Call
All alcohol purchased in ports will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained items will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation.

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard as well as Carnival branded bottled water previously purchased onboard. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

The Fun Shops (onboard)
All alcohol purchased in The Fun Shops onboard will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained items will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation.

The Fun Shops (pre-cruise orders)
All products sold containing alcohol have a limit of two products per booking (whether booked online or a telephone order). This includes alcohol, wine, champagne and beer. A ‘pack’ or ‘package’ is considered one product.

Alcohol pre-purchased through The Fun Shops for on board consumption is designed for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take liquor bottles with them to public areas. Only wine or champagne that is ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse. If the item is not consumed on board during the cruise, the guest may take it home provided the bottle has not been opened.

CHEERS! Beverage Program


This will be our 12 th cruise with Carnival and 5th around the Med. Thye build a ship in Italy and send it around the Med for the summer before sending it across to the Caribbean for its American Market. The policy you outline is strictly enforced in the Caribbean, however on this previous Med cruises we have been allowed to bring wine and spirits on at every port of call. The posters on the cruise critic forum who have sailed on her since her inaugural have confirmed that they are allowing you to bring on as much as you like. This will be a god send because of that VAT issue caused by now not stopping in a non EU port
 
Yes, We're having a couple of days in Barcelona first, staying at the Hotel Continental on Las Ramblas. I mainly chose that hotel because it has a free buffet with unlimited wine and beer ;) You will be in Barcelona when La Merce festival is on, we will get the first couple of days and you will see the last couple, should be fun.

I thought that the 24% VAT was just for cruises that go to ports in Greece, ours is the 8 day going to Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Marseilles and Palma then back to Barcelona. It was my understanding that the VAT was 10%.

BTW I've seen you posting on CC (my username is cully1953). You're one of the few on there that makes any sense :)

Haha, thanks for the complement Paulbob! The yanks tend to get a bit worked up.
Yes we have La Merce. I have an Spanish friend who lives just outside Barcelona, who is going to look after us while we are there. couldnt get in our usual hotel, the Hisperia Ramblas as it is fully booked, so staying in the Lleo just off Placa de Catalunya.

Yours is a loop cruise and all EU ports so your tax will be 10% all the way around.we start in Athens, still can't get confirmation whether it's 24% VAT all the way to Barcelona or just while we are in Greek waters, even Carnival don't seem to know the answer. All caused by sacking the Turkish ports.
 
Haha, thanks for the complement Paulbob! The yanks tend to get a bit worked up.
Yes we have La Merce. I have an Spanish friend who lives just outside Barcelona, who is going to look after us while we are there. couldnt get in our usual hotel, the Hisperia Ramblas as it is fully booked, so staying in the Lleo just off Placa de Catalunya.

Yours is a loop cruise and all EU ports so your tax will be 10% all the way around.we start in Athens, still can't get confirmation whether it's 24% VAT all the way to Barcelona or just while we are in Greek waters, even Carnival don't seem to know the answer. All caused by sacking the Turkish ports.
Is there anywhere on the ship where you can watch the footie? I don't suppose they will show the Swansea league game, but was hoping there may be a chance of seeing the Champs League game against Celtic
 
Is there anywhere on the ship where you can watch the footie? I don't suppose they will show the Swansea league game, but was hoping there may be a chance of seeing the Champs League game against Celtic

They have a sports bar where if you ask the bar man they will try and get it on the satellite. I remember on the Carnival Freedom, in 2007, the Thai bar man hid when I mentioned Shinawatra.
The Red Frog pub is the best bar on board,they have their own micro brewery on board this new ship

Look out for Ken Byrne the Maitre'd in the main dining room. born in Dublin brought up in Moss Side, big City fan, he may be able to help re the Celtic game,
 
As you have now been elevated onto my best Bluemoon Forum chum list I feel the need to look after your welfare and wellbeing ; )
The lass we use for cruising informs us that the information on ships alchohol policies remains valid.
http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=46
And she is not aware of any relaxation of the rules for any travellers regardless of global positioning.

Their UK website indicates Carnival don't allow this practise but with all sincerity I hope I am wrong and you can indeed take it aboard.
They mention it is for safety in case people over consume and then start to act the pan and get proper learey on board.
I say it is to ensure maximum profits prevail.Give them a bell or email to confirm mate.

Here is a link to a snippet from the wonderful Daily Mail website taken from July 2015.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/t...ttled-drinks-board-pay-pre-ordered-water.html

Here is the Carnival policy taken from their UK website
All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of the exceptions referenced above are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.

Bottled Water
We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on their own supply of bottled water so as part of this policy we have significantly reduced the pricing for (purified) bottled water which will be conveniently delivered directly to your stateroom. Once onboard, the purchase is non-refundable; guests may take home any unopened bottles.
Pricing is as follows:

3.99 USD for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9 fluid ounce per bottle) for pre-cruise purchase. Please visit The Fun Shops at http://www.carnival.com/FunShops/in-room-beverages/water to place your order before your cruise to ensure we have an ample supply onboard.
$3.99 USD (plus gratuity) for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9 fluid ounce per bottle) for purchase onboard by contacting Room Service.

Distilled Water
Guests may bring on board distilled water for use with a CPAP machine or nursery water for families with babies and packed in carry-on luggage.Distilled water may also be purchased onboard at $3.00 USD per gallon by contacting Room Service. The CPAP machine must be packed in carry-on luggage.

Coolers
Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers onboard since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.

Purchasing Liquor During the Cruise

Ports of Call
All alcohol purchased in ports will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained items will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation.

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard as well as Carnival branded bottled water previously purchased onboard. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

The Fun Shops (onboard)
All alcohol purchased in The Fun Shops onboard will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained items will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation.

The Fun Shops (pre-cruise orders)
All products sold containing alcohol have a limit of two products per booking (whether booked online or a telephone order). This includes alcohol, wine, champagne and beer. A ‘pack’ or ‘package’ is considered one product.

Alcohol pre-purchased through The Fun Shops for on board consumption is designed for in-stateroom entertainment only. Guests cannot take liquor bottles with them to public areas. Only wine or champagne that is ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse. If the item is not consumed on board during the cruise, the guest may take it home provided the bottle has not been opened.

CHEERS! Beverage Program


If anyone on this earth tried to impose such demands on me with beer i would attack them with the force of 10 gamma ray bursts. 'Go on come and take this bottle of jack of me big man, come on do your job ****' jump to me a battered half into a coma in the corner with a raffle ticket number stuffed up my nose xD

Cruises appeal somewhat but at a moments notice i may decide i want to go to x place and if i can't do it then i class that as shit and to be avoided. I love planning my hols, get a room, and thats it, wallet and passport is all you need. Half the time i buy clothes at the airport cause packing is a fucking pain.

I am likely to get so blotto a few days are right offs due to recovery and given the knowledge you are always moving on a ship i would be counting the quids wasted as i rested. The main issue for me is as soon as you set off i get the feeling i am already coming back so stuff like a meal on a posh steam train across the country does not appeal to me and cruises are in the same bracket for me, atm.
 

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