Maureen from Wales

I went to the working lunch web site (just type in http://www.bbc.co.uk/workinglunch/ ) and then selected "contact us" and went from there.

Have a great time those of you going next week. I've just got my tickets for the QE2. Having done a few trips, I know some of the crew. I wonder if I should mention Myles' name!

There is a plan on the wall of each deck on the Melody but even that is a bit confusing. The dining roomn has an entrance/exit at both ends. If you go in a different end from usual, finding your table is not easy. Look out for Table 82. (Luigi and Marco).

Maureen H.

Edit to fix broken link. luci - HT Mod

Name dropper. When are you off then MEH. Perhaps you should mention Myles, I would guess they all love him to bits as he sounds good fun.

The dining roomn has an entrance/exit at both ends.

................and even by the last day I didn't know which end I'd come in from and whether to go left or right to my table!

You sort of stride in there confidentally trying to look as if you know where you are going, only to end up doing a sort of dance in the middle as you try and peer at the table numbers and realise you need to be at the other end and on the other side. Never did get this right first time!

Thanks Smokey - not long to go now, the time is simply flying by.
Despite our somewhat obvious excitement, believe me we are still thinking of those still waiting for cruises. At one time we didn't think it would actually happen but it has and your turn will come - we are all rooting for you.

I second that Aslemma, we are all still rooting for those still waiting! and getting excited for those going shortly too!

Aslemma

I am going on the 18th July until the 13th August. I am not the only one from HT on the first part.

I think at least one of the barmen may remember Myles.

I have just looked at the MSC itineries. We are in Naples the day after the Melody. I hoped it would be the same day. Anyone stopping at Naples will find that the ship docks near to the ferry to Capri so that you can make your own way over which is cheaper. The shops in Naples are very tempting once you get to them! Beware of scooters. Ibitha was very pleasant early evening. If you go ashore in San Tropez, pick your time carefully as everything closes up in the afternoon - especially as it is Sunday.

Has anybody still waiting for a cruise contacted the DE recently? They may be able to give some information. Keep trying.

Maureen H.

Yorkylass63 wrote:

ps can someone please advise me how to get an avatar and also how one downloads photo's thank you xxxx

If you go into your Profile (link at top of the page) and scroll down to the bottom, you can choose an avatar from the gallery there.

To upload photos, go to Photo Galleries at the top of the page, click on the red writing "Clicking Here", then click on the drop down box next to "Admin Options". Make sure you write a full description in the caption box, eg "Cruise" and name of the ship so that it goes into the correct album, otherwise it may be deleted if it hasn't got a description.

HTH

luci

Thanks for that MEH, I rather fancy taking the ferry to Capri, much more in fact that visiting Pompei. I would rather have a bit of time in Italy to do one thing at least half properly than be rushed round several sites.

Incidentally, do the cafes etc. also close up in St Tropez on Sunday afternoons, as it can be quite nice to just sit and people watch

Beware of scooters.

I believe these are banned for the moment.

Not for road safety reasons but as part of on-going attempt at reducing crime, they are not allowed to be ridden in Naples centre on a 2 month trial from mid May. Riders have to dismount and push them or face a fine.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Scooter-ban-takes-the-buzz-out-of-Naples/2005/05/15/1116095852200.html?oneclick=true

Seems like ages ago since I cruised All you lucky people will soon be on your way.
Someone mentioned getting to Medina in Tunis from the ship - we didn't do a MSC excursion but thought we would get a taxi from the port. However, no taxis in site but there just happened to be a bus waiting there. We jumped on not realising that it was full of Italians - after about 10 minutes driving the tour guide realised we were the only English aboard and went through all the details in English (he was the absolute spit of Nelson Mandela, by the way - hence we called him this the whole trip!!) Anyway, think it was about 10 euros for a return trip on the bus and he escorted us there, arranged a meeting place and time and true to his word returned to escort us back at the pre-arranged time. Think he was getting commission from some of the traders in the market, though, as he made sure to steer us into certain shops!
Scarlet.

Can anyone who has cruised already tell me what time it will be safe to arrange a flight/ train from Genoa from? When I've cruised before disembarkation was very smooth and quick but I know it can drag on at times and I need to pre book my flight / train and don't want to end up with another missed connection going home!
Thanks
Pat

PS If you get chance to go to Capri take it. It is absolutely beautiful!

Good morning everyone
Just surfaced after a super week on the MSC Lirica. Fabulous ship, so clean and the staff couldnt be more pleasant and helpful. I met quite a few HT'ers and we had such a laugh in the evenings and during the day testing the cocktails and generally have a brill time. Anyone going on the Lirica in the next few months are in for a treat. I personally couldnt fault it, it exceeded all my expectations of a cruise as this was my first and it certainly wont be my last.
With regards to the excursions, I found that getting the shuttle bus for 5 euros into the centre of the towns were good value and then groups of us would wander off together and just enjoy the experience (and the bars) of the place.
My only complaint (and it wasnt anything to do with HT'ers) were the ignorant British at the embarkation meeting on the last day when they were so rude to the young girl who was telling them the proceedures for the next day. On behalf of the ignoramuses I appologised to her which she appreciated.
I am so jealous of you cruisers who havent been yet but can only say that know you will thoroughly enjoy the experiernce and will want to cruise again. Thanks Rxxx and D of E it was well worth the hassle and the wait for. I would certainly do it again (but shouldnt think it ever will happen again).
Love May B
ps Hello Rosie and Henk (HTers) hope you got home safe.

Good Afternoon from the Balcony Cruise ship 'Good'n night'

Just to let you all know that due to arrival of a letter from Cojit, Bodget & Leggit, We the undersigned are forced to bring into force T&C 34987 (printed in Ariel 2pt or the rear of the envalope flap, that your voucher was sent in).

All future Cruises, including the latest due to fly on Sunday from Blodwin International (Hay on Wye) on the 6 night fly cruise to Irlam o' the Heights, Winngerworth with the 3 night exotic stop over in Crewe & Leek will under T&C 48976 not be allowed any refund but will in addition be liable for all expences in terminating the contact between our selves ' Abroad & Scarper' and our cruise holding company 'No wherefast' of Fiji.

Yours Sincerely

B Root

ps No not on Ding Dong just bored :bow

MEH,
Glad to hear your tickets have arrived, its a thrill lv come to know and love so well, the joys of embarkation and all that !!!! give the old Queen a pat on the side for me as you embark: lm beside myself with excitement and still a year to go till l start my voyages, Hope you manage to get touched by the upgrade fairy onboard, rest assured l shall chart your progress
Hmm not tooo sure about mentioning my name onboard, they might put you ashore at the next port!!! and contrary to popular belief l did leave the ship intact! possibly the only reason some the bar men remembered me as a bar man myself l always had it shaken and never stirred......

ASLEMMA In Naples , if your doing the Capri tour, l did it and fell in love with the magical isle right away, if you get a chance take the chair lift (and hold on ) to the top, its stuning, the only trouble l had was trying to get on and off the darned thing gracefully! found the best way was just give a broad smile and hope for the best, somewhere l still have the phone numbers to prove it besides if like me we can always go back and see Pompei when its finished and the driving there is quite something else, as a ex coach driver l take my hat of these guys
cheers

Hi Cunardqueen, I'm definitely sold on Capri now but the jury's out on whether to do it independently or with the organised excursion. The chair lift is also a definite though, I am a firm believer in not walking if I can sit. Thanks for the warning about getting on and off without losing such little dignity as I have - I'll just have to make sure none of our friends have a camera handy. :rofl

Aslemma
Do Capri independently if you can. You can't get lost and it will be much cheaper! The organised trips don't let you wonder around much and they drag you for a meal. I escaped one a few years ago and walked!! not me at all to the top. What a view! The boat trips are great as well if you have time
Enjoy
Pat

Aslemma.
If we dock too late for me to make Vesuvius I'll be hiding in the bushes on Capri with my camera at the ready, you,d better pray for an early docking!

Aslemma, You just do your own thing and go for the chair lift girl! What's a little dignity between friends anyway!I promise you, the views are to die for, well worth the trip (pun intended!)

think i am in the chair lift camp to! i live in one of the flattest parts ofthe uk and the village up the road from me is below sea level! iam not used to hills!