Hi Val S

Glad you've e-mailed Watchdog. I've cruised on the Emerald though not the Carousel, but I wouldn't pay for an upgrade on any ship as they're all so good. Mind you, the Melody (and maybe other MSC ships too) are 2.5*, whereas the others I've been on are all 3*, so if you prefer the higher quality it may be worth paying the extra. When I get back I'll post about the differences in quality, so you and others can make up your minds.

Fay

Hi Val - just hang on in there and I'm sure you'll get your cruise. We are all behind you. Those of us who are already sorted never forget those still in limbo but this site has been a godsend and helped us all to keep our sanity (though some may dispute this diagnosis of our mental state).

I tried to post earlier but it didn't go through so I've sent you a PM.

There are lots of HT members sailing off into the sunset this month, and I wanted to remind you about the sticky topic on travelling to/from airports etc. As a Londoner I thought I should try to do my bit to help foreigners (sorry, non-Londoners ) cope with the transport system here, which can be less than adequate at times (to put it mildly) - and I try to update it whenever something happens that I think could help.

It won't take long to read the whole thread, and could just save you ages in transit (not to mention nervous tension...).

Fay

Where are Phil's photos?
I can't seem to find them?

Back in September Luci started a topic 'Have you been on your DE cruise yet?' but no one seems to be posting. Have all you travellers forgotten about it? It would bring all the reviews together, wouldn't it? It's the 11th item down on the main cruise forum page.

hi
I believe from a person who sailed on the opera not too long ago that when they visited the port of Katakolon they (2 of them) got a taxi to Olympia where it waited and then took them back for the princely sum of 50 euros and that also there was a local bus from around the dockside which did a drop off and pick up from the same stop for about 10 euros .Can any of the other people who have been verify this.
It seems that it is also quite easy to do your own sightseeing in most of the places as all the local transport is easily available. it would be very interesting to find out
ann

Hi

Especially to anyone going on the 'Melody' on 9th May.

How are things going overall?

Tickets ariving on time etc?

Please give us a breakdown of any problems you may incure when you return.

Personally I shall be on the 6am early morning shout from Heathrow and would be pleased to hear from anyone who is staying at the airport all night to await the flight about anything to think about.

LL

hi everyone,countdown time!!!!! at about 4am i will be up i fly 6 .55 and have to allow one and a half or 2 hous to be there before .
So i am nearly on my way!!!!i think i a out for a meal tonight with the friend who is taking me then a few hours kip,cats all taken care of.bag ready at the door,what adventures will the next week hold???????/i dont have a digi camera so sorry no pics.
I hope some more trips are on the cards for those still waiting.will look forward to catching up when i get ba
ck. carol
wish me luck as you wave me goodbye!!!!!!!!!1

LL

Have a look on out roll call for the Melody 9th, it's really good news, all of us were upgraded and most have grade 8 outside cabins . I've just packed as off in the morning. I had a bit of trouble with my tickets as they had the wrong details on. I called MSC directly, who sorted the confusion out.

Most people got their tickets on Wednesday or Thursday direct from MSC. I really can't believe this is actually happening and thank HT memebers and the mods for all their help during those "dark" days .

Of course we'll post back and let you about everything aboard. I hope the next group of Melodians are treated with upgrades like us!

Also - Luci can you update the "who's going when" as I managed to get my friend William aboard at the last minute, he had to pay for the flight, but **** were very helpful in sorting out all of the arrangements.

Regards

Paul

Carol, have a great time I'm so envious - and how did you manage such a low weight with your luggage?? Seems to me that you could give us some tips enjoy your cruise, here's to you

Elaine xx
oops, hope Gill has a great time too. Safe journey to you both.

Hi cruisers. just been allocated cruise on 12th June MSC Sinfonia. (paid five hundred pounds to take my son)couldn't wait till next year. still awaiting confirmation in post! had a brochure about MSC cruises which says gratuities are six pounds per day per person, but looked at their website and it said gratuities are not compulsive? anyone know what the situation is? Thanks.

Hi Besty,
Congratulations on getting your cruise - well done!

Hi Betsy,tips are up to you,i was on the Armonia 17/4 ,night before day of departure i was left 2 envelopes in my cabin,one for the head waiter on your table (who delegates the tip with his colleagues) and one for the guys who make up your room,what you leave is tottaly your choice,there is no recomended amount,we left 40 euros in each envelope,i had a great time sailing with MSC and you will aswell im sure

Hi Maureen from the good ship Balcony Cruise

When you find the pics let me know will you ?

I did post them honest I did mine's a pint

Phil

hi have a fantastic time all of you

Hi there besty,
just wanted to say welcome to the sinfonia cruisers, look forward to meeting up hopefully on the 12th june onwards. it looks like being a terrific week!!
mark.

i was a consultant at rise not that long ago. im glad that you are finally getting sorted out your cruises. you all deserve them. if only rise saw it like that!!
the summer itineries are a lot busier with the DE cruisers. I think we practically filled a few dates!!
i just hope that all the 2006 lot get them. however knowing what goes on i doubt it very much.
i know this post probably wont last long before Peter P gets on to you to remove it. I just wanted you all to know that we are not all con artists just the guys that run it.

Thanks for being so brave to come on to HT Exrise. I hope you weren't badly treated by ****.
The thing about HT is that we support one another and we shall keep going, whether we have been on a cruise or not until the last £10 cruiser has sailed.

Dizzy

When is Landerlilly due back, or are you back and jetlagged?
Please post about your experince as soon as you can.

Dizzy