LukeJ

How long would it take to drive around Canada do you think? As I stated, I've always wanted to visit the country and do the train ride through the Rockies. If that isn't possible, then yes cruise would be the ideal way to go around.

I don't know whether it's true or not as my take on science isn't all the best, but many have explained to me that the reason we catch so many bugs is because we in the UK are too clean an don't allow our bodies to have any germs so that we can't fight any bugs in our immune system. It sort of makes sense in what they are saying, but again not sure if it's correct.

Yes @Emrys as you say, that is the one of the toss up decisions that we thought about. It may cost you more, but the safety of that is that you don't have to worry or rush back, because the ship will not leave without you. If you miss it, the travel plus the commotion of getting to the next port of call outweighs that plan.

However hard we try to avoid a bug, it's impossible. As you say even 5 star hotels spread them and even hospitals which are really the cleanest places around (should be) and it's sometimes unavoidable that something will spread.

No I haven't been to Canada as of yet, one for the bucket list maybe. It looks such a wonderful country, with the views and locations amazing. I've heard the people are so friendly, it exites me to go someday

I do hope so, every cruise line needs to learn their mistakes and at least put their hand up and apologise. It would make people respect them and forgive them a little if they did. Again, I'm one of the lucky ones, and I've sailed on P&O a few times now, and the vacation has always been incredible and me and my family have thoroughly enjoyed and come back for more. That's all we ask on a vacation is that we enjoy ourselves and have fond memories in years gone by.

Happy new year to you all. This is a good year for cruising I can feel it. I do have one cruise booked, and just like @Cruising Caribbean I'm looking to try and get another one booked in the calendar year. Maybe a river cruise or even a cruise around the Canadian waters would be a good bet.

@PaulB I do hope that you and your family have a wonderful time and come back on here with great stories for you to tell.

@3Sisters I'm led to believe that it won't keep moving, like lord of the dance on your plate, but once the muscles stop spasm from the sodium in the sauce, it settles back down. At least I hope that's what they mean. It's all very interesting, and as you state, it's very hard to unsee. I wonder what other dishes of similar things is about? Has anybody seen anything anywhere in the world that could potentially cause a shock like this video?

@3Sisters I must admit, even I would find it very difficult to eat if I saw that move in front of me like that. I mean each to their own and that, but I'm fairly certain I could not eat anything that was dancing like John Travolta seconds before.

I just looked up the Japanese dish in question, it had salmon roe and seaweed and some other things, with the highlight being the "dancing" squid on top. It's available on YouTube too, if anyone is interested in watching. It's bizarre to say the least.

@Kendall James-Vargas very well said, I was planning either a tour of the said city we would be stopping in or sightseeing around the fjords.

@3Sisters there is enough cruelty in the world without us being rude on the forums. Thats why I love these boards, a chance for single minded people like us all to get together and share stories and thoughts and opinions on themes which we all share. Austria I've always envisioned to be a winter Christmas feel. I've seen photos and the country looks breathtaking, yet it's the winter season I would love to visit.

@3Sisters I believe many like the larger ships due to the perfect reasoning you just gave. New cruisers like the attractions as you suggested.

@FJB no it was my fault, we were in discussions in which theme nights may work as Italian theme night has been done so much and I suggested an Australian theme night in it's place.

Very true, it's certainly a toss up between saving money or having the security of knowing that you won't miss the ship. Some trips are hours away from port and it could prove to be tricky trying not to miss the next sailing.

@Kendall James-Vargas@Kendall James-Vargas no it doesn't come back to life, the sodium in the sauce reacts with the muscles of the octopus and it spasms, making it move. It's very bizarre to see.

@Kendall James-Vargas there is an unbelievable video online in regards to octopus on a plate that begins to move once you pour soy sauce over it. The reasons is that the muscles react to the sodium in the sauce, similar to how frogs legs move when seasoned.

I'm in two minds as I would like to book and get it out of the way, and then not worry anymore about it. However, by booking on the ship through the company, the costs will be almost double of that if you book on shore through the actual companies rather than the cruise line. But on the flip side, if we booked onshore, there is always that risk of missing the ship when it sets sail again. The headaches this causes.

I do think and agree with you @Cruising Caribbean. I personally do not like the larger ships, but I understand why companies build them. It's everyone's choice, and yes it certainly is keeping up with the Jones', but as for me and yourself, a smaller ship is the perfect getaway.

Yes totally @PaulB. It seems to be the go to excuse for everyone to rip people off and the reason to get away with not providing good enough service. It really is tiresome and pathetic excuses, and will continue until companies and people can think of other excuses to replace it.

Was discussing with the wife about shore excursions when we go aboard next August. How far in advance do you all think is best time to book excursions?

@Cruising Caribbean I truly understand why companies go larger with ships, it's all about power and business. But in all honesty, I just do not agree at all with it. It may give you the wow factor early doors, but that's really about it. The environment, the customer service, the personal touch goes on cruises like that. It doesn't feel as if the package is for you anymore, just another number in a large town on the sea.

@Kendall James-Vargas I agree, it does vary from each country.in the UK, there is a limit to what you can eat compared to somewhere like China where anything goes. Even their menu baffles me. Insects and bats aren't even safe ha ha.

@PaulByes do please tell us all about it. I love hearing and reading about people's vacation trips.