rileyman

Great video. Answers all the questions about how they do the lengthening of a ship.

That trip would certainly be of interest to us if it ever happens.

We dined twice in Le Flora [Pont Aven] on the Xmas Trip with excellent food and service etc. Main courses of Duck and Pulled lamb in a rice concoction. I had a rack of lamb in the Self Service with which I was very happy. The wife had a disappointing roast chicken.

Old news ?

600 at Xmas and 1000 at NY. We find no problem with a standard cabin for 3 nights as we are only in the cabin to sleep except for, perhaps, a pre dinner snooze for we oldies who cannot keep up..

Thanks for that. Very informative. I hope BF might produce a similar video.

I thought ballast tanks were filled and emptied as necessary with sea water depending upon the load to ensure that the ship sailed at the same level whatever the loading.

As you say a very large tin opener would be required. It has always been that a new engine was required but I suppose that is all supposition. I missed off the excellent piano playerfrom the entertainers list.

We were on the Xmas trip. A little quiet as there were only 600 passengers. It made for a little more room than usual. We were told that 1000 would be on board for the NY crossing to Honfleur. We were on one trip when there 800 on board and that was just right. PA was immaculate with everything, except the one engine that is to be replaced, working. The cabin 6228, we always ask for this one, was very clean and comfortable - the wife would liked to have taken the mattress home!!! We started loading at 2.45 and were sat without rushing, having a drink, in the piano lounge at 3.45. The crew, except one, were very happy, smiling and helpful. The entertainment comprised a 5 piece band, DJ, childrens entertainer, comedy illusionist, singing duo and a rather moderate solo singer. All the rest were good. We did not have the Gala Lunch as it is the same menu every year but dined in Le Flora twice having the lamb and duck - excellent. We suspected that one of the waiters had been sent up from the engine room as he was a mild version of Basil Faulty but amusing. The crossings were on time arriving in Antwerp at 1.00pm instead of the scheduled 3.00pm, bur who cares on these trips, and were calm especially the return. Only a very slight roll on the outward voyage. Two unusual things happened: 1. On the outward voyage we were all called to Reception to declare our place of birth. ?? 2. The first persons onto PA after the passenger access ramp was in place were two Belgian police. ?? I enquired of a man with rings on his jacket sleeve if he knew how they were going to fit the new engine. He did not know but I imagine major removal of steelwork will be required. Might someone be able to get pictures ??

The channel was calm on the journey back from Antwerp - 21.00 26th Antwerp to 15.00 27th PIP. In fact one of the smoothest crossing we have experienced.

Best wishes and thanks to everyone who contributes and especially to those who run BFE. We will think of you as we wander around Antwerp.

Ryan that answers a question I was going to put about Marco Polo. That sometimes sails from Avonmouth which would be ok for us.

WE are always on Deck 6 near to Reception and have experienced no problems with noise from the garage. We had a cabin on one of the Xmas cruises on Deck 8 just beneath the Bridge. It was a very very rough return from Antwerp - Deck 8 never again. You should be ok in summer. 5433 is the last one on the starboard side.

Thanks for the quick reply. More consideration needed as it a bit trek to get from Worcester to Tilbury at our age. I will not say what age but I have been retired for 15 years. Anyway we will make Portsmouth for the Xmas trip.

Great report and perhaps warrants a trip sometime on a proper cruise ship. How do they handle the cars and luggage at the departure port ? Is it like P&O in Southampton ? A little unfair to compare it with PA facility wise as they do 21/2 extra decks to play with.