My wife and I are going on the Artemis from March the 7th flying from Gatwick, staying in the Holiday Inn the night before.

This is our first cruise, I am 50 my wife slightly younger, despite reading all the information I can find on the Artemis, I am still apprehensive.

Should I be?

I am concerned about the small size of the cabins (we are in A465 with a balcony)

I am concerned about the dining arrangements - I have bought a dinner suit and a Tux, but what is smart casual? is a jacket required?

Excursions are they worth the money, or should we do our own thing?

Is the Artemis really full of near dead pensioners?

Come on you experienced cruisers - put my mind at rest and lower my stress levels.

Give me some good sound advice to ensure I enjoy myself and more importantly ensure that my other half has the time of her life, even being accompanied by a grumpy old man.

PSS,

How long are you expecting to spend in the cabin? They mayn't be the biggest but nor are they particularly small - I found mine to be more than adequate. I don't think it will be a problem for you.

Dining will be fine, you do not have to wear a jacket on smart casual nights - according to P&O's guidelines - and the best thing to remember is wear what you would be comfortable going out for dinner on a warm day/evening at home.

I have yet to go to the Caribbean - I am on the cruise following yours - but I have been told that it is very easy to get taxi's to do similar excursions to most of those available for less.

Is the Artemis full of nearly dead people - I hope not!! I have many friends who have been on Artemis and none of them are nearly dead. Not only are they very much alive but many of them are partying through the night!!!

Put your mind at ease and lower your stress levels.............

You will have a wonderful holiday on a beautiful ship with some fantastic fellow passengers. Relax and enjoy the scenery, the heat (can only be better than the current weather - we had snow again in Surrey last night) and not having to go to work for 2 weeks!!! As for lowering stress levels - if the above doesn't work then perhaps a large rum and coke will do the trick!!!

Feebee_71

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71

Cruise P905 is an Amazon cruise ending up in Jamaica and calling at Tobago, St Kitts, St Lucia and Tortola as well as doing Brazil.

What are the recommended excursions?

I am on the following cruise going from Jamaica to Southampton via Tortola, St Lucia, St Maarten, Antigua and Madeira. I am always looking for suggestions for excursions.

Feebee_71

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71

We enjoyed the aerial tram in Dominica last year except for the rain. This is available on other islands including St lucia, and we were wondering whether to do it there, or go for a Cosol tour, which I see you have booked. Also saw it could rain up until 11am. Quite pricey though and tour may be better value. Hubby says if we book in advance and then cant go, we would lose the money. Did you pay in advance? I noted they do private tours as well but expect a minimum no. is needed. Also I assume the cost is in usa dollars,

the poor rate of exchange has certainly made the po prices seem more reasonable.

There is quite a good tour offered in Antigua including lunch but cant find the notes I made so will have to search again or take a taxi at dock.

Only 2 days to confirmation of flights. Isn't it exciting?

luv Golden Oldie

I haven't paid anything for the Cosol tour yet - you pay at the end of the day!!

The most recent exchange rate has Cosol costing about £47 so not too bad compared to P&O tours. I have considered a couple of trips - booked for Flowers Wicker & Wine in Madeira and for Tortola I am thinking about the Traditional Tortola trip and for Antigua I have earmarked Best of Antigua for the morning but am flexible and would consider taxi tours with other people if interested.

I am looking forward to seeing the flight details confirmed but have been told by my TA what I am booked on so it is really a confirmation and another sign we are a step closer to going. Also, have been told by my TA that it will be about a week to 10 days until we get our tickets and then we will know about formals and themed nights.

Found out last week that I have to work a long day on the 20th so will be tired by the time I get to Gatwick that night.

Must think about getting suitcase out and planning the packing. I have bought a laptop rucksack for my hand luggage so I will have the laptop on me as well as a change of clothes and a swimsuit for the first day until the case arrives in the cabin.

Feebee_71

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71

have sent an e mail to cosul, and will take a taxi at antigua,We could see who is interested in joining up on the 22nd when I hope you will have recovered. perhaps you will sleep on the plane. Still taking your swimsuit in hand baggage?

i beleive you were interested in see and sea in st maartens. We did that  last time, quite good but coral reef was not very bright, much like photo in tour brochure. The town market was lovely, especialy if you like junk jewelry.

Sue G.O.

p.s. you spend more time on site than me, we must be sad!

I'm not sad - just on nights this week and some kind soul rang today waking me up and then I couldn't get back to sleep again!!!

You are right about the 22nd, perhaps people will be interested in sharing a taxi to go off out and about.

Feebee_71

http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71