khkate wrote: Some cruise lines prefer to have people "trapped" on board their ships so they spend more money, rather being let loose in a port where the money goes into the coffers of those that live and work at the por and its surrounding areas.
So room24 decided it would be a great idea to have a weekend away with P&O Ventura on their 2 night cruise to Zeebrugge
Price was ok, so booked a couple of weeks before the cruise and was quite happy to take whatever random cabin they gave me.
Took time to do a bit of research and worked out how to get to Bruges & back by public transport in the most cost effective way.
Arrived at Southampton...little later than planned but still earlier than the time on my e-ticket. was given a card with a letter
Was called to check in less than 10 minutes after arrival and soon found myself on board and quickly took my hand luggage to my allocated cabin
Everything was going well.... had a little look around some of the ship, shared a table with 6 others for dinner...everyone was very friendly.
Saw the show in the theatre and stopped in one of the bars for a while before retiring for the night....ready for Bruges in the morning.
Yes there were stag &hen parties on board....and they seemed to be having fun without being annoying or making a huge amount of noise etc
Despite P&Os dress policy some of the girls wore coloured wigs or t-shirts with Brides Crew on the front etc....I thought it was all in good taste
and only a real moaner would have something to complain about
Awoke in the morning ready for breakfast & to get off the ship....we were still at sea but should be docking very soon shouldn't we?
Then it happened....Captain announced ,the seas too rough, the winds too strong we will not be stopping at Zebrugge
So yes "khkate" I was one of those people "trapped" on board to spend more money because the captain felt it unsafe to dock.
So we ended up just cruising very very slowly along the coast all day sunday
Ok they had extra entertainment on board but it was disappointing not to spend a day in Belgium...+++ the extra drinks I was buying on board
I was told that the casino was also doing well