Cruises: balconies, cabins, excursions, tips and travel sickness

CABINS
I've thought of chaining rooms in a hotel, or asking to see two or three rooms, then picking the one I prefer. At least if you look at two or more, you will be more satisfied with your own room if you know there's no better option.

DRUNKS & FALLING OVERBOARD
The figures and conclusions about falling overboard are intriguing as well. I'd always puzzled over the deaths by falling overboard of Barny Barnet and Robert Maxwell. I'd suspected they were pushed. However, reading about the number of drunks and suspected suicides falling off ships, I now feel that drink is a larger factor to consider. Prevention is better than cure. Don't get drunk and make sure your companions are sober.

EXCURSIONS
Very useful points to consider when booking. I have to admit I'd prefer to pay more for the ship's own excursion which guarantees to get me back on time, rather than save £10 and risk losing £100 or even £1000 flying on to meet the ship at the next port.

As for the remark about the police being more interested in protecting the tourist industry\s reputation than solving the crime, I've heard that accusation made in high profile murder cases and had previously dismissed it. Suddenly, I see links everywhere, and understand that you can't rely on the police being interested in the welfare of the tourist, when all of them or a few of them or even one of them is more closely attached to their own neighbourhood, workplace or country.

The comments from readers at the end are also interesting.

http://www.destinationtips.com/cruises/16-things-cruise-lines-never-tell-you/?utm_content=119e48&utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=16+Things+Cruise+Ships+Keep+Hidden+from+Customers+-+52561485&utm_campaign=OUT+DST+9930+16-things-cruise-lines-never-tell-you-desktop&utm_term=5425786

Four Wheel Suitcase by Karabar

The four wheel suitcase by Karabar is blue, as shown in the picture on their website and on eBay. (You can get cheaper four wheel cabin cases from the chain stores if you are prepared to have black.)

I was pleased it was blue. I had worried that maybe they showed blue in the picture but it was a stock photo. But it is blue. Not a nice blue. Sort of petrol blue which does not go with anything, not a nice royal blue, but at least I can recognise my suitcase, amongst the dozen on the shuttle bus to the plane, or be reminded to take it as I glass back and do my suitcase body count, accidentally counting my umbrella as an extra item and forgetting the carry on bag.

Handles
The handle pulls up tall. The material looks thin and flimsy, like paper, but the guarantee is for three years (which will cover stitching I suppose, but not holes made by your contents in the suitcase nor mishandling by baggage handlers.

The two handles on the top and side are almost flat, no padding. But you are pulling it along with the handle. But you do need the handle when going up or down a flight of stairs at home, at an office, in a power cut, at an airport, or a railway station.

Is it sturdy enough to carry a camera bag, large laptop computer or heavy bottle of wine? I think you would have to secure them with the internal straps - only attached to the flimsy looking liner, or wedge the contents between something else.
It was delivered by MyHermes.
www.karabars.co.uk

Angela Lansbury, travel writer, author, photographer, speaker.