Special Request

[Onelife]

Hi all, many of you will remember our much respected and good forum friend MOB (manoverboard) who sadly passed away, what is now coming up to two years ago. For our new members Mob was one of the moderators of this forum and for the most did a very good job… apart, that is, from when he used to delete my posts.

A couple of days ago I was delighted to receive an email from Mob’s wife who was asking if I had cruised on “Iona” recently, and if so what were my impressions of the ship, she also wanted to know if the Flan Railway Trip was worth doing?”

I have no knowledge on both counts so suggested to her that I would ask on the forum and should there be any replies I would cut & paste into an email for her information.

So, if any of you would be so kind as to jot a few thoughts, suggestions, tips about Iona and in particular the Flam Railway Trips then I’m sure it would be very much appreciated.
(I will only copy text and no personal information)

She will be traveling with two family members who I don’t believe have cruised before?

Thank you

Keith

[Stephen]

According to my sister and husband who went on a Celebrity cruise Flam railway excursion last May, they were very disappointed and would not do it again. Very poor organisation and the train was very crowded making them feel unsafe. How this compares to a P&O excursion i don't know.

[david63]

I have read mixed reviews about the Flam Railway with many saying that some cruise organised excursions are not good. If I remember correctly the best way to do it is to go independently which I believe is best done by buying tickets in advance and getting an early train. The downside of that is if the ship is late into port.

Cannot help on Iona.

[oldbluefox]

Flam is a beautiful village which viewed from the deck of the ship very much rsembled a perfect model railway layout with it waters, the train station, little houses and all beautifully presented. The train station is literally next to the ship.
The Flam rail trip is lovely as it passes through beautiful countryside as it wends its way up the mountain and we enjoyed it but it is true that the carriage is busy and you have to suffer everybody pushing and jostling to get onto the train to get a good seat. As suggested if you can prebook tickets independently maybe the day/two days before you might enjoy a more civilised experience. The non P&O organised carriages seemed to be much less crowded and more civilised.
Please pass my regards to Mrs Mob

[oldbluefox]

As a further comment it may be worth checking the times of the trains;a later train may be less crowded and would get over the problem if the ship is late into port.

[poole boy]

we have been on IONA 3 TIMES WHILST IT IS A LOVELY SHIP IT WAS TO BIG FOR US DEFINATLY DO NOT GO ON IT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AWFUL,THE FLAM RAILWAY TRIP WAS AS OLDBLUE FOX SAID A LOVELY EXCURSION THAT WE BOTH ENJOYED IMENSLY

[david63]

we have been on IONA 3 TIMES WHILST IT IS A LOVELY SHIP IT WAS TO BIG FOR US DEFINATLY DO NOT GO ON IT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AWFUL,THE FLAM RAILWAY TRIP WAS AS OLDBLUE FOX SAID A LOVELY EXCURSION THAT WE BOTH ENJOYED IMENSLY

Please do not shout when posting

[Mervyn and Trish]

Iona isn’t for us as a couple but we enjoyed it in a different way when we took our daughter and grandchildren, which had to be in the school holidays. When some of the kids screaming are yours it doesn't seem so bad

[Ray B]

we have been on IONA 3 TIMES WHILST IT IS A LOVELY SHIP IT WAS TO BIG FOR US DEFINATLY DO NOT GO ON IT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AWFUL,THE FLAM RAILWAY TRIP WAS AS OLDBLUE FOX SAID A LOVELY EXCURSION THAT WE BOTH ENJOYED IMENSLY

Please do not shout when posting

Sorry David, I couldn't quite hear you, do you mind repeating

[Portsmouth]

He said " PUT YOUR BLOOMING DEAF AID BACK IN "
or maybe not

[Onelife]

Hi all, thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. I received an email from Mobs Wife this morning with….

“Thank you so much with helping me get the information, much appreciated. Please pass on my best wishes to those who knew my husband, I hope they are well and happy.”

[Mervyn and Trish]

Lovely. I miss Moby on the forum. Seemed a gent.

[poole boy]

I thought so well

[oldbluefox]

I never met Mob in person but we had a good many conversations as mods and he came across as a very genuine and personable character. He was very good at taking the axe when situations demanded it, especially to OL's posts
His wit and friendliness were a great asset to the forum and he is still sorely missed. RIP my friend.

[poole boy]

my post should have read
I thought so as well
but my wife wanted to go to the shops so did as I was told.

david63 sorry but did not see that cap locks was on

[Stephen]

I met Moby who was standing behind us in the queue for the Adonia naming ceremony. A right dodgy looking character Made me look like a


R.I.P Moby

[Onelife]

I never met Mob in person but we had a good many conversations as mods and he came across as a very genuine and personable character. He was very good at taking the axe when situations demanded it, especially to OL's posts
His wit and friendliness were a great asset to the forum and he is still sorely missed. RIP my friend.

Whenever I think of mob I always recall him telling me about the amount of pigeon droppings he had to clear off his roof….as Foxy has said, it wasn't unusual for Mob to delete quite a few of my posts (never understood why) Anyhow, when he did the dastardly deed I wrote back to him saying I’ve got five crates of homing pigeons heading your way…Enjoy!

Thanks Foxy, your words sum up Mob perfectly.

[Onelife]

I met Moby who was standing behind us in the queue for the Adonia naming ceremony. A right dodgy looking character Made me look like a


R.I.P Moby

Did he ever return your wrist watch?

[oldbluefox]

He didn’t. The watch I got was inscribed “To our best subscribing client from all at Ladbrokes”. Never did understand what it meant

[Onelife]

He didn’t. The watch I got was inscribed “To our best subscribing client from all at Ladbrokes”. Never did understand what it meant

Sound like a wind-up to me

[Stephen]

Watch this space.