Toonarmy

After great deliberations we have cancelled and booked on the Discovery out of Dover. The main ports of call are in Sardinia and Corsica. We have been to both islands (long time ago) and feel they look more appealing than Limassol and Paphos. That said most places are more appealing than the latter.

Yes, but only the basic cabins. Probably getting ready to tell everyone the Black Sea cruise is going to be the Modern Wonders of the Mediterranean.

Thank you. I agree your sentiments. I think there are slightly more cabins available.

This ship is not entering the Black Sea. No insurer would cover it.

Saga may do one of a few options. They might try and retain passengers by enhancing the monetary side or indeed they may get us all on the ship and tell us nothing until we have been at sea more than 48 hours before they tell us we are not going to the Black Sea. That would be sneaky but would get them out of offering the Love ait First Time guarantee. 

I am emailing my TA to say we would not want to embark on this cruise if it was not going to the BS. It may help our case if we need to fight for justice when we return. If Saga intend to be shabby about this then they will lose a great deal of future custom.

If enough people complain now to our TAs then the strong message may get back to Saga HQ  

According to the Media the war will be declared as a victory by Putin on 9 May, even if its not over. Saga will go ahead with the cruise but it is not likely that they will be able to get insurance for a ship in the Black Sea for a long time. Standby to visit a lot of places you've been to before.

My horse fell at the second fence in the Grand National so best if you ignore this posting. 

2 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

See warning from NATO shipping centre issued yesterday 

 

https://shipping.nato.int/

RISK OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE NORTH WESTERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHWEST BLACK SEA

Drifting mines have been detected and deactivated in the Western Black Sea by coastal nation's authorities (ref. NAVAREA III-126/22 and NAVAREA III 017/22). The latest statement of regional authorities, confirming another sighting of a mine, shows the threat of drifting mines in the Southwest part of the Black Sea still exists. An additional stray mine was detected and deactivated on 06 of April 2022 in the Southwestern part of the Black Sea. National authorities stated that the searches for mine-like objects are ongoing. The threat of more drifting mines cannot be ruled out. Any sightings of mine-like objects should be reported to coastal authorities and shipping should remain well clear of the hazard. NSC strongly advises masters to take all precautions to mitigate the threat including avoiding floating objects, keep the forward area of the ship clear of crew, and using effective look-outs. Merchant vessels are also reminded to monitor the local authorities' broadcasts for the latest Navigational Warnings.

I think you have set the template for others, certainly us. The TA (who I cannot name on this site) has not got back to me with any information I asked for last week. If and when I get any, and its worth passing on, I will.

Just received the expected itinerary change which means we don't go to Odessa. Has anyone any information about Saga's "Premium Drinks package". Never heard of it. 

Thank you thinfool. Over the years we have watched fellow travellers struggle, especially as they mature in years. We also travel light and never seem to run out of clothes to wear. 

We are grateful to BlueHerons and lovescarborough for the replies. Will probably use one of the options

We are flying in from UK to Miami in January 2021 and cruising out of Fort Lauderdale with Celebrity the following day. Can anyone suggest the most economical way to travel and which city to book hotel. arriving Miami 3.30pm.

We now intend to fly from Manchester early morning, get an extra night at hotel at beginning and fly back to Heathrow at 1330 on disembarkation:). That timing is just about right. Of course if your starting point is outside UK, well, that's different.

Thanks Erik. So what are you going to do?

We are considering a cruise which arrives in AD the night before disembarkation. Our chosen flight home is at 10.45am and it has been suggested we may not be able to leave the ship that morning in time to catch our flight. Are immigration officers on duty early morning? Can anyone shed any light on this?