tanneralll

On 5/12/2020 at 4:05 PM, Harry Peterson said:

Interesting question.  My guess is that they’re trying to get as much cash in as possible to keep Carnival afloat.

 

I imagine they know exactly what they’re doing, but what they don’t yet know is how they’ll be required to operate.

 

 I also imagine they have several scenarios and algorithms on which to operate, depending on circumstances, and the aim will be of course to maximise cash flow and profit. I doubt any other factor will be a consideration, but it’s impossible to second guess their plans.

I imagine they know "exactly what they are doing", but "don't know yet how they will be required to operate".😚

Apparently they have "scenarios and algorithms"  as well.  

Absolute gobbledydook. There is no defined clear way forward at this stage, as not only is the whole world adapting to what will be new social rules, there is also no clear way ahead practically, legally or even politically in dealing with the results of the pandemic in the short term regarding cruising, never mind long term. 

Basic problem with lifts is they are probably only 10% efficient. 85% of the time they are underused and 5% of the time (meal times, theatre exit times, embarkation, disembarkation they are jammed with impatien folk)

Also their "intelligence" means they will rush to busy areas at times (restaurants,theatres) leaving us poor passengers in the middle decks stranded watching them whizz up and down. 

More lifts would be a solution, but this would add a lot to cost.  (I agree P and O do seem to have got it wrong, especially on Britannia, where the main problem seems to be a lack of a central lift). 

However, we are all on the same boat (literally ), so make the most of it.  I've had many a pleasant chat with folk waiting for the lift, usually a bit of fun and banter, often with the folk in buggies and chairs. Stay a few minutes longer in the theatre till the rush dies down. or just amuse yourself watching  the ultra stressed folk rushing to and from the lifts. 

(PS if the high point of your holiday is the need for the lift to arrive bang on time when you push the button and whisk you straight to your floor in record time, with no crowding,bumps or pushes, then the best time is around 3.30 in the morning. Enjoy.😉)

On 12/21/2019 at 7:11 AM, brillo said:

We all pay to use the lifts they are not just there for people with disabilities I for one would take a very dim view if P&O limiting my access to lifts on the ships.

I take it you carry on this policy on land too, after all you don't pay for the lifts in department store, flats, stations exactly so why should you care about disabled folk using those equally ?

I speak as someone who stood in heavy rain in Lisbon at a bus stop beside a lady in a wheelchair and her husband who were nice people, waiting for a bus shuttle Even though she was there longest, she did not get on due to the rudeness and arrogance of folk like you, fellow British cruise members, She missed two busses and was drenched. One of my worst experiences with fellow passengers, yet probably routine for her.     A little courtesy can go a long long way.  Especially on a cruise ship where there is more opportunity to take a little bit of time out, get to know folks, even show your good manners, 

And yes, we all pay for the lifts, but are you seriously suggesting disabled and wheelchair folk should not have the same equality of access ?

48 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

If it's done within any current maritime legislation, what is your complaint?

 His point was if the water is "clean" why does current maritime legislation require it to be offloaded 4 miles out to sea ?

Look forward to hearing the definitive answer as to why, not where. Perhaps someone more knowedgable and less kneejerk can advise ?

Best to get there early. Your holiday starts the minute you get on the boat.

Have journeyed along the south coast to Southampton perhaps 20-30 times and only had a real problem once when the boat show was on, along with a few other events and the queued traffic added an extra hour and half around Southampton.We got there in good time about 3 o clock, but remember being a wee bit worried when we first hit the traffic jam.

If you'd like a man's opinion here goes.

I agree totally with the posters above who say wear what you are comfortable in.

My wife tends to take a couple of swimsuits, and couple of those throw over top things and cotton shorts to cover the swimsuit when we decide a quick snack is in order at the buffet. Couple of pairs of comfortable flip flops and a sun hat and she is sorted. Don't forget a beach bag to put your stuff in. Another useful thing to take is a large bath size towel, sometimes the ship's towels are on the small side. Only faux pas we've had was when when we got to the pool and another lady was wearing the same swimsuit. Both ladies complemented each other on their choice and laughed it off.

So just be yourself and you'll get on fine. I've always found people to be much more interesting than the clothes they wear. Fashions come ago and I bet everyone has looked ridiculous at one time. Ultimately nobody bothers to much or cares what others are wearing.

And if you need one accessory guaranteed to make you look great, in any situation, don't forget a nice smile. Always works well. :)

Thanks for the advice.

Have travelled on the larger ships, Cunard, Princess and Celebrity and had occasional problem with cabin noise when close to the funnel shaft. there's usually one or two cabins which are especially noisy, yet you walk 3 or 4 yards down the corridor and the noise disappears, so we like to avoid these cabins,

Read on another review that the boat was "rocky" in 10 foot swells, so thought I check.

Re-assured now. Thanks again.

Re Hawaiidan comment on causes of sea-sickness: The main cause is physical, not mental. To do with the nerves in the ear which sense imbalance. It affects everyone differently.

Just reading the menus now, wow...........

Thinking of booking first Oceania cruise on this ship, balcony cabin deck 7. Any cabins to be avoided on deck 7 ?

Also, have heard that ship can be "rocky" even in small swells. Anyone advise on this ?

Id do you own thing in Zeebrugge, great coastal tramway that can get you to all sorts of interesting little towns.

A stop is right outside the port

And five minutes along the line is the seaside town of Blankenberg. Sometimes a free shuttle is provided by Celebrity, but as previous poster noted there is a stop just outside the port and the tram looks like fun.

Nice promenade and sandy beaches, even has a pier. And just before you get to the beach there's a chocolate shop which sells the most fantastic boxes of layers of chocs for 6 or 12 euros, you just keep filling the layers till box is full. Incredible value. Here's a taster, but the shop itself has many more liqueurs and flavours than on the website.

http://www.chocolatesonline.be/index.php?section=shop&lang=EN&cat=2&scrollValue=370

They were so nice we actually arranged online to have half a dozen boxes sent to us last Xmas.

There were also quit a few shops with better quality beachwear, and the shoe shops were quite stylish and trendy, definitely not down market but well priced.

Also lots of nice coffee shops and cafes.

Great option if you've done Bruge before or if you just want an easy going walk around a nice seaside town.

(This is also the place to get the train if you are making your own way to Bruge)