Old Sea Dog

My wife and I wish to express our gratitude to Crystal for their very prompt refund of monies paid in respect of the above This has been an example of excellent customer service. Thank you again

Patty your observations are I fear correct Unfortunately some of us of mature years are still working and have to book holidays well in advance as a requirement of employment thus enabling us to cruise Crystal. I will wait till all the changes are made for early 2025.

Not impressed Looks like very much second best a result of coming to table late ! Business Air on legs 2/4 more expensive and poorer choice from and to U.K. I fear an unfortunate but easy decision Cancellation

While Crystal prevaricates some of us are less than a month away from final payment Furthermore another Ship of Costa has cancelled it’s December cruise from the Med via the canal

Certainly looks as though Athens - Abu Dhabi is no more. However Abu Dhabi-Mumbai is still open Could we see two extra cruises in the month between the end of last med sailing and the Christmas/NewYear voyage??

Yet another cruise line Marella has just cancelled it’s entire Middle East/Asia sailings for 24/25

It’s a charming place and has easy access to some very nice sights. You will not have time but it’s the starting point for ferry to the isles Try and book a local tour provider who can take you on an all day round trip to some of Scotlands best sights

Thank you for your positive response I have researched LHR-AMS-ATH//BOM-AMS-LHR Business for two So I’m told if Crystal cancell citing conflict/war in Red Sea and flights operate then all I get refunded is taxes. My broker has advised it would cost hundreds of pounds to insure separate so I’m holding off booking anything other than the cruise. Your advice would be much appreciated. For other UK passengers please check the small print re your travel insurance as not all policies cover cancellation due to conflict or war so you could loose the cost of the cruise.

So far I’m informed only three cruise ships have gone through the Red Sea. Interesting topic on Crystal and friends regarding the December cruise with booked passengers cancelling and others in a quandary as to what to book and when with regard to their reservations concerning flights etc. As people want to protect their money surely it would be prudent of Crystal to make a statement of intent if not then those booked will cancel before the final payment date leaving a ghost cruise.

That may well be the case but what will the reaction be to a major incident for sure there will be one as incidents are on the rise. Just two so far have been successful but the conflict continues in intensity as per the Royal Navy news

It’s been an interesting project for those of us interested in maritime affairs trying to follow her course since departing Mumbai. We now can rest easy that the ship and all personnel on board have almost made it back to the Mediterranean. The big question now is what happens re the return cruise in December and the onward to Mumbai For all our sakes I hope a decision is made before balance payments are due in mid June

A post on another site states that contact with a crew member says that all things are very smooth QE is now approaching Dubai having sailed into the Persian Gulf. Looks like the owners have pulled a master stroke. How many other operators might do the same ?

Just posted Queen Elizabeth is in the Arabian Sea and sailing at 20 knots Symphony has become a Ghost Ship but was originally due in Jeddah tomorrow or Wednesday.

She departed this morning and is sailing in the direction of the Red Sea. Symphony does not appear to have called at this port Is she the escort !!!

If you look for Royal Navy Portsmouth re Red Sea Operations you should be directed to the article and site You may also look at bbcsouthtoday for the video of their visit to the centre Best of luck Roy

She was last seen mid way to the Oman coast at that point For Orders was also posted along with her position. Now no new position and she is definitely not calling at the port of Muscat so if the owners are aboard they must have embarked in Mumbai. All shipping in the Red Sea and near by is being monitored 24/7 by the Royal Navy at a special centre near Portsmouth UK and is able to respond to any threat to shipping by direct contact with the master or whoever is on the bridge at the time. A local BBC News Channel was given exclusive access to the site with live cameras. Very interesting as is their website o

She is now at sea sailing on a course for the coast of Oman. No details are posted as to her route or destination. Cruisemapper is my source of information

Anne Could be as a result of your popularity

Just received the Alaska email First one since last December

NCL have just announced the cancellation of 3 cruises for November and December from the Mediterranean via the canal/Red Sea due to the ongoing conflict This must surely put pressure on other lines to act sooner rather than later as ports via the Cape will become popular. They are in the process of making new itineraries plus a full refund is available.

Not a dicky bird since cruise last year although I’ve signed up repeatedly

Word on the floor at Lloyds is that no passenger ships going Canal/Red Sea this year. Any that do are at owners risk totally. I like others are booked to Mumbai and again being mid eighties costs are already racking up, cruise,air,insurance and lastly balance so a definite statement sooner rather than later is in my opinion an obligation that the owners must address. A UK ship is at present taking on water as a result of a Houthi action in the Red Seao

Once again our sincere thanks for your time and postings One final question How many passengers onboard & What were New Years Eve Celebrations? Thank you again

Thank you so much for your time in responding to my enquiry. My wife and I are really appreciative of your reporting. I look forward to any further updates especially in regard to your call at Stanley hopefully!! Wishing you Very Happy New Year