Old Sea Dog

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 

17 hours ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

FWIW, there are lots of refundable fares out there to ATH and back from BOM or AUH.  Might take a bit more looking than just a simple point and click, but air tickets should not be putting people off this trip.   Anyone that wants advice, just ask.

 

 

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.

On 4/5/2024 at 7:17 PM, Whipsnade said:

I agree, but since they have yet to try attacking a pax ship there must be a reason. Possibly because they know this would release worldwide outrage. If they stick to bulk carriers and tankers they only stifle commerce. Striking a pax ship would bring down massive retaliation. 
Pure speculation on my part. 

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.

57 minutes ago, Whipsnade said:

Now there will be more, for sure. 

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

2 hours ago, USCAdventurer said:

Symphony did show up on cruise mapper this morning and she is well past jeddah heading for the canal now.  she is far north of Yemen now.  Hope she's past the danger zone.

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.

2 hours ago, Whipsnade said:

Just noticed the HMS Queen Elizabeth Royal Navy aircraft carrier is currently visiting Duqm. Hmm. 

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 !!!

11 hours ago, oakridger said:

 

@Old Sea Dog would you be able to share that website please?  It does sound interesting, and I would like to have a look at it.

 

Thank you,

~Nancy

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

6 hours ago, rafinmd said:

AIS is apparently totally turned off.  The destination I see from the last posting about a day ago is "For Orders"

 

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 

10 hours ago, Jayayeff said:

 

Received the above email twice in the space of 30 minutes, both times with the UK contact telephone number on it.    There seems to be no telling with them - sometimes I get emails with the US contact number, sometimes the UK contact number (yours above seems to show an Australia contact number?) and a couple of weeks ago I received an email promoting Crystal summer voyages from an email address representing Crystal Cruises GCC & Cyprus with a Cyprus contact number shown on it....Take your pick whose mailing list I must be on!!!!

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 

On 2/19/2024 at 12:45 AM, bitob said:

Just an FYI for anyone hoping to sail through the Red Sea

Maersk -- one of the largest shipping companies in the world - stated that they do not think the situation will resolve for a very long time -- could be a year or more.

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

2 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

The Bluff cove excursion thru Princess was outstanding. The snacks and beverages served were excellent. A short 15 minute drive from the pier. 

 

 

 

29 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

I have to amend my statement regarding entertainment. I’ve watched the Diamond Strings Duo twice. And I plan on seeing them again tonight. They are an exceptionally talented pair of violinists. When they play Explorers they play rock. Think Led Zepplan and others.  

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 

Thank you so much,I look forward to any further updates 

we have been twice before on Crystal Symphony and as this is a much larger ship we are curious as to how Princess delivers in this striking environment 

2024 has a special occasion and I wanted one more experience of this magical place

We are elite members 

I’m interested in how passengers are experiencing this white continent sailing on a large vessel 

what did the ship put on for Christmas and what’s planned for New Year ?

has the food and entertainment been of a good standard ?

we are considering this for 2024

Thankyou for your time in responding 

Just went to make a confirmed reservation for Symphony Dover/Dover Sept 18 only to find the total fare for entry level double cabin has gone from

£6800 total to £7400 in the past week

For information to any other persons looking to book
We aren’t 

Departing early from Symphony on Wednesday was no problem at all

In fact more passengers left then than those of us who left early Thursday

The ship was fully aware of everyone’s flight arrangements and made all the due arrangements weather you had booked through them or independently.

Not a problem 

We returned late last night from Symphony having had a great cruise with just 147 passengers 

The ship operated in all departments as if it was full

I had conversations with the Captain, Cruise director, Future Cruise Booking personnel and 

Herbert, Food & Beverage Manager who all explained that the present passenger numbers were all factored into the operation before sailings commenced.

The projections are that numbers will be low for the next few months but they are already showing positive growth for the ship’s return to Europe in early 2024.

The present sailing has 250 guests who I’m sure will have a fabulous cruise to Mumbai.

We are booked for a back to back early in 25 and can’t wait.