dunnster1965

12 hours ago, Josy1953 said:

We both started to feel a bit unwell this afternoon so we have just done LFTs and are both positive.  We were careful while on board Emerald Princess and were 2 of the few passengers constantly wearing masks when we weren't in our cabin or eating, we didn't do any tours because I was paranoid about being on a coach with other people.

Sorry to hear the news. We got back from Iona two weeks ago today and tested positive. We've felt really ill since then even though we tested negative for the first time on Wednesday this week. Fingers crossed it's a mild infection.

8 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

I am pleased to report my aunt is being flown back to the UK tomorrow to continue her treatment here.

 

The debate with the insurer continues following an admission from my aunt's GP that they failed to notify her of a potential heart problem as they overlooked a report from the hospital. She apparently therefore was not aware there was anything to declare to them!

That's the best news I've heard today, what a relief for all involved.

11 hours ago, purplesea said:

Just returned home after being at work all afternoon and evening. We had a visit into the bay this afternoon too. This is was view from our reception. 

That's a picture to lift the spirits!

14 minutes ago, Angel57 said:

Absolutely. I’m getting out and about a lot more and socialising outdoors with friends etc. But I feel almost claustrophobic if indoors with a lot of people (be it shops or restaurants etc….).

As an aside I’m thrilled that at 63, I will be offered another booster and flu jab in the autumn which just gives me a bit more confidence. I’ve managed to avoid Covid so far, but how long my luck will last is another matter.

Mrs Dunnster and I had successfully avoided any infection until we stepped off Iona last Saturday. The very first thing we did was test positive and we locked ourselves away. After 5 days we retested and remained positive so we continue with our hermit-like existence and not feeling at all well. We really enjoyed the cruise although the after effects have rendered the benefit received negligible. Not sure what status I am about getting a booster as am a mere child of 56 yo 👶

Still, the amount of free time I have available means I can spend time reading this forum!

I am sorry to hear about your aunt's and your situation.

11 hours ago, SomersetS said:

Did you book directly with P&O or through a TA? I booked direct but you would expect them to want feedback from everyone.

One of the sections was specifically covid-related so maybe it's something new that they are trying.

Booked directly through P&O and am set to receive all communication by email - strange.

25 minutes ago, SomersetS said:

We have also just returned home after a week on Iona.

We also felt unwell yesterday.

We have also just tested positive for Covid.

I have fed this back to P&O via their post-cruise questionnaire.

Can you point me in the right direction for the questionnaire please? More data means better results; or at least it should.

@molecrochip

No need to respond as I've read your item here https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2860952-iona-covid-testing-changes/page/3/ although I do wonder how P&O keep track on those, like me, who clearly got it on board?

1 hour ago, terrierjohn said:

Iona and Arvia is all freedom dining, I believe the MDRs in them open at 6:00pm, but it may be a little earlier. Ventura has both fixed normally 6:00-6:30 and freedom dining 6:00pm.

Iona 4 Freedom Dining restaurants were open from 5.30pm this week.

On 7/6/2022 at 10:15 AM, Host Sharon said:

Alesund is great to just wander round and enjoy the Art Nouveau architecture. The HoHo bus is also a good option. I got off at the open air museum at Sunnmore for an hour or two and enjoyed the turf-rooofed houses etc. 

Thanks for the tips everyone, Alesund was a funnion as we arrived at about 7pm and had to be back on board at 11am the next morning so we only managed a couple of hours patrolling around the pleasant city centre. We were alongside HAL Rotterdam so two large ships in dominated the harbour-side. We got home about an hour or so ago after feeling poorly on board last night and immediately did an LFT test and guess what? COVID positive! We're pretty avid hand washers and cautious when it comes to it but there we go maybe a question for @molecrochip how would this be reported in the current trial?

Good morning, we're due in Helleslyt today but a stiff breeze prevented us from going alongside and the forecast for Haugesund tomorrow means a preemptive cancellation for Thursday. We're currently spending the day pottering down Geiranger fjord with the plan being to reach Alesund by 7 this evening and depart at midday tomorrow for Southampton. Any tips for Alesund most welcome. By the way, I'm not complaining!

15 minutes ago, Shakeyburns said:

Thanks everybody for providing a snippet what’s been showing for you guys. Good selection of movies, so I’m sure we won’t be disappointed. 

You're welcome! My last words on the matter are that today the movies have gone back to day one.

Thanks for the pointer, I'm just picking it up from the Horizon newspaper. Today's choice is:

The King's Man

Marry Me 

Addams Family 2

40 minutes ago, dunnster1965 said:

Right, they seem to be changing each day with three movies on , one of which is child friendly. I'll collate the titles later and post back on here.

Here we go;

Batman

West Side Story

Encanto 

Uncharted

Moonfall 

Ron's Gone Wrong 

On 7/2/2022 at 3:18 PM, dunnster1965 said:

Just on board and although it's way too early, I like what I've seen so far. Anyway, here are the films on today 

Turning Red 

King Richard

The Lost City

 

The Lost City is having extra showings so 2 screens being used.

 

If it changes I'll let you know.

 

 

 

Right, they seem to be changing each day with three movies on , one of which is child friendly. I'll collate the titles later and post back on here.

Just on board and although it's way too early, I like what I've seen so far. Anyway, here are the films on today 

Turning Red 

King Richard

The Lost City

The Lost City is having extra showings so 2 screens being used.

If it changes I'll let you know.

14 minutes ago, newbie cruissy said:

Interestingly, my Cruise Personaliser has changed in the last day or so, and now, instead of "Enquire on board", says "Available to book on board" 

Small change of wording, but reason for optimism perhaps?? 

Thanks mentioning that, I thought it had changed when I checked it this morning but started doubting myself. 

I'm looking forward to the following:

The Poseidon Adventure

Titanic

Speed II: Cruise Control

and, if I have time

Beyond The Poseidon Adventure

🤣

Sorry

I'm on Iona next week and I promise to respond sensibly when I'm on board

7 minutes ago, zap99 said:

What I find amusing is the folk who comment on the ' falling standards 'when they haven't been on any cruise/holiday since 2019 and have no plans to do so for another year or so. How do they know?. Do they say they are basing their opinions on heresay.?. Also some mention how superior a certain cruise line  , yet they haven't been on one of their ships. They make authoritative comments based on other people's opinions, but don't say so.

I quite agree. Whilst I respect people's opinion and would defend their right to express it there are those people on here (and any message board) who confuse opinions with facts and take umbrage when challenged or called out on it. Whilst it can be entertaining the 'ignore' button is a good way to filter the wheat from the chaff.

On 6/25/2022 at 11:58 AM, molecrochip said:

Usual cruising speed is 17 knots correct. Design speed is 21 knots. Doing 20-21 knots requires the four service engines to be in use at maximum capacity. This is only sustainable for so long as it does have a higher risk of failure. 17 knots is the magic 80% x 4 engines. 3 engines can get to 16 knots at full power, if one engine is out of use.

 

On the passenger side, passengers will feel more movement when ship is doing 17-21 knots. Likewise you need the right sea conditions. If you're heading through the bay of Biscay in stormy seas at 21 knots the ride may be very uncomfortable or even unsafe.

 

Iona steaming along at 21.4 knots according to Marine Traffic, I suspect backed by a strong southerly wind (Sunday lunchtime)!

2 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

P&O have certain ratios of adults to children to abide by. Staff shortages make this a problem hence the restrictions. This is purely health & safety of your kids.

I can sense parents sharpening their keyboards for a robust response!

32 minutes ago, Dermotsgirl said:

It may be of interest that the under 18's and over 70s don't have to pay the fee for the ETIAS

 

https://etias.com/etias-frequently-asked-questions

The fee is €7

It's my understanding that we will although there is no document to present as the details are stored electronically against the passport details stored in the European Immigration system.

Firstly, Mods, please move to a more appropriate section if this is the wrong place. Important testing changes emailed out this morning.

5 minutes ago, Happy afloat said:

Good evening all,

 

Is the value of obc you receive as a shareholder linked to the length of the cruise in the way that it is for military/ blue light card holders?

Yes it is, please see attached.

2021 US Annual Report - Shareholder Benefit - Final.pdf