wowzz

Not any more. Jet2 are now the main charter operator for many of the Northern airports. AFAIK TUI do not operate any charter flights for P&O to Malta from MAN or BHX. When you booked, why did you assume you would be flying with TUI ?

That is wrong. I paid the "old" Plus Pacjage price and my confirmation from Princess clearly states that I have the updated Plus Beverage package with drinks up to $15.

If Jet 2 are operating the charter, why would TUI be involved ?

It's the captain, at the end of the day, although obviously the various heads of department have a great deal of autonomy. No different to any other commercial enterprise.

What's twitter ?

Good point about scheduled flights, but I'm guessing that this is probably a charter.

Thank you

Thanks - I appreciate that is the case, but how difficult would it be to put the right information on the app !

In the words of the late great Leslie Phillips "Ding Dong !"

And they have mucked it up again. Shows I have the Plus package with drinks only up to $12 in value. Good job I have printed off my account showing I have the Plus 50 package with drinks up to $15.

You can't immediately. You have to wait until the seats are released, and be primed and ready at midnight to book them ! I'm sure others will tell you when seats are released - I think 14 weeks prior to your cruise date.

Personally, I think that's a great improvement. No more being woken up at an ungodly hour (7:30 !) by the people next door opening and shutting every drawer twice. How long does it take to find a pair of socks ?

It finds them through their Medallions.

I'll try and talk more quietly in future !

True, but PE, plus fast lane security, and lounge access (I know you don't get that on a P&O charter) helps make the experience more pleasurable.

More reasons for flying PE !

Snap!

We have a wake view cabin (first time for us) and as these are all sold out, price drops don't really affect us. Isn't there a danger that if you cancel and rebook, you might lose your PE flights ? Which cruise are you on ?

I fully understand that, especially on a Caribbean cruise, when you are virtually guaranteed good weather. But what would you do on Summer sailings from Southampton, where it is entirely possible to have 4 or 5 consecutive days of bad weather ?

787 is OK (I refuse to use the word Dreamliner -pure marketing hype) and personally prefer A350s or A380s, but obviously know that we will not get them on a charter flight from BHX. We fly PE purely for the space. That alone is worth every penny. All the other extras are mere fripperies. Economy in a 787 is still economy !

But you could of course buy a package with your obc.

Yup, the landings in Funchal can be difficult, and it is a long way back to Lisbon, which is often used as the divert airport. On our last holiday in Madeira, the airport was shut for three days just after we left - not easy for holiday makers to get home.

Prices for Feb/March next year are currently £2998 for a couple in the cheapest inside cabin, so you did well with your price. I guess last minute prices may fall, but that is always a calculated risk. Personally, we would rather stay at home than have an inside cabin, and we will only fly if we can have PE seats, so the budget lead in prices are of no interest to us at all. We have paid well over twice the price you did for our forthcoming Britannia Caribbean cruise in December, and believe it is money well spent, and better value for money than having an inside cabin and a cramped flight.

In all honesty, no one can tell you what the sea state will be. Some will say the Atlantic was a mill pond on their crossing, others will have encountered Force 10 gales. Expect the worst, and be grateful if the weather is kind.

The Windsor option every time ! You will get a full afternoon and evening in Windsor. Far more appealing than being in a ubiquitous airport hotel. The Heathrow Hoppa does not go to Windsor, but a taxi will not be that expensive (probably cheaper than the Hoppa if there are two of you) and I'm sure the hotel will book one for you. I would plan to be collected from your hotel around 9 am, to give you some leaway in case of heavy traffic, unless you are flying on a Sunday, when 9:30 or so will be fine.