2 hours ago, majortom10 said:

Officially at the moment it is for new bookings only. I am hoping that might change in the near future.

Thanks, fingers crossed especially as we had booked the cruises we wanted to do in 20/21

Vickie

Just a thought, are we able to use our FCC which was due to our May '20 cruise being cancelled down, to pay off a forward booked cruise in 2021 or, does it mean a brand new cruise.

Vickie

Back down to where we paid for them in 2008. 

29 minutes ago, the english lady said:

 

I am expecting the divi and OBC for shareholders to be reduced or withdrawn after all of this , as all the cruise lines will be losing a lot of money.

On FB they said shares were under £16 each.

Clearly I was given misinformation, sorry folks.

Vickie 

Not teasing, picked this up from a friend who's friend is on Ventura. She doesn't know more and is waiting for an answer herself

Apparently, watch this space!

Hear that Ventura is being held in the US .. what's happening

8 hours ago, wowzz said:

It seems that Ventura will be docking at Freeport, not Nassau, in February, and again in January next year.

I know that ports can be changed, but this particular alteration is significant. 

The Foreign Office have advised that travel to Freeport should be avoided at present.  Because of this advisory notice, many insurance companies will  not cover  pax if they leave the ship to go on excursions in Freeport. 

I wonder if P&O will still offer excursions in Freeport, and if they do so, will they have the necessary insurance in place?

I appreciate that things may change for 2021, but the situation is unlikely to alter before February this year.

I would be interested to know if the more experienced cruisers out there have any opinions on this scenario.

 

All I can say is we went there last year on the Aurora and imo it's not worth getting off, nothing of interest just market stalls and that's about that

Vicky

12 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

I would imagine that all of the cruise companies will be keeping an eye on the situation, they will not venture into ports where they think that the ship, passengers or crew could be in danger.

I agree so it must be or going to be a bit of a dilemma for those already booked and those considering it.

Vicky

I wonder if this is going to put a stop to Oceana's programme in the Gulf again.

'Westerners should leave UAE immediately': Gulf warning as British troops put at greater risk in Iraq after US kills Iran military chief.  

Is it just Ventura that has stopped issuing paper invitations to the Captain's Gala Reception. The only indication is in the Horizon paper! Perhaps that is why the numbers are fewer than before, guess those new to P&O would not be looking out for the bash! Actually think the less crowded atmosphere is much better, but sure that's not the reason for not sending the invite! or is it.

Vickie

Ummmm so arrival times could be quite late! We haven't got the pick up time yet, or coach company. We are being picked up from the Hilton Park services near Junction on the M6, about 160 miles from the port. Oh! well it's going to be an experience, hopefully a good one.

Vicky

Trying the coach for the first time to join ship (Ventura) on the 18th January. Using Cruise Connect from the West Midlands, any advice really welcome and also, what time do the coaches generally arrive at the port.

Thanks

Vicky

Okay, this is a new port to be completed in 2017 and will not be ready by the time you take your cruise. Doubt if it will be ready before 2020 knowing the Bajans, "hey it's hot man and tings take time". That said, when it is completed it will be in a great location, close to the town of Bridgetown which will be an easy walk away and, great views from the ship over Carlisle Bay. That said it is still an easy walk in to the town from the existing port, but better still take a taxi for a tour up the West Coast, cross over to Bathsheba and come back along the South Coast. Advice is to get a taxi outside the port gates and ask for Adrian but if not haggle for a price that suits you, Bajans might be slow but lovely folk and having agreed a price, won't rip you off. Enjoy.

Vicky

I wont mention my "Machine out of order - do not use" laminated tent card idea for use in the launderette to reserve your machine. It's got the P&O logo on it and everything.

 

Regards John

Yeah .. you sound like the sort of inconsiderate person that puts his towels and books on a sun bed and then clears off for a couple of hours. Just as well we all don't have that attitude.

Vicky

Due to call in at Casablanca in 11 days time. Staying on the ship is our option of choice. RIP Paris.

Vicky

Well, certainly I don't want my lunch at four followed by first sitting dinner!

 

We come by train and would not want to risk missing the sailing, so with a late boarding time, we would have to sit for several hours waiting and eating our sandwiches. Not the end of the world, but if there was a way of avoiding it, it would be a bonus.

 

Clearly, by boarding everybody later, P & O is cost saving, as far fewer people will be eating their lunch. Having lunch on the first day was one advantage P&O had over Fred Olsen who always board in the afternoons. Seems like P&O have decided to follow their example.

 

It is a shame they cannot organise embarkation better. We cruised on Anthem this summer and their system is brilliant. You choose your embarkation slot when you do online check-in. They start much earlier, at 11.15 I think it was, and you just walk straight on with no waiting at all.

Interesting how folk are champing at the bit to get on board and, at the end of the cruise, doing just the same to get off.

You must be crazy to think that P&O are holding back on embarkation times in order to save money. It takes time to get the ship ready after the previous and final passengers have disembarked only an hour or so before, then process 3000 people while at the same time, ensure that 'our' security is maintained. Having done 114 cruises I am confident that P&O have their passengers interest completely at heart. If you book into a smart hotel, it is common that you cannot have access to your room until 2pm. Why, because they want you to have the right 'whole' experience and it takes time to achieve that.

Nobody likes to wait to board, but that is why you are given a time slot regardless of your journey to the port, it's the same for us. If you want to arrive early then a wait is to be expected and enjoy your sandwich.

Think if you feel that having to queue 'cause you arrived early is not your bag, then best go back to the brilliant Anthem. Ummm not me.

Vicky

Well those of who have been on a few cruises know that the chances of getting the dreaded ships cough are high, especially this time of year, exacerbated by the air condition operating throughout the ship. Worse time is when you go to bed and the punter is blowing out 'processed air' often directly above your bed. We know we can't switch the a/c off and they don't like us to keep our balcony door open, difficult if you are in an inside or porthole (I know, picture window). So what is the answer.

Well on our last few cruises, prior to going to bed we have put a light smear of Vaseline in the lining of our nose. Not great gobs, just a good smear and the results have been that we have not had any trace of the dry throat which is often the precursor to the ships cough. I understand this is also good for air travel, which we don't.

Fair to say another way is to avoid those fellow passengers who think nothing of having a good sneeze or cough into their hands as they make their way to the buffet area. And, when there, using their fingers, try a few chips which look so inviting.

If you have any other tips please let us know.

Vicky

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114 P&O cruises and 10 in the pipeline. Don't you just love it.