Les_ldh

She’s scheduled to leave the Port of Tyne at 15:59 on Monday 30th May.

37 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

I wondered if it might be due to lack of trained crew, who might be having to quarantine?

I’m not really sure but the feeling I had, and it was only a feeling, is that an infection caused the initial closure which lasted over a week, then when it reopened there were very few bookings so they decided to cut their losses and keep it closed. Of course I might be completely wrong.

Les.

1 hour ago, Astrajet said:

Thank you Les, that's very helpful information. We have pre-booked Sindhu for the first night so hope it will be open! The Glass House is a favourite of ours so will look forward to a few meals there. 

Good to know you are enjoying the cruise. Just hope ours goes as well. 

Thanks again - enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

 

Thank you, I will. I don’t know for certain, but I think Sindhu has been closed purely due to the lack of demand as when it was open there was hardly anyone in, so hopefully you’ll be okay as everything is reset for the next sailing.

Les.

3 hours ago, Dermotsgirl said:

Glad you are enjoying your cruise, Les.

 

you are a perfect example of ‘living with it’ - amending your behaviour in a changed  environment 

Thanks, that’s exactly what I’m doing.

On 3/20/2022 at 1:32 PM, Astrajet said:

Thank you for your post - I now feel a bit of my dwindling enthusiasm returning for 1st April. I have taken note of your recommendations. You mention not using the mdrs - is this because they are now freedom dining or just generally a very busy area?  Do you use Horizon instead?

Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Sorry for the delay in answering, but I only get WiFi once per week for 24 hours.

I don’t use the mdrs because you are in close proximity to lots of people not wearing masks. Even if you ask for a table of two they are so close together that you are effectively sitting right next to strangers. Yes I have been using the Horizon buffet, but also the speciality restaurants. Sindu was excellent when it was open, but it has been closed for most of the cruise. The Glass House has been excellent, but the Beach House was very poor. The food was okay when we eventually got it, but the service was atrocious with lots of people complaining about it.

The covid protocols have now been relaxed and are the same as when we set sail from Southampton.

Have a great cruise, I wish I could stay on.

Les.

On 3/18/2022 at 5:36 PM, miniyorkie said:

Hi. I have been reading this thread but not previously  commented. I am also on the 1st April cruise, rebooked on this  additional sailing as I was  originally booked on part of the Aurora cancelled world cruise. I thought that "shared table" dining was not possible anyway and only booking or linked pax could be seated together. That we can cope with, but we really want to enjoy the shows, entertainment and dancing on Aurora. Am also hoping that Sindhu re-opens as this is  a significant birthday cruise whilst away and hoped to celebrate ( with a special meal even if just the 2 of us ) Daren't tell partner that there's a possibility the cruise may be cancelled. We were  booked on the March 2020 transatlantic on Azura which  was cancelled only days before sailing so he will think we are jinxed as this is our 2 year  long awaited  return cruise.  Staying positive. 

Well I’ve just caught up on all the posts since last weekend, and it sounds like I’m on the cruise from hell. As someone onboard let me try to bring a little perspective to the thread. There is no doubt that there has been quite a lot of Covid cases onboard. 80 were transferred to QV on the first Barbados visit, and I personally counted 94 being transferred on the second Barbados visit, although I wasn’t able to count for about an hour so suspect it’s a little higher. I feel very sorry for those affected, and it appears that there have been a few teething problems on QV dealing with the volume of people.

As one of those not affected by the outbreak I have had a fantastic cruise so far and would have no qualms about going on the April 1st sailing. Sindu has now reopened but seems to have been fairly quiet from what I’ve seen. Precautions that I have been taking, and that I would recommend are, not using the mdr’s, going to the first show in the theatre as it’s always the quietest, avoiding venues at their busiest times, wearing the higher grade mask at all times when outside my cabin (unless eating or drinking) and indoors when onshore, when sitting on the open decks ensuring that I’m upwind of people, and frequently using the hand sanitisers that are available everywhere. Might sound extreme to some people, but to me it’s just common sense. Despite the problems onboard I still feel safe and personally thanked the captain yesterday for the way he’s been handling the situation and commended the crew for the excellent work they’ve been doing. I told him he should be very proud of them.

is everything perfect? No, but who has ever been on a cruise where it is? Be sensible, be cautious, go with the flow and enjoy your cruise on this wonderful ship which I’m sure will be sailing to the Canary Islands on April 1st.

Les.

22 minutes ago, Bazrat said:

Have a great holiday Les and don't forget my rum

Too late as I’ve drunk it 😉, along with Andy’s Peroni. 😂 

And thanks, I will. 🍺 

Here’s my take on the current situation onboard. Enhanced protocols were put in place last night which meant you had to wear a mask anywhere indoors when not actively eating or drinking. Higher protection FFP2 masks were issued to all passengers. Prior to arrival in Barbados all isolation cabins were occupied, and some passengers (with balcony cabins) were isolating in their own cabin. Some passengers, and I assume crew, are transferring to Queen Victoria today. Any speculation on the number infected is just that, speculation, as no information is being given, even when officers and crew are “interrogated’, but I think it must be significant. I feel very sorry for those affected, but for those of us unaffected the cruise is going ahead as planned with only minor inconvenience and I am having a fantastic time. Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

Les.

56 minutes ago, tring said:

Do they use an app on Aurora for booking meals etc. or do they treat you like people?

 

You can book on the app or just turn up, whichever you prefer.

Just now, AndyMichelle said:

Have a great time Les, 

Andy 

Just now, AndyMichelle said:

Have a great time Les, 

Andy 

Cheers Andy, just sat down to watch the headliners show “Fantasy”.

On 2/28/2022 at 4:12 PM, PrincessPete said:

Sorry if I have missed this anywhere but is it this evening that Aurora returns to service and sets off on a slightly shortened trip to the Caribbean?

It would be great to hear from anyone on that cruise particularly as we are doing a similar itinerary later in the year.

Good luck to everyone if she is on her way this evening.

Kind regards. Peter

That’ll be me then. We’re currently sailing west from Madeira headed for Barbados. Everything going well so far.

Les.

On 3/4/2022 at 5:20 PM, Josy1953 said:

We have actually had some good speakers on P&O. I particularly remember a man who had been a prison governor. We went to his first talk because there was nothing else that interested us and it was raining but we went to his other 2 talks because the he had us gripped.  The worst speaker we have ever seen was Judy Murray.

That’s Geoff Hughes. We’ve had him on this current cruise on Aurora, and I have to say he is excellent. 👍

Les

I’m currently on Aurora doing the transatlantic, and in my opinion there’s no need to book before you’re onboard. I’ve been to a show in the theatre every night so far and only booked via the app on the night of the performance. None of the shows I’ve been to have had a capacity audience.

Les

25 minutes ago, Angel57 said:

Just seen this on another site. What a shame, but as you say at least Aurora still sailing…… Is the itinerary drastically changed or just missing a few ports?

I’m sure it will still be a wonderful cruise as she is such a lovely ship.

Just missing a few ports. Not a problem to me as it’s my first visit to the Caribbean, but I’m sure some will be upset. My first time on Aurora as well, so I’m looking forward to that as well.

I’ve had an email from P&O this morning advising that they have delayed the start of the first cruise of the return to service of Aurora (R201N) from 20th to 28th February thereby shortening the cruise by 8 days. This was the long Caribbean transatlantic both ways. Oh, and they’ve also changed the itinerary. 

I’m not really surprised, and I’m just glad it’s still going ahead. Oh well, time to reset the countdown clock 😂 

Les.

1 minute ago, jeanlyon said:

My middle name doesn't show on P&O site either.  I wouldn't worry ab out it.

Not a problem if you’re sailing from Southampton, but I don’t think I’d take the risk with an airline.

34 minutes ago, thepeb said:

Hi all,

 

Had the following note regarding our Azura trio in mid Feb and our TUI Charter flight

 

 It is essential that you supply your full name (including all middle names) as it appears on your passport. Failure to supply this information may result in
being denied boarding by the airline when you check in at the airport. You can supply this information by logging onto the passport section of “Cruise
Personaliser” on our website. Please note, the full name you provide may not necessarily appear on all of your documentation but may be used to perform
various government security watch list matching.

 

Looking at our booking, our middle names are not there and I cannot add them online- have tried. The number given on the note isn't working and I've tried the freephone number and was on hold for half hour before I gave in.

 

Normally when adding passport details etc I have to re enter our names but this time its just taken the names from first booking.

 

Anyone know an email address to use or a better number to het hold of someone?

 

Thanks

 

Paul

I had the same issue with my first cruise and as I had booked that one direct I had to phone them and get it changed. I suggest you keep using the freephone number and just put it on speaker while you get on with other stuff. After all it’s not costing you anything. I now book through a specialist Travel Agent and let them deal with P&O for me.

47 minutes ago, yorkshirephil said:

She is still in Port of Tyne

She’s been in the Tyne for several months having work carried out. According to the Port of Tyne website she is due to depart on 24th January at 7am for Bermuda.

I used my Apple devices on Ventura in November, but did find that I had to disable my VPN first to get them to work.

I’m sure others will be able to be more precise, but I have recently booked a cruise on Bolette for March 23 and there was no option for anytime dining, only fixed dining. It was possible to request my preferred table size but it was not guaranteed. I hope this helps a little.

Les.

1 hour ago, bobstheboy said:

It is widely reported on social media that if you have a cruise stopping in Spain, you can change to another cruise, as long as it's in 2022, this applys even if you have paid your balance. There are a few people reporting this so they can't all be lying.

 

If this is true, P&O should change their protocols on their web site so everyone knows, not just the few through social media.

Unless it’s on P&O’s social media feed I would treat this with a very large pinch of salt. I’m sure people aren’t lying, but they are probably just repeating what others have said. If it affects you I would suggest you contact P&O direct.

Les.

26 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Well having said no to the Caribbean for 2021, I find myself booked and about to depart on 17 December!!  Following the Austrian lockdown my Christmas plans are in total disarray and my husband in his wisdom has taken the plunge and booked us on Britannia for the Christmas period as a surprise!   Clearly I should have more conversations with him about the cruise situation at present ....  Anyway the die is cast so there's little I can do about it so I'm just going to concentrate on organising us to have a good time.  He is very proud of himself over this replacement Christmas break.

 

Needless to say we already have the very best insurance money can buy (and believe it or not an email confirmation from Allianz of cover in the dreaded offloading situation), in fact my OH has two insurance policies in case one isn't enough as his health conditions are covered on an annual policy with Avanti who do not cover offloading and Allianz who cover me via our bank account and have agreed to cover him for everything else related to health, cancellation, covid etc.

 

I'm now struggling with what else is necessary.  I have booked PCR tests for Tuesday 14 December at 12.50pm.  After searching within a 70 mile radius this was the earliest I could get, I hope it will be okay?

 

I believe we have to fill in a form for Barbados entry but there's nothing anywhere on My P&O (there's a surprise), so I've no idea how or when we need to complete it.  

 

Regarding the PLF, how soon can I start to fill this one in and when can I order our day 2 return tests? 

 

Is there anything else I'm missing and need to do please, I'm assuming P&O will be like a chocolate teapot on information!

 

Thankfully there seem to be quite a few excursions available so I can at least organise the necessary ones.  I'm told very proudly by my husband there were lot of cabins to choose from ... I wonder why!

 

So fellow cruisers I now need your help and advice, please, regarding all the necessary forms and formalities.  Many thanks.

I’ll be following everyone else’s advice to you closely as I’m off to the Caribbean in February, but here’s a couple of starters for you.

Regarding the PLF, if you create an account when prompted you can start filling it out as soon as you want to, and it gets saved for (I think) 6 months. I believe that you’re on a fly cruise, in which case you can’t finish and submit until a couple of days before returning to the U.K.. I’m sure if I’m slightly wrong with the timings someone will correct me.

You can order your Day 2 test at any time before you go. I used Testing for All, and it was a very good and efficient service, and cost £19.

As for your chocolate teapot I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. For my recent Canary Islands sailing P&O let me know exactly what information/documentation I would need. Look at your cruise personaliser frequently and ensure you have completed all the parts as they become available, and I would advise printing out all required documentation rather than relying on your phone.

Have a fantastic cruise, and now it’s over to everyone else here to answer your other questions.

les.

17 hours ago, pennib said:

In reply to you all, we booked on the day the cruise came out( 2 years ago). Also we always state “ no upgrade” but we were told that this has been overridden. What can you do?

I had exactly the same experience with the cruise I have just returned from, where they “upgraded” me from a prime location to Riviera deck directly under one of the bars. I wrote (via my TA) explaining that this was not acceptable but I would accept any cabin on my original deck. I also stated that if they could not find me an acceptable cabin I would be cancelling (obviously this would have a cost implication). They got back to me within a couple of days with an acceptable cabin on my original deck, so it is possible. Sailings seem to be around 2/3 capacity at the moment so it shouldn’t be too hard for them to find you something that you’d be happy with. I would suggest a well thought out and polite email explaining your grievance. If you booked through a TA all the better, but if not then direct to P&O.

Hope this helps a little.

Les.

22 minutes ago, pete14 said:

Thanks for sharing the facts, but we must never let them get in the way of speculation, guesswork or a good story.

Very true 😂

I am currently on Ventura N123.

There has been a lot of incorrect speculation on this thread, so here are the facts…

Whilst we were in Lanzarote two passengers were identified as needing medical assistance onshore. The illness wasn’t specified by the captain (but I suspect it was Covid)

As there are no suitable hospital facilities on Lanzarote the Spanish authorities instructed the captain to sail south to Gran Canaria to disembark the passengers. This was done with a quick stop and go around midnight the same day.

Due to the extra time taken to do this there was insufficient time to make Madeira as scheduled, therefore it was cancelled and we are now heading direct to Vigo (due to arrive around 9am tomorrow)

We have been sailing at normal speeds throughout, currently 17 knots.

I am one of those onboard who is bitterly disappointed at not reaching Madeira as that was the main reason for me booking this particular cruise, but the captain had no other option.

As far as I am aware there are no further cases onboard, and the protocols onboard have been excellent and it has been a superb trip so far.

Les.