emam

What I can't stand is people using their phones to video in portrait mode. All you can see is a small picture then lots of black on either side. If you are going to video at least turn your phone round so that we can actually see something.

Emma is ok, she just needs to take a breath even so often.

32 minutes ago, AndyMichelle said:

Apparently the smoking area on deck 16 has been removed, leaving the only smoking areas being outside the Live Lounge and Java on deck 7.

 

Yes, I have just seen that on the other side. Reports are;-

New tables and chairs at the sunset bar and smoking no longer allowed.

Smoking is on deck 7 by java and live lounge.

New wrought iron tables and orange cushions, and more tables added to the (old) smoking area.

New carpets onboard, including cabins.

Something has been done to the suites but it's not stated what.

Bitscoff carpet and some furniture. The big job being the repair to the damaged hull. Reports not sure if lifeboat available to be fitted and assumes it would have been ready. (Was there mention at the time on here that it would have to be fitted at Southampton?)

There are a few photos but though I have borrowed this one (and now can't find the name to credit the person, sorry), I'm not sure what the rules are for using other peoples photos.

I have heard the casino will be closed on her first cruise (Sunday?) As it's not finished. 

Borrowed from another site from I think Gemma.

On the other side, there's a photo of them re-upholstering chairs in the dining room.

4 minutes ago, amajaa said:

If you pre-book the Beach House do you pay when you finish the meal or does it come off your bank/credit card before you go 

I would say after your meal as it depends on what you eat.

44 minutes ago, sandancer said:

We had until 11pm to put our bags out on Iona although they do request an earlier time if possible. Unlike most other cruise lines P&O do not issue return bag tags so remember to leave the original ones on your luggage. We invested in some of the plastic bag tag covers and they’ve been invaluable, we’ve used them several times. No worries about losing the flimsy paper ones. 

I just use a couple of those punched pocket folders, easy to fold as per the directions. I thought that is was 11pm, but wasn't certain.

1 hour ago, terrierjohn said:

We always ask our steward if its OK to leave our hand luggage and coats in the wardrobe while we go for breakfast and never had a refusal. It makes it far easier in the buffet and the lifts, especially as I am pushing a wheelchair 

Maybe worth a try, though one of them is usually a camera bag with lots of tech stuff in. The other bags would be ok. We went back one time as I had left the letter re disembarkation and all the doors were propped open and the letter was in the rubbish. Though we did manage to get it back.  

Most of your luggage has to be put out before dinner (that's tea time to us northerners lol). You can put one case out later on but I think it has a cut off time. So you will need a bag for your night clothes and toiletries to go in for the morning. 

Oh and don't forget to keep some clothes out for your travel home. I have heard of people forgetting to do so. 

Also when you go for breakfast you will need to take the rest of your belongings with you. Any bits and bobs left will be put in the rubbish bag. 

On 4/6/2024 at 7:50 AM, Geordie41 said:

My other question is on disembarkation day, everyone gets different disembarkation times so how does the return transfer work for example does the coach have to wait until everyone booked has boarded the coach then departs, or does it leave at a set allocated time. Many thanks.

We have usually had a disembarkation time of around 8:30 (happyv might have more idea as been more recent). You have to meet in one of the venues (theatre/dining room, you will be left a letter in your cabin the evening before) and the crew allow people off when it's okay. You then have to find your luggage in a massive shed. They are usually in deck order, so you just have a few rows to wander up and down. If you have luggage that looks a bit different it's easier to find. Just make sure that you check the name to make sure it's yours.

After leaving the hall you go outside and there are plenty of people to direct you where to go. The coaches are just outside to the right after crossing a small zebra crossing. You give your luggage to the driver who checks your name off.

Depending on how quickly you managed to get your luggage, you may have a little wait but it's not usually too long. Before you can leave one of the ladies who were giving directions come on-board and do a head count. Then you are off. Sit back and relax/snooze/put your headphones on.

You get dropped off on the North bound services at Washington. There's usually a drop off at Scotch Corner so you can alert whoever is picking you up to a rough time. Plus most people now have smart phones which will give you an idea.

On 2/3/2024 at 3:54 AM, Flash harriet said:

 

2. I have heard that supplies of milk, tea and coffee in the cabin can be somewhat frugal. Would I be able to bring a carton of milk and my own tea and coffee on board?

You can take your own tea and coffee if you prefer but there is plenty supplied (I'm a hugh tea drinker). I ask for extra from the cabin steward but if on the odd occasion I still want more, I just get them from the buffet.

However I don't think you will be allowed to take milk onboard. 

On 3/4/2024 at 8:53 AM, ThomasBarrow said:

Has anyone travelled from North England or South Scotland to Southampton on the coach with intercruises? What was it like and how long did it take? Do you get stops? Is there plenty of leg room and is it comfortable?

Yes, a few times, much better than driving down. We get on the first pick up at Washington services on the A1. We usually leave at 6:00 a.m. (Ventura and Britannia), a quick pickup at Scotch Corner (stay on bus) and then a 10 minute stop at Wetherby while more passengers are loaded on. There is a longer stop for lunch which is mandatory for the driver.

Usually pull into the dock around 1:45 p.m. Bar one time we have been on the ship in around 20 minutes later. Cases were at the cabin door when we got there. Drop hand luggage in cabin and go straight to buffet for some food before it closes.

While I find the journey comfortable enough usually the first night is an early one for us. We tend to get up around 4 to get ready, cases in taxi then travel to the service station. We are normally there early but I prefer that in case of any overnight road closures.

 There is a Travel lodge next to it and I think possibly some other motel next door to that one. The next time we go I might try stopping overnight instead of a taxi on the morning.

Coming home the coach doesn't leave until later. I can't remember the exact time but 9-9:30 a.m. The port staff have to count all the passengers before it leaves. We usually get back to Washington services around 4:45 p.m. Now the strange thing is, there probably will be less stops on the way home.

I have short legs but hubby finds it ok, even with a big bag under his legs. I sleep due to the travel tablets he listens to something on his head phones. 

12 hours ago, Josy1953 said:

We got this one on Sky Princess last June   I think that it was supposed to be a penguin 🐧 

Love it.

Fab work to whoever created those, they are amazing.

I doubt that all of the cabin stewards know how to do them. Iona seems to be the key apart from jaydee's anniversary one.

I have just seen a couple of photos of towel art that were taken on Iona. Is this a new thing for P&O or just for certain cabins, ships or pc tiers? We have never seen these on the cruises we have been.

6 minutes ago, janny444 said:

. TBH can't remember if P221 are fixed bed as we always prefer twin beds....seems to give more room. 

 We found there's more room with twin beds as you gain two lots of space in the middle rather than one small space each side.

On 1/18/2024 at 3:31 PM, janny444 said:

I love deck 5 outside cabins.

Do they have an obstructed view. When I was looking they all seemed to say obstructed. I wouldn't want to go from an inside to an outside and then find I can't see for the lifeboats. I didn't actually think the lifeboats are in front of them.

Yes, it's lovely lounging on the promenade deck, near to the sea and under cover from the sun.

I liked the cabins we had on deck 11, but less movement sounds good. I will have a look at those two cabins.

Thank you.

I know that most of you on here always go for balcony cabins but I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about the cabins on deck 5 Ventura. I know that midship is recommended for those that suffer from the motion of the sea. Deck 5 cabins are low down but are at the front of the ship. So how would they compare to aft cabins (inside) on decks 11 or 12? 

Buy some birthday presents, jewellery, bathrobes, even Christmas presents.

Someone on the other side has started a change.org petition. Demand P&O terminate Contact with Maleth Airlines for substandard services.

23 hours ago, grapau27 said:

 

I hope everyone is well especially some of our regulars @SarahHben @emam who have not posted for a while.

Nice to see some nice cruise photos from@Purdey16 and @9265359.

Nice Christmas decorations @kalos.

 

Hello Graham, I haven't been on so much as don't currently have any cruises planned. I do occasionally check things out but haven't commented much. I was just thinking that I hadn't seen you name, but I don't normally check this thread. Glad to hear you are both well. We were at the Harvester last night for a lovely meal with our family. It was quieter than I had expected.

Take care both of you and all the best for the holidays.

4 minutes ago, Peanut006 said:

 

 

Going to Warners Nidd Hall on 20 Dec, taking the in-laws, they haven’t done a Warners break before.

 

Michelle 

We are going there on the 30 Dec. Looking forward to it.

It sounds like you had a lovely time. Well worth thinking about for a holiday. The photo looks like you could be on a ship. Thank you for the great review.

4 hours ago, sandancer said:

We have decided to stay overnight at the Travelodge. I know it’s going to be an early start and who knows what the weather will be like end of December. Haven’t stayed in a Travelodge for years. Hopefully it’s not too far to the coach park from there. 

A good decision, I was going to mention doing that but It was late and I was on my Kindle so didn't do so. When we last went someone we talked to while waiting for the coach had stopped there. It's something I will think about when we next get to go on a cruise. We always leave home really early in case there is any problems with the roads (overnight closures), so it would give us extra time before heading for the coach.