jaydee6969

Thank you all.

After a phone call, it turns out that it needs to be done the old fashioned way of downloading a form and filling it out, returning all evidence via email, and fingers crossed we get a pay out. 

12 minutes ago, Somerset Cruiser said:

You had to wait a whole hour for food?

When at any other time food is available instantly.  And for your information, I personally was knackered and ready to turn in for the night.  Each to their own, no judgment here.

5 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

Is the chefs table area totally separate from the Beach House area, and just how big is the area?

Although it seems a reasonable idea from P&O, if it significantly reduces the buffet area on formal nights, then it is rather pushing passengers to follow the dress code, if they want to enjoy a reasonable dinner. Although of course on Iona they do also have the Quays as a non formal venue.

Beach House was Starboard side, and Chef's table was Port side.  When on Iona and Arvia in the future we will be advance booking Olive Grove or 6th Street diner for formal nights if we decide to not dress up.  However, now we know its a pita to visit Horizon on black tie night, we will plan ahead.  We didn't want to visit the quays again on that night.

4 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

Why were people going through the horizon buffet to get hamburgers  when the hamburger station is in the Dome?

Depends which lift you use.  We always used the aft lifts and were completely unaware of how much of the buffet was set aside for the chef's table.  After looking at the offering in the buffet, then followed the walk through the black tie area, with looks of daggers from some.

41 minutes ago, Froxfield said:

Perhaps black tie is a bit over the top for the venue but they do make a bit of an effort with table cloths etc. In point of fact we didn't see anyone wandering past in shots and flip flops to get hamburger and chips!

Our party walked through in normal evening casual to get to the buffet, only to find how much space was set aside for the chef's table, with limited seating left for casual diners.  Plus the offering in the buffet seemed to be reduced.  Then another walk back through the set aside area to return to the Sky Dome, where we could sit reasonably close together.

Another minor whinge from me, was we returned at 10.00PM from our star gazing excursion in Tenerife and of course the buffet is shut between 9.30 and 11.00PM.

Just back from Iona's Canaries trip.  Can confirm the Madeira and Lisbon shuttle bus as you indicate.  We did not stop at Lanzarote due to adverse weather.

For our trip to Lisbon we were actually dropped and picked up just outside the Mango shop, as per the map extract below.  Pretty much where that van is shown on the map, just by the traffic lights.

On 11/17/2022 at 7:41 PM, Vampiress88 said:

Do you think this letter will be good enough?

I hope so.  I did go down to reception and ask if this is all they issue and is acceptable for insurance claim, and they confirmed it was.  Have tried to claim from insurance today, but can not find a relevant section on the online claim form to tick.  Claims office only open mon-fri, so will leave for now.

1 hour ago, Vampiress88 said:

 
we’ve only just set off so won’t be there till 1.30 now probably 

See you onboard.

1 hour ago, wowzz said:

Braver than me ! 

Guess now that I'm old I like to give myself plenty of time ! 

I've just closed my case up, Uber at 12:30.  But then I do live on the edge of Southampton.

2 hours ago, davecttr said:

 

Whats wrong with Polo shirts, they have a collar but lack a breast pocket and they were originally designed for gentlemen

Plus, most of my shirts don't even have a breast pocket.  Just packed for todays cruise on Iona, and all Polo's and T's, with full on shirt to accompany my DJ etc.

Video from P&O

9 hours ago, Host Sharon said:

Also if you book on launch Saga are around 35% less than the price quoted above, and all-balcony but I appreciate some people don’t want the extras.

The Saga price I quoted contained a substantial 25% discount.

9 minutes ago, zap99 said:

Enjoy your cruise. October for us, but we sneaked in a week on Azura in February.

Cheers, we are looking forward to Azura next March and July, but October will be trying Arcadia for the first time heading North.  And we just booked a cheeky 5 nighter on Ventura for January, stupid price for lucky dip balcony cabin - worth a gamble.

50 minutes ago, Host Sharon said:

But all inclusive - insurance, transport, drinks, excursions, wifi, all restaurants ...

I'm with @zap99 here, pretty much tick all those boxes.  Live in Southampton, annual policy, drink whatever I want, not interested in panoramic excursions, Wi-Fi can wait until I get roaming in port and book any restaurants as required.

So I can enjoy everything I want and have two cruises on Iona to one on Saga.

Oh, off on Iona Saturday to the Canaries.

6 hours ago, Britboys said:

Anyone know if there was a technical reason ahe was towed backwards? Or was it just because there wasn't enough room to turn her at the shipyard?

All the large ships are towed backwards.  From memory, the water being forced under the stern lifts the ship slightly to give a bit more safety margin.  Could be wrong.

Meyer Werft Ems conveyance video.

Another post from Meyer Werft social media yesterday.

Thank you, have bookmarked the page.

I am going on Iona next Saturday for the Canaries cruise, I can update you if you like when I return?

Video from EMS Dollart Media

2 minutes ago, arbhorseal said:

Let me spell it out then......................

 

As I said "hey, still on the ship".

 

Its the being ripped off I object to. 

Common thing on cruises, wait for last minute deals on your future chosen cruise line.

9 minutes ago, arbhorseal said:

Hope you are not on the same cruise.......................

Aimed at anyone in particular?

If location was such a big thing, why did you not book select and pick you cabin in the first place? 

Sorry, not P&O's fault.

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Photos from Meyer Werft social media

Found a live stream