Billish

You have that all wrong. Currently, if you have had the initial course of two vaccinations, and a booster, you are fine to travel. What the requirements will be in January, who knows. And why not have another booster if you get the chance ? Makes no sense to refuse it.

I don't think you understand the concept of a resort at sea. If you can find me a 14 night cruise that leaves Bridlington, I would be very interested.

The elderly have already had a second booster, and a third booster is planned for this autumn (UK)

As long as you have had a single booster, (in addition to the two part vaccination series) you are OK. It is very clear.

Were you and your brother sharing a cabin? If so, it should not be a problem. On Regal last month I got drinks for my wife and myself with no issue at all, even though she was still in the cabin.

Too late to debate this now, but there are more than sufficient ports in Europe that can accomodate 6000+ pax ships, so that is not an issue (and, lets face it, the ship is the destination not the ports). The new millenium cruiser does not really care about the itinerary - they want to be entertained and fed and watered, which is where the profit is. And, pro rata Covid cases are the same, regardless of the size of the ship. Feel free to comment on roi with regard to capex and anticipated depreciation at your leisure.

No problem now ordering two drinks at a time if you have Princess Plus.

I had to look that up ! Excellent !

Cruise economics 101 - the bigger the ship, the greater the profit!

Welcome back. Sounds like you had a good cruise.

I see from elsewhere that there is no Merlot on board ! Now that is serious.

That is an extremely good question, but, as you say, cannot be answered on here. However, if you were to, for example, ask a question about TAs on a forum such as the one that Advises on Trips, people can name names!

And the test must, naturally, be negative !

How can they argue, when their own policy states that the Republic of Ireland is a Region 2 country, whereas, England, Scotland etc are Region 1 ?

Good result - nice to hear a positive insurance story for once. The amount you got back was far in excess of anything P&O would have given you !

Just checked my Staysure policy. Republic of Ireland is clearly identified as being in Region Two (along with all other European countries) Sounds like whoever dealt with the response had not read the Staysure policy !

So why prolong this one ?

You are right. Some of them sound more like a pre-flight checklist to be ticked off, rather than a holiday. St Pauls, Churchill War Rooms and the British Museum all squeezed into a single morning for example!

Personally I think that would be a mistake. Unfortunately you have picked a bad TA. The good ones, which many of us on here use, would not make such a charge. There are pros and cons for using TAs as opposed to booking direct. We find that using a good TA preferable to booking direct, especially as it is so difficult to contact P&O directly.

Some of the US posters on other parts of CC are super efficient. They have a folder for every port, with all relevant tourist infirmation, spending money, time schedule etc. Makes me feel tired just thinking about it ! And I'm currently reading a live from blog on the Princess page. Every waking minute in London is mapped out. I am impressed in some ways, but spontaneity to me is one of the joys of travel, rather than having to adhere to a strict time table.

One of the benefits of booking in the UK. UK consumer protection laws mean that if they go bust, you get your money back.

+1

Although with the current fx rate, the advantages of doing so are now greatly diminished.

Can I suggest you ask the question on the Ports of Call section as well. Dock testing has virtually stopped at Southampton port. Where will you be in the three days prior to boarding ? Lots of chemists will carry out tests, but you will need to book in advance.

Are you sure that the charge is not one imposed by the cruise company, and not the TA ? Princess, for example, allow you to refare once, but impose a £100 charge to do so.