Anobium

29 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

Do they have any ordinary non Electric bikes,

Sorry, I do not know.

I would recommend contacting Saga and asking.

Very good point about booking.

I actually booked the bikes out for many days in the future.  They did not drop the ball at all.

More facts/thoughts.

There are 30 bikes per ship.

They are stored in a special container in the ship for battery safety.

Booking is simple. Ask the front desk.  I booked all ports up front and they prepared the bikes each day.  The most used one day was four bikes - we had booked two.

They do put the bikes on the Dock. If it rains... you need to be prepared for a damp saddle.

See this video ... 

https://youtu.be/G7u1nkPyO7k?si=J5n3_awHuv39LhWk

You may have to learn to whistle to really enjoy the experience.  😉

I have taken the e-bikes out five times, each time in different ports.

I am a very experienced cyclist and cycle often in UK and France on my own bike.

The e-bikes are very good bikes.  There are quirks when settings off but after a few starts you will get use to the process.  Ensure you are shown how to set off by ship staff.

Equipment is good with helmet provided.  The helmet is linked to the bike and your need to ensure the link is working and you understand how to use the indicators. The helmet has in-built indicator lamps.

The bikes are heavy.  You will need to very strong to lift a bike up. 

You should take with you: cycling gloves and waterproofs.

Beware:

The bikes will require both hands on the handlebars.  So, you need to use the indicators.. you will have to be confident to wave your hand in the air when turning.

The bikes are dangerous on damp open roads.  Stay on cycle paths or gravel.  Even though the tires are wide and large there is zero grip when turning or braking when there is oil or diesel on the surface.  Repeat... stay off roads when vehicles travel on a damp or wet day.  The on-board medical centre has an xray machine .. I know.

Carrying items in the bike is not advised.  Take a ruck sack.

Ensure you have the ships contact details.  Walking the bike back is tough.  Captain Tanner has experienced this .. a simple puncture will require a pickup, probably local taxi, back to ship.

Finally, plan your route carefully.  

Hope these insights help.  I will back on board soon. And,  I will take the bikes out again... if they let me after my last fall.

🙂

Great news!!! Your report is very good.

The photos in post  #12 are prior to the May23 remedial work.

It would be good to see some photos after the May23 work.  Photos prior to May23 evidence the issue.

Passenger sharing insights. I am retired and not involved with Saga apart from being a customer.

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I spoke with Captain Tanner.

I shared my thoughts regarding the soot issue. I was robust in my questioning. 

Insights 

SofDiscovery has been updated to reduce the soot issue.

SofAdventure was updated today(7 May 2023) to reduce the soot issue.

The goal is to reduce the soot issue. 

The issue was related to fuel choice. 

But, the issue is also related to the methods used to reduce 'smoking' by particle spraying the exhaust with water.  The side effect is the damp soot particles fall directly onto the top decks ( floors and cloth materials ). 

The issue was not the responsibility of the ship builder. 

In another discussion the 'Open Space Officer/Manager' shared the crew were able to manage the situation [until resolved] by cleaning and use of towels.

A few other insights.  There was a maintenance crew on board working in the stacks in preparation for the Dover works during last cruise; in Dover, this morning, there was a huge crane and a large piece of engineering dockside ( I do have a photo).

Summary 

SAGA are working to resolve the issue.