sandancer

We’ll be getting on as you are getting off Simon. Will also book everything we can in advance. Have a great cruise and Merry Christmas to you both. Elaine

I’m no expert on share dealing. In fact I asked my brother to help me with buying ours as I’m a total rookie. What I do know though is that the shares we bought for £800 last year are now worth £1800. Since then we have had $250 obc from Princess, $250 from Cunard and £300 from P&O with another £300 in the pipeline. I am well aware that the price can go down but as long as we keep cruising we’ll hold on and when we stop hopefully we will still be in profit. 

Oh oh, here come the posts on bribery. 

I have never seen it on P&O but many times on US cruise lines. It’s possibly because the tipping culture is so different to ours. 

When the dining becomes available we should know who will be in the Limelight Club. It comes under dining rather than entertainment so 14 days before sail date.  Not sure about booking the other entertainment. We did it on Arvia but can’t remember if we did it after boarding. I do know that they were turning people away who had not booked. They scanned your cruise card on entry. There were a few very cross people outside the theatre. 

We want to book for NYE. When we booked the cruise we were asked to choose a seating and although we would never usually eat so early we opted for 5.30. Now it appears that a special NYE menu is available in both the Epicurean(not keen on the choices offered however) and the Keel and Cow. I wonder if the Chefs Table might also be an option. Will just have to keep a close eye and be ready to book as soon as they appear on the reservation page. 

I’ll do that. Thanks. 

Thanks for the info Graham. We are also planning to eat in the speciality restaurants and look forward to the reservations opening 2 weeks before the cruise. (hopefully) 

On 11/5/2023 at 4:34 PM, Thedonkeycentrehalf said:

Having been on a few cruises from Southampton, we have our first fly cruise in February on Britannia.

 

With more limitations on luggage, I’m trying to work out how best to mix and match my wardrobe to cover formal nights and others so contemplating leaving the tux at home and going with a more modern suit.

 

I have two related questions which I thought would best be posted here.

 

1) when does the cruis planner get updated to indicate which dress close is for which formal night / celebration night?
 

2) How far in advance do the options to book other restaurants come online if you don’t want to go formal?
 

Thanks

Usually 2 weeks before sail date, I stress usually as you just never know. 

Well I’ll certainly recognise you Phil when we are on the same cruise. 

1 hour ago, majortom10 said:

Will upset many it why tip again when you have already had tips included in cruise fare.

As I said personal choice. Why would it upset anyone.? No one would know. I certainly wouldn’t be telling my fellow cruisers that we tipped someone a little extra. 

Tipped room service a couple of £s. A little extra for the Room steward if we are happy with the service, one of my pet hates is to pull back the covers on the bed and find that the bottom sheet has not been touched, (too many years doing hospital corners) I have no problem with doing it myself but I shouldn’t have to. I am aware that the stewards have a lot of work to do but I need the bed made properly. Also waiters not so easy with Freedom dining. This is our choice and everyone should be free to do as they choose. 

We had a friend who cruised with us on Celebrity and he paid 200%. 

I have never heard of a step test on either Cunard or P&O cruises and definitely haven’t been asked to take one. I’m fairly sure the medical questionnaire I completed online did not require specific details of medical conditions and nor should it. Buying travel insurance was bad enough when there are several conditions to declare never mind telling the cruise line. 

No. Did not get a new confirmation invoice. 

Just checked our booking for March on Iona. Guess what?  Christmas dinner still being offered. I know some people like to stretch out Christmas but that’s ridiculous. P&O, by March we will have had enough turkey thanks. 

Not on P&O but on Cunard. We were allocated an adapted cabin, which in fact was great, and like you we pointed out that someone who really needs one would not be able to use it. Ironically now when we need an adapted cabin on Iona we can’t get one. 

I completed the forms online not the paper version. Just checked and the bookings state “evacuation chair required for one passenger”. Hopefully that is it sorted now. 

Today I had 3 emails, one each for the cruises where I have completed a medical questionnaire. 
 

We can see that you have requested a medical or mobility on-board needs questionnaire to ensure your holiday is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

We have recently updated how you let us know about your on board needs. It's vital to inform us if, for example, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you would need: 

a. An evacuation chair - this is a mandatory requirement for anyone who is unable to use the stairs due to mobility or other circumstances, or for anyone bringing a wheelchair or mobility scooter. 

or 

b. One-to-one assistance - this is a mandatory requirement for anyone who requires someone to guide and steady them on the stairs, due to mobility or other circumstances. For anyone who uses a mobility aid, such as a walking stick or walker, this is the recommended level of assistance. 

I assume I do not need to complete another 3 forms. 

I think all the US cruise lines charge 200%. When NCL introduced single cabins on the Epic they were very popular as I understand the fare was the standard fare with no extra cost involved. 

Best attitude. We found ourselves comparing everything with Celebrity which is our favourite cruise line. Not the way to go. Once we settled down we accepted that they are different cruise lines and both have advantages. Once thing we really appreciated was that the onboard currency is £s. Also that drinks and speciality dining is way more affordable than the US cruise lines. 

If this is your first P&O cruise you will find it quite different to NCL and RCI. We have 10 cruises with NCL and 24 with RCI. We have recently moved to Cunard and P&O for the convenience of cruising from Southampton. For instance P&O have formal nights, although you don’t have to dress up if you are happy to not use the MDR. We have enjoyed the four cruises we have taken with P&O but would probably not cruise on Azura again until she is refurbished. 

We would be happy with that menu if we were on the Christmas cruise. 
Enjoy. 

52 minutes ago, Mrs applehead said:

We have booked to have christmas dinner in the keel and Cow, It looks like a main dinning room menu.

There is no extra charge.

This is for Iona and it is for the 30th December cruise. Keel and Cow menu
 

      Christmas Day Selection
Our festive creations can be enjoyed as individual dishes or why not indulge in all three courses for just £12.50.
Starter
Gin-cured Salmon Fillet
with Wasabi Bavarois, Pickled Ginger Jelly and a Seaweed Tapioca Cracker (gf)
£3.50
Main Course
Norfolk Turkey and Pheasant Ballotine served with
Maple Glazed Chestnuts, Château Potatoes, Poached Kumquats, Stir-fried Brussels Sprouts and a Cranberry and Apple Port Relish (gf)
£7.50
Dessert
Mrs Beeton’s Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding steeped in Ginger Wine with Brandy Fruit Cake Ice Cream, Clotted Cream and Cognac Sauce
£3.50

                

Yes. Ask for a couple of wine glasses to take to the cabin.