kruzseeka

As reported in an earlier post, I have renewed my Flexplus travel insurance with the new insurers (Aviva).  All ok. 

Today I received a letter from Nationwide reminding me I needed to renew any add-ons and complete the medical screening.  OK I've done that BUT within the mailing was a booklet to check the benefits.  Thought I'd check it was as I expected......... Well!   

'If over 70 you will need an age extension at £65'.   What?  So read the back of the brochure - it was dated October 2023 and on closer inspection of the back page it say the insurance is underwritten by UK Insurance!    Unbelievable!   Just as well their customers are more on the ball!  

On 4/9/2024 at 5:18 PM, kruzseeka said:

Perhaps don't despair just yet.  I understand they normally do not cover over 75 year olds but from what we've been told by NW their arrangement with Aviva does, moreover without a additional charge.  So....... it seems that NW has negotiated different criteria.   

It's possible there could be a variation in the Health screening for NW customers too.  It will be interesting to get feedback once the first tranche of Flexplus customers renew policies due after the changeover day. 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. 😘

I have just renewed my cover with FlexPlus - renewal date was 30.05.24 so now moved from UK Insurance to Aviva.  Wanted a phone conversation and getting hold of the right dept was a bit problematic (I think they want you to fill in the online forms) but once through it was pretty straightforward. 

Add-on cruise cover is not a fixed price.  I've done a post under 'Missed Port Insurance' with more info for anyone interested but so far happy with the outcome - medical screening much like before and no age extension so made a saving over-all. 

Have just renewed our cover with Aviva - we travel early June and our policy renewal is 30.05.24 so I was anxious to know where we stood in case I had to start shopping around.

In a nutshell - cover done - so far not cost me as much as with UK Insurance but will have to buy additional cruise cover for future cruises (probably get two more out of it before I'm paying more than before - with riders see below). 

I'll share my experience with as many details as I was able to gather.  

Rang yesterday - difficult to find how to get through.  Didn't want to fill in the online form for medical screening in case I shot myself in the foot - I'd much rather explain to an agent and be able to clarify details and be sure they're correct.  Eventually got put through by UK Insurance to Aviva and was promised a call back at specified time which didn't happen.  But I did get a phone number for Aviva Flexplus insurance which i rang this morning:  0345 878 5445 (long wait for connection but at least I got to speak to an agent who was very helpful - guess they're a bit inundated at the moment with people like me!)

Both covered - no age extension which we already knew about (saving of £69)

Medical screening: relies heavily on medical situation in the last 12 months (investigations, hospitalisation, treatment etc) and declaration of conditions/medications etc.  We were covered at no extra cost (as was the case with UK Insurance - although we have had to pay a premium in the past when medical issues were current.)  Of course there was the standard not travelling against medical advice. 

Cruise upgrade:

Covers missed ports @ £150 p.p. per missed port

Covers cabin confinement on medical grounds @ £150 p.p. per day up to a max of £1500

Now this is where it gets a bit less clear..............apparently the cost of cruise cover isn't standard, it has to be quoted for and is subject to variables like length of the cruise, destinations and multiple countries which I suppose makes sense - some ports do have more misses than others and may constitute more risk????    

He didn't quiz me extensively (i.e. every port) but wanted to know each country we were visiting.  

Don't know how the previous add-on worked for World Cruises.  £40 for the whole period or per sector?  But this could be much more methinks given they want to pin down the details rather more.  

Bottom line - £40 to cover us both for a 16 night trip in Europe.  So same as before except of course we will need to pay again for any subsequent trips.  We may or may not take up that option but so far are nearly £70 to the good. 

I think it may well reduce the uptake of the 'add-on'.  We shall think carefully about whether to bother again but we've gone with it this time.  Paid over the phone and documents to follow (saves me printing them out for P&O if they want to see them at embarkation). 

Think that's all I managed to glean - hope it helps.  

25 minutes ago, kruzseeka said:

These are not Lalique style glass work but on Deck 1 the entrances to the theatre from both port and starboard are a corridor which curves round and has a small seating area 6/8 (?) seats part way along which is arranged around a huge egg shaped sculpture about 5 feet high covered in shiny metal or glass fragments creating an eye-catching structure which reflects light in all directions.  I think they're spectacular but completely lost and overlooked in the location they're in!  Wish I'd taken a picture now but given that these are not  busy entrances to the theatre I wonder just how many people have never seen them.

Doh...... just realised I'm talking about Arcadia!  Sorry for that rather random diversion. 

On 4/29/2024 at 10:02 PM, pete14 said:

Are you referring to the beautiful Lalique statue in Aurora’s atrium? I don’t remember glass artwork on Arcadia but I may have missed or forgotten it. 

These are not Lalique style glass work but on Deck 1 the entrances to the theatre from both port and starboard are a corridor which curves round and has a small seating area 6/8 (?) seats part way along which is arranged around a huge egg shaped sculpture about 5 feet high covered in shiny metal or glass fragments creating an eye-catching structure which reflects light in all directions.  I think they're spectacular but completely lost and overlooked in the location they're in!  Wish I'd taken a picture now but given that these are not  busy entrances to the theatre I wonder just how many people have never seen them.

On 4/25/2024 at 8:21 PM, gsmt47471015 said:

I have the utmost sympathy for your enforced delay , however it is not just Aurora , we got off Arcadia after 99 nights and its fair to say that infections were plentiful ( of all descriptions)and increased in the last three weeks of the cruise , it says something when the Captain announced that anyone not adhering to basic hygiene requests would be put off the ship, and indeed 

they were, we never used the lifts and never once touched any grab or handrails during the whole voyage ,even when the ship was rolling all over, and still succumbed in the last few days and got off the ship with infections of varying descriptions which we are still suffering with. Honestly I do not know what the answer to this problem is but feel that earlier ,and strictly enforced standard hygiene practices perhaps would have minimized the spread , it must be stated that as passengers were flying into the ship and embarking at numerous ports this will not have helped ( passengers next door to us were isolating with sickness etc within an hour of embarking) 

I do wish you a speedy embarkation and hopefully a healthy cruise😃

Well I'm pleased to say that we've just returned from the 12 night Norway cruise on Arcadia which followed on from your return and there was no evidence of NV onboard. 👍

We also had a 90 minute delay wrt boarding tmes whilst additional cleaning took place.  We arrived about 20 mins before our designated time (2 pm revised from 12.30) and boarded immediately to find quite a few already on board.  I think they began embarking at 1.30.  We spoke to someone who had come by coach and there had been no revised departure time for them so they arrived about 2.00 and boarded immediately.  He said it was the fastest boarding they'd known!  There was quite a wait to gain access to cabins but it all seemed to work well and I didn't hear any complaints. 

The Capt and Hotel Manager were very up-front about the infections prior to our embarkation and frequently reiterated the need for hand washing and compliance.  Enhanced procedures in the buffet were in place and you couldn't help yourself to teas/coffees - staff would make those at your request.  

After about 3/4 (?) days an announcement was made that here had been no reported infections so normal service was resumed in the buffet.  We didn't get any indication later in the cruise that there was as a recurrence. 

So hats off to their procedures and compliant passengers.  We had been a little apprehensive beforehand but had a good cruise and thankfully no infections. 

I m

We too 

I'd endorse either the train to the Cinque Terre - use it like a HoHo.  Probably ignore the town on top.of the hill. It's a climb to get there and not the most rewarding use of time.  Vernazza is the jewel in the crown imo. 

Or the ferry to Porto Venere.

Both very doable and excellent day out.

36 minutes ago, kalos said:

 

I did put other day to Avril that Nationwide would cover me through (UK) as 

they use now ,when I checked online but when I went on Aviva they do not cover 

my condition..

Perhaps don't despair just yet.  I understand they normally do not cover over 75 year olds but from what we've been told by NW their arrangement with Aviva does, moreover without a additional charge.  So....... it seems that NW has negotiated different criteria.   

It's possible there could be a variation in the Health screening for NW customers too.  It will be interesting to get feedback once the first tranche of Flexplus customers renew policies due after the changeover day. 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. 😘

57 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

Could be. Mine are with Hargreaves Lansdown. Doesn’t explain the delay in getting OBC applied once the shareholding has been verified though?

That's true.  You'd think that would be the easy part!  And in some cases it has been almost by return (with perhaps some variation as a result of working hours US/UK timings).  What a frustrating business.  Hope you soon get confirmation.

6 hours ago, Selbourne said:

Did you apply direct or via Stockperks? Have to say I am deeply unimpressed with Stockperks. I registered and uploaded proof of shareholding. Took well over a week to get it recognised and that was only after I chased them. Once that was done I applied for shareholder OBC for a Cunard cruise. That was a couple of weeks ago. I’ve heard nothing. When I used to apply direct to Carnival the response was far quicker. 

I do agree your experience isn't good.  Presumably the change was meant to be more efficient - and in many cases once registered for many it has been quick and easy. 

I wonder whether it makes a difference who holds your shares.  Seems once Stockperks have you recognised as a share holder you don't have to go through the registration process again but presumably they do check that you still hold the shares each time you apply.  Are some providrs linked into their system and give more or less instant confirmation whilst others are not, and if not, perhaps delays are a reflection of varying response times from providers. 

22 hours ago, ovccruiser said:

It is illegal to drive in Norway whilst operating a mobile phone, much the same as here, but, would you call into your nearest police station if you saw someone in the UK doing the same? There are virtually no police on our roads so many people take the risk unfortunately.P & O will probably do nothing about it if you complained.

I understand the point you make - but whether or not it is reported/detected/prompts a police response I don't think is the critical issue here. 

It's whether P&O is prepared (knowingly, once reported) to put a coach load of their passengers on excursions where some drivers are not observing the law and taking risks with their safety. 

I agree - and even if the locals (or even authorities in Norway) find this acceptable I think P&O must be informed.  The shore excursion team have no business dismissing this without taking it seriously and reporting it (I suppose he may have done but just wasn't prepared to admit anything to you). 

P&O surely have a duty of care. Can you imagine the backlash if there was an accident and they knew about such a careless/dangerous approach to safety - and basically condoned it if they didn't take it seriously. 

I think you are being very responsible and would encourage you to report it officially.  Would others suggest the most effective route would be a direct email to the CEO?  

Just seen this article

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/24205061.cunards-queen-anne-welcomed-southampton-flotilla/

Southampton likely to be very busy (Sky Princess also in port) and no doubt many visitors coming to sight-see too. 

Could be worth bearing in mind re the weight of traffic especially for those boarding on that date. 

We were in Tenerife when I think it was the World Cup Final. We'd deliberately not booked an excursion expecting it to be televised and thinking they'd do that in a large space so thought there would be a good atmosphere watching with others onboard.  

They were very apologetic when it was impossible for them to get a signal so we, along with quite a lot of others, got off the ship hoping to find a bar showing the action.   We trouped from one bar to another - one bar owner trying for ages to link with some satellite station or another - without success.  Clearly it was in the interests of any bar to show it as they would have an influx of customers buying drinks so I'm sure it did prove impossible for them.  We were told Rugby wasn't followed there so no local demand I guess. 

We cleared off to the Lido! 

2 hours ago, kalos said:

 

Did not post much yesterday as had a bit of an off day . Got up in the morning

and the room was spinning but back to normal if there is such a thing for me.

The food photos all look lovely ,didn't eat much yesterday so I could eat the

lot for breakfast .

 

Hope you all have a good day 🙂

Glad you're feeling better today.  Take care! 🤗😘

1 minute ago, Fionboard said:

Upside down, but not much difference!

Just shows the fabulous clear reflections!  Looks, lovely anyway! 

2 hours ago, Fionboard said:

On Aurora in Andalsnes today. We waited for the last Intercruises coach as they are contracted to P&O. Unfortunately, Eavesway are not, so we left without them. Doubt Eavesway will compensate their passengers so poor people will probably have to claim on insurance. 

Great destination.  Love the ride up the Gondola! 

We're there next month - as a matter of interest, is there any snow at ground level at the moment? Guess there will be on the top of the mountains. 

Enjoy your day and here. 

2 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

Does this mean you must use stockperks, or can you still use old method of email as well

As Sheila said you get an automatic reply directing you to Stockperks. I had to then send them a pic of my redacted account proving current ownership (in my case a pic taken of the attachment I'd already sent to P&O). 

Once they validate your holding, it seems they only then need info on your booking ref and name, email perhaps d.o.b. (?) but minimal info to provide to verify your claim for subsequent bookings. Very easy.  Presumably they check you still hold the shares with whoever that may be.  

We've just swapped a booking from Aurora.  We were in a balcony cabin - I specifically asked for shower only and that was noted on my booking confirmation.  That was C252

2 hours ago, P&O SUE said:

A very early morning all!

I woke up at 3am, went downstairs to get a drink than remembered check in opens today for our Aurora short cruise at Easter! So I checked in and have an embarkation time of 12-45!! I’m very happy with that, never had that early before 😁😁

 

So now I’m wide awake and excited!

I really must be out of touch - I haven't heard of check-in for boarding times before.  I've always been sent a check--in time and didn't know you could have any input on that.  Can you please explain - sorry if I'm being a bit dim!

Just done a search and see the check--in involves putting in passport, card details etc which i do remember - and gives you your boarding pass.  I guess that's when you see your boarding time. 

Sorry I thought the check-in was to get your boarding time and you were able to choose - hence the getting in early when the process opens.  Doh...... It is early!!!

3 minutes ago, zap99 said:

We have been to Florence from Livorno. The big ships go to La Spieza. Thats much further to Florence. Last time we got the ferry to Porto Venerre. Very pleasant. If it all goes wrong a taxi, or bus will get you back. That's probably what we will do in May.

Fabulous area to DiY   The last time we went we got the train from La Spezia to Vernazza (my favourite of the Cinque Terre towns) then the ferry from there to Porto Venere then local bus back to La Spezia.  It was a great day.  Like you say, not far to get a taxi back if necessary. 

The Cinque Terre Card is good value like a hop-on-hop-off but we'd done that before so wanted to see the Cinque Terre from the sea so elected to come back by the ferry via Porto Venere - very picturesque area and easy to explore using local transport.  Enjoy when you go in May. 

We did Pisa independently by train which we enjoyed and is much closer.  Florence we've only done on the ship's excursions - it is quite a distance. 

(Just seen zap's post - we travelled from Livorno.  If its La Spezia I'd recommend a DIY to Cinque Terre - close by and very doable) 

16 hours ago, davecttr said:

Just had confirmation from Stockperks that my Equiniti holding has been validated 🙂

 

The final balance is not due until the end of April so no point in applying for my Arcadia cruise credit until then.

Well, well, well!!! 

Following our discussion, yesterday I booked an October cruise (actually it was a swap from another one) and thought I'd give the Stockperks thing a whirl. I already had the App so just had to give the booking ref, date of sailing, name and email and got an acknowledgement immediately saying 'Congratulations...... your request has been successfully submitted' timed at 13.21.   At 14.59 I got a further communication saying £150 had been applied to my reservation.  At 15.03 I got the updated Booking Confirmation from P&O!   

Impressed!  No need to send in a new redacted share holding statement, and couldn't have been much quicker.  Won't work for cruises in 2025 but I was pleased to be able to tick it off along with car parking (booked within a couple of hours of the cruise booking although they suggested waiting 72 hours)  So associated booking admin now done! 

Clearly the 90 day requirement of the past doesn't apply so it seems you could do your Arcadia cruise if you wish.  

Big improvement on before.  

2 hours ago, davecttr said:

I received my proof of purchase letter from Equiniti today and have uploaded a redacted version of it to Stockperks. I suspect it may not work as when i uploaded the image it only included the central portion of the page  with the date and the Equiniti details missing.... just received an email fom Stockperks, they will respond within 2 working days. Probably to say try again?

Mine looked as though it hadn't shown the full image either dave but it went through OK! 

I've since had two messages from P&O acknowledging my application and directing me to Stockperks when I've already had the updated booking confirmation with the obc credited.  😏

2 hours ago, Ilovemygarden said:

Lovely Madeira today.  Azura had a bit of a bumpy ride yesterday to get here but all good now 😎

Is this Camara de Lobos? Our favourite place to go for coffee - all looks lovely.  Enjoy.