kruzseeka

Have just read the whole of the Princess thread. Wow! I'm appalled by the absence of any duty of care from Princess for you during a frightening and distressing situation. The catalogue of failures and their indifference and belligerence beggar belief! It's certainly not the response you would expect or hope for when faced with a crisis during a cruise. Food for thought with respect to Princess. The lack of compassion demonstrated by some posters on the thread is a very sad reflection of how nasty some people can be. Just why? You have been very restrained and reasonable in the face of some very unpleasant comments. I hope you can dismiss those and concentrate on the many good wishes from the vast majority of posters. I too send very best wishes to you and hopes for your Aunt's recovery.

Thanks for getting back. Am hoping we'll get some info soon. Failing that I'll have to report back myself!

Anyone on board or has contact with anyone currently sailing on Aurora? Any feedback would be much appreciated. Soon to sail so very interested. How did you come by the passenger numbers, Bin man? Do you know if that is due to staffing levels or is it that they haven't sold as many cabins as they would have wanted?

Sometimes if you check individual port website you can pick up arrival/departure times - at least for most cruise lines, P&O perhaps not.

Given the posts re Arcadia and the wait time for freedom dining, it would be interesting to hear how things are on Aurora. Although as she's only sailing with 55% passengers it maybe difficult to draw any conclusions regarding future sailings which may (almost certainly?) be carrying more. I'm mindful of the P&O statement posted on another thread about general staffing and supply problems. Seems as though Arcadia may be suffering from the former.

Thank you for your thoughts. One thing which resonated with me is when opportunities to improve the passenger experience are missed - is that down to the staff on board a particular ship or simply a lack of a directive to provide additional input? It wouldn't need to be a huge commitment, or indeed the Captain. Going back some years, on a different cruise line we had several examples of welcome input including The Seven Sisters where not only was this waterfall pointed out (as the OP says not always so obvious - we once had difficulty picking out three) but also The Suitor which is opposite with the folk-lore attached to it. In fact the Captain rotated the ship so passengers were able to see both from either side of the ship. (It was a smaller ship.) In this instance it was the Cruise Director who did the announcements and seemingly had responsibility to take on the role of informing passengers of interesting geography and history of places we were passing close by. It was highlighted in the onboard newsletter and only broadcast on deck so passengers were able to go out to listen if interested. But one of the most moving and memorable for me was on another trip when sailing through the Dardanelles when we were given a very respectful commentary of the history and significance as we approached the Black Sea. It was accompanied by very appropriate, quiet music and a silence for a minute in respect of the fallen. It was very emotional and I learned a lot which I've never forgotten. It wouldn't cost anything other than some preparation and the CD's time to capitalise on such opportunities. On that cruise line there appeared to be a policy of providing this 'enhancement' and would be nice if it were done more often and routinely where appropriate. Hearing the significance whilst looking out from on deck brings things to life in a way a written insert in a ship's newspaper can't match. I'm not complaining - just reflecting that for me it would be a welcome feature.

As you’ll have seen in the media, and perhaps experienced in many hospitality and leisure venues in the UK, there are currently supply chain challenges as well as global staff shortages. Cruise ships are no exception. Despite this, we are, of course, fully committed to giving you the most wonderful holiday possible while we may have to make the occasional change. Currently, opening days and times in our speciality restaurants are being affected as well as service in some bars. Please bear with us – your patience is hugely appreciated. Apologies if this has been posted before but have just seen this in some recent P&O documentation relating to a future cruise. So it looks as though speciality restaurants may or may not be open - or only open on some evenings? And may vary from ship to ship.

Yes that really is a shame and i feel sorry for those on that cruise. I think though, with a short cruise and the loss of the star attraction, Haugesund would be better replaced permanently by a more interesting port. In a 4 port itinerary we don't mind one which is rather low-key in the context of going to other big hitters but with the changes made to Iona's itinerary replacing Haugesund for something more attractive would be a good move imo. We have been on cruises which didn't deliver anything like the itinerary we'd expected (weather and/or mechanical failures) but that cannot be predicted and you just have to roll with it. But where a major change has occured (whether the Company agree with that description or not) and will continue perhaps swapping Haugesund with a more exciting stop would be a good idea. Though that would be another change - and perhaps wouldn't suit everyone and cause logistical problems so I guess it's not a proposition. Not easy!

Personally I would prefer Alesund to Haugesund. I think there is more of interest there.

We have really enjoyed our over-night stops though I must say they were at destinations where a) there was plenty of interest for a two day stop eg Reykjavik, b) they were easy 'walk-off' ports so you could get off the ship to enjoy the immediate eg having a drink in the Old Town in Quebec or c) had some attractive evening excursions on offer eg Cotton Club in NY (granted very geared to tourists and not the original - but a great experience), Club Tropicana in Havana, Palm Court Jazz Cafe New Orleans. It's also great on the first day to have the freedom to plan a more adventurous DiY excursion without worrying about getting back in time for sailing. Some of our best memories are from places where we were able to enjoy a evening in port. However I'd be the first to say that it all depends on the port. Some lend themselves to a extended stay others not so much and some I wouldn't entertain! I welcome the idea of more overnight destinations being included in itineraries but would like to research what's on offer otherwise as has been mentioned before it comes at the cost of another different port of call.

We once witnessed a group of about 6 young people - early 20s? - very much the worse for wear on the QE in the buffet around midnight. They were all shouting and one of the young men was lying on his back waving his legs in the air at the entrance making it difficult for anyone to pass. Mind in the circumstances most people would have turned around and walked the other way rather than get caught up in whatever was going on! So young people, on Cunard behaving badly - perhaps not the typical profile. It's difficult to make generalisations. It was the most obvious example of very drunken behaviour we've ever seen on a cruise though. However it wasn't a fight. I suppose in any situation with a large number of people there are ever likely to be some who have the potential to behave badly which can lead to confrontation. Just a good thing P&O will take action in instances such as this. I'd be quite concerned if they didn't.

I remember quite a long discussion about this some years ago. Most cruise lines declare the time they are scheduled to be in port. Clearly P&O know the times they are planning to be docked too as they will have had to book the berths well in advance. So a failure to communicate that to passengers except for a rather vague time slot eg 'early/late afternoon' is, I think, a calculated move. We aren't opposed to ship's excursions if it's not practical to DiY - the Alhambra, Spinalonga, a trip from Leknes to Nusfjord and Iceland tours are just a few we have really enjoyed, benefitting from ease of transport and/or an informative guide. We found them and many others definitely worth doing. Going in large organised groups isn't for everyone though and doesn't necessarily give you the balance in terms of experience and timings you would want. We also love to research ports, decide what we want to do then determine if we can DiY. Sometimes that just involves a wander, other times using local transport; buses, ferries, trains, HoHo or private tours. Bus and train timetables are easily available on-line which allows for planning using local services. However a loose description of arrival/departure times as is P&O's practice, makes such planning more difficult - there could be 2/3 hours difference between the earliest and latest timings their 'windows' of port-time provide. That can make a big difference in terms of how doable/advisable a DiY excursion is in a given port allowing for getting back with a good margin. The cynic in me thinks this is a calculated ploy to make planning independent exploration at ports more problematic hoping at least some people will settle for the convenience of ships' trips rather than DiY options thereby generating more income for P&O. As already mentioned it's sometimes possible to find the info on some sites which list schedules but often P&O timings are omitted even if all other ships give those details. Iirc there was a time when suddenly mid season P&O started reducing the planned time in port. Our friends were caught in the middle of this whilst on board. P&O reversed that decision after passengers questioned the timings compared with those in their published cruise booking. Perhaps the opaque berthing times is a strategy to avoid such challenges in future. I know it's never set in stone - all kinds of issues could affect the schedule but P&O know the expected berthing times and I think it's a shame they don't see fit to share that with their customers as do other lines.

😆 Can rely on you to make me smile. 🤗 You have a fantastic knack of finding puns, humour and ability to play on words. 👍 Exactly my sentiments too. Irrespective of political or monarchist views, I found it to be an expression of what binds us together- and I found that very heart warming.

I just thought it was heart warming to see so many people enjoying themselves and celebrating our nation. Everything seems so divisive these days and there is so much negativity, albeit quite right to highlight those too. But at the appropriate time and place. The staging and special effects were absolutely spectacular imo - we enjoyed some stellar performances, were interested to be introduced to some acts we didn't know and winced a little at some acts but that didn't detract from the party atmosphere. It was just refreshing to have a focus on positives rather than the negatives and see so many people in good spirits. Gave me a feel good evening anyway.

Fingers crossed it is where we docked - we've been twice with P&O and had an overnight in N.Y. and were berthed in the same place on both occasions so fingers crossed it will be the same for you. We did an excursion on our first visit - a tour of the city on the first morning to familiarise us a little with what we wanted to go back to explore (we did that as I think we thought excursions would be allowed off first to get through immigration which can be lengthy so we'd win a bit of time) . Apart from that we did a ship's trip in the evenings, once to the Cotton Club and the other over Brooklyn Bridge to see the illuminated Manhattan Skyline. Apart from that we walked everywhere. Exhausting but a fab experience. I wasn't overly excited about going to N.Y. - I thought it would be interesting but was surprised by the impression it made and we really enjoyed our second visit. Great idea to do a show - 42nd Street and Times Square aren't far from the berth we used - so good luck with the berthing arrangements - and enjoy N.Y. I've just looked up the N.Y. cruise ship schedule and Arcadia is down to berth in Manhattan on 22.09.22 Is that your sailing? In which case looks as though you are in luck! 👍 https://www.nycruise.com/schedule/

When we went we berthed in Manhattan near Hell's Kitchen - easy access to the city. As Waju said, loads of walking but no shuttle - just walk off and explore!!!! But not far to Central Park, we walked the High Line, to the Rockefeller, Bryant Park - further than that perhaps the Subway or HoHo would be an idea. (Check where you are due to berth though - our friends went to NY twice and were berthed in Brooklyn which isn't so convenient. I think they were on QE or QM. Manhattan is much better imo)

We walked down thinking it wasn't far - and indeed it isn't - but it is very steep. We zig-zagged down the road to reduce the gradient. Very doable but tough on the knees and perhaps worth bearing in mind if that could be an issue for you.

Stavanger has quite a lot to offer if you've not been before and hopefully without having to negotiate a wheelchair, very easy to explore on your own. There's the old town (uphill and cobbles) of clapbosrd houses with roses round the doors, a lake to walk round behind the cathedral and lots of cafes from converted warehouses on the opposite side of the harbour from the old town. There's a colourful street rising up from this cafe area where there are more cafes and shops painted rainbow colours so very photogenic. If it's wet then the Oil Museum is surprisingly interesting too. All very walkable. This year they don't seem to be offering the excursion to the Flor & Fjaere Gardens - our friends wanted to go there again after being blown away by their splendour on a previous visit but sadly haven't been able to book it on their Iona cruise next month. But if it pops up again on other itineraries, I can recommend it. I don't know if the trip to the glacier (viewed from a distance) with the boat trip to Lovatnet Lake is on offer (not the Briksdal Glacier trip) but that's really worth doing from Olden. We've booked to do that again on our next cruise. Flam is as good as Geiranger for getting into the far reaches of the fjords. In fact it's more closed in so that you feel as though you are in a bowl surrounded by mountains. Disregarding the Seven Sisters (which depending on the conditions/time of year might be more like 3/4 - it's probably good at the moment with snow melt contributing to the volume of water in the falls but isn't always so impressive) Flam gives you an excellent fjord experience. They have developed Flam a lot over the years creating a microbrewery where it's expensive but a great experience to go for a drink. You can walk up the valley to the Stave Church and of course there's the scenic railway ride. So again, plenty of variety. Bergen has a different feel but adds to the variety. A must-do is to go up the funicular for the views at the top of Mt Floyen. (Get off early to beat the rush but easy access and much cheaper to DiY than a ship's trip). Lovely walks in the parkland up there too. Then the Wharf buildings - the Bryggen is full of character and history and the market on the harbour is colourful and tempting with various take away options. That seems to me to be a very interesting itinerary and would give you some different experiences from your recent cruise. I'd go for it! 😉

It's called Mal de Debarquement Sarah - associated with getting off the ship (or planes, even trains and cars for some people). It usually disappears within a day or two. DH was quite badly affected after one cruise and ended up having tests at the hospital! It was explained to him that the brain compensates for the movement of the ship and continues to do so after you get off when it's not necessary! And he's the one who never gets sea sick! I'm a Stugeron fan and have to pop them at the slightest hint of a swell. But it did clear up and hasn't stopped us doing many cruises since - and it doesn't seem to bother him now. So perhaps the answer is ...........to keep cruising! 😉 and let the brain get used to it!!!! Hope it soon clears up and don't let it put you off. I'm sure it won't after reading your reports and hearing how much you enjoyed your first cruise.

Also the Hop on Hop off bus which takes you to the viewpoint above Geiranger (not as high up as Dalsnibba though), allows you to get off to walk to Westeras Cafe for coffee and waffles, resume the bus trip to the Fjord Centre then walk down the walkway by the side of the tumbling river. Spectacular! It's a great, varied way to spend your time for the cost of the Ho Ho @ approx £30 p.p. There wouldn't be time to do that with the transfer - and it would cost almost twice as much just to get there! Such a shame.

This thread reminded me that although I renewed a couple of weeks ago I hadn't had anything through the post. So I've just rung up NW to say I'd renewed our policy and to ask if I might expect a paper copy of the Schedule through the post. They arranged to send this confirmation to me (I might get 2 now!) but I will feel better having something 'official' in my hand. The one I had last year was headed: Nationwide Building Society Travel Insurance schedule from 00/00/2021 to 00/00/2022 (for the relevant period) It identifies you by name with upgrades and medical declaration. If you haven't had one yet, you might like to ring too and ask for the policy schedule to be sent to you just for peace of mind.

Oh I understand. I'd interpreted it as a change in the cover for Flexplus accounts after September. That's a relief. Thanks.

Could you explain this please? Are they stopping cover for new customers or not renewing for existing after September? That will be a blow if so.

In response to a previous enquiry on another thread recently, I researched the cruise cover on the Flexplus policy. I've had a look at the policy and it seems cruise cover is included: This policy provides cover for cruise trips. If you want to extend the cover provided as standard you can buy a Cruise Upgrade. The enhanced cover is the additional £40 premium. It covers both of you if it is a joint account. That provides the missed port cover as described earlier also confinement to your cabin: Confined to cabin We will pay £150 for each insured person every 24 hours up to a total of £1,500 if you have been ordered to stay in your cabin by the medical officer. P. S. I've checked my documentation and last year we received a postal confirmation of the Travel Insurance Schedule (2 pages) identifying us by name, policy number and included upgrades such as age extension, declared medical conditions and the enhanced cruise cover as above. I've just renewed so am expecting a new schedule to be posted to me.

A friend sent us a link to some Eurovision Bingo cards - a search shows there are quite a few versions - one or two free but mostly payable but very cheap. https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1224093053/eurovision-song-contest-2022-bingo-party I'd never seen them before but they look as though they could be fun if you're having a party. It relies on spotting different things happening during the show eg use of wind machine/presenter costume change/piano on stage/technical glitches (as if there wouldn't be some!!!!) I think the chance of any of these not happening is next to zero but perhaps trying to spot them may add to the quirkiness of the whole event and would be a laugh! Good result though for 1st and 2nd places.