terry2

You don't say which country you are from. So assuming that it isn't the UK, you need to be aware that the ability to gamble is commonplace in the UK - with lots of betting shops on  the high street, and lots of online gambling firms. So the ability to gamble on a ship has little interest to most UK customers. 

Although I was normally booked  for dinner in the ballindalloch  restaurant, I always used to have lunch in the spey and avon restaurants on deck 10, which also has an outdoor dining area (if it is warm enough).

 Enjoy 

apologies, I thought I had said I was looking at southampton departures - but I hadn't.

sorry now even more confused - I am on the  borealis out of southampton on may 7th, and borealis has no cabins on deck 4.

Were you looking at balmoral out of newcastle? .

Well, I think I managed to get the last interior cabin on the 7days around the scottish isles. That cost £999 pp (less the on board  credit).  I intend to enjoy it..  

As I recall, Some weeks prior to a cruise FO starts offering upgrades, which frees up the cheap cabins.

 Can anybody remember when this starts ?  I am now thinking about taking a cheap cruise in May,

but the  cheap cabins seem to have been sold..

 Are you travelling by car or train?

You can always stay in Newcastle itself and just  drive out,  (or if on train) take a taxi, to the port on the day.

Well the local metro does have stations closer to the port, they are  not that close so you would still need a taxi.  I would suggest just taking a taxi from newcastle central station.

14 hours ago, yorkshirephil said:

Just because a product meets EN 14476 doesn't mean that it kills noro virus. 

 Well given that  BS EN 14476 certification means that it contains anti-viral ingredients and is required to kill  (amongst other viruses)  Poliovirus, Norovirus, Influenza A and adenovirus.   I would rather go for one that meets that spec rather than one that doesn't .  

18 hours ago, Snow Hill said:

Which gel is that, as most healthcare experts say gel is ineffective against Norovirus and only effective hand washing with soap & water is effective against the virus

On 11/22/2023 at 11:10 PM, showingdiva said:

 

With cruise ships, it may sound like all too familiar advice, but try to only use the cabin toilet, keep washing hands with soap and water (because alcohol gel isn't going to help here) and don't touch your face.

Which is why I always take a gel that is effective against  norovirus and use that as well as handwashing.

Sorry I'm confused - the title talks about an "all inclusive" package,  I did  not think  Fred offered such a thing, as far as I ca n recall he only offers a drinks package.

I don't know with Barclays, but with  Nationwide it is called the Travel Insurance Schedule.  It isn't the full policy.

Sorry, to be more accurate, a good handwashing which is then followed by using a sanitiser.

fair enough, but I would rather use both a sanitiser and hand washing,

6 hours ago, twotravellersLondon said:

 

We've not been able to find one... even with the help of the NHS website... so any suggestions of a hand sanatizer effective against norovirus would be welcome.

 You might need to search for something that meets EN 14476 - which is a test for anti viral products that includes norovirus. Though that info is often hard to find on web pages. 

 One such is purell advanced hand sanitiser gel, although there are others. I  normally use the sterizar hand sanitiser. 

The other thing you can do is have your own hand sanitiser that specifically deals with norovirus (most don't), and use that in addition to handwashing and the ships sanitisers. 

Also check if there is a waiting list and if so put yourself on it -  that way they know if there is enough demand to try and organise extra coach(es) - and if there is a cancellation they know that you want it.

On 6/25/2023 at 5:49 PM, Eglesbrech said:

 

Personally I think it’s pure luck. I hand wash frequently , I carry anti viral gel, I never use the public toilets and still I’m struck down. 

  As I recall, one of the problems with norovirus is that most anti-viral stuff doesn't  work with it. You have to look for anti-viral stuff that specifically says it works on norovirus.   It also survives a long time on surfaces (like handrails, handles, buttons you push...). 

On 1/14/2023 at 12:33 AM, 84k said:

Short window as in you think it'll take longer than 45 mins to check-in?

 

Yes, there was a shambles. (they said due to a problem with the sky-bridge).  I arrived slightly early. There was first a queue outside the terminal waiting to get in - that took over 30 miniutes.  Then once inside you had to join a queue to get to the check-in desks.  Then once checked in  you had to join a queue (fortunately seated this time) to get to security - that too took over 30 minues. Once through security there were no delays in getting to the ship.   

It may be dlifferent for P&O but I was on a cruise with fred in october, where all the front cabins (in front of the lifts) on my deck were reserved for covid patients (presumably crew) with a security door closed and signs saying don't go pass this point. 

Forgot to say - thanks to all the people who told of their experience with the nationwide flexplus.

14 hours ago, bobstheboy said:

This is certainly something I am going to look at when my current annual policy expire in June. I will be 77 in April but I believe they cover until 80 for a supplement. The other query, if someone knows the answer I would be grateful, is do they cover for a 35 night cruise ?

 As far as I know, there isn't an upper limit on age, once you have paid for the age upgrade. 

 The default is for holidays of up to 31 days - however they say you can pay more to increase it but I don't know the cost  ( NB you can get cover for a trip up to 184 days). 

Ah, someone else in the cheap seats too.  See you on board!

On 1/2/2023 at 10:49 PM, wowzz said:

Let us know how you get on, as we are renewing our annual policies as well.

Looks like Avanti are in the running, plus they have a 20% discount if you look at their press ads.

Weii, just for information, and something else to look at.

 I was advised by a friend to look into the nationwide flexplus account - so I did.  It  basically has a 70 age limit but that can be increased for £60/yr, and then the medical conditions add-on was a reasonable price, so even including the monthly fee it was still cheaper than my previous  staysure annual policy. So it might be worth looking at.

I haven't had it for long enough to claim against it. However I am interested  to know if anyone has.