lexdisic

Over reaction?

I agree with what you say but not an over reaction. A few years back we were going on a cruise to include Luxor for us to visit the pyramids. This was the main reason we chose this itinerary. They threatened to cancel the stop (Arab Spring) so we cancelled and managed to get the deposit moved. In the TUI case, it may not be so important for some, but as in our case it can be the whole point of a cruise. I believe its not so much the cancellation but the notice that was given, particularly after payment with little or no choice but to grim and bear it. There doesn't seem to be an option to get a refund for those who's holiday is "ruined" and TUI being less than helpful by organising a solid contract for the birth or offering an alternative such as tendering for such an important stop. I do feel for these people.

I am going on the Wonder of Asia cruise over Christmas. I have just been told that our departure airport and time in Thailand has been changed and our flight is now 17.00pm. I have asked TUI what time we have to be off the ship to which the reply is when the transfer coach comes. This could come at 10am so we would be at the airport all day!! they will not be pinned down to a time.

Any one done this cruise and any one flew from U Tapao airport.

We have to vacate the cabin by 8am. We are able to stay on board until the transfer coach arrives which in our case is around 3 hours before flight time (8pm flight) and can stay on board until such time and use facilities. Your transfer departure time may vary depending on how long it takes to get to the airport. This is the first time Marella has gone there so unless TUI have given specific information, you may have to wait and see

Interesting article but it must be borne in mind that the figures quoted both relate to luxury brands with smaller ships. There already seem to be far fewer 'good deals' on the luxury brands (not that I can afford them anyway!). The larger mainstream cruise lines keep expanding meaning that the number of available berths has rocketed. With respect to the UK market, I would think prices on P&O's larger ships will be very competitive as they are introducing two very large new ships within less than 4 years. Marella is perhaps more of a niche market and appears to be expanding but not as quickly - so it is anyone's guess what will happen to Marella prices.

I think that all prices will increase dramatically, and by the looks of it the luxury market will be faster. The travel industry like any other works on supply and demand except that it allows algorithms to set the prices to the maximum it can get away with. Flights for instance are cheap a year out and get increasingly expensive as the planes fill up and only fall if the demand isn't there. The rate at which ships are being built can only mean high demand is there and hence people will be willing to pay more to get on one. There will always be deals to fill the last minute empty cabins and repo cruises that in comparison aren't in high demand. The UK market may react differently to the US, but considering most cruise lines are owned by the US majors, I sense it would catch up with them eventually

We first cruised in 2000, and what a change there has been. The bean counters went on a cost cutting crusade over the past few years and now they are on a crusade to extract the maximum amount of $$$ possible. What was perceived as "only for the well to do" may return - lets just hope its a phase they're going through.

An interesting article from the head of NCL Holdings regarding cruise pricing. No doubt all cruise lines will follow suit.

https://www.avidcruiser.com/2018/09/frank-del-rio-mind-the-curve/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9-16-18-Avid-Cruiser-newsletter

Yes, it has all the usual links at the bottom re extra legroom seats, extra luggage, api, airport lounge etc but nne of them work.

I’ve emailed TUI back and await their response.

This link works for me :-

https://flightextras.tui.co.uk/

Enter booking ref (TUI ref not your agent ref) and surname/date

Yes, it has all the usual links at the bottom re extra legroom seats, extra luggage, api, airport lounge etc but nne of them work.

I’ve emailed TUI back and await their response.

Its strange system, but you have to book seats, luggage etc direct with TUI and not via the site. Once you have done that you should get access to the relavent links to choose seat location as it is they who enable them.

Afraid not, this is the email from them and I have tried to access the booking, I can access the booking for Feb no problem.

Hi Bill,

 

Thanks for your email.

 

As you have booked through a third party agent, unfortunately you will not have access to your booking online as these types of bookings aren't supported.

 

I apologise for any inconvenience.

 

Kind Regards

Nathan

TUI Correspondence Agent

Distribution & Cruise

 

TUI GROUP

Just to add - we booked through a third party and was able to do the API but could not access anything else. We later upgraded our flights and then we were able to access just the flight part of the site - it did not recognise the fact we had a booking but did get confirmation it existed from our agent. Did you try to access the API via the e-mail you were sent from TUI via your agent as Shelia49 & Vitalsign suggested ?

We will be in Abu Dhabi 2 days after the F1 Grand Prix on the previous Sunday. As we are in the area and it is the last GP of the season, is there any chance it will be televised on board ?

not at mine you can't.

Try a different one - skioncruises had success. I am trying mine tomorrow - will post if I have success

 

It's a shame that Marella cannot put something online or notify customers that they are having problems.

It is difficult to fix "stupid"

on another thread, a poster said TUI were having problems with their booking system but were able to take bookings at the agents.

Have you considerd phoning Shore Excursions Enquiries - 0203 451 2728 (which I did) or alternatively - cruiseexcursions@tui.co.uk ?

 

 

We go in 6 weeks and I phoned and was told that there was a problem with the computer booking system at the moment and the trips could only be booked by contacting the travel agents who have all the information to be able to make the bookings, take your payment and provide the necessary confirmation paperwork.

 

 

I phoned our local Tui agents and no problem, even although the booking had been by internet. All booked and one satisfied customer (for a change) within a few minutes and confirmation email received with all required details. I would asssume independent travel agents will also have the same access to book trips.

Thanks for the update

I am going on Asia cruise in January.i still cannot book excursions.does anybody no when these will be open to book.also when I do book do I pay straight away or does it go on my shipboard account.thank you

Sylvia

Checked again this morning and still no joy. Have you tried contacting TUI direct to see if you can book ?

I've been quoted 90 days before sail (which has passed) and the 5th September - well passed. We're not too worried as we'll do our own, but in some places it is better to do the ships as Marella's prices are quite good.

(anything really :)).

Like it :D

I do take your point - we can only take a snap shot when we are looking to book for similar itineraries, length of cruise, type of cruise (ie fly/cruise or cruise only) and cabin category. However it's true to say that some cruise lines provide loyalty benefits such as a 10% discount for early bookings for repeat passengers and provide quite an attractive amount of obc which you have to factor in if drawing comparisons.

The first time we did the Caribbean with a cruise line other than Thomson I very carefully calculated the costs taking into account gratuities (I calculated that we paid them in full even though they can be removed in full), base cabin price and weighed up the differences. Granted we only had a guarantee cabin (not specific cabin booked - but no booking fee for the cabin either). Often shuttle buses are provided by the port authorities - we've been on many cruises where we've never had a paid shuttle bus -certainly not in the Caribbean. With the obc taken into account it would have cost us £1000 more to travel with Thomson discounting any bar bill on Thomson (not AI) which would have increased the differential - I assumed the not insignificant obc would cover our on board expenses on the other ship. I was disappointed not to choose Thomson but decided to give the other cruise line a whirl on the basis of that. We did have two less islands on the itinerary but we felt the £1000 saving would go a long way towards another trip and we didn't fly by a Dreamliner (but then not all Thomson flights are from some airports).

So it's a complicated picture. And often very difficult to quantify the differences - how much is a visit to another island worth in £sd? How much is the excellent entertainment worth to you? These are all questions I've asked myself.

All I can do is choose what for us looks like a good deal trying to assess all elements a cruise offers - but there are deals on other cruise lines and in my experience depending on what you're looking for (not the 6* experience!) I have found deals which have been as good as or better than Thomson. But I have an open mind and continue to search for what I think will suit us - at a competitive price.

Yes, it is a complicated picture and certainly not a one size fits all. We have cruised 12 times using 8 different cruise lines and we won't be tempted to stick with one line as loyalty is not rewarded to any significant degree - variety and all that is more important to us. We also find that where we have cruised the same line, we tend to compare whereas we don't with different lines because of difficulty comparing the apples with oranges. So going to Daveth10 post saying there is better value elsewhere than Marella is only applicable to him. To say that there are better prices than Marella, I still have to disagree as I cannot find a cheaper cruiseline that is consistent in its pricing - value is another matter of course as it is so personal. We are now willing to sacrifice some aspects of our "value" to be able to continue to cruise in our retirement and Marella at the moment is enabling us to do so. Long may it continue.

Hardly a fair comparison as that 24 night cruise is a Trans Atlantic round trip so no flights involved. Its also a late saver so a one off. The fare does not include dining time choice, no free shuttles in port, no cabin number choice and no flexibility to change the booking. The true price is actually £2231 for a standard inside. The Marella Trans Atlantic equates to £77pppn but includes AI drinks and flights, compared to £75pppn on Cunard for no AI, none of the perks as previously mentioned and no flights involved. Marellas pricing is also consistently low and not a one off.

Yes there are deals to be had out there, but to get consistently low prices, I think Marella are hard to beat.

I’ve seen quite a few comments to the effect that other lines offer better value then Marella.

I’m still waiting for someone to show me a 14 night AI Caribbean cruise with dreamliner flights, in February, for less than the £1350pp that we paid.

Couldn't agree more - let me know if someone does :D

The marketing guys saying saving you £199 pw is exaggerated. We've got an OV AI 14day middle east cruise for £!000. We know the flights alone are over £300 leaving £700 for the cruise. Take off £400 for the AI and we get a 14day cruise for £300 ??? I don't think so. When Celebrity went AI, their prices went up by £55 pppd (the cost of the AI package) and was difficult to drink that amount to warrant the package so then I would agree with the OP, but in TUI's case, the actual amount extra they charge would be cheaper than a soft drinks package from any other line. As they're trying to appeal to the majority, they won't care about the few who object.

We're not big drinkers at all, and don't drink alcohol in the daytime but it is so nice not to constantly have to dig out our card every time we're thirsty.

Just had the dreaded 'change to your holiday' email with flight changes. Strangely they are the very same as before unless i am really missing something? has anyone booked this cruise very early and had different flights to those now showing to Malaga?

 

Outbound 07-12-2018 on Flight TUI Airways 4540

 

Depart London Gatwick at 13:35

Arrive Costa Del Sol at 17:25

Nothing to do with TUI, but I have just had a flight alteration for another holiday and can't for the life of me find what it is

thanks

See you on board :)

Done it before but can't recall if you require passport for exchange abroad. We are looking to exchange USD for Euros or Kuna lots left and unfortunately will not be using them again.

 

 

Sent from my VF-895N using Forums mobile app

Usually do - something to do with money laundering regulations as record of transaction must be kept

Hi, We are booked on this cruise in November. Does anyone know how far the ports are away from the destination. for example Dubai, Muscat , Bahrain ,

Are they a way out and long journeys to anywhere,

Cant seem to get any information.

Thanks in advance

Muscat - port bus to gates where taxi's congregate ( rip off prices so walk towards town and hail one) then 10 min walk to souk etc.

Dubai - port is about 2 miles to gates - not allowed to walk - taxi's outside terminal bldg but charge 2-3 times as much to get from there compared to going back. Don't know if Marella have buses that usually go to nearest Mall but will be limited in number as taxi's have stranglehold so expect long delays for bus if there is one. Once outside taxi fare very reasonable or get metro card for 24hrs unlimited travel for about £4-5

I’m seeing a few comments on this thread re insurance. Do you guys book your insurance at the same time as you book your cruise? And if so how does that work?

I always thought it was only valid for the length of the holiday as you have to give them your travel dates.

We insure on booking as a yearly one doesn't work for us. I have pre existing medical conditions which tend to automatically include such things as cancellation before the holiday due to the medical condition. I am not covered if I change my mind about going if it has nothing to do with my condition, but cover is available at an extra fee of course. A large part of the premium is the medical cover while abroad on holiday particularly outside the EU as hospital costs can be huge in Asia and especially USA, Caribbean etc. We make sure that we have repatriation costs covered. On a recent cruise a passenger was airlifted by helicopter shortly after sailaway and the cost was £20,000 for that alone.

Without pre existing conditions, you pays your money and takes your choice. I personally wouldn't take insurance for a "change of mind" as for us it would not be worth it but maybe someone with heavy family commitements may want to for unforseen circumstances. As usual, shopping around can save a fortune - rarely have the same company twice as premiums roller coaster.

Lexdisic - reason being that Yorkshire water is soft the same as in South Wales (not sure about North Wales) so if that's where you live you'll get a good brew whatever tea you drink - and no limescale in your kettle or iron either

We're mid Wales and our water is from a bore hole. Water board regularly check the quality and they say its the hardest they've come across in the area. Our kettle has to be descaled weekly tops - almost halves the time to boil when do - tastes gross when we dont. Even have to do the saucepans after boiling water/veg etc.

I only drink Yorkshire tea at home but it didn’t taste the same on board. I drank the breakfast tea instead.

I imagine its the water - perhaps yorkshirephil could bring us some :D