heywood

I ‘lost’ tags once at home - was looking for the wrong size envelope.

i made my own with cabin number on in bold and then mentioned it to a welcomer. He sent me to another person who provided plain tags and wrote the number on in biro - not as effective as my own! 

However the luggage arrived safely.

I am sure there will be no problem.

Enjoy your cruise. 

For the last few years we have sailed with Fred Olsen and as we only want UK round trips now and enjoy the cruising experience rather than itineraries, we are to some extent easily pleased. We use inside rooms and look for Anchor fares which enable us to keep cruising. That line’s message (to me) is non-intrusive, quiet enjoyment.

In the summer we sailed on Discovery to Iceland etc. We thought it was a fantastic holiday. We had sailed on the ship as RC previously. That was after sailing on Celebrity Galaxy which is now also a Marella ship.

At that time, 12 or so years ago, RC was a cheaper version of Celebrity and it was noticeable e.g. no sommeliers; presentation of menus etc.

We have sailed Cunard transatlantic a few times where the message is constantly reinforced that you are ‘on a voyage’ and ‘special’. We loved the splendour of QM2.

On Discovery, the food and entertainment were great. We enjoyed freedom dining and loved the Italian restaurant. We did miss the opportunity to play Bridge and variety of daytime lectures/talks but it didn’t matter. It was different, that’s all.

We also loved the AI aspect. We are not big drinkers but it was great to have wine with the meal and a brandy afterwards plus a nice coffee in the afternoon knowing there was no extra bill. I thought Marella’s message was ‘you are on holiday - relax and enjoy’.

That trip was cheaper than the FO one next month for which we have gratuities and drinks to pay for on that one.

We will certainly look at Marella next year without hesitation and hope to find something (anything really :)).

I have been - no flags from me - and will probably not go on my next trip in a couple of weeks.

I think the young dancers and singers try very hard to do the UK show as Eglesbrech says but I think the whole thing re flag waving has been somewhat tarnished - which is another story.

Your P and O story sounds inappropriate to me but I know others would probably really enjoy it.

Give it a miss if you don’t approve.

Well, many people enjoy waving flags and wearing hats at the Albert Hall and I would say that is not seen as ‘nursing home’ atmosphere.

It was interesting to see the Norwegian flag waving on the quayside and from houses out on the hills as we left ports in the summer - strange that we don’t think of that as jingoism.

That was a very enjoyable Marella cruise.

As I said, it is only the theatre production which embraces British culture- English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish songs etc but thankfully there is no compulsion.

You do not need to join in. You will see people dressed in the colours; some with t-shirts; hats and more and others who dress as every other evening.

There is usually a show in the theatre which has songs from British Isles etc. I can’t remember whether the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ music (which I quite like) is played or whether that was another occasion once. There are small plastic flags to wave if you wish.

As you say it is a bit toe curling if you do not enjoy that kind of ‘show’.

You can ignore it, dress in your own style and don’t go to the theatre. It is only one evening. The menu in the dining room also has a ‘British’ slant.

I wouldn’t let the planned evening deter me from the prospect of another wise enjoyable cruise.

Sorry to hear about your position and hope you manage to sort something.

 

Perhaps this can be a bit of a warning to others to make sure they have full insurance cover. I assume if the insurance will not pay out in the case of illness, then it is likely to be because a pre-exisiting condition was not declared and the necessary supplement paid to cover that condition.

This is not necessarily the case. Helen states that this is a sudden event.

Several years ago we had booked a Cunard cruise and then had a sudden diagnosis which looked to a heart operation in the coming months. We hadn’t paid the final payment though. Cunard offered to transfer the deposit to a future cruise.

Our doctor completed the medical form which asked, ‘in your view, is this person fit to travel’. He replied yes but understood that the insurance would not cover. He thought he was helping us.

The insurance company refused to cover the deposit on those grounds. When I stated that they had declined to insure us, I was told that many people travel without insurance for all health issues (this would be pre-existing, as you mention) and we could try that!

Helen,

I do hope that, above all, the ill health condition improves and also that you are able to sort out the cruise dilemma.

Regards

heywood

That’s good to hear. It is an unpleasant situation.

I had an incident with a card (not on holiday though) and it was sorted within hours but was a frightening experience.

My company told me not to worry about where/when my details were obtained, it could have been anywhere and anytime.

With regard to not giving out information, just think of all those cosy chats on a cruise where home/family names/jobs etc are shared across the dining table or in the bar. It is easily done. ;)

But what are you supposed to use while you are waiting for the replacement towel? Is there somewhere else where dirty towels can be exchanged?

Are you ok now, knowing that you won’t be left without towels ;)

But what are you supposed to use while you are waiting for the replacement towel? Is there somewhere else where dirty towels can be exchanged?

It is exchanged in the evening after the day’s use.

Hi, I agree you couldn’t tip every one of them, but as in any holiday, some of the staff stand out from others by going that extra mile. Of course we tipped our cabin stewards and our waiters in the compass rose, but I’m referring more to the deck waiters, some of whom had a happy smiling attitude the whole time whilst others just did the job. I know you’re getting the same service, but some of them just make you feel good.

What do you do if everyone makes you feel good?

We have always paid the set gratuities on other lines and then, as we had set dining, gave a small tip at the end to our waiters and cabin staff.

It is difficult when you are served by several waiters, who are all in the business of ensuring you have an enjoyable holiday.

I think it good that the gratuities are included in the overall price as Marella does.

We found the hairdryer ok but my hair is short and fine and dries enough to then use a hair styler but I would imagine that some people would prefer a better one.

We really enjoyed meeting people on Discovery and as already said, you can specify at the desk to the main dining room 47 and also Gallery 47, the Italian restaurant, whether you would like to share.

We ate breakfast there in mdr too.

Have a lovely time. We did.:)

In July there were cocktail classes at 7 pounds each.. We were told they were very good and included cheeses as well as wine. We would have gone but unfortunately I'm one of those boring people who can only drink one glass:(

I think that was just wine tasting. We also were told they were very good and as we walked past, it seemed like the participants were having a great time - lots of chat and laughter.

We have been fortunate enough to be allocated late sittings on our Anchor fares. I have wondered if FO just hopes that older people would prefer the early sitting and so that gets filled first.

I always think that empty seats/tables is because people won’t pay the extra to swap and also Fred’s self service areas do have a bit more class than other cruises so to eat there still feels better service.

I did once contact the company with my comments and mentioned that I thought their policy was mean spirited. This was because an older, very regular F O cruiser had been given late dining. Of course the reply pointed out reduction in fare etc and it is a business as pointed out here already.

Personally, I would probably pay - it is not that much.

However, we were recently spoiled on a wonderful Marella Discovery cruise with freedom dining; several places to eat; excellent food and all inclusive drinks and tips. The price was very competitive.

You never know, they might take a sneaky peak;)

Enjoy your holiday and I look forward to reading about it.

Sorry, I forgot to say that Boudicca two years ago was fine :)

Where did I say I don't believe you? I've merely asked SaucePud to let us know if there is norovirus about when he is on the ship. A snapshot if you get my meaning. But it seems that

he doesn't consider my question to be of a sufficiently high standard to warrant an answer. Please accept my apologies if I've caused offence.

I would think that unless there are several cases you would not know. We have been on board Balmoral when, for a few days, everything had to be served - no self service etc and some rooms were being deep cleaned by people in protective clothing head to foot etc but thankfully we were fine. Other times it was more of a whisper that Nv was around.

I notice that FO ships take the virus very seriously with Captain’s warning every day and staff constantly offering spray on entry to the dining rooms.

By contrast on our recent Marella cruise there were standard warnings and cleaning sprays everywhere but I would say the decision to use was left with the passenger.

I posted earlier re my looking to book a cruise with P and O (I am not new to the company) and my feelings about some of the responses on this thread.

This is part of one reply to me:

“If your disposition is such that reading this thread (including the various comments which are clearly said with a tongue firmly in cheek) is enough to send you running for the hills, then I would strongly advise you against booking a cruise with P&O. Once onboard, you will find far more irritating things to make you wish you had never left the comfort of your own home!”

I am struggling to find the ‘tongue in cheek’ responses- other than the last sentence.

This is part of another reply:

“Therefore Heywood, unless you are a wheelchair user then you will doubtless find no problems at all with using the lifts.

However if this thread has made you aware that someone pushing a wheelchair will need the full depth of the lift to be able fit into the lift and you need to move aside for them, then perhaps it will have served its purpose.”

That’s rather patronising.

I have replied already but do want to stress that my concern with the thread is not the lifts; nor any disabilities whether hidden or not but the way people address each other on here.

As a point of interest, we have just returned from a Marella (Thomson’s) cruise, I am sure that will disturb some folk, but there were six lifts, yes six, within yards of our room plus others in different places. I never saw a queue, other than short delays when trips came back and those with disabilities took the lift at that point whilst others were asked to walk one flight of stairs.

I think you have hit the nail firmly on the head there Selbourne, unless and until you are a wheelchair user or carer, then the sort of issues that have been highlighted on this thread will pass you by and go unnoticed.

Therefore Heywood, unless you are a wheelchair user then you will doubtless find no problems at all with using the lifts.

However if this thread has made you aware that someone pushing a wheelchair will need the full depth of the lift to be able fit into the lift and you need to move aside for them, then perhaps it will have served its purpose.

I am told that the remarks I interpreted as intimidating are ‘tongue in cheek’ so my sense of humour must be somewhat lacking.

I am, thankfully, in a position where I do not need to use lifts very much. I would only use one if was I going up several decks.

I most certainly do give priority to those in a wheelchair and those who are pushing a wheelchair user. I would also make a space or move for someone who needed a place in a bar or dining room if I thought it was necessary.

Thank you for your concerns but I do not to be made aware of the needs of others. As I wrote previously, after reading the comments on here, I feel that some people need to be aware of what they are writing when referring to their own behaviour in a lift or elsewhere.

What a pathetic thread this is. Lifts are there to be used, just use them and try to get on with others using them, simple really.

Just wondering whether to book another P and O cruise but reading these posts ...

I do appreciate all the points made re disability (visible or hidden) but the distrust and intimidating behaviour written about is not encouraging - a foot in the door; an implied threat by a wheelchair user and blank looks from other passengers.

If you read over this thread it is quite depressing.

dronnygirl,

You have summed it up well! We had a fantastic time -loved all the ports and just everything really. The staff, entertainment and food were super. We really enjoyed the Italian restaurant but there are just two menus used on alternate evenings. That didn’t stop several visits. We just had one delay of ten minutes for a table, otherwise we just walked in.

We were willing to share so had a mix of tables and met some lovely people.

It was our first cruise with Marella and we were really impressed with the standard of service.

We travelled by coach via Intercruise and it was very good - as we have found before.

I had wondered about embarkation procedures but an employee boarded the coach, gave us our luggage tags and key card and we then just labelled and left our luggage in the middle of the car park!

We were directed to a shuttle bus to the boarding hall. We passed a long line of people queuing with luggage who presumably had either parked up or arrived by taxi. Luckily for them, it wasn’t raining.

Disembarkation to coaches was very quick and well organised.

I agree with you - it was also one of our favourite cruises but much of that was due to the unexpectedly great weather.

Thanks for that BLine. The luggage question is one of my concerns too but has been answered elsewhere and I have got round to thinking -we will be there and someone will sort it!

We are used to having our luggage labels posted to our home.

I am presuming that we can carry one small case on with us after handing main luggage over - would that be right?

We are on a coach and have read that after the luggage procedures we get back on the coach to be taken to embarkation. It all seems a bit odd but I am sure it works.:)

Thanks for the replies. We do like to borrow books if there is a library- not fussy about what we read. :)

I will download something just in case.

I am really looking forward to it. We sailed on Splendour of the Seas a long time ago - can’t remember much about it though now.

I am sure we will enjoy - open mind as you say.

We have booked our first Marella cruise on Discovery and looking forward to it.

I anticipate it will be different to our previous cruises which is no problem but must admit the embarkation procedures are making me slightly nervous - no room number etc until we get to Newcastle.

I have read about constant music everywhere.

Are there any quieter places to sit and read?

Is there a library to borrow books or are we better taking our own?

I thought I saw a photo of a library but have just looked at deck plans and can’t see one.

Thanks for any help.

The ship sailed on time on sunday so they must have sorted the embarkation problems

Thanks - hopefully it is sorted now. It seems a strange way to organise things.

It doesn’t sound good.

We are going on our first Marella cruise and travelling by coach.

Have I understood this correctly? We will get off the coach and collect our luggage.

Then we will be given our boarding details and luggage labels.

We have to stand somewhere and attach the labels before joining a queue to hand luggage in.

Then queue again to have boarding details checked etc.

We have waited before in Southampton with other cruise lines but not had to bother re luggage when on a coach.

At least we will know that we will board eventually. :)