alanandpam

Since as far as I am aware Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia are not within the Eurozone, what Currency is worth tacking ? I know you can use the usual

cc cards in most places but some times you cant , any suggestions. Thankyou in anticipation

Further to my reply last night we have just had an Email from friends of ours who are on the Balmoral up in Spitzbergen who have been "pinged" and because the isolation cabins are full are confined to their cabins. This makes 3 couples that are friends of ours to be affected by this bug !!!

Regent 7 Seas up and around Alaska, though I do suspect that the Rocky Mountaineer train journey or the flight home from Canada might be the cause.

Sky Princess described by them as the voyage from hell to Norway and back , confined to their cabins for 9 days

Balmoral, as described as above.

Ourselves, post cruse as described previously.

Cannot suspect the boats, as cleaning and bio security scrupulously observed, for those of a certain age think "The Guardroom". This only only leaves excursions both organised and in my case both the the excursions to Belfast's Titanic Museum or Skara Brae adjoining farm were on reflection the most likely events when at least I should at least have worn a mask. Our party were joined by non cruisers and we were in confined spaces, so the bug could spread easily. Lesson learnt.

Alan and Pam

Finally tested clear after 15 days, my wife test clear yesterday so now both all clear. For me symptoms were mild and came out the Tuesday I disembarked., my wife was not so lucky and had a heavy cold. Convinced the bio- security on ship was not at fault, constant cleaning going on all the time plenty of "spit and polish". Convinced infection came when ships"Bio Bubble" was breached when when excursions mingled with others who had nothing to do with the ship i.e. Belfast, Orkney's and Inverness.

Feel Saga have possibly the right idea with, as I understand it, banning independent excursions, which I am sure would put a lot of people off cruising. Anyway its over now and I don't think I will go cruising for a while

Alan and Pam

I have just disembarked from Bolette in Southampton on last Tuesday, Today I tested positive for coronavirus. Straightaway I doubt infection occurred onboard the ship, as their procedures where exemplory. The most likely occurrence being on a escorted trip. Probably on the escorted tour to Scara Brae on the Saturday when our party was infiltrated by a group of Tom Dick and Svens and other non Bolettas. The house visit was very cramped and damp, our Guide was unable to accompany us and it was very slow travelling through. The other suspect might have been the 4hour magical mystery coach tour the following day, more of this in later episodes. So far I fell ok just brain fog and low oxygen levels.

Will report back late when recovered. Alan

Having just perused my Round UK cruise in June on Bollette, I noticed that in the description of the The Bloomsbury and Terrace Restaurants that in the 2nd paragraph it states that whilst fixed time dining is still "de rigour" flexible dining is now an option. So that answers my original question.

Alan and Pam

Thankyou very much for the above, am beginning to wonder if it is worth all the faffing about .

Alan and pam

We intend to take a round UK cruise in early June, What is required pre embarkation, post disembarkation is anybody's guess at this time So I will leave that conundrum to another post .

Some time ago it was mentioned that F O were going to use one of the MDR's as an anytime venue,  with plenty tables for 2, has this happened ?. If not is the bubble arrangement still in place, or can you sit at 2 up at the specified time. Appreciate the one can always go to the speciality venues at a booked time, or the buffet whenever. 

Would appreciate information from a recent voyager.

Thanks in advance, Alan and Pam

Hooks in place but no hammock on very large balcony. Junior suit description is a misnomer, itis really a medium to large cabin on Deck 12. Best to have Port side for sun, and its is quiet, away from the scrum at the pool. Stern lifts go strait down to restaurants which is useful. Hope this helps. Alan

Sorry cabin number should be 1218, dyslexia strikes. Al;an and pam

Having just returned from the Caribbean, very very few made an effort to impress. I saw one black tie in 2 weeks, mostly shorts and loose shirts for the gentlemen, I felt definitely out of place with my stripy blazer, The Ladies were more glamourise and seemed to make an effort. I hope this helps, Alan and Pam

The word suit is a misnomer, in reality my junior suit 2018 was more like a large twin or double cabin with too much furniture in it . 2 Dressing tables and a second sofa/4ft foldaway double bed. Ample shelves and storage space. The bathroom is compact with a shower over the bath and solid bath screens. The bath does have rather high sides so persons with mobility problems beware. The cabin  does have a huge balcony with table and 2 chairs and space for 2 sun loungers. It was far enough away from the pool area to avoid the razzamatazz and noise generated. The floor has the best cabin stewards I have ever encountered who are hard working, observant, and discrete,Huge thanks to Sunil and team. Hope this helps Alan and Pam

Another quick question, what are the Wi Fi packages and prices available on Explorer 2 ? Thanks in advance

Alan

FellowPension Cruiser

Tried the02476 number this morning which put me through to the 0203 number with all the options and recorded messages. Eventually contacted a Cruise team member who assured me that I could check in the night before having printed my boarding card etc. The check in staff would be able to find my cabin tag. Have grave doubts about this since the baggage is bonded, but will give it a go and see what happens. If anybody from Marella is monitoring these boards this watch this space

Thanks for your help, Alan

Thanks I will try in the morning, Alan

Thanks for the reply, I have tried the 0203 4512585 number but have had no success in getting through. If you have another number please let me know.  Thanks in advance, Alan

Could someone give a definitive reply to this, as it will change my travel plans.

I am booked on a 10am flight to Bridgetown on Sunday 2Feb . I had planned that I travel to LGW  on the Saturday and drop my 2 cases off at around 1700 on the Saturday and stay overnight at LGW. My local TUI store yesterday told me that cruise passengers could only check in 2/3 hours before before the flight and not able to use the the night before service as described on the website. The store have in the past gave been guilty of misinformation and confusion. I have tried using the help lines with no response and I don't belong to the generation who use facebook or twitter. Can anybody give me a definitive answer please ? Regards Alan and Pam

See my comment re the bag drop operating the night before at Gatwick on the New to Marella  forum, apparently available from midday the day before your flight till 10pm. Can be confirmed on the before you sail on your booking confirmation under flights. Hope this helps. Alan and pam

Sorry should have said from midday to 10pm and from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester

On 1/1/2020 at 11:16 PM, The Solo Dancer said:

We are all checked in online for our flight but it says that bag drop is only open two hours before the flight.  We have tried to check in the night before but have not been successful.   We also got return flight boarding passes. 

On the booking website under flights, it states that if you flights on the following morning one can check in between 2pm and 10pm

Staying at the Acor in the North Terminal. Looking at website and confirmed by local TUI office, check in is open from 1400 - 2400 the night before travel. We are also on Explorer2 and the only remaining query is what type the plugs are ? U tube clips are not clear. Anybody help ?

alanandpam 

New to Marella, and am traveling from Gatwick to Barbados with 10am Departure.I  Am going to overnight at the airport, so firstly, at what times can you check your bags in the night before?  Secondly, what are you now allowed to carry on an overnight "carry on" case these days other than clothes. Thanks in advance Alan and Pam

Sorted with phone call, expected to be Thomas Cook, book yiur cruise and then be wait listed for uprgrade.

Hope this helps alan

Who is doing the connecting flights to  Fred in in the Caribbean 2019?

Do the have The equivilant of Premium Economy or Business available ?

Thanks in advance

Thanks for that, we are meeting friends in Bordeaux who live to the south of the city so it wont be too difficult for them.

Again in Seville I notice that the port where Braemar is mooring is the other side of the river from the town, do Fred provide shuttle buses to somewhere more central, or is a case of organised tours ?

I am sure this has been asked before, but whats the earliest one can embark at Southampton when coming on own arrangements ?.

The cruise is advertised as being docked in the centre of Bordeaux, looking at Google earth it shows an Azmara ship moored just beyond the swing bridge, ist this the case with Fred,? Thanks in advance, Alanand Pam