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fragilek

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Posts posted by fragilek

  1. On 1/25/2024 at 3:19 PM, mhurley142 said:

    First night we ate in Sindu after going to the restaurant to notify them in advance as advised by reception.

    I also visited Horizon and spoke with an office before The Chef's Table on the Sunday. There I was served Beef Wellington which I refused despite protestations that is was safe for me to eat, even after pointing out that I have Coeliac Disease and celery and fish allergies. They eventual brought me pain beef as I was told the previous day. I also asked if the bread roll provided was gluten free and was told twice it was save for me to eat, sadly it was not and I suffered from Sunday night to Thursday unable to keep anything down. 

    I did accompany my wife to the MDR on Wednesday and asked for the gluten free cheese and biscuits pointing out my celery allergy. I hoped I might keep dry biscuits down but no chance as they served it with celery batons. Anaphylaxis could have been the result had I consumed any of the cheese and biscuits meal. 

    Thursday I went on the Langfoss Waterfall day trip, the excursions staff had confirmed is be provided with lunch that meet my dietary needs. On arrival the caterer was not aware and P&O Cruises had not notified her. I did manage to eat the salad provided so not silk bad.  That evening we went to Epicurian Restaurant and more in hope than expectation I visited on Wednesday evening to pre-order sirloin steak and was told am would be gutted free and safe for me to eat, including onion rings. I checked on arrival with the manager, had waiter and waiter but shortly after eating the onion ring the symptoms began. The restaurant manner informed me that the chef was sorry he'd given the waiter the wrong plate. 

    I was so unwell I could not leave the cabin for the rest of the cruise.

    Everything seemed to casual, the staff so busy and the ingredients lists missing from menus, yes they did state gluten free and vegetarian but that was it. 

    My concerns are the training of the staff, most I spoke with had no idea what coeliac is, I had to explain why I was not eating when accompanying my wife When are staff trained to deal with special diets? The ship's are constantly sailing with passengers on board. What are the management processes and procedures and how are they checked and by whom? Why aren't allergen lists posted next to the take away food serveries as in UK restaurants. The night before embarking I nervously ate in a chain restaurant, the manager spoke with me explained how my food would be prepared separately and my allergies where entered on a tablet device and the meals I could eat and not eat were shown. None of this on Iona. 

    I was unwell for almost 2 weeks after the cruise requiring specially prescribed medication to stop stomach spasms and help prevent sickness. 

     

     

    I think if that happened to me I would be seeking to claim compensation.

      You have now put the fear of death into me, all other cruises I have been on have been great, or at least great at making sure the food was gluten free, all be it on Costa it was mostly very very poor, even the pasta was just a bowl of mush!) you get what you pay for or at least hope you do. But sadly not in your case. 

    We are booked on Azura in Oct.  We were already thinking of canceling (or moving cruise into 25) as I am very immunocompromised and had hoped to have had Evusheld 2 (I don't produce my own antibodies after vaccines so have no covid protection) ahead of this cruise but I was over optimistic and  that now seems very unlikely.  Hopefully by 2025 

  2. On 1/10/2024 at 8:15 PM, Winifred 22 said:

    My daughter is lactose intolerant and never had a problem getting lactose free milk for tea and coffee. 

     Did she manage to get fresh lactose free dairy milk or was it a non dairy  version.  I can't have some of the other non dairy ones due to other allergies/celiac.  And I cant stand soya milk, so much so that on our last holiday I worked out I can take black coffee lol.

  3. On 2/11/2024 at 8:56 PM, Selbourne said:


    Our assistant waiter brings me a glass of hot water with lemon and a little pot of honey every night at the end of dinner. It’s not made a blind bit of difference (nor have all the other remedies I’ve tried - hanging up a wet towel at night, brandy etc) but I appreciate everyone’s thoughts!

    I am a bit late with this help, sorry!  But the best thing for sore throat is fresh pineapple, there is an enzyme Bromelain which reduces pain and swelling (the enzyme is now used pre and post nasal and throat surgery in the EU).  Also the acidity "eats" into the throat tissue and kills bacteria. It is still my goto as soon as any of us get a hint of a sore throat.  I have tried just the juice, but for us, it is not nearly as effective as fresh pineapple (although several research papers claim it is).  There are lots of clinical trials on this enzyme and it shows positive results for many health issues - including blood clots TIA's and tumors at the moment there is a study underway looking at it's effect on COVID cell response.  I still read all this stuff even though I am retired (old habits and all that lol)

    • Like 11
  4. On 1/19/2024 at 11:20 AM, Thejuggler said:

    Always have insurance.

     

    However helicopter airlifts from UK waters are generally undertaken by UK Coastguard service for which there is no charge.

    Yip they were called out to my daughter on a school trip on the Hull crossing. In the end she didn't get airlifted as a Dr was found (passenger) who could administer strong pain meds  until they got her to land.  As a result later she ended up having to have her whole knee reconstructed including ligament & bone grafts held by screws  and 9 months no weight bearing until grafts took.  Would not like to have been in the position of paying for that abroad.  

  5. Very sorry for your loss.

      I agree that this seems very harsh under the circumstances, they will not loose any money by issuing a refund for this so far in advance of the sailing. Yes it is in the terms etc, but some companies are just more understanding than others.  For example I took very ill a few years ago, we knew there was no chance of traveling (or even getting out of hospital) withing the next 6 months.  I had 2 holidays booked 1. TUI holiday for 2, 2nd. had 6 easyjet return flights and accommodation separately.  I have to say both companies where excellent to deal with.  My husband just had to fill in a form emailed to him explaining the issue (dr and hospital numbers given) and both companies issued vouchers to the full cost of the holiday/flights.  The outcome is that if we are flying short haul I now try and book easyjet as they treated us so well, as do the rest of the family who were meant to travel with us.  Since recovering I have used both TUI and easyjet  more regularly than I would have planned to do. I think P&O and companies with no compassion probably loose more than they gain by not going the extra mile when a customer is facing very difficult times.

    • Like 4
  6. 2 hours ago, sweep2907 said:

    I understand this new deal is not people's first choice but nowhere was any particular airline promised at time of booking a cruise. You can certainly understand why the Brits are known worldwide for moaning these days. If people genuinely want a relaxing and luxurious experience then why book P&O in the first instance? You pay for what you get these days and P&O are at the bottom of prices so understandably the days of flying BA or Virgin are long gone. Try and enjoy your 2 weeks in caribbean.

    My next P&O cruise on a superior deluxe balcony 15N on azura £4400 next year  is almost double what I paid for infinite veranda on celebrity edge £2275 12N. Beginning to think I have totally over paid. 🤔.  I thought the service etc would be roughly equivalent🫣

  7. Ok I phoned and added a flights on when the suddenly became available .  Well at least I thought I did.  My itinerary now only mentions a flight on the way out (and if click on it it says details not yet available).  On the last day in the itinerary it has the transfers to the airport but no mention of a flight.  Is this normal or has the flight just been added to the outward part and we have to book our own return

  8. I was very lucky and managed to add flights to my previous cruise only P&O malta to tenerife cruise ( no flights left when we booked). But the agent (direct with P &O,) was unable to tell us anything about the flights, even which London airport they are from. There were only 2 spaces so we just grabed them. We need to travel from Scotland so will need to book an overnight hotel along with car parking or train/flights down. 

    When will this info become available? 

  9. I have cabin D724 for our next cruise there was very little other choice except a little more mid ship but on the other side which from reading on here is the smoking side, so I avoided them. What I would like to know is there any noise issues from the night club 2 floors below . Or from the laundry directly opposite the cabin next to us.

    Thank you for any advice

  10. It was a bit of a disaster this morning. Somehow I manged to book the wrong cruise with flights on line only realised when the invoice was sent to my email. Immediately phone P&O and the helped move the booking to the cruise I actually wanted but there were no flights for it left.  I would probably not have booked in that situation but really had to to avoid loosing deposit. No idea how I was so stupid!  Yes if I can't get on the same flights as the ship are using I do plan on going a few days early

  11. Hi just booked Azura for next year, hoping it is better than some of the recent reviews 🤔. What I am trying to find out is what should be worn in the MDR in normal nights.  My husband usually wears a casual shirt and trousers but does he need a jacket too.  On the formal nights is a normal suit and tie OK or does it have to be black tie. As a Scot that would mean full kilt stuff which weighs a lot.  There were no flights left so we are having to book them ourself and the luggage cost adds up if extra bags required.   Also how many formal nights are there on a back to back 7n cruise then a 9n repositioning cruise.

     

    Thanks for any help as this is our first rodeo with P&O

  12. that's a fair overall pictures but to give you the other side of this. 

     

    My 23yr old daughter got the AZ yesterday morning.  She is over 6ft tall due to a genetic condition (I am 5 4") the same condition means she has had to be on the pill since 16 to try and save her ovaries . So she already has 2 raised flags for clots that she can do nothing about.  In addition she got the vaccine as a carer.  She is looking after the grans as I and my husband are in complete shielding due to my treatment for leukemia so haven't been able to look after and help our mums ( in their 70 & 80's )out.  Our eldest daughter is also in shielding as is TD1 with a genetic Kidney issue so couldn't help either.  So the youngest got her vaccine hrs before they were stopped for her age group.  For this age they were described in the slides yesterday - less than zero benefit for her.  So I am nervous even although I am a research scientist (or should say was until ill) pro vax and can easily work out the statistical risk for that age bracket against other events.  But because of my health she has stepped up so that adds to my nervousness. Also I am her mum so it's my job to worry lol

     

    Next is stats.  I have had Transverse Myelitis twice, had to learn to walk all over again - twice!  followed a few years later by a very aggressive form of Leukemia (given almost zero chance of survival) there is more chance I could have one the lottery 4 times than those happening - that's stats for you! 

     

    Or the way I like to see it, statistically I am a miracle  as there is an almost zero chance I should still be here.... but 3 yrs on here I am lol 

    • Like 7
  13. 2 minutes ago, ann141 said:

    Thanks for link.I'm sure I haven't had the thrombosis.I just wondered if the vaccine might affect a blood test result a couple of months later

    autoimmune conditions themselves can also impact blood results including CFR, LFTs white cell count (esp lymphocytes), vit D and folic acid levels and in extreme cases depending on previous treatments  ferritin too.  Any infection, vaccine or even medications  can also impact some blood results.

  14. Just now, ann141 said:

    You mention about the possibility of the AZ (or any other vaccine) having the potential for the immune system to attack itself?Would this possibly show up in blood tests? I have had some abnormal blood test results and already suffer from an autoimmune disease.Wonder if this might be related.My second jab is due in just over a week

    here is the info for how this can be detected

    guidance-version-07-on-mngmt-of-thrombosis-with-thrombocytopenia-occurring-after-c-19-vaccine_20210330_.pdf (b-s-h.org.uk)

    • Like 1
  15. 16 hours ago, davecttr said:

    Agreed, BUT it is unreasonable for us passengers to expect them to work for less than the legal UK minimums. The 'foreign' crew might be upset that locals are doing the same jobs as them for a lot more money. A can of worms maybe.

    They already do that. We met a local Scottish girl (the town next to ours) on Celebrity edge and were amazed that her wages were more than she had earned for equiv bar work in Glasgow, plus food and accommodation. She was loving seeing the world after graduating before deciding her next carer move. - That was the  2 weeks before the pandemic hit 😥

  16. 3 hours ago, GlobalMethod said:

    OK! ... 🙂 ... yes, we remember the Billa ... now ... it could be my ageing mind ... but ... you've got our thinking going regarding the Giudecca Canal ... do you remember a couple of 'joints' that sold very 'top' tier prosecco for E2.50 a glass ... they were across the canal from a large gondola refurbishing business? ... 🙂 ... we are just testing our retirement brains!

    for those that know the area, do you remember a hand made tile place we bought some on our 10th wedding anniversary but one got damaged in a house move.  When were back last year 19 yrs later bust couldn't find were it was.  Would love to trace the artist and get the broken tile redone. considering it was in about 30 tiny pieces my husband made quite a good job.

     

    image.thumb.png.c8f52321512ddc53226a609eb67f3507.png

     

     

    image.thumb.png.e02e88d93c4ab6d406c67d2cdce293dc.png

    • Like 2
  17. 1 hour ago, tring said:

     

    Thanks for the video, I did see the headlines on text this morning and thought it may well be a confirmation of previous action.  Does anyone know what is considered to be too large for Venice?  I am wondering if the Azamara ships will still be able to go there for instance, though TBH we would much prefer to visit on a land holiday, well out of season.

     

    The comment the local lady said about being asked, "What time does Venice close" just says it all as it show some people are looking upon it as a theme park.

     

     

    LOL It never closes.  As a treat after recovering from 7 months in hospital undergoing Leukemia treatment my husband got us an apartment overlooking the Rialto bridge. The upper one with the 3 green blinds- Amazing week there as I could just sit on the balcony and watch the world go by and do little strolls when I was up to it.

    image.thumb.png.16069144f4c6030121e72be8796349f3.png

      One night I couldn't sleep so went out onto the balcony at 3am (out of season in May) and there were still hoard of people on the bridge.  I even saw 1 tour group at 5.00am guide with flag in hand - 5am to 6am was the most amazing time of the day watching the city wake up and the cafes opposite open up 

    • Like 12
  18. 18 hours ago, sammyh25 said:

    We're both off to get our first injections tomorrow.  May get our photographs taken with a copy of a newspaper in shot so we can prove where and when it was done. 😄

     

    Someone has already mentioned that in Scotland the only record that you have actually had the covid vaccination is on your medical records.  Most people will also have been invited by letter, and that contains your name, NHS appointment number, date, time and location of your vaccine.  It of course doesn't prove you actually turned up for the injections and I am sure could be easily copied and amended, but may be better than nothing!

     

    Who knows what proof P&O will actually require but I would imagine/hope they have a realistic idea of what most people can reasonably produce in the UK. 

     

    He says with his fingers crossed. 😉

    over on the other side of Scotland we all got our dates by text or were phoned to come to the surgery.  We don't have big vax centers near us we live in very small towns/ villages.  So was a call for me & my husband and a text for my mum and daughter.  MIL was a call from health board. all of us got called  to get vax'd next working day. No paper work at all.  In fact my MIL wasn't even sure which vax she had been given no-one said. My other daughter and future SIL got the letters but they live in Glasgow.

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