tigernut

You may be interested to read some of the negative comments about Ambassador’s festive events on the cruise dot forum page. I had been considering sailing with Ambassador as they have some interesting itineraries, but I had serious doubts after the collapse of Cruise & Maritime. After reading the latest comments, It definitely will not be one of my cruise lines of choice for future cruises. 

24 minutes ago, Ray66 said:

Take a look at the map for 30th July British Isles Scenic - Scottish Isles scenic cruising off the coast of Africa and in a straight line across land! 🙂

24 minutes ago, Ray66 said:

Take a look at the map for 30th July British Isles Scenic - Scottish Isles scenic cruising off the coast of Africa and in a straight line across land! 🙂

25 minutes ago, Ray66 said:

Take a look at the map for 30th July British Isles Scenic - Scottish Isles scenic cruising off the coast of Africa and in a straight line across land! 🙂

Ridiculous! I also noticed that. On the itineraries with port stops, passengers only  allowed ashore on ship’s excursions.

Solo passengers will be expected to dine independently and are also excluded from certain on board activities.

It certainly won’t suit me, as I cruise as a solo to meet new friends and join a large table for dinner. 

18 hours ago, sogne said:

received a cheque from Cunard yesterday for £100 mystified I phoned them one of my cancelled cruises was a transfer from last Oct and the cheque was refund for the fee charged for the transfer which of course was the booking condition in place at the time of transfer something I was not expecting to get  they have also allowed me to extend the FCD used for one of the cancelled cruises  until Dec 21

 

I will also say I have not phoned daily either them or my TA or threatened  this or that 

my refunds came 72 and 75 days after cancellation

Today, after 83 days, I finally received my Cunard refund. My agent had a request from Cunard for my bank details and the payment was made directly to my account.

I know of many people who have been waiting an extraordinary amount of time for their refunds, not just with Cunard,  but many other cruise lines. In stark contrast, I received a refund for a cancelled Jet2 holiday, within 7 days. A very efficient service. 

We’ve stayed in D238 twice. Liked it the first time so went back. It was reasonably quiet and IMHO a good location. Would stay in the cabin again.

Last cabin steward we had (Belle - if memory serves me right) was wonderful. Far, far better than the first one and miles better than the awful steward our friends had next door). Hope she’s still on for you. I think she said she was going home in June so you may get her.

Hope this helps.

 

 

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Thanks for your reply, very helpful.The cabin and deck sound promising. It makes all the difference when you get a decent steward. I hope I’m lucky enough to get Belle.

Thanks. Enjoy your cruise.

Hi were on Britannia 8th April and in D237 not been that far to front but at least its near the stairs as there are no central staircase on Britannia so that is a pain!!! but you can go staight up to sun decks and pool near retreat which is a nice area to sit with a pool normally quiet.

Hi, Excuse me hijacking another thread. I am sailing on Britannia in May in D238, opposite side of ship to your cabin. Did you find D deck a good deck to be located on? Were you pleased with your cabin? Thanks for any information you can offer.

Good thinking. I did try and get it in stores but could not see it anywhere. However I did see it online but had minimum quantities. I will have another search to see gif I can get a single bottle. Thanks for your reply

Down South, our local Morrison's supermarket has a whole shelf dedicated to low alcohol wine. I've never tasted the wine, so I'm afraid I can't offer a recommendation.

I notice from another thread that there is afternoon tea on Braemar when you board. Do you have to pay for this separately please? Thanks

You should bear in mind that Fred does not offer lunch on embarkation day. Afternoon tea, comprising sandwiches, cakes and beverages, will be the first food available. If you are on late sitting for dinner, it is advisable to have lunch before arriving at the cruise terminal.

We received a letter today confirming there is still a problem with a virus on the ship. They say it is and I quote "A mild gastric illness" brought onto the ship by one or more guests. This is the third cruise they have had this problem. :(:(:(

In defence of Fred, I've sailed fifteen times on Fred's ships, including seven cruises on Balmoral, four on Boudicca and none of the cruises have been affected by norovirus.

I have sailed with a dozen different cruise lines on 50+ cruises and I have never picked up a virus. Perhaps I have a good immune system, or maybe I've just been lucky.

All cruise lines occasionally have a problem with a virus on board and it's unfortunate if you are one of the passengers affected, and it spoils your holiday. I never board a cruise ship worrying about the possibility of picking up a virus.You are just as likely to catch something similar, travelling on any public transport.

To avoid any potential health problems on board, some cruise lines do not offer any self service for the first forty eight hours and all food is waiter served. Once the captain is satisfied it's unlikely a problem will occur, normal self service is resumed.

As we all know, the personal hygiene of many passengers leaves a lot to be desired. Until those passengers become more responsible, there is always the possibility they will pass on their germs to others.

Many thanks to those that responded about the out-of-the-way location for the Marriott Courtyard. Can anyone suggest a 4 star hotel that is relatively in the center of Rome for approximately $150 a night, at the end of Oct.

I have a friend staying in Rome at the 4* Artemide Hotel, Via ****onale. The hotel is very centrally located and my friend says it has exceeded all their expectations. You would need to check the price, as it may be above your budget. The hotel gets excellent reviews on all sites.

We have just had our tickets fro the Balmoral sailing on 3rd May and the terminal is 102, yet we appear to return to terminal 101 (according to the southampton port schedule). The 3rd May is a busy day with all three Cunards + Anthem of the Seas in port that day, so we thought we had done well staying, (and parking), at the Holiday Inn, where we could have walked to terminal 101, which was the original dock scheduled.

 

Does anyone know where berth 102 is and if we could still walk from the Holiday Inn? I have found a trip advisor thread from last year which said 102 was a marquee and gave directions when driving (basically follow the signs), but that is not much use to us on foot. The cruise terminal next to 101 is Mayflower (106) and the Queen Victoria is there.

I'm not sure if you can walk from the Holiday Inn.

If you were entering the docks through Dock Gate 10, directly opposite is the Solent Flour Mills building, I understand berth 102 is behind the Flour Mills building. The berth appears to be between the Mayflower and City Cruise terminals and is probably, as you suggested, a marquee. Perhaps you can spot the Flour Mills on Google maps.

On one cruise on Balmoral, we checked in at berth 104 the 'Fruit Shed', it wasn't the most salubrious environment.

Enjoy your cruise!

just booked today :), have become aware of Kotor recently so am hoping to do a cruise there as well.

Thanks

Hi, In case you haven't seen it, I answered the same question that you posted on the other site and added some information about Bergen. Enjoy your cruise.

I know the feeling. Having sailed with both P&O and Celebrity over the last few years, I find Celebrity much more to my taste. The only thing which dissuades me from sailing with them more often is their practice (in common with most US lines) of charging a 100% single supplement. P&Os single supplements, though much higher than they used to be, are still very reasonable by comparison. If however, should Celebrity lower theirs or P&O increase theirs ....

Have you considered a cruise with Azamara Club Cruises? I've sailed with them several times on both Quest and Journey. They often have offers for solo travellers with just a 25% solo supplement. The Transatlantic cruises attract lots of solo passengers. Although the initial price may appear expensive, as they are almost all inclusive they compare favourably with the mainstream cruise lines. They also offer a far superior on board experience, compared to that offered by P&O.

Hoping to get a single cabin on a cruise in the med on Azura or Ventura for 14 nights, as these cabins are very limited, where can I find the costs for an inside cabin for 2, but just for 1 passenger?

I wouldn't recommend the single cabins on Azura.I stayed in an outside single, they are small, basic, functional, but extremely noisy, being very close to the Atrium.

Evening. I notice on Fred's website there is ana ll inclusive package listed. It's £10 a night, or £39 if travelling under a concession. Can anyone let me know what a concession is in relation to this?[/quote

 

I have sailed many times with Fred, the majority as a 'concession'. In my case, I was working in travel and we were allowed 'concessionary' fares.

 

If you travel as a concession and pay a reduced fare, you are not allowed to purchase the £10 drinks' package or accrue Oceans Club points.

 

Happy cruising! :)

Never say never! :D I once went on an Icelandic cruise on the Black Watch when a large faction of the passengers were members of the Ramblers Association who were all given lunch. The rest of us were not allowed in the restaurant. :confused:

Indeed, I should not have said 'never'.

During the years I worked as a Travel Agent, we were invited to many ship visits on embarkation day. On those occasions we were served lunch. Many years ago, suite passengers were invited to board early and partake of lunch.

Times have changed and as a paying passenger with fifteen Fred cruises under my belt, I have yet to enjoy lunch on board on embarkation day.

Many passengers are surprised when they sail with Fred for the first time and find the ships do not offer food 24/7. I thought it was advisable for Lanky Lad to be prepared.

Happy cruising! :)

I am on Braerar in March sailing from Dover.

 

Can anyone let me know what time boarding is likely to start and will I have a time to board or is it just a case of turn up and wait?

 

Also what time am I likely to be off the ship when we get back?

Hi, Just a reminder to advise that lunch is never served on Fred's ships on embarkation day.

Afternoon tea comprising sandwiches and cakes will be available at approximately 15.30 - 16.30.

If you are on late sitting for dinner, I suggest you have lunch before boarding. Food outlets are available at the De Bradelei Wharf shopping centre on the sea front. It has a car park.

Hi everyone

 

We are booked for 2016 and having had a closer look at the pictures of Quest and in particular the balconies, it seems that some balconies do not have a complete open look with the railings. Some in the middle of the ship have a wall.

 

Can anyone advise if this is correct, We are booked into 7044 but I would much prefer a complete open look to the sea rather than a wall - sorry cant think of the right description to call it.

 

Also can anyone advise what sort of balcony furniture is on the Quest in the balcony rooms? I seem to be finding conflicting pictures - some pictures show a big glass type table with square hard chairs and yet another one shows a wicker sort of padded chair.

 

Any help in this would be very much appreciated.

Hi, I recently stayed in a balcony cabin on deck 6 on Quest.

The balcony furniture comprised a square, glass topped table and two wicker style chairs.

The balcony railings were metal with a gap between each rail and topped with a wooden handrail.

I've just checked the cabin number you've booked for 2016 and strangely, it's the same cabin number I've booked for my next cruise in 2015.

Happy cruising! :)

One more photo to share of new Lunch entrees:

Spicy Seared Chipotle Shrimp Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Chorizo & Saffron Rice

Hi Bonnie, Is there any chance you could show photos of the vegetarian options?

I dined in Aqualina on Quest just recently and I have to say I was disappointed with the limited vegetarian choice. However, the Limoncello souffle was very enjoyable.

I hope you have a brilliant cruise; I'm back on Quest next Saturday. Have fun! - Jan

 

Jan,

Can you tell us please are the changes davidandjulia describe being done, or are done, on the Quest. Perhaps when you return you could post please.

 

Sorry for hijacking the post.

Hi, With regard to the changes, are you talking about the new deck furniture?

I'll check it out when I'm onboard and report back. Jan

davidandjulia,

 

Reading your post was a pleasure particularly as we embark Journey next week.

 

I felt that my first Journey cruise in May (after many Quest cruises) though enjoyable lacked a little sparkle.

 

Your recent experience along with those of sleep7 and Deirdre has convinced me that we will have a wonderful time.

 

And I can't wait to try that very lovely looking new deck furniture

Hi Spursgirl, :)

I was also on the Journey cruise, it was great. It was my first time on Journey, after several cruises on Quest. The staff are wonderful on both ships.

The new deck furniture is very stylish, although I didn't try it out for comfort.

The White Night Deck Party was a particular highlight. Eric and the live band were amazing and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

I hope you have a brilliant cruise; I'm back on Quest next Saturday. Have fun! - Jan

Why thank you kind Sir, you are indeed correct, I am from the UK and only 2014 125% sailings are shown for us. Thank you one and all for the info regarding relevant sailings, I hope that the solo reduction will be available to us Brits as well. G :)

Hi, I'm also from the UK.

When I was on Journey recently, I mentioned to Cindy in Future Sales that the UK website was only showing the solo deals for 2014. She printed out an updated list for me.

I booked on board for the Journey TA in November 2015 and got what I consider to be a good deal. 125% solo supplement, Double Cabin Upgrade, OBC and other perks. :)

Tigernut, did you know beforehand that an extra level of dressing was requested? I'd have been caught out otherwise!

Hi, I personally knew, as I had read something on line and I packed a cocktail dress. Other passengers I spoke to, had checked with Azamara before boarding and were told that 'smart casual' was acceptable. Conflicting advice!

The Azamazing evening was split between two groups; I was in the earlier group. I have no idea how many males in the later group wore jackets. Overall, the standard of dress on that evening, was far more formal than you usually see on Azamara.

Leave your jackets at home. There's no need to take them. I've eaten several times with the captain, and with the staff captain and chief engineer, and often with the hotel director, and never wore a jacket.

 

Don't let others intimidate you..and certainly don't let a marketing brochure with posed pictures and models influence you. You don't have to please anyone but yourself.

At the present time I am sailing on Journey.

A couple of days ago we had our Azamazing evening at the Yacht Club of Monaco. If passengers wished to attend, they were asked to 'dress to impress'. 95% of the men wore jackets and many ladies wore long dresses, cocktail dresses or long skirts and tops. It was lovely to see everyone dressed up.

I love sailing with Azamara, but I also enjoy dressing formally on other cruise lines.

We are sailing on Journey in less than 48 hours and still have not been given a stateroom allocation (we have a Veranda Gty). Despite several phone calls (presumably to Guatemala) from our agent he has been unable to get any information for us; the person he spoke to said that allocations are made by staff onboard, not by AZ reservations department. What planet is Guatemala on? To describe our present state as 'antsy' wouldn't even begin to describe the way we are feeling - we have visions of being turned away at the gangway on Saturday! ��

You will not be turned away at the gangway. A 'guarantee' cabin, is as it says, you are guaranteed a cabin, at least in the grade you have booked.

I sail on 11 October and I have not, as yet, been allocated a cabin number. This is not unusual, as on a previous cruise, I wasn't allocated a cabin number until I checked in at the port.

I travel as a solo and to keep the cost reasonable, I usually book a guarantee inside cabin. As such, I don't expect to be upgraded, although I was upgraded on the last cruise, to an outside cabin on deck 3. Perfectly fine, and ideally positioned for a quick dash up to the Mosiac cafe.

Enjoy your cruise! :)