More Cruises Cancelled by Voyages To Antiquity !

[Cruiser Downunder]

Cruiser Downunder - just wondering what the bashing is really all about because the only posts you have are on this thread bashing V2A. You contribute no where else to anything positive or what else you're doing in the wake of your cancelled cruise specifically. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

So sorry if stating facts upsets you.

If you bothered to read the positive experience posted by me back on Sept 16 2010 re my cruise on VtoA back then you may start to understand the disappointment and inconvenience both I and other passengers who also have had their cruises cancelled by VtoA have experienced.

Another fact is that with the latest announced cruise cancellation in October this year it now brings the total number of cruises cancelled by this company to 7 in total.....and this in only 2 1/2 years since commencing operation.

Surely potential passengers should be given all the facts so that they can weigh up the potential risks for themselves.

VtoA's cruises do provide a fantastic unique experience if they don't cancel you're cruise!

[librarian]

I believe it is the uniqueness of this cruise company which draws people to it. That is why I am willing to give it another chance. I have traveled on several other smaller cruise ships-Polar Star, Marco Polo, Nautica, Marina, Voyages of Discovery and found I like those size of ships. I did not like my experiences on any RCL, Princess, NCL and especially Carnival. I am not a wealthy person so Cunard is not an experience I desire. This I hope will be good. Thanks for trying to warn people. I think everyone is hopeful it won't happen to them. I have made many mistakes in my life and know I will make just as many again.

[cruisemom42]

Just ran across this discussion of a cancelled cruise on Celebrity and it reminded me of this discussion. If you read the thread (link below), you'll find within the first few posts that not only do two others report that their cruises were cancelled on Celebrity (separate incidents), but others pipe up pretty quickly with similar experiences on HAL and RCCL. It can happen on any line.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1684959

[Alphabravo]

Cruiser Downunder - just wondering what the bashing is really all about because the only posts you have are on this thread bashing V2A. You contribute no where else to anything positive or what else you're doing in the wake of your cancelled cruise specifically. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

I am also curious. Over 5000 posts to Cruise Critic. Are you a travel agent or work for the cruise industry?

[Alphabravo]

I have sailed with VTA in 2010 and again in 2011 and I have booked on the forthcoming 27th August 2012 cruise starting in Istanbul. I have had two cruises cancelled and yes it is very inconvenient particularly as I need to book time off well in advance and often book a cruise a full year ahead. The first cancellation caused me a lot of hassle and re-arrangement and the forthcoming cruise was not my first choice as I have been to most of the places before. Having said that, the company did their best with discounts each time and there are no 'bad' destinations on the calendar. I really enjoyed the two cruises I was on. I like the package. The size of the boat, the informality, the lectures, the destinations all suit me so I came back and re-booked again. I am looking forward to the next trip. I would not like to see the company go out of business and if the profits they make on the Japanese charters keep them afloat (unfortunate pun) then maybe that is what it takes to subsidize the other trips. If I can afford to book next year, I will be very careful about the dates as it seems to be the middle of the summer dates that get hit by charter.

[rugbypopsie]

I've only a few more weeks until my cruise that I have had booked now for more than two years....it feels like forever. I am very excited about a totally different cruise experience and have every confidence it will go well.

 

Sue

[rwadam]

So sorry if stating facts upsets you.

If you bothered to read the positive experience posted by me back on Sept 16 2010 re my cruise on VtoA back then you may start to understand the disappointment and inconvenience both I and other passengers who also have had their cruises cancelled by VtoA have experienced.

Another fact is that with the latest announced cruise cancellation in October this year it now brings the total number of cruises cancelled by this company to 7 in total.....and this in only 2 1/2 years since commencing operation.

Surely potential passengers should be given all the facts so that they can weigh up the potential risks for themselves.

VtoA's cruises do provide a fantastic unique experience if they don't cancel you're cruise!

 

I, too, have been following this thread and was curious as to which cruiseline you rebooked your cruise after your VtoA cruise was cancelled. You had said it was an itinerary and cruise line to your satisfaction so I was curious.

 

Incidentally, I have had two cruises cancelled on me by Celebrity. Falls into the life's too short category for me to worry about it.

[rugbypopsie]

I am just off my cruise on Aegean Odyssey and it was great...

 

Its a pity about moving the spa...its a great location where it is now on the aft of the ship looking straight at the wake. The most unused section of the ship is deck 5 aft smoking area...never saw more than 2 people there.

 

The al fresco dining on the terrace of deck 6 is perfect..our balcony was aft on deck 7 so it was just down one flight to breakfast...considering my waistline that was probably not a good thing.

 

We did not miss the entertainment found on the big ships, with such a busy itinerary and a port and tour every day we were ready for bed pretty early but the entertainment and lectures were lovely.

 

We had an absolutely great time...I would certainly rate the ship at more than 3 stars!

 

Sue

[rugbypopsie]

I forgot to mention...the ship just won an award for Best Specialist Cruise...and of the 304 passengers onboard 71 were repeat cruisers...that must say something about how much people enjoyed the ship and the itinerary.

 

Sue

[cruisemom42]

I am just off my cruise on Aegean Odyssey and it was great...

 

Its a pity about moving the spa...its a great location where it is now on the aft of the ship looking straight at the wake. The most unused section of the ship is deck 5 aft smoking area...never saw more than 2 people there.

 

The al fresco dining on the terrace of deck 6 is perfect..our balcony was aft on deck 7 so it was just down one flight to breakfast...considering my waistline that was probably not a good thing.

 

We did not miss the entertainment found on the big ships, with such a busy itinerary and a port and tour every day we were ready for bed pretty early but the entertainment and lectures were lovely.

 

We had an absolutely great time...I would certainly rate the ship at more than 3 stars!

 

Sue

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip. I just booked another cruise with Voyages to Antiquity for next April. :) I'll be happy to be aboard again; it will be my third on Aegean Odyssey.

[MMDown Under]

I am just off my cruise on Aegean Odyssey and it was great...

 

Its a pity about moving the spa...its a great location where it is now on the aft of the ship looking straight at the wake. The most unused section of the ship is deck 5 aft smoking area...never saw more than 2 people there.

 

The al fresco dining on the terrace of deck 6 is perfect..our balcony was aft on deck 7 so it was just down one flight to breakfast...considering my waistline that was probably not a good thing.

 

We did not miss the entertainment found on the big ships, with such a busy itinerary and a port and tour every day we were ready for bed pretty early but the entertainment and lectures were lovely.

 

We had an absolutely great time...I would certainly rate the ship at more than 3 stars!

 

Sue

 

Delighted to hear that you enjoyed a great cruise, Sue.

 

I look forward to your review, as I'd like to cruise on this ship sometime. I saw that it was voted best specialist cruise in a UK magazine.

[rugbypopsie]

For some reason the review ended up in the P & O Australia section. I have asked for it to be moved to Aus and NZ cruises.

 

I think a lot of Aussies and Kiwis with an interest in small ship/history would really enjoy this ship...we found it much to our liking.

 

Sue

[cruisemom42]

Sue, can you post a link to your review? I'd like to read it.

[rugbypopsie]

Sure......here is the link

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=35780837#post35780837

 

Sue

[jefa]

Thanks for your review rugbypopsie:)

 

I am seriously considering their cruise on 17th December. I have looked at their website, but can't find anything about their smoking policy. I do note that you said there was smoking on deck 5 aft, was that the only place?

[cruisemom42]

Sure......here is the link

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=35780837#post35780837

 

Sue

 

thanks -- sounds like they are only getting better. :)

[rugbypopsie]

thanks -- sounds like they are only getting better. :)

 

You can't please all of the people all of the time but apart from a fair bit of confusion at the airport with those who were were taking the V to A flights...)there was a hold up at the airport due to the transfer company making everybody wait for some passengers who apparently weren't on the flight), everybody else I spoke to was very happy. I had only one very minor gripe, the guides were generally excellent, some needed to have some instruction about the whisper sets as they insisted on not using them, which defeated the purpose, and others I thought were being paid by the word, yes there is such a thing as Too much information...sometimes I like to absorb my surroundings in silence...but it is a very minor quibble.

[cruisemom42]

I had only one very minor gripe, the guides were generally excellent, some needed to have some instruction about the whisper sets as they insisted on not using them, which defeated the purpose, and others I thought were being paid by the word, yes there is such a thing as Too much information...sometimes I like to absorb my surroundings in silence...but it is a very minor quibble.

 

We had a couple of guides (over the course of two cruises) that would use the whisper guides but STILL would insist on everyone gathering around them before speaking -- I think they didn't quite grasp the idea! Made me a bit crazy as I like to wander a bit and take photos while listening.

 

Overall though, the guides we had were very good.

[rugbypopsie]

We had a couple of guides (over the course of two cruises) that would use the whisper guides but STILL would insist on everyone gathering around them before speaking -- I think they didn't quite grasp the idea! Made me a bit crazy as I like to wander a bit and take photos while listening.

 

Overall though, the guides we had were very good.

 

Sounds familiar, some guides used the sets but didn't understand they could speak quietly not shout...when we all ended up at the same time the level of noise was a trifle annoying with all the guides speaking loudly. Others were not careful to keep the microphone in front of their mouth..so when they turned their head their voice cut in and out. Perhaps some feedback to the company might be indicated...as it really was the only thing that was a bit not up to par. But again a minor issue really.

[Ontariotrekker]

Thanks for your review rugbypopsie:)

 

I am seriously considering their cruise on 17th December. I have looked at their website, but can't find anything about their smoking policy. I do note that you said there was smoking on deck 5 aft, was that the only place?

 

 

Smoking is only allowed on Deck 5, the Belvedere deck and trust me, you'd get yelled at by your fellow pax if you tried it anywhere else, including your own balcony. The smoking lounge is quite big and according to Sue. a great place to use your computer.

 

You cannot smoke on the tour busses either. I do sympathize because Hubby's a smoker. Shar

[Lissone]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. I just booked another cruise with Voyages to Antiquity for next April. :) I'll be happy to be aboard again; it will be my third on Aegean Odyssey.

Hello, I am booked on the Grand Voyages to Ancient Wonders April 2013. This will be my first sailing with VTA and would certainly appreciate hearing your experiences, etc.

[rugbypopsie]

Hello, I am booked on the Grand Voyages to Ancient Wonders April 2013. This will be my first sailing with VTA and would certainly appreciate hearing your experiences, etc.

 

Welcome to cruise critic.....we should start a more general thread..."cruises cancelled" sounds negative...and I thoroughly enjoyed my v to a experience.

 

Sue

[Ontariotrekker]

Lissone - welcome to CC. Why not start a roll call for your cruise and then you can find fellow pax and ask questions too.

 

I will be taking my 4/5 cruise with V2A in December and getting very excited.

 

Shar

[Lissone]

Lissone - welcome to CC. Why not start a roll call for your cruise and then you can find fellow pax and ask questions too.

 

I will be taking my 4/5 cruise with V2A in December and getting very excited.

 

Shar

Shar – Thanks so much for your suggestion. I will do that. I’m also becoming excited as this will be my first cruise…ever! I don’t think jumping (yes, literally) from a tugboat onto the Matson Lurline and riding it into Honolulu Harbor qualifies as a cruise by any stretch of the imagination but, other than a Rhine River day trip, that's IT!

 

L-

[myotis]

Welcome to cruise critic.....we should start a more general thread..."cruises cancelled" sounds negative...and I thoroughly enjoyed my v to a experience.

 

Sue

 

I couldn't agree more. So many positive things have been posted on other VtoA threads. For any potential VtoA cruisers the current title is misleading. I am in sympathy with the unfortunate situation of the cancelled cruises, but there is a wealth of very helpful postings which are much more helpful.