P&O delays their cruising to Pacific Islands

[OzKiwiJJ]

3 hours ago, arxcards said:

Sorry you got caught out. Yes, refunds were slow, as I would shudder at the numbers that had to be refunded or rebooked around the world, also with staff working from home in lockdowns. I don't think there was ever an intent to keep anyone's money. In the early days, the talk of voluntary pauses was only moved month by month, and if you look at the earlier media, it wasn't just the cruise lines that thought it would pass in weeks (even a world leader quoted as saying it was all going to be over by Easter 2020). 

 

As our closed ports began to be extended in 3 month lots, it was only then that the cruise lines were in sync with our government, and they began to extend their own pauses beyond the government ban dates. We waited for an initial refund for a big cruise booked prior to the pandemic, and chose not to book anything until 18 months later, and those cruises were all booked on $1, $49 or $99 deposits.

Yes, it took a few months for the world, and the cruise lines, to come to terms with the pandemic.

 

I think it's a bit unfair to slam most of the cruise lines too much about slow delays on refunding those initial cruises affected by the start of the pandemic. It must have been a complete nightmare for them and the refund process isn't an automatic one. It was a bit scary waiting to see if/when you'd get your money back though. We had one big cruise where we managed to get the final payment amounts back through a credit card chargeback but had to wait almost a year to get the remainder back.

 

Once things stabilized most of the cruise lines were very good about cancelling before final payments were due and offering various options - refund, move-over, or FCCs with s small bonus.

[plettza]

I had a number of Carnival cruises booked in 2020 and opted mainly for the future cruise credit as well as $900 onboard credit rather than refunds.

 

However, it is so difficult to know precisely how much FCC I have.  I have to ring Carnival up and give them all the booking numbers and they manually match up what was refunded or what I elected to keep as FCC.

 

On HAL, P&O and Princess, I can quickly log in and see the amount of FCC I have.  Not with Carnival, though.

 

I don't get why Carnival Corp doesn't have a unified web platform which is customised for each of their brands similar to what RCI and Celebrity have.

Edited July 1, 2022 by plettza

[arxcards]

There are still obstacles in play for the Pacific Islands. P&O has had one sitting just around the corner for Pacific Explorer 8th August departure. This will be altered tomorrow, partly because Noumea is still out of play. The changed itinerary does have a surprise though, and I don't think they are shortening it from 12 nights.

 

The other issue around Noumea is that use it for a service call during their visit, and ideally they need an alternate port that can provide that service.

[By The Bay]

11 hours ago, arxcards said:

 The changed itinerary does have a surprise though, and I don't think they are shortening it from 12 nights.

They wouldn't attempt to tender at Norfolk Island, would they? How about a sail by of Ball's Pyramid and LHI.🤔

Edited July 13, 2022 by By The Bay

[Chiliburn]

20 minutes ago, By The Bay said:

They wouldn't attempt to tender at Norfolk Island, would they? How about a sail by of Ball's Pyramid and LHI.🤔

How about a overnight in vila?

[Relaxing Robbies]

Auckland. First ship into N.Z?

[arxcards]

23 minutes ago, Relaxing Robbies said:

Auckland. First ship into N.Z?

Correct. 12th August.

 

Pacific Explorer's 8th August Fiji cruise is still going to Fiji, but via Auckland, instead of Noumea & Mystery Island. 

[Chiliburn]

[arxcards]

It was breaking last night, but thought it best to keep a lid on it till the passengers received their notification.

 

This could actually be fun - 12 nighter with only 3 ports and lots of sea days

[Kiwi_cruiser]

1 hour ago, Relaxing Robbies said:

Auckland. First ship into N.Z?

 

Yep,!, it was meant to be the Majestic Princess.

[Chiliburn]

44 minutes ago, Kiwi_cruiser said:

 

Yep,!, it was meant to be the Majestic Princess.

Any news on Auckland port upgrade?

[LincolnLegend]

Oh my goodness, how exciting, I am on that cruise!

I have not been getting too excited as I kept feeling like the axe would fall at any moment but now I can get the suitcase out, start swatting the cats out of said suitcase every night and begin panicking about getting Covid (again!) between now and then!

[Sparky74]

17 hours ago, arxcards said:

There are still obstacles in play for the Pacific Islands. P&O has had one sitting just around the corner for Pacific Explorer 8th August departure. This will be altered tomorrow, partly because Noumea is still out of play. The changed itinerary does have a surprise though, and I don't think they are shortening it from 12 nights.

 

The other issue around Noumea is that use it for a service call during their visit, and ideally they need an alternate port that can provide that service.

Many passengers wouldn’t mourn the loss of Noumena as a port of call. I hasten to add that we’ve had some great days at Noumea. I think that you need to have a plan, whether that be a shore excursion booked through the ship or something else. It’s not a great port to just get off and wander IMHO. YMMV

 

HOWEVER, it’s my understanding that apart from anything else the ships are able to take on good quality water at Noumena. I have no evidence to back this up and can site no sources but it’s what someone told me. 🤷‍♂️

[arxcards]

12 minutes ago, Sparky74 said:

Many passengers wouldn’t mourn the loss of Noumena as a port of call. I hasten to add that we’ve had some great days at Noumea. I think that you need to have a plan, whether that be a shore excursion booked through the ship or something else. It’s not a great port to just get off and wander IMHO. YMMV

 

HOWEVER, it’s my understanding that apart from anything else the ships are able to take on good quality water at Noumena. I have no evidence to back this up and can site no sources but it’s what someone told me. 🤷‍♂️

While not essential because of their desalination unit, they usually fill up on fresh water in Noumea. They also have good access to general ship services, such as any specialised maintenance and materials.

 

I like Noumea, as there is always something a bit different to do. It is more about calling there nearly every time you head into the Pacific, knowing there are other island stops that you don't get to stop at often. You also get the feeling that away from the market area and tourist spots, that most locals don't really want you there.

[Chiliburn]

10 minutes ago, arxcards said:

While not essential because of their desalination unit, they usually fill up on fresh water in Noumea. They also have good access to general ship services, such as any specialised maintenance and materials.

 

 

What you are saying the ship fills up with town water and land maintenance in noumea.

 I didn’t know that,maybe you can tell us .

 

We like to give is a bit of a reference to what we are saying.

Edited July 13, 2022 by Chiliburn

[arxcards]

9 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

What you are saying the ship fills up with town water and land maintenance in noumea.

 I didn’t know that,maybe you can tell us .

 

We like to give is a bit of a reference to what we are saying.

Yes.

[SinbadThePorter]

1 hour ago, arxcards said:

You also get the feeling that away from the market area and tourist spots, that most locals don't really want you there.

 

Sacre bleu! If it were otherwise, it wouldn't be French. 😘

[Kiwi_cruiser]

On 7/13/2022 at 4:17 PM, Chiliburn said:

Any news on Auckland port upgrade?

 

What upgrade?!

That all got scraped thank to covid.

 

They might start talking about the upgrade again in a few years time..... 😞