Time for a 12 day Scandinavian cruise out of Dover om the Carnival Pride

[jsglow]

11 minutes ago, lazydayz said:

Just read the cancellation letter for the next Pride cruise (scheduled for July 21).  They are trying to plan a shorter cruise that will return to Dover on July 30, and are trying to arrange for the guests already in Europe to sail on a sister line on July 22.   

I thought that was a VERY significant statement.  The engineers have already had 24 hours to diagnose. And I'll bet they have a decent time horizon for the repair.

 

Note that JH indicated they'd likely have some news for the folks already in London by tomorrow about a revised, shorter itinerary.  So I can absolutely envision that they have a pretty good handle on having repairs done sometime next week, getting back to Dover to pick up pax, and being back on schedule for 7/30.

[princess76021]

58 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

We are not returning to Dover.  Next cruise is cancelled.  They will get us to Heathrow.  More to follow. 

I'm hitting the oh crap button!!!

Hugs from sweltering Texas!

[kdr69]

11 minutes ago, jsglow said:

I thought that was a VERY significant statement.  The engineers have already had 24 hours to diagnose. And I'll bet they have a decent time horizon for the repair.

 

Note that JH indicated they'd likely have some news for the folks already in London by tomorrow about a revised, shorter itinerary.  So I can absolutely envision that they have a pretty good handle on having repairs done sometime next week, getting back to Dover to pick up pax, and being back on schedule for 7/30.

God i so hope they get it back up before our Aug 20th Cruise.

[jsglow]

3 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

God i so hope they get it back up before our Aug 20th Cruise.

Again, I'm taking comfort in the initial comments by JH about the potential for a revised, shorter itinerary for next week.  This feels a little like the Ruby Princess situation in SF a week ago. The fix will take some time but fix it they can. 

[jsglow]

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

We need to re confirm our flight details by 9 tonight.  There is a form we have fill out.  More to come.  

I'm betting they are setting up charters and assigning you to airplanes based on your Heathrow departure.

[jimbo5544]

28 minutes ago, jsglow said:

I'm betting they are setting up charters and assigning you to airplanes based on your Heathrow departure.

You would be correct 

[Joanne G.]

1 hour ago, cellfree said:

Wonder how Carnival will deal with the B2Bs. 

I wonder that, too, as I am one.   Initially we were told we B2B passengers would get specific information, but so far all I’ve gotten is the same form everyone else got.  One option was staying on board until the return to Dover, time undetermined at this point.  I marked yes and declined a charter flight at this time.  But the representative at guest services said no one can stay aboard.  It is chaos at guest services, and someone thought it would be a good idea to have an over-amplified singer at the atrium bar.  So my communication with guest services was by yelling.  I couldn’t understand what she was saying about how they would make sure I made my scheduled return flight on July 31 but couldn’t stay on board. Nor could she explain why staying on board wasn’t really an option even though it was an option on the form. Where will I be?? She took my form and said, “don’t worry.”   I gave up and will hope for more information in the morning, or at least the opportunity to communicate without yelling over the singer. I am packing and preparing to fend for myself if kicked off the ship, but hopefully I will get some clarification and assistance from Carnival. 

Edited July 19, 2023 by Joanne G.

[jsglow]

1 hour ago, cellfree said:

Wonder how Carnival will deal with the B2Bs. 

On a case by case basis but I'll bet they fly them back to London and put them up for as long as necessary; of course with the option to fly them home.

[SDPadreFan]

As you can imagine, having every cabin turning in a survey (flight needs) to the Customer Service desk by 9pm (we had about a 90 minute response window) made the Atrium area a real zoo. But from my prospective, Pride had plenty of staff available covering the area nearby and for us, we had turned in our form within about 3-4 minutes and were out of there. I'm sure there were plenty of stressed out, overly demanding people there, but for us - it was fast and seamless and we got the heck out of the way.

 

So kudos (so far) for the professionalism of the Carnival Pride crew.

 

Agree that having the singer belting out songs at the Atrium was foolish. One demerit for the entertainment staff.

Edited July 19, 2023 by SDPadreFan

[Island2Dweller]

Some background info on flights that might be useful for those reviewing their options.  For those who need to get to London - there are no direct flights from Kiel to London.  The nearest airport with flights into London is Hamburg.  There are about ten flights tomorrow, but not all go to Heathrow.  For those needing to be at Heathrow, if you are offered a route via another airport you should know that the time and hassle of getting from Gatwick or Stansted (to of the other London airports, London has six) to Heathrow should not be underestimated.

I'm sure they are looking to charter, but this is peak season in Europe and many charter operators are already booked running holiday flights.  Getting a landing slot to take a charter flight into Heathrow is up there with getting this week lottery numbers

[abbeydoo]

4 minutes ago, Island2Dweller said:

Some background info on flights that might be useful for those reviewing their options.  For those who need to get to London - there are no direct flights from Kiel to London.  The nearest airport with flights into London is Hamburg.  There are about ten flights tomorrow, but not all go to Heathrow.  For those needing to be at Heathrow, if you are offered a route via another airport you should know that the time and hassle of getting from Gatwick or Stansted (to of the other London airports, London has six) to Heathrow should not be underestimated.

I'm sure they are looking to charter, but this is peak season in Europe and many charter operators are already booked running holiday flights.  Getting a landing slot to take a charter flight into Heathrow is up there with getting this week lottery numbers

I'm sure Carnival will provide coach transfers from other airports to LHR. Realistically, as you have already mentioned unlikely to get a landing slot at Heathrow. Stansted and Luton are more likely to have capacity and with provided coach transfers it's an inconvenience but not difficult. 

[SDPadreFan]

So some additional comments regarding Pride after overhaul. Frankie (the Cruise Director) mentioned that the showroom has a whole new stage lighting system and it is very nice. I think that there has been some improvements to the engineering plant as it relates to the stateroom water delivery system. Hot water in the bathroom is almost instantaneous and there is plenty of it. No issues with changing water pressure. We are on the 6th deck back aft.  We got a new toilet seat a few days ago. The older one was looking a little tired (but clean). Stateroom attendant (Ivan) said all were being replaced but work still in progress as there were supply chain issues getting them all delivered during dry-dock. New mattress in our stateroom is very soft (almost too soft). New balcony doors (swing out, not sliding) are very nice and the slide (bolt) lock works effortlessly.

 

Overall dining in the Main Dining Room was satisfactory to excellent. First couple of days we got variable Your Time Dining assignments (some good, some just ok). When we did get seated in an area we liked (3rd deck), we just asked the front desk to always seat us in that section. It wasn't a reaction to an outstanding service team (although they did turn out that way). It was primarily to be seated in that location each night rather than getting bounced around each night. Note that when you do request a specific section to be repeated, it will slow down your seating time vs. getting first available in the dining room. The broiled striploin steak that is available each night (standard option) is a serviceable steak with good flavor. I'm not expecting Morton's Steakhouse on a Carnival budget. Overall, I never had a bad meal and my waistline is showing it.

 

Bacon at breakfast on the Lido deck is access controlled (bacon police) and it is served every other day.

[SDPadreFan]

Letter we just got say's all "paid passengers" will get a 25% FCC. At least that's my interpretation of the letter. But I guess if Carnival want's to offer Elite cruisers an additional deal to make more money in the casino off them, I guess they will.

[nascargirly]

Just want to say a big thanks to Jimbo and others for the updates, as we have family on board the ship now! 

[Joanne G.]

41 minutes ago, jsglow said:

On a case by case basis but I'll bet they fly them back to London and put them up for as long as necessary; of course with the option to fly them home.

I just got a letter specifically for B2B passengers.  We can stay onboard while the repairs are being made and until the return to Dover.   The rest of the letter is what has already been posted - they may come up with a shortened itinerary or even an option on a different ship leaving on the 22nd.  Or I could leave the ship now for a full refund and other compensation for of the now cancelled cruise Nope! I’m staying onboard. I feel much better now. More information to follow tomorrow.  
 

I am not overly demanding or entitled, and I know Carnival is dealing with a lot.  But at the welcome aboard show, we were told there were over 200 B2B passengers, and it was disappointing that I was told that we couldn’t stay aboard when apparently we can - unless we had a misunderstanding due to a language barrier made worse by the blaring music.  

[SDPadreFan]

Glad they will let you stay on board. Could almost be like having your own personal cruise ship.

[SDPadreFan]

Going to log out for the night. Have a feeling the next 48 hours will be tenuous and somewhat draining.

[Eli_6]

Just read on Facebook from a lady I know on the Pride that her next sailing is canceled, but looks like the news has already hit here. 

[jsglow]

2 minutes ago, Eli_6 said:

Just read on Facebook from a lady I know on the Pride that her next sailing is canceled, but looks like the news has already hit here. 

Keep up doncha know @Eli_6! 🤪

 

And I recall that you might have just been onboard. You didn't do an engine room tour and touch anything, did you? 🤔

[Eli_6]

2 minutes ago, jsglow said:

Keep up doncha know @Eli_6! 🤪

 

And I recall that you might have just been onboard. You didn't do an engine room tour and touch anything, did you? 🤔

Well, I did let my kids loose in there for a bit...

Edited July 19, 2023 by Eli_6

[jimbo5544]

1 hour ago, SDPadreFan said:

As you can imagine, having every cabin turning in a survey (flight needs) to the Customer Service desk by 9pm (we had about a 90 minute response window) made the Atrium area a real zoo. But from my prospective, Pride had plenty of staff available covering the area nearby and for us, we had turned in our form within about 3-4 minutes and were out of there. I'm sure there were plenty of stressed out, overly demanding people there, but for us - it was fast and seamless and we got the heck out of the way.

 

So kudos (so far) for the professionalism of the Carnival Pride crew.

 

Agree that having the singer belting out songs at the Atrium was foolish. One demerit for the entertainment staff.

I totally agree.  It was chaos d they were all there to help.  When the times get tough they are there to answer the bell.  I am sure they are in for a long nite.  It has been a heck of a day.  Lets see what tomorrow brings.  More to come.  

[jimbo5544]

On a side note, we had dinner at the steakhouse.   Great meal to cap a crazy day.  

[jimbo5544]

31 minutes ago, SDPadreFan said:

Going to log out for the night. Have a feeling the next 48 hours will be tenuous and somewhat draining.

The spice of life

[jimbo5544]

55 minutes ago, nascargirly said:

Just want to say a big thanks to Jimbo and others for the updates, as we have family on board the ship now! 

Our pleasure.  It was still an amazing cruise 

[jimbo5544]

 Cruise critic rocks