Trevor Fountain

2 hours ago, Red Ray said:

We are on her in May - my favourite ship and looking forward to it. No photographers is a bonus, I don't care if I don't get after eight mints, and we take our own toiletries anyway.  Obviously I hope the plumbing is sorted out!

The direction P&O are heading you'll be taking a tent with you soon.

21 hours ago, UKsatcom said:

 

 

 

The image below is taken from one of the news paper reports 

Credit.....

P&O Cruises passengers left livid after dream cruise 'ruined' by Christmas Day 'disaster' | UK | News | Express.co.uk

 

On the left are the toilets half way down the "first" corridor , the queue itself stretched back to the atrium.

You can see how packed in we were. 

I estimate that at that time there  were well over 1000 in the queue  waiting more than 90 minutes in sweltering conditions.

 

A health and safety nightmare !

 

 

I think the newspaper got this one wrong. As I understand, this was arranged by Paul Ludlow for an upcoming p&o magazine. Look closely and you should be able to spot Paul. This is his version of Where's Wally.

5 minutes ago, picsa said:

But I am not the one advocating imprisoning those with serious health conditions.

Everybody has been aware for some time now that mandatory mask wearing can be imposed at any point before or during a cruise. If I was exempt from wearing a mask I would make damn sure I would be able to prove I was exempt. I travel on a cruise on Sunday. There is every possibility that by the time I reach check in that mask wearing on board will be mandatory. If that is the case then I expect non-mask wearers would probably be denied boarding. I don't know what they would say to those who can prove they are exempt, but if they can deny boarding to anyone who has had a cough in the last ten days, then I'm pretty sure they can deny boarding to people exempt from wearing a mask.

It should be made clear to people who are exempt that they must provide suitable evidence of exemption or run the risk of having to quarantine should mandatory mask wearing become necessary mid-cruise.

There are plenty of people who P&O do not accept on board for medical reasons, so just because someone is exempt from wearing a mask should not necessarily mean they are to be allowed to endanger the lives of other passengers during any outbreak of a airborne transmittable virus on board.

5 minutes ago, picsa said:

So those with serious medical conditions should be imprisoned because of the potential for some to not tell the truth - what a lovely attitude.

I don't much care for your attitude either. 

Just now, picsa said:

But a close contact might have been infected and would be released after testing negative.

 

It is being suggested that people who for serious medical conditions cannot wear a mask and who are demonstrably not infected with COVID are imprisoned for the duration of the cruise (or for those yet to sail to forfeit what they have paid) - that seems to be rather draconian and to be honest quite an unpleasant view to support. 

There are too many liars and cheats in this world to start taking the moral high ground and worrying about having an unpleasant view as you put it. Some people seem to spend their time thinking of ways to beat measures put in place for the safety of the majority. They think they are hero's until karma strikes.

2 minutes ago, picsa said:

Not necessarily, because plenty of policies have pre-accepted medical conditions that don’t need to be notified.

Then put them in quarantine unless they can prove they are exempt.

17 minutes ago, picsa said:

I was pointing out that it would be utterly impossible for P&O to introduce mandatory mask wearing with no exemptions mid-cruise because there are likely people on board who cannot for health reasons wear masks.

So presumably these folks would have declared their health issue on their mandatory insurance policy. In which case it would be easy to show to P&O medical staff on board.

1 hour ago, pennib said:

I have just put a post on the Britannia board about face masks. Please read.

Can't see your post.

6 minutes ago, zap99 said:

If I only have mild symptoms, no reason to test is there. Do I test now every time I get a bit of a cold?.

That's your choice. At the time I booked the cruise I'm going on this Sunday the rules clearly stated a test (which had to be certified) was to be taken before departure. This, coupled with the option of a fcc was part of my own risk assessment before booking with some degree of confidence.

I think it was you who said if people are worried, they shouldn't go. Well I for one don't fancy throwing away over 4k, but given the choice I wouldn't be travelling on Sunday.

2 minutes ago, jaydee6969 said:

 

Wow, not a nice response.

There's nothing nice about catching covid from someone who knows they are infected but not isolating when on board a ship, where transmission is probably more likely than in open air.

Though I understand why people are now even more reluctant to report it given what has been discussed earlier in this thread.

4 minutes ago, Neecy1 said:

We're on Iona in 6 weeks and I'm a bit concerned they'll change the goalposts last minute and ask for a witnessed pcr/lft days before again. Is it worth ordering a couple do you think. Any suggestions who to order from? 

I probably wouldn't panic on that score, and if it does happen at short notice you could even get a next day in person test (Manchester). https://man.randox.com/#ardp

10 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

I don’t think it was a complaint more an observation.   Undoubtedly large numbers are now getting unwell, be it mild or in some unfortunate cases worse.  I think the observation is that it's a different ballgame to when the decision was made to cruise and money was parted with.  At that point it was relatively easy to understand - everyone was full vaccinated, took a test and wore a mask in public areas.  If you were unwell in the 10 days before travel or a close contact you and your party would not be able to travel but wouldn't lose your holiday as a full FCC meant you could take it later without financial loss.  If you became unwell during your holiday you were quarantined but again received FCC to put towards another holiday where hopefully you would not get unwell again.

 

Now it's a lottery.  Yes, everyone is still vaccinated but no one is required to test at any point and it appears virtually no one wears a mask - they are of course at total liberty to do so, nothing wrong in that.   FCC has been done away with so faced with answering a medical questionnaire passengers are in a personal dilemma, do I admit I've had a bit of a cough and know I will be refused boarding or do I just tick yes and go.  If they choose the honest option the P&O algorithm says you're not coming on, no debate no chance to speak to someone medically trained, computer says no. 

 

The person then has to enter the muddy waters of an insurance claim to retrieve and rescue their holiday costs.  This can amount to thousands of pounds - let's use the cost of my December holiday as an example £8,200 in cruise fare, flight upgrade and seat selection.  The person most likely will have an excess on their policy, generally £75 on the top selling one.  The seat selection cost is not covered in the policy so unless P&O treats it as a refundable extra in the same way as an excursion it will be lost. So for 2 passengers we are looking already at a loss of £152 for seats and £150 policy excess.   

 

To add to all this palaver you actually have to prove to your insurer you really had or have covid in that 10 days.  Most policies' wording state your proof is a PCR test, you however can't get one on the NHS because UK government policy says they aren't necessary.  So you start to look at the private sector, oh dear my nearest one is 50 miles away,  they cost around £50 and won't test you if you have symptoms so I'd better buy a postal one, oh dear none in stock so it will be a day to get it then you post it and 48 hours later you'll get a result.  Ahh Mrs C you say you had the symptoms a few days back but feel totally well now? We can't guarantee a positive result then.  

 

Sure enough there's no positive result so back to the insurer.  Sorry Mrs C you have no provable claim I'm afraid so we have no obligation to pay you. Sorry, goodbye and I'm  now standing saying a very expensive goodbye to my £8,200!!!

 

If however I'd booked a nice all inclusive 2 weeks on the beach in Barbados there would have been no medical questionnaire, no test and I'd be enjoying the beach without a care in the world and eating Christmas Dinner in 30 degrees!

 

Let's leave quarantine for another day, I'm sure we will be hearing a great deal more from the unfortunates on that one!

 

In a nutshell we are being asked to play Russian roulette with our money as the cruise lines clearly have just made another blanket decision apparently without consulting and checking with the insurance industry how they will react and apply these new rules - at least that's what my insurers are telling me.

 

 

Exactly that Megabear. I could not have put it better myself.

2 minutes ago, zap99 said:

I agree, but if those are the rules when we board, we will go along with it. If it makes some folk more comfortable,  OK, but perhaps they shouldn't be there if they are that worried.

 

 

So what do we do? We booked at the time because of the fcc rules. Now they've moved the goalposts, after final balance due, and we're stuffed. Either get on board or lose the full fare. Not much choice really.

Personally I know there is some risk, but I was happy when I booked knowing people were having to test before boarding and mask wearing was compulsory. That's what I signed up to. 

Now we'll do our little bit by wearing masks, even if it is not mandatory, though I doubt many others will.

Great news. Enjoy the remainder of your holiday. I really hope you get properly compensated by whatever means.

38 minutes ago, Denarius said:

But thinking a little more about this, there could be another factor at play as well. P&O have tended in the past to recruit from India, particularly Goa whereas many of their competitors have recruited from the Phillipines or Indonesia.

Yes, at one time the cabin stewards and dining room waiters were Goanese, the bar waiters were Filipino. I seem to recall P&O sacked all the Filipino's en masse after they demanded higher wages.

The only good thing I can think of to come out of lockdown, is the fact that I learned to use hair clippers, and then realised what a con job barbering is. 

1 hour ago, foz1946 said:

I have a Holiday cruise booked on Ventura and due to a slipped disc which has occurred after I booked I may need a collapsible scooter and have booked one with Mobility at Sea. I will be in a limited outlook cabin on Deck 8 and I have rented the collapsible electric scooter Cruiser 12a which because it narrows down to about 15" will pass through a normal cabin door. It can be pushed or driven and I think that Mobility at Sea are one of the preferred partners to provide these. Fingers crossed I may not need it as I am due Epidural injections and may hopefully be walking without sticks again  but I have done as Lee Childs the author of the character advocates  by hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Hope you are ok by the time your cruise comes around. Have you checked with P&O that you can take the scooter in the cabin? Looking at post #52 it may need clarifying.

Best of luck.

On 9/24/2022 at 7:28 PM, Denarius said:

RE. staff shortages. This appears to be an ongoing problem with P&O. I am sailing next week (on Azura not Aurora) and a couple of days ago received an email containing the following information;

"As you’ll have seen in the media, and perhaps experienced in many hospitality and leisure venues in the UK, there are currently supply chain challenges as well as global staff shortages and cruise ships are no exception.

Currently, opening days and times in our speciality restaurants may be affected as well as service in some bars on occasion. Please bear with us – your patience is hugely appreciated."

I have however, cruised this year with both Star Clippers and Saga (twice) and in neither case have I been aware of any such problems. Perhaps it is time for P&O to get their act together.

As ou’ll have seen in the media, and perhaps experienced in many hospitality and leisure venues in the UK, there are currently supply chain challenges as well as global staff shortages and cruise ships are no exception.

Currently, opening days and times in our speciality restaurants may be affected as well as service in some bars on occasion. Please bear with us – your patience is hugely appreciated.

As you’ll have seen in the media, and perhaps experienced in many hospitality and leisure venues in the UK, there are currently supply chain challenges as well as global staff shortages and cruise ships are no exception.

Currently, opening days and times in our speciality restaurants may be affected as well as service in some bars on occasion. Please bear with us – your patience is hugely appreciated.

Or charge the same as Star Clippers and/or Saga.

Just now, Cathygh said:

Yes covid they say. 

 

That's a shame. As much as I don't want to be in isolation, I certainly don't want to end up in the back of an ambulance.

Just now, Cathygh said:

It's not my friends who had to leave, they are in isolation on board. My friends saw 2 other passengers taken away in an ambulance.

 

Maybe not covid then? Many reasons why they may have required hospitalisation.

6 hours ago, nyckfocus said:

So I presume if you went to the same Tesco with the failed lighting and bought a 4 pack of Fillet Steaks and one steak was missing you'll be happy to pay full price with that also ?? I paid to got to 4 ports and only went to 3 .

As it was our final port they took a slow sail back or even stopped during the night for all i know so minimal  extra fuel cost , the Port Tax they saved and not refunded, along all the on-board shops being rammed where they were empty before not to mention all the drinks/alcohol they sold, against the extra staff cost i think they made a very healthy profit.

This was my first PO cruise , and probably my last as they've been a little bit Sneaky from the day we booked to the day we got off 

I can fully understand you're being unhappy about missing a port. Experienced cruisers understand that when you book a cruise there is an element of risk that means you might not get to every port. If logistics allow, then the port will be substituted for another.

Whilst it is upsetting to miss a port, what you have paid for is a 7,14 or whatever day cruise, and ultimately that is what you got. You can insure for missed ports, and I suggest you do so if you cruise again.

I have missed a few ports in my forty odd years of cruising, but never has it ruined my holiday.

You don't mention what sneakiness P&O have been up to, though I agree there are a number of issues that they have not handled well. However these are unprecidented times and reading other boards it's obvious that this isn't unique to P&O trying to manage evolving situations with things like covid, supply issues. staff shortages and many other things besides. If it was so bad that you don't want to sail with P&O again, that is your choice, but try and take all the positives from your cruise, and think what it may have been like if everything was normal.

Whichever Line you may choose, I'm sure all will be better judged in more normal times.

3 minutes ago, davecttr said:

So you still need a valid vaccination certificate for P&O

Yes, indeed.

1 hour ago, yorkshirephil said:

• All Guests embarking are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• For vaccinated Guests it’s not required (but strongly recommended) to present a negative test.

To avoid confusion this presumably refers to MSC.

15 hours ago, majortom10 said:

True but you still pay them in your cruise fare and if P&O don't pay port authority they should reimburse you but never do and keep it as pure profit. Port fees/taxes for a ship full of cruiser's is many thousands of pounds which P&O keep for doing nothing.

As I have never seen Port fees/taxes itemised in my fare, I have always considered it to be part and parcel of the overall package, and would never even give it a second thought when ports are missed.

I mean if you go to Tesco for your weekly shop, you know that in the cost of your food Tesco will obviously have considered the running costs involved. If you walk down a food aisle and the lighting has failed, would you expect something knocked off your bill, because obviously less electricity, more profit for Tesco?

You say P&O keep many thousands of pounds in fees and taxes if a port is missed. Can you say how much per fare this equates to?

Presumably, if the ship is not in port, then it is moving, should they then charge the extra fuel cost to our bills? More staff required to work as no passengers will be ashore. The list goes on.

I am happy with my fare and if I am worried about missing ports then I will buy insurance to cover that, though everybody is entitled to their opinion. 

1 hour ago, PJ's said:

Thanks for advice. I cleared out all cookies and now able to access our booking. Still waiting for a cabin allocation so unable to print off boarding passes and luggage labels.

I wonder if there is any real advantage of checking in online. Theoretically if you have your boarding pass you shouldn't need to see anyone at check in. This is obviously not the case.