Trevor Fountain

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.

Yes, indeed.

To avoid confusion this presumably refers to MSC.

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.

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.

Have you checked the train timetables? Bear in mind it is a Sunday. I had a look a few weeks back and it seemed a bit tight as I recall. I was told there is a bus for about 3 euros to Portovenerre, but I can't find it listed anywhere.

They could allocate your cabin at check in. Waste of time ringing them, it won't be allocated over the phone. There are possibly people still booking and paying the select fare. They will get first choice. Also sometimes it's better to get allocated a cabin close to sailing, as you may find you get a late cancellation and thus a better cabin than you might get if you are allocated early.

So do I.

Ah, that makes cents.

Have you booked direct, or through a travel agent? If it is the latter, I would contact them and let them do it all for you. I'm sure you could just turn up at the terminal. They can definitely give you luggage tables and issue boarding passes. The only thing I think you would need to do yourself is complete the health declaration between 1 and 3 days before departure.

They could take the tv out for me. I usually cruise only once a year (in normal times), and the last thing I want on holiday is a tv.

This is what happens when standards are diluted. Those who don't get why the turndown service should be kept, probably won't get why you'll be carrying your own suitcases to your cabins eventually.

It is done for "Operational reasons".

Anthem is bigger in Length and Beam than both Britannia and Iona. Iona has a deeper draft.

I blame the energy crisis. I suspect they are just trying to keep warm without using Gas or Electric.

Wasn't that Amy Winehouse?

Thanks. Seems to me like a customer service agent is guessing what is likely. I'll wait for official confirmation before booking further cruises. Wouldn't touch a Princess cruise anyway after the debacle I had getting a cancellation refund.

Has P&O actually stated the unvaccinated will be allowed on board soon?

I have no idea then, though the ones sold on board are presumebly brand new. A lot of workplaces don't allow you to use any of your own electrical items until they have been deemed safe by one of there own electricians. It's sll health and safety. Sometimes way over the top for sure.

As I read it, they are not exempt. As it says, not limited to. Unless therr is a list of exempt items that I haven't seen.

Why? Does it come complete with a SatNav?

I think the point is that some people may take items on board which may not be safe or well maintained. It's not that P&O are deliberately trying to be prohibitive, it is health and safety. Also the voltage on a ship us not as stable as on land, and this could be problematic to some appliances.

Maybe not. Perhaps things are better than a couple of months back, but it was just too much of a risk to apply in the normal manner just a few weeks before travelling.

One of our party due to travel on 2/10 had just over 3 months left on passport. Tried for ages to get an appointment for a fast track (1 week) passport. Eventually got an appointment in Belfast. She lives just a few miles from Liverpool passport office. She travelled on the ferry to Belfast for her appointment last Thursday. Passport arrived Saturday.

This is another example of poor customer service. How does the grade compare with your original choice?