howmuch!

5 hours ago, Wharton451 said:

Thank you for the above info, my dilema is the time scale, I was told his app would be updated within 5 days it hasn't. Getting a letter out before my cruise is not possible taking into account Friday is a Bank Holiday. There seems no way of getting one and missing the cruise. 

Might be a long shot, but it may be worth uninstalling the NHS phone app, and then loading it again

A couple of other things to add to the list of things to watch out for - 

We check the plan, and avoid adjacent 4 berth cabins. Also, some cabins have interconnecting doors, which we avoid.

The deck plans for each ship are on the TUi website. If you pay £50, you can choose your cabin, so that you know where you are going from day 1.

We were on Explorer last August in large Balcony cabin 10107 - No noise at all.

7 hours ago, DamianG said:

Thursday 7^th April

 

I had another funny night’s sleep, not helped by the late night cleaning of the infinity pool one deck up and one cabin across from ours. It took us a while to work out what the hose down and brushing noises were, not what you want to hear at 11pm. I still woke up early though, but it took several attempts for us to wake up Kyle. We eventually were ready for 9:10am and the Coral restaurant breakfast booking notification came through very quickly yet again. Michelle and I both chose items from the cooked breakfast list and Kyle had Rice Krispies and a chocolate muffin. We were glad that he picked something this time and ate it.

 

After breakfast we went to Vistas as usual and stayed there for 20 minutes or so while deciding what to do for the day. Yet again we were invisible where we were sat, as was another passenger who was there before us. Eventually I flagged down a waitress just as the other chap had caught the attention of a waiter, so we went from zero to 2 staff members in an instant (just like buses). Kyle did not want to go ashore but Michelle said that I could if I wanted to so I briefly considered a grand tour of the remaining 2 professional football grounds in Rotterdam (Sparta Rotterdam and Excelsior). Both seemed to be within 30 minutes of the city terminal but in the end I decided to just stay onboard, mainly so that Michelle wasn’t just stuck in the cabin again.

 

We had some leisurely time in the cabin then Michelle and I went for a stroll around the ship, primarily to view those conservatory mini suite cabins on the promenade deck (8). Even though the promenade deck was deserted and it was quiet I just cannot imagine having one of those cabins with the lack of balcony privacy. We also tried to arrange lunch at the Olive Grove but they were fully booked so instead we made a reservation for tomorrow. From there we stopped at the Keel and Cow for a glass of Pinot Grigio each (it was after 12pm) before we visited reception to book self-disembarkation. While queueing we witnessed an obnoxious man giving the receptionist a really hard time. “You cancelled Hamburg…you cancelled our trip to Amsterdam…this has not been a cruise…we’ve only been to 2 ports…we’ve been stuck here for 3 days…you shouldn’t send these high sided ships North if you know they may have a problem in high winds…you’re mugging us off…” he said, going on and on, all the time in a loud, angry voice. Fortunately our request was quickly processed so we were soon able to move on without having to hear any more. Regardless of whether he had some valid complaints to make, his rude manner and generally aggressive behaviour was awful and we felt really sorry for the lady on the receiving end.

 

From reception we went down to the Glass House on deck 7 for more drinks, then we returned to the cabin to check on Kyle. An hour or so later we dragged him out for lunch at the Quays, hoping that he would try the Katsu Chicken Curry, but he was having none of it. We got fish and chips for ourselves, with curry sauce for Michelle and mushy peas along with a pickled onion for me. The standard was fantastic, again far superior to our local chippies at home. By the way, Sauvignon Blanc goes really well with fish and chips! We finally persuaded Kyle to have some fries from the burger bar, but as soon as I brought them back to the table he smothered them in sugar by accident. A waiter happened to see this and rushed over “No, no, no, that’s sugar! You can’t eat them!” and within seconds he’d whisked the fries away. Michelle got Kyle another portion and this time he carefully coated them in salt and vinegar. Talking of which, the condiments section of the Quays is really good and worthy of a mention, with ketchup and mayonnaise available via pumps used to fill ramekins, accompanied by HP (brown) sauce bottles and huge vinegar bottles.

 

After lunch we returned to the cabin yet again before Kyle asked for it for himself in order to FaceTime his friends. So off we strolled again, wandering around the ship, paying a visit to Future Cruise Sales to make an enquiry about transferring our August cruise to something in 2024 (as we cannot find someone to look after our puppy in August so far) before settling in the Glass House again. Michelle stuck with the Chilean Merlot again and I tried Manolesakis Estate Exis White from Greece, all in the name of research and in preparation for our visit to the Olive Grove tomorrow of course.

 

We had a leisurely afternoon (and day in general) and it was nice to be “busy doing nothing” for a change. We picked up our usual Proseccos before heading back to the cabin and while I was typing up the blog just after 6pm I noticed that it had suddenly become very dark outside. Just as I opened the balcony door an almighty downpour started and the wind really got up. I heard some deck furniture move upstairs then screams from the jacuzzis on the aft deck below, where some children had been caught in the storm. Then just as Michelle stuck her head of out the balcony door there was a flash of lightning. It was all very dramatic and straight away I thought that this must be the force 8 the captain had referred to. However, it soon blew through and 15 minutes later it was all over, with the last of the day’s sun trying to break through the clouds.

 

We chose the Pearl MDR for dinner and yet again our table ready notification came through straight away, meaning that we’ve only had to wait (briefly) once all week. We were seated on table 407 in an extremely quiet corner, so I can now suggest table 406 for anyone who wants a truly secluded table for 2. The waiters looked puzzled as I took photos of the empty tables so that I could post them (below). Michelle and I both had Indonesian Salad with Lime Dressing for a starter (looked deceptively small but was tasty and very filling) followed by Guinea Fowl for her and Salmon Fillet for me. Mine was very well cooked but I’m not a huge fan of fish (I generally eat it because it’s good for you) and I should have got the Guinea Fowl which was excellent. Michelle had a glass of Silk and Spice, whilst I tried Giovanni Puiatti Puiattino Pinot Grigio (try saying that when you’re tipsy, not that I was, honestly) which was very superb. We both had cheese and biscuits for dessert. Drambuie was one of the after dinner drinks choices so we both tried a glass. Never again, unless we’ve run out of tickly cough medicine and I’m desperate.

 

After dinner we made the long trek to the Crow’s Nest. We were quickly seated quite centrally but the pianist “Musical Director Taff” was playing for one night only and it was far too loud given how close were sat. We managed to move further round the Crow’s Nest and found ourselves in kiddies corner, with the children of 2 families happily playing including 2 boys running up and down occasionally. We only stayed for 1 drink then took the long walk back to our cabin 10:15pm.

Great blog. Enjoyed reading it all week. 

3 hours ago, majortom10 said:

Perhaps P&O should change their dress code for all their ships to Shabby Chic to match their ships.

Sounds like a boiler suit and spanners would be more appropriate

and this - 

The shipping company's procedure should cover all possible scenarios - including the potential full evacuation of the ship, and should include all aspects related to transportation, medical treatment and supervision, accommodation, maintenance and eventual repatriation of any passenger or crew taken off for Covid-19-related reasons. Costs arising from these actions shall be covered by the shipping company, either directly or through an insurance company.

Passengers insurance or Cruise Line???

There's a long discussion on this insurance topic, on the P+O thread. I cant remember all the details, but many packaged bank account policies covered both people, but many others did not cover the 'negative' partner (unless possibly those that are carers for the positive person). LV (our own annual insurance), does not, so check carefully.

Many responses from insurers suggest it could be on a case by case basis (Russian Roulette really)

13 hours ago, Jim The Scot said:

 

Used laptop,ipad,phone.....firefox,safari,chrome so pretty sure its not an issue at my end 😜

 

 

It certainly sounds like there's a problem at Tui end. I must have been lucky

1 hour ago, davecttr said:

Could be because they have been out of service maybe all those flexible bits have seized up

Sounds a bit like me, the morning after a days gardening!

If you think customer service is bad before you go, wait till you return with an issue. Its fill a feedback form in and wait up to 28 days. I tried phoning several numbers, chat, FB messenger and twitter and was always referred back to the damn form.

As an aside, we sailed on March 1st and had no issue with website during Feb at all? Is it possibly a browser or device issue? I am using a laptop and Chrome browser, and seem to recall some had issues with some devices

We were on 3 weeks ago, and we didn't encounter anything similar to your previous cruise experience (and we have seen similar poor behaviour on Thomson ships through excess alcohol).  I think the age demographic has lowered a bit, but we never had any issues with anyone on board. We did avoid the Squid and Anchor (which can get rowdy sometimes), but only because we were avoiding areas most likely to be crowded due to Covid.

That was our 12th Thomson/Marella cruise, the first being in 2011 when we sailed on the Destiny, so we have seen 'before and after' Marella.

I think the food has suffered a little in the MDR (particularly portion sizes) and service was sometimes hit and miss, but we enjoyed the cruise, and I'm sure you will.

Covid protocols have changed on flights since we went, and I believe masks are being dropped on board Discovery (but I may be wrong), which would be my main concern if cruising now.

15 hours ago, Millie22 said:

Hello,

 

I am unable to select my seats for my flight for my cruise leaving next Tuesday.  I have paid to select seats but the option is not available and neither is check in.

 

I had to book by phone as the website wasn’t working although the lady I spoke to said there were no issues.

 

it is hugely frustrating and not easy to contact Marella.  I emailed on Friday but there has been no response.  
 

Is anyone else having difficulties with the website?
 

Thanks in advance.

Are you looking in the correct area of the website? I think you need  'Accounts and Bookings' (at top right hand corner of website), then in the drop down list choose 'Advance passenger info'

30 minutes ago, Se1lad said:

I often see this as I walk past my local hospital - during winter they look absolutely freezing as they are normally dressed only in slippers, pyjamas and dressing gowns!

Goes to prove how addictive it is I suppose, but hospital is the perfect opportunity to help people stop via nicotine patches, so really they shouldn't allow patients to stand there and ignore the fact that at many hospitals its supposed by be banned within the grounds.

17 hours ago, zap99 said:

I found you don't get a yes, or no until you get to the end. A bit like companies recorded messages. 5 minutes of dross, until they tell you ' your call is very,very important to us, but we can't be bothered at the moment. Call back when it is more convenient to US.

Exactly! Tried again just now - same result.

2 hours ago, zap99 said:

I ordered a pack last night. It went through ok, but didn't earlier.

Just tried now and thought it was going OK, asked for address etc, then said none available for posting!

On 3/22/2022 at 5:21 PM, davecttr said:

they will also ensure food is available

But it may be only in the buffet if any later than 9.30

4 hours ago, Megabear2 said:

I have unfortunately just been told by my husband that my niece's 20 month old baby has been hospitalised over the weekend and that one of the elderly guests is currently awaiting transfer to hospital too.   Apparently he didn't want to alarm me until I was feeling better!

So sorry to hear this. I hope you are all feeling better soon. So much for Omicron being 'mild'

No doubt time will tell, now that things are changing onboard. If the 'cautious' decide to stay away, and more places are taken by the 'get on with life' set, then it will be an interesting test of the new guidelines, provided any of data ever makes it to the outside world and is not hidden by cruise lines (as is often the case currently)

I'm still waiting for a reply after 13 days. Impossible to contact anyone after cruise by telephone, online chat, or email.

If you want to spend money with them - that's a different story - all possible forms of communication available including shops.

We were last flight from ship (Doncaster) on Tues 8th, and left the ship at 16.30. Everything available till then. Hand luggage can be left in the Indigo bar until 4pm.

Don't fret, the ship will be aware of flight situation and will wait. After all Tui organised both.

4 hours ago, Fionboard said:

Wonder how accurate the P&O list is. Just checked official Madeira rules (updated this week) and no PLF required! 

We were in Funchal last Saturday on a Marella Canaries cruise - no PLF needed for us?

41 minutes ago, Sonyar said:

We are on Britannia at the moment. 

When out and about the majority of locals are wearing masks. 

It's really not much of a faff on board, I'm happy to wear a mask if it protects people on the ship and on the islands.

Exactly my view. 

51 minutes ago, Denarius said:

This is logical. I understand that (in the UK at least) being in close contact with is defined as being within 2 metres of an infected person for 15 minutes or more. So there could be justifiction for retaining masks for people sitting in the theatre but dispensing with them for those moving around the public areas of the ship.

I seem to recall that test and trace modified the 15 min rule, saying it could result from an 'accumulation' of contacts with several people, rather than just one person, but agree it is more likely that some areas are more problematic than others.

It will be interesting to see what the Covid numbers do on US ships, when masks are dropped. Last time I looked, the CDC were saying infection rates had dropped, but 49 ships were still running at too high a level. I cant see dropping the requirement for masks helping numbers.

Perhaps its to do with this just issued by the EU - 

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/coronavirus/covid-19-travel-into-the-eu/