LA30

Maybe I'm a lazy reader, but has anyone said the exact date that the ETIAS system starts?

Personally I wouldn't book on board. Have had on board quotes a couple of times both for Select and Saver. Always cheaper online a few weeks later.

I could be wrong, but I think I have read that the Bid for an Upgrade scheme is only available to those who book direct with P&O, not through a TA.

Interesting! Whilst on board Arcadia in November 2022 we were quoted £3949pp for this cruise (R318) at Saver fare and £4699pp for Select price with £530 obs. We hesitated (thankfully) and have since booked a saver fare at £3495pp. I assume the fares you quote are for two people?

I claimed for a missed port a year or so ago. The form was useless as Missed Departure doesn't explain it at all. However, there was a box at the end to add any additional information, where I explained everything. Attached the letter from P&O. Received £200 back. Excellent!

I will just add that we have used Parking for Cruises for many years and always find them excellent. Also, we have never queued.

We're flying with Etihad. I'm sure we could pay for extra baggage with them, but it would be easier to leave it on board. We've done it before and did book in advance. Just turning up and hoping is not a very helpful option!

Interesting that OBC seems to be rather hit and miss. I also applied for our upcoming cruise in September this year and was refused - Have to wait until 90 days prior. Now wondering whether to give it a week or so and just try again!

Just had response from P&O: "Yes, it may be possible to leave your luggage on board if you are disembarking during a world cruise for collection in Southampton. This service is dependent on the ship having sufficient storage and a charge of approximately £35 will be charged to your on board account. Please speak to Reception once you are on-board to enquire about availability. If this service is available, you will be sent details whilst on board detailing what you need to do and when and where your luggage can be collected from, when it returns to Southampton. The limit is two pieces per cabin you can leave on board (providing there is sufficient storage). This service is subject to change due to legal restrictions. Some ports are very reluctant to allow unattended luggage into their waters." Not sure what to do now! What if they say no? We'll have to pay excess baggage on our flight home - which can be very expensive. But 20kg each for luggage on flights from a half world tour is not going to cut it. Same posh frock for every formal night??!

Yes, sent email to P&O. Awaiting their reply. Just thought I would ask you knowledgable folk too!

Hi all. Pre-Covid, we did a half world cruise from Sydney to Southampton. We were able to send a suitcase with our formal gear down to Southampton before the ship departed and when we boarded in Sydney the case was in our cabin. We had to pay, but it was an excellent service. Next January we are doing the other half of the cruise, from Southampton to Sydney. Does anyone know if we can leave a suitcase on board when we fly home?

Sorry guys, I didn't explain properly. We have been allocated midships on deck D, where the balconies are smaller than most and overlook the lifeboats. But hey, I am persuaded! I will think myself lucky and enjoy the cruise! Thanks for your comments.

We booked a saver fare so paid for the lowest possible balcony. There are six grades of balcony fare and we are now on the top one. I think I will just accept it! I feel wrong making a fuss. I just wondered whether anyone on a saver fare had tried to change and got anywhere.

Yes, I do realise that I could have paid (a lot!) more and had a saver fare. As it happens we have been upgraded to the top available balcony grade cabin. I guess I'm just being picky!

Personally I like the formal evenings in that they are something different and special. Few of us dress up at home to such an extent! However, the definition of 'special' is something out of the ordinary, and if they are held every three to four days they cease to be special ! I would like to see them just once a week on all ships.

Hi. Just wondered if anyone has changed cabin after notification of which one they have been allocated. This is on a saver fare, obviously. We have recently heard where we have been allocated and it's okay, but we would prefer elsewhere. I know that all grades of cabin are still on sale, even though we embark in ten days. I have sent a request to P&O but just wondered what the chances of a change are.

We are on J221 so will still have to do the pre-cruise tests. I'm not sure about all this. The idea is (presumably) that everyone who embarks the cruise is covid free. But as soon as we dock anywhere passengers will all go off the ship and then return with all sorts of viruses, not just covid. I understand what P&O are trying to do, but I think it's probably a waste of time and money!