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AJ28

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Posts posted by AJ28

  1. 4 hours ago, Mrscw said:

    yes had really good time, we were really lucky with the weather weren't we. Did you take a project with you? I saw a lot of ladies either knitting or doing embroidery, one lady was  doing a Norwegian pattern may have to try that. So glad you got your Gin back 

    Yes, I had recently learned to hand spin wool from fleece so took my wee hand spinner and some fleece and coloured felting wool to make yarn. Took my little wooden weaving square and did some weaving. Kept me out of trouble on the many sea days. 

  2. On 7/25/2023 at 4:51 PM, Mrscw said:

    Hi we are now in 1044 would still love to meet for coffee. Which cabin are you ?Cath

     

    I'm such a numpty, Cath, I couldn't access messages until I returned. So sorry to have missed you. 

     

    We had a wee drama after getting off shop. They lost my case!!! It wasn't with the others in the car park. I was concerned for my bottles of gin!!!! Eventually (after 90 odd minutes) sorted. CPS lady driver was brilliant. I gave her a hug (and gave my case a hug, too). Gin fine, phew!

     

    Despite restrictions, we both enjoyed our cruise and fancy trying Ambiance next year, should an interesting itinerary fit with my dates. How about you, Cath? And others?

  3. 7 hours ago, Mrscw said:

    We got a good deal because we booked so early, we also prefer the smaller ships and have been to most of the Fjords and St Petersburgh, had a cruise on a new ship MSC World Europa in february, ship was far too big. They also ran out of several drinks and although we were on a seven day cruise there were parts of the ship we did not see. If you wanted to go into the theatre you had to book and it was very difficult to find space. We ended up only seeing one show. I do a lot of crochet and knitting and have recently started to make toys. Looking forward to meeting you both. 

    I know what you mean about the larger ships.  The largest we went on was Navigator of the Seas when we took the kids. It worked out fine because there was so many family activities to do, however our requirements are different now. I've heard that even P&O are asking for bookings for shows etc. I do not like the thought of having to plan in advance to be honest. We have done several cruises with P&O (Aurora being my fave) and loved them all, their kids clubs were the very best quality in our kids' opinion.

     

    Will you be bringing your crochet/knitting bag with you? I'm going to have a look and see if I can find a portable crafting project to do on sea days. 

     

    Best wishes,

    Mandy

  4. 20 minutes ago, Mrscw said:

    Do you do lots of crafts? 

    I do. I'll try anything! I like to do small cross stitch pics (for cards) though need a magnifier to see pattern/thread needles. On past CMV cruises I brought a latch-hook pic to do on sea days. Currently into needle felting at the moment, particularly landscapes but started with a cactus at a workshop last year, well chuffed with it! 

     

    I'm pretty philosophical about the current price reductions, we booked in April, couldn't any earlier, and as my local cattery was getting full for July (and its the best one for my cat) had to find something quick. The major pluses are a relatively short drive to the port from North Wales (which is far better than driving to Southampton) and an itinerary which we know from past experience we will enjoy as we love fjords, the type of ship vibe is another plus and we hope it is similar to CMV.

  5. 6 minutes ago, Mrscw said:

    We have all that as we went to Finland January 2022 just the opposite as it was never day light. Did not take up the free parking as our son will be driving us we are in Lancashire so not a long drive. Do you know how many Captain nights there are? Getting quite excited now. 

    Oooh January, a very different experience. Did you see Northern Lights? We had them one evening a few month ago here but I had an early night and missed them!

     

    I am assuming two formal-ish nights, one per week. I will take some dresses for evenings and a fancy cardigan. Trousers/tops for day time. Are you interested in meeting for a coffee/chat when onboard? We booked a guarantee outside and are at front on deck 8 (above the ship's name). I'm looking forward to the craft classes and Adrian (husband) likes the speakers events.

  6. 21 minutes ago, Mrscw said:

    Yes we are sailing on that one, we booked over a year ago as it is for special birthdays hubby 80 and me 70. we have noticed the price difference pity they cannot refund the difference. Struggling a little with what to pack, thinking of several layers for during the day and adding a shawl or light jacket for the evenings. 

    It's for my 60th! We've done several northern cruises over the years, visiting Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Faroes, all in July. I will take a waterproof jacket, comfortable waterproof walking shoes, brolly, hat, gloves and scarf for those "just in case" cold or rainy days in port or on any sea days (we have seven on this cruise).If I don't need to use them - its not a waste, its a win!

     

    Although I am a Scouser born and bred, I've lived in Falkirk nearly 30 years and my mum stays in North Wales so we were happy to sail from Liverpool (done so before on a CMV ship) and will stay with her and drive up on the 25th. I am assuming you've got free parking as you booked early?

  7. On 6/19/2023 at 9:49 PM, Mrscw said:

    Hi we are due to sail in July to the Artic circle land of the midnight sun cruise, I thought the Ambition was a new ship in the Ambassador line. 

    We have sailed to many places around the world and was really looking for ward to this one. We used to use Cruise and Maritime before they ceased trading.

    Hi Mrscw, I think we are on the same one; 25 July, 14  nights, from Liverpool? We too used to enjoy CMC cruises and were sad when they ceased trading during covid. We enjoy the speakers and crafting sessions in particular. It was a good price when we booked it a few months ago but now price is fallen further :O

  8. Sitting here and wondering about transferring to a cruise next summer.  Oil industry is becoming dire again (hasn't really recovered since last downturn) and my husband, who was laid off for a couple of years until last October (self-employed engineer) is currently working from home but looking askance at the cost per barrel - it is looking unsustainable to keep projects going that he is working on.  Sigh.  We have always known that this could happen and planned financially for it, hence we have a 'holiday' fund handy, plus my income (support assistant in a school).  I so want something to look forward to and enjoy a ffiord cruise in particular.  Thing is, we would prefer something longer than a week, two weeks would be ideal, and a balcony because I spend a lot of time sitting in silence and watching the scenery (usually opt for a cheap inside).

     

    What's everyone else's favourite type of cruise, and cabin type?

  9. "The FCO advises British people against all non-essential travel worldwide until at least 15 April."

     

    I have attempted unsuccessfully for several days to get a response from my TA or even access my booking info through their website.  I went on their FB page and DMed a message explaining my struggles to get in touch, asking when P&O would be extending the refund window after its current 12th April as the FCO formally advises British people against non essential travel worldwide until at least 15th April.

     

    I have received a response of sorts acknowledging these points saying they will be trying tomorrow to contact the Business Development Manager to get clarity on this situation, and get back to me.

     

    It is now exactly 14 days until we sail.  Interestingly, I have not received notification from my TA that my tickets are available to collect. 

     

  10. Just now, wowzz said:

    I hope you yourself are not going to cancel. If you do so, you will lose everything. Wait for P&O to cancel which they will do so shortly [I am booked on the same cruise] - we should then get a full refund - unless P&O weasel out of their legal obligations. 

    No intention to cancel, holding fire for the inevitable.  They are leaving it really late...panicking a bit. Did look at cruises for next year but I am so restricted as when I can travel it won't work, sadly.

  11. 22 hours ago, barriead said:

    *I really do not understand the logic in offering reduced FCC....surely the outcome will be more people wanting to get a  refund of all they have already paid*.

     

    I am also keeping an eye on Travel insurance policys (if you can get one, my Staysure policy ends in June) and they are only going in one direction and possibly will have medical exclusions.....it might well be that many of us stop cruising for quite a while until everything settles, who knows when that might be.

    So many things happening...but I remain chilled...somewhat.🍷:classic_smile:

     

     

    Yes, it has put me off agreeing to a FCC rather than full refund.  I work in a school so have restrictions on when I can cruise and the replacement cruises I have looked at during my holidays both this year and next do not inspire.  I do like ffiord cruises though so would have considered one of those perhaps.  Not any more.  Now I will wait for my cruise (12th April) to be cancelled so I will be refunded.

  12. On 3/19/2020 at 1:05 PM, molecrochip said:


    No, they are just only dealing with cruises up to 11 April on that premise as legally they have to refund within 14 days.

     

    On that basis, I would expect, assuming FCO guidance stays the same, that next Friday 27, we get further cancellations.

     

    Logically, the reason for the change to the refund is because of the change in government approach to the virus.

     

    The government approach originally was to drag it out to end of July with fewer people affected at anyone time. This has been abandoned. Now, we are likely to see the peak in 3-4 weeks which means by early/mid May, 95% of all cases should have arisen. 
     

    Therefore I would expect cruises returning to normal by early June with maybe exceptions for Oceana’s fly cruise season and the need for Azura to undertake a postponed dry dock.

    Our cruise, on Britannia, is due to leave 12th April and so far hasn't been formally cancelled by P&O.  I am waiting patiently to receive an email telling me that it is so I can claim a refund.

  13. We were one hour ahead of our UK time for the entire cruise n stay.

     

    Getting off plane,  getting bussed to terminal, going through security and picking up cases and getting on bus to ship  didn't take too long at all and was well organised. Travel to ship took half and hour and processing to get on board was quick too.

     

    You are not required to take along the bright orange life jacket with you to the safety briefing, this means that once you have been to see your cabin and checked out exactly where you are to go for the briefing (on sign behind the door) you can nip straight up to Marketplace (deck 11) for a much-needed snack and wait for the alarm bells. There is beer, cider, lager and wines on tap there too, so get stuck in! (or get a cuppa if you prefer 😉 ).

    • Like 1
  14. 4 hours ago, Wee Magoo said:

    Talk of the Fair has 'fair' made me want to dig out my copy of the Fair song and blast it out.......but on second thoughts maybe not as we are getting well off the subject of the Explorer 2.......... "see the summer sun is gleaming, shining bright o'er land and sea"

    And, can you imagine what it'll be like when we return on Monday for the summer term.  It'll be full on Fair Day preparation all the way to 28th June...

  15. On 4/12/2019 at 10:45 AM, GOQ said:

    I have had my flight numbers and flight times changed for both my Dream cruise this month and my Explorer 2 cruise in July.

     

    I don't know why both cruises are affected , maybe 737 Max problems or Brexit ??

     

    On our return trip from Palma to Manchester  (from maiden trip with Explorer 2) on Friday there was a delay because of some sort of issue and we had to change planes to a really big one (8 seats across, not 6).  It was sometimes used by military and very spacious, also not full (due to increased size).  However, it meant that ppl who had booked specific seats were not honoured although did receive letters explaining that they would be refunded charges for booking seats in advance.

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