bobstheboy

I have read some very negative and others very positive reviews about the Arvia Xmas/New Year cruise. One thing is clear, the poor service many received on Christmas Day, was not repeated on New Years Eve. As I and others commented, good planning helps. I am thinking of doing a Christmas cruise this year on Iona, I was put off initially with the problems but back on track with them putting things right on both ships, it's still on my maybe list.

A new year and new hope for everyone. We are cruising again on 14th Jan onboard Iona to the Canaries, hoping for some winter sun and warm. To all my friends on these boards I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Jane, so pleased you are on the road to recovery and posted at the end of a horrible year for you. You have given excellent service to your community and deserve peace and good health in the future. The people on this thread are a good bunch and care about each other, even though most have never met. A Happy New Year to you and everyone else who grace these pages. Let's hope 23 is a good one for us all.

I assume there were different sittings, maybe 1730, 2000 and 2230. I am guessing but that would fit comments I have read.

From info I have picked up on social media, I don't believe IT failure was the problem because it was fixed time dining, not freedom dining. The problem was the logistics of providing 5000+ dinners, with x number of tables seating a maximum of y numbers in one sitting. They were using the Horizons as MDR so they must have known the maximum number they could serve at a time, which would involve chefs, waiters and restaurant managers in planning. From the comment Moley made, they have tweeked the planning for NYE, so let's hope it works.

Yes ! Mine was the polite version.

A classic case of Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Having been responsible for preparing many Contingency Plans, I know you must think outside the box, so you cover 99% of all eventualities.

It's in the Express as well. These type of stories are good copy for newspapers. It does seem the dinner arrangements for Christmas Day were poorly planned. The Hotel Manager would be ultimately responsible, along with Restaurant Managers.

When we can ! I would guess for an average of four hours a day at least. Just love to look out even if bad weather. Each to their own.

I asked my TA, no problem.

Many thanks for the update. There is a ship for everyone and like many on here cruising is our number one holiday. I just hope that Iona and Arvia don't become party ships, but the market will dictate changes onboard I suspect.

Morning. No turkey left overs, we were with family yesterday. Back home so a beef joint in the slow cooker, in red wine, carrots, parsnips, pots and onion. Plenty of football, signed up for a 30 day Amazon Prime trial because they are showing a few games this week.

The big day has arrived and Santa's been, there's a pile of presents around the tree ! Whatever you are doing have a great day. Merry Christmas.

Me and you both 😛 Merry Christmas to one and all.

Fair comments. Nice tableclothes with china and cutlery do lift a dining room when you enter, otherwise you might as well be in the buffet or American diner.

Good to hear. We don't need to return to too many black tie nights, but maintaining a reasonable standard is needed. Also I think the drinks package should looked at. It is nowhere near the value that MSC and Princess give.

Thank you. Very relieved !

I hope you are right. Would be a game changer for me.

I've just seen a video of Arvia and the MDR does indeed show bare tables with mats and serviettes. Not a good look, fine dining experience it isn't.

I was hooked ! I won't post any spoilers in case anyone is still catching up but it is worth a look.

Had to Google, never heard of them.

It is sobering to read of others sadness and problems, especially at a time of joy and families. My best wishes to all, it's been a pleasure to be a part of your lives and I hope those who are experiencing sadness, can have a couple of days of joy. Happy Christmas.

Not a Yorkshireman although I have adopted the County ! A friend makes money by changing banks. He tells me he has received nearly £1000 in three years by changing his current account.

I am never loyal to any company, they are not to you. I change all my insurances and utilities regularly. Comparison site are good and cash back sites. I have just changed my car insurance. Quote to renew was £256, different company, same cover, £218 and £40 cash back. My current cashback is £2620 in four years.

Back to subject. Some lovely photos and short videos on social media. Obviously 95% Iona but the American Dinner, swim up bar and Skydome roof are welcome additions.