FangedRose

PCR testing before my cruise in July didn't stop some 300 passengers being isolated in their cabins. And those who were the ones who admitted to having symptoms, and submitted to testing. Total numbers were probably double that. Testing was a waste of time and money, and added stress.

They accepted the one I uploaded back in july. I used the same one as my passport and driving licence.

Feefo will not be aware of who, and who has not, had problems on board. I've had the survey whilst still waiting for the coach to leave Southampton. I know it seems odd that the parties who had problems did not receive surveys, but coincidences do happen (otherwise there wouldn't be a word for it!)

Yes. I contact reception a couple of times per cruise. Sometimes to report a blocked toilet. Sometimes because I've locked myself out of the cabin. Sometimes to query an account charge. Sometimes just a general query. No relevance at all to whether I receive a survey or not.

Always been random. Sometimes I get one, sometimes I don't. No relevance to on board experience.

Very little I would imagine. I doubt they were wearing masks off duty, when they were interacting with each other behind the scenes.

The longest delay I've had was caused by an extra passenger! After an hour of phone calls and to and fro by despatch staff, we set off with one extra body. Reached outskirts of Southampton when a passenger approached the driver, and we pulled into the next lay bye. His neighbour had asked how long it would be before they reached the airport! We had to turn round and take him back to the port. Matters weren't helped by a vociferous family, who because they had a long journey (Glasgow, Edinburgh then a two hour train) had disembarked themselves early (7am) ignoring their instructions, and then complaining loudly because everybody else had disembarked at times given.

From reports it appears that you were then interviewed by medical personnel. If it transpired it was something chronic (IBS or Crohns, for example) you were cleared to board. Otherwise, at the medics discretion, you could board but confined to your cabin for a time, or denied boarding. In that case, insurance would pay out as you had been examined by a doctor.

Passports are checked before embarkation, after that the ship is 'sealed' with egress and access only allowed via your cruise card, which becomes a de facto 'passport'. Many port authorities ask to see your cruise card when returning to the ship. They obviously trust the cruise companies to have the proper passport checks prior to issuing the cruise card.

My last pre covid cruise was on Aurora (Sept '19), and there were no wine waiters then.

Was that time 'passengers on board', or 'sailing time'? Passengers on board time is at least 30 mins before sailing time. Often upto an hour earlier. Tour buses being later does not signify. They are on organised tours. They know where the passengers are, and on schedule. Maybe, you were the only passengers not back on board? If you are worried about incurring costs by receiving a phone call switch your phone off, or don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognise. After all, it could have a spammer calling you, and you would incur charges.

T shirts are not allowed in mdr any night. If your husband wishes to eat in the mdr, and go to certain venues (vary according to each ship, but always includes The Crow's Nest, or equivalent) on formal nights, a jacket and tie is the bare minimum. Others will be wearing dinner suits or a tux with a bow tie, or a dark formal suit with shirt and tie. National dress (eg a kilt with accompanying accessories) is also permitted.

Always had a card, either under the door, in the pigeon hole, or left in cabin. It is also advertised in The Horizon, and mentioned in the shipwide broadcasts. Waiters tell us after dinner, and the host at the Theatre Show announces it. It is also on the info channel of the TV. Difficult to miss really.

They don't change at dinner time, they change at lunch time, but only when sailing eastwards across The Atlantic. Otherwise it is at 2am as you say.

Heading back to UK from Caribbean and Canada clock changes were always done at midday (or 1pm, can't remember finer details). Other cruises it was overnight.

Doubt there will be one before it inevitably leaves P&O.

Varies between ships, more exactly the location of these facilities in relation to cabins. If the gym is above cabins it won't open until 9am or so. Similar with launderette. It also depends on staffing levels. And, times may vary on whether it's a port day or not.

Instructions given to use the app is to switch flight mode on.

The one thing that kept me going through my isolation was the fact that I was on my own. The idea of being 24/7 in a cabin with somebody else is a nightmare. Especially my late husband. One of us would have been overboard by the end of day 2.

Think you have to claim on your insurance now.

Ooh, get you and your daily phone call! I got one in six days! Arcadia, July.

As it takes four or five days from infection to showing up on a test, that is by and large useless. Adds more stress and cost. Didn't work in July on Arcadia. That's why it was dropped.

As I travel down by coach, the early embarkation and lunch are irrelevant. All I will have to look forward too is 'lunch with the staff', the extra discount and maybe a calendar. Hmm, I won't be holding my breath. (Though the extra discount would be gratefully received).

Whose is? 😄

There definitely was in July