krrgolf

Sorry for delay. No trace and trace on shuttle - the t & t on tours is no hassle really. The saga guide comes down the coach and takes your cabin number. Must compliment Saga on disembarkation - brilliant - we were given tag 4 at 8.15am - off ship on time, no queue, driver pick up very quick and home by 10.15am - fantastic job.

Hi all from the SoA just leaving a soggy Palmero. Quick update for those with upcoming cruises - On this cruise after LFT and PCR tests at Southampton, there were LFT tests for first 5 days then none since. Well organised and literally took seconds. Return to cabin to wait for results - calls came within 5 minutes. No queues - very good. 3 cases of Covid found on day 2 none since - probably incubating when they came on board. Still no self service in The Grill and no bar stool seating. Mask wearing still required in public places. Max 4 to a lift but no real delays, though ship has less than 700 on board on this trip. Overall, Saga have done well (in my opinion) - Italian security was over the top but not Saga’s fault. Captain kept everyone informed. Good lectures from wide variety of speakers. Track and trace in operation on coaches and theatre - staff take cabin nos and put on seating template - no hassle really. Weather not great on the cruise (6 days to go) - which has caused some extra moaning from some people (doesn’t it always!). All in all, Saga has done well in trying circumstances - with the number of Covid cases being so low you have to say their protocols have worked.

I am sure Saga will confirm any changes to protocols shortly, especially for those hoping (Covid willing) to depart this Sunday. We have a second Saga cruise booked for this coming December and hoping that by then the Covid numbers in the UK will have come down. It is winter though and there has to be a risk that Covid protocols will still be a feature, including limits on shore excursions although hoping that other methods are found to be more effective. The protocols affect people in different ways, for example I have found the ‘isolation’ during the past two weeks to be quite difficult. We have opted not to attend two funerals to avoid crowded areas and meeting people whose circle of contacts is unknown to us. We have refrained from meeting up with friends, especially those with grandchildren where the circle of possible infection is potentially quite wide. Thankfully the weather has been good and extra walks have helped the pre cruise diet a little. Maybe my week 1 trousers will fit for a little longer than expected? Still, if we want to cruise in the present times, we have to make sacrifices and I am sure it will be worth it. Wishing everyone (including us, Covid test permitting) sailing on the SoA next week, all the very best.

Excellent news….. let’s hope it lasts for the next cruise too! I wonder if all those who cancelled will now try to rebook?

Thx for the reply. Out of interest, there was another Saga cruise on the SoD departing 27th April not sure where it was heading, it may have been called Baltic Ensemble. It is no longer showing on ‘cruises departing in April 22’ - has it been cancelled or maybe it’s now fully booked?