Megabear2

Looking at Harry's post above yours, that seems pretty definitive if it's in a September 2022 publication - I just checked - for education of those looking to be travel experts. However I do believe the thread has validity if renamed and think this lady should be given a break now. For the avoidance of doubt: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-international-as-and-a-level-travel-and-tourism-9395/

I think she is an elderly lady using a definitive statement she has personally made, hence why I think it isn't based on fact but rather what posters on here (myself included) have led her to believe. Apart from reports from her friend on Iona she appears to have read every negative comment on every P&O thread and built it into a catastrophe waiting to happen, at least in her mind. Sadly CC board posters are probably culpable in her forming this opinion. If we are honest she has been ridiculed over shellfish, bananas, face masks and covid tests. Those jokes have been at her expense when she raised what to her were issues impacting her personal experience.

Fair comment. However rather than deletion perhaps renaming it to "Are P&O now Carnival's Budget Cruise Line?" might be more appropriate. As Yorkshirephil says threads for discussion are based very often in hearsay or opinions. Unfortunately in all walks of life I find proper discussion on some important topics often gets curtailed by people screaming their opinion is the only one that counts and therefore matters get lost in the maelstrom of arguments about rights and wrongs. The OP is yet to set sail on her cruise and has clearly formed a lot of her opinion from statements and comments read on these boards, she is clearly nervous about what to expect. Perhaps that is something those of us who have posted recently could seek to alleviate her fears over rather than her anxiety leading to fortune telling by her?

That was the highlight of 1993. Saw one for sale on Etsy last year for a small fortune. Only went to Milton Keynes for one concert that was David Bowie.

1988 Wembley for us. Decided against Hyde Park next year because of the ridiculous prices however nice Christmas present from our German friends who gave me a ticket for Munich in July this year. Will certainly be different.

Cunard cannot force US guests to buy an insurance policy as it is against US law. Most guests sail under their own health policies and if they wish buy add ones for cancellation etc. Also credit card companies offer travel insurance as part of their deals. US insurance is nowhere near as comprehensive as European policies.

As a matter of interest, why not? Tickets for Royal Albert Hall Teenage Trust Concerts are very expensive, I paid £250 for the Stereophonics and £500 for The Who in 2018. Top artists come with big ticket prices, surely it's better to raise money for a good cause than allow Ticketmaster etc to RIP off fans (anyone bought a Bruce Springsteen ticket for his tour!).

My "special" friend, you know that big white rabbit that follows me around. He's a big Take That fan - he loved young Gary on his bike at Wembley...

Thank you. That is indeed the one. Much appreciated. Al I had was from afternoon.

I booked Aurora 19 night cruise for April as the itinerary has Dubrovnik. I'm informed departure is "afternoon" which for that particular port is very disappointing. I haven't been able to get a confirmation time anywhere.

All of my test resuits have been electronic so I'm sure it should be fine. Just have them handy, perhaps on your desktop.

I am going to be onboard - quite by accident. Is it one raffle ticket per guest or do they sell multiple tickets to raise funds for the charity?

Overall there has been a happy solution so nothing for passengers to get vexed about. For P&O there is clearly an aircraft shortage to be looked at. They have released in good faith schedules that in the past have worked but looking at the number of fly cruises through February and March they are having to sell as cruise only through no fault of their own they have availability on their ships but no airline able to fly the passengers to join the ships. Within Europe this is probably salvageable but the Caribbean sales will presumably be curtailed as passengers will not be able to get flights at a reasonable cost. Assumedly most would therefore decide to look at alternatives which either don’t need flights or do have them included (eg Marella with TUI owning the aircraft). It must be worrying for the flight department that already there has been a problem leading into the next season. With a very large ship to fill and also using Antigua as well as Barbados lots of extra seats are going to be required from what is a finite number of aircraft. Any breakdowns of planes could have a very nasty knock on if there aren't enough actually in service. Someone is assumedly crossing everything they have that TUI will actually come through with the goods.

Did you get a final response letter from P&O and your insurance company? It might be worth trying your card company if so as neither have honoured the contract. P&O are quite big news at the moment following the Arvia fiasco. If all else fails try the media outlets?

Yes but it was cancelled entirely as there were no flights. Now on sale as a new cruise 2 weeks later with the flights. Money refunded as necessary plus £50 compensation. Replacement now on sale.

They are advertised as cruise only. Some of them have nothing beside them either way so booking on line you need to check. My comment refers to how P&O are unable to offer flights so assumedly are losing trade that they would have had less problem selling if they'd been able to source flights. The website makes it totally clear they are cruise only although I did a mock booking (discussed elsewhere) where it appeared to let me add a flight. I called P&O for confirmation about this and it was they who confirmed that these were cruise only due to non availability of a flight via themselves. No mis-selling just buyer beware and double check what's on offer.

I actually meant flights were a problem for P&O. These are sold as flight inclusive packages as a rule. Assumedly some travel agents will invent packages of their own but as you say late booking a Caribbean flight is very expensive. You mentioned to Bazrat an alternative way back. Two things: he works so time is restricted as he said further up and more importantly P&O have cancelled the entire cruise due to no charter being available.

You may recall I suggested some time ago the food stuff was merged with the dining on big P&O ships to leave this to other points. The other posts were merged there so I assume it was felt unnecessary to move them from here.

I prefer the electric car which I won't be able to pay to charge because my salary is too low.

I think that's what they're doing.

And there I was thinking it was to protect the VIP guests!

Be very careful with your insurer. Check they will accept P&OS definition of a test - yes I know its valid but God forbid your asymptomatic and your insurer wants a confirmation test which is observed.

You'll see from my post above why we need early dining. As I say everybody as different requirements. I hope it works out for your cruise, it can be very difficult if not.

Crickey. That's a curved ball. Where are you flying into Antigua or Barbados? I'd check your insurance. If you're positive you will be able to claim. I'd suggest an observed test might be needed for that but give them a call. Is it the 22 night one? Tests seem hard to come by observed.

Each to his own I suppose. If I'm travelling alone I eat later but due to medication requirements eating for my OH needs to cease by 7.30 or thereabouts at the absolute latest. We also go to bed early, usually by 10.00 if he's travelling with me. You get used to it but do need understanding from the ship or hotel. Early to bed early to rise, he swims every morning at 6.00am too although has to adjust to 7.00am on board.