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Goaty

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Posts posted by Goaty

    General vibe on O

    in Oceania Cruises

    Posted

    I think you’ll find the waitlist is due to Oceania pausing the sale of all cabins due to the protests and uncertainty in Lima. This cruise ends in Lima with the next leg starting there which I’m due to join on 19 March. This leg is also waitlisted in every category of stateroom. Waiting with everything crossed at the current time in the hope things settle down in Peru. 

    Balmoral's Antarctic Adventure

    in Fred. Olsen Cruise Line

    Posted

    7 hours ago, twotravellersLondon said:

     

    The Balmoral's Changing Itinerary

     

    The Balmoral left the port of Callao-Lima at 1.08 am on 30 January and by three and a half hours later was out to sea and heading south on a course of 150˚ at 11.3 knots into a 10-knot wind. A balmy night with air temps at a pleasant 20 ˚C.

     

    The Balmoral is now expected to arrive at Arica, Bolivia, at 1.00 am local time on 1 February 2023... instead of the following day... so two days pleasant ocean cruising. On-route... a forecast of goodish weather with temps about 20˚C and wind speeds about 8-12 knots. Port side on the promenade deck is likely to be a popular place to sit and doze, chat, read or enjoy the sea air. Clocks will go two hours forward... we usually find that a wee bit of a shock to the system.

     

    Arica isn't a busy cruise port... about a dozen ships in the season between November and April... (The 3000 pax MSC Magnifica is due in the port of Arica later in February and so is P&O's 2258 pax Aurora ... currently making its way there from the Falkland Islands.)


    But there are a number of very interesting local tours available from Arica and, with luck, more of these may be secured for those who would like them. Independent tours cost from about £40 for a walking tour of the town to £140 for a tour of some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Arica.

     

    As the FOCLs' brochure/press releases state... this "hand-crafted grand-voyage" that FOCLs is so "incredibly proud," allows the company's" smaller "to truly venture away from the well-trodden tourist path, and delve deeper into the history and culture of some truly fantastic ports." So very hopefully, something in Arica for the folks on board the Balmoral to look forward to.

     

    Looking further ahead, in the next couple of weeks or so, "guests currently on Balmoral’s 78-night adventure have chances to" cruise the Chilean Fjords" and a few days later, "witness the rugged icy landscapes of Antarctic." But as folks on board will know... best to wrap up warm in Ushuala and Punta Arenas where the temps are more likely to be close to freezing.
     

     

    7 hours ago, twotravellersLondon said:

     

    The Balmoral's Changing Itinerary

     

    The Balmoral left the port of Callao-Lima at 1.08 am on 30 January and by three and a half hours later was out to sea and heading south on a course of 150˚ at 11.3 knots into a 10-knot wind. A balmy night with air temps at a pleasant 20 ˚C.

     

    The Balmoral is now expected to arrive at Arica, Bolivia, at 1.00 am local time on 1 February 2023... instead of the following day... so two days pleasant ocean cruising. On-route... a forecast of goodish weather with temps about 20˚C and wind speeds about 8-12 knots. Port side on the promenade deck is likely to be a popular place to sit and doze, chat, read or enjoy the sea air. Clocks will go two hours forward... we usually find that a wee bit of a shock to the system.

     

    Arica isn't a busy cruise port... about a dozen ships in the season between November and April... (The 3000 pax MSC Magnifica is due in the port of Arica later in February and so is P&O's 2258 pax Aurora ... currently making its way there from the Falkland Islands.)


    But there are a number of very interesting local tours available from Arica and, with luck, more of these may be secured for those who would like them. Independent tours cost from about £40 for a walking tour of the town to £140 for a tour of some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Arica.

     

    As the FOCLs' brochure/press releases state... this "hand-crafted grand-voyage" that FOCLs is so "incredibly proud," allows the company's" smaller "to truly venture away from the well-trodden tourist path, and delve deeper into the history and culture of some truly fantastic ports." So very hopefully, something in Arica for the folks on board the Balmoral to look forward to.

     

    Looking further ahead, in the next couple of weeks or so, "guests currently on Balmoral’s 78-night adventure have chances to" cruise the Chilean Fjords" and a few days later, "witness the rugged icy landscapes of Antarctic." But as folks on board will know... best to wrap up warm in Ushuala and Punta Arenas where the temps are more likely to be close to freezing.
     

    Hi

     

    I have been reading your posts with interest as I am going on a cruise with another cruise line in March which starts in Lima. I was wondering if anyone was allowed off the ship when you docked here? Any information you have would be very welcome as my trip seems to be uncertain. Thank you.  

    • Like 1

    Cancellations in South America ??

    in South America

    Posted

    There is currently a state of emergency in Peru and tourist attractions including Machu Picchu are now closed indefinitely. The rail tracks have been broken by protestors so the trains up to there are not running. The situation doesn’t seem to be improving with protests now in Lima too. I am due to join an Oceania cruise on 19 March and a 3 night pre cruise tour. I understand from my TA that Oceania are monitoring the situation but hope they make a decision which will give everyone due onboard time to do whatever is necessary which in my case will be changing flights. This is a bucket list trip and flying all that way to miss Machu Picchu will be so disappointing. Got everything crossed at the minute. 

    Upgrade bid experiences

    in Azamara

    Posted

    I’m currently on Pursuit and made what was considered to be a weak bid from Club Continent to club world owners suite. Couldn’t believe we got it!! Wow what a suite. Absolutely amazing. Living the life 🤣🙌🏻

    • Like 6

    Upgrade bid experiences

    in Azamara

    Posted

    Sailing on Pursuit from Ravenna on 16 April can’t believe we’ve had our upgrade bid accepted from N2 to Club World Owners Suite. Still in shock as it was a low bid. Still bring it on getting very excited!!

    • Like 3
    • Haha 1

    Silhouette around Britain staycruisecations

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    2 hours ago, phoenix1975 said:

    Just wondered what time I need to select for my check-in, if I'm having the ABP parking at Southampton (have to park and take my keys with me). Do I select the time that I want to park at, or do I need to allow a specific amount of time to do that and then walk round to the terminal? 

     

    I've only ever done the parking where the ABP driver takes your car away for you.

    When we’ve parked at the port the car park has been right next to the ship. We’ve parked up and left our suitcases behind the car where they have been collected and taken on board. There are plenty of port personnel about to help. Lock your car and take your keys with you and head off into the terminal!

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1

    Silhouette around Britain staycruisecations

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    8 hours ago, vino123 said:

    it seems like this whole PCR testing thing is a bit of a money making racket. The private test I booked as a back up is in an industrial premises in Newark and the Eurofins  one via Celebrity is at a back street travel agents in Grimsby!

    Both locations are a 2 hour round trip for us . Our local Boots only offers postal tests,  I'm inclined to keep the private booking as its an evening one so much more convenient for my husband as he wont have to take time off work but the payment receipt I have is only in my name and Celebrity needs a receipt with both names to reimburse the costs. I have e mailed the company to ask for one but haven't had a reply yet.

     It really doesn't have to be so complicated if only they would offer us antigen tests at the port especially as we are all fully vaccinated. 

    These companies doing PCR tests are a money making racket but we’ve no choice. I recently went to the Champions League final and had to have a PCR test. The company Dam Health has taken up vacant shops across the UK and they look like the staff could pack up in 15 minutes and do a runner. The staff are young and the tests expensive BUT results were received on time so I’m hoping Eurofins can do the same. Making however mega bucks at the same time. We’ve booked with them at a travel agents and are hoping their guarantee comes up trumps. Have faith!! 

    EU Travel Ban

    in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    Posted

    I have spoken to my travel agent and Regent today and Regent can only say it’s being processed!! The TA is not helpful. The girl at Regent said all staff apart from 4 have been furloughed and they are doing all NCL company refunds!! Thousands. Hence why it’s taking a bit longer. A bit!!! If it’s not here by the end of the week, the 100 day mark, I’ll be taking it further. Grrrr......

    2 hours ago, lprp said:

    Just around the corner!

     

    96 days is not good - have you spoken with them?

     

    EU Travel Ban

    in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    Posted

    On 7/4/2020 at 5:30 PM, lprp said:

    We’re in East Malling, but just about to move to Whitstable - it’s a small World 🌎 

    Hi. I’m just down the road in West Farleigh!

     

    Still waiting 96 days now for a refund! Not too impressed tbh. 

    Disembarkation with late flught

    in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

    Posted

    Has anyone experienced a late flight on disembarkation day? I’m on a cruise in February and the flight home isn’t until 8.25 pm. Do Tui make any arrangements for passengers? Are you expected to leave the ship at the usual time I.e. around 9 am and carry your luggage about all day? I hope they take it for you! What do you do for the day? I did read an old posting about staying longer on the ship. Has anyone done this? Thanks for any information. On Explorer by the way and haven’t cruised with Tui for a number of years. 

    Price guarantee following onboard 📖 nh

    in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    Posted

    Has anyone made a claim for an amendment to a booking following a special promotion on the Regent website? I made an booking whilst on a cruise earlier this year for a 2020 cruise that I noticed today has a special promo running showing quite a significant reduction in the cruise fare. There is a best price guarantee that came with the booking but Regent don’t seem to want to adjust the cruise fare before the onboard savings and discounts although the guarantee says you can take advantage of new promotions plus the added benefit of onboard savings. Just wondering if anyone has encountered this because i can’t therefore see what the benefit is to passengers!!

    thank you. 

    Explorer 9/3-9-15 early review

    in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    Posted

    We are leaving Explorer tomorrow after a fabulous 12 day Baltic cruise. All restaurants were very good including compass rose but I agree that it’s too bright there and made a comment that it would benefit from table lamps and dimmer lights. The food was equal to any fine dining restaurant.

    The ships entertainers were ok. We only went to one show. In Stockholm Jacqui Scott came onboard. Wow!! She was amazing. She had appeared in shows in the West End and could she sing. The best we have seen in all our cruises.

    Overall a trip to remember. On Mariner next but hope to revisit Explorer before too long.

    Oh and Anastasia in the Meridian Lounge was terrific.

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