mrsgoggins

On 6/18/2023 at 5:33 AM, P&O SUE said:

I’ve read a recent report ‘elsewhere’ that on Ventura they flambéd the crepes by the table! 

Yes, they definitely did that on Ventura last month, when we ate in Epicurean 4 times and experienced it ourselves (and the ham carving table-side) each time these items were on the menu.

1 minute ago, Gettingwarmer said:

The tier above Platinum is Elite on Princess that’s why you got me confused. 

😁 Yes, I just looked it up and realised how the confusion happened. Doubt I'll be making Elite on Princess but you never know 😉

17 minutes ago, Gettingwarmer said:

Surely your Elite remarks apply to Princess not Celebrity 

Definitely Celebrity. I'm pretty sure that Princess is Captain's Circle, where we are platinum I believe, but no longer offers anything I value; although it used to before the changes.

1 hour ago, Presto2 said:

Thank you to both of you. I am surprised to read that both seem similar to P&O. I am wondering if we just stick to Celebrity moving forward as we have a lot of loyalty points with them ....

I've sailed with Celebrity, Princess and P&O with each of them within the last 18 months and they are my three 'go to' lines, but in that order.  Celebrity's loyalty scheme works well for me, particularly as I don't care for alcohol and speciality beverages are included once you reach Elite+ along with internet minutes and laundry. DH does make use of the Elite's drinks between 5-7.  

My only reservation about Celebrity is that from next year it is Apex to be in Southampton for the summer season and I am not keen, preferring the S class.

I could find pluses for each of them but destinations and prices would also come into the equation, as well as my personal preferences for the older ships - probably won't sail again on Celebrity Apex or P&O's Iona (or Arvia, but I haven't sailed on her).  I am more likely to sail with P&O before the American ships arrive. However, we have never had a bad cruise on any of them and have bookings with each in the future.

18 hours ago, Josy1953 said:

We are looking at a cruise on Ventura but having read on here about freedom dining problems I am little concerned.  Are the queuing problems across all ships or just on the newer larger ships ?

Has anyone experienced problems getting a table for 2 in the MDR on Ventura recently or can you just turn up and expect to be seated reasonably quickly ?

 

12 hours ago, Presto2 said:

We would like to know this one too. 

We were on Ventura last month and did not witness, nor hear of any problems with freedom dining. However, we eat early and did use the App for our table for two, so my reply may be of little use to you. Additionally, we only ate in the MDR three nights out of the ten.

We did eat in the MDR for lunch on most days and tended to walk up, but if we saw a long queue on approach (such as when the theatre emptied after a guest speaker), I joined the queue on the App and was seated immediately rather than join the 'walk up' line.

On 5/31/2023 at 2:11 PM, Fionboard said:

If P&O depend on younger pax (who work) and families, they will come unstuck when trying to fill the mega ships during term time, winter, etc. We "oldies" are the ones with the funds, and time, to cruise all year round. Dismiss us at your peril! 

We sailed on Iona this year and didn't love the ship and won't be back, despite enjoying the cruise overall. No major complaints and a lot to like, but not for us. We liked 711, Limelight and were easy users of the App.  We don't care for dressing up (but comply when needed) and are not interested in ballroom dancing. Generally however, we felt the cruise did not match what we wanted for what we paid.

It is oft quoted on these boards that P&O can make a profit if these ships sail at 60% full.  I assume this figure is not based on filling the ship with those who pay in the region of £50+ per night or the bargain headline fares that are currently advertised.

I have said previously that on my Iona cruise we met may passengers who were keen to tell us what a bargain it was.  And good for them ..... really; no sour grapes here. We have a very healthy travel budget but I love a bargain as much as the next person. Some were paying the £50 pppn as mentioned. We were paying £193 pppn in a nice, but unremarkable, mid ship deluxe balcony plus extra for internet (£10 per day approx) and speciality dining. Not a particularly cheap cruise, booked on release with little OBC. Our decision of course, but one we are unlikely to make again on either Iona or her sister ship.

My question/supposition would be do they need those of us who are prepared to pay these amounts to make a profit on these big ships? Aren't the ones with the funds to shell out on full fares, in cabins more than just a place to sleep more likely to be older? IMHO, P&O really do need to be very mindful of the older cruiser on these large ships too. I think Fionboard makes a very valid point.

1 hour ago, Josy1953 said:

I got it on the 2nd line this morning.  I use the first 5 letter word that I hear on the news.  I have a bit of competition going with my niece, whoever gets it first blocks out the answers and WhatsApps the grid to the other who then replies when they have the correct word and the other person then sends their version.

After first hearing of Wordle and Querdle on here, my friend introduced me to Sqaredle and just this week, Blossom.  I'm hooked and they are taking over my life 😁. 

22 minutes ago, zap99 said:

The national trust one was a bargain.  £10 to park the car for a day now.

What a bargain indeed!  We've been NT members all of our married life so just imagine how much that would have saved us, although we do now benefit from the oldies/5+ years of membership cheaper rates.

1 hour ago, Technoman2 said:

We have stayed in Garda a couple of times MG and it is really nice. Tui are ripping the backside out of prices for the lakes this year charging double the price pre pandemic. Garda is pretty cental for north or south of the area. 

The cheapest and most cost effective way of getting around the lake is by bus. At the bus station in Garda which is where you will get dropped off from the airport you can get a 1 day ticket for 10 Euro or a 20 Euro ticket for 3 days. IMPORTANT NOTE if you want to go on the cable car to Monte Baldo at Malcesine then ask for ther voucher that comes with the ticket when you buy the one day or 3 day pass as it gets you 10 euro off the price of the cable car so instead of paying 22 Euro you only pay 12 Euro for the cable car. See the back of the bus timetable and read it carefully. ( these prices were a few years ago)

A one day pass for the ferries is around 35 euros. Its not a cheap place for a holiday but it is beautiful , Riva is like an Austrian village. Avoid the hotel Palme in Garda very poor regimented half board.

My husband would often work out in Northern Italy and I would go out with him when I could, at all times of the year, and stay in Bardolino, next door to Garda, which is handy for the motorway network and hence, his job. We have seen snow in Bardolino and walked in the main street, towards the church, when we were the only people around. I used the buses quite a bit when I was by myself during the day and know all of the resorts around the lake very well.

These days - pre-pandemic and post retirement - we would go out at least once a year to our favourite lakeside hotel in Bardolino (where many of the staff have been there for the 20+ years of our history with it) either at the start or the end of the season, booking directly with the hotel.  I can recommend April (before the TUI season begins) when the lakeside is in full bloom with tulips - the planting provided by Sigurta gardens, which I can highly recommend.

I am now off to work out when we can next go ...... after your reminders of how much I love it 💐.  Happy to note that you and MB share my affection for the area.

Cruising is a good and relatively easy way to see nice places, but still happy to travel under our own steam while we still can 🤞

15 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

My wife thinks I think she’s a witch.

 

This morning (she chooses the start word for Wordle and we both use it in some sort of semi-competition) for the second time she got Wordle on the very first line. Using a thought process based on one of this morning’s news stories. No need for a spoiler alert - it’s impenetrable.
 

She has a system involving using things like current news stories or what comes up in emails to trigger the word chosen. And she consistently beats me at the game itself.

 

So she obviously is a witch!  😇

I’m impressed.  I only got it on the 4th line …… but the thought process to get it ….. 🤭?

44 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

He said why no Iona and I explained I was worried because of my experience on here which elicited the reply I fully understand this ship isn't for everyone.

Like you, we are computer literate and able to sort out issues that arise, I also fall into the 'not for me camp' when it comes to the 2 new ships based on our 2 (okay) weeks on Iona in the Canaries in March, despite there being much I did like.  Also like you, we met people who loved the ship and had travelled on her before, and also those who said 'never again' - and they were not always those who could not manage the technology or missed ballroom dancing!

Essentially, if I were interested in the cheap last minute fares - on my cruise I heard 'this is costing me £50 a day; I can eat more than that' in addition to the 'cheaper than staying at home' comments - I too would probably would have thought it was great.  But as we paid a full, not insignificant fare, with little OBC (booked early as per the advice on this site at that time) I would choose to spend my money elsewhere; Lake Garda is one of my 'go to' places due a return visit.  We are very fortunate people.

I have Cunard booked in the future, a first for us, along with Celebrity, Princess and also Ventura. We may try Britannia at some time.  I think you have done a splendid job of highlighting your cruise, with its pitfalls at the start, and I thank you very much.  Safe travels home 🙂

28 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

Well I’m about to start packing soon for our next adventure- Disney world Florida for three weeks. 
 

we have had such an amazing 18months of holidays. We’ve been on Britannia to Spain and France. Then we tried our hand at msc first the fjords on virtuosa then to Northern Europe on preziosa. We did the canaries on iona. Had a wonderful pre chirstmas getaway to Disneyland Paris. Although it didn’t do a patch on Florida, the chirstmas decorations were lovely. We’ve just gotten back from our fjords cruise on iona with the parents in law tagging along at the last minute and now we have 5 days to go till I’m back where I love best. 
 

now my holiday pot is completely dry I have to get back to saving for the next four adventures that we have booked for the next two years. I haven’t at all got enough holidays booked for my liking (my bank balance says no though currently) so it’s been awesome while it lasted.

 

if anyone wants to send me winning lottery tickets that will be much appreciated 😂 

 

I know it’s a cruise board but I’ll probably post some Disney pics on here. 

I’d love to see some pics 👍. I bet your girls are so excited!  I’ll be there myself in November and might even go into a park if DH can be persuaded.  Have a ball and I hope the weather is kind to you. 

1 hour ago, Megabear2 said:

I would partially agree except not all have these last minute bargain bucket fares.  I've spoken to a surprisingly large number who have been booked for a long time and have paid top price for their holidays, running into several thousands a head.  These people are not all old P&O returns either but a lot of families who've been saving to take their cruise for the first time and even some celebrating big events like wedding anniversaries, big birthdays etc.  

 

I have just checked my records for our deluxe Iona mid-ship balcony to the Canaries in March; it was £137.50 pppn on a 14 night cruise.  Oh and I purchased the basic internet package around £10 a day from memory.

We often shared tables at lunchtime and met any number of people who had booked last minute bargains at great rates and were keen to give details ('cheaper than staying at home' was oft quoted), and I was genuinely pleased for them.  But - and here's the rub, it would definitely affect the way I book with P&O in the future (if I do that is, but I currently have 2 already booked).

As I previously posted, one of my January Celebrity cruises came in at £155 pppn, including drinks package, internet and gratuities.  P&O included parking and gratuities.  I know which gave us better value for money. Caveat emptor.

3 hours ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

No

 

Although it's on the trolley they didn't wheel it to us which was disappointing

 

Nor crepes suzettes. I had to go to the trolley to watch it being made

 

Health and safety gone mad!!!

I am surprised at this because I had crepes Suzette on Iona in March - brought to the table ready made, and then again on Ventura recently, where they were made table side very skilfully. Also the  server assured me, confidently, that this service was once again being rolled out fleetwide and was now happening on Iona!  Guess it’s in progress, but heaven only knows why 🤷‍♀️

4 hours ago, Fionboard said:

Aurora and Arcadia both have big TVs. Don't know about Ventura though as have not been on her this year. 

Tiny TV in our balcony cabin on Ventura, C deck last week.  I commented (negatively) about this on the feedback form, especially as we are due to spend 35 nights on her next year.

On 5/19/2023 at 11:44 PM, Megabear2 said:

This is sadly taking a turn for the worse and getting a bit too deep and personal.  When people start telling me I'm enticing people to complain and cancelling holidays I think the time has come for me to.move on.  I have decided not to post anymore on this link as it isn't and never was intended to be anything other than posting on my holiday experience.  Thanks.

I salute you in your efforts to give people full information of your cruise; warts and all.  It takes time and effort to post in such detail, and yours are obviously considered posts.  I often intend to post more about my experiences (this year 2 x Celebrity, Iona and Ventura so far) but then the desire evaporates as it takes such a time to avoid giving offence when you recognise that others' experiences are likely to be very different to yours.  The point you made so eloquently in a previous posts and something of which you are clearly mindful.

I note you are still posting on other threads, which I was pleased to see, and like others, do hope that you will be able to return to this thread and continue to give us the benefit of your experiences. Well done for getting a taxi for the old ladies in Palma and for a fulsome report on what an ordeal that whole boarding process was.

57 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

I’d forgotten all the speakers there used to be. It was one of the really big pluses for us, because sea days (not a favourite) passed so quickly and interestingly. Lectures on British films from an academic, great liners through the years from a published expert in his field, crime from a published criminologist, all sorts of fascinating lectures - and all well attended too.

 

Really miss all that - much more limited and limiting now.

On last week’s Ventura cruise Valerie Singleton was one of the guest speakers and she was one of the best ever!  I believe she’s about 86 - but I’d never had guessed had she not told us - and very smart, interesting, funny and utterly charming.  Needless to say she had a good audience for her first talk, but by the second, word had obviously got round and there was only the odd seat in the theatre to be had.  
 

And as the subject heading is ‘food and dining’ so as not to upset a couple of regulars re subject ‘drift’ 😉, I will add that when Valerie asked on her final talk, ‘how many of you have I shared a table with?’ lots of hands went up.

9 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Morning everyone. Bit of an odd question this, but are people still having problems getting regular supplies of eggs from supermarkets - Tesco in particular?

 

We have to have stuff delivered and Tesco are still extremely unreliable for eggs. And expensive - more so than other supermarkets.

 

It’s the unreliability of supply though that’s annoying, when you rely on one delivery a week. Is it just our Tesco, or is this general?

Totally agree re Tesco and eggs.  I like Maran or Burford browns for eating (as opposed to baking) and so many times I order only to find them out of stock later in the week.  I regularly tick for a substitute and have had all sorts, but sometimes I have to resort to visiting Lidl or elsewhere.  I dislike shopping but sometimes it's necessary.

8 minutes ago, Son of Anarchy said:

Over the years I've thought about spending a couple of days on IoW before going on a cruise.  The cost of the ferry has always put me off.  Even more so now.  

We did this last year after a holiday in France (hence eliminating the need to drive south again) because Warners Bembridge had good late offers, including the ferry.  It was our second Warners stay (the other being Nidd Hall) and whilst the rooms were very nice at both, we are not fans and are unlikely to do another Warners stay. Good way to see the IOW however, but as it rained the whole time, we didn’t see it at its best.

12 minutes ago, Jennizor said:

I have always had a cat in my life, sometimes more than one. I lost Cassie in December 21 while on a Caribbean cruise. I said I wouldn’t have any more as it was heartbreaking to lose her. My daughter in a Veterinary nurse and we always had rescue cats. Despite me saying I couldn’t cope with the heartbreak of losing another cat, she persuaded me to have this one. She was brought into the surgery to be put down after she had been hit by a motorcycle. They never put down a healthy cat, so they repaired her fractured pelvis and she came to me. She is called Evie and is a delight.

That’s a lovely outcome for the unfortunate Evie.  We too always had at least one cat but usually two and always rescue ones, but I’ve always longed for a Persian blue.  Despite that, I know if we do go for another cat, it will be another rescue and old; I doubt I have another 20 years left to look after kittens 😉

14 hours ago, Jennizor said:

Those tulips look like some new ones I plant this year. Gorgeous aren’t they.

 

 

Fabulous tulips but it was the lovely cat that caught my eye.  I really miss having cats (our last pair of litter sisters made it to 20) but it would be difficult now because of our travels and location. One day maybe!  

52 minutes ago, swanseaboy said:

In the USA they have different consumer regulations and they are obliged to refund/match the lower price should the cruise price drop. Frustrating!

I don’t believe it’s consumer regulation as much as custom and expectation.  Pre-Covid Celebrity and Royal Caribbean had started to offer 2 fares, the lower being a discounted fare with less flexibility. Whether this has held since, as they try to regain confidence in cruising I don’t know.

7 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Unfortunately they do and I have proof with our travel insurance policy.

A minor ailment which the doctor said was nothing the insurance company added £50 to our policy at renewal.

Insurance company want you to report any medical issues when you take out the policy plus any extra issues once you have the policy as they claim if you don't it will invalidate your insurance.

I’m surprised at the inclusion of arthritis Graham (previous post) because I had RA diagnosed more than 20 years ago and it’s never affected my premium (now in long-term remission but only ever relatively minor as the condition goes). I thought additional premiums were only for conditions that might cause you to need treatment whilst away?
 

I declare everything and have had annual insurance for decades, albeit with different companies.

38 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

Seeing menus isnt a problem knowing what menu is on what night prior to the cruise is the problem when you book pre cruise

Having done a 14 night Iona cruise where Epicurean switched from menu 1 to 2 half way, and on my current 10 night Ventura cruise they are switching from menu 1 to 2 tomorrow, ie after 5 nights, so half way again. I wouldn’t be surprised if this were the regular pattern but I don’t actually know for sure.

I enjoyed your review and thank you for taking the trouble to provide good detail. Having been on Iona, also in a deluxe balcony, in March, I agree with much of what you say.