Brilliance Review - the List Cruise - Dec 5 10 - Better Late than Never

[Princess123]

During a quiet spell at work yesterday I came across another review of this BOTS cruise and then discovered yours today. You really did have an unbelievable time and I was crying along with you by the time you finally made it to Vancouver airport! I live in London and couldn't believe the fiasco out at Heathrow which ironically is owned by the Spanish (who were also responsible for the inbound chaos so many of you on that cruise encountered). Apparently Gatwick airport has spent much more on snow plough equipment so was able to reopen sooner. For some reason we seem incapable of dealing with snow. I hope lessons have been learnt in how to treat stranded passengers, though you would think they had enough practice during the ash cloud closure earlier last year. I was pleased to hear that the Windsor hotel treated you better. Good news that you've got some of your costs back. Hope the treatment continues to work, and that you don't have quite such an adventurous time on your next cruise.

[dirtgirl]

Dear Carol:

 

I was so fascinated with your story; didn't get to my early morning work LOL;

 

In terms of pick pockets in Barcelona, we headed the advice seriously when I visited there in 1991; we observed a pick pocket of a young college student who actually chased down the thief, tackled him and retrieved her purse. It turned out that she was a track star from Harvard. Years later, my friend heard a similar story from a friend of a friend it was the same girl.

 

I am not surprised you won the sexy arms (or is it legs) contest; didn't win it on the Mariner as well. You probably hold the record for that award. Sorry to hear that you are missing Mazatlan on your next cruise that ended up being our favorite port with a tour by Smiley.

 

Take care

 

Hello there! Yes, I won Miss Biceps on the Mariner cruise that you were also on! I remember being so nervous that I didn't even remember what song was playing when I had to 'perform' for the judges. I even think I was hyperventilating beforehand! :o The martini helped!! Then we all had a shot of tequila after I won! Fun times! That performance I have on video. It always makes me laugh. It totally embarrasses my daughter, though!:o

 

During a quiet spell at work yesterday I came across another review of this BOTS cruise and then discovered yours today. You really did have an unbelievable time and I was crying along with you by the time you finally made it to Vancouver airport! I live in London and couldn't believe the fiasco out at Heathrow which ironically is owned by the Spanish (who were also responsible for the inbound chaos so many of you on that cruise encountered). Apparently Gatwick airport has spent much more on snow plough equipment so was able to reopen sooner. For some reason we seem incapable of dealing with snow. I hope lessons have been learnt in how to treat stranded passengers, though you would think they had enough practice during the ash cloud closure earlier last year. I was pleased to hear that the Windsor hotel treated you better. Good news that you've got some of your costs back. Hope the treatment continues to work, and that you don't have quite such an adventurous time on your next cruise.

 

 

Thank you so much. I am planning another trip to Europe, hopefully next year, escorting a group. But not in the winter!!!! :rolleyes:;):D Despite it all, I absolutely loved Europe, and really want to go back.

[dirtgirl]

I was sent this interesting article explaining how the 'wrong amount of snow' caused the problems at Heathrow. What a funny saying!! "The wrong amount of snow"!!!!!!!! ROTFLMAO!!

 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/24/heathrow_report/

[wrp96]

I was sent this interesting article explaining how the 'wrong amount of snow' caused the problems at Heathrow. What a funny saying!! "The wrong amount of snow"!!!!!!!! ROTFLMAO!!

 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/24/heathrow_report/

 

 

Carol, every time I see an article about that mess I think of you. I know several top figures at BAA (the authority that runs the airport) have been fired or quit - should've cleaned house before this mess happened, not after!

[dirtgirl]

I have now been reimbursed partly by British Airways - the squeaky wheel and all that.:) European airlines have different regulations as regards stranding passengers - they do hold more responsibility for doing so - so that that is something to keep in mind. They did not compensate me for all the hotel/food costs, but between them and my travel insurance, the whole ordeal of the stranding has been paid for.:)

 

However, I am still getting treatment for my neck, and that is an ongoing expense.:(

 

I have now booked another cruise to the Med, but not in December!!!:rolleyes: I can't wait to go back! Celebrity Equinox, here I come!!

[morebeaches]

Wow Carol, what an adventure! I remember seeing the reports on the news about the Brilliance and Susie saying she knew someone on that cruise, I didn't know it was you. But you have a great attitude.

 

The Equinox cruise will be much, much better, if for no other reaon you will be cruising with MEEEEEEeeeeeeee

[dirtgirl]

Wow Carol, what an adventure! I remember seeing the reports on the news about the Brilliance and Susie saying she knew someone on that cruise, I didn't know it was you. But you have a great attitude.

 

The Equinox cruise will be much, much better, if for no other reaon you will be cruising with MEEEEEEeeeeeeee

 

 

I must have missed this post! Oh yes, cruising with you will be the draw of a lifetime.... :p I'm bringing my dancing shoes! :D Hope you can keep up! :p

[Artemis908]

 

The room was largish, for European hotels. The bathroom was large as well, but they have these weird half doors on the tub, so it’s very easy to flood the room if you’re not careful. I packed washcloths, and I was glad I did. I also brought adaptors/converters for the different current, which came in handy. I would recommend this hotel. It was just off a noisy street, so it was quiet itself. No view, but I wasn't hanging around the room looking out the window.

 

 

 

This is common in European homes and hotels, I don't know how they don't flood the bathrooms. I stayed with an English friend around 10 years ago (gosh that makes me feel old!) and her family just didn't understand what my problem was. :P

[dirtgirl]

This is common in European homes and hotels, I don't know how they don't flood the bathrooms. I stayed with an English friend around 10 years ago (gosh that makes me feel old!) and her family just didn't understand what my problem was. :P

 

 

Wow, you resurrected my thread from 2011 - I don't know how you found it! Cheers! :)