Medeba Posted April 24 #1 Share Posted April 24 Quite by chance I came across information on the Saga website about the timescales for booking excursions for Saga ocean cruises for the remainder of this year. I thought it might be helpful to post the link (for those people, like me, who were ignorant of the existence of this information!): https://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/ocean/the-saga-cruise-experience/explore-ashore/excursion-availability.aspx 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandC Posted April 24 #2 Share Posted April 24 This is very helpful. Thank you Medeba. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kohima Posted April 25 #3 Share Posted April 25 The system is now that passengers receive an email at 9am on the appointed day to say that excursions may be booked for that particular cruise. It’s easy to then book and pay online through Manage My Booking but reading through all the options can take some time! Gone are the days when we received a lovely cruise book which acted as a permanent souvenir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kohima Posted April 25 #4 Share Posted April 25 May I also say that printed copies are no longer sent out so anyone who does not use email and Manage My Booking is really disadvantaged in choosing and booking their preferred options by phone or onboard. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medeba Posted April 25 Author #5 Share Posted April 25 26 minutes ago, Kohima said: May I also say that printed copies are no longer sent out so anyone who does not use email and Manage My Booking is really disadvantaged in choosing and booking their preferred options by phone or onboard. Yes, I agree. That's partly why I posted the link to the website so at least people will know when the excursions are available. I, for one, have put the dates relevant to me in my diary so I can keep an eye out for the email or, if it doesn't arrive on the published date, I can go online and have a look. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david05 Posted April 25 #6 Share Posted April 25 3 hours ago, Kohima said: The system is now that passengers receive an email at 9am on the appointed day to say that excursions may be booked for that particular cruise. It’s easy to then book and pay online through Manage My Booking but reading through all the options can take some time! Gone are the days when we received a lovely cruise book which acted as a permanent souvenir. Some passengers do receive an email but not all. We are registered for email but received no information about excursions available to book for our most recent 2 cruises. It all seems to be rather a lottery now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denarius Posted April 25 #7 Share Posted April 25 9 minutes ago, david05 said: Some passengers do receive an email but not all. We are registered for email but received no information about excursions available to book for our most recent 2 cruises. It all seems to be rather a lottery now. I agree that the present situation is far from satisfactory. Although I have fibre internet access with a home computer, printer and iphone I opt to receive my communications in paper form as I find it more convenient to refer to; also, I like to highlight and annotate important information. Despite this I find increasingly that I receive communications by email only, excursions for my next cruise being a case in point. I do not normally go on excursions preferring to explore independently, so when I received the email 2 days ago I took no immediate action. After reading this thread I decided out of curiosity to have a look and found that several are already sold out even though the cruise is not until July. If I did not have internet access and an email address I would not have even known that they were on sale! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kohima Posted April 25 #8 Share Posted April 25 Digital communications definitely have their place but sometimes you can’t beat a paper copy. Anyone who has tried to look at a map on their phone in bright sunlight (and without their reading glasses!) will know what I mean. Sadly, Saga no longer provides paper maps so, for independent exploration, its a case of printing out your own at home or hoping to find a tourist information office which is open. It’s interesting that Saga’ drive to reduce paper waste (when it suits them) does not extend to the sending out of multiple brochures. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerryL13 Posted April 27 #9 Share Posted April 27 On 4/25/2024 at 10:45 AM, Kohima said: Digital communications definitely have their place but sometimes you can’t beat a paper copy. Anyone who has tried to look at a map on their phone in bright sunlight (and without their reading glasses!) will know what I mean. Sadly, Saga no longer provides paper maps so, for independent exploration, its a case of printing out your own at home or hoping to find a tourist information office which is open. It’s interesting that Saga’ drive to reduce paper waste (when it suits them) does not extend to the sending out of multiple brochures. I get most of my communications digitally -- including bills. No brochures at all from Saga as they don't routinely mail those internationally. (I am flooded with brochures from Viking and Oceania, though.) With digital communication, I print out the pages I want to keep and highlight. So, yes, paper is consumed, but fewer pages, and it doesn't need to be carted around in airplanes or trucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denarius Posted April 28 #10 Share Posted April 28 (edited) 13 hours ago, GerryL13 said: I get most of my communications digitally -- including bills. No brochures at all from Saga as they don't routinely mail those internationally. (I am flooded with brochures from Viking and Oceania, though.) With digital communication, I print out the pages I want to keep and highlight. So, yes, paper is consumed, but fewer pages, and it doesn't need to be carted around in airplanes or trucks. That is your personal choice. Not everyone however, has an internet connection, home computer and printer. Indeed, a survey by AgeUK earlier this month ( https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2024/more-than-1-in-3-over-65s-4.7-million-lack-the-basic-skills-to-use-the-internet-successfully/ ) indicated that more than one in three of the over 65s - Saga's main clientelle - lack the basic skills to use the internet succesfully and that one in six do not use it at all. Edited April 28 by Denarius 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medeba Posted April 28 Author #11 Share Posted April 28 (edited) 1 hour ago, Denarius said: That is your personal choice. Not everyone however, has an internet connection, home computer and printer. Indeed, a survey by AgeUK earlier this month ( https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2024/more-than-1-in-3-over-65s-4.7-million-lack-the-basic-skills-to-use-the-internet-successfully/ ) indicated that more than one in three of the over 65s - Saga's main clientelle - lack the basic skills to use the internet succesfully and that one in six do not use it at all. You are quite right, Denarius. I have been reflecting on your posts in this thread. When I started this thread I did not think about those of Saga's clientele who don't use the internet or have email. I imagine it is quite a large number; they are definitely disadvantaged when it comes to knowing when excursions are available for booking. Indeed, I suspect that those of us who look at CC are a tiny minority of Saga's customers. Perhaps Saga could send out a copy of the excursions timetable with one of their many mailshots? At least customers would then be aware when to make a phone call to Saga to book excursions. Edited April 28 by Medeba 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spence55 Posted April 28 #12 Share Posted April 28 From a business position only sending electronic excursion details makes sense. It saves on printing and postage. And it encourages online booking, which reduces staff costs. The more popular excursions invariably sell out, leaving the onboard destination speakers to drum up interest in those with available spaces during their talks. The demographics are increasingly shifting towards those familiar with online shopping, banking etc. Saga is adapting to that. Digressing, but sticking with the IT theme, why do they ask for cabin details when customers order included drinks? My guess is that data feeds into customer profiles. But I have no idea why they need to monitor how many pots of tea or Gs&T individuals/couples order. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janecambridge Posted April 30 #13 Share Posted April 30 Excursions out today for our cruise.Email at 9 am,booked immediately. All still available 2 hours later. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medeba Posted April 30 Author #14 Share Posted April 30 4 minutes ago, janecambridge said: Excursions out today for our cruise.Email at 9 am,booked immediately. Ditto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Brummijam Posted April 30 #15 Share Posted April 30 (edited) On 4/28/2024 at 4:10 PM, Spence55 said: From a business position only sending electronic excursion details makes sense. It saves on printing and postage. And it encourages online booking, which reduces staff costs. The more popular excursions invariably sell out, leaving the onboard destination speakers to drum up interest in those with available spaces during their talks. The demographics are increasingly shifting towards those familiar with online shopping, banking etc. Saga is adapting to that. Digressing, but sticking with the IT theme, why do they ask for cabin details when customers order included drinks? My guess is that data feeds into customer profiles. But I have no idea why they need to monitor how many pots of tea or Gs&T individuals/couples order. Hi Spence. why do they ask for cabin details when customers order included drinks? I asked this question to a waiter last time I was onboard and his reply was Stock control.🤷🏻♂️ Edited April 30 by Brummijam 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Windsurfboy Posted April 30 #16 Share Posted April 30 4 hours ago, Brummijam said: Hi Spence. why do they ask for cabin details when customers order included drinks? I asked this question to a waiter last time I was onboard and his reply was Stock control.🤷🏻♂️ Don't need a name for stock control. Most probably a hangover from the pre all inclusive days. Perhaps (I'm joking) there is a secret algorithm to identify potential drunks 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tothesunset Posted April 30 #17 Share Posted April 30 1 hour ago, Windsurfboy said: Perhaps (I'm joking) there is a secret algorithm to identify potential drunks Long list! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Brummijam Posted May 1 #18 Share Posted May 1 (edited) On 4/30/2024 at 5:33 PM, Windsurfboy said: Don't need a name for stock control. Most probably a hangover from the pre all inclusive days. Perhaps (I'm joking) there is a secret algorithm to identify potential drunks. As per Dads army “Don’t tell them Pike” 😂😂 Edited May 1 by Brummijam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nosapphire Posted May 2 #19 Share Posted May 2 On 4/30/2024 at 1:21 PM, Brummijam said: Hi Spence. why do they ask for cabin details when customers order included drinks? I asked this question to a waiter last time I was onboard and his reply was Stock control.🤷🏻♂️ I wondered whether it was because some of the guest entertainers are on cheap/free deals and not all-inclusive. Asking for cabin number would bring up guest details and enable billing. On 4/25/2024 at 8:07 AM, Kohima said: May I also say that printed copies are no longer sent out so anyone who does not use email and Manage My Booking is really disadvantaged in choosing and booking their preferred options by phone or onboard. I am quite happy to book and pay online (via home desktop computer) but find it much, much easier to read a printed brochure - especially when two of us are trying to decide which, if any, excursions to book. And if I had to try and read details on a 'phone or even a tablet, I probably would not even bother. Keep meaning to ask Saga which deluded soul thought that putting a map on the TV screen and suggesting people take a photo on their phone for shore use was a good idea. Apart from the fact that even on the TV one has to scroll down to get the whole map, the ship location is rarely, if ever, shown - and our last map was entirely in Spanish. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denarius Posted May 2 #20 Share Posted May 2 4 hours ago, nosapphire said: I wondered whether it was because some of the guest entertainers are on cheap/free deals and not all-inclusive. Asking for cabin number would bring up guest details and enable billing. I am quite happy to book and pay online (via home desktop computer) but find it much, much easier to read a printed brochure - especially when two of us are trying to decide which, if any, excursions to book. And if I had to try and read details on a 'phone or even a tablet, I probably would not even bother. Keep meaning to ask Saga which deluded soul thought that putting a map on the TV screen and suggesting people take a photo on their phone for shore use was a good idea. Apart from the fact that even on the TV one has to scroll down to get the whole map, the ship location is rarely, if ever, shown - and our last map was entirely in Spanish. RE maps. I too would like to know who took this incredibly stupid decision. Apart from the issues you raise, keep getting your phone out to look at a map is not a particularly good idea in many locations unless you want to be mugged for it, and one which I would prefer to avoid. And where does this leave those who do not have one? A few months ago I took a Saga river cruise on SotR and excellent paper maps were provided at every berth. So why cannot they be provided for sea cruises? 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenndale Posted May 3 #21 Share Posted May 3 21 hours ago, nosapphire said: Keep meaning to ask Saga which deluded soul thought that putting a map on the TV screen and suggesting people take a photo on their phone for shore use was a good idea. A bean counter who's never left their desk perhaps? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nosapphire Posted May 3 #22 Share Posted May 3 Possibly. I do know that I have complained about this on each questionnaire. Interesting, when the mid-cruise ship questionnaire comes out, mention anything to do with food and you get an immediate response from the Exec chef to find out how they can help, mention anything to do with cabin and "Mr Fixit" arrives within the hour to have a look and get it fixed. Mention anything to do with excursion information(lack of) = total silence. On the final cruise questionnaire, when reaching the "information from Explore Ashore team", sad to say they now get a 2 (or less) rating from me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suron Posted May 11 #23 Share Posted May 11 In June I will be on cruise to Norway with a lady I met on our Icelandic cruise last July and booking excursions was made easy thanks to Customer Services. As we had booked independently they agreed to link our two bookings and allowed us to book on the phone when excursions were released. I had contacted people on the May cruise to Norway via these boards and with their help managed to find a link to the excursions on offer for Idyllic Norway. Having discussed our options I booked and paid for everything on the phone for both of us and my travelling companion reimbursed me afterwards. I agree that it makes life difficult now that excursion information is not posted but we have been lucky to have booked without having to rely on the Internet. I hope that Saga may reconsider the issuing of paper information. Perhaps they could refrain from sending out so many brochures to people who have booked already and brochures which have very little availability. Best of luck to all for booking excursions 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nosapphire Posted May 11 #24 Share Posted May 11 That is one of the very positive aspects of Saga - being able to do so much over the 'phone with a helpful person on the other end (Freephone, as well). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denarius Posted June 7 #25 Share Posted June 7 On 5/2/2024 at 5:21 PM, Denarius said: RE maps. I too would like to know who took this incredibly stupid decision. Apart from the issues you raise, keep getting your phone out to look at a map is not a particularly good idea in many locations unless you want to be mugged for it, and one which I would prefer to avoid. And where does this leave those who do not have one? A few months ago I took a Saga river cruise on SotR and excellent paper maps were provided at every berth. So why cannot they be provided for sea cruises? Further to the above post, the BBC ran a story on Breakfast today about the dangers of using mobile phones on the street. Apparently there has been an outbreak of thefts in which phones have been snatched from users by thieves on motorcycles, who can then get access to confidential information thereon because the user was logged in when the phone was stolen. Do Saga really want to put their customers at risk as a result of their failure to provide paper maps? They should reverse this stupid penny pinching decision without delay. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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