harley1
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Posts posted by harley1
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What do P&O Cruises need to include on their new ships to get them back in the good graces of many that feel they have lost touch with modern day cruising?
Will they make both new ships the same design just subtle differences like Ventura and Azura or will they make them completely different and try to cater to multiple audiences, what everyone's views on this? -
Obviously there are some lines that already offer it, but these tend to be on 'promotion' and you have to time it right.
I saw recently that all-inclusive package holidays are up 63%, isn’t it time the cruising world acknowledged the demand for an all-in holiday with nothing to think about once on board?
I’m not just talking food and drink being included, I’m talking EVERYTHING!!!
I’m talking gratuities, excursions, speciality dining, room service, anything you can think of????
I know Regent cruise lines do this, but to me this is reserved for the super rich! wouldn’t it be nice to see some of the mainstream cruise companies like P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean offering this type of trip.
I’m sure there would be more than a decent uptake? who's with me?
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wow this sounds quite cool? don't understand the point though? what is its use in a cabin?
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12 ocean ships! that sounds like a lot!! I guess 'special' is probably just some buzz word the marketing team came up with to make people ask what it is . . . very clever lol!
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I must admit I love traditional cruising, all about the wine and dine. We did sail on Harmony of the seas 2 years ago and really enjoyed it but I did think the 'extras' on board like the slide at the back and the carousel were a one time deal. Once we had done we had done it! I think the entertainment on board is spectacular and I don't use that word often! so different to the usual stage shows on all other cruise lines, so in that respect I would say bigger is better!
I completely understand the attraction for people with children, personally I wouldn't go again . . . . I was too knackered after just 3 days
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I agree with the new policy, I have been on several short cruises and find it disgusting when hen parties are parading round a giant blow up peni* when there are kids and elderly passengers on board! keep this sort of stuff to the clubs and pubs of Magaluf or Ibiza thank you
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I'm not lucky enough to have one booked for the future just yet but if I was travelling in December I would still go! these places bounce back extremely quickly, I went to Thailand 2 months after the Tsunami that happened a few years back that absolutely flattened the place! and in all honesty apart from a bit of rubble shoved to one side you couldn't even tell. these places rely on tourism so will be working very hard to get everything back to normal. and at the end of the day if you end up on a slightly different itinerary it will still be an amazing Caribbean cruise!
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Thought this may be useful for anyone travelling to the Caribbean imminently
OPEN AT THIS TIME
Bahamas
Cruise Ports: Nassau; Freeport
A hurricane warning for Maria is in effect for the southeastern Bahamas as of September 20.
The Port of Nassau, and other ports around The Bahamas, are open.
Bahamasair resumed service into the United States on September 12 at Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport. While airlines are operating international flights out of Grand Bahama International Airport, U.S. customs and border pre-clearance is currently unavailable and will be reinstated at a later date. Out Islands International service has resumed from Exuma International Airport in The Exumas and Marsh Harbour Airport in The Abacos.
Nassau and Paradise Island hotels received no damage from Irma. The majority of hotel and resorts throughout The Islands of The Bahamas are operating as usual or are expected to reopen on their regularly scheduled dates.
Great Stirrup Cay: According to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay was unaffected by Hurricane Irma and is receiving cruise ships.
Castaway Cay: Disney's private island is currently open.
CocoCay: Also known as Little Strirrup Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas is currently open.
St. Kitts
Cruise Port: Basseterre
The port of Basseterre was one of the first cruise ports to re-open following Hurricane Irma; Carnival Fascination called on September 8. St. Kitts & Nevis sustained minimal damage from Irma overall, and St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport is open.
Nevis
Cruise Port: Charlestown
The port in Charlestown and Nevis' Vance W. Amory International Airport are currently open.
Barbados
Cruise Port: Bridgetown
The Port of Bridgetown is open at this time. Calls from Carnival Fascination began on September 13.
Antigua
Cruise Port: St. John's
Antigua escaped much of the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. The next scheduled call on St. John's was Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas on September 19, which has since been diverted to Aruba due to Hurricane Maria.
Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport opened for all flights on Thursday, September 7. Unfortunately, sister island Barbuda was severely impacted by the storm.
Haiti
Cruise Port: Labadee
Haiti was relatively unscathed by Irma. All services remain in operation and the country continues to welcome visitors. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas called on Labadee, Royal's private island, on September 14.
Cuba
Cruise Ports: Havana; Cienfuegos; Santiago de Cuba
According to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line, "We have received confirmation that the port facilities in Havana were not impacted by the storm and our tour operators are ready to receive cruise guests." Norwegian Sky's four-day cruise to Cuba departing on September 18 sailed as scheduled. Hurricane Irma passed over the northern portion of Cuba, and it was been reported that Havana experienced major flooding, with widespread power outages and wind damage. Both Delta and JetBlue have resumed flights to Havana.
Martinique
Cruise Port: Fort de France
Hurricane Maria passed over Martinique on September 18. The Martinique Aime Cesaire International Airport is now open, with ports scheduled to re-open September 20.
OPENING SOON
The Florida Keys
Cruise Ports: Key West
The Florida Keys sustained serious damage and flooding as a result of Hurricane Irma, but it seems to be recovering sooner than expected.
Originally, Key West officials had stated that the port would be open for tourism by October 20. But on September 21, Royal Caribbean announced that Empress of the Seas would be returning to Key West on September 24.
Cruise Critic is awaiting word from Royal Caribbean and Key West if services and excursions available for cruise passengers will be limited or altered.
CLOSED
Puerto Rico
Cruise Port: San Juan
Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm on September 20 with winds of up to 155 mph. By mid-day, the storm downgraded to a Category 3 with wind speeds of 115 mph, but not before knocking out power to the entire island. Puerto Rico's governor has declared a state of emergency and ordered a number of evacuations for parts of the U.S. territory.
The San Juan airport shut down at 7 p.m. September 19, ahead of the storm; it will remain closed until at least Friday because of flooding and debris, according to an NBC News report.
After Irma, the Port of San Juan started receiving ships on September 9. Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas and Carnival Fascination, the two ships that homeport in San Juan, sailed on September 9 and September 10, respectively. The island had also served as a staging ground for evacuees from other islands affected by Hurricane Irma.
Dominican Republic
Cruise Port: Amber Cove; La Romana; Samana; Santo Domingo
Hurricane Maria ran through the Dominican Republic on the morning of September 21 as a Category 3 storm. Details on damage are still forthcoming.
Carnival Glory had been slated to dock there on September 21; that itinerary has been changed. Ports closed on September 20.
The ports of the Dominican Republic emerged from Irma without major damage. Punta Cana International Airport resumed normal operations and the area's hotel sector is reporting no major damage. Ships began sailing back to Amber Cove shortly after the storm.
Bahamas
Half Moon Cay: In an abundance of caution, Half Moon Cay is being evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Maria.
After Hurricane Irma, Carnival brand ambassador John Heald reported minimal beach erosion and no major damage at the private island.
Princess Cays: Princess Cays, located at the southern end of Eleuthera island, is also being evacuated to prepare for Hurricane Maria, as of September 20.
ASSESSING DAMAGE
U.S. Virgin Islands
Cruise Port: St. Croix
Hurricane Maria made landfall in St. Croix between September 19 and 20. According to a statement from Beverly Nicholson-Doty, the Commissionor of Tourism: "Based on our preliminary assessments and reports, St. Croix experienced serious hurricane winds and was significantly impacted, and heavy rainfall and flooding affected our Territory. Communications are limited and our teams are in the process of making an assessment of damage to our infrastructure."
While fellow U.S. Virgin Islands St. Thomas and St. John were far more impacted by Irma, seaports on St. Croix and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix quickly re-opened. JetBlue resumed operations on the island on September 8, and American Airlines followed on September 12.
Guadeloupe
Cruise Port: Pointe-a-Pitre
Hurricane Maria hit the southern shores of the French island of Guadeloupe on September 18, causing flooding and obstruction of roads from debris. Two people are reported dead. The island's airport is currently closed.
Turks & Caicos
Cruise Port: Grand Turk
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Turks & Caicos as of September 20.
Contrary to a previous statement, Carnival's brand ambassador John Heald posted on his Facebook page: "The latest assessments from Grand Turk indicate that the island is going to need a little more time to be ready for cruise guests so [Carnival] will not be sailing there next week after all."
This affects Carnival Magic, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Glory. Magic, Conquest and Glory have replaced Grand Turk's upcoming calls with the line's private port, Amber Cove; Sensation will instead call at Freeport.
Several of the hotel properties on Turks & Caicos were scheduled for annual closure prior to Irma. Some properties have elected to remain closed to assess any damage to their properties and are looking to reopen in the beginning or middle of October.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority re-opened Providenciales International Airport for scheduled flights as of 11 a.m. on Monday, September 11.
Anguilla
Cruise Port: Road Bay
The Road Bay Port at Sandy Ground reopened after Irma and is able to receive cargo, but no cruise ship calls are on the schedule until late November.
The Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is now open from sunrise to sunset for charter and emergency flights. Anguilla Air Services is currently operating into St. Kitts and Antigua, taking persons to connect out of those hubs and also bringing persons into Anguilla.
SEVERELY DAMAGED
Dominica
Cruise Port: Roseau
Hurricane Maria hit Dominica as a Category 5 storm on September 18. The island's Prime Minister said that initial reports were of widespread devastation, with most homes losing roofs from the 160 mph winds. The island is without electricity or running water, however the tarmac at Mellville Hall [Airport] was not too badly damaged, accoridng to a statement, so the strip should be opened in a day or two for larger relief planes to land. The death toll is currently at seven confirmed fatalities and rising.The government of Trinidad & Tobago have offered their assistance and plan to mobilize defense personnel as soon as it's deemed safe. A supply vessel is also being sent.
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Cruise Port: Philipsburg (St. Maarten); Marigot (St. Martin)
Both the Dutch and French sides of the island were severely impacted during Hurricane Irma and are closed to cruise business. On Sunday, September 10, Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas made a humanitarian stop in St. Martin, escorted by the Dutch navy. "We were able to tie up, and we landed much-needed provisions: water, ice, garbage bags, clothing, canned food," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said during an interview on Good Morning America. "We were able to evacuate around 320 tourists and local people who needed help and needed to get out of St. Martin...we're taking them on to the ABC islands [Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao], where they'll probably disembark."
Director of tourism for Dutch St. Maarten Rolando Brison reported some visitors were also been evacuated to Montreal, Canada and other locations. The Princess Juliana International Airport re-opened on September 10 to receive flights bringing in relief supplies and to evacuate guests, but no passengers -- including media -- are being allowed in at the moment due to a shortage of staff.
Land-based resorts were severely damaged, including hotel chain Sonesta, which has canceled all reservations on the island through the remainder of 2017.
SEVERELY DAMAGED
Dominica
Cruise Port: Roseau
Hurricane Maria hit Dominica as a Category 5 storm on September 18. The island's Prime Minister said that initial reports were of widespread devastation, with most homes losing roofs from the 160 mph winds. The island is without electricity or running water, however the tarmac at Mellville Hall [Airport] was not too badly damaged, accoridng to a statement, so the strip should be opened in a day or two for larger relief planes to land. The death toll is currently at seven confirmed fatalities and rising.The government of Trinidad & Tobago have offered their assistance and plan to mobilize defense personnel as soon as it's deemed safe. A supply vessel is also being sent.
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Cruise Port: Philipsburg (St. Maarten); Marigot (St. Martin)
Both the Dutch and French sides of the island were severely impacted during Hurricane Irma and are closed to cruise business. On Sunday, September 10, Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas made a humanitarian stop in St. Martin, escorted by the Dutch navy. "We were able to tie up, and we landed much-needed provisions: water, ice, garbage bags, clothing, canned food," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said during an interview on Good Morning America. "We were able to evacuate around 320 tourists and local people who needed help and needed to get out of St. Martin...we're taking them on to the ABC islands [Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao], where they'll probably disembark."
Director of tourism for Dutch St. Maarten Rolando Brison reported some visitors were also been evacuated to Montreal, Canada and other locations. The Princess Juliana International Airport re-opened on September 10 to receive flights bringing in relief supplies and to evacuate guests, but no passengers -- including media -- are being allowed in at the moment due to a shortage of staff.
Land-based resorts were severely damaged, including hotel chain Sonesta, which has canceled all reservations on the island through the remainder of 2017.
St. Barts
Cruise Port: Gustavia
St. Bart's was heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma, which destroyed government buildings and badly damaged private homes and hotels. The French government has sent people and supplies to the country to assist with recovery efforts, and French President Emmanuel Macron visited on September 13. On September 14, the island's airport reopened to commercial flights, and the harbor is open to relief efforts. Roadways have been cleared, water production has resumed and electricity is being restored.
Barbuda
Cruise Port: Low Bay Beach
The cruise port in Barbuda is closed. The island of approximately 1,800 residents -- a twin to the better-known Antigua -- was severely impacted by Hurricane Irma, which passed directly over the small island, resulting in one fatality. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said 90 percent of homes were destroyed as a result of the storm, and Barbuda's hotel infrastructure was also damaged.
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I think its bad you get less when you go for an inside cabin! you haven't served your country any less than if you are in a suite! wrong P&O.
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wow it was a joke guys!
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fair point! I absolutely hate that!
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oooh ive not seen this website ill have a look!
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Just seen Princess are going to be basing the brand new Majestic princess out in the land of OZ for summer 2018.
looks like she will be doing some fab itineraries :
Majestic Princess will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as two Asia voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong.
Anyone booked on yet her yet???
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unfortunately they dont! the closest they come is to sail out of southampton but end up in say . . .Rome for a repositioning cruise as i looked at trying to do southampton too!
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What can I say but WOW! we travelled on Riviera for 10 nights for the first time July 2016. this cruise line is incredible.
For my husbands job we get to eat at many a fancy restaurant but non of those compared to the standard of the food on Oceania. I absolutely loved the fact we got all the speciality restaurants for FREE and the choice of food is unlike anything I have ever experience on a cruise line
The level of service was second to non to the point of we actually felt like we were on a private yacht. a prime example was I went for a swim and when I returned my sunbed had been straightened out, my towel had been replaced and a fresh glass of iced water placed at the side!!!
We have been on Azamara before and loved the relaxed atmosphere, food and service but comparing the two cruise lines I would always swing more towards Oceania now
the down side was being a smaller ship of only 1200 passengers there was not a great deal of entertainment on-board, however we knew this as we had done the smaller ships before. to be honest it didn't bother us as the ship docked in until late most nights and dinner is such an occasion, masses of entertainment is not neededThankfully we got the drinks package before we embarked it was £38 pppd but this was for literally anything from cocktails, champagne, top shelf whiskies, gin, wines and beers etc....! (comparing it to companies like Celebrity and Royal Caribbean at the same price much more was included with Oceania, unlike the other brands they don't put a monetary restriction on drinks ie: up to 'x' amount per glass you had everything on the menu)
pricing examples; champagne $15.95 per glass, cocktails ran from around $11-15 depending on what you want, glasses of wine $11 -17 per glass, all of these come with a lovely 18% gratuity on top so I would defo recommend the drinks package!I am already looking again for next years Oceania cruise and literally did not want to get off. worth every penny and we didn't spend a penny on board.
BEST CRUISE EVER!!!
- Rum+Sun, dancefloordemon, Nick and 1 other
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Hey guys finally going on my first Oceania cruise at the end of the month and was just wondering if anyone has an tips or tricks for me before I go?
any info would be appreciated, thanks in advance
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oh I would kill to do this itinerary, looked at doing a resort in the Maldives for 2 weeks cheapest I found for 4* all inc was £2600 pp so £2699 is a bargain!
and you get to see lots of places too
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Hi Max, welcome!
lots of interesting and informative stuff on here any questions just ask!
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Just seen the new Hurtigruten ships they have just had commissioned . . . . they look so mean!!!!
- Mimosa, Bumble Bee, Rum+Sun and 2 others
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I have only just got round to writing a review on the Balomal we embarked upon on 26/03/16, 2 nights to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
I must say after a bit of trepidation about fred olsen cruises i am pleased to report my fears were put to rest very quickly!
I had heard horror stories of 'old ships' 'gods waiting room' etc . . . i was pleasantly suprised.
the age range was very mixed from families to the golden oldies!
Embarkation -
after pulling into southampton city cruise terminal we were directed to a drop off point for the cases before we went round to the main terminal
the valet parking was very swift efficient and friendly. 50 yeards from the terminal door our car was taken from us no hassle
check in -
again swift only a 5 minute queue to get through the scanners of security. once through, a 10 minute wait to check in and get our cruise cards. once we recieved those it was a short walk onto the ship, very organised and again hassle free
1st day -
as our cabin wouldnt be ready for a couple of hours we headed straight for the beautiful back of the ship. i loved this area as it stepped down the decks in half moons finishing at the bottom with a lovely pool area. i must admit walking through the ship there is no 'flounce' to fred olsen ships the decor is quite basic with a 'ferry' feel to it. but looking past that exceptionally clean, carpets were all clean and looks as though they had been laid yesterday!
straight to the bar! we had a slight issue here as we had pre booked the drinks package however when the waitress came back she had charged us for the drinks. after trying to explain we had them all pre paid for she explained it wasnt showing on our card. luckily i had taken a booking confirmation and after a to and fro with the reception they agreed that we had paid for the drinks and could carry on ordering! a waste of about an hour on such a short cruise it did put a dampner on it
Cabin -
we had a basic inside cabin on deck 4. actually quite a good position about 6 cabins from the midship.
quite spaciuos compared to other cruise lines i had been on. the decor was a bit plain but adequate enough. bathroom was of a larger size that used to and the shower was actually comfortable for my husband of 6'5 foot! although it only had 2 settings:
burning hell fire or ice age!
i would say the grouting in the bathroom was looking a little tired and discoloured and the sink had a couple of age cracks and staining but ultimately it was kept very clean by our steward.
beds were nice and confortable if not a little small (they were only in twin configuration) a little short for the hubby too!
i'm not usually one to moan but the cabin walls were paper thin and could hear every word from all 3 sides. as we were only on there for 2 nights it didnt matter but can imagine it would get tiresome after a week or so!
evening meal -
we had our evening meal at 6.30 (a little earlier than i like but we booked on the late offer so had to take what we were given) i noticed many people arguing this with the matred'e but i think if you have paid a cheap price you get what they can give you!
the Spey restaurant was right at the top of the ship stunning floor to ceiling windows all the way around so had an excellent view.
The waiters were excellent very attentive and always a smile!
the food, oh glorious food! i must say after having been on several ships i enjoyed the food thoroughly on this sailing. the choice was very
good with around 4 choices on each course
entertainment -
we went to the main show lounge, a little strange as i was used to the very large ships with 3 decks of theatre. the Balmoral just has one level with staggered chairs and tables. the main center stage and the bar at the back.
I am not really one for going to the shows but as i had never been on a Fred olsen before i thought i better check it out.
I can honestly say it was probably the best show i have seen. the dancers were fantastic and each and everyone could sing their hearts out. i thoroughly enjoyed it
port -
Boulogne-sur-Mer, lovely little town in the north of france. one main shopping street and a walled castle at the top of the hill. the transfer from the ship was around 15 minutes all complimentary and was very organised with only 5 minutes to wait until we could disembark the ship.
the transfer home was a bit of a nightmare as they had arranged 3 pick up / drop off points in the town. we decided to go for number 2. there was already a queue of around 100 people waiting at the stand when we arrived. 3 buses went past who had picked up at stop 1 and were totally full! heartbreaking when there was 100 people in front of you and it was getting colder.
however the woman from Boulogne-sur-Mer tourist board came to our rescue and telephoned the ship to send more buses and within 10 minutes 3 buses came to pick us up!
I honestly dont think this was fred olsen to blame though it just so happended the weather changed and everyone wanted to come bcak at the same time!
all in all i enjoyed my first fred olsen experience and after a few hours onboard it begins to feel like home. you overlook the old fashioned decor as the food, entertainment and service was excellent!
we will certainly be booking again provided the right itinerary came along
- dancefloordemon, DavidH, Tumbling and 1 other
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just seen they have now launched their programme for next year, some gorgeous itineraries just wish i could afford them, a little out of my price range unfortunately!
take a look for yourself:
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Azamazing evenings
in Ports Of Call General Chat
Posted
Hey guys, I have been on Azamara before and loved their Azamazing evenings. I knows it early but I've booked for Alaska next year and just wondered if anyone had a list of what they are doing? or even what they did this year? just trying to plan what we are doing on shore!
thanks in advance!