Brummijam

D2 advertising trips for Canaries for Christmas and new year on Iglu this morning.

2 hours ago, so,ton saint said:

Hi every one just had to cancel our stay and cruise in Mallorca, the wife broke her arm and was told not to cruise or fly. 

Went into T.A in So,ton and asked if i could move the holiday to another date or even canaries in the winter, but no we were 29 days before departure and that came into loosing 70% of the holiday price, we are well insured with stay sure so have to go through the proper channels ect, Hospital and doctors and just wait .

 

Sorry to hear that, what a disappointment.

The upside is Staysure are a pretty good company to deal with in my experience.

keep well both.😉

3 hours ago, Pensioncruiser said:

Think I said YOU take less. What ever we are just envious have a great time if you go. Is it the Adriatic if so it's our favourite of all even the Caribbean 🤞

Hi PC.

Don’t be envious, get yourself booked up. My 88 year old Ma in law and wife recently did a 12 night Saga trip, Door to door pick up and drop off and had a great time. 😉

Our upcoming trip hopefully is alternating Turkey and Greece and includes Cyprus,a few places we haven’t been to yet so hopefully it will happen.

Keep well both.😉
 

On 5/14/2024 at 3:00 PM, Pensioncruiser said:

Hi BJ All ok here thanks. Could I suggest you take less luggage 😂😂

Hi PC.

But would you be brave enough to suggest it to her?😂😂

On 5/14/2024 at 1:00 PM, Andy24v said:

Are you going on Discovery on 27th May?

 

Andy

Hi Andy.

We embark on 3rd June hopefully.🤷🏻‍♂️

3 hours ago, Izzywiz said:

I am presently on Discovery and sailed from Marmaris last Monday (12 May).

I have quite severe mobility issues so use airport assistance all the time and couldn’t travel without it.

I highly recommend that you contact the Tui assistance helpline as they will be able to arrange the help you need and provide you with your seat allocation.

I would also recommend that you use the previous day bag drop option as that made it a lot quicker to get through the rush at BHX.

 

I am an avid note taker and below is my diary entry for our bag drop on the Sunday and our Monday flight from BHX to Dalaman and then the transfer to Marmaris port. I took a mobility scooter so we had a private taxi from Dalaman airport to the ship. You will probably be allocated the coach transfer.

I hope your wife recovers quickly from her injury.

 

 

Sunday 12 May

TUI Luggage drop.

 

• we received an email from TUI a couple of weeks before our flight to offer us the option to do a luggage drop the day before our flight.
• This service was available between 14.00 and 21.00
• The offer included a chance to park the car for an hour in the ‘premium drop off parking area’ at a cost of £4.
• We needed to have checked in on line and printed our boarding passes before arriving at the drop-off.
• We needed to show our passes and passports at the desk before the luggage was accepted.
• We arrived at the parking area at 16.00 and found a disabled space.
• We took the 2 big cases plus the mobility scooter to the drop-off desk where the cases were checked in but they wouldn’t accept the mobility scooter at that time.
• When we went to the car park customer service kiosk to pay our £4 we were told we could park free if we had our blue badge……a very helpful service. 
• Monday 13 May
  It was chaotic bedlam inside BHX  airport when we arrived at 04.30 with really long queues for people to get to the check in desks.
• There were a lot of people requiring the assistance so we had to queue to register our arrival. Thank goodness we didn’t have the big suitcases with us!!
  We then had to wait for an assistant to take us to the desk so we could check in the mobility scooter. It took a while to do all the paperwork and then we had to take it to the ‘heavy bags’ desk to get it taken to the plane.
  Our assistant then had to take us back to the assistance holding area to wait for someone else to take us through security.
• By this time we had given up the hope of using the DragonPass lounge as time was moving on.
• After a while with no sign of an assistant, Jim decided that he would push me so we set off and were able to use the priority security lane so got through fairly quickly although my medication scissors were spotted so they checked my case. Luckily, I was allowed to keep them!
  Once through security, we got a W.H. Smith’s meal deal and ate the sandwiches in the departure lounge before moving to our gate.
• once at the gate, I had the wheelchair assistant to push me to the aircraft.
  Tui flight.
  • the plane was a Boeing 737-800
  • Our seats were 2C&D so were were across the aisle from each other.
  • The flight took off at 08.10 - 35 minutes late - but the pilot made up most of the time.
  • It was an uneventful flight with only a few minutes turbulence.

  • Once we had landed, I had to wait until the majority of passengers had disembarked and then the wheelchair assistance was waiting.

  Dalaman airport.

  • the airport is modern and very large so I was glad of the assistance
  • We had our passports stamped and photographs taken.
  • Fortunately, our plane was the only one in at the time so everything went smoothly.
  • NB - there were toilets along the corridor between the passport control area and the baggage reclaim hall. The toilets in the reclaim hall are all at one end (our carousel was the furthest away from them) so it can be quite a walk.
  • Our luggage arrived quite quickly but the mobility scooter was one of the last things to appear and came with the pushchairs.
  • There were Tui reps and Marella reps waiting to direct us to the transfer vehicles.
  • The airport has a currency exchange bureau and a gift shop in the baggage reclamation hall and there is a cafe just outside.

  When we had collected everything, it was a bit of a walk to our transfer point especially as the closed mobility scooter has a mind of its own when going down slopes and turning corners.

  As we got close to the car park there was an information desk for people with assistance needs. This is where we were met by our taxi driver, Saidad, who helped to get all our luggage to his taxi.

  It was a very clean, comfortable, 8 seater cab with plenty of room for the suitcases and scooter.

  The transfer took 1.25 hours along a fast highway. It was interesting to see the towns, villages, agricultural areas, rugged hills and lush vegetation.

  Saidad stopped at a small convenience store and bought us a bottle of water each which was a lovely gesture.

  We finally reached Marmaris port at about 16.00 and I was surprised to see long queues for boarding.

  Marmaris port.

  • The port is basically used for ferries to nearby islands and Rhodes plus private yachts.
  • Marella is now using it as Discovery’s home port for the summer season which gives options for tours in the Eastern Mediterranean.
  • There are 2 buildings. The first was used to check in for the cruise. There were ship’s crew members to supervise the collection of luggage, hand over cabin key cards, scrutinise passports and obtain credit card details.
  • A port employee provided wheelchair assistance to take me to the check in where I had priority.
  • Once checked in we were moved on to the second building which had Turkish passport control and the security check. There was a duty free shop once through the security area.
  • It was a longish walk from there to the ship’s gangway. There was a ‘golf cart’ shuttle service from the security area to the gangway for those who needed it.

  We were on board the ship at 17.00 and we had all our cases by 18.00.

Hi Izzy. Thanks for your detailed answer to my query,so very useful.

We have applied for assistance from TUI this morning and now knowing what to expect has put us at ease with the whole process.

Thanks for the kind words regarding my wife’s injury.

Hope you are having a great trip.

Keep well Regards BJ.

2 hours ago, pennib said:

Just as well you are not going in and out of Antalya airport. What a nightmare that place is. Can’t help with Dalaman.

anyway, I am sure you will have a good holiday!!

Well it is what it is so we will see how it pans out.😳

My other half is determined that we are going so as I said in a earlier post it will be an adventure or a disaster.🤷🏻‍♂️

Keep well.😉

2 hours ago, Sicknote said:

Are you planning on taking a wheelchair for her? The airports usually have ones you can borrow too, but never used that option myself.

 

I've had no problems at UK airports, and barely any problems with non-UK ones when using the airport special assistance. TUI can book special assistance at the airports for you, and if using a wheelchair arrange for the ambilift to put you on / take you off the aircraft. At the airport if you let yourself known at the special assistance desks they can arrange for someone to push the wheelchair to the bag drop off and then take you through security too.

 

I've only flown to Palma/Majorca for a Marella cruise, both times I've had no problems with assistance that end. They've offered to help with getting the suitcases on arrival too.

 

At the port, you don't have to worry about the suitcases as they're taken straight to your cabin. If you're using a wheelchair they usually fast track you through the queue to check-in too.

Hi Sicknote.

Thanks for your valuable input.

We have seen the assistance points at the airports but your confirmation on how it all works is really useful.👍🏻

Keep well.

4 hours ago, Pensioncruiser said:

Hi BJ our thoughts are with you, sorry I can't help but hope all goes well for you both. Big decisions for you. 🤞 

Hi PC.

Hoping that yourself and Mrs PC are keeping well.

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.😉

At the moment we are thinking “Go for it” what’s the worst that can happen?

But I really don’t know if I could manage the luggage and carry her on my back for any distance.🤔😂

We will see.

look after each other…Regards BJ.

Thanks for the prompt reply Pennib. I think that we may well be asking TUI for assistance and hoping for the best🤷🏻‍♂️ like yourself my wife can walk short distances but standing is a problem and we are particularly concerned regarding the queues at the airports bag drop and security, Birmingham airports TUI gates are usually at the far end of the terminal. The destination airport is Dalaman Turkey which to us is an unknown so that could be either an adventure or a disaster.🤦🏻

We will see.

Keep well BJ😉

Hi all.

We are due to be away in a couple of weeks time but unfortunately my wife has badly sprained her knee.

She is struggling to walk at the moment and her GP has told her that it will take time to heal.

Has anyone onhere used the TUI assistance and if so where does it start and does it continue at the destination airport and cruise port?

Whether we go or not hinges on how much help we can get Primarily at the airports/ port.

Thanks BJ.

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” 😂😂

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.🤷🏻‍♂️

7 hours ago, Brissle said:

Which is why we have recently invested in a remotely monitored  comprehensive video recording home security and alarm system.

Hi Brizzle.

My take on security is good quality locks and burglar alarm but more importantly proper all inclusive insurance. I can think of nothing worse than being on holiday and getting a video alert that a burglar is ransacking my home and would I care to watch.

If it happens I will find out when I get home, Let the insurance sort it.

I have been victim to burglars in the past and it’s not nice so why let it ruin your holiday.

Keep well.

On 4/28/2024 at 12:18 AM, Brick1 said:

Hi all,

 

I am on a two week cruise with Marella in July. Sailing out of Corfu. The first week going to Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Trieste and Kotor before returning to Corfu and the second week going to Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi, Athens and Kefalonia before returning to Corfu. I am wanting to disembark the ship a day early in Kefalonia and then stay there for a few days before flying back to the UK. Is this likely to be an issue? I would obviously inform Marella before travelling and guest services as soon as I got on the ship.

Hi Brick1.

I really can’t see how this would be an issue if you want to disembark early, Marella can’t really force you to stay on the ship. Obviously your flight home becomes your problem.

good luck.😉

Hi Ki.

Have a look here, taxi is app €30 from the airport area.

There are a few ways to reach Palma de Mallorca port from the airport. Taxis can be found outside the main airport terminal. The fare to the cruise port costs around €25-30, but it’s always worth clarifying prior to departure as some taxi’s operate on a meter system.

The journey time is approximately 20 minutes, and the same costs apply returning from Palma port to the airport.

Private Transfer Palma de Mallorca Airport to Cruise Port

It’s also possible to arrange a private transfer shuttle from Palma de Mallorca airport to cruise port. They are often cheaper for groups travelling together. The vehicle prices range from €25-30 for four people, to €37-40 for up to six people.

Bus from Palma de Mallorca Airport to Cruise Port

If you are arriving at Palma airport and wish to travel by bus to port of Palma de Mallorca cruise terminal, there are currently no direct public bus services.

The A1 bus will transport you from the airport, firstly to Passeig Mallorca in the city’s Old Town, and here you transfer to bus no. 1 at (stop 19) “Instituts” or (stop 20) “Jaume III”. This bus takes you directly to the cruise port and the cost for the entire combined trip is €8 per person.

I Would think a taxi would be the easiest option.😉

39 minutes ago, pennib said:

We fly from Manchester which is only 25 minutes away. We applied for assistance and this is excellent in Manchester but in Tenerife it was appalling. We and others were literally abandoned. Never again. Coach to Southampton from now on. Had so many good reports.

Last time that we were in tenerife  my wife was struggling to walk  (She had twisted her knee a couple of weeks earlier) At the check in building/ tent there were four or five crew with wheelchairs and one of them approached us and offered the wheelchair which we accepted and he pushed the chair all of the way to our cabin.🙂

I must agree the walk from the coach drop off to the ship is decent especially if you are less able.

1 hour ago, pennib said:

Agree. We had this in March. You MUST have the pappadeilli carbonara in Vista. Yes you pay extra but what the hell?! Note that the restaurants have 2 menus so you need to check the dates they apply to before you book. We love everything on them. It is such a pity that we won’t be there again because you have got to fly to pick up the ship and we have given up on airports after horrendous time in Tenerife and having to trek miles in Manchester airport now.

good luck

That’s a shame, can’t you book assistance at the airport?

Dont know where you are flying from but at Birmingham it’s a pretty good service.

From a quick google search. Unsure how recent this is but it’s exactly the menu that we had last September.

3 hours ago, FIFE1 said:

If anyone has the latest menu from kora La, Surf & Turf and the Vista would you be able to share them please. Thanks in advance 

1 hour ago, Jim The Scot said:

Hi Sheera

 

Not long back from explorer 2 and the equivalent of the mediterranean bar on explorer 2 is called the terrace,similar idea without the Med tapas and Med italian

And as I recall no bar. 🥲 It’s an outside seating area for the market place buffet.

43 minutes ago, Rebel Rouser said:

Don't shoot the messenger 😇

That’s disappointing, we always went back to the cabin after the turndown service and picked our copy up so that we could muse over the following days offerings,☹️

Hi RR hope all is well with you and yours.😉

3 hours ago, Andy24v said:

Still the same for us, no dining or excursions for our May 31st trip.

On a positive note, I've logged into Cruise Control so many times, I've managed to memorise our booking number..

Our trip on June 3rd has dining and spa treatments but no excursions as yet.

6 hours ago, LondonLad60 said:

I quite agree that's true for anyone that lives any distance from the ports, but I am fortunate in that I live well within 75 miles of Portsmouth (and Southampton when Saga used that port) and about 100 miles from Dover, so for a private car to Dover, to me it is worth he extra cost

Fortunately for you paying the extra cost for a private car isn’t going to break the bank, 

The original poster has a 300 mile plus journey so a private car would be astronomical. Your reply hasn’t really helped the topic being discussed.🤷🏻‍♂️

4 minutes ago, LondonLad60 said:

I would imagine that a private car for 300 plus miles would cost a small fortune.

Dont forget that you are paying for the transport in with the price of the cruise already.