LifeonMars

Having travelled on Bolette, agree entirely that solo travellers are not looked after with regards to cabin/location on most cruise lines , even though usually paying a supplement for solo travel. I really enjoy being low down towards the water line . My last visit I had Cabin1883 which had a Picture window and yes there was plenty of drone most days although it did not disturb me as used to sleeping with noises. I find the slamming of cabin doors disturbs me, you get that all over the ships.

Can not see any reason why not https://www.msccruises.co.uk/health-and-safety-measures/mediterranean

Randox has been perfectly acceptable by MSC UK boarding in the past.using the cheaper Lateral flow test. (Lateral flow test at home -UK) You take the test and upload a picture using their app Randox Certifly and a certificate is emailed usually with in 30mins if negative. Costs £12 delivered or £11 collected from local stores listed (pre purchased) ordered on line, when using Coupon Code Fly15 which is usually automatically added when purchasing on website https://covid.randox.com/pre-departure/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrs2XBhDjARIsAHVymmQCrjmCucs1DxGYJH9SQo9SMQ_8Ha04svRsP1pu8uU_GbIRTU2l9jsaAmEZEALw_wcB

Bolette is a really nice ship. The speciality restaurants colours and Taste (Asian) has its own separate area and Vasco (Indian) off The View when pre-booked both at £10 (£15 on board) are a must if you enjoy that food. The ship is old built 2000 for Holland American Line , The main decor is very smart but the cabins are a bit old fashioned. You also may run the risk of getting a terraced cabin on Deck 3 which some passengers do not like as it is on the Promenade Deck. The Observatory at the Bow of the ship deck 9 in my opinion is one of the best of the fleet. Braemar used to be my favourite but Bolette has taken over.

Have you tried creating an account and signing in, perhaps re send details again. https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/manage-your-booking https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club/status-match

Presently Cunard require a test a day before or on the day so Just book an appointment time at the Regenerative Clinic Southampton, In West Quay Shopping Centre, which is Very near to the Port, (Westquay Centre , Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1QF.) The cost is £39 for a fit to fly Antigen test, with certificate. Which will be emailed to you within 4 hours. https://www.theregenerativeclinic.co.uk/southampton-covid-19-rapid-antigen-test-appointment- booking/ If in London the day before then book one of their London Clinics. You can do a self test using Randox which requires their app to be downloaded and Test kit sent to an address. You do the test your self and upload the negative result to them on the Randox Certiflyapp and receive a certificate usually within 10 minutes. The cost for that is usually around £12 (Use coupon Code Fly15 ) I think only UK delivery by Post but the test kit is available to be collected from various small stores locally in the UK The Randox Test at Home-UK kit is available to collect from certain stores immediately , but must be paid for and ordered via their web page for click and collect. They are usually small local stores, but the web page does show if the store has stock. Bit fiddly as you have to select your collection areas then click on the stores shown to find the address to collect from. https://covid.randox.com/pre-departure/

Been on Virtuosa many times, In my opinion the food is very good Especially the Pisa and pasta which is made on board and is better than P&O when you compare prices paid. Virtuosa for cooked Breakfast in the Buffet is exceptional and even has sliced Gammon for breakfast ! . (You must walk around the complete Buffet to see the whole selection) Gala nights have Surf and turf with the turf being extremely large prawns. Waiters will supply you what you wish from the menu, portions are small but you can order however many courses you wish. Butchers Cut Speciality restaurant is exceptional and although small very popular and booking a must. The Cabins I have had, have easier access to the wardrobes than the cabins on P&O Iona. Regarding Pillows 2 hard and two soft are supplied. Yorkshire Tea bags also onboard.

I am sure it will as it did in June, It is wonderful scenery as the ship makes the transfer.

With apologies, Yes soft scoop Ice cream is included in the ALCOHOL-FREE PACKAGE with exceptions (Venchi 1878 establishments, Lavazza Coffee Shop, Jean Philippe Chocolate, Coffee, Crepes & Gelato and Starship Club). but it did used to be included in the Premium drinks package which it longer does. However I have not seen soft scoop Ice cream available (Except in Main Restaurants ) on UK sailings other than the Gelato shop which is extra charge on Virtuosa

Just for you information The Soft Scoop Ice Cream has been at extra charge for some time now and not included in the drinks package. For some reason MSC gets bad reports from UK possibly because UK cruisers only write to complain not to compliment. I will Comment on MSC Virtuosa that has been sailing from UK this year and last and the food is exceptional and they have slightly adapted for UK Travellers by placing a Sunday Roast on the menu and Tea (Yorkshire Tea) /Coffee facilities in Cabin and reduced the announcements to English Only. If you go with the knowledge that the ship is an Italian Line and expect it to be different to P&O you and Family should have a fantastic Holiday onboard.

this is what P&O are heading with their email about a future Ventura Cruise Quote Your summer at sea... We’re so delighted you’ll be on board with us this summer. If you’ve sailed with us before, we can’t wait to welcome you back. If it’s your first holiday with us, we’re thrilled you’ve chosen P&O Cruises and hope you’ll have a fantastic time. As you’ll have seen in the media, and perhaps experienced in many hospitality and leisure venues in the UK, there are currently supply chain challenges as well as global staff shortages. Cruise ships are no exception. Despite this, we are, of course, fully committed to giving you the most wonderful holiday possible while we may have to make the occasional change. Currently, opening days and times in our speciality restaurants are being affected as well as service in some bars. Please bear with us – your patience is hugely appreciated. Ashore, you’ll find we still have incredible adventures in stunning destinations for you to discover those moments that really matter. There are also a number of new experiences across our ships for you to enjoy such as new menus, extra entertainment, special guests and activities (plus all the usual P&O Cruises favourites). It’s going to be a spectacular summer at sea

Interestingly this M&S Credit Card benefit was brought up in 2019, in this thread

The number to use is the order numbers beginning Covid-19 Test kit order # sent on the email Randox sent you when you ordered.

Did you resolve this? From what I can see if you only us the app, is to message Hargreaves Lansdown from within the app, requesting them to inform Carnival for share perk. Other than that use the web browser and log in to your account and select your fund share account, then select the pdf version at bottom of page, print of page removing your account number then forward to Carnival yourself with cruise details etc .

I used Hargreaves Lansdown and opened a Fund share account. I do not get charged for them holding my shares or pay any other additional fees. The cost of shares will be shown on their website plus a fee and a tax, so it is best to just add this amount to your account when opening. You then buy the shares and your account will be debited . At the end of the month you can then withdraw any surplus cash being held in your account. When I travel by any Carnival Cruise ships I log into my account and download a PDF copy of my statement, (Easily done from their website when logged in) showing my name and the amount of Carnival stock held, (minimum 100 shares) with the account number erased, but showing my name and date. I then email this to shareholderbenefits@carnivalukgroup.com with the dates, ship cruise and name must be latest within 4 weeks of cruise to receive the benefits listed here, they then apply the obc and will forward an amended booking confirmation if booked direct or advise you to contact your TA for a revised booking confirmation if booked that way. https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/50351a91-4dc0-4f6b-bfec-684647e6129f Other forum members do it differently with other companies. Carnival presently Buy 974.40pence

Randox fit to fly with certificate home test are presently fine. If you search You Tube there are videos showing how easy they are done. Presently the Kit is £11 if picked up or £12 with code delivered. Fly15 or BritishAirways. It is worth checking the click and collect button and see if any local store has them in stock for pick up. Then just order on the website and collect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5m-ByKMZ8&t=40s&ab_channel=RandoxHealth

I see that P&O N212 1st June 2022 overnight visit to Amsterdam by Ventura is due to dock at IJHaven which is the Amsterdam central berth. Hopefully P&O will cease from berthing at Ijmuiden .

Stateroom 2016 on QM2

A few more pics of a Deck 3 solo stateroom (3012) I had earlier this month on QM2.

The Walk is possible to The Mayflower Terminal , very little traffic inside port along Herbert Walker Avenue mainly Taxis . There is a pavement, Google shows time about 26mins and 1.2ml distance. It's easy to get to walking. I Did it last week getting off QM2 with two wheeled cases as it was a beautiful morning and wanted some exercise. (Stay on Herbert Walker Avenue as there is no through way any more between City and Horizon Terminals to the Mayflower) you have to use Herbert Walker Avenue

It is controlled by a switch by the bed

Host Hattie, was on last week and back in March, The pursers desk did say they were considering placing some staff in connexions but it was undecided. Looks like they have seen the light, 😀.

Connexions Manager no longer on board, all queries and assistance had to be done at the Pursers Desk. This caused Extra long queues at the Pursers desk for those passengers that needed help with connecting to the wifi and placing the "MyVoyage" on their devices, as the Pursers Desk appeared to be never fully staffed. So passengers who had a complaint were even more annoyed with the long waiting time to be seen. Weird decision.

Yes has happened to myself using the Blue light Card promotion discount , also noticed on P&O Forum a refusal for military benefit on a booking with a "Thank you for cruising" Credit which had been applied to the booking.

Similar to the Blue Light Card promotions, Cunard would not allow the share holder benefit to the same booking.