kruzseeka

And in the meantime it will cover you for short breaks (minimum of 2 nights?) if you may be thinking of a few days away - and gives you breakdown cover too. We were able to deduct that from our car insurance policy when we renewed it making a saving there.

I should have mentioned too that for anyone interested in the FlexPlus account that you don't need to have it as your main current account. It's not one of those where you have to have a minimum monthly deposit and at least 2 Standing Orders or similar requirements so it's quite possible to hold it and just ensure there is sufficient in the account to cover the monthly cost which gives you the basic travel insurance (but you may have additional age/cruise/medical supplements to pay). It does have some other benefits too like breakdown cover.

It's been discussed at length on here for some considerable time - it seems to be a deliberate move by P&O (Cunard too) as it's clear that they have this information as the port must be notified of arrival/departure times when the berth is booked. As Dave says one could speculate on the reason! It makes it much more problematic in respect of planning your own DIY. But don't be deterred. You've obviously tried individual port websites seeking schedules and discovered some more details yourself but I can't suggest how you might unearth further info having researched this issue myself in the past. Perhaps if the itinerary is repeated you may get feedback on here from others who have done the same trip before you go. However on the plus side generally port times do allow you to DIY - their advertised trips will give you an idea. If they are advertising long full day trips of 8/10 hours then you have a good window for DiY. Even shorter stops depending on the port and if you have to travel to where you want to go, can allow plenty of time to explore. Some ports are easy DIY with good local transport (go armed with timetables) and local tours will often coincide their timings to suit port times too. So check out what they are offering too. Perhaps you have experience of your ports of call, but I'm sure there would be lots of help forthcoming if you have ideas of what you want to do at each port - or would like suggestions. Good luck!

Not sure of the amount involved but they do ask you to inform them of trips in excess of 30/31? days' duration so are prepared to cover for longer trips.

Had friends who had very recently taken out FlexPlus when he took ill at the airport and was advised not to fly. Full payout from FlexPlus - no quibbles. The flowing year he had an infection just prior to travel and again had to cancel their cruise. Again FlexPlus paid out. We had a claim this year for cabin confinement. Very prompt full payout (having supplied P&O evidence of period covering claim). FlexPlus insures over 80's too with appropriate age premium added on. And if your account is joint, the monthly payment covers both of you which is excellent for Worldwide cover imo. Of course both of you have to be screened for any additional medical cover but the age surcharge and cruise cover are additional separate payments on the policy but covering you both.

Yes clearly a 'horses for courses' situation. Much as we enjoy the ambience on board (though prefer the smaller ships with limited 'attractions'), lectures and some daytime activities we really value getting off and exploring the ports of call. Friends are soon to embark on a 30 day cruise with only 7 PoC. Much as I'm sure I would enjoy relaxing and all the ship has to offer - it's not for us. It's just to be hoped that we continue to get the choice of a whatever combination of features appeal to us whether that be larger, destinations type ship/smaller adult only/balance of sea days and PoCs.

Absolutely. Some really excellent ports. Oslo isn't often included but is a fabulous port of call too and the sail-away through the archipelago shouldn't be missed - 3 hours and if you are lucky enough to get a sunset over the stern, a very memorable experience.

Just gone into My Account - excursions coming up for all ports. Had a quick look last night after reading your post and yes, couldn't pull up the itinerary - same with other Aurora cruises to Norway although I got brief views of the itinerary page underneath the scrolling symbol then it seemed to disappear and skip to Bookings. Got to go out but will investigate further and report back later. Yes hopefully just a Blip!

Sorry to hear that the Lofoten Islands has been replaced on your itinerary - we have really enjoyed our visits there having taken excursions through beautiful scenery to Nusfjord which is charming. However on the plus side, we love Andalnes as a destination too - I know you've been before but perhaps not since they opened a new cable car this year. If you haven't taken the trip up to the mountain overlooking Andalnes it's definitely worth doing. Spectacular views and some walks and cafe at the top. The entrance is very close to the pier and I'd suggest if you wanted to do the trip to get off early and go up there first. We met some people off the ship who had done that and said how quiet it was. We'd done our favourite walk up the river side and crossed over the foot bridge to the campsite for a coffee then returned so it was afternoon when we got back to the centre. We only went up the cable car on a whim but my goodness how glad we were. Fabulous views - one of our favourite memories of that trip. But it was busy. So hopefully next time we go, we'll do the cable car first. Anyway hope you enjoy your return visit to Andalsnes but in the meantime asvyoubsay, we must count ou blessings. Keep warm, safe and well everyone.

Can't comment on Iona but like the fact that you can always somewhere to sit the evening on Arcadia - nice lounges and not the bun fight we found on Azura to find a seat in the entertainment areas (other than the theatre). Agreed a bit more dated - has a sedate feel if that's the right word. But am posting really to say how much we love the Lofoten Islands. We've been twice to Leknes - not sure there is much in Leknes (just been on Google Earth to remind myself and the pier is a step out of the town) but on both occasions we went on the trip to Nusfjord which was spectacular - the journey there was so beautiful - even once in the rain! From Google Earth it's a little way off from Leknes (I can't see a bridge so perhaps there was a tunnel but can't remember) but do remember being blown away by the scenery. Nusfjord is a small fishing village now mainly holiday accommodation but very picturesque. I would recommend the trip as I think you'd get a much better impression of Lofoten than by staying in Leknes. We look out for Leknes on itineraries considering it a real plus and would look forward to going again but would repeat the trip to Nusfjord .

I should have said too that it lasts for hours. We had no idea because we didn't see the sail-in because we arrived early morning so didn't realise just how long it took to sail up the Mississippi from the Gulf to New Orleans - apparently about 100 miles. Even when it was dark the effect of the moonlight shining on the water between the Levees was unforgettable.

Be sure to spend some time at the stern watching the sail away tomorrow especially if you're likely to get a sunset. We'd booked the Beach House (can't remenber which ship) but it was aft so had a fabulous meal soaking up the scene. One of our favourite cruising memories. Magical. Enjoy.

I have no beef about not having my loyalty discount applied to my obc spending on board. Any obc to me is a bonus and allows me to 'buy' drinks, excursions etc on board until it is all spent. It varies in amount and with share holder benefit too, on some trips, has amounted to basically an all inclusive cruise - in fact we sometimes mop up any left over on some duty frees. However, I don't kid myself. We pay extra for 'Select' mainly to secure a cabin location which suits. To an extent that 'buys' my obc (sometimes worth a lot more than other times). And no doubt the obc offered reflects a business model designed to sell cruises and make a profit. Comparing prices in pubs etc isn't a consideration in my book. We're a captive audience on board - the prices are what they are and you either decide to pay the price or do without. However I think the prices are very reasonable compared with what we'd pay in our local pubs/restaurants. But certainly the obc is worth a lot more to me than it costs P&O. One of the wines we often buy on board is about £24 but i can buy that at the supermarket for £8 (or £6 if I wait for a 25% off offer). Clearly P&O will be buying that for much less than £6. So there is a big mark-up for them. However they have all the on-costs, staff wages etc. so clearly have to make a profit just like a restaurant on land - they don't offer wines at the price of the supermarket down the road. Me buying a bottle of wine may cost them, say, £4 but saves me £24. As others have pointed out they also lose the profit they would have made if I'd bought it and not used obc. So to me, I'm very grateful for any obc I receive and consider it a bonus. If I don't get my loyalty discount that just means I haven't had to buy anything on board! No complaints there!

Correct

No I believe your 10% discount is applicable to anything you buy pre cruise (for which you can't use OBC) but once on board you only qualify for your loyalty discount once you have spent all your OBC.

Sorry, dont follow. I'd expect it to be applied after the balance is paid. Do you mean the benefit was applied after only paying the deposit, or after balance paid.

Gosh - if that's the case I'll apply for mine. But it flies in the face of P&O's statement as quoted in post #135 Another example of the left and right hand - or confusing admin systems??

That may be the answer. They will apply the benefit after full payment irrespective of how far ahead that is? This could be more common at the moment as people had FCC to spend therefore effectively paid for their cruise at the time of booking. But for most bookings, especially going forward with fewer and fewer FCC bookings, where only a deposit is paid, I assume the 90 day stipulation will still apply.

I don't doubt at all what you're saying but I am surprised as I always thought you had to hold the shares when full payment is due. Otherwise how do they know whether you will sell the shares in the meantime?

Yes. I always, apply as soon as we make full payment i.e. 12 weeks before sailing. Gives time for follow up. Glad you're sorted now though. (Like others I do a copy from my on-line account, print it, redact personal details then send as an attachment by email.)

Including their own promoted insurers! Disgraceful.

That sounds like a bargain. What a pity you aren't able to take advantage of it.

Just done a mock booking on a cruise promoted in the sale which we booked a month ago. £164 more for same grade cabin (for two) and still a good price - but not cheaper!

It was the ticket office where we asked about a taxi the first time but I think one time we just walked to the gate - the ticket office is just inside - and saw a taxi dropping someone off and he was happy to take us back. Another occasion we asked the taxi which took us up to come back a couple of hours later but it's hard to judge how long you need to be there. There is a garden to look around too and as I mentioned a small cafe/coffee bar (nothing special when we were there, but a chance to get a drink). I hope you enjoy it - I'm sure you'll find it really interesting. I was in awe of the imagination involved. What a creative mind!

We have really enjoyed visiting the Manrique Fundacion from Arrecife. It's only about three miles from the port where you can pick up a taxi. Manrique's artistic influence is very much a feature of Lanzarote and the Fundacion was his home fashioned from five lava bubbles which he excavated, connected via tunnels, furnished and decorated in the most imaginative way. One bubble even has a palm tree growing out through a hole in the top of a bubble. A ground level building has a window complete with lava flow passing through it and looking across towards Timanfaya. It's all so eclectic. It's all full of his work - even down to the labels for the loos! We've been several times and I find it fascinating - we shall go again on our next visit. There is a small cafe for a coffee and they will ring for a taxi for you when you're ready to leave. Might be worth considering for a half day - certainly would be something very different if you want a variety of experiences during your cruise. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/fundacion-cesar-manrique