Cosmic Rays

All this is very concerning for April 9th departure from Yokohama, particularly as I'm about to book our flights. How might we find out the truth of the situation and just where we stand just nine months from departure?

She may as well sail tomorrow as all European cruises, including the TA on the 31st October from Barcelona to Miami, have now all been cancelled today..........

Interestingly looking at Cruise Ship Tracker tonight Allure is nowhere to be seen in either the English Channel or the Southern Irish Sea! She was there last night - any ideas anybody? Anthem is in the Bay of Biscay heading north and both Majesty and Empress are still off the south coast...............

She is currently in the English Channel, heading for Southampton slowly! Probably due to arrive early tomorrow for a few days.......

5 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Not sure it makes much diff as she's got nothing to do for at least 2 more months.

Good point I guess, BUT, she could leave Cadiz and return to the US across the Atlantic never to be seen again over here in 2020!!

Has anybody any update on Cadiz and how long Allure will remain in drydock? She's been there now for nearly five weeks - 30 days was originally quoted.

Should, after drydock in Cadiz, Royal Caribbean take the decision to take the ship straight back to the USA and as a result cancel all European cruises and the Transatlantic repositioning cruise, will they, like Holland America consider on an individual basis "reasonable out-of-pocket expenses" ie single flights home from Miami and two nights accommodation booked in Miami at the end of the trip? We were unable to book flights with Royal Caribbean hence made alternative arrangements with TAP Air Portugal back to England via Lisbon and at a fraction of the cost of US/British airlines.

That would be very helpful to know please......

39 minutes ago, Jack McGowan said:

yes wasn’t sure if she was straight off there now though...

Yes so I read, and due there tomorrow... 

1 hour ago, Jack McGowan said:

I see none have new destinations yet 

Allure is off to Cadiz for 30 days for Azipod checking/repairing and other mechanical work. Please see previous links...... 

2 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

You managed to change from a cruise that probably will not occur to one that will and on a ship that you say you prefer. It has not cost you any more money to do that yet you say you have gained nothing. I am confused. It does, however, seem like you know which cruise line you would prefer to deal with in the future.

Mmmm, your comments are interesting - I too am confused!!

We all have to just wait and see as previously mentioned. Key to all of this of course is what Royal Caribbean are planning now as there is a very interesting article today on the refurb in Cadiz as 'Allure' approaches Gibraltar prior to her going to Cadiz tomorrow I read. We in the UK can't "L&S" easily as there are flights and hotel accommodation already booked in Barcelona and Miami. Decisions prior to final payment really must be made by the Company and sooner rather than later. Airlines may well be flying again so if you cancel it equates to total loss as it's not their fault!!

3 minutes ago, MADflyer said:

Allure has just left Southampton and will arrive in Gibraltar on Thursday the 14th of May at 06:00. 

 

Jewell is underway and will arrive at Gibraltar one hour prior to Allure on the 14th. 

 

They state that the Allure crew remaining will transfer to Jewel and then Jewel will meet the other ships repatriating crew in MED prior to sailing to Southampton with remaining crew for flights home.  

 

A charter flight will take South American, Caribbean and Central American crew to Barbados. 

 

No confirmation on Dry dock from Navantia or local media, but Cadiz was one of the regions allowed to go to Phase 1 of Spanish reopening. That allows hotels to open and restaurant terraces at 50% legal capacity. 

I have seen this too. It remains to be seen what happens then though, and even if she is AMPED in Cadiz, or it be scaled down, what happens then? Although able to sail, how many ports in Europe might accept her, let alone accept nationalities from many different countries and then in November when she is due to do a TA - with us from the UK on board hopefully - will we be able to enter a US Port? Mmm, much to wait and see in the weeks and months to come.......

2 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Not until her AIS info is updated - I think she stayed one+ day last time.

Thanks.......

Just have to wait and see then eh?

Does anybody know how long Allure of the Seas is to be in Southampton for again? I see that she arrived early this morning. Could she possibly be heading south to Cadiz soon, hopefully?

11 hours ago, astangenes said:

Allure is scheduled to arrive back to Southampton April 22nd. Perhaps they will then leave for Cadiz after that.

Where will she be until then? Surely she can't be patrolling the Irish Sea continually as recently?

On 11/19/2019 at 8:06 PM, Tangoqueen said:

There were quite a lot of unhappy people on the latest Canaries cruise so perhaps they don’t want negative reviews.

What was the problem - we are due to sail in a fortnight, also to the Canaries.........

3 minutes ago, Bigmike911 said:

No further breakdown has ever been given. 

Sorry, but I beg to differ........yes it has and I saw it sometime ago, hence me asking

Just now, Bigmike911 said:

It is currently $11.50 in Britannia, and $13.50 in Grills. You should look further in the forum for an announcement on gratuities which impact this. 

Thanks, I do know that it's $11.50/night in Britannia but want to find out how this is broken down between departments please...........

Where can I find out the gratuity breakdown please of the 'service charge' levied daily? Thank you

4 hours ago, Hawaii136 said:

I think you can disembark at any time, but you must vacate your room by 8:30.

one advantage of disembarking before the rest of passengers is shorter immigration lines.

Thanks, that's helpful.....

Thanks for all your replies...........plenty of food for thought! Deck disembarkation seems unusually late as we are Platinum and on Deck 5 - 10.30am!!. Can you self disembark with your own luggage at any time or MUST it be at 7am or thereabouts?

18 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

Yes, that's a standard post-voyage coach transfer from Brooklyn offered by Cunard. It's called "Station Transfer" with stops at Grand Central Station, Pennsylvania Station, and Port Authority Terminal. It's $40 per person when booked prior to the voyage and $49 per person when booked on board through the tour office.

 

Edit: Since you are from the UK, I can't speak for how that would work trying to book that transfer prior to the voyage and what the price might be for booking ahead in the UK.

Many thanks for your quick reply. I agree with your 'edit' as we are from the UK. I have scoured the cruise personaliser and can't find where to book the transfer following disembarkation, even on the "New York Shore Excursions" at the end of the voyage.

Any ideas please?

QM2 to Quebec and returning to Brooklyn 18th October......

Having just read a QM2 review, the reviewer states:-

"I took the transfer from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to Manhattan (Penn Station). It's a cost effective and efficient way of getting downtown"

Do Cunard offer this as a matter of course because that would solve a big problem on our upcoming cruise next month as that's where we need to get to on our return?. Taxi/Limo companies are wanting upto $100 for this!!

Can anybody help me please?

Thanks

I hear what is said with respect, however, for UK citizens and those too from Germany I am sure, if only visiting for a period of less than 90 days, or on legitimate business, an ESTA is required and they last for two years. We have had several since they were introduced back in 2009. Below is further information for anybody still in doubt!

5 hours ago, steamboats said:

 

Nothing different for Germany... anyway it´s not a visa but a pre-check within the visa waiver program. The immigration officer still can deny entry.

 

steamboats

No ESTA, no entry into the USA under any circumstances..............period!!