jebo

Thanks for the information. Don't think we'll bother with Komodo Island, sounds like too much walking with the excursions offered.  I think P&O need to be clearer on their messaging, causing undue stress.  Happy cruising!

All very confusing.  In the same situation, but of course didn't even think of Komodo Island.  It appears they don't really want us to get off anyway, limited shore excursion and lots of walking if you do.  From my research we need to get a SG Arrival card in Singapore as well.  All very vague, surely they can do this from the Ship. Let's hope for calm seas and good weather.  

2 hours ago, BigMac1953 said:

The kit varies, for example, the art teacher may wish to work in a different medium such as pastel.

 

Nevertheless, you don't have to buy the package to participate, just bring your own and in that case it's free.

3 minutes ago, jebo said:

Thanks for the information. Good brands and probably worth it but with the Aussie dollar so bad may bring my own.  Cheers

I have all of the watercolour equipment mentioned so may as well bring my own.  thanks for the info.

3 hours ago, bluemarble said:

 

The charge is for the kit. I wouldn't know, but by most accounts it is well worth it. Here is what was included in the kit Mrs. Bluemarble received.

 

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Sketchers' Pocket Set Paints

3 Winsor & Newton Cotman Brushes:

• 19mm Series 666 One Stroke

• Size 8 Series 111 Round

• Size 2 Series 333 Rigger

Winsor & Newton Watercolour Pad (11in x 14in, 140lb, 12 sheets) 

Winsor & Newton Medium Kneaded Putty Rubber

Colart Small Rectangular Palette

Conté à Paris 2B Graphite Pencil

Conté à Paris Pencil Sharpener

Thanks for the information. Good brands and probably worth it but with the Aussie dollar so bad may bring my own.  Cheers

Is this charge for the course or for equipment. Seems a little excessive.

Coming closer to my back to back cruise and the dining options have changed online.  Have now booked the Verandah for the first cruise (the option of the Celebrity Chef degustation menu is now not showing).  The second (Culinary cruise) has dropped the option of booking the Specialty dining with the Chefs, no doubt will keep us guessing.  Won't be long now, let the fun begin!

I am booked on back to back cruises 20 Jan to 28 and Jan to 28 to 2 Feb (Special Event - Culinary Cruise).   Not able to book Specialty Restaurant on either cruise. (showing "Coming Soon").  In regard to the second Cruise (Culinary cruise) I understood that as an event cruise would be able to have the Chef experience without having to go to the Specialty Restaurants, but alas they have made this a separate bookable experience in the Verandah Restaurant and also Afternoon Tea with their Celebrity Chefs (no idea of cost at this time).  More surprising that this experience is available on the first cruise as well.  With only two sessions available per cruise don't like my chances of being able to get in as travelling in steerage sorry Brittanica stateroom.  Anyone out there received any information........... Much appreciated.

Thank you for the information.  Looking forward to cruising again.............. Also booked on the Celebrity Eclipse this November.  Outback trip in July, so nice to get back to a new normal.

I am travelling solo on a short 5 day cruise in January.  As I am in a twin cabin, do I pay double gratuities?  Enough to have to pay almost double for a cabin and no other benefits.

Totally agree with your review of the cruise "Eva15".

We had a lovely 5 night stay in Singapore exploring the city and enjoying the facilities of our hotel. Then we joined the Voyager........ Food and service was well below standard and Specialty Restaurants were from average to awful, having sent two meals back for bad quality and cooking. The Ship was very dirty throughout and in need of a total refurbishment. Our balcony cabin was quite spacious (as they had removed the coffee tables), but smelled like a public toilet most of the time as did the corridors. We gave them the opportunity to fix the problem but it was not addressed. On one occasion the water was running brown in the bathroom sink to which we phoned guest services who said just to run the tap and it should clear - shame I had swallowed some of the water whilst cleaning my teeth. Ports were badly organized and we all had to queue constantly to get on and off the Ship with the tenders. Shore excursions were extremely overpriced and poor value. Passengers were constantly complaining and their concerns were not being addressed. We are not new to cruising (being Diamond members) and have taken 28 cruises to date on various cruise lines around the world. After this experience we could not recommend the Voyager of the Seas and will never cruise on this Ship again. If we do decide to use this brand again we will certainly be doing extensive research before booking.

Thankyou all for your good wishes. Mitch came out of hospital today, glad to be home. Cruising again in April on the Solstice to Hawaii, lets hope for a less traumatic time.

Rhapsody of the Seas - 28th October 2014

My husband was diagnosed with Meningococcal after we returned from this cruise. Luckily as he had prompt treatment he will recover without any devastating results, though no long term issues have been discussed as yet. We have taken 25 cruises to date, have had the norm - flu, colds and even the Norovirus on a number of occasions.

It is a concern that such a dangerous disease such as meningococcal could be present on a cruise ship and could easily be misdiagnosed. I can’t imagine that a cruise ship would have the facilities to diagnose such contagions, certainly not within the small time frame in which the disease can become life threatening.

All can say is be aware of any illness while travelling and on your return if you do feel unwell take no chances and see your Doctor.