johnnylikely

I think the first sailings start today?

If people can share their experiences- boarding, onboard etc

would love to hear it!!!

I'm onboard at the end of the month woo x

3 hours ago, dides said:

Guest Services told us there were 1331 guests on the first Regal Princess cruise which we disembarked from this morning - this works out at just below 40% capacity

 

Wow, are you able to ask if this is the case for the rest of the season? I'm on Regal next week and Sky in Sep

Would love a quieter cruise lol

On 7/24/2021 at 6:49 PM, LifeonMars said:

in case you have not yet found this in the app ------    Quite important

 

All on the Virgin Voyages app , scroll to "A new Wave of Health Measures" then Sea our full plan,  scroll Health and Wellness TO DO's, the details,  then  read item 2 Complete the COVID-19 antigen test prior to boarding.

 

Reading the Embarkation Prep (As Virgin say) as shown 24 Jul 2021

Covid Test will be done at W4 Tipner Ln, Portsmouth PO2 8RD, UK at Virgins expense.

 

Complete the COVID-19 antigen test prior to boarding

 

In order to board at port in the UK, every Sailor will be tested for COVID prior to getting on the ship, and the rapid antigen tests take about 15 minutes to get a result. We will pick up the cost of the tests so that they are free of charge to all Sailors. Testing will take place near the port at W4 Tipner Ln, Portsmouth PO2 8RD, UK, and transport Sailors over to the port afterwards. Please see below for details about arriving at our testing site. No matter how you plan on getting there, Sailors must arrive at the testing site no more than two (2) hours prior to your selected boarding time (selected in the app in Ready-to-Sail). Early arrival at the testing site will not result in an earlier embarkation; so please adhere to your selected embarkation time.

For Sailors arriving in their own car:

• Drive to the testing site at W4 Tipner Ln, Portsmouth PO2 8RD, UK
• Park your car (temporarily) at the site, and go inside to the testing marquee
• Once inside, you’ll get your COVID-19 antigen test, and be asked to show proof of your COVID-19 inoculation
• Once you’re cleared to sail (having passed the tests), you’ll be given your luggage tags, your Band (the wearable), and an additional band to indicate that you’ve been cleared
• Afterwards, you can return to your car and drive to the port terminal where you can park and leave your car for the duration of your voyage

For Sailors arriving by public transportation or being dropped off:

• Arrive at the testing site at W4 Tipner Ln, Portsmouth PO2 8RD, UK
• Head inside to the testing marquee
• Once inside, you’ll get your COVID-19 antigen test, and be asked to show proof of your COVID-19 inoculation
• Once you’re cleared to sail (having passed the tests), you’ll be given your luggage tags, your Band (the wearable), and an additional band to indicate that you’ve been cleared
• You’ll then be transported to the port terminal via bus, where you’ll be able to board the ship

We’ll have additional details to share with you the week of July 19th — after the planned UK Step 4 COVID Response update has been announced. Please check back then for more detailed information.

Thanks for that.

Do you think that the covid test will be the throat swab?

I think the other cruise liners have opted for just the nasal swab...

How are people getting on?

I'm on the UK one at the end of Aug

I can only book 3 of them- Gunbae, Test kitchen and Razzle Dazzle.

I want me steak and seafood 😆

I think requesting a letter from your doctor is reasonable enough confirming that both the names are you...

My friend is going to request something similar as her name is slightly different on her ID documents.

Let us know how you get on...

1 hour ago, ziggyuk said:

 

As you just got off and mentioned you were diamond, have they sorted oy the card problem? I think the earlier sailings everyone was getting a regular card and needed to get it sorted out at customer service to get the right card and perks.

Good question! As it was first cruise I didn’t know any of that- I went for my comp meal at speciality restaurant and they had to check I was diamond lol! The next day the front desk called me and asked me to come and get a diamond card to replace the regular white one 

42 minutes ago, wirral36 said:

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to post a reply. I should imagine you had a wonderful time with only 1000 onboard. Sounds like a dream.  The last ship we went on was rci independence and it felt so packed in like sardines. 

Thanks for ur thanks! No probs- as I know there was huge uncertainty about it all as I’ve never done MSC before. I remember thinking I wish I was YC as they seem to have all the priortiy even if I was diamond lol

Overall v impressed, the ship is stunning! It’s one of my faves now. Food bit hit and miss, service was excellent overall- it felt like there were 20 staff at ur beck and call it was so quiet! Lol

Just got off Virtuosa, at initial check in the staff checked your insurance documents specifically for covid cover (med costs and repatriation etc)

tho costly I went with LV - they’ve always paid out when I’ve needed them and are excellent. Though costly well worth it in the long run, I got premier worldwide coverage with cruise add on £150 ish for the year.

They have a covid section on page 2 or 3 (I think!) of the booklet 

23 hours ago, travellerin1984 said:

Hi!

 

We are cruising on Grandiosa in July and just checked our embarkation time. It says 16. We are staying in Yacht club and are suprised about so late embarkation time. Usually we are among the first ones onboard (I can understand you need to have a later time but 16 is so late!) Do you guys have had any luck changing the embarkation time? 

Hi! Just got off the Virtuosa! I don’t know anything official but when embarking in Liverpool they had special signs and lines for YC (and mens in suits tending to ya!) waiting for YC peeps- both in the initial embarkation line AND in the second line for receiving ur key card etc so I think YC get priority and then some!

On 6/25/2021 at 7:33 PM, wirral36 said:

Hi, does anyone know the earliest you can arrive at the port for embarkation ? We’ve got a late embarkation time which is disappointing, I just wondered if anyone got on earlier that their allotted time ? We’re in yacht club if anyone has any experiences.  I also read somewhere that the car park won’t allow you in until 30 mins before you’re allotted embarkation time. I just wondered if this was true if anyone has any experience of this too ?  I don’t mind but being able not to get into the cabin but it would be nice to get on to enjoy the facilities. I was advised we should get an early time ad were in yacht club but this isn’t the case. 

Hi! Just got off the Virtuosa! I don’t know anything official but when embarking in Liverpool they had special signs and lines for YC (and mens in suits tending to ya!) waiting for YC peeps- both in the initial embarkation line AND in the second line for receiving ur key card etc so I think YC get priority and then some!

10 minutes ago, kernow said:

We embarked in Southampton (are you Liverpool?) and they wanted people to stick to their given time. The point of the times is to space people out so there are no crowds, the whole thing was very well run and moved quickly.

Have a great cruise, it's a lovely ship. We had friends who should have been joining you tomorrow but they got cancelled.

Yup, Liverpool! Great stuff!

Hope ur friends are ok

Hey y'all! Due to go on the Virtuosa tomo!!!

Just wondering for those who've done the UK staycation cruises what's the embarkation procedure like?

I'm due 2-3pm doubt I can rock up earlier these days (tho I am diamond member lol)

Anyone know the latest you can embark? I like to go first or last as I'm really not a fan of crowds and hanging about x

10 minutes ago, pooky303 said:

Hi, I am fairly new to cruising and have never used the casino on-board. My friend and I have booked a cruise on the Regal Princess and fancied going to the casino, but I'm struggling to understand how it works? I see pictures of fruit machine type games which is I'm sure all we would have a go at. But how do you pay? Do you need £1 coins? $1 bills? Etc. I didn't want to get onboard and then need to buy cash, I'd rather take it with me. Thanks in advance, you can probably tell I've never gambled before either lol. 

Exciting! The casino odds on a cruise ship are likely worse than on land as they have a captive audience so be prepared to lose lol

As davemorton said- you can use your cabin card and charge it otherwise I think you'll probably be able to use dollar bills- when it's time to get your money I think you have to transfer your balance to your cruise card or you get a slip of paper with your balance on- in any case you'll need to go to the cashier desk and they'll give you your cash back in dollars

On 6/5/2020 at 5:08 AM, Lynnewob said:

JohnnyLikely

 

I received the Cunard email confirming the refund is being sent by cheque on 4 June.

 

However, I actually received the cheque in the post on 1 June (cheque is dated 28 May). 

 

It's worth following up on the situation due to our email being received after the cheque.

 

 

Thanks! After bugging them on Twitter+Facebook they are reissuing to the correct address (I hope!)

HELP PLEASE! Lol

Ok, so got an email from Cunard just now saying they are refunding me by cheque BUT they are sending it to completely the wrong address- they're sending it to another building in London with the same name. I was wondering what to do?

Also HOW LONG would it take the cheque to come through the post- I've managed to contact the other address and they've said they'll keep a look out but I have no idea when to expect the cheque...

Thanks so much in advance and I hope we can all make it through!!!!!!! I miss cruising!!!!! xxx

3 hours ago, bluemarble said:

 

Here is what I am seeing for what has changed in the new UK Flexible booking policy. Please correct me if I have misunderstood any of this.

 

First of all, nothing has changed for the voyages that Cunard has already cancelled (through April 11). They are still offering either a full refund or 125% FCC.

 

The significant changes are in the cancellation schedules for those voyages that Cunard has not yet cancelled (up to August 31). The previous flexible booking terms offered a refund of the refundable portion of the fare plus FCC in the amount of the non-refundable portion. For reference, here is the previous flexible booking terms cancellation schedule for Cunard and Early Saver Fares which is no longer in effect (highlighting mine).

 

Cunard Fare and Early Saver Fare.

Period before departure within which notice of cancellation is received by Cunard	Original cancellation charges Percentage of total fare charged	New Temporary Policy (assuming voyage paid for in full by required date) Percentage of total fare refunded and FCC applied:
From the date of booking until 91 days before departure	100% of deposit	FCC given to value of deposit
90 to 57 days	50% of fare	Refund 50%; FCC 50%
56 to 42 days	60% of fare	Refund 40%; FCC 60%
41 to 16 days	75% of fare	Refund 25%; FCC 75%
15 to 6 days	90% of fare	Refund 10%; FCC 90%
5 to 2 days	100% of fare	Refund 0%; FCC 100%
Less than 2 days	100% of fare	Refund 0%; FCC 0%

 

Here is what the new UK flexible booking terms cancellation schedule looks like for voyages departing from April 12 to August 31 (highlighting mine).

 

For all fare types.

Period before departure within which notice of cancellation is received by Cunard	Original cancellation charges Percentage of total fare charged	Updated Temporary Policy (assuming voyage paid for in full by required date) FCC applied
From the date of booking until 91 days before departure	100% of deposit	FCC given to value of deposit
90 to 57 days	50% of fare	110% FCC
56 to 42 days	60% of fare	110% FCC
41 to 16 days	75% of fare	110% FCC
15 to 6 days	90% of fare	110% FCC
5 to 2 days	100% of fare	110% FCC
Less than 2 days	100% of fare	0% FCC

So essentially, if you now decide in the UK to cancel a voyage departing up to August 31 under their flexible booking terms, they have sweetened the offer to 110% of the total fare paid, but the catch is you get that all in FCC, none of it is refunded to you anymore.

 

Nothing similar has been posted on the US site yet. As alc13 indicated, the flexible booking terms as stated on the US site are still "Canceled bookings will receive a Future Cruise Credit equivalent to the cancelation fees and refunds will be given on any remaining funds paid." Also, the cutoff date for cancellations in the US is still July 31 rather than August 31 as it is in the UK.

Bummer! So it’s all FCC or pray it gets cancelled if u want any semblance of money back? Eeek!

43 minutes ago, IB2 said:

Pay the balance and wait for them to cancel.  If they cancel, you are entitled to a refund, even though they will make you jump through hoops, and wait, to get it.  You can’t blame them, they must be draining cash at the moment.

 

Provided you book through a protected route (i.e. with them directly, or through an ABTA/ATOL agent) you are protected, even if exercising that will mean more hoops and more time.   Plus you have travel insurance as a backstop.
 

The only reason to cancel early is if you think the price of the cancellation penalty is worth suffering in order to get the rest of your money back sooner and put the whole thing behind you.  That’s up to you.

Oh wow! Thanks so much! Much appreciated.

the only thing is if the cruise does go ahead then I’ll be stuck with a ton of credit (im guessing it’s non transferable as id probably use theirs!) haha xo

37 minutes ago, IB2 said:

It is what it says.  For cruises before 11 April (I.e. those actually cancelled), they are “offering you” FCC.  You still have the opportunity to claim a refund, but they are keeping this in the small print and you have to send in the forfeit form to qualify.  For later cruises - I.e. those not actually cancelled (but surely will be), the terms as set down apply, which give more flexibility about changes but penalise you, as normal, if you cancel.

 

So if you have a later booking, wait for them to cancel, and pay any balance as necessary.  Provided you book through a protected route you’ll get your money back, eventually.

Ok, I can’t see anything about a refund 😞

basically we’re due for a cruise 2nd May and ideally we’d like as much as refund (as I don’t think my friends would ever go again at this rate esp as they are older!).

so my dilemma is to take the 40% refund now OR wait until it’s likely to be cancelled nearer the time (considering they may just offer credit OR go bankrupt by then!) 

any informed advice/opinions would be great. Thanks so much! 🙂

OMG! Can someone who’s completely sure confirm that IF they cancel your cruise they are no longer offering a refund?? Just future cruise credit?

https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/contact-us/travel-health-advisories/flexible-cancellation-policy/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=CUEMEROCancelTermsNewPolicy&utm_campaign=pre_cruise_journey&utm_term=CU-89075976&utm_content=here#transfer

Cunard have updated so 70+/those with illnesses can get a refund. If there are 2x people in the room and one cancels and gets full refund - what happens with the other person who isn’t ill/under 70?? X

33 minutes ago, Roger Ackroyd said:

Also received. Sounds as if Cunard are moving rapidly towards full cancellation. QV is in the Caribbean right now and will be back in U.K. waters at the end of the month. 14 days time. That’s when the Canaries and the subsequent Spain cruises will be pulled is my guess. Hold tight, don’t cancel and wait for refund.

Thanks!!! Do keep me updated if anything. Another one in our party is 62. Do u think this will impact at all?

Just got this. Any idea what could happen- full refund?

gosh it’s so heartbreaking to see my most fave industry unravelling 😭

We understand if you are concerned by this advice. As your voyage is departing outside 14 days, we will be in touch as soon as possible with further guidance. 

On 7/20/2018 at 10:33 PM, johnnycruise2020 said:

I'm a huge Virgin fan- I love the trains and planes and felt they have shifted their respective industries.

 

But I'm wondering what can they bring to the cruise market that isn't there already?!

 

There's currently cruises for every type of person/age/interest, food and service is generally excellent across the board.

 

I'm curious to see if they'll make an impact, be successful and change things for the consumer. I'm thinking not so much...

 

What do you all think?! X

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I did say!!!... I can’t say the first reviews have been encouraging... 🤭 they should’ve hired me as a consultant (I did write to them haha!) 

4 minutes ago, upwarduk said:

Well, I did read that sales are not going well in the Med on Edge.

One TA site that I saw this morning were also adding $200 OBC.

I was later sent an e mail from Princess, they are also doing a 4 night, 2 port cruise from Southampton on Crown. The price is half that of Apex, but no perks, so you are paying for the included perks on Apex. I was comparing balcony catageory.

 

Ahhh, I thought as much! Eek, shame that! Methinks Celeb won't be launching a new Edge class ship in our neck of the woods anytime soon lol

Woo! Booked on this- the Single balcony was the cheapest I could find. The insides on Celeb's site and everywhere else were disappeared? Do people think the prices will go down nearer the time or just get higher as it's likely to be v popular.

Anyone any idea why they doing this?

I was originally booked on the 7 night Med cruise- but they got cancelled and replaced with 10 night ones! Wonder why that did that too??? Anyone any idea.

This taster cruise is perfect in terms of duration!

Can't wait! x