Flashback
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- Oct 29, 2006
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In the spirit of the thread by @serfty (Why I'm unlikely to ever "Cruise" (At least on a large ship)), we are/were very much firmly in that camp. However, sometimes needs must and in order to hit my target of visiting 100 countries by the time I hit my next round birthday an opportunity came up that was too good to pass.......... albeit some concessions had to be made But, everyone else is in the same boat (ha! see what I did there?); so it doesn't bother us too much.
We will be travelling on a pretty new P&O ship called Arvia. It looks like an absolute monster, but looks reasonable enough for spending a week travelling around the Caribbean.
Originally I thought I'd go in to the cruise with little research and just learn by mistake, but then I thought that's not very AFF-like, so I may as well reach out to this well travelled community for their tips and insights.
There's a few things on my mind:
Given this one is very UK'ish, there's no tips (was included in the cost of the fare) and all charges onboard are GBP - nice touch. More than anything else though, we've both had an absolutely crazy November/December work wise so will be quite happy just 'doing nothing' so don't really want to overdo it, either. The main focus here is some more countries off the list, rather than getting the full cruise experience!
@VPS @love_the_life @Pushka @drron @mrs.dr.ron
We will be travelling on a pretty new P&O ship called Arvia. It looks like an absolute monster, but looks reasonable enough for spending a week travelling around the Caribbean.
Originally I thought I'd go in to the cruise with little research and just learn by mistake, but then I thought that's not very AFF-like, so I may as well reach out to this well travelled community for their tips and insights.
There's a few things on my mind:
- Health Questionnaire - does this need to be returned? It seems to indicate it is mandatory, but if you don't return it will they not let you board? Which leads onto.....
- One of the questions is regarding health insurance; we have 2 policies both with very good coverage and more than cover the evac requirements. AMEX Plat travel insurance has provided a letter as well confirming they cover cruises and the various limits etc.
- However, the questionnaire asks you to list all pre-existing conditions and confirm your TI covers them; which obviously it doesn't unless you get a specific (much more costly) TI policy.
- Would you just forget to mention the pre-existing conditions? i.e., Mrs FB having had a stroke 12 years prior. We've not had cover for that on any of our trips in the past decade, so comfortable with it. But will it cause an issue? For me, Asthma (very mild) since I was a wee lad; but never been a problem.
- Excursions - as most of you who follow our travels will know we are very DIY when it comes to travelling. Is there any reason we couldn't/shouldn't be able to simply land at a port and trundle off on our own? Do we really need to do tours? (whether that be P&O arranged - no thanks; or whether it be private tours)
- WiFi - it's likely on the 3 sea days we have I will use that to do some billable client work; is there a cost difference in pre-paying vs paying when onboard? I couldn't really work it out from their portal. 20% off currently for a Black Friday sale.
- Onboard entertainment - I've read that it is a good idea once you board to rush for the line (even if it means a few hours ... take a good book?!) to book shows etc. onboard, which are all included in the price of the cruise as I understand it. Worth it, or not? Would mainly be for evenings I guess as shore days we'll be out and about, sea days I'll be working and Mrs FB will be relaxing (work has been hectic). Interestingly I had an e-mail yesterday that says "You will be able to pre-book selected performances from 14 days before your departure.".
- We don't booze up - so happy with tea/water/coffee which I understand is included.
- Gala Evening (now called Celebration night) - do you have to attend? But if we do, do people really take suits / black tie on these mass factory ships?!
- Have I forgotten anything else of major importance that might impact of "enjoyment" of a cruise?
Given this one is very UK'ish, there's no tips (was included in the cost of the fare) and all charges onboard are GBP - nice touch. More than anything else though, we've both had an absolutely crazy November/December work wise so will be quite happy just 'doing nothing' so don't really want to overdo it, either. The main focus here is some more countries off the list, rather than getting the full cruise experience!
@VPS @love_the_life @Pushka @drron @mrs.dr.ron