First time cruise with P&O - what are the chances of an upgrade?

travellerboy

InsideInsurance wrote: »

What else do you do there?

The only time we had an inside cabin was when they'd messed up and we'd rather a inside cabin with a double bed than an outside cabin with a pair of single beds. There was no money saving at all as we had paid for the outside cabin but really it made almost no difference at all.

Tell us which ship has a proper double bed in any cabin other than in their suites? All modern cruise liners have two singles locked together and they call them Queen Beds, that's a fact !

InsideInsurance

travellerboy wrote: »

Tell us which ship has a proper double bed in any cabin other than in their suites? All modern cruise liners have two singles locked together and they call them Queen Beds, that's a fact !

As per my other post, this was a few years ago and after the season the ship was going to be refitted to have exactly that. At the time however some cabins had one large bed (lets not get hung up on if it was king, queen, double etc) and others had two small beds and in both cases they were unmovable.

w211

I agree with InsideInsurance - I often go away on European city breaks, for 2 or 3 nights, and happy to stay in an Ibis or similar. The size of room doesn't really matter, as we're only in there to sleep, and day is spent outdoors sightseeing.

On a ship, I assume it's different, as the scenery changes as the ship moves. Plus we will be on there seven nights. It would be nice to wake up in the mornings, to see the fjords from the privacy of your own balcony, at leisure, as Peacefulwaters suggested in their second post. (Otherwise, you'd have to get dressed and ready, and go into the public decks.)

Also, it'd be nice to let natural sunlight into the cabin in the mornings, too.

Any further advice appreciated, P&O brochure arrived yesterday.

I understand, they require travel insurance, which can be arranged through themselves, through "Holiday Extras".

I hold an Amex and Nationwide FlexAccount, which I believe offers some sort of travel insurance. Will this be valid for the cruise, or do I still need to look at getting it through Holiday Extras?

Lobell

I did 15 night transatlantic crossing on Ventura. I had my toddler with me and opted for a balcony cabin to give a little more space plus I liked to be able to sit outside on the balcony while the toddler napped during the day and it gave a bit more floor space for the toddler clutter (pushchair storage etc). My parents were on the same cruise and had an oceanview cabin. I've always had balcony cabins but, having spent time in my parents' cabin, I'd be happy to book an oceanview on certain cruises and if not accompanied by a young child.

w211

Thanks Lobell.

Did another quick check on prices.

A balcony cabin, is only going to be £90pp more than an unobstructed outside view cabin, anyway, so I think it's going to be worth it.

travellerboy

w211 wrote: »

I hold an Amex and Nationwide FlexAccount, which I believe offers some sort of travel insurance. Will this be valid for the cruise, or do I still need to look at getting it through Holiday Extras?

I also have a Nationwide current account and rely on their Worldwide Travel Insurance. I had the unfortunate experience of suffering an illness aboard a cruise ship and visited their doctor. It cost over $250 but I got it all refunded on my return home.
A phone call to Nationwide Insurance provider will answer any of your doubts but I can assure you that your Nationwide cover will be more than adequate for your planned cruise (5 star defaqto rating)

InsideInsurance

w211 wrote: »

I hold an Amex and Nationwide FlexAccount, which I believe offers some sort of travel insurance.

Some AmEx cards come with a very basic insurance but it isnt full travel insurance and isnt sufficient for a cruise. The Platinum Card (chargecard) or Centurion cards do both come with full travel insurance if you pay with the card but even with them I dont know off the top of my head if cruise cover is included or not - I'd guess it is.

w211

Thanks for replies, again.

Looks like I'll be ok, with the insurance. I found the insurance certificate for the Nationwide account (I don't use the account much, but do pay in the £750/month required).

I'm hoping it's ok, for the insurance to be valid, that I don't have to pay for the cruise using their debit card, as I want my Avios by paying with the Amex - which is the Platinum charge card, by the way.

I can't find the certificate for that (I don't think they issue one), though. It appears that the cruise company need evidence that insurance is taken out. Also, I will have to add Miss w211 to one or the other insurance policies.

Another question, I've got concerning dinner, where black tie is required.

Is the dress code strict? The only suit that fits me, is a mid-grey one, with light grey pinstripes. Or is it strictly black tie, and I have to buy/hire a tux?

I understand there are 12 different restaurants on the ship to choose from, but one of the things which must be done on a cruise is to do the formal dinner?!

PeacefulWaters

w211 wrote: »

Another question, I've got concerning dinner, where black tie is required.

Is the dress code strict? The only suit that fits me, is a mid-grey one, with light grey pinstripes. Or is it strictly black tie, and I have to buy/hire a tux?

You will be ok in the suit. But for £59 you can buy a tux in Matalan. There may be cheaper options elsewhere. I'd buy one and feel more comfortable. Mine only ever comes out for cruises!

I understand there are 12 different restaurants on the ship to choose from, but one of the things which must be done on a cruise is to do the formal dinner?!

I would certainly do the formal nights. But you can opt out and eat elsewhere if you prefer.

InsideInsurance

w211 wrote: »

I can't find the certificate for that (I don't think they issue one), though. It appears that the cruise company need evidence that insurance is taken out. Also, I will have to add Miss w211 to one or the other insurance policies.

Another question, I've got concerning dinner, where black tie is required.

Is the dress code strict? The only suit that fits me, is a mid-grey one, with light grey pinstripes. Or is it strictly black tie, and I have to buy/hire a tux?

I understand there are 12 different restaurants on the ship to choose from, but one of the things which must be done on a cruise is to do the formal dinner?!

Often with "free" travel insurance a certificate isnt issued but there is a generic one available either for download off their site or by request. I did get one once, cant remember why I needed it, but in the end it was never asked for.

Certainly the formal nights are optional but a large percentage of people go to them. It is fairly variable what percentage go the whole hog for black tie/ evening dress -v- a lounge suit and there are always a few in trousers & jacket who lose the jacket fairly quickly. As its an evening event I personally would go for something less business than a mid grey pinstripe even if not going for the full black tie but then I am in a shrinking minority of guys who actually like being suited & booted etc