Arcadia World Cruise 2014

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Suekersh
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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#26

Post by Suekersh »

Thanks again MOB. We knew we had double hold allowance ie 46kg each instead of 23kg but didn't know about double hand luggage.

Sue


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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#27

Post by credit lady »

Sue
I think you need to check with B A re hand luggage - only saying this because when we flew Club World with B A to Jamaica last year we were allowed 3 bags for hold but only 1 piece of hand luggage. Best to be on safe side and check it out
Diane

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Manoverboard
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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#28

Post by Manoverboard »

Suekersh wrote:
Thanks again MOB. We knew we had double hold allowance ie 46kg each instead of 23kg but didn't know about double hand luggage.

Sue
You should have ' double ' Cabin and Hold luggage on the LA leg but NOT on the Dubai > Heathrow leg ... unless you have purchased additional allowance(s).
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#29

Post by Suekersh »

Hi MOB, we cannot book the Dubai return until middle of April. Our TA will do this for us. P & O have told us that we may be able to return direct to MAN with Emirates, which would cut out the hassle of Heathrow but we may then have to leave luggage on the ship as the Emirates extra luggage charges appear to be very high. If we are flying back to LHR with BA we will book the traveller plus upgrade.

Sue


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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#30

Post by Val1968 »

Hi Sue, With regard to Sydney Harbour Bridge you have to book to do the climb in advance and they get booked up quite quickly. When we were in Kuala Lumpur a few years back you had to go to the Petronas Towers first thing in the morning and get your ticket, only a limited number each day. We went up the Post Office tower which is fairly close and had a fantastic view of the city from there. Taxis were cheap to get there but don't try for a taxi back from there walk a little way and get the sky train back to the centre and then maybe a taxi to the ship or a shuttle bus if there is one.

We are doing the whole trip. Have done some of it before and we are looking forward to the pacific islands.

Hope this info is helpful

regards
Val

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#31

Post by Suekersh »

Hi Val thanks for the info. I will add this onto my cruise notes.

I am also looking forward to the Pacific Islands. It is all very exciting.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#32

Post by Cockers43 »

Sue said:
Hi MOB, we cannot book the Dubai return until middle of April. Our TA will do this for us. P & O have told us that we may be able to return direct to MAN with Emirates, which would cut out the hassle of Heathrow but we may then have to leave luggage on the ship as the Emirates extra luggage charges appear to be very high. If we are flying back to LHR with BA we will book the traveller plus upgrade.
Sue,
You do know that Emirates operate with a very generous 30kg luggage allowance? We flew back from Brisbane last year - excellent service and full breakfast lunch dinner service - on two flights = 6 meals!!!
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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#33

Post by Suekersh »

Hi Cocker, yes we are aware of the 30 kg each with Emirates but flying out with BA we have 46 kg each. No doubt we will be buying along the way as well which will mean we will need to leave a case on board.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#34

Post by melsea »

Sue

As Val has said do book the Sydney Bridge climb before you go. There are several types and I did a morning one at 9.am this is the link to the official site http://www.bridgeclimb.com/
You only go half way way and not all the way across.you climb up the side facing the opera house and cross at the top to the side where you see Darling harbour. It's a brilliant trip and my one was 3hours in total. This includes a breath test to make sure you are not over the legal limit of alcohol, you are kitted out and a test run to see if you can climb a particular staircase. You can take glasses with you which are attached to the 'lovely' suit you wear. A must is to put sunscreen on if you haven't done it before you go up they provide some for you to use.i cannot stress enough how strong the sun is down under both in Oz & NZ, the ozone is thinner there.
The Petrona towers is something we missed out onto knowing we should have gone straight to the building to get one of the few free tickets to go up.
I haven't looked at your itinerary yet but I have probably been to most places on it so ask away about anything. There are plenty of people on here that can help.
How exciting for you.

Mel

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#35

Post by Suekersh »

Hi Melsea,

Thanks for all the info. I am keeping notes on each port of call then we will decide what to do in each one. How hard is the Sydney bridge climb. At the moment I am having some knee trouble. It is mainly walking down stairs not up but would hate to get stuck up there. May have to pass on the bridge climb.

It is really exciting and I am enjoying researching all the ports of call. I really enjoy reading your reports from your cruises.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#36

Post by Suekersh »

Our TA telephoned yesterday to confirm that our flights from Dubai were available.

We were offered Virgin to Heathrow then Virgin to Manchester but with a 4 1/2 wait in Heathrow.

The other option was With Emirates direct to Manchester but for an extra £129 per person.

We have decided to pay the extra to fly direct to Manchester. I think after 57 days away we will just want to get home without the hassle of 2 flights. The extra expense is irritating but taking account of the cost of this cruise it is really small change and worth it for the convenience.

Its all coming together now. Just wish P & O would sort out the cruise Personaliser. They still have us disembarking in Muscat by tender even though we have booked 3 nights hotel stay in Dubai as well of the flights back.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#37

Post by Suekersh »

Hi all,

I have been researching the Pacific Island ports and although P & O have not informed us of any change to itinerary it looks like our call into Bora Bora has been cancelled.

I checked the following web site amongst others and Arcadia is not due to call there.
http://www.cruisetimetables.com

I then checked out Papeete for 11 Feb and we are calling there as per itinerary it then shows we are at sea until we reach Fiji.

We are disappointed as the call in Bora Bora fell on our wedding anniversary.

I wonder how long it will be before P & O inform us of this change and the excuse they give for it.

On the face of it 1 island cancelled is not bad but when you take into account that we depart LA on 2 Feb and reach Papeete on 11 Feb then don't reach Fiji until 17 Feb then we only have 1 port of call in 15 days.
We will not let this disappointment ruin our cruise and have 9 months to 'get over' it.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#38

Post by Manoverboard »

P&O seem to make a habit of dropping or swapping Ports these days .... we have experienced quite a number ourselves in recent cruises so let's hope this will be the only one on your cruise.
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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#39

Post by Suekersh »

Manoverboard wrote:
P&O seem to make a habit of dropping or swapping Ports these days .... we have experienced quite a number ourselves in recent cruises so let's hope this will be the only one on your cruise.
Unfortunately it also looks like Bali has been dropped. This is no longer appearing on the post schedules but is still on our itinerary on CP.

I wouldn't mind if the ports had been changed but no replacement ports are showing.

Is it coincidence that both these ports were tender ports and both in the middle of a lot of sea days.

I do wonder if it is so that the ship can sail slower hence saving fuel.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#40

Post by Suekersh »

Good news from P & O. I e mailed them to ask about the missing ports. They have replied saying that both ports were still on the itinerary and there were no changes. They did say there had been one problems with their computer systems :shock:

(can we have a fingers crossed smilie please.)

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#41

Post by Suekersh »

Hi all,
If anyone is wondering what to do in Mumbai take a look at the roll call on the cruise critic site. A poster is looking for 4 more pax to join a tour in Mumbai run by Grand Mumbai tours escorted by owner Pranav. Great itinerary for 90 US dollars per person.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#42

Post by Manoverboard »

Failing that do the full day tour with lunch .... in fact just do any tour that lets you cross a road :lol:

:thumbup:
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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#43

Post by Suekersh »

Hi Mob,
I think this is a full day our. 7 hours. Lunch not included but time for stops. Never been before so wanted to cram in as much as possible. Didn't fancy the PO Coach tour. This is for max 10 pax in an air conditioned mini bus with a tour guide Pranav and a driver to drop off at attractions and pick up when ready. Therefore no parking up.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#44

Post by Suekersh »

Hi all,
The tour in Mumbai is now full.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#45

Post by Suekersh »

I have booked BaliDean for a days your in Bali. Only 80 US Dollars for him and his air con car for the day. This includes petrol and parking fees, also cold soft drinks which he carries in a cooler. He comes highly recommended on Trip Advisor.

It does not include food or entrance fees but he carries sarongs for the temple.

I have asked to see one temple, elephants and a snorkel stop at a Beach, the rest I have left up to him.

The car can take up to 6 passengers so if anyone is interested in joining us let me know.


Sue


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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#46

Post by skin8203 »

Hi everyone,

I am preparing a Ports of Call document that details where we stop and lots of other useful information. I am also preparing a spread sheet so that if anyone is interested in teaming up for day trips or looking for other information once we are on board - P&O do not have a message or ideas wall - we can communicate. We can (privately) share ideas and information amongst ourselves). The spread sheet shows cabin numbers; where people get on or off the cruise, average temperatures, currencies accepted, time differences, local attractions in ports etc.

I am happy to collate these details and issue everyone interested with a spread sheet. I will not be issuing this list to anyone who does not provide their details as not everyone will be interested.

The spread sheet simply contains your screen names (Cruise Critic); real names (first names will do); cabin number; cabin phone number (I will produce these) and which sector(s) everyone is getting on/off in.

Please PM me and I will create a first issue so we can add anyone else interested in joining our group.

Kind regards,

Derek


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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#47

Post by skin8203 »

I have to ask the question! Any suggestions for cheap cruise insurance for the world cruise - 92 days? Avanti were cheapest last time but have really increased their prices for next year.

Any suggestion will be gratefully received!

Derek

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#48

Post by Suekersh »

Hi Derek,
Garry did lots of research on this recently. He was amazed at how expensive the insurance was and we have no medical problems.

We have great cover for 30 days from our bank and in the end the best value was to stick with them and pay for the increase in days. Some places were less expensive but did not give as good a cover for cancellation.
It is certainly a minefield and there are always so many get out clauses for them that we decided to stick to what we knew.

Sue

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#49

Post by incawat »

Hi,
As you say it is a minefield out there for insurance, I wanted us to be insured for 56 day's Southampton to Perth.
A single trip was more expensive than a year's insurance which cost us just under 500 pounds which helped us as we are on x406.
Our cover is with Just Travel cancellation cover is very good.
A question can you use euro's in Tahiti I know the Franc is used.
Thank you,Ian and Cathy.

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Re: Arcadia World Cruise 2014

#50

Post by Suekersh »

Hi all,

When we booked this cruise we booked an outside cabin hoping that maybe we would win the lottery and upgrade to a suite. lol.

We have been considering the amount of sea days from LA to Papeete and decided to splash out and upgrade to a balcony. I was amazed this morning when checking the available cabins that an aft cabin on B deck had become available (maybe the previous bookers had won the lottery and upgraded to a suite). We took the plunge and booked it.

Less than 6 months to go now.

Sue

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