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All across the Great Western territory => Introductions and chat => Topic started by: grahame on August 23, 2021, 07:27:12



Title: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on August 23, 2021, 07:27:12
We've cruised before (not quite into double figures for the number of cruises yet), and we've had two cruises cancelled due to Coronavirus ... but, now, the cruise industry is resuming in tentavive steps and I'm writing to you from somewhere off the Isle of Man.  On board P&O's newest and largest ship - the Iona - on just her third voyage.   It's dawn on Monday, 23rd August 2021, and some aspects are just the same as they were before.

(http://www.mtug.org.uk/lib/i20210823_1.jpg)

We were asked to be at the terminal for 13:00 on Saturday and - travelling by train on a two-hourly service we travelled one ahead and got to Southampton at around 11 a.m. - late breakfast / early lunch at Subway and a short taxi ride to the Ocean Terminal.  Luggage drop of easy - taken from us kerbside, then the fun began. It felt like an age, but it was "only" an hour and a half later we were walking up the gangplank or its modern equivalent - probably less that 10 minute with the people going through the procedures, the rest, masked, in queues. Carefully done so that none of the queues felt *too* long - but never the less, we could have done with some of those Disney signs "You'll be at the ride in just 60 minutes", and we could have done with someone standing beside the queue and playin a ukelele or dressed up as Cap'n Birdzeye and cheerfully telling his sea stories.

Let's see if I can recall ...
A queue outside the terminal front so we could join ...
A queue at the side of the terminal so that we could join ...
A queue in the luggage collection area for a covid test queue ...
From where we had a covid test, registering mobile number for results text.
And back outside, then in to the main terminal entrance to ...
A queue for the escalator as there was ...
A queue at the top of the escalator for ...
A rep to ask us the same series of health questions we had already done online.
Across the hall and ...
A queue at a desk to check covid results; ours not yet through so ...
A waiting area (not a queue as such) where we sat waiting to be pinged negative then we joined ...
A queue to have someone look at the results on our phone and check we were clear ...
A queue to check in and get a "clear to board" stamp on our boarding pass.  YAY!!!
A queue for security check; airline style empty pockets and xray machines, etc and finally
We walked up the ziggy zaggy ramp to the ship and were scanned (no queue) on board.

(http://www.mtug.org.uk/lib/i20210821.jpg)
Illustration - Seated queue / waiting for Covid results (foreground)
Queue to have someone look at make sure covid results read correctly (middle)
Queue for checkin (distance)


(http://www.mtug.org.uk/lib/i20210821_2.jpg)
Illustration - Gangway alongside the terminal.
Three sloping walkways (zig, zag and zog) to the ship - viewed end on


Not directed straight to the cabin - but rather to our muster station to we knew / know where it is (the Casino, so I'm betting we won't be back there, knowing us) to check in with the muster captain to fulfill the requirement that passengers have to visit and see. Instructions to watch the TV channel about seven long blasts, a short one, and what to do if we hear them.  And, finally, to our cabin.   Greeted by our steward who looks after our set of cabins - "you look tired" he says. Lisa's fancy exercise watch suggests she's had the most exercise today than on any day since she got it, and I'm gasping for a cup of coffee.  And we can take our masks off!

I have spent so long writing this we'll be headed out to queue for breakfast in a few minutes. I'll come back and tell you about life on board (and it's not all queues!) later.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TonyK on August 24, 2021, 10:33:56
Enjoy your holiday, grahame! I haven't been to the Isle of Man since I was in my teens, and a ride on the railway there remains on my list of things to do when I have a moment.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on August 24, 2021, 11:20:46
I have spent so long writing this we'll be headed out to queue for breakfast in a few minutes. I'll come back and tell you about life on board (and it's not all queues!) later.

Day 3 - Cruising in the time of Covid
* Only double vacinnated may travel
* Extra paperwork to be provided ahead of time
* Eeeeelongated checkin procedure
* Obligatory muster station on joining replaced by watch video
* Covid test for all passenges at checkin
* Facemasks must be worn when moving around inside (and outside if crowded)
* Facemasks must be worn in main theatre
* No help yourself buffets - all food served by staff behind counter
* Only half of cabins sold / running at 50% normal guest complement
* Maximum 4 persons per lift (though label says 17)
* Maximum number of customers in each shop
* Seats spacing - alternate tables marked out of action
* No commununal table dining (meeting fellow guests)
* Only one party at a time per whirlpool
* No children
* Virtual queuing for dining
* No evening turndown of bed
* Minibar unstocked
* No talking in lifts
* Have to stand in corners in lifts to maximise distancing
* No stops along the way - all sea days
... beyond that, it's all very much the same.   Different Boat though - more to follow on that


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Lee on August 24, 2021, 13:21:14
I'm sorry, but all this talk of "Cruising in the time of Covid" has me expecting Jane McDonald and a troupe of masked dancers to jump out and give us all a good ole Hollywood musical number  ;D


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: GBM on August 24, 2021, 13:56:06

... beyond that, it's all very much the same.   Different Boat though - more to follow on that

S H I P!
Your SHIP has lifeBOATS  :'( :'(


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Clan Line on August 24, 2021, 14:56:37

... beyond that, it's all very much the same.   Different Boat though - more to follow on that

S H I P!
Your SHIP has lifeBOATS  :'( :'(

..................and submarines are "boats" !


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on August 24, 2021, 15:54:15

... beyond that, it's all very much the same.   Different Boat though - more to follow on that

S H I P!
Your SHIP has lifeBOATS  :'( :'(

Ah - so a ship is the parent of boats, like a mare is the parent of foals?  Here are our children at play in Claggan Bay last night

(http://www.mtug.org.uk/lib/i20210824_8.jpg)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 24, 2021, 16:21:32
I'm sorry, but all this talk of "Cruising in the time of Covid" has me expecting Jane McDonald and a troupe of masked dancers to jump out and give us all a good ole Hollywood musical number  ;D

......or as Vic & Bob used to say,  "chicken in a basket" style singer, Joe Longthorne!

(And yes, I know that would require a resurrection!)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: bobm on August 24, 2021, 17:16:52
I often listen the shipping forecast at the end of BBC Radio 4's day.   Actually have a proper reason to at the moment.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/shipfore.jpg)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: PhilWakely on August 24, 2021, 17:23:03
I often listen the shipping forecast at the end of BBC Radio 4's day.   Actually have a proper reason to at the moment.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/shipfore.jpg)

"Moderate or good, occasionally very poor"  has always amused me. In another word..... "variable".


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: stuving on August 24, 2021, 18:15:00
"Moderate or good, occasionally very poor"  has always amused me. In another word..... "variable".

Or, in two words, "fog patches".


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: bobm on August 24, 2021, 18:17:18
Apparently it’s because “variable” is used for wind direction. 

Always amuses me when they read it out without the headings.

“Occasional rain. Good.”


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on August 24, 2021, 20:21:47
Actually have a proper reason to at the moment.

Thank you - I take that as the care and compassion of a friend, and not spying on how we're doing or looking to report my news before I do  ;D

It has indeed been a mix of wonderfully clear and sunny weather with fog, sometimes thick.   I will try to upload piccies in the middle of the night when the ship's internet can cope!


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TonyK on August 24, 2021, 21:50:39

... beyond that, it's all very much the same.   Different Boat though - more to follow on that

S H I P!
Your SHIP has lifeBOATS  :'( :'(

Ah - so a ship is the parent of boats, like a mare is the parent of foals?  Here are our children at play in Claggan Bay last night


The difference is that you can put a boat on a ship, but can't put a ship on a boat. (I know, those pesky submariners...)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: broadgage on August 25, 2021, 02:35:59
How to determine if it is a boat or a ship.

A boat can be managed by anyone, a ship should have qualified mariners to run it.
A boat can be picked up with a hoist or crane for the larger boats, and put on a ship.
If it lists noticeably when moving from one side to the other it is a boat and not a ship.


There are of course exceptions and marginal cases, but in general the above will serve well if in doubt.

Returning to marine weather forecasts, I have only once heard the sea state described as "phenomenal" and at the time a friend was at sea on a cargo ship. They found it alarming, as did the captain. The crew were observed to be praying to various gods for deliverance.




Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: broadgage on August 25, 2021, 02:46:00
Cheerful youtube video, recommended viewing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuq7iA-qRZw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuq7iA-qRZw)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on August 25, 2021, 21:49:21
Cheerful youtube video, recommended viewing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuq7iA-qRZw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuq7iA-qRZw)

Will take a look when I get back ... bandwidth for such things here non-existent.

Here is:

(http://www.mtug.org.uk/lib/i20210825_1.jpg)

Anyone place it?   Should be able to see enough behind the crowds

Updating my earlier post - three extra covid things
* Restaurant menus are single use - thrown away after you select
* Public look door open automatically by waving a hand at what looks like a light switch
* At the end of a theatre show, we stay in our seats before being let out row by row.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Clan Line on August 26, 2021, 10:03:49

Anyone place it?   Should be able to see enough behind the crowds


Duart Castle.

(https://i.postimg.cc/hvb5XDCz/DSC3089.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cCRL63yR/Duart-Castle.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)



Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: GBM on August 27, 2021, 11:45:26

Anyone place it?   Should be able to see enough behind the crowds


Duart Castle. Damn.  Not Taunton then!

First shot complete with a good ole Caledonian MacBrayne ferry in the background.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Clan Line on August 27, 2021, 13:24:13

First shot complete with a good ole Caledonian MacBrayne ferry in the background.


Aye !  Just for you ...........

(https://i.postimg.cc/t4jyzgkj/DSC3083.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://postimages.org/app)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: onthecushions on September 02, 2021, 16:56:24

We've just come back from four nights on P&O's Britannia, cruise B117N, 22/8 - 26/8, basically the long way to sail round Lundy island, (from Southampton!)

Travel by car to Gate 20 now, for COVID testing, arriving 1310, then to gate 4, by which time the test results (negative) were through with a short wait for CPS to take the car, then on board in 10 minutes including security (priority boarding), then complimentary (Caribbean Tier) lunch and drinks, via Muster Station.

In cabin with luggage by 1500hrs. Masks obligatory in public spaces.

Always fancied P&O to run InterCity - lovely white coaches with rising sun decals and perfect customer service!

OTC


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: bradshaw on September 02, 2021, 18:49:15
Saw you pass along the Jurassic Coast at West Bay on the outward voyage, not often we see large ships that close.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Lee on September 02, 2021, 19:03:21

Travel by car to Gate 20 now, for COVID testing, arriving 1310, then to gate 4, by which time the test results (negative) were through with a short wait for CPS to take the car...

Let's hope they give it back after the court case  ;D


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: onthecushions on September 03, 2021, 21:38:03
Saw you pass along the Jurassic Coast at West Bay on the outward voyage, not often we see large ships that close.

I did wave, (middle cabin on deck 11) but you kept your hands in your pockets.

Was it something I've said?

OTC


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TonyK on September 03, 2021, 21:39:42

Travel by car to Gate 20 now, for COVID testing, arriving 1310, then to gate 4, by which time the test results (negative) were through with a short wait for CPS to take the car...

Let's hope they give it back after the court case  ;D

Back in the day, my boss would sometimes take an interest in what I was doing, and ask what I had planned for the day. "New Bridewell police HQ first to pick some paperwork up, then Bristol Magistrates, then the Crown Court clerks office and meeting a junior in chambers, then I'm going to the CPS." He seemed fine with that.

I haven't been to the Cotham Porter Stores in quite a few years since then.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on November 26, 2021, 15:58:40
I haven't been posting every day from Iona (well - not about the trip anyway!) - where we are on board at present - headed back up across the Bay of Biscay and turning into the English Channel.

Quote
GALE WARNING
Issued: 09:57 (UTC) on Fri 26 Nov 2021
Northwesterly gale force 8 imminent, increasing storm force 10 later
WIND
Northwest veering north 7 to severe gale 9, increasing storm 10 at times.
SEA STATE
Rough or very rough becoming very rough or high.
WEATHER
Rain or squally showers.
VISIBILITY
Good, occasionally poor.

Our return into Southampton has been delayed from 06:00 Saturday to 06:00 Sunday.

How does "delay-repay" work?  ;D


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TaplowGreen on November 26, 2021, 16:14:35
I haven't been posting every day from Iona (well - not about the trip anyway!) - where we are on board at present - headed back up across the Bay of Biscay and turning into the English Channel.

Quote
GALE WARNING
Issued: 09:57 (UTC) on Fri 26 Nov 2021
Northwesterly gale force 8 imminent, increasing storm force 10 later
WIND
Northwest veering north 7 to severe gale 9, increasing storm 10 at times.
SEA STATE
Rough or very rough becoming very rough or high.
WEATHER
Rain or squally showers.
VISIBILITY
Good, occasionally poor.

Our return into Southampton has been delayed from 06:00 Saturday to 06:00 Sunday.

How does "delay-repay" work?  ;D

Blimey. Batten down the hatches and hold tight!


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: grahame on November 27, 2021, 12:14:29
I haven't been posting every day from Iona (well - not about the trip anyway!) - where we are on board at present - headed back up across the Bay of Biscay and turning into the English Channel.

Quote
GALE WARNING
Issued: 09:57 (UTC) on Fri 26 Nov 2021
Northwesterly gale force 8 imminent, increasing storm force 10 later
WIND
Northwest veering north 7 to severe gale 9, increasing storm 10 at times.
SEA STATE
Rough or very rough becoming very rough or high.
WEATHER
Rain or squally showers.
VISIBILITY
Good, occasionally poor.

Our return into Southampton has been delayed from 06:00 Saturday to 06:00 Sunday.

How does "delay-repay" work?  ;D

Blimey. Batten down the hatches and hold tight!

We're now 13 or 30 miles south of Plymouth (didn't quite catch the wording) with winds gusting up to hurricane (force 12). All open decks are closed.  Corridors on ship and restaurants very quiet indeed / staff waiting around to clean cabins of those few who do venture around.   Please excuse any wobbly lines in my typing as we sway around.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: JayMac on November 27, 2021, 13:42:44
We're now 13 or 30 miles south of Plymouth (didn't quite catch the wording) with winds gusting up to hurricane (force 12). All open decks are closed.  Corridors on ship and restaurants very quiet indeed / staff waiting around to clean cabins of those few who do venture around.   Please excuse any wobbly lines in my typing as we sway around.

It's windy back at base in Melksham too. Happily though the house isn't swaying. The worst I can report is the recycling bin falling over!

The dogs are oblivious to it all. They've been out for a run and are now gathered around me, snoozing in the TV room.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: broadgage on November 27, 2021, 14:48:24
Has been very windy here, internet and electricity was off for some hours.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Surrey 455 on November 27, 2021, 18:46:51
Has been very windy here, internet and electricity was off for some hours.

Surely you were prepared though? You do have a backup generator don't you?  ;D


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: johnneyw on November 27, 2021, 19:17:27
The storm hit my house last night causing £200 worth of improvements.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: JayMac on November 27, 2021, 19:27:16
The worst I can report is the recycling bin falling over!

Spoke too soon. Tree branch came down this afternoon.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: Lee on November 27, 2021, 19:29:50
The storm hit my house last night causing £200 worth of improvements.

I've got about five grands worth of improvements needing doing on my place, but all I got was intermittent high wind - most likely the turkey curry - so I will just have to pay for them myself.


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: broadgage on November 29, 2021, 18:48:50
Has been very windy here, internet and electricity was off for some hours.

Surely you were prepared though? You do have a backup generator don't you?  ;D

No generator, they burn a lot of fuel, make a noise, potentially annoy the neighbours, and attract the pilfering classes.

I do however have a UPS that provides limited 230 volts AC backup power. This supplies essential lighting, internet router, cellphone charger, cordless phone base unit, and a few other low power loads. Run time is at least 24 hours depending on load.

Also two home built 12 volt UPS units, mainly for the Christmas lights. Output only 30 watts each, but that is a lot of LED Christmas lights.

Backup lighting for any extended outage is Tilley lamps, to conserve UPS battery. And a load of candles and battery lights.

Heating is a solid fuel stove for the living room, and a Tilley infra red radiator for portable use.
Cooking is electric normally with an LPG boiling ring as backup, or very limited heating of food on the solid fuel stove. Or ye olde Primus stove.



Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TaplowGreen on November 29, 2021, 21:26:31
Has been very windy here, internet and electricity was off for some hours.

Surely you were prepared though? You do have a backup generator don't you?  ;D

I'm so glad you asked!  ;)


Title: Re: Day one - cruising in the time of Covid
Post by: TonyK on December 02, 2021, 21:01:41
I haven't been posting every day from Iona (well - not about the trip anyway!) - where we are on board at present - headed back up across the Bay of Biscay and turning into the English Channel.

Quote
GALE WARNING
Issued: 09:57 (UTC) on Fri 26 Nov 2021
Northwesterly gale force 8 imminent, increasing storm force 10 later
WIND
Northwest veering north 7 to severe gale 9, increasing storm 10 at times.
SEA STATE
Rough or very rough becoming very rough or high.
WEATHER
Rain or squally showers.
VISIBILITY
Good, occasionally poor.

Our return into Southampton has been delayed from 06:00 Saturday to 06:00 Sunday.

How does "delay-repay" work?  ;D

Blimey. Batten down the hatches and hold tight!

We're now 13 or 30 miles south of Plymouth (didn't quite catch the wording) with winds gusting up to hurricane (force 12). All open decks are closed.  Corridors on ship and restaurants very quiet indeed / staff waiting around to clean cabins of those few who do venture around.   Please excuse any wobbly lines in my typing as we sway around.

It was pretty bad here too.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51721056995_3a7da2b720_c.jpg)

We WILL rebuild.



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