[markdhayes]

Yep in the run up of your dates being released, just check every day what seats are available and it should give you an idea of what will be released on the day you want.

[markdhayes]

We just booked a Qatar redemption and recently they’ve been really good at releasing standard awards on release day. Just look at the release pattern for your redemption and it should
Give you a good idea of what’s released and when.

[markdhayes]

BBbetter wrote:

Why not relax at the Changi lounge in jewel mall where arrivals are accepted. Why waste the cost of a hotel night.

Email the hotel if you are checking in late. Sometimes they need to manually override when system thinks it’s a no show.

Thanks, as I’m booking on points for 4 nights the 5th night is free. So actually not costing me anything but just don’t want it to backfire and end up with the stay cancelled

[markdhayes]

MNDltd wrote:

Ive got a return to Perth next year with Qatar which is business to Doha then 1st to Perth, same in return, 1st to Doha then Bus to LHR.

Would I be able to use the 1st lounge at LHR or just business as that leg is business?

It’s a combined lounge (business and first) in Heathrow and feels like first class than business. There is a separate lounge for those wishing to use a lounge on status alone.

[markdhayes]

Dragonlady wrote:

markdhayes wrote:

Dragonlady wrote:

markdhayes wrote:

I just had the same dilemma, reached out to a TA onboard who bought me a MNVV then was able to get me a great deal.

Are you able to share how you reached a TA on board please ?

I follow a few of them on Facebook so knew who was onboard, I’ve used the gateway guys and Travel less ordinary.

Thanks 🙂

Was there a particular cruise you were looking at? Magical traveler seems to have a few cabins on offer for the BCN-ATH cruise

[markdhayes]

Dragonlady wrote:

markdhayes wrote:

I just had the same dilemma, reached out to a TA onboard who bought me a MNVV then was able to get me a great deal.

Are you able to share how you reached a TA on board please ?

I follow a few of them on Facebook so knew who was onboard, I’ve used the gateway guys and Travel less ordinary.

[markdhayes]

I just had the same dilemma, reached out to a TA onboard who bought me a MNVV then was able to get me a great deal.

[markdhayes]

No extra loot on this sailing as they weren’t offering it for a repositioning cruise. He did get us nearly $1000 off the direct virgin price and by getting us a MMVV we’ve ended up with $600 loot plus $600 bar tab from the current offer, plus our DBE extras of $100 bar tab.

[markdhayes]

I didn’t have one either but I just messaged a TA onboard and he bought one for me and then I booked Singapore to Perth using it!

[markdhayes]

The Caribbean routes that Brilliant was supposed to do are much more popular than the Med ones. So better to cancel the less popular routes.

I did the Adriatic last year and have just booked (using actual cash) for Greek islands this year.

Sadly these things happen. Plus point might get to
Do a little one to Amsterdam, which might be good way to introduce friends to it, plus there might be a points options for those ones

[markdhayes]

Yes this was raised on our Voyage, the DBE is per cabin regardless of both or only 1 person has it. But YMMV.

[markdhayes]

QRA wrote:

Please could anyone with the Deep Blue Extras add on give me a steer as to boarding. I have checked in via the app (with DBE showing) and it has allocated a boarding time of 3.30pm however various online comments mention expedited boarding for DBE at 1.30pm which I would be keen to do given our arrival time. We are sailing from Barcelona. Thanks

Just turn up before 1.30pm, we had this last week and we turned up about 1.15pm and by 1.31pm we were on board. Our slot was 2.30pm but with DBE they let you on with the first slot.

[markdhayes]

Cymro wrote:

Just about to go ashore in Rhodes. The ship is slightly under half full. In brief, exceeding all expectations. Might even pay for another one in future.

Amazing, how’s the temps on the ship and on shore?

[markdhayes]

Very excited that my cruise is next week! It’s going to be very hot though!

[markdhayes]

I’m also flying from BHX but on the Thursday. There’s no way I’d fly on the day. If anything happens to that flight there’s not a single other flight to Athens from BHX.

[markdhayes]

Shhh fight club and all that

[markdhayes]

Same as me, just checked my bill and there was a 10% VAT charge in every drink on valiant last September

[markdhayes]

JohnG wrote:

markdhayes wrote:

Just spoke to someone who cruised last week and no tax was added to drinks onboard, maybe it’s a Spanish thing? Will need to confirm.

We paid VAT on the test kitchen drinks package. Think that might be the only VATable purchase we made while at port and you do pay VAT then.

Was this on resilient?

[markdhayes]

No the champagne is included in that cost.

[markdhayes]

If you want to use the casino I’d bring USD with you. There is a cash machine but you can generally get a better rate bringing it with you

[markdhayes]

stevenhp1987 wrote:

Everything on the ship is priced in USD. You will need cash if using the casino as they charge hefty amounts to withdraw using your wristband.

You pay for everything using your wristband. You can settle your bill using a Credit Card (automatically using the card on your account) or by Debit Card/Cash by going to sailor services.

Everything on the Valiant will have a 10% added on for VAT. Unsure on what it will be for the Resilient but I presume 24%?

I’ve always put an FX-Free Credit card on the account, then settled any final bill before departure using my Chase Debit Card at Sailor Services.

We’ve always spent around ~ $600-700 between the two of us for drinks so 1-2 bar tabs is enough for us. Your mileage may vary.

Just spoke to someone who cruised last week and no tax was added to drinks onboard, maybe it’s a Spanish thing? Will need to confirm.

[markdhayes]

Philondon wrote:

Has anyone bought the “Splash of romance” package?

If so what does it include and is it worth the cost?

We’re thinking about this too.

The basics are:
Enhanced boarding (but it’s debatable as to whether you get an earlier slot or not)
A shake for champagne
2x 3h spa passes
A drinks reception mid way through the cruise
A couple of snacks left in the room.

Now I know we’ll do a shake for champagne and book the spa so that’s already $180, so as long as I value the drinks reception at around $10 each then it probably makes sense for us. But if you’re not a champagne drinker and not bothered by the spa then it’s probably not worth it.

[markdhayes]

If you google the bar menu I think it comes up. Beers around $5-7, wine $9-13, cocktails $12-18. Just depends if you’ll spend it, we drink and will
Probably get 2 as we like a bottle of wine with dinner.

Yes there’s a laundry service and the bag is pretty big but you’d have to google the latest costs. There’s no irons on board but you should be able to
Borrow a steamer.

[markdhayes]

rjenkins00 wrote:

If anyone on Adriatic 23rd July wants to link bookings for the free bubbly drop me a message rjenkins00{@}hotmail.com

Thanks, Just emailed you.

[markdhayes]

rjenkins00 wrote:

markdhayes wrote:

rjenkins00 wrote:

markdhayes wrote:

23rd July Adriatic link https://virg.in/UTu2
Let’s see what works

I’m going to book this one I think. What do you get for linking bookings? It was $50 each last year. Has it changed now?

Think it’s a bottle of fizz now, better than nothing.

I’ve just booked off this link – it did say the champers was added before order confirmation but can’t see anything on the portal/app now booking is confirmed?

If anyone wants to get involved with 23rd Jul – 30th Jul | Adriatic please see my referral link. https://virg.in/UqQg
Bottle of bubbly in it for both of us 🙂

Ah great! I’ll let you know if anything appears my side!