Category Archives: Tips and Advice

Refunds and Future Cruise Credits – Why The Long Delay?

Posted: May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022Australia, Countries, Tips and AdviceRobert De Pasquale

Earlier this year, I was eager to embark on a short comedy cruise, as a disability cruise advocate it is important that I keep cruising, and lets face it who doesn’t like to get away on a cruise holiday, and leave your worries ashore.

But, low and behold, the coronavirus pandemic reaped it ugly head, and the cruise industry faced an unprecedented situation: Guests and crew members become unwell on ships across the seven seas, and as a result many were turned away from ports.

Then the dreaded phone call from my cruise consultant advising me that the cruise line as cancelled the cruise. I was then left with the decision, do I want a full refund, or do I want a Future Cruise Credit, I opted to support the cruise industry as much as I could and opted to take a 200% Future Cruise Credit to be used within 12 months, at which point is expires. I was sent an email 4 weeks later with the Future Cruise Credit.

But, you may be in the same boat, but you’re still waiting for your refund or future cruise credit, and you’re frustration is growing as each day goes by, wondering why the process of issuing a refund or future cruise credit for your cruise holiday is taking so long.

What you need to keep in mind, that this pandemic is new for everyone, and it has taken the world by surprise, and put plans we all have made on hold, whether it your dream holiday, visiting family overseas or interstate, or even tying the knot.

In a normal situation if you cancel your cruise, receiving you refund can take several days to a few weeks to process.

Cruise companies have been hit with a big blow, and the sheer enormity of the volume of cancellations is something the industry has never seen and were not prepared for.

Cruise lines have been ordered to cancel voyages well into the late 2020, and possible into 2021, your cruise is not the only one that has been effected, hundreds of thousands of others who were just as eager as you to set sail, are affected at the same time.

Cruisers Are at Their Wits End

You only need to read cruise blogs, and social media pages to now that people are not just frustrated but are upset with the delay in receiving there refund or future cruise credit.

To make matters worse, people are receiving conflicting information, speaking with call center workers that are not able to give them a firm time frame, and let us not forget the ever-changing policies that are changing daily. This has left a some in a state of uncertainty, and they have vowed to never cruise again.

What can you do to try and expediate the process?

Here are some of our tips from cruise consultants:

Check your emails daily for updates from the cruise line.
Review your options carefully and consider external factors
Before deciding on which option, you would like, analyse your current situation. If you opt to take the course I did and received a Future Cruise Credit, which was enticing to me, because I know I will cruise again once the pandemic is under control, but for those who are undecided, the option to get a refund, may make more sense.
Do not panic, and cancel your cruise straight away, what and see if the cruise line cancels your cruise before making any moves.
If you have booked with a cruise consultant, phone or email them, they are only happy to assist you with questions, or contact the cruise line directly.
When you are cancelling, make sure that any other prepaid expenses such as beverage packages or excursions, have been subsequently refunded.

Disabilities At Sea - P&O Cruises Australia

Posted: December 12, 2022

December 12, 2022Australia, Onboard Features, Tips and AdviceAccessible- Cabin- PO-Cruises-AustraliaRobert De Pasquale

Updated: 12/12/2022

For a person with disability, a cruise holiday can be one of the greatest life experiences that they can undertake, but the reality is that just like on land you could come across obstacles, so it’s important to bring some aspects of life onboard to your attention so that you enjoy your cruise with P&O Cruises Australia.

If you’re a person with disability that requires personal care or nursing, then you must arrange for a companion or carer to accompany you.

If you bring your own wheelchair, please notify the Customer Care Department as soon as making your booking as they are required to know the measurement and type, so they can guarantee that it can be easily maneuverer through the cabin doorway as doorways do differ in size for each cabin.

It is imperative for the safety of all guests and crew that your wheelchair is stored in your cabin when not in use, as it is prohibited to obstruct corridors, emergency doors or stairwells.

If you require medical equipment onboard please advise your Travel Agent or our Customer Sales & Service team at the time of booking. In most cases, you can bring them onboard, is important you request an information sheet with power supply details, so that you also check that your medical equipment is compatible with the ships power supply, and if in doubt check with the equipment supplier.

It is a safety requirement that your equipment be checked prior to boarding.

If you have any queries, please contact the Cruise Contact Centre 13 24 94 (AU) or 0800 780 716 (NZ).

P&O Cruises Australia makes every effort to accommodate guests with disabilities and impairments

Accessible Cabins

P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Pearl Accessible Cabin

P&O Cruises Australia have wheelchair-accessible cabins on all ships within the fleet, and as with all cabins they are subject to availability at the time of request.

The number of accessible cabins for each ship are as follows:

Pacific Dawn – 12 Accessible Rooms
Pacific Aria – 6 Accessible Rooms
Pacific Eden – 6 Accessible Rooms
Pacific Explorer – 16 Accessible Rooms

It is imperative for the safety of all guests and cruise that your wheelchair is stored in your cabin when not in use, as it is prohibited to obstruct corridors, emergency doors or stairwells.

Hearing Impairments

P&O Cruises Australia welcome passengers who have hearing impairments

P&O Cruises Australia also have a limited number of specialised kits for hearing impaired passengers available, upon request at time of booking.

It is important that you request a kit as early in the booking process as possible.

These Kits Contain:

Text telephone
Vibrating bed shaker
Door knock transmitter
Telephone handset amplifier

Visually Impaired

P&O Cruises Australia Accommodate Visually Impaired Guests

All elevators onboard have been fitted with voice synthesisers that broadcast arrivals at each deck as well as Braille buttons.

Travelling with a service animal is permitted in any grade of accommodation, subject to availability at the time of booking.

However, share accommodation is not recommended. If you require assistance from a service animal during your cruise, please notify P&O Cruises Australia at the time of booking.

Guests travelling with service animals should be aware that various ports of call have different guidelines, with specific reference to animals being taken ashore, so it is important that guests check with P&O Cruises Australia at the time of booking.

Passengers are also accountable for providing current health and travel documents for their service animals as well as for feeding and hygienic needs.

Medication Requirements

It is vital that you plan well in advance and ensure you have ample supply of your medication

If you are required to take medication with you onboard you must ensure that you advise P&O Cruises Australia at time of booking. You will be sent a health questionnaire to complete, so they have all essential information.

It is vital that you plan well in advance and ensure you have ample supply of your medication to last you until the end of your holiday.

In the rare occasion that you are onboard for longer than what your original itinerary specifies it is also a good idea to take with you a few extra days’ supply, in case of any unanticipated delay.

Your medication must be kept in its original packaging and brought with you onboard in your carry-on luggage not in your check-in luggage.

As most cabins onboard don’t have fridges where your medication can be stored, it is vital that you advise P&O Cruises Australia before your cruise so that if your cabin is equipped with a portable fridge, subject to availability.

Each ship has a Medical Centre that offer care only in the case of illness or injury that is staffed by registered doctors and nurses who are available during scheduled clinic times to provide medical care for everyone onboard.

They are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for medical emergencies. Medical Centres cannot cater for treatments that you will know you will require while on holiday.

Special Dietary Requirements

If you have any special dietary requirements, please ensure you instruct your travel agent or our Customer Sales & Service team at least 60 days prior to your cruise departure

P&O Cruises can accommodate guests with special dietary requests, such as food allergies, yet, some restrictions may apply.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please ensure you instruct your travel agent or the Customer Sales & Service team when you make your cruise booking at least 60 days prior to your cruise departure.

It is also important that you talk to the maître d’ once you are onboard to check your dietary requirements. For more information please ask for a copy of the special dietary information flyer.

Shore Tours

P&O Cruises Australia have a boundless choice of Shore tours that cater for people with various levels of mobility

The best part of cruising is visiting new locations, and P&O Cruises Australia have a boundless choice of Shore tours that cater for people with various disabilities, and levels of mobility.

Once onboard it is advisable to visit the Shore Tour Staff to discuss individual tours.

It is important that you also note that tours comprise some walking and some tours consist of extra walking and stair climbing than others. Walking may be over bumpy surfaces such as cobblestone city streets or the rocky trails of historic ruins.

On numerous tours, it is essential to negotiate stairs. Please keep in mind that many of the buildings and other venues you will go to were built well before amenities such as elevators were invented and have been conserved in their original state.

It is important to note that access to tender ports may be restricted and this may limit your tour options.

How much does Medicare cover while you are on your cruise?

Posted: August 21, 2022

August 21, 2022Australia, Health & Safety, Onboard Features, Tips and Advice, UncategorizedRobert De Pasquale

The last thing that you want to worry about while you are on your cruise is a medical bill. Holidays are all fun and exciting until someone gets hurt or ill and you and your family are faced with an unforeseen bill at the end of it.

All cruise ships have a medical centre on-board where they have regular opening hours, but have staff on call for 24 hours in case of an after-hours emergency. While the facilities contain enough amenities to treat minor non-emergency conditions – influenza, gastrointestinal illnesses, motion sickness and injuries - they are only able to stabilise passengers who face life-threatening conditions before being to be transported to a hospital on land.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smart Traveller website advises “Medicare benefits are only payable to cruise passengers if you are travelling between two Australian ports, with no intermediate stops outside Australia, and services are provided by a Medicare-eligible doctor. Before departure, contact your cruise operator to find out whether a Medicare-eligible doctor will be available.”

Medicare benefits are not payable for voyages between an Australian port and a foreign port or between two foreign ports. Refer to your itinerary to see if you have any foreign ports, as you will then have to ensure that you have travel insurance that covers your entire itinerary, since travel insurance cannot cover only just one day out of your travel.

Your travel insurance should be eligible to cover any claims made on-board a cruise ship. Many insurance companies have cruise specific policies, and you should double check this with your travel agent or the travel insurance company directly before purchasing.

Do You Have a Phobia of Cruise Ships?

Posted: August 14, 2022

August 14, 2022Onboard Features, Tips and Advicecruise ship, PhobiasRobert De Pasquale

Travel can often be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and to face your fears. This experience can unlock specific thought patterns and emotions that, while some may consider it irrational, to you it feels all too real.

The result of these experiences can be instant anxiety, and sometimes can lead to panic attacks. The physical symptoms of anxiety may include a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, chest or abdominal discomfort, trembling.

The first step is acknowledging your anxiety and what your trigge is. Phobias can result from all kinds of places and surroundings, so preparing for potential encounters on your cruise is vital to make sure that you enjoy your holiday.

Below are some phobias that can affect your onboard experience.

Aquaphobia

Aquaphobia or fear of water

Aquaphobia is a fear of water, and being on a cruise means that you will be exposed to enormous bodies of water. The fear and anxiety can relate to fears of drowning, being out of control of the ship, or just fear of the unknown of what exists beneath the surface.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a different phobia that could be triggered by cruising

Agoraphobia is best known as a fear of leaving the house, but some forms of agoraphobia can be triggered by particular circumstances where you may feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed. With the fear of feeling safe in a public space, a cruise may trigger some of the phobias due to the crowds, standing in line and enclosed spaces. Travelling on a cruise includes long lines to embark and disembark the cruise ship, small cabins, and the knowledge that you are on a ship for long periods of time.

Triggers could also be caused by the daily activities such as being in the middle of crowds at dancing classes, shore excursions and going to the theatre. Additionally, agoraphobia is often related to panic disorder. The self-effacing understanding that you are “trapped” on the ship in the middle of the ocean may be sufficient to trigger a panic attack.

Claustrophobia

Inside staterooms can trigger claustrophobia

Although many cruise lines take pride in offering public areas with all-encompassing, open seascapes and sky-high atriums, staterooms are exceptionally small with constricted, thin passages.

An inside cabin is the most cost effective option, but does not offer a window. Subject to your staterooms location on the cruise ship, it may possibly be a long stroll to the nearest open deck or large public area. Large crowds will gather during shows, embarking and disembarking, shore excursions and buffet lines.

Social Phobia

The main dining room may cause social phobia

Many aspects of cruising inspire a social experience and environment; with shared dinner seating arrangements, daily group activities and many shared common areas.

Finding yourself in these scenarios, guests are likely to be social and expect you to join in conversation or discussions. Most of the activities are hands-on in nature, motivating you to dance, sing, join a conga line or answer trivia questions.

If you take a shore excursion, you will find yourself on a tender to get ashore or a bus with 20 or 30 other guests, most of whom are enthusiastic and want to get to know the others in the group.

Hypochondriasis/Nosophobia

Being in close proximity with fellow passengers for days or weeks could trigger your phobia

Whether you suffer from Hypochondriasis (fear of illness) or Nosophobia (fear of contracting a disease), being in close proximity with fellow passengers for days or weeks could trigger your phobia. It seem like that we cannot turn on the news and read news stories online these days without hearing about the most recent outbreak of Norovirus, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in humans. Influenza also spread easily when people are in close contact.

Other Phobias

Witnessing dramatic storms and lightning could trigger Astraphobia

Being out in the wild ocean, especially when cruising through waters through areas like the South Pacific during monsoon season, you’ll often witness dramatic storms and lightning. This could trigger Astraphobia – a fear of thunder and lightning. Coulrophobia, a fear of clowns, may be triggered by some of the shows or activities on-board, and Nyctophobia, fear of the dark, may induce fear when staying in an inside cabin with no natural light available.

These are not the only phobias that can trigger anxiety or panic attack, but some of the main ones. If you can relate to any of the above, it does not mean that cruising is not an option for you. There are many treatments out there that can help with dealing with your fears and anxiety, and your enjoyment will all come down to preparation. Visit your local general practitioner for the best advice and treatment.

Do River Cruises Cater For People With Accessibility Issues?

Posted: August 3, 2022

August 3, 2022Onboard Features, Tips and Advicecruise, European Waterways, shipsRobert De Pasquale

Have you ever wanted to take a river cruise, but have thought it would be impossible because of accessibility?

River cruises are a luxurious and intimate option to explore a region, as the vessels are often small, and itineraries offer plenty of activities and port days. Traditional river cruise ships and barge river boats are popular in Europe, North and South America as well as Asia.

By having access to smaller rivers and canals, your experience is at a slower pace and you are constantly surrounded by beautiful and quaint villages. This unique experience is worth the investment for an all-inclusive once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Do not be discouraged as there are many river cruise options that offer accessible amenities. If you or a loved one has physical limitations and want to embark on a river cruise adventure, then please use this guide to determine which cruise lines and vessels can offer cabins that are wheelchair accessible, have wheelchair lifts, wide corridors and wheelchair accessible excursions.

Here is a list of river cruise lines that can offer accessible cabins:

Staterooms: All stateroom doors are wide enough to allow access, and AmaSerena, AmaSonata, AmaReina, AmaPrima and AmaCerto have accessible cabins with wider doors and modified bathrooms for wheelchair access.

Elevator Access: Each vessel offers an elevator that services all floors, except the lower deck or the sun deck. Crew members are happy to assist when access is required to the sun deck or at other time

Wheelchair Requirement: Passengers are recommended to bring collapsible wheelchairs that can easily be stored in their stateroom

Tours & Other Info: It is strongly recommended that disabled passengers travel with a caregiver who can assist them on tours and with getting on and off the ship. Many shore excursions are accessible for passengers with limited mobility

Staterooms: There is one stateroom suitable for passengers with limited mobility on A-Rosa Viva.

Wheelchair Requirements: With prior notification, passengers can bring their own wheelchairs and mobility aids onboard. Medical oxygen bottles can also be carried, again with notice in advance.

Tours & Other Info: When available, crewmembers will help passengers on and off the vessel, or up and down stairs. This cannot be guaranteed, so disabled cruisers need to be accompanied by a person who can assist them if crew members are limited

Staterooms: None of the ships have wheelchair accessible cabins

Elevator Access: There are elevators on Scenery and Panorama-class ships, excluding access to the sun deck. Members of the crew will provide as much help as they can, but a single crew member cannot be assigned to someone with mobility issues for the duration of the cruise

Tours & Other Info: Anyone with mobility issues is requested to fill out a detailed questionnaire prior to the cruise. Some local walking tours are suited to wheelchair users who have an able-bodied companion

Staterooms: All ships offer accessible cabins with wide doors and equipment for passengers with mobility issues. The three-deck ships have elevators that go to all floors, except the sun deck

Tours & Other Info: Disabled passengers need to travel with an adult who can assist them, as crew availability is limited. Passengers are encouraged to contact the line in advance, so it can recommend the most suitable vessel for their specific needs

Staterooms: Emerald Sky and Emerald Star each have one handicap-accessible cabin located next to reception, so passengers have easy access to and from their rooms

Elevator Access: Elevators serve passenger decks, but do not go to the sun deck

Wheelchair Requirements: Only collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated

Tours & Other Info: Disabled passengers need to have a caregiver with them. Some excursions are accessible to disabled passengers

Staterooms: Accessible staterooms are situated near the reception desk on all ships. These feature a wide, wheelchair-accessible door, a wheel-in shower with a stool and wall rails

Elevator Access: Ships have elevators serving the passenger decks, but not the sun deck

Tours & Other Info: Some excursions are handicapped accessible

Staterooms: No accessible staterooms on offer, but all shower stalls are equipped with grab bars.

Elevator Access: Most ships have an elevator to serve passenger decks and a chair lift leading to the sun deck.

Wheelchair Requirement: Travel-sized, collapsible wheelchairs can be used onboard

Tours & Other Info: There are “gentle walking” shore excursions available in select locations. Otherwise, guests are recommended to explore independently if they are unable to walk unassisted during guided tours

Staterooms: Discovery II has an accessible stateroom, and all ships have an accessible restroom in the public area

Elevator Access: There are elevators serving all inside decks plus a hydraulic chair between the top passenger deck and sun deck

Wheelchair Requirement: Passengers have access to extra wheelchairs that are carried onboard

Tours & Other Info: All disabled passengers must be accompanied by someone who can be fully responsible for helping them on and off the vessel and tour vehicle

Staterooms: No designated wheelchair-friendly staterooms are on offer

Elevator Access: Most ships have elevators, however, some ships have split-level decks and other challenging areas to access

Wheelchair Requirements: Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed, but motorized scooters cannot be accommodated. Guests with special requirements can learn more about each vessel’s layout by visiting the Viking website

Tours & Other Info: Physically challenged guests require the services of a travelling companion who can help with all their needs as most excursions require walking on cobblestone or going up and down stairs

While the above river cruise companies may have accessible cabins available, they are only a limited amount. We highly recommend booking a river cruise as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment of an accessible cabin not being available. The assistance you will receive differs between airport transfers, embarking and disembarking, and booking excursions.

When booking a river cruise, it is important to ask the below questions to make sure that your needs are met:

What type of wheelchair is permitted on board?

Some cruise lines allow only collapsible wheelchairs onboard. It is also important to have your wheelchair’s measurements handy to make sure that if you can bring it on board, that it will fit their doorways and other common areas.

Does the accessible room have twin bedding configuration option?

When travelling with a carer, it is best to check in advance that your bedding configuration will not create an uncomfortable and awkward situation. Most king beds are made up of two twin beds pushed together, so make sure that twin bedding is an option in your cabin.

Are there any restricted ports for a person with disability?

At each port, there may be situations that do not allow you to disembark if you use a wheelchair and are incapable of walking. Safety is always the river cruise line’s number one priority, so if the crew members are unable to assist then you may have to stay onboard.

What tours have restrictions for a person with disability?

Depending on which region you visit, especially in Europe, you may be faced with narrow streets, hills and cobblestone streets. It is important to find out in advance which tours are most suitable to you and your disability. If a tour bus or van is involved, find out in advance if the transportation is also accessible as well as the activity that you’ll be partaking in.

Do you offer pre and post cruise transfers, and are they accessible?

If you require help getting to and from the river cruise, you may be able to organise a transfer directly with the cruise line or with the travel agent. Make sure to check that the vehicle is equipped for wheelchair access or any other necessary amenity to support you.

Travelling on a river cruise can be challenging for a person with a disability, but with planning in advance and making sure that you have all the relevant information to ensure that you have a seamless experience.

The more information and details the river cruise company has of your disability, the more they will be able to assist you during your travels.

While there are definite obstacles to overcome when booking a river cruise, the time taken, and investment is worth it when you are onboard and experiencing some of the most picturesque sceneries in the world.