Hi Everyone

Looks like the express have finally got their act together. despite a number of almost bookings when the other lot were handling things, I have now spoken to the cruise store and made my booking with a very helpful young man (who is going on the same cruise as I booked) all sorted out within 30 minutes. My first choice was not available but there were plenty to choose from. So finally I have my cruise around the Med on the Island Star on 20th May this year, have a cabin of my own (no sharing) it is an outside cabin on a high up deck (deck 9) - the only problem is it has a resticted view (lifeboats get in the way!) but what can you expect for £35!

The £35 is simply for the fuel charge, the Express have waivered the £10 charge we were originally due to pay. Things are a little restrictive if you are not prepared to be flexible, from memory the latest date was 15th July and that was already full when I called yesterday. From the Express's point of view it looks like all will be resolved by mid July - except for the odd few who are not happy with this latest offer.

My letter was number 359 so I expect there will be quite a few Express cruisers on each cruise. A point to note I was told I will get an invoice from Island Cruise Lines for £700+ but to ignore it as the money will not be due by myself. Looks like the Express have had an expensive lesson - but as someone who has benefitted from it I am certainly not complaining.

Good luck to everyone about to cruise - I for one cannot wait.

Janet

fantastic!!!!!!!!! more people getting cruises. its so great to hear that some cruises are coming through.it will be good to hear your reviews on return.i wish i was going again but i dont think we will ever see an offer like this again!!!!!! good luck to those still waiying.carol

Janet
When I got my letter on Friday my number was 420! I was at work and my husband phoned me with the details, and I am glad he did as I then phoned straight away and I did manage to get a place on the 15 July cruise. I must say that the young lady who dealt with me was also very nice and helpfull. I too will have a restricted view due to lifeboats, but who cares, at least it is daylight coming in to the cabin and it is still as you say a bargin especially for a first time cruiser like me!
Jean

Well done to all you who have booked your cruises. Do you think it is worth phoning the cruise store to see if our names are on their list or do we wait again for a letter?

hi
Did you send lots of letters and keep phoning DE, or do you think they are just working through a list ?

Hi raych,
Yes I have written to the DE but I have not phoned as everyone who has just seemed to get a answerphone message to be patient!!!! There must be some sort of system that they use to decide who gets an offer so why not a list. I really meant that the cruise store might now have a list of names to be contacted. They must be working from some information from the DE.

It would seem they update a list every 3 months which
is given to the cruise store for them to contact the Express reader with dates etc.

Hi davidrt,
Where did you find that out?

I rang cruise store and asked if my name was on the list - which it is not.

Then asked how often they get a list. I suppose I could have asked how many were on the list, but it's not going to speed up the process.

I then rang DE freephone number but got recorded message.

hi davidrt
Where did you get the cruise store phone no

http://www.thecruisestore.co.uk/

I am wondering if someone could give me the freephone number for DE please?

08003718000
It's on the thread 'useful telephone numbers' along with some others you might like to try.

Thanks Maureen. Must say I love our flag.

My cruise is definitely booked - my reference number brings up my details on the Island Cruises website. Packing can commence...

The letter from the Cruise Store was number 1210 so the DE must be clearing a few of us this time.

Hang in there those still waiting

Janet - where are you flying from as we are the same trip

Is it just Med cruises that are being offered, has anyone been on a Caribbean cruise,are people who were originally offered Caribbean cruises now accepting Med cruises, as i would prefer to hold out for my original offer of a Caribbean cruise if at all possible.

hi
I phoned cruise store today to see if I was on their list. The lady who answered phone could not transfer me, but said she would ask someone dealing with DE cruises to phone me back. I was suprised when someone actually phoned me back within 5 minutes. They phoned me back at work and I had given the lady my mobile number so I must be on one of their lists somewhere. She did ask if I had received a letter. When I said I hadn't she said they were only working off lists provided by DE and they they were receive new lists every month or so. I asked if she could give the name of DE person to contact but she said she didnt know. Im no further foreward but the people at Cruise Store were very polite in not helping me.

I keep popping in to see what progress there is - I was so pleased to read the latest progress - about time.

I can't believe it was last September that I went on my hard-won cruise (Med....) I still think about it and often look at my photos.... it was definitely worth the shouting matches and threats.

I have to say the recent advertising for a certain newspaper rather sticks in my throat - courtesy, manners, respect!!!!

Good luck to everyone still trying to get their cruises - don't give up.

Elaine

Hi All,
Congratulations to those of you who have their cruises sorted. I am relly pleased that you are finally going. Keep up the good work DE !
annj