hi
and dont forget there should be 40000 DE cruisers or thereabouts (I dont think) cough
ann

Fay,

ship's crew work cheap, but that goes for all of them, i.e. not just those from a particular country.

Speaking from personal experience (I worked on the QE2 and SA Vaal) I remember what I was paid as an Engish crewmember........and it was quite a lot more than that!

Even 30 years ago, my basic pay was about £35 plus overtime at time and 1/3 after 9pm (if I remember correctly), time and a half Saturdays and double time Sundays. Do your own sums, but working 7 days per week, that soon adds up. Then there was annual holiday pay and benefits....plus tips!

Why did I leave??!!

But then it was a `closed shop` and the National Seamans Union, for all their faults, looked after our interests.

I recall the arguments/discussions/rumours when the Cunard Princess was `forced` to take at least 50% labour from the Islands. I don`t think Cunard needed much forcing when one considers the substantial saving in wages and employment benefits.

I agree that the cruise ships should provide employment for the people from the places they visit, but at least pay them a decent wage fot doing the same work. It is a flagrant abuse of the lack of employment rights found in those countries.

That was about 1976/77 and it appears to be a trend which blossomed.

I cannot imagine UK or most Western European crew working for the sort of money they now pay (without us making up the money in `tips`)..........free food & accommodation or not!

as R*** must still have their hands full with the fallout from Watchdog - they certainly DON'T want to appear on it again, and the only way to ensure that is to give ALL complainants their cruises.

You have more faith than me in the sensitivity of that company to public opinion. Anyone concerned about bad publicity would have taken more precautions to avoid the situation which has predictably occurred.

The grilling they DIDN`T get on watchdog must have put their mind at rest once and for all.

TonyW

We should all go to singles meet just to meet each other if we don't make conact on coaches or hotels, and to sample wet offerings. ID? Wear a £10 note, probably start a riot, or is that a mutiny on board

Good idea Dogleap, but how about everyone getting the T Shirt!

ID? Wear a £10 note

Good job Greece isn`t on our itinerary or you could end up married!

Magsy,

Got my T Shirt already for the melody in september
so Blackg, Nannysue, Brencambs and Onmyway2 should be able to spot me easilly if they are going from Heathrow

I'll be the one asleep in terminal 2 by the check in desk :rofl

While the mix of nationalities mentioned normally applies, I think R***'s extensive use of MSC will alter the ratio this year (and maybe next!).

My consultant said there could be up to 40% Express cruisers on some sailings So, big singles parties but few millionaires ...

Is that your psychiatric consultant Cardiff Girl? Most of us on here have one of those, or if not we will be getting one soon

aslemma
I quite agree - I'm definitely losing it......have you seen the Warburton bread advert on tv? I've always been convinced I take no notice of adverts, but I just keep noticing what pops out of the toaster.....anyone else spotted it or am I in need of more help than I thought?
Luci - this is sort of 'on topic' in case you're wondering!!
Alli

good Morning shiop mates, from the Balcony Cruise

The way the Bread comes out of the toaster and our favorate travel company are on topic they rise, o.k. one rather quicker than the other

Byeeeee for now
Phil Morris

Good Afternoon form the balcony Cruise ship 'Good Intent'

The ship is just coming into dock, so I have to leave you all now, well for a full lunar month and a bit.

With referance anyone going to the S.Americas go to the Chemist and get Avloclor/Paludrine, there are 3 types of malaria, for a 7 day cruise you should take it 1 week before departure and for 4 weeks after your return.
Malaria is serious and a killer. So bewarned. In all seriousness you are weak where Malaria is concerned.

On that cheery note I'm off, and I'm taking the modum to my mates, so the coven will be unable to check up on me.

By the way on the single night/drink/lunch if anyone on the Melody 10/10 finds a 90 year old with a zimmer let me know (Oh and she must have £3m)

Byeee for now (my National Express awaits) Don't close the site down whilst I'm away PLEASE


Byeeeeee

Phil Morris

hi
Have a good trip phil.looking forward to you coming back already
well done amandjrx hope there are others reading this who get some hope from your cruise. Keep on trying, all those waiting ,
it could be you next
ann

Bye Phil, have a safe journey!
Allisu, what on earth are you on about? Whatever it is Phil knows!
Aslemma, I had one of those before this all started, now I have two, one of whom is a specialist in travel, only he calls it wandering!

alisu please put me out of my misery and explain you cryptic comment.please,please/ carol

Magsy

Wandering or wondering???

If you are wondering - you will have to watch for the advert and see what comes out of the toaster.........

Alli
PS - Paranoia has set in here - but a certain word which would mean nothing to most people leaps out of the tv and strikes terror in those who know - Phil being one!!

Allisu,
I am wondering if yeast comes in to this somewhere!

Carol

It must be that you and Magsy have not been traumatised by certain events as badly as Phil and myself......

I find it worrying that Phil is the only one to understand me -

Am I going down the same road?? Perhaps I should stock up and get some extra bottles in!

If it's catching and I start rambling more than usual please be patient - I now have a mug at work which says 'I need therapy'.
Alli

Listen to the mug Alli!

I thought I was probably the only one who didn't rise to that one Allisu but I must admit to not having seen the advert - I shall now be watching out for it.:lol: - It is the yeast I can do.
Back to Tunisia on 17th April so hope that may restore my sanity.