Hi Andy, we will be a party of 4 not 2, and thanks for the critical info regarding water holes, and when to move from one to the other
blot
But I am only a poor person.
My parents are going on the same cruise the fortnight before you - I think it is the same itinerary. Any info would be appreciated if you know about the ports. Ta
Bye for now
Sandra
The black sea ports I have never been to, but I have been to some of the ones before the ship gets there.
These are places like santorini and Istanbul. I have been to these on the Emerald.
However, I am now thinking that I will have to join the posters from on board, so I can login and see what your parents had to say about the cruise, as I will be flying out and crossing in the air.
Mind you that depends on where they fly from. I am on the first flight out of Gatwick, usually get on board after the new lovely photo security pass thingie at Corfu cruise terminal, at lunch time, if they have a late flight I might even be able to catch up with them on board for a quick summary of Yalta etc
Andy
Andy,
Do you mean the photo for your boarding pass for the ship? Didn't they do that before? Perhaps it's something different.
Airtours used to have your photo on the pass, but not the last few times. They still took the photo, but kept it on their computer.
luci
As far as I know, they have flights to/from Glasgow, but I am not sure what times the flights are. I will find out and let you know.
Bye for now
Sandra
The security pass thingie at Corfu was setup this year.
It takes part in the new cruise terminal building in the harbour.
The coaches leave you there and continue with all your luggage.
You all queue up and have a very flattering photo taken. This is for your file when using your boarding card and for bar service so they can see who is actually ordering.
Was not in place last year on the emerald, they were always little cardboard strips. Now they are credit card things.
Hope this clears things up.
Andy
Thanks for the explanation Andy. It looks like the Emerald has finally come into the 21st century and line with the rest. Quite surprised though as I'm sure the Topaz had the photo/credit card pass.
I keep all my cruise passes on the cruise wall(blue tack) and the Topaz did have the CC but there is no photo. The only cards we have with photos on are from the sunbird(05/2003) and sundream(06/2002) later Suns are photoless.
Snap WJ, just couldn't remember if the Topaz one had a photo or not, but I was sure it was a credit card type pass.
On your advice (I think it was you anyway, on another thread) my parents checked out the situation with individual visas for the Ukraine. Apparently, it costs £120 per person for the visa for the Ukraine ports, but you can still go on the organised tour with the group visa at no extra cost - this seems the best option.
Bye for now
Sandra
Don't fork out for the visa's.
Phone thomson direct.
When I went to the states, usually you need a visa, but the ship sorted it all out for you, and this was not just for organised tours, coz we went native and did our own thing.
Although Visa's are required for these ports, Lunn Poly said I did not need them.
I tried to contact them but had no luck, but if I have to go on an organised tour only, I will do so, then claim against Lunn Poly for spoiling my holiday and for the tour cost, basically meaning I would have a flaming good time on their money.
Andy
My name is John and I am from Australia, my folks are looking to get on board this ship as there is a fantastic deal from this end with flights to london and then to Corfu. Has anyone been on board?? What is the ship/experience like? I would be greatful for any sort of review you might be able to offer.
Many thanks
John
My that would be a long way to come for a cruise! We have some reviews of the Emerald here
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/cruise-reviews/thomson-cruises/thomson-emerald/
Let us know what youre parents decide.
HTH
luci
We did the Emerald last year on the adriatic coast. Was a lovely ship, Plenty of entertainment, day & night. All the staff are friendly,Food was great I prefered the dining room as not keen on buffet food. As it is an older ship it looked a bit dated but didn't seem to look damaged in any way. Didn't have to dress up every night if didn't want to only on captain's dinner night when the tux came out for the guys.
We loved it so much we felt spolit, and abandoned when we went to the hotel on stay part. Are off on Cruise next sept this time on Destiny for 2wks rather than cruise and stay.
October special that has been advertised.
Thanks again for your prompt replies this is much appreciated.
John
Out of all you cruisers, only me and blot are going on this cruise.
I would love to join you Andy as your cruise sounds dead interesting and would suit us down to the ground, but we had our main cruise in June when we went to Iceland and Norway for 12 nights and our next one's round the Canaries and Morocco in 6 weeks time.
If we had unlimited money and time off work I'd be there like a shot!
luci
I am toying with Beruit next year.
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.