I found out from some of my ex colleagues at British Airways that during the strikes, that First Officers at Gatwick on the Shorthaul flying programme had been drafted in to operate as Cabin Crew on some longhaul Heathrow flights.
Some of them never used to know how to turn on the brewers in the forward galley for a cup of tea, so this will have come as a bit of a shock for all of them! They took part in a crash course in cabin services and opening of doors, as well as medical emergency training!
Most of them took it in good spirits, and hopefully will have done something to strengthen the Flight Crew and Cabin Crew relationships!!
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Monday, 15 March 2010
Cruise Kleptomania!
Rights, show of hands, how many people have taken a 'souvenir' when on holiday. Now I do not mean stealing from a shop, I mean how many people, have taken things they shouldn't have from their cabin or hotel room. As Cabin Crew, I used to get people trying to take all sorts of things from the aircraft, including trying to pass pieces of crew uniform off as their own!! I had one lady walk off in a cardigan that clearly was the standard BA issue, and almost had to call security to wrestle it back off her.
So looking for some honesty here, what is the worst thing you have taken, and what are your views? Do you think this is classed as stealing, or part of the perk of paying for your holiday... over to you!!
So looking for some honesty here, what is the worst thing you have taken, and what are your views? Do you think this is classed as stealing, or part of the perk of paying for your holiday... over to you!!
No Wheelchair? No Problem!...
I have had a query today from a client who hurt her leg and needs a wheelchair for her cruise. Princess and many other cruise lines no longer have wheelchairs to use on board, as believe it or believe it not, passengers were taking them from the ship and keeping them!! Now, even I may have taken the odd dressing gown from a hotel room, but I draw the line here!
However, help is at hand, there is an organisation called http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/ that can help you have temporary access to a wheelchair and other medical facilities you may require, or alternatively, you can contact your local Red Cross who can also help you get access to one for a small charge. You can also hire scooters and other medical equipment!
Happy motoring!
However, help is at hand, there is an organisation called http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/ that can help you have temporary access to a wheelchair and other medical facilities you may require, or alternatively, you can contact your local Red Cross who can also help you get access to one for a small charge. You can also hire scooters and other medical equipment!
Happy motoring!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Toupee overboard! And other reasons why you should have travel insurance!!
A decent travel insurance policy is as vital as your sun tan lotion, and favourite read whilst aboard your cruise. It can cost thousands of pounds to be airlifted to land if the case arises. On a less serious note, I have found some valid insurance claims from some unlucky holiday makers that may just make you smile...
1. Monkey Business
Malaysian monkeys caused romantic mayhem when a couple returned to their chalet to discover their underwear, clothing and belongings strewn across their hotel resort and neighbouring rain forest, I hope they were clean!!
2. Toupe overboard
An unlucky pensioner aboard a cruise found his toupe overboard after a strong gust of wind lifted it off his head and blew it in to the sea. His travel insurance took pity and reimbursed his loss!
3. Don't get stung.
A careless Brit paid a painful price after he dropped his wallet down a drain whilst on holiday. The Briton's claim wasn't for his cash or credit cards though, it was for hospital treatment after he had bravely reached down into the drain he was stung by poisonous scorpion. His travel insurance covered the cost of the treatment.
4. Swimming smile
Whilst cruising the Mediterranean, one unfortunate pensioner lost his false teeth overboard when throwing up into the unpredictable seas of the Bay of Biscay. The dentures were thankfully covered in his travel insurance policy under lost baggage!
5. Holy smoke
A British couple's beach wedding soon took a turn for the better or for worse when the brides dress was caught fire by some coal that fell from the BBQ. The groom quickly picked up his new HOT bride, ran down the beach and threw her into the sea. Fortunately the couple had taken out wedding cover before tying the knot, so they could claim on their insurance for the price of their garments.
6. Bikini distraction
A guy holidaying in Greece broke his nose by walking into glass-panelled doors, after getting distracted by two Greek goddesses in bikinis. His travel claim for hospital bills was successful, however he had to pay the bill for the doors!
7. Life's a beach
Frustrated parents were shocked to find that their playing children had buried their £600 camcorder in the sand on a beach in Cornwall. Thankfully the insurer saw the funny side and refunded the cost.
Don't take the risk; before you head off on your travels it pays to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in place to cover you should the unfortunate happen. We can provide cover for you at cruise.co.uk. Just ask when booking. If you have any funny stories to share, leave a comment.
1. Monkey Business
Malaysian monkeys caused romantic mayhem when a couple returned to their chalet to discover their underwear, clothing and belongings strewn across their hotel resort and neighbouring rain forest, I hope they were clean!!
2. Toupe overboard
An unlucky pensioner aboard a cruise found his toupe overboard after a strong gust of wind lifted it off his head and blew it in to the sea. His travel insurance took pity and reimbursed his loss!
3. Don't get stung.
A careless Brit paid a painful price after he dropped his wallet down a drain whilst on holiday. The Briton's claim wasn't for his cash or credit cards though, it was for hospital treatment after he had bravely reached down into the drain he was stung by poisonous scorpion. His travel insurance covered the cost of the treatment.
4. Swimming smile
Whilst cruising the Mediterranean, one unfortunate pensioner lost his false teeth overboard when throwing up into the unpredictable seas of the Bay of Biscay. The dentures were thankfully covered in his travel insurance policy under lost baggage!
5. Holy smoke
A British couple's beach wedding soon took a turn for the better or for worse when the brides dress was caught fire by some coal that fell from the BBQ. The groom quickly picked up his new HOT bride, ran down the beach and threw her into the sea. Fortunately the couple had taken out wedding cover before tying the knot, so they could claim on their insurance for the price of their garments.
6. Bikini distraction
A guy holidaying in Greece broke his nose by walking into glass-panelled doors, after getting distracted by two Greek goddesses in bikinis. His travel claim for hospital bills was successful, however he had to pay the bill for the doors!
7. Life's a beach
Frustrated parents were shocked to find that their playing children had buried their £600 camcorder in the sand on a beach in Cornwall. Thankfully the insurer saw the funny side and refunded the cost.
Don't take the risk; before you head off on your travels it pays to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in place to cover you should the unfortunate happen. We can provide cover for you at cruise.co.uk. Just ask when booking. If you have any funny stories to share, leave a comment.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Who is the most famous person you have seen on your cruise?
Having met many celebrities myself whilst flying around the world working in first class, it would be interesting to know who you may have met on aboard your cruise, and what did you think?
I was amazed to find that most of the celebrities I have met have been really down to earth and friendly, I think my favourite were Cheryl Cole, Sterling Moss and Chris Tarrant! All chatted away like they were good friends!
Have you ever said anything silly, or gone all star struck? I would love to hear of your celebrity tales!
I was amazed to find that most of the celebrities I have met have been really down to earth and friendly, I think my favourite were Cheryl Cole, Sterling Moss and Chris Tarrant! All chatted away like they were good friends!
Have you ever said anything silly, or gone all star struck? I would love to hear of your celebrity tales!
Are you smarter than a Cruise Consultant?!!
I just thought I would test your brain cells with 'just for fun' quiz on the QE2... so come on, don't be shy and have a go!
1. What was the original grill restaurant called on the QE2?
2. The Caledonia Suite on Boat Deck occupies a space that served a different function when the ship was built. What was it?
3. The QE2 is unique because she was captained by a father, followed by his son. What were their names?
4. When the QE2 was built, what colour was the single funnel?
5. The QE2 was properly called RMS Queen Elizabeth 2. What does RMS mean?
6. QE2 was originally built as a two-class ship. When the ship sailed on cruises as only one-class, passengers could still tell if their cabin was a first or tourist class by the color of its corridor door. What was the color of the corridor doors in first class?
Answers on a postcard please!! Or leave them on my blog - answers revealed soon!
1. What was the original grill restaurant called on the QE2?
2. The Caledonia Suite on Boat Deck occupies a space that served a different function when the ship was built. What was it?
3. The QE2 is unique because she was captained by a father, followed by his son. What were their names?
4. When the QE2 was built, what colour was the single funnel?
5. The QE2 was properly called RMS Queen Elizabeth 2. What does RMS mean?
6. QE2 was originally built as a two-class ship. When the ship sailed on cruises as only one-class, passengers could still tell if their cabin was a first or tourist class by the color of its corridor door. What was the color of the corridor doors in first class?
Answers on a postcard please!! Or leave them on my blog - answers revealed soon!
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
What do I do if the sun doesn't shine?
We can book you on the cruise of a lifetime, however, we cannot book the sun to come out for the duration of your cruise, although I am sure Richard Branson is currently working on this.
Infact, the best type of holiday to be on if you do have bad weather is a cruise! There are lots of other thing to be doing other than sunbathing. Find out here what the alternatives are.
Depending on the type of Cruise Line and ship you go on these are the kind of activities you can expect:
Indoor/Outdoor Pool (some have retractable roofs for bad weather)
Childrens Club and Entertainment
Port Talks
Evening Entertainment/Shows/Comedians
Nightclub
Health Spa & Beauty Salon
Gym
Card/Games Room
Casino
Jogging Track
Internet cafe
Duty Free Shop
Clothes/Jewellery and Souvenier Shops
Bungee Trampolines (P&O)
Rock Climbing Walls (Royal Caribbean)
Ice Skating Rinks (Royal Caribbean)
Cinemas
Bowling Alley
Chances to learn a new skill, such as Wine Tasting or Flower Arranging
Art Galleries
Golf
Basketball/Volleyball
Library
Tennis Court
Pool Tables
Restaurants Galore.. And there is always the bar if things get really bad!
So you can see there is plenty to do on a cruise ship, what would you like to see on cruise ships to keep you entertained? I would love to hear your ideas!!
Infact, the best type of holiday to be on if you do have bad weather is a cruise! There are lots of other thing to be doing other than sunbathing. Find out here what the alternatives are.
Depending on the type of Cruise Line and ship you go on these are the kind of activities you can expect:
Indoor/Outdoor Pool (some have retractable roofs for bad weather)
Childrens Club and Entertainment
Port Talks
Evening Entertainment/Shows/Comedians
Nightclub
Health Spa & Beauty Salon
Gym
Card/Games Room
Casino
Jogging Track
Internet cafe
Duty Free Shop
Clothes/Jewellery and Souvenier Shops
Bungee Trampolines (P&O)
Rock Climbing Walls (Royal Caribbean)
Ice Skating Rinks (Royal Caribbean)
Cinemas
Bowling Alley
Chances to learn a new skill, such as Wine Tasting or Flower Arranging
Art Galleries
Golf
Basketball/Volleyball
Library
Tennis Court
Pool Tables
Restaurants Galore.. And there is always the bar if things get really bad!
So you can see there is plenty to do on a cruise ship, what would you like to see on cruise ships to keep you entertained? I would love to hear your ideas!!
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