Ready to go.

[caroljoyce]

I'm off to Amsterdam in the morning on a mini cruise... I've packed my snow boots (and my long frock)
See you all when I get back.

[Rowan]

Have a great time Caroljoyce.

[mazzy]

Hope you have a wonderful time .....I like Amsterdam.

[Liz]

Have a lovely time Carol, think you might need the snow boots

[dita]

Have A Good Time

[toolip2]

have a great time and no popping to see the naughty area!!

I have always wanted to go to this city. Let us know how you enjoyed the trip CJ!

[caroljoyce]

Hi everybody. It was horrific. We were only 12 miles from Dover when we hit this almighty traffic jam. In four hours we only travelled half a mile and we knew there was no hope of catching the boat. We kept ringing Fred Olsen Cruise lines up and each time they told us the departure was put another hour later to give people a chance to get there. Originally supposed to sail at 3.30 it was put off till 6.00 pm … but still we were stuck in the traffic jam. It was dark, and we were getting hungry. No privacy for calls of nature! We put radio Kent on to see what the situation was and they told of people being stranded for 12 hrs or more. At that stage, friend and I started to panic a bit at the thought of it so we urged her hubby (we were in their car) to drive on the hard shoulder. At first he was reluctant but did it in the end. We got off it at Folkstone and found a Travel Inn for a meal and accommodation.

We’ve had a nice leisurely drive home today. Stopped for a nice Sunday lunch at a pub in Rutland before continuing home. No traffic jams at all but very variable patches of weather. No snow in some places and lots of snow in others.

It’s nice to be home… Now going to read the small print on my insurance... I hope it covers us.
__________________

[Rowan]

Och that's a shame Caroljoyce. Hopefully your insurance will cover you. Still better safe and warm at home than stranded somewhere hungry and cold (and needing to use a baqthroom).

[Maywalk]

Oh Carol.
I am SO very sorry to read this.
I know how much you were looking forward to it.

I hope the small print on the insurance covers you for the loss of the holiday.

[mo]

Oh what a rotten let down Carol. I would feel so gutted.
Let's hope you do get your money back due to bad weather.

Lisa paid £50 to take little Amelie tomorrow to Milton Keynes where they have a sort of a lapland scene with all the magical things going on but doesn't want to risk it in this weather as it's a good drive away from us.

What about all of those poor people stuck in the Eurotunnel. How awful if you were slightly claustrophobic.

[caroljoyce]

I've been on the phone to Fred Olsen and my insurance company. We aren't covered for the situation we were in ... so the money is lost.
The only goodwill gesture Fred Olsen are offering is 10% off any cruise we might book for 2010... but it must be booked in the next 30 days ... I don't think I'll be bothering.

[Tiddles]

Sorry things went wrong, Carol - must be so disappointing.

[Anya]

Carol - Worth pursuing with the Holiday Complaints Ombudsman. At least have a good go.

- Holiday Complaints -

[caroljoyce]

Anya, thank you for that. I will certainly have a go.... I've nothing to loose.

[Victors Mate]

Things might have changed since I retired but it used to be the majority of travel insurance policies covered you for travel to your point of departure providing it was by booked in advance travel by public transport (Train, Bus, Coach)

A minority of policies also covered travel by own transport providing an adequate and reasonable amount of time was allowed for your journey.

This is why ‘tis often better to go to a recognised insurance broker rather than grab at the first insurance offered or the cheapest one you can find.