Oceana - where to eat on embarkation?

I'm cruising on Oceana soon and was wondering if there's a quiet place to eat after embarkation on the first day? Is the MDR open? I'm not a big fan of the buffet scrum.

Thanks, Jenny

Usually with P and O unless you are in suites grade or high tier loyalty there is only the buffet.

Not feasible to eat elsewhere in Southampton or enroute, and board a little later?

in the buffet, only. Its always busy, but the staff are nice.

That's very disappointing. We embark in Genoa after a very early start and a 6am flight so we'll probably be tired and hungry by lunchtime. We'll just have to brave the buffet I guess.

Is the main dining room closed on the med fly cruises changeover day? I did a Venice to Venice but can't remember the dining details on changeover day in Genoa.

That's very disappointing. We embark in Genoa after a very early start and a 6am flight so we'll probably be tired and hungry by lunchtime. We'll just have to brave the buffet I guess.

For us the advantage of our early flight to Genoa, is by the time we check in on the ship there is plenty of time to catch a bus into Genoa see a few sites and take in a local meal. Reckon we will have about 4 hours before going back on board to unpack before the emergency drill and sail away.

JennyBee, it will be worth the wait.

You are going on a cruise :D

How exciting is that.

That sounds like a plan Yertiz1883. We are planning to go into Genoa to buy some wine and cokes for the cabin so we could have lunch there too.

I notice that you're sailing is a few weeks before mine so I'd be grateful if you'd let me know how your plan works out [emoji12]

Thanks, Jenny

Unfortunately our flight doesn't leave Bournemouth for Genoa until 10:20, so when do you think we'll be on board Oceana?

We were hoping to have time to find a shop for some bits and pieces, and have a quick look at Genoa.

Will this be possible? It's our first cruise so any advice welcome.

JennyBee, it will be worth the wait.

You are going on a cruise :D

How exciting is that.

Exactly! relax! enjoy it! :D

Unfortunately our flight doesn't leave Bournemouth for Genoa until 10:20, so when do you think we'll be on board Oceana?

We were hoping to have time to find a shop for some bits and pieces, and have a quick look at Genoa.

Will this be possible? It's our first cruise so any advice welcome.

It's a two hour flight so adding on passports and coach at Genoa and boarding things would estimate you would be on board by 1330-1400. So a trip out is a possibility if your quick....

Tinsoldier & JulieNicker, thanks for your input. FYI: I am perfectly relaxed and excited to cruise with p&o. Eating in the buffet or in Genoa is fine [emoji3]

I simply asked if there were any other dining options on embarkation day.

I've cruised many times on several different cruise lines over the years and usually there is an alternative to the buffet for lunch. This is my first time on p&o so I just wanted to check my facts.

Thanks everyone for your input

I too wish that P and O would offer an alternative to the "Snatch and Grab" on embarkation day. It's taken me 15 years to get to Caribbean Tier next summer, and my goodness am I looking forward to the alternative buffet that my daughter and I were treated to the time we got upgraded to a suite.

I too wish that P and O would offer an alternative to the "Snatch and Grab" on embarkation day. It's taken me 15 years to get to Caribbean Tier next summer, and my goodness am I looking forward to the alternative buffet that my daughter and I were treated to the time we got upgraded to a suite.

I didn't know suite customers got an alternative buffet on arrival. How does that work then, anyone know?

Count yourselves lucky. You don't get lunch at all on Fred Olsen :-)

I didn't know suite customers got an alternative buffet on arrival. How does that work then, anyone know?

Well my one and only recent experience ( following an unexpected upgrade) is.....

Show the cruise card to the staff who are in the lobby when you actually step foot on the ship ...the card has a "secret" mark on it (it was a blue dot on ours) to show you are a suite passenger ....and they direct you to "somewhere" - possibly one of the speciality restaurants or the MDR where you are treated to a buffet style lunch - hot and cold offerings along with a glass of fizz. Sit down at tables. Nice and relaxed start . They then Tell you when your cabins are ready. Much nicer than the crowded buffet. Just wish I could afford a suite more often!

So does that happen on Med fly cruises as well ?

So does that happen on Med fly cruises as well ?

Sorry - can't answer that one, but I would have thought so....? Worth a call to P & O.

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/before-you-sail/priority_lounge

Or rather, it seems not. See the link above. Sorry.

Thank you for finding that info...even if it's not the answer I wanted to hear!

The time we were upgraded we were ushered to a Priority area, got on board quickly and were directed to the lounge at the stern of the ship where we were given a glass of fizz and told to help ourselves to the buffet. it was lovely, very relaxing with plenty of room to sit and they came and topped up your glass.

Then at about 1 o clock they told us suites were ready and we were escorted to B deck. This was on Oriana last year.