DolphinWatcher

Anyone any opinions on who Britannia's Godmother will be? We have some thoughts but interested to hear others...

Hi.

We were on Oceana at Easter this year and had a great time (tbh, we've always had a great time on all P&O ships) I have 3 children - 15, 13 & 7. The rules on all P&O ships are changing (and had on Oceana this year) so that only the oldest group can sign themselves out (13+) All other groups require signing out by an adult.

Hope this helps.

I noted a few changes on Oceana at Easter too. Food was much improved - as a veggie I historically tended to eat off the veggie menu as the option on the main menu wasn't that good. Ate off the veggie menu once the entire cruise this time. Restaurant manager said that they had listened to feedback (yes, apparently they do that!) and had revamped all the menus. Wasn't a huge fan of plated food, but minor point that will not spoil anything for me.

Didn't particularly like the changes to kids club rules, but safeguarding rules are constantly getting more stringent & the safety of the kids clubs is the most paramount thing.

As always, we had excellent service. Have never had bad service from P&O staff (apart from one snotty photographer I shall put down as a bad fit for P&O!)

I think I'm in the minority too. Preferred silver service, but not a huge issue. Just need to remember to read what the meal comes with & request extra veggies!

Thanks for the help (& blog link!) Arcadia won the debate and is now booked :)

My guess would be 15th, 19th, 25th & either 28th or 29th?

Thanks for the answers. Itinerary would be Zeebrugge (arrive early morning, depart afternoon) then either Le Havre or St Peter Port for a full day (depending on which date we pick)

Interesting to hear the demographic change, that did slightly worry me as don't really want to be on an adult only ship with the usual older cruisers when only a 3 nighter (no offence intended here to any older cruisers, my husband & I were youngest on our honeymoon cruise by at least 20 years and loved every minute!)

We're looking at Arcadia or Aurora for the P&O ships and a new RCI ship.

Hi all,

A quick question for you all. Looking to take a newbie cruiser on a short break next spring & we're debating which line to sail with. I'm trying to pull together an unbiased view as I'm a P&O'er and my other friend sailing with us is loyal to RCI so want her to make a decision based on factors important to her. These are the only 2 lines that are sailing from UK ports viable for us in the timeframe we are looking at.

Have compared various things such as staff / crew ratio, costs, cabin size, entertainment & food, but wondered if P&O would normally have a formal night on a 3 nighter?

Any other pros / cons of either line also welcomed (by tomorrow night when we intend to book!)

Thanks.

Thanks for the info. Was this definitely a Saver fare not an Early Saver one?

 

I completely accept that any such requests are subject to availablity and of having lowest priority compared to others having paid higher fares but are in line with the t's & c's before booking. The "AND CANNOT BE CHANGED" bit that they add on AFTER booking would mean that, if enforced, the restaurant manager would not have the authority to even consider any requests for changes from those on Saver fares.

Definitely saver - only booked 3 weeks before sailing. As Davecttr says though, be prepared to be turned down, the restaurant manager has the right to say no under the terms of booking. It's entirely at their discretion.

If you speak to the restaurant manager they may be happy to consider it. We sailed as saver fare on Oceana a couple of weeks ago & they were more than happy to take a note and put us on a waiting list for our preferred sitting. It didn't come through & we were freedom dining anyway so not a huge issue but there was certainly no issue with us requesting it.

Cabins aren't usually available until 2pm though so carry anything you need with you until then.

You stand a pretty good chance as late sitting is less popular. If you don't get allocated late sitting, freedom dining works well or you can check in with the restaurant manager after the first night to see if anyone has opted to swap from 2nd sitting to freedom dining. He can put you on a waiting list if not.

Yes, we always do.

We were sailing during the London Olympics and several spaces were set aside to watch events, although perhaps to the detriment of other activity offerings that would otherwise have used those spaces. Having said that, it depends on the satellite provider onboard as to whether they have access / what matches you get. Overhearing the CD on Oceana last week, I think he said they have the world cup, but not the Euro championships. They were certainly showing premier league.

Hi.

It is for the streamed soft drinks, not cans, and is smaller than a pint (a pint would cost you two marks on your card) but still a reasonable size. They can be used in the MDR. Not sure how much a soft drink is, just thrown away my last receipt, but approx £1.85 I think.

We've been to Dubrovnik 3 times (including Ventura) & only ever been berthed. Shuttle bus into town is efficient. I have to say that the thought of tender from the old harbour would be lovely. Beautiful spot to park!

Hi. Simulator is no more. Nets only on deck 14. Fine if there is no wind & are ok with 5Y length. Have also heard the clubs are not great & very few lefty clubs & no children's clubs.

Do let me know if you manage to get anything. Our honeymoon was on Victoria in 1997 & I'd love to have photos/itineraries. I still have the menus if they would be any help?

Does that mean that as oceana is in port of Spain for 3 days, they will still put 10% on everything you buy on board?

 

 

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I thought about that this morning too. I suspect it does. Might have to stock up on some drinks in Gibraltar...

Does anyone know what the required repairs are for?

The seals on the port propellor shaft, apparently.

Just had notification that Oceana needs repairs on the cruise that starts Saturday. Itinerary changed and 3 ports cancelled, but are docking in Barcelona for 3 days to allow repairs. A pain for those that have private trips / meeting friends and family, but I have to say I am impressed with P&O's handling of this. Free 2 day hop on / hop off sightseeing bus tickets, additional excursions and entertainment and a 25% refund. Looking forward to my 3 day Barcelona stay :)

Thanks for the link DaiB - ordered on express delivery :D

Also struggling with what to pack for this same cruise. Anyone who has been to the Med at Easter before - I would appreciate some advice!

You should choose a broker that does not charge a periodic or inactivity fee. There are plenty to choose from.

Brian

I wish I could! Unfortunately my firm mandates who I trade through as I work in Finance. Even so, still make a nice profit on these shares !

Saliecat,

I would recommend taking some antisickness tablets with you (herbal or otherwise) as well as a band as the onboard doctors are extremely expensive so would use as a last resort!

We've only had one rough crossing in the Bay, although usually go in the Summer. I tend to find it more noticeable on the way back if you've been in the Med but not on the way down.

I would remove any loose hangers (or weighing them down with a towel) overnight as they get very noisy if it gets bumpy. That was the only thing that kept me awake last year as I forgot to do it, the swells can actually be quite relaxing otherwise!

Hope you have a lovely trip.