Rosefan

Oh yes, I remember our first cruise on Oriana in 1998 we paid the equivalent of £125 per person per day for an outside cabin. Yes it was more traditional and coffee and a biscuit was served around 11am in places like Crows nest free of charge. But as you say majortom we are getting good deals these days despite these 'cuts'.

Also dependant on the time of day theres fresh fruit salad, danish pastries, muffins or sandwiches.

I always take my own green tea, for in cabin use,just in case, sometimes they run out in the buffet. We are on in April too.

Thank you Groovechick I have just looked at Cruisecal site and found our cruise with times, really helpful. Just need P&O to stick to it now. :)

Look at the brochure or deck plans, the super de lux balcony cabins on d deck have a large sofa that converts to a double bed, but not all the cabins, the section is also a bit separate, with its own TV. We like these cabins for the space.

Oh yes never thought of that, think we will still look at forward or aft for a cabin it will save that frustration with lifts. We like all the other venues on offer and for us it's worth a try.

What a great review, well balanced and informative. Just looked at the deck plans and the thought that occurs to me is, in an emergency there would only be front and back stairs to get down, how can this be ok? So many passengers. Don't want to be doom and gloom etc. but it's made me think.

I don't mind the system, if you make your 'dummy' booking with your real name and POD number the system applies a past passenger discount, which obviously a fictitious name will not attract.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Hi rollinstone, it's also on the cruise personaliser, on this one it's 7 formal, 6 informal jacket req. and 11 casual, but as said it could change slightly. But that's the one I am working on.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We have done this on all our Azura cruises (3 times) it's normally £30 with a different wine with each course 4 in total. That included Peller Ice White and Rose plus two others, more like £7 or £8 per glass for those and my personal favourite. It was £45 each when Olly was hosting last year. It seems expensive so dependant on your point of view can be a good night. We loved them and enjoyed the company each time. Can recommend if you love your food and the different wines.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Yes we were on Azura in May. Athul was on board at the beginning. I booked his hosted dinner for the 2nd night on board, there were only 7 of us on the table he sat at our end of the table for the first two courses, then went into the rest of the restaurant and spoke to all the other diners then came back and sat at the other end for the last two courses. All wine was included and the cost £55 each. Worth it in my opinion, special treat and a lovely evening, he is a lovely man good conversation was had by all. We booked just after boarding I asked the young lady as she came round at lunch and she confirmed the booking later. I don't think it's advertised.

If that's not to your liking then dining in the restaurant whilst he is on board he will come round and meet all diners, or as above there may be a trip with him, that will appear in your cruise personaliser trips, but it is more expensive. Good luck, the food is great whatever you do.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

On the alcohol question, on Azura in May we ordered a litre bottle of Gordon's gin for in cabin consumption, priced £20. It was delivered together with 12 cans of slimline the same afternoon(£9.95). At 47% proof far stronger than available back home. So working out the cost per drink it was approx 50p plus mixer. A no brainer as far as we were concerned, and no point in struggling with carrying it from home. Then as regular cruisers the on board discount at 10% made the bottle the equivalent of £18. Happy cruising!

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

As mentioned above it depends on what you prefer, just to mention that you may like to save some room for some really good wines ( by the glass) in the Glass House, and try the wine flights, which is a selection of three different glasses for something like £10 -£14, we tend to share and try, a great way to pass an hour or so.

I am sure you will love it all.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Should point out that the Glass House taster menus are 4 courses and 4 wines to accompany them, not the normal pub grub menu that is also on offer.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We have dined in both Sindu and 17 on a number of occasions we enjoy trying both menus (they alternate every 4/5days) we feel both worth the cover charge. 17 being £28 each but at home could not get the same quality and dining experience for anything near that price. Although this is down to personal taste, it is a big part of our holiday and Azura a ship of Choice for us. Not forgetting the Glass House with their taster menus (£30 each or £45 when Olly is hosting) it's easy to book when on board.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

When ashore just notice the cafe bars with the "free wi fi" signs it's usually obvious as there are loads of people with notebooks and tablets etc. the waiter will give you the password or the person on the next table usually a p&o passenger. It worked well for me last year round the med. Only had coffee/beer or lunch at a free wifi place. No idea about Caribbean though.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Bon voyage, have a great trip, hope you can update us as you go.

Brittania will be launched in 2015, could it be based in the med attracting new families to cruising?? Is Ventura testing out the demand this year?

Hi just left Azura on 1 Oct 13, we had a basic balcony, and quite right the bathroom is small.

The hairdryer is in the main cabin and the plug over the dressing unit. Hope this helps.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app