JeanieC,Aston

10 hours ago, Selbourne said:

DAY 5 - Sunday 7th March - Madeira

 

Whilst there was a little rocking overnight, it wasn’t enough to set the creaking ceiling off. However, one of our cabin neighbours had committed the cardinal sin of leaving a piece of balcony furniture touching the edge of the balcony, so in the wind we had a noise like a low level rapid hammering as the offending metal framed chair or table rattled against the metal balcony 🙄. For balance, I should say that our cabin neighbours both sides and above have been very considerate so far this cruise, which has been a huge relief given how poor the sound insulation is on Aurora. Our dining companions have been less fortunate and can hear drawers slamming and the TV from their neighbours. 

 

We arrived into Funchal a couple of hours early and it was still pitch dark. Ventura followed us in a while later but, as we were first to arrive, we secured poll position closest to the port exit. This is just as well as we didn’t intend to use the shuttle this time as, due to the time taken to load and unload wheelchairs and scooters, it took longer than walking when we were here a few months ago. Once Ventura had berthed an ambulance with its blue lights flashing pulled up alongside her, so I hope that whoever that is for is able to continue their cruise once attended to. 

 

Last entry times for breakfast are still the old ‘early’ times of 9.30am on sea days and 9am on port days, which is a shame as we often find that to be a rush. However, we managed to get to the Medina restaurant in good time. Our favourite restaurant host Rachel knew the names and cabin numbers of all 3 couples ahead of us in the queue without looking them up, so it isn’t just us! When we got to the front I told her that she is superhuman! Her colleague said that Rachel remembers everything and Rachel added “and you told me that you are grumpy in the mornings so like a table for 2”. Hilarious 🤣 People like Rachel can really make a cruise and we are so glad to have her on this very long journey. She’s an absolute star. 

 

After breakfast we had a good walk around Funchal. We were glad that we hadn’t bothered with the shuttle as it was a lovely walk along the promenade. We walked all the way to the end and then cut back through the town to the market, which I was given to believe was open 7 days bit isn’t. Unfortunately it was also closed when we came in October, that time due to a public holiday. I poked my head in the cathedral which was packed. Clearly more religious types here than at home!

 

As we started to make our way back to the ship it started raining and we got rather wet. I stopped at a shop to buy two 1.5 litre bottles of water which worked out at half the price of buying them on the ship. We skipped lunch as I’d booked a tour leaving at 1.30pm. Leisurely scenes of Madeira was certainly leisurely but the low cloud cover and intermittent rain impacted on the scenic bit. The first view over Funchal was OK but as we climbed up into the mountains the visibility was poor. I was amazed at the Eucalyptus forests (which you could smell even inside the coach) and the banana plants (trees?) everywhere. Also poinsettia growing wild. 

 

We visited the highest cape in Europe and I bravely stood on a glass and mesh floored gantry overhanging a sheer 1,900 foot cliff. However, you could barely see a thing. You could just make out the waves way down below but couldn’t see the view at all. We passed through the village that Winston Churchill famously painted but didn’t stop. It was a good way to while away an afternoon and was still enjoyable, but would be ten times better on a dry and clear day. 

 

Returning to the ship and having had nothing to eat since breakfast, we decided to grab a quick sandwich or something to tie us over until dinner at 8pm. It was just before 5.30pm. We decided to go to Raffles (coffee shop) as I’d noticed that they had some sandwiches yesterday. The food counter was empty. Ok, we will go to the buffet. Up to deck 12 and it’s closed because they are setting up for dinner, starting at 6pm. I remembered this nonsense on Ventura as well. We don’t want a full meal, just a snack. Why not keep one small section open for this purpose? Finally we tried the outdoor grill area and, yes, you guessed it, closed as well. I had always been under the misguided belief that one of the selling points about cruises was that there was always somewhere open to get food. This is clearly not the case.

 

As we left Madeira the Captain informed us that we are due to track through a major storm system during our transatlantic, with 3 days of minimum force 10 and waves of 11 metres, starting on Wednesday, so he was going to try to keep us south of the worst of it. Whilst that’s clearly sensible, I hope that it doesn’t result in our Bermuda call being impacted, as that was a major selling point for the cruise for me. Before Sunday night was out we had started to experience movement again and the ruddy ceiling creak has started again. I wonder if reporting it for the 5th time might result  in someone at least coming to look at it?

 

We had a drink in the Crows nest before dinner. The waiter managed to find a Doom Bar that hadn’t long been in the fridge. When I posted the menus earlier there was some interest in the rather odd concoction of Piri Piri chicken with rice, coleslaw, chips and gravy. It all sounded such an odd combination of things that I decided to give it a go and I actually enjoyed it 😂 

 

After dinner we went to the first Headliners show of the cruise ‘On the Horizon’. Entertainment managers on P&O are all of a type, and the one that we have could easily pass as Ted Bovis from Hi di Hi. He explained that the Headliners troupe had just joined and that all but two of them were brand new to P&O. Taking that into consideration, their performance was excellent. The dancing was stronger than the singing, but one of the 3 male singers has a particularly good voice. As they gel and get into their stride, I think they will be a good troupe. I was pleased to hear that we will have Neil Lockwood on board. I haven’t seen him before but understand he is very good, even though he wasn’t, as many seem to think, a member of the proper ELO band. 

 

We have the first of many one hour time changes tonight and it’s already quite rough with the ruddy ceiling creaking, so wish us luck 😂 

Here is the view from the highest point on Madeira you mentioned.

I thought Neil Lockwood was excellent,he took over from Jeff Lynn after he left.

I know some think ELO was Jeff Lynn but they were still good with the addition of Neil Lockwood.

Boddingtons Bitter taken off the beer menu list altogether and Guinness now on the Premium,,,,,ridiculous.

11 hours ago, villauk said:

Think that’s only on European 2024 itineraries though.

Thanks for that…

The day they put Guinness and Jameson’s in the Premium package was the day Celebrity lost me.

That’s some sale…when todays cost is £39 for Classic DP +WiFi.

4 hours ago, insidecabin said:

Recent email.

 

"Book an applicable Select Price or Early Saver holiday of 5 nights or more, departing from 1 March 2024, and you could be raising a glass to 20% off the Classic drinks package^ when bought at the time of booking."

Hi

Im sure I saw this posted earlier today,,,it seems to have vanished.

With my PC discount (7.5%) it makes a 14nt DP down to £930.

Thats made my mind up.

On 12/16/2023 at 2:28 PM, yorkshirephil said:

The World has been cruising for nearly 20 years. https://aboardtheworld.com/our-story/

 

There is a new ship scheduled next year (Ville Vie) which will cruise around the world every 3 1/2 years, there is an option to purchase a condo or buy segments, quite interesting reading. We were alerted to this ship as one of the speakers on Queen Elizabeth was due to pay a deposit on one of the condo's on her.

https://www.insider.com/residential-cruise-startup-condos-at-sea-photos-2023-10

Hi

Ville Vie has bought Fred Olsens Braemar……

19 hours ago, zap99 said:

We just enjoy the shows. Some are better than others, but that can apply to all entertainment. On NCL epic they had some American entertainers. The Beatles spoke in Liverpool accents. Quite amusing.

Hi

There is a Japanese Beatles tribute act resident in Benidorm who are brilliant.

There is an old saying ‘The turns who don’t make it in Northern Workingmens clubs go to Benidorm or cruise ships’

I go frequently to Benidorm (this NYE next) and the turns are really good now,,,,so they must be going onto cruise ships,,,especially that busker on Iona in February.😏

1 hour ago, mayleeman said:

@billc23 @the penguins  Compensation for early termination due to mechanical failure is specifically required under 7(e) of the Celebrity Cruise Contract. (I only checked the US version. There may be other clauses for booking from elsewhere.)

Hi

I was on a Marella ship in October when the ship lost all power leaving Gib due to fault in fuel line to a generator,,,,,this made us miss the next port Cadiz.

All passengers recd £150 each in OBC as compensation for missing the call into Cadiz.

I don’t give a hoot about Coca Cola,never seen the attraction,it’s horrible stuff in my opinion.

Bare a thought for us Brits….
On the first Silhouette cruise this May from Southampton they took Boddingtons Bitter of the menu altogether,,,,then they put Guinness on the Premium and recently Jameson’s followed.

Im afraid they took me off Celebrity as well.

Hi

I have a holiday booked to Benidorm for NYE with Jet2.

Luggage of 22kgs included and yesterday booked seats for £12 each way.

5 hours ago, Ilovemygarden said:

I think Marella go for quantity rather than quality - certainly the spirits they serve are pretty rubbish!

Hi

I have sailed both Iona and Marella Voyager this year,I find a Jameson on Marella tasted exactly the same as a Jamesons on Iona.

In the Aperitif Bar on Marella they had 14 different whiskey/whisky from Dalwinnie to Bushmills to Glenmorangie and others,,,,,I tried all 14 in a week,,,,very nice they were too.

Hi

They sell a Prosecco on board called ‘Canti’’ it’s available in all supermarkets £7.50 to £8.5O a bottle.

They wouldn’t know on board where you got it from.

8 hours ago, gsmt47471015 said:

The one thing about prosecco on P and O is the measure in the glass if your on a drinks package or not , my good lady drinks the aforementioned and has said its a half full glass ,on all our other cruises with different companies the glass is always full ,package or not 

I agree.

My last x2 cruises this year was on Celebrity Silhouette and Marella Voyager,,,the glasses of Prosecco were doubles compared to P&O 125ml….same with spirits.

1 hour ago, pennib said:

To reply to post no 352, we can definitely recommend Marella and we have just returned from our last cruise on Explorer. We think they are brilliant. Food brilliant, staff exceptional and of course it is all inclusive and you can upgrade for £90 a week each and have the choice of all the drinks on the ship. Go for it.

Hi

As the poster who the author of post #352 was replying to I agree with your comment re a Marella.

My cruise on Explorer last month was great and have booked Explorer2 for next year.

One reason,,,,I really dislike sea days.

Both Arvia and Ventura of 13/14 cruises have at least 6 sea days each were Marella 7 nt cruises only have one,plus I do like DP’s.

First Guinness now Jameson’s,,,penny pinching of the worst kind.

11 hours ago, FangedRose said:

In my experience the coaches used by Intercruise are the same as those used by Eavesway. Your situation with weather delays causing last minute arrangements is a different thing altogether and should not deter you from using Intercruises. 

 

This didn't happen to me, but some five years ago a couple used Eavesway. Their luggage was mistakenly offloaded at the wrong ship. They were left with only the clothing they arrived in for the best part of a week. They were informed that if they had travelled with Intercruises they would have been given vouchers to use in the shops for clothing and toiletries etc. But, as they had travelled with Eavesway they were considered "independent" travellers and were given no assistance, just as if they had arrived by car and left their luggage in the boot.

Hi

I don’t believe P&O has ever used Eavesway since they fell out years ago,,,P&O played silly beggars with Eavesway giving passengers the last departure times from the ship whilst Cruise Connect/Intercruises passengers where off first.

Thats all changed now both Intercruises and Eavesway are now given the early disembark times,,,,on my last cruise using Eavesway this year it was 07:45 and we where on the road by 08:15.

From the North West P&O usually use Ellisons of St Helens,,,lovely coaches.

15 hours ago, david63 said:

100% - If you arranged the coach travel at the same time as you booked the cruise and with the cruise line then it would fall within the Package Holiday regulations but if you book the cruise and the coach separately it is not covered - it is irrelevant who is paying.

 

Where you may get package holiday cover is if you book the cruise with a TA and the coach at the same time and it is all on one invoice then you would probably be covered

Hi

That is what I said,,if you book coach included with your cruise booking,,,it’s a package.

I am not talking about booking cruise and then say book Eavesway,,,that is not a package.

Hi all

See what I did there!!!!😏

Hasn't the last x3 pages been more interesting than talking about chocolate.
 

15 minutes ago, Winifred 22 said:

You can’t compare 11 nights v 14 nights as a fair comparison Celebrity deducting OBC   £218 a night P &O is £175 . P&O for me please. I prefer value for money. 

Hi 

I did say as a one off to see the difference….Value?
There is an old saying “Some people know the price of everything and the value of nothing”

This really does apply to cruise ships.

I have to admit after my Celebrity cruise this May it looks like it was my last.way too expensive going forward,,,,they have now lost value for me.but that’s for balcony,,,,£2700 if you like an inside seems OK.

It looks like I will just have to settle for P&O.problem is I end up comparing all the time.

33 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

In the atrium the time I wanted a drink there I went and sat at the bar to order direct having seen quickly it would be a long wait sat in the normal seats waiting for drinks to be ordered let alone served

 

No doubt part of the reason I prefer other places on the ship with much more instant service

Hi ICF

Dont want to seem rude but you have admitted that you are in bed for 22:00 and also said you never went into the clubhouse or pub……try the Club for the 22:30 show or the pub at 23:00 at night and you will see the real problems with lack of staff.

17 minutes ago, FangedRose said:

You do realise that once your order is put in the tablet it is instantly transmitted to the bar staff who then produce the drink? Much more efficient than the waiter trotting back and forwards to the bar. Swiping the card and giving it straight back is infinitely preferable to them disappearing with your card for minutes at a time.

Hi

I know how it works,the problem was the waiter would walk the floor collecting orders.

Instead of delivering them as they were made he stood at the bar talking to the other waiters until All the orders were completed.

The waiters in the queue waited even longer.

I have never heard so much complaining about the time taken to get a drink.

Another problem was if you only had x2 barmen making drinks and x6 waiters floor walking it was chaos.

It only needed one section of the bar for waiter service and one for bar service,,,and each manned up with enough for a ship with near 6000 passengers.

18 minutes ago, terrierjohn said:

TBF you were very unlucky to experience all the worst possible issues that seem to have occurred on Iona or Arvia, all on one cruise. I do agree that P&O don't seem to have enough venues for live music, and the Atrium is very dull, so maybe P&O could emulate Princess and use the Atrium routinely for their musical groups, hopefully it's acoustics would be a hundred times better than the Skydome.

Similarly the food and service in the MDRs could be much better, and some of the more recent reviews do suggest there are improvements. In addition P&O do seem to be addressing the queuing problems, or at least looking to how they can make the virtual queuing feature more suitable.

But, when you compare the pricing on P&O to most of its major competitors, then that has to be a major plus factor, and passengers cannot expect RCI, Princess or Celebrity standards at those prices.

Hi

You would be surprised…

I am looking for a cruise next October from Southampton.

There is x2 options Celebrity Apex and P&O Britannia.

As TCF books inside cabins I had a look.

Granted Celebrity is 11 nights and P&O is 14 nts.

Celebrity===£2700 with £300 OBC.

P&O = £2600 with £140 OBC on Select.

Its worth a one off for P&O fans to see just how much better P&O could achieve.

The choice of food in the buffet would be worth the difference alone,,,steak or fresh fish grilled while you wait on P&O for lunch? 
The buffet on Silhouette makes the buffet on Ventura look like a snack bar

44 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I've done Arvia and iona

 

If Iona was your worst cruise of 80 that you've taken then I don't think you should be considering Arvia

 

Obviously the ships are almost identical and if anything Iona is calmer than Arvia and you didn't like Iona?

 

Atrium the same

 

Clubhouse the same

 

MDRs less on Arvia

 

Both use apps for queues

 

Both have waiters using iPad's for orders

 

Both only have limited counters open for late buffet

 

I didn't face any of your issues and loved both my cruises  but I clearly want different things to you on board  and never like to sit in atriums on any of the ships to worry about the atmosphere there

 

 

 

 

{I didn't face any of your issues and loved both my cruises  but I clearly want different things to you on board  and never like to sit in atriums on any of the ships to worry about the atmosphere there}

Must be me,,my go to cruises the last few years as well as P&O is Celebrity ‘S’ class.

Most evenings revolve around the atrium,you can spend most of the night in any of the bars around it and be royally entertained…rock n roll parties,60s party,ABBA night,silent disco.and no waiters with iPads taking 20 orders then waiting until barman has made them all before bringing you your drink.

4 minutes ago, carlanthony24 said:

Damn a thread going off track it happens no need to be angry over it. Maybe someone can edit the title instead. Most people commenting have said stuff about P&O they have not liked.... 

Hi

I am looking to book a cruise next April.

There is x3 choices,,,,,,Arvia,Ventura or Marella.

I want info on all three before I make a decision.

I read Iona/Arvia threads to convince me one way or another to try that class of ship again.Probably Iona is a once and done,,,but maybe the performance of Iona has improved and passed to Arvia.

I like Ventura and my Marella cruise last month was a good one.

So it’s not anger,,it’s about the information im losing due to peoples reluctance to post because we have post after post about chocolate.