AndyMichelle

There was a lot of noise about this issue a while back, but seems to have calmed down. I don't know if that is because they are being more lenient or passengers are following the rules? You can leave your luggage, I think from about 11. We are boarding today and plan to drop the bags off early and walk across to Oxford Street for some lunch, but if no queues, we might chance our arm... I will report back once on board, hopefully before I get too drunk... Have a great cruise. Andy

No, Michelle says I must not look down, and no tutting😂

The gelato filled doughnuts are available in the market cafe, perhaps that's what you was thinking of?

'Our Hyacinth' is lovely, but she does have very high expectations... She thinks she will be having candlelit soirees with the captain, and I am much more Onslow, 'not paying all this money to eat with the staff' 😂 I will see what I can find out about the spa. Andy

I go to get away from carpets... 😁 Will definitely post a drinks menu, hoping they haven't gone up too much... Andy

Ooh, haven't heard, but will check it out.

Unfortunately, we are having to do a 'full' muster drill, but I'm hoping it is not becoming the norm... It seems they are running 2 systems for the restaurants, the app or just turn up, but will check this out. It doesn't seem you have to book the theatre either, but will find out and report back. Andy

So we are off on Britannia today, very excited. I won't do any sort of blog as I don't have the eloquence of many of you who have posted recently, which we find interesting and useful, but will report back about some of the frequently asked questions which pop up on here. We have a few firsts for us on this cruise. We are parking at West Quay. We are travelling with others, including a GF vegetarian, a smoker and 'Hyacinth Bucket'... 😂 We have a late boarding time, but will drop bags off earlier and walk across to Oxford Street. Unfortunately one of our party is unwell and can't come, so 8 has become 7 in 4 adjoining balcony cabins. We have late sitting club dining on our own table for 8. We will possibly be using the gym for the first time as Michelle has a physio plan she needs to keep up. The refurb seems to have been lots of new carpet and a spruce up, but will check for any major changes. Apparently the Casino will be open as was closed for the last cruise. Just going through that last minute 'what have we forgot' sequence😂 Andy

Blimey, so much going on, it makes me so grateful for a fairly stress free life at the moment... Although we have never met, I get the impression that you are at your best in times like these? Everyone around you will be so grateful, although they might not seem or say it. Have a good day. Andy

I like the coat, just stop calling me 'Fat Face'... 😂

Oh absolutely wouldn't be a surprise if P&O are sending out wrong messages, it's a common theme... Whatever it is, have a great time. Andy

Just checked our cruise personaliser for our 7 night cruise tomorrow, definitely 2 formal nights. As you said, first sea day, last port day. Was worried then about having too many matching handbags😂 Andy

It's a bit worrying Jane... I have visions of Zap walking around Woking in JUST his Slash tour T shirt🚶😂

Just take everything... That seems to be Michelle's plan I haven't had any clean underwear for a week and the only socks left are Christmas ones... all packed. 😂🎄 Andy

Thanks Bill. I feel for you. We are already having kittens about a fairly late boarding time... Have a fantastic time. Andy

Oh no... What cruise is this Bill?

That's a smart look. We like to follow the rules, but as long as the outfit is smart, I'm sure nobody will bat an eyelid. It's when boundaries get pushed too far that eyebrows are raised. 'Designer' doesn't always mean smart... Andy

We feel P&O still offer fantastic value and enough good things for us to have a great time. They certainly aren't perfect, but many of us keep coming back, so must be OK. We have always felt comfortable with the offering and felt it suited us. We have got a couple of Cunard cruises booked, but really not sure we will be at home like we have been previously with P&O. We board Britannia Friday and are looking forward to clean, comfortable accommodation, plenty of food, good entertainment, good service and affordable drinks. Very confident that is what we will get. Andy

From our experience in places like Hamburg, it's very much as you assumed. No need to book, just show your cruise card and charged to your on board account. If you miss one, just wait for the next. Be aware though that P&O do not always supply them in every port and sometimes you need to get local buses, which you would pay direct. Hope this helps. Andy

Feels like we have been on diets forever for this cruise, so a few pounds, in both senses, isn't a deal breaker... 😂

I think they close the bars while muster is on, but I have got there early and got 'supplies' in😁

It sounds like it, we got the email today. At least I will have a gelato filled doughnut to make it more bearable🍩😂

The 'gelato filled doughnuts' now available in the market cafe sounds like a bit of me... Having to do a full muster, not so much... 😂 Andy

Could you please tell my wife how you manage to travel so light... 😊 Your backpack wouldn't cover half the shoes she 'needs'... Only kidding of course, but it will baffle a lot of people who like to partake in formal nights etc. We were looking at booking a taxi to the port on Friday, but the app wouldn't let us book for 2 people with 4 cases... 🤷 Have a fantastic time. Andy

Apparently the smoking area on deck 16 has been removed, leaving the only smoking areas being outside the Live Lounge and Java on deck 7. We don't smoke, but it's a long way down from the pools etc for those that like a quick puff... Andy