Camberley

As massive theatre fans on land - we go most weeks, plus at least a West End show monthly - we’ve learned to be very selective in what we see on a cruise. There has been a lot of naff stuff and interesting singing choices (ie: reinforcing the cruising entertainment stereotype) but there have been some gems, not least among some Headliners shows: the one we saw the other week on Iona was the first time it was pretty much West End worthy in terms of the singing at least.
 

But we go to a show on a ship IF there is something that appeals rather than as a routine thing to do.

8 hours ago, devonuk said:

My thoughts on the Iona last week in Norway…

 

Too many young children spoiling evening entertainment by being allowed to disrupt shows by using the dance floor as a play area etc.

 

Smoking/vaping taking place other than in designated areas. 

 

Missing a port due to bad weather, allegedly?

 

Due to the number of kids on board the kids club had to be run in limited sessions which had to be booked via the app.I

Ah yes from that cruise last week, many positives (which for us outweighed the negatives). But similar feeling with your negatives. Our last Iona was school holidays too but nowhere near this amount of issues. The thing is that for some friends of ours who joined us, who cruised P&O for the first time, they now refuse to go with P&O again.
 

If P&O cared a hoot about smoking etc in cabins/balconies they’d have booted the offenders off at next port, perhaps after 1 warning.  I mean, there’s a clear note on the front of the daily Horizons leaflet - but I fear these people either can’t read or think it does not apply to them.
 

Service was so variable: P&O have not got a grip on things at all. If they cannot cope with a full ship at a busy time then do something or at least not expect us to pay full prices for a substandard service.
 

Parents who think it is ok for kids to be bouncing on seats in the theatre and dancing in the aisle etc should be ashamed. Just don’t take kids in there if they cannot be controlled. And I was shocked at how many kids were in the Crow’s Nest of an evening - entitled parents again - but at least the bar staff addressed several offending parents. 

The extra sea day and loss of port: a few folk we met up with on board received an Email a few days before sailing saying that last port was going to be dropped because of operation reasons there, and Stavanger would now be last. One of them mentioned it when we boarded - ie) before the Captain’s announcement on that first evening - and then showed us the email!

9 hours ago, wowzz said:

I am a member of a roll call for a future cruise, and am amazed that one fellow cruiser has announced that she will be bringing onboard 100 cruising ducks,  plus duck jewellery sets, all to be hidden on the ship. I am appalled at the whole idea - so much plastic tat, yet others on the roll call seem to think the whole idea is excellent.

 I agree fully. Total tat and yet more plastic. My OH has stumbled across a few on our cruises and just hands them in to reception!

It’s actually more fun to play “hunt the sincerity” in a typical P&O Cruises email/response to query

This menu was supposed to be on our cruise last week when we booked ahead, but was sadly not to be the case. But the usual food in Epicurean was terrific: bags of flavour, proper high-end cooking. We ate there several times and no dish was less than excellent.

14 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Ahh, the article was on cocktails on RC .... 

 

I

Was it? Well, it might as well apply to P&O’s recent adaptation to their cocktails

2 hours ago, Megabear2 said:

I was astonished how many calories there are in a cocktail.  Found this information on another forum after being prompted there by my surgery nurse before my world cruise on QM2. 

 

Mai Tai – a typical one can ‘cost’ as much as 620 calories as it is made from white rum, dark rum, orange curacao, lime juice and orange syrup!

Frozen Margarita – anything from 500-700 calories!

Piña colada – that evocative drink reminiscent of balmy nights is surely delicious. Its calorie count depends on size but could get close to 600 calories!

Mud Slide – a slippery 556 calories!

Long Island Iced Tea – (the classic demonstration of how multiple spirits adds up to a calorie-rich drink) 430 calories at least!

Bahama Mama – tastes like it sounds but you’ll drink 350 calories!

Sex on the Beach – (go on, you’ve always wanted to try it but never dared to ask) … will tot up to 330 calories!

Vodka & Tonic or Gin & Tonic quite ‘cheap’ at about 150 calories a time

 

The same place offered some swaps to cut the calories.

 

 

Instead of a Mai Tai…

Have a Mojito! A Mojito weighs in at around 200 calories depending on what it’s made with and it’s a deliciously fresh low calorie alternative.

 

Swap your Mudslide…

For a Chocolate Martini. The martini only contains vodka and crème de cacao instead of the two types of ice cream found in the mudslide and is still an enjoyable chocolate treat that comes in at 438 calories.

 

Say goodbye to your Pina Colada…

For a White Russian. Whilst still creamy and delicious it is slightly less calories than its pineapple flavoured friend. At 257 calories you can enjoy your dessert in a glass in peace!

 

Ditch the Long Island Iced Tea…

For a Cosmo! Whilst still fairly alcoholic the Cosmo is less potent than the Long Island Iced Tea and has 213 calories.

 

Change your Margarita…

For a tequila sunrise. You’ll still enjoy that distinctive tequila kick but lose the extra calories of the triple sec. You waistline will thank you as the Sunrise only has 170 calories!

 

Even the "skinny" options looked pretty calorie laden to me!

Ah with the reduction in alcohol content and increase in ice in many of their cocktails now, at least the calories are now so much lower. Until half way through the last cruise our cocktails tasted like they were virgin cocktails…..I wondered if the alcohol had jumped ship

The Iona cruise we disembarked yesterday (a “taster” of the Fjords*) was the first time we found Iona to be very crowded in many places and perhaps either understaffed or ineffective deployment of staff to various areas. Perhaps the crowds were to be expected given it was still school holidays. The Crows Nest - our of our favourite places to enjoy a drink formerly - was often packed from early eve. BUT there were other places to go to on board that were less busy to enjoy and places we knew to avoid (typically where the big families hung out and took over!).
 

Service was variable in many of the free restaurants and this is the first time we had experienced that in all the cruises we took since Covid: sometimes glacial service, sometimes highly rushed. On 2 lunch times we waited almost an hour to be served after we had sat down in a MDR, but then the food was then rushed out and almost thrown at us. All courses on Gala Night in the MDR (superb food btw) were over and done with in about 30 minutes: a very clear production line going on, no sooner than one course finishes then immediately the next was plonked down! I know they have to get though the guests but at least let us try to savour our food and make it feel like a “celebration”! It typically took between 20-40 mins to get an order taken for several of the bars both during the eves, then a similar time to receive the drinks. But we were in no rush and could happily to chat with others while we waited,

That infinity pool is appalling. Kids deliberately throwing water over the overflow onto the balconies below. I would genuinely recommend nobody gets one of those cabins directly underneath. We and others saw the deliberate splashing from our balconies off to the side and rang reception. Firstly met with scepticism, then several of us videoed what was going on and showed reception. A few hours later and then each day, the same deliberate splashing happened. I’d really ban kids from that pool or shut it off completely as P&O have still really not got a grip on this!

But there were so many more wonderful things about the cruise than these issues - and these negatives didn’t really mar the holiday to a significant extent once we got going and got into the swing of things.

*The day we boarded we were informed by the captain we would have an extra sea day before we got to Norway because of poor weather in Stavanger: so we were told we would instead do Stavanger at the end, instead of Haugesund. Yet several people we had befriended on board showed us an email they received a few days prior to boarding citing operational reasons for not being able to dock in Haugesund! 

So many reasons for us, but mainly the total simplicity of seeing a variety of places without having to faff around getting yourself to each place by other means. And just a day in a port is often ideal as a taster for potential non-cruise holiday destinations for a later time.

Plus the cost is very good. I’m fine with P&O being a budget, non-luxury brand and even though this showed a LOT more last week on Iona than even our cruise late last year, you get what you pay for - but it was still good value, But you have the power to upscale if/when/where you feel you want to, to focus on things you like and avoid places you do not…..

For other experiences: I know some don’t give a hoot about food but it’s a highlight of any holiday for us whether on land or at sea. And despite there being a lot of “food for fuel, not pleasure” on board, there is something for all tastes. And food (esp. a good, leisurely evening meal) really IS an experience for us. Same with the entertainment: there is some really good onboard entertainment (even occasionally pushing a little towards West End or Broadway standard from Headliners, for example) and some ok. But a really good choice.

And the joy of a good balcony. We use ours a lot of the time - yes, if we just had an inside cabin we’d rarely be in there (and they are just not for us), but a good, well positioned balcony certainly enhances the overall experience: I’d genuinely rather do fewer cruises but in a sizeable, well chosen balcony/room than more cruises in an inside cabin. And that’s one of the joys of cruising: you can have it how YOU want and do it YOUR way.

Just off Iona and did speciality most eves (still superb for this foodie). Slipped in a few MDRs at lunch (perfectly adequate, "safe" fayre) and an eve.

Plus the odd fleeting buffet visit: some very nice dishes among the poor ones, but for us the issue there is more the unenjoyable atmosphere than the food with some people behaving like utter animals (eating habits, queue jumping....).  But those desserts are barely mediocre at best: mostly a joyless carb-fest.

But there is something on board for every palate and experience preferences. I guess it's finding what works for you and going for that to give the most positive experience.

22 hours ago, annieuk said:

 If a Suite passenger orders from Room Service themselves they still pay.  There's only no charge when the butler orders things.  

The butler does not need to be involved at all: and we find it's quicker if not. We've had room service a few times on this current cruise and no charge at all: we simply make it clear it's a suite (they can check) when we ring through.

I’m not that fussed about them ditching the butlers: we’ve never found it that impressive a perk to be honest: one of those things that looks great on paper and in their advertising etc….., but it is usually pretty pointless for us, despite our butlers always being very personable etc, we rarely had much need. Back on Iona tomorrow and if those embarrassing excuses for canapés have been discarded then I for one will be delighted, 
 

But if P&O are jiggling things around, they could take the opportunity to look at what they can do to make suites more attractive for the money (beyond the great space - esp. those wonderful aft wrap-around balconies. And the Epicurean breakfasts are for us a key highlight for so many reasons). I think dining perks such as have been suggested is a great idea but I am sure if P&O also dug deep they could add a few little touches. But the space itself is glorious.
 

But it will be interesting to see what, if anything, develops.

1 hour ago, GSPG said:

I did laugh on one occasion where someone called full house on the 42nd ball drawn, and you could see what looked like panic on the caller’s face, like it can’t be true. It wasn’t, the full house caller was just mucking around, but for those brief moments it seemed the audience had gained the upper hand.

Ah, Ludlow up to his old japes again. That joker!

The portion size is indeed very measly: we’re hardly pigeons with our appetite and nor do we get full after a mouthful!….But we now have no shame in asking for another portion when we feel hard done by on the size and if it was tasty food - and fair play to P&O for doing so.

6 minutes ago, WestonOne said:

I must admit I find this attitude a bit strange, though far from rare.  There are plenty of alternative lines where you do not have to dress up at all.  Why pick one of the relatively few that promote dressing up and then refuse to do it, rather than go for a line where you are comfortable?

I think some people are just bloody-minded, stubborn and like to be contrary for the sake of it. Granted, most end up in politics but a few cruise 🤣

44 minutes ago, BrianI said:

P&O are not consistent.

 

Paul Ludlow would say that 99.9% of the time they are 🤣

4 minutes ago, LLOM said:

We got an email this afternoon asking us to check all our checking details were correct, I then noticed that they had indeed changed our cabin , on checking were it was, it is in an area I would not have chosen as it is in shaded area, we do like to spend quite some time on the balcony and that is why we pay the extra to pick a specific cabin, I rang to say I was not happy about the cabin position and was informed that nothing could be done as the ship was full,  I asked if we cancelled could we have a full refund, the reply was no we were not entitled to a refund, should we want to we could complain to customer service, I then said it was pointless paying extra to pick a cabin number, which there was no reply accept to reiterate contacting customer service. The grade of cabin is the same as the one we picked but not in the area we wanted to be, to say we are bitterly disappointed with the attitude to customers has put a downer on the cruise is an understatement but our hands are tied , accept or loose the money is unfortunately their attitude. 

I am so sorry P&O have once again been so dreadful. There is a total lack of empathy from them with this appalling customer service and to be honest I don’t blame you if you never use them again: with their attitude like this they certainly deserve no loyalty. Yes, it really makes a mockery of the paying extra to make your selection of the cabin. Presumably they’re not even giving you that extra money back?

If you go I am sure you will have a good time nonetheless. But what a real sour point at the moment.

21 minutes ago, JeanieC,Aston said:

See my post just posted above..

You might not need to but some people do,,,,,

Exactly.

And even for those who don’t need to then why on earth should they not: it’s their holiday!

I’ve usually enjoyed the entertainment. Not everything hits the spot but there is usually something for everyone. While the P&O Headliners shows are certainly nowhere near West End or Broadway standard, they are good enough for their purposes of entertaining.

You can always chance your luck to get on early and it might work, as it does sometimes. But don’t bank on it. Earlier this year we noticed a family behind us who tried to check in about 2 hours earlier and were not allowed (fair enough: they have a time slot, it is there for a reason).
 

Yet the mum then kicked off big time, banging on about their kids being being bored in the terminal and wanting to explore the ship (honey, you had the boarding info - and they’re your kids, so deal with their boredom!), the holiday being ruined, not fair being so late to get on, how unfair some get on before them without kids etc….Had I popcorn on me I would have sat down and watched it all play out. 

On a previous cruise one of our friends refused to wear any of shirt, tie, jacket on formal night: and made a big point before the cruise of “it’s my holiday so I will wear what I want”.
 

So that night on board he went to Brodies and the buffet by himself while we, all dressed up, went to the Crows Nest and Epicurean. 

49 minutes ago, LouCD said:

Are we allowed to drink our own soft drinks around the ship or do they have to be drunk in the cabins?

Well you’re not supposed to drink them around the ship……

Last time we took loads of cans of soft drinks and tonics, kept some in the fridge and the rest sorted until we had more fridge space. Plus a bottle each of a spirit of choice. Perfect for balcony drinks and get togethers!

2 hours ago, Jamie38 said:

 

And also the food aboard the Iona, from the free restaurants and paid restaurants, what was your experience with that?

 

Thank you 

The free restaurants are absolutely fine. Functional and nothing special - mostly decent pub food served nicely - but fine for what they are and for a no-frills, non-luxury cruise line.

The buffet is a love it-hate it affair: mainly fuel without anything fancy, but some nice dishes from time to time: some of the roasts and curries…..Sadly with a few exceptions, in our opinion the buffet desserts veer on the synthetic side: it’s sometimes like they’re using up Costco cakes and desserts!
 

Olive Grove is very good. Quays is also pretty good (their Fish and Chips are usually excellent).

The speciality restaurants are excellent: personal opinion of course, but these, for me, elevate things to a more special event meal-wise than the functionality of the MDRs. And we have never had a less than very good meal in any of those, which is why it is a priority for us to get several booked per cruise. Some folk make a point of not paying extra for meals on principle (and fair enough) but for us, without those speciality restaurants we would abandon ship! Just booked several of these for next week’s Fjords cruise on Iona: can’t wait!

5 hours ago, Happy afloat said:

Did you find it?

Oh I did, but I popped it back on the buffet

I’m so sorry for your loss and I appreciate how difficult it is to try to do something you both used to love doing.  Only you will know if it is the right thing to do and probably only when you do it. But if you go for it I am sure you can find so much to enjoy and go at a pace you are comfortable with. And yes, celebrating your wife with the raising of a glass to her at evening meal times, for example, can indeed be a lovely way to do this. Wishing you the very best