paulatsea

Yes agree - We only usually go on Arcadia or Aurora - as they are adults only - so in that way they are already different - so it could work having a premium service - maybe. Still enjoy it anyway but it’s those extras which make it special.

What a shame - it’s still in Madeira - watching it on live stream .

1 hour ago, Cruise Puss said:

As already mentioned, other cruise lines have not stopped doing it, so why on earth do P&O think they can.

 

Yet another cut back by P&O.  I can confirm that it is still being done in Suites however.

 

One of the lovely things about going on a cruise was that every grade of cabin had a turn down service - you don't get this in hotels other than 4/5 star.

 

Yet another reason to avoid P&O, I'm afraid.

I agree - I want first class service - for me it’s important and for the prices I pay P&O I expect it- it’s lovely to come back to a turned down room in the evening .

Going on saga hopefully in September - which I have heard is really good - so may switch to them.

Very interested to hear how it goes. Thanks for sharing this. I am due to go in may and am already starting to worry ! Especially about the fit to fly test that you have mentioned.

best wishes hope you have a good holiday.

18 hours ago, tring said:

 

We took my cousins who live in Southampton to the Wetherspoons there for a lunch a couple of years back.  They then took us on to a posh bar in The Harbour Hotel overlooking a marina area.   They somewhat upscaled us that day, but was a nice Wetherspoons as well and quite quiet as we arrived about 2pm.

 

Had not thought of stopping off there, but an option to consider if we need to, thanks.

I looked at that harbour hotel - looks great but was really expensive when I checked - nearly £200 for 1 night. 

2 hours ago, brian1 said:

We had the lift all to ourselves for half an hour cos we were stuck in it,lol.Got out just b4 the fire brigade turned up.

 Nightmare ! Not going there again.

14 minutes ago, Fionboard said:

Do not miss it. Can turn my bed down myself, do not need fresh towels every day (not very eco friendly?!) And hate milk chocolate. My steward had three uniforms!!

We like being pampered - you can always tell the steward that you don’t require it. 
I think it’s great !

5 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

Cunard have not stopped evening turndown service so cannot understand the logic of why P&O have stopped it. Personally the bean counters at P&O will be watching with a keen eye to see the reaction from guests and wouldnt be surprised if it never returned post pandemic.

That would be a shame - it’s those luxury bits that are so nice.

Also used

holiday inn next to the docks Southampton - that was ok but hard to get the lift downstairs to leave as not enough of them and very busy.

very convenient location.

grand harbour Southampton - ok - nice swimming pool. Very convenient location.

still looking for a better option with nice atmosphere , bar and restaurant but haven’t found it yet.

We stayed at the holiday inn Botley last summer prior to Iona cruise  - the whole ground floor was being used for asylum seekers / refugees.

The room and food and service were good so I would probably use again. Good price.

We have also stayed at the botley grange hotel a few times - but the last time was dreadful - really gone downhill and expensive.

Not turn down on Iona last summer.

Marella still have it.

We missed it.

https://www.cruiseparking.co.uk/

18 hours ago, weylady said:

hi to all apologies to drag this up again, is this a viable place to park for a 10 night cruise we go December 2022. do you pay on arrival or when you leave. Anybody experience any damage to their vehicle. TIA

I always use the cruise parking option

Why not use the cruise parking ? £70 last time for a week roughly ? It’s secure there.

I use “holiday extras” which is the P&O recommended one - the annual cruise cover (which includes non cruise holidays as well) was good value and the same price as a single trip cruise cover.
For us it was about £180 for a couple for 12 months.

customer service is available by online chat and is  excellent.

Easy to set up via website or the App and declare any previous conditions.

sorry if this one has already been mentioned.

paul

Difficult - if you got a good price as you said I would stay with it - by April I think things will be much clearer about what is likely to happen and how we will have to live with things.

(if it had been very expensive I would probably ditch)

if it’s cancelled you get the FCC or a refund I assume ?

if it’s not I would go anyway and hope for the best - it’s not ideal but it’s nice being at sea on a ship and hopefully you get some stops.

one of my friends said yesterday “we are in snipers alley mate - live life to the max” !!

especially as in our case we are nearer the end than the beginning !

good luck - once decided don’t look back.

paul

Wish I was there ! Hopefully next Christmas on Arcadia . Best wishes .

paul

Ferretktf - thanks for taking the time to share this - that’s really useful - 
 

Paul

Not right at all . Hope you have a great cruise and a great honeymoon !

On 12/10/2021 at 12:24 PM, wowzz said:

Not any more - they give you additional benefits, such as an improved cabin grade, but not a cash refund.

However, the Saga pricing model is pretty straightforward,  with prices increasing in 5% increments as the cruise sells through, so it is very rare for prices to decrease.  

Thanks wowzz I didn’t read the small print - the difference is given back as an upgrade or other things as you said - that’s useful to know - but still a good benefit.

I don’t think it’s right to have massive variations in price - it’s just not fair on people who have already booked  - saga do a price guarantee so that if the price drops you get refunded but you don’t pay more if it goes up ! 
 

if it was me I would cancel - if I could if only the deposit is lost - and either rebook or go to another line.

I know that prices for almost everything vary  but when it’s that significant a difference on an expensive holiday -  it’s not right.

15 minutes ago, zap99 said:

That is what I do. But I am not as cleverer as some on here. K.I.S.S and keep my long socks on with me flip-flops.

K.I.S.S !! Haven’t heard that since my computer programming days !!!

Turn airplane mode ON (which will turn everything OFF) - then just turn WiFi ON to use ships WiFi or any free one ashore.

that way mobile data will be OFF and no unknown charges and it’s easier than turning everything off one by one.

paul

We love it - Adults only , great staff and crew  onboard , civilised and relaxed - really nice ship.
Good choice .

paul

23 minutes ago, Son of Anarchy said:

A cruise to Scotland for New Year would appeal.  Overnight stay at Glasgow or Edinburgh on NYE.

Yep - that would be great 👍