FLUFFY01

Hi Tring.

We had strict measures for about 27 days startung from the day we boarded (as there had been noro on the previous cruise) They lifted the measures the day before NY and then imposed them after the first day again. I really felt sorry for the staff having all that time on extra duties. The captain admitted how many were ill only after all the newspapers and tv got involved.

There was no free shuttle to Cork. You had to go by bus which took an hour or went through the cruise excursion. Ringaskiddy is a very small place with one pub where the Guiness was good so I was told and their hamburgers were very good according to my friend whom I met there, There was also a shop that sold very little.lol It is really a container terminal, so anyone who stops there should go to Cork or just stay on the ship.

I am going to Canada and America next year in the Autumn with another line, so hope it will be a lot better. lol

It was disappointing that we were not allowed into Bermuda, that the weather was cold, with only about 3/4 days warm weather, that we had so many cases of noro virus, though I was one of the luck ones. Fred cannot control the weather and did their best regarding noro.

The most disappointing was the food. I was on second sitting and because the ship was just under 3/4 full the Ballindalloch restaurant had lots of empty places. I had asked for a table of eight and got 3 plus me. The food was likewarm and had to complainon a few occasions. Only on two occasions did I have a main course that was hot. Chips were sent back as was desserts, dthat should have been hot were described as warm. Apple streudel that was just warm was sent back and microwaved, that was then a soggy mess. There were some main courses that were served in a large bowl and certainly did not look appetising. Why they could not have put it in a small bowl and on a plate with the accompaniments, I do not know. One night we were still waiting on our main course whilst others were on their tea and coffee, Our waiters were brilliant and as soon as it arrived from the kitchen it was on the plate. I only hope that this was a big blip.

I have recently moved house so this is the first time I have had a chance to report back.

I learned to play bridge and as a result am going to take it up at a local club when they resume in the autumn. The dance instructors were very good and I learned so muchfrom them. The choir mistress was excellent and while some of it was out my comfort zone, I took it all on board and had a great time in the choir.

The show team as always are the best, so much better than P&O (who love to screeech out songs) Loved all of their shows.

The cruise director was lovely and it must have been difficult to remain positive.

Hope someone finds this useful

Perhaps the upgrade fairy will put me in grills, but I will not hold my breath. Going on Cunard for the first time shortly.lol:(:)

RKACRUISER. You have done quite a lot of cruises, but going back 35 years to say about a bad cruise is funny. that was probably about when cruising first came into being as opposed to sailing on a liner to a specific place and a lot has changed since then, much of it good and some of it not so good.

Went down to Liverpool for a long weekend and had a fantastic time watching the three queens.:(

:)Thank you for all the photos, which has been greatly appreciated

Hammo11. You have been sussed.lol:)

English Lady, join the web site noted in the comments earlier, though not the official one.Lol

As Brian said they use Twinings and they have a good variety of teas including fruit teas. I love Earl Grey and ask my cabin steward to leave me some in the cabin, although some stewards do not do it.

I cruise solo and prefer those ships that have solo meetings so that you can get to meet up with like minded people. it is also a chance to meet up for a drink, pre or post dinner, or go ashore with one or a group of people and generally have a lovely time on board I would not go on a singles cruise specifically as to me that is for picking people up.

On the two day tours do we return to the ship at night. Certainly Alla seems to be well recommended, so may go with that also. thanks Jo

Hi. I always cruise on my own and love it. Go to bed when I like and get up when I like. On P&O the solo get togethers are good and usually entertainment staff are also there. Do. Not worry about this cruise site if you are the only person on it, as the UK cruises are not as well posted, unlike RCI which always gets loads. You will have a great time and if you talk to people they will talk to you. ;)

why does it take so long to get art from the ship. Is it possible to buy art on board and take it off the ship yourself and deal with the customs when you go through.

I have felt that Royal Caribbean do not cater very well for the solo traveller, on board, compared to another couple of cruise lines that I have been on.:(

:)All I ever drank was the sparkling white wine even in the MDR. Beware though once or twice I had this wine and had to return it as it was not very sparkling.:(

Thank you for the information so far, which will help me with my cruise in July.

Hope you all enjoyed your cruise and trips.

Rgs Jo

I take my little Scottish flags and wave them along with the union flag at the sailaways. Its a laugh.

From what I can remember there were cruises cancelled last year and also a world cruise on Azura- well that was a no go from the start. The ship was too big for a world cruise

I think it's very unfair to mention names of staff on a public forum. Especially when they cannot reply.How would you feel if it was you or a member of your family or a close friend who was being publicly criticised?

If you have problems with a cruise member of staff then raise it on board and fill in the post cruise survey and if you wish to follow up with a letter then write privately to the cruise company.

I agree with you there. If you cannot say anything nice about someone then say nothing. Regards Jo

I had the pleasure of meeting Neil Oliver (usually on Azura) on the world cruise when he joined Arcadia in Sydney. He came to many of the solo meetings on board and brought other people including the Exec Purser on two ooccasions and produced a couple of bottles of sherry on two occasions for us. I had organised cruise critic get togethers and he came to them and sat and chatted to everyone. He is very much a visible person and is at the forefront at sailaways. He is a total asset to P&O.

There is no wifi in the cabins at present but do not know if there will be when the refit is completed at the end of the year. Computer access is not free and it is not cheap.

P&O's own community site is well dead RIP, however the fb one can be used but do not find it very interesting, but there is also an unofficial one on fb which can be fine for finding out information. I must say this is the best site for me.

Hi

I do not know much about OBC, however am going on Azura in October for 15 nights and they have really put the boat out here with £20.00 yes £20.00. This must be the least OBC unless anyone can better that other than Zero.

Regards

JO:)