Cathygh

I believe so according to what I've read on the Princess forum

Regarding the £50 a Princess Plus package, if you use the internet a lot like I do for work, it is just about worth getting. The gratuities are $16 a day, so then it will come down to how much you drink. Also if you push them Princess will allow you to refare once, if the price drops. I have sailed on Enchanted and Caribbean Princess and had excellent service. We had forgotten to bring a US adapter so our steward got one for us free of charge (they were $27 in the shop). Just be aware that the headline price excludes flights (if needed) on the Princess website.

And couldn't do it on Iona in May.

When we went on Iona 8 scanners were operational and there were no hold ups, apart from the DH having to unlace his shoes, take his belt off etc and then put it all back on again.

If they are still operating the virtual queuing system next year then unless you want to eat early then go to an MDR before 6pm, ask for a buzzer and tell them you want to eat at x time. Just turn up at that time - no need to wait for the buzzer. This worked for us on Iona in May, but things might have changed when you go.

I think there are a few issues around supply still, especially salmon. I am glad to hear you had a good time over all. Regarding other cruise lines Princess is worth a look. I love Cunard but their drinks are pricey, but then P&O drinks are probably the cheapest at sea. I have tried MSC - a booze cruise from Southampton was a bit too noisy for us but I would try a proper one.

I hope you both have a great time

Thank you that is interesting. I hope they do.

Thank you, Did Azura not have the My Holiday app? We used it on Azura in October last year. You can use it to join a virtual queue for the MDR. However when I was on Iona in May (half term, so very busy) trying to use it to join a queue for the MDR was chaotic, but I know it worked ok for others on less busy cruises.

I am so sorry to hear that, condolences to you and your family.

A local TA told me that MSC are giving P&O a run for their money in ex Southampton cruises, lots of locals are trying MSC, including myself. Not having to queue outside is a bonus.

Happy Birthday Michelle

Have a great cruise, all sounds good so far

The wine selection is vastly reduced IMHO but it still has most of my favourites listed

Can someone clarify please- is the pop up just the food or is the wine available as well? Thanks

That's a relief- no pun intended!

I don't know how the cafe will survive if customers can't buy anything until they check in.

Agreed. A dreadful way to treat passengers. It's like a punishment and P&O have forgotton who pays their wages. I have complained to P&O about this, and the fact that staff said to me they were worried they could lose their jobs if they let people through, that's down right bullying. Were people allowed to use the toilets? I would hope so.

I can't tell you about September but all children's places were taken in May half term on Iona, so lots of them. If you want to avoid children then avoid the pools especially when the kids clubs are closed. If you are thinking of taking children then I am sure there will be anough on board for them to make friends, and our grandchildren loved the kids clubs. I hope that helps

Got the slippers too, but they are huge and look ridiculous on my dainty feet

We got our Mediterraen pins on our last cruise and the info did say we get priority boarding. I thought it was a mistake but may be not?

That happened to my DH,he got Platinum and not to me but Princess did let me have Platinum too. Theyagreed straightway but tokk months to alter my account,

Yes of course they should. Last time I travelled with Princess we had a Princess transfer fomr the hotel to the port (in the US). I selected an arrival time of 12.30 on the app, but was allocated 2.30, which was the time the coach arrived at the port. Very sensible joined up thinking.

On May 27th I can verify that the teminal building had every seat free with probably 50-100 people outside in the naughty queue. There was also an early arrivals queue inside the teminal. At the top of the escalator boarding times were checked again and any one who had slipped through early was directed to the queue. There weere 6 people in it who went through check in fairly quickly.

I like the Princess app, you can do lots through it before you sail eg choose your embarkation time. You can order any drink anywhere on the ship and they will bring it to you. (But they can struggle to find you on the open decks.) MDR food is on a par and sometimes better than P&O and there is more choice. We were able to get a curry for my husband one night when it wasn't on the MDR menu. They try to help, rather than fob you off. If you plan to sail when our US cousins are on board just be prepared T shirts, shorts and caps in the MDR.