laurakdy

If P & O did change and allowed us to allocate our own times as people have been saying about other cruise lines. What happens when everyone goes for a 1pm slot because they have to be on first as they're the one's who have travelled from afar, stayed in a hotel the night before, or have children. :D

When all the 1pm slots are all gone and they have to choose other slots, what they will do anyhow is turn up at 1pm anyway. That's when the congestion starts and then they start moaning that P &O can't cope.

They're just not going to accept a 3/4pm slot at all. That's for the rest of us who have adhered to the rules and accept that someone has to be last onboard and it could so easily be me But as long as it's not them. So so selfish. I can't wait till they enforce this.

The night before our recent cruise on Azura we stayed in an hotel in Southampton. Come the morning some people had a taxi to the terminal at 10 am :eek: How can anyone justify arriving at the terminal at 10.30 am.

 

It always strikes me as being funny that a lot people complain about being given a late boarding time, but very few complain about an early boarding time. What's the big deal in getting on early so you can have a couple of drinks and a bite to eat. There is not much else to do, unless I have missed something during my 15 cruises.

 

Whatever PandO do, some people will always complain about boarding times.

 

As for walking the streets of Southampton due to checking out of a hotel at 11am and a late boarding time. I have always found hotels happy for you to sit around for a few hours while waiting to leave.

 

For car drivers I realise that you can be held up in traffic so you add a couple of hours to the time it should take to get to the terminal, but once you get near Southampton you could kill an hour or so at a services. Rownham on the m27 is about 30 mins from the terminals.

 

If everyone keeps turning up when the want to, it will only be a matter of time before boarding time are enforced.

 

With the best part of 3000 people boarding some sort of order has to be put in place for boarding times.

 

I am happy to say it's not my problem to solve :p

Could not agree more but no matter how many times we say it, the 'I will arrive whenever I choose brigade' because I am a special case (see my previous post). They will just keep ignoring as long as they think they can get away with it. Coming up with every excuse under the sun as to why they should get on before me, say, because I decided to stick to the allocated time.

Whilst I get certain things being important to people on cruises, why does getting on the ship 2/3 hours earlier, especially when nothing is happening apart from lunch make.

All you people who turn up much earlier than their allocated time and I turn up at the correct time. Who do they let on first if it's extremely busy and can't cope with the influx. I'm guessing you selfish people would gladly take my slot as you 'deserve' to be on before me because you've driven a long way, stayed in a hotel overnight, have kids or just because you think your entitled.

I seriously hope they do start enforcing it but until they do we will keep getting these excuses as to why they 'have' to get on before their allocated slot.

Sorry, not true in late July ------- people turned up and got a card with a letter whatever time they were given. You may shoot us down in flames but we boarded at 1.30pm but had been given 4pm. When we booked last March there were no such restrictions so were not happy about the last minute changes to boarding times. Seemed like a change in contract...

My point exactly. People turn up when they want and selfishly don't care about anyone else.

Does it not state in the terms & conditions that they reserve the right to 'change' such things.

I'm on Azura in December and the whole first weeks itinery has changed and I cannot do a thing about it.

Oh this thread makes me laugh. There have been several like it and the consensus is, people will turn up when they like no matter what P & O say/do.

My argument with that and I've been absolutely slated because of it. Everyone thinks they're a priority...

We have the I've got children under 5 brigade, I've got an elderly parent, I've got a wheelchair, I've to travel a long way and my favourite is the hotel one where that 'have' to book out at 11 and will be out in cold.

Now how do P & O prioritise if everyone turns up at the same time? Who is more important than who? If I go by the book and arrive at my allocated time and all of the above are waiting. I'm not in any of the above categories but should I have to wait because you decided your need/excuse is greater than mine.

How do P&O take on everyone's travel arrangements prior to arriving at the ship? I think basically everyone is out for themselves with this one. They 'want' to get onboard first and don't give a monkeys about you or I having to wait, even though we abided by the rules.

Good for you - that comment was totally unwarranted. For what it's worth it doesn't matter if it was a 1st cruise or a 91st cruise a complaint is a complaint and someone on their 1st cruise has as much right to complain as anyone else if they are not happy with the product they paid for or the service they received.

Thankyou. At last common sense prevails. All I asked for was an email address and I don't think it warranted some of the responses it got. People then put their own spin on it.

I do know your responses were in general terms and that's as it should be. There was absolute no need for that other comment.

I can tell just what kind of person this is...

That's some talent you have there. I asked one question and somebody kindly gave me the answer. Others including yourself then decided to add their own take on it without knowing anything whatsoever and coming up with their own ridiculous theories.

People decided to attack what I had written so I replied but not in the least bit fussed English Lady that you didn't like what I replied. As I previously stated you didn't need to add anything to the thread at all but chose to for your own reasons

I am so glad there are such lovely people on these boards as I can't believe what people have written on here. No idea why you felt the need to post this but hey ho it's maybe that you don't have anything else in your life at the moment.

You always hear about the moaners here on the P&O forum and I'm sure that some of the problems are worth moaning about. But, has anyone ever written to P&O praising them for their cruise holiday?

 

I know that I fill in the end of cruise feedback form in truthly, and 98% of it is praise, but I do tend to feel guilty about never yet writing to a holiday provider with actual praise for my nice time.

You know what, I totally agree. All of my cruises with P & O have been fantastic. And I need to shout about that more.

You can send anything to the top man ...however so many people felt they would jump over customer services, that recently people have posted that having posted to him, an email comes nearly straight back, stating it has been passed to customer services!!!! Just so you are aware.

 

 

david.dingle@carnivalukgroup.com

Thanks for that and and yes I know that automatically happens and in normal circumstances that would be absolutely fine. I'm not actually making the complaint though, it's for friends of ours who are cruising for the first time.

The title says it all.

I want to make a complaint but not just to customer services. I've seen on here a few times the top mans email address.

Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

You are so right Samur. It did used to be 12 weeks. We have the 14 & 9 week bit as well. Makes no sense but we've also been sent a letter advising that we can book 14 weeks in advance and the date we can do this from/on.

Hope this helps.

I am absolutely bewildered about the state people are getting in about boarding at either 1 pm or 3pm. Seriously, are you understanding that it could or not be 2 hours? In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter?

I can never work it out why people pay for the premium seats. I would rather spend that money on a better cabin or spending money.

Totally agree and of course to each their own but I tried it twice just in case I missed something first time around and it was the biggest waste of money.

Agreed we flew from Manchester with TC was one of the worst long haul flights we have ever taken , if you are more than 5.5 tall or a very large padded backside !.you have a problem,this was i might add before they were refurbished, this time we are paying the extra in premium with Thomson from Birmingham

I can't comment on the comfort of the seats as not travelled in them since the fe-fit but a bit bewildered about the size. Are they not the standard 32inch which is the same as Thomson but bigger than BA and Virgin?

My husband who is over 6ft and does plenty of business travel, he finds the size plenty big enough.

To each their own but I seriously have tried trying to justify the extra money for premium having done it a couple of times but I absolutely get nothing out if it.

A real knife and fork. A couple of glasses of wine. Priority boarding (which totally cracks me up), as I'm not the best of travellers, so extra minutes sat on the plane is way too many minutes for me. Some extra films, which you can buy in the cheap seats anyhow.

I think it cost about £400 for us both and seriously didn't think it was worth even half of that.

Where i go my kilt goes too. See you all on azura xmas cruise .Our first cruise so looking forward to the formal nights.

Aw lovely, your first one cruise and a Xmas one. When/where you flying from ?

We are leaving Manchester on Friday 25th and will be in Barbados for around 4pm! Woo hoo.

I said "One would stick out rather a lot if you wore a kilt and kilt jacket but I see nothing wrong with this". On a recent cruise on Princess we travelled an itinerary which circled the British Isles. Quite a few passengers were Americans but on the whole a much more mixed cosmopolitan group than would be found on a P&O cruise. On captain's formal night two of the passengers; obviously Scottish wore kilts and were I assume drawn together by this. Their wives were talking together quite happily and the men stood a bit away talking with each other in their kilts. After a bit a young lady went over and must have asked if she could have her picture taken between the two gentlemen because this is what they did. A few other people had pictures taken with these guys including a drinks waitress who had presumably gone off to get her camera mid shift and returned for the picture. The Scottish guys just kept talking with each other casually and to the people who came over. So Laurakdy when you say your husband may not have felt he was made to feel he "stood out", I understand exactly what you mean, however, I put it to you that he looked outstanding to others and would have been noticed by many. You can stand out for the wrong and right reasons.

 

Kind Regards John

I do agree with some of what you are saying. When we were on a Costa ship a few years ago and there was all nationalities, my husband was the only person who wore the kilt. This young American couple didn't have a clue what it was and asked all manner of questions. We just found it funny.

I think on princess as well, it more cosmopolitan than P & O and not too many with the kilt on, as you say.

On P & O though, it's mainly British and usually quite a lot of Scottish as well, so I think we'll see many a kilt wearer come Hogmanay. I do hope so but may not be in the minority this time.

One would stick out rather a lot if you wore a kilt and kilt jacket but I see nothing wrong in this. I think the cruise line does not stick as pedantically to the dress code in interpreting it's meaning as people think. Obviously one needs to dress formally and smart and I think this is the objective.

 

Reading the above Black Tie definition from dgs1956 post; it would literally seem you could wear desert camouflage and a steel helmet if you take things to the extreme. One would imagine they really mean Army Dress Uniform but why such disrespect to the RAF and Navy?

 

A light coloured suit provided it is smart and not a shabby linen floppy collar/lapel type will be fine. Yes you might stand out.

 

Regards John

I cannot understand this obsession with saying, you will stand/stick out if you wear this or that. My husband wore his kilt many times as did our friends and no one stuck out. Even if he was the only one, happy days. He certainly didn't feel or was made to feel he 'stood out'.

As I have said on the other thread, wear whatever you like within the guidelines and if that happens to be something differnt good for you. All this nonsense about light suit and dark suits. What a load of baloney! It's personal choice. To hear some on here, they like to think they're dressed like a million dollars, when in reality it's probably come from Asda or Primark but I honestly don't care.

I like dressing up part but could not care less about those that dont. It's their holiday and their choice and before anyone jumps on the bandwagon and says if they dont like dressing up, they should choose another line. You can love cruising with P&O but not be fussed for all the formal nights. We always miss at least one as we find there's too many on Azura.

We are on Azura this Christmas again with friends. The men will have their kilts on, both on Hogmanay and again on January 2nd when my friends get married. Will we stand out? Oh, I do hope so! Lol

Canny wait...:D

Florida is something else again. I seriously have never seen anyone in a pub or restaurant in the UK in shorts, not unless it's 100 in the shade!! lol

Very true and we certainly haven't had anywhere near 100 this year...lol

But surely a ship is just the same as any other evening dining option anywhere. I don't recall anyone wearing shorts in a restaurant?

Although I Understand what your saying, you want to dine out in Florida.

Anything goes in restaurants there and I mean anything...Your different if you actually dress up. Lol

It is a shame that you have been ill advised. Pity you hadn't joined some of the forums to get advice. I just hope he doesn't feel awkward in his shorts as everyone dresses smart. I do have to say if given a chance my hubby would like to keep his shorts on but also loves to dress up for formal night. I am sure you will have a lovely time what ever.

Please do not get concerned about the dress code. A lot of people who cruise investigate from beginning to end every part of their cruise as if their lives depends on it and if anything deviates or changes throughout the term of their cruise from that extensive research, well it can make or break their cruise.

I dont neeed to know everything and love to get many surprises and dressing up or done is one of them.

I like the dressing up on formal nights but could not care less about people who do not adhere to it. You will not feel awkward at all. If people choose to look at you oddly, then they're obviously not enjoy their evening that much to be paying attention to you.

Wear whatever you like within the guidelines/rules as has already been said.

I know people will say to cruise on another line if you dont like dressing up but as you havnt done much research, as is your perogative, then dont pay attention to that either.

Some people absolutely love P & O cruises but just cant be bothered with the dressing up part.

I love being different from everyone else and wouldnt even ask the question 'what are you wearing', just so that I can be the 'same' as everyone else, as I actually cant think of anything worse.

So go on, be different, wear them shorts!!...:cool::D

Laurakdy.......I was waiting for the type of comments that you describe from at least one person, alas a healthy good positive thread for once, with sensible, intelligent people.

Loved all of your inputs and have to say, it would be a pleasure to have any of you as fellow passengers.

 

Steve and Wendy

As I would also and Thankyou. We are cruising in December on Azura and cannot wait. Xx

I've been reading the CC boards for ages, so entertaining at times.....moaning for moaning sake!!!

Two topics appear time and time again-

1> lack of seating in buffet areas (on all ships)

2> lack of or taken sun-lounger's

 

I mean "Get real guys". …....use a bit of common sense!!!

If 3000 people all go to get lunch at the same time, there really is going to be tears!!........Instead of moaning and letting it ruin your cruise ,just alter the times you go for food,you will be amazed by the space available...... especially towards the rear of the ships(Princess,P&O)

Also, if you get up late/mid-morning like the majority for breakfast, .....

A- you probably WONT get a seat!!!

B- you WONT get a lounger, or in a place you want one!!!

 

I'm not having a dig, but i have read time and time again about people on here, almost at boiling point,threatening to never use the cruise line again and blaming the staff, when with a little common sense, most problems could be solved and everyone could enjoy their cruise.

 

And 'Yes' I know there are the 'Few' who spoil things (Not going there on this thread)

 

Myself and my wife have NEVER had any problems with dining or loungers, we try not to pick at the small petty things if possible, and always have a great time!!

 

I know I'm leaving myself open here with this thread, but cruising is meant to be fun!!

 

Steve and Wendy

Ha ha could not agree more and have said so many times on here.

I've never had any issues as we we just like to have fun, chill and don't go looking for problems, only solutions if the need arises.

I am surprised you havnt the 'oh you must be one of the one's creating the problems if you hadn't noticed or come up against such things' brigade...lol...Thats become a favourite line on here of late.

The last thread I entered into with regard to reserving the sunbeds and the fact I never had a problem, or even noticed anyone having issues, well the name calling was hilarious. I was selfish, self centred and had to be blind and stupid to not notice. :D oh and I was one of these people causing the problems!

I am going on my 4th P & O cruise this year. I can't wait and feel very safe in the knowledge that I will enjoy every single bit of it and if wee things crop up, I'll deal with without any drama.

A lot of very valid points in the above post but it is also worth putting forward an opposing view.

 

I would say around 5% don't dress up on formal nights meaning at least 150 people.

 

Neither my wife nor I feel remotely embarrassed by opting out of the dress code. You do get the odd fuddy duddy giving you disapproving looks but so what? As we have both been successful in our respective careers we are confident enough in our own skins to ignore these people.

 

It's true you can buy a tux very cheaply but I have noticed that as soon as the meal is over, in the nightclubs especially, many gents tend to remove their jackets and place them on the back of chairs as suits are not that comfortable especially after a heavy meal. I wonder how many men wished they hadn't bothered! Indeed a few I have spoken to attend only one formal night on a 14 day cruise and you have to ask yourself is it worth lugging additional clothes around just to conform for one night.

 

One reason (but not the only one) for opting out is simply a question of the weight of the attire required for formal occasions. Also you have to spend time in the laundrette ironing the creases out of clothes and women also get their hair done. Is it really worth it? Not for us. I'm on holiday and don't want to spend a disproportionate amount of time getting ready for a formal meal.

 

We prefer to travel light because we both suffer from bad backs. We get everything in one medium size and one very small suitcase. Are we bothered? Absolutely not. I wouldn't risk cropping myself and ruining my holiday by lifting heavy cases into the car just so that my wife and I can dress up for up to 4 formal evenings.

 

At the end of the day it's down to personal choice and circumstances but nobody should let the snobbish elements put them off by feeling obliged to conform.

I couldn't agree more and have said so many times on here and by the way, I like the formal nights.

I would not and have not felt the slightest bit embarassed about not dressing up, if that's what I chose. I also wouldn't look at anyone in any kind of way if they weren't dressed up as I'm very much each to their own. I also don't particularly pay attention to what everyone has or has not got on.

I also find people on here get very concerned about the fact they may 'dress' different and always concerned about what to wear on fomal nights. Why? I seriously wouldn't give a monkeys if I was the only one dressed casual/different.

Did you not tick the no upgrade box?☺

I would reckon you know the answer to that question...

I think, sea green, the way you do things may be different from how other people do. You can no doubt read down a menu once only and make your selection. Other people dither. They take longer to make their mind up. And there's nothing against the rules about that, dithering is allowed (though occasionally irritating, especially to the easily irritated). It's the same with a buffet.

 

Here's a separate question, to those who think you shouldn't sit down until you have your food. My brother starts with salad, my mother starts with soup, I start with a main course. If we haven't got a table, do we:

 

(i) each look for a table and first to succeed shouts "TABLE" to attract the others' attention?

(ii) meet up at a prescribed point (which must by definition be in someone else's way) before looking for a table en bloc;

(iii) eat at separate tables;

(iv) all have the same food rather than choosing separately;

(v) any other suggestions?

 

Because I don't like any of the above.

Ha ha neither do I! Seriously, this thread is an absolute farce. Are people really reading what they are writing? It's making me dizzy just reading it all.

I still have no idea what the 'correct' way or what the 'rules' are regarding buffet etiquette.:D

I had no idea people put so much thought into what they believe to be the correct way to go in and out of the buffet without upsetting or offending someone by not obeying the so called 'rules'.

I have manners and know how to behave but no idea if my way is the correct way...I dont even know if I'm making any sense now! :D:confused:

I love Azura also. Going on. her again for the 3rd time.

Like yourself, maybe a few niggles. Not a big fan of the entertainment on any of the ships to be honest. Just not our thing but cant wait for the experience again in December.