Back from first cruise with P&O and....

[richleeds]

babs, I think your mini review and comments are fair and balanced and would agree with much of what you said.

 

Likewise if the price and itinerary were right we would do P&O again but its certainly not high on the agenda of our future cruise plans.

[the english lady]

I guess some people do not have to have a ship with WOW factor.

Fair comment. We are probably of a similar mind.

 

For some people it is the ports of call that makes them book.

Probably true for most of us

 

For us it is sailing from Southampton.

Perfectly reasonable decision but P&O are not the only line to sail from Southampton

 

What I do not want to try is some huge American ship with 3000+ people on board.

Hang on a minute.

Let me think about that one.

Hmmmm, am I not correct in observing that....

 

ADONIA may be a small ship but wasn't she previously operated by Princess cruises as Royal Princess and isn't she is built to the same design as Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess which because they both have a deck of mini-suites have less passengers than Adonia?

 

OCEANA may not have 3000+ pax but isn't she a Sun Class ship designed for and initially operated by Princess as Ocean Princess?

 

ARCADIA may not have 3000+ pax but isn't she is a Vista Class ship built to a design commissioned and first operated by Holland America?

 

VENTURA and AZURA both have 3000+ pax and aren't they both Grand Class ships built to a design commissioned and first operated by Princess?

 

BRITANNIA will have over 3600 pax and isn't she a Royal Class ship being built to a design commissioned and first operated by Princess?

 

Guess that just leaves you the option of choosing between compromising on your prejudices or sticking solely to Aurora and Oriana ;)

I like P and O.

I have looked at other lines.

I don't like the layouts of the cabins.

We go for balcony-and some have the bed nearest the balcony and the settee nearest the door-no good for me-when I get up first.

I have no wish to tax my brain with everything in dollars converting it to £'s to see how much something really costs.

I have no wish to pay 15% on each and every drink I purchase.

If someone is happy with a brand, why do others have to keep on try this try that. This is so much better. That is so much better.

It maybe for that person, does not mean it will be for ME.

Same as some people are the life and soul of the party on a ship. We tend to ere on the side of quietness. Therefore on all our sailings I can say I have never met a moaner as we chose who we wish to talk to, and none of them appear to have been moaners.

Please those of us who are happy with pando, leave us be.

If I wanted to sail on other lines I would, but each and every time I have looked there have been reasons why I decided not to ...

[frenchmartiniplease]

Good morning. I liked your mini review. I get your point about spending time dodging the mobility impaired. We had that on a Princess ship we did for 17 nts to the Med from Southampton. We were also the 'babies' on our table of 6. After a cautious first night we all got on famously.

We reckon the high average age and wheelchair count was due to the fact that sailing from Southampton meant so many that can't fly were able to enjoy a lovely holiday. A fly/cruise would automatically reduce this. The queues for mobility assistance at Southampton always seem long whenever we have sailed out. We only met one other couple our age. However, it was a great holiday, the highlight was listening to Ray Cousins (pianist) each evening, plus a great itinerary.

 

I think that 'adult only' ships tend to carry older passengers due to the fact that there are no adults of an age with young children.JMHO

 

All our friends reckon anyone who cruises are 'nearly dead or newly wed' anyway.LOL:D

 

I agree that it's ridiculous that some should 'come down on you like a ton of bricks' for suggesting another line. It's as bad as those that slam any who profess to be happy with P&O.

 

As someone else said, I could pick holes in all the cruiselines and ships I've been on, but I've been to busy enjoying myself.

[daiB]

Good morning. I liked your mini review. I get your point about spending time dodging the mobility impaired. We had that on a Princess ship we did for 17 nts to the Med from Southampton. We were also the 'babies' on our table of 6. After a cautious first night we all got on famously.

 

We reckon the high average age and wheelchair count was due to the fact that sailing from Southampton meant so many that can't fly were able to enjoy a lovely holiday. A fly/cruise would automatically reduce this. The queues for mobility assistance at Southampton always seem long whenever we have sailed out. We only met one other couple our age. However, it was a great holiday, the highlight was listening to Ray Cousins (pianist) each evening, plus a great itinerary.

 

 

 

I think that 'adult only' ships tend to carry older passengers due to the fact that there are no adults of an age with young children.JMHO

 

 

 

All our friends reckon anyone who cruises are 'nearly dead or newly wed' anyway.LOL:D

 

 

 

I agree that it's ridiculous that some should 'come down on you like a ton of bricks' for suggesting another line. It's as bad as those that slam any who profess to be happy with P&O.

 

 

 

As someone else said, I could pick holes in all the cruiselines and ships I've been on, but I've been to busy enjoying myself.

 

 

Now that is the most sensible post I have read for ages. Can you stick around and post this on every thread when WW111 is about to break out.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[frenchmartiniplease]

Now that is the most sensible post I have read for ages. Can you stick around and post this on every thread when WW111 is about to break out.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

And a good morning to you, daiB.

 

Unfortunately, those that are blinkered in their views are NOT going to be persuaded to change their minds and will continue to dismiss the majority of passengers more balanced opinions.

I fully understand the OP's points. You save hard for a holiday and it's a shame it fell a bit short. Obviously, they are going to think twice about P&O again.

 

There are a couple of places I don't want to go back to for one reason or another. But I wouldn't knock them because others were having a great time.

 

I've had wonderful cruises on Sea, Grand and Crown Princess; had a REALLY fun time on Carnival Destiny in the Caribbean, Celebrity 'something' had port after port of places on my 'bucket list' with expensive but worth it excursions and I had a lovely TA on Oceana. I will say, loud and proud, I love Azura.

I love Glasshouse, Planet Bar, Verona in the evening, Sindu and XV11 ( but not the weight I put on)

 

Most of all I enjoy visiting such lovely places from the comfort of the ship, which ever it might be and meeting fellow travellers.

 

The overly opinionated I avoid at home or abroad and on land or at sea. I find they tend to be uninterested or easily offended by anyone holding different view points which makes them boring company.:)

[jeanlyon]

Oh please give me a break. I am 67 - I love late nights, we choose second sitting, we love going to the show afterwards, then we go dancing and then a nice walk round the prom deck. Don't tar everyone with the same brush just because of an age number. I also see plenty of other older people enjoying themselves late at night. What a generalisation!

 

We were on Oriana last year and did not have the water leakage problems or toilet problems, but if someone did, then that's a shame. However, on our one and only trip on Azura, they had terrible problems with the public toilets, most were out of order every day and they had leaks. That was 3 months after she started.

 

I have sailed on a ship that was built in 1939 which was absolutely wonderful and had no problems at all. How is a ship past her sell by date? We have sailed with P&O, Fred Olsen and Page & Moy, from tiny to huge.

Edited July 16, 2014 by jeanlyon

[babs135]

I don't want to reduce this thread to a slanging match but I would just like to clarify some of my remarks; Again, I must point out that these are my personal opinion and I am most certainly not having a go at anyone.

 

The WOW factor seemed to have struck a chord with some people. Whether a ship is brand new or 19 years old I would expect some, if not all of the ship, to produce a feeling of excitement or wonderment. (I hope you understand what I'm trying to say in perhaps a clumsy fashion), but this simply did not happen on the Oriana. Most places were lovely or just simply nice.

Die-hard P&Oers. If some people took offence at this remark then I apologise. I was simply trying to convey the fact that some of the people we spoke to seemed totally oblivious to any of the problems onboard. I got the feeling that if their toilets stopped working or leaked they wouldn't have even seen it!! 'Blinkered' as used in another post is exactly how I felt they were. However, they were enjoying their holiday and that's how it should be.

Itinerary. Some of you may remember me from earlier threads expressing some reservations about sailing with P&O due to the number of seemingly bad reviews. The itinerary was what swayed us to choosing Oriana and on that basis she didn't let us down. Despite missing one port in Iceland due to bad weather, the port stops were brilliant.

Late Night Snacks. On other ships we've gone to the buffet with friends for a late night tea/coffee/hot chocolate and a biscuit or a bun and then lingered and talked. Couldn't do that on the Oriana. Wouldn't it have been possible to have just a small section of the Conservatory open with something as simple as a cake or a biscuit? I'm not asking for the whole place to be open, or for meals to be available (although I have been on other ships and watched in amazement as people tuck into a full meal!).

'American' ships. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I was struck by the vehemence of some people at the thought of setting foot on such a ship.

 

Did we enjoy our cruise - yes. Would we sail with P&O again - not on the Oriana, but if an itinerary appeared that really caught my eye on any of the other ships I would be prepared to give it consideration.

[frenchmartiniplease]

I want to be like jeanlyon when I get older.

I wouldn't be able to keep up now!:D

[frenchmartiniplease]

babs135

 

Your personal opinion points were well explained and valid. Most people are just expressing their views and think it a shame Oriana was a bit of a let down for you.

 

Anyone starts 'slanging', just duck and ignore!:D

[PORT ROYAL]

I have this feeling that one of my posts has been removed from this thread, i wonder why :confused:

 

Could be a Cruise Line found it, how can one say, not that of a cheerleader.

[davecttr]

Could be a Cruise Line found it, how can one say, not that of a cheerleader.

Can they do that?

 

My post was not critical about any cruise line but IIRC

 

1. mentioned that Oceana's atrium was certainly a wow factor

 

2. had a fun response about passengers reaction to cruising on an american cruise line. Writing that the reaction to mentioning Thomson might get an even more interesting response.

 

nothing controversial there, especially as both points are TRUE

 

Wonder if this post will be pulled ;)

[PORT ROYAL]

Can they do that?

 

My post was not critical about any cruise line but IIRC

 

1. mentioned that Oceana's atrium was certainly a wow factor

 

2. had a fun response about passengers reaction to cruising on an american cruise line. Writing that the reaction to mentioning Thomson might get an even more interesting response.

 

nothing controversial there, especially as both points are TRUE

 

Wonder if this post will be pulled ;)

 

Understand your points are valid. Unfortunately, some may not see the same validity.

The same goes for when I mention the ditching (giving reasons) of Carnival, RCI and Celebrity in favour of Cunard and Oceania. The respective cheerleaders respond with the instincts of a pack.

[tom_uk]

It seems to be a game of two halves, Brian....

 

We've just come back from Azura, and as expected there was a lot about the ship we enjoyed. We like the cabins, the balcony, the range of bars (love the Glasshouse), and the two speciality restaurants. Everything was working well in the cabin and around the ship. On this cruise the 'open pool' wasn't a problem - it was pretty warm for well over half of the cruise. We also enjoyed the itinerary (typical Baltic cruise). And of course we do enjoy the lower prices for drinks.

 

What didn't we like? - well, mainly the food in the MDR. Over the last couple of years my feeling is that it has got worse; nothing seems tasty anymore. The gulf between the MDR and the speciality restaurants is now huge. Then the switch to plated service just makes the whole experience feel much less special. For us, dinners were a disappointment on this cruise.

 

I think these changes are fleet-wide so it's not a ship-specific issue. We have cruised with other lines in the past (Fred, MSC, NCL and Celebrity) and we may well look at these or other lines for 2016.

Edited July 16, 2014 by tom_uk

[daiB]

It seems to be a game of two halves, Brian....

 

We've just come back from Azura, and as expected there was a lot about the ship we enjoyed. We like the cabins, the balcony, the range of bars (love the Glasshouse), and the two speciality restaurants. Everything was working well in the cabin and around the ship. On this cruise the 'open pool' wasn't a problem - it was pretty warm for well over half of the cruise. We also enjoyed the itinerary (typical Baltic cruise). And of course we do enjoy the lower prices for drinks.

 

What didn't we like? - well, mainly the food in the MDR. Over the last couple of years my feeling is that it has got worse; nothing seems tasty anymore. The gulf between the MDR and the speciality restaurants is now huge. Then the switch to plated service just makes the whole experience feel much less special. For us, dinners were a disappointment on this cruise.

 

I think these changes are fleet-wide so it's not a ship-specific issue. We have cruised with other lines in the past (Fred, MSC, NCL and Celebrity) and we may well look at these or other lines for 2016.

 

 

Don't all the other lines have plated food? We did back to backs on Azura in April, we never saw a problem and the people on our table thought the food was excellent. Now of course I will get hammered for saying that but that's what we found.

 

We have five more cruises booked and we are looking forward to them. The new plated meals seem to have more choice and there was no problem if someone did not have enough. I think we were on one of the first cruises to have that experience. After a day or so you did not notice.

 

We were havering a talk about this at home and because we tend now to do longer cruises, and back to backs we like having the ordinary food on the menu. Now if you are only having one 7 night cruise per year you might want something else.

 

Certainly in April/May I cannot say anyone actually talked about it.

 

 

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[davecttr]

Don't all the other lines have plated food? We did back to backs on Azura in April, we never saw a problem and the people on our table thought the food was excellent. Now of course I will get hammered for saying that but that's what we found.

 

We have five more cruises booked and we are looking forward to them. The new plated meals seem to have more choice and there was no problem if someone did not have enough. I think we were on one of the first cruises to have that experience. After a day or so you did not notice.

 

We were havering a talk about this at home and because we tend now to do longer cruises, and back to backs we like having the ordinary food on the menu. Now if you are only having one 7 night cruise per year you might want something else.

 

Certainly in April/May I cannot say anyone actually talked about it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

I have no problem with plated food or the quality. I like having the always available options as well if I don't fancy any on the main menu. After i few days I get a bit stressed about the number of courses, as does my belt ;)

 

ps - Dai my reply to you on another thread seems to have dissappeared as well. Yes, i enjoyed Oceana although the bars on the second cruise were a bit like the Marie Celeste :( The casino girls were delightful, plus I had 2 straight flushes at 3 card :D

Edited July 16, 2014 by davecttr

[groovechick]

I always find it amusing when people make comments about the age of cruisers. On our first cruise, when we were in our late 20s/early 30s, we were put to shame by people in their 70s and 80s who were drinking, laughing and dancing until the wee small hours, long after we had retired for the night! We marvelled at their joie de vivre and stamina and hoped that we would be as energetic and getting as much out of life as they did when we reached that age.

Everyone's different, and that's what's so fantastic about cruise ships - there are discos and bars for the night owls, there are quiet lounges for the more retiring, you can do as much as or as little as you want, and vary it day to day to suit your mood.

[lancashire_cruisers]

To the OP

 

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise and whilst I can't comment on Oriana as we can no longer cruise on her since she became adult only I would like to express surprise at your comment about the vegetarian food selection.

 

As a veggie myself I've always felt very well accommodated on a P&O Cruise, more so in fact than any other cruise line I've sailed with so far so I'd appreciate a bit more detail as to what was so poor in respect of vegetarian food on your cruise.

 

I'd be very disappointed if P&O had reduced their offering in this aspect :(

 

Debbie

[Corfe Mixture]

I genuinely hope the two people I responded to didn't feel I was having a go at them or slanging them.

 

I agreed with most of what they said and, even if I didn't, I support their right to hold their views.

 

My only comment related to the reference to American ships being big when, in fact, most P&O ships are bigger version of these so called big American ships.

 

Genuine apologies for any offence taken

[babs135]

Forgot to say; we enjoyed The Great British Sailaway :D

[Sealoveragain]

I can sympathise with the OP. I love the Aurora and I'm doing another World cruise on her next year. I say that so people don't think I'm having a go at P&O. We had a Caribbean cruise on the Oriana this year and I won't be going on that ship again I'm afraid. There were a lot of water leaks and we knew several people whose cabins were flooded. I really think she is past her sell by date (Sorry)

[Host Walt]

I have this feeling that one of my posts has been removed from this thread, i wonder why :confused:

 

Dave,

 

Just checked. None of your posts have been removed. Suggest you communicate any concerns privately to us at community@cruisecritic.com.

[robanddiane]

Although we are fairly new cruisers (13) compared to a lot of people on here we have tried P&O, princess, royal Caribbean, thomson and the island escape in its ill fated first season. I still get the wow factor as soon as I see the ship before getting on. I could find faults on every cruise we have done but the good things have always outshone the bad. Nothing wrong with people sticking up for their favourite company, I personally like everyone we have been with and just feel grateful that we are still able to pick and choose where and with who we want to cruise with. I love to hear a good balanced review and really don't think there is a necessity to criticise people because you don't agree with their views. Looking forward to Oriana in October and fingers crossed the plumbing problems will be sorted by then.

[richleeds]

I was on Oriana a while ago for 3 nights, we left Southampton bobbed around in the sea and returned. I was invited on and plied with so much non stop free alcohol, I couldnt tell you if the toilets were working on not. Cheers!

[kersh]

We haven't cruised on Oriana since it became adult only, but we are on this Xmas to the Caribbean. I am a little concerned about the reports of flooding etc as we experienced this on our Aurora Xmas cruise in 2012 and we said never again would we set foot on Aurora until after the refit which is due this December.

[Scriv]

We were recently on Oriana for the second time and we love her. We love her quiet mature elegance, her grace and to us, she seems like a 'proper traditional ship'. We feel she is somehow so comfortable and homely and that is what we find appealing.

 

Agreed Oriana does not have the 'Wow' factor of some of the more glitzy ships, but she has a warm 'Wow' factor for us especially whenever we see her in a port and when we walk back to her. She is not as big, or modern and doesn't offer lots of different zappy activities, but that style of ship just don't appeal to us. We want an adults only ship and one with traditional ways and conventions.

 

Our fellow cruisers were mainly 50s and 60s, although we did see some 40 somethings and also some 70s and even 80s - who looked and behaved like 60s. These people were great company.

 

Whilst we were on Oriana, we did not hear of any problems with flooding or leaks etc. There was some work on the water system carried out when we were in a port and there was a recurring problem in one of the ladies toilets near the Crows Nest - but to be fair on this, there was always a maintenance man and cleaner around to keep an eye on it.

 

Yes, Oriana is ageing and a bit tired in places. Admittedly, she is showing a few wrinkles and grey hairs, but is very well groomed - and we love her for it.

 

It was interesting to read babs' review and I think babs would be much happier on a more modern glitzier ship. We all want different things - and long may it continue.

Edited July 17, 2014 by Scriv