P&O Arvia K307 - Not the experience we were expecting

[davecttr]

1 minute ago, zap99 said:

Like most ' Chain ' restaurants on land. Introducing our new spring/summer etc menu. They change a few times a year. If P&O change the menu every 3 days, that's well done to them isn't it ?.

Not if you have to book to guarantee a table but don't know which menu it will be

[Selbourne]

8 minutes ago, davecttr said:

The pre cruise booking restaurants may have another problem. The Olive Grove has 2 menus which change every 3 days. i have booked twice but might end up with the same menu but there is no way of knowing which menu in advance.

 

Does the cycle start at the beginning of the cruise? if so I have booked the same menu twice.

What about the odd days at the end of the cruise. Does this mean the 3 day cycles are for the whole season?

I also wish that there was a way of knowing which menu was on which nights. I am thinking of pre- booking Epicurean twice for our 7 night Iona cruise. The first and last nights would be preferable. Ideally I’d like menu A for one visit and menu B for the other, but there’s no way of knowing until you are on board, by which time it may be sold out. 

[zap99]

Just now, davecttr said:

Not if you have to book to guarantee a table but don't know which menu it will be

We ate in Cafe Rouge on Saturday. Same menu as before Christmas. We booked without even looking at the menu.

[Yorkypete]

11 minutes ago, davecttr said:

The pre cruise booking restaurants may have another problem. The Olive Grove has 2 menus which change every 3 days. i have booked twice but might end up with the same menu but there is no way of knowing which menu in advance.

 

Does the cycle start at the beginning of the cruise? if so I have booked the same menu twice.

What about the odd days at the end of the cruise. Does this mean the 3 day cycles are for the whole season?

When we were on Iona in Jan for 12 nights the Olive Grove menu did not change at all. On enquiring we were told it was a permanent menu.

[CarlaMarie]

3 hours ago, gary_w said:

Wow, a day at sea and this topic has blown up! (I'm not sure anyone on the original subject will still be reading by this point)

 

A quick bit of clarity, this isn't just about the Main Dining Room although that is the focal point.  On this ship, this cruise, it is everything with a queue.

 

I've also learnt a few things

• Talking to families with small kids, they are very happy because while they turn away couples, they "can fit in" the family and kids which is frustrating.
• Talking to other families though the problem is extending to the kids club, there are 1000+ kids and 400 places in kids club.  It is a lottery to the parents if they have the evening to themselves so they may or may not use their booking, compounding the problem.
• We've spoken to one couple that said "this ship is full of people complaining", but we've spoken to 8 couples in the last day or so that said this is their first cruise and with queues like this they won't do it again.  We've been telling them, chalk this up as a bad one and try again.

They now let you wait for a table in the MDR if you want to

• It's 50/50 whether there is anyone checking you in at shows anymore because they aren't full,  Broadies and the clubhouse that both have entertainment but no booking are always full and hopping.  My impression is people are boycotting the shows in favour of venues that they didn't have to book and where you can put your glass down. (No cupholders any more in the main theatre 😞 )

 

I hope this helps.  

 

I will repeat, book early, book often

 

 

Regarding the kids club, has this always been an issue across the P&O fleet and other cruise lines whereby there are not enough spaces for the number of children onboard?

[gary_w]

WRT to the Virtual Queue debate I don't have an issue with it in principle, however.....

 

On a busy night I went to try to be seated and after a physical cue of 25 minutes, was told no, you have to have a buzzer.  At the same time, my wife put us in the virtual queue.  

 

We came back 20 minutes later and joined someone else who had half their party cancel but were in the line behind us earlier. I didn't turn in the buzzer or take us out of the virtual queue.

 

The buzzer went off as we had dessert and the virtual queue never ever paged us to say we had a seat, after losing at the casino we were still 15 people to go.  So the queues are just a way of getting people away from the doors not actually seating anyone IMHO.

 

The original post was about physical queues for everything, the follow up sees the physical queues diminishing and the virtual queues failing.

[gary_w]

I'd forgotten the Quays, nice idea, not enough seating around there, so you have to physically queue for food then physically queue for seats.  You quickly learn to not try and traverse that deck between 11:30 and 3

[Cathygh]

3 hours ago, gary_w said:

Wow, a day at sea and this topic has blown up! (I'm not sure anyone on the original subject will still be reading by this point)

 

A quick bit of clarity, this isn't just about the Main Dining Room although that is the focal point.  On this ship, this cruise, it is everything with a queue.

 

I've also learnt a few things

• Talking to families with small kids, they are very happy because while they turn away couples, they "can fit in" the family and kids which is frustrating.
• Talking to other families though the problem is extending to the kids club, there are 1000+ kids and 400 places in kids club.  It is a lottery to the parents if they have the evening to themselves so they may or may not use their booking, compounding the problem.
• We've spoken to one couple that said "this ship is full of people complaining", but we've spoken to 8 couples in the last day or so that said this is their first cruise and with queues like this they won't do it again.  We've been telling them, chalk this up as a bad one and try again.

They now let you wait for a table in the MDR if you want to

• It's 50/50 whether there is anyone checking you in at shows anymore because they aren't full,  Broadies and the clubhouse that both have entertainment but no booking are always full and hopping.  My impression is people are boycotting the shows in favour of venues that they didn't have to book and where you can put your glass down. (No cupholders any more in the main theatre 😞 )

 

I hope this helps.  

 

I will repeat, book early, book often

 

Very interesting, thank you.

[Cathygh]

4 hours ago, Vampiress88 said:

From reading other places looks like I have to pre book the kids club. That’s going to not work brilliant as I usually drop them there when they are annoying me lol

The pre booking is correct I believe. Book 10.30 am the day before, no use if you are off the ship at that time. Not knowing if you have a place in the evening session/night nursery till the day before makes it hard to plan. Or we can take 3 very noisy hyper boys to Epicurean on my DH's 70th birthday...

[Dermotsgirl]

35 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Some of the waiters who worked back then also miss the chance to build rapport and relationships 

 

 I spoke to one in Epicurean who missed the MDR experience of old times

 

But 100 per cent this  experience also heavily involved set dining at set times on shared tables 

 

Something that cruiselines are never ever going to be able to promote to younger demographics 

 

The cruise lines know that. People want more choice and freedom and definitely don't want to share tables with people they don't know

 

We felt the same way before we first cruised and were worried about sharing tables but actually enjoyed it

 

But it's a hard idea to sell to people for sure nowadays

I think sharing tables is more of a personality thing, rather than an age thing.

 

My husband and myself are quite introverted, and don’t go looking for company especially at dinner time. When we first started cruising, back in 2001, when it was Club dining only, we had to book as soon as the cruises came out in order to bag a rare as hen’s teeth table for 2. Sometimes we weren’t lucky enough to get a table for two and had to share. It was tolerable, but there was a sense of breathing a sigh of relief when dinner was over. When freedom dining came in, it was a huge plus for us, as table sharing jeopardy had been eliminated at dinner time.

 

Now, at the more advanced age of 63 and my husband at 71 we still feel the same. We don’t want to suddenly start sharing tables because we are older! 

 

 

[Britboys]

57 minutes ago, CarlaMarie said:

I am mid thirties, and I have to say I really enjoyed and miss the P&O of old. The evenings spent in the MDR which I always thought looked elegant (with tablecloths!),  the waiters who served you and whom you got to build a conversation with over the course of your cruise, the wine waiter who you also go to know. It was a personal touch and added to your whole cruise experience. That to me is what I associate cruising with and I must be very "old fashioned"...

Apart fron there not being any wine waiters, that experience is still available on Aurora (and maybe Arcadia too but I haven't sailed on her for some years).

[Fionboard]

3 minutes ago, Britboys said:

Apart fron there not being any wine waiters, that experience is still available on Aurora (and maybe Arcadia too but I haven't sailed on her for some years).

Correct!

[Angel57]

17 minutes ago, Britboys said:

Apart fron there not being any wine waiters, that experience is still available on Aurora (and maybe Arcadia too but I haven't sailed on her for some years).

And, long may that continue……

 

[Interestedcruisefan]

1 hour ago, CarlaMarie said:

 

Regarding the kids club, has this always been an issue across the P&O fleet and other cruise lines whereby there are not enough spaces for the number of children onboard?

Never encountered that problem when we have  cruised with our kids  before on P and O, Carnival and RCL. And we've always cruised Xmas/New Year or August school holidays before 

 

Just joined them on first day and barely saw them again!!

 

But maybe need others to confirm exactly what the kids club issues are on Arvia. Gary's being a bit vague tbh

[majortom10]

1 hour ago, Yorkypete said:

When we were on Iona in Jan for 12 nights the Olive Grove menu did not change at all. On enquiring we were told it was a permanent menu.

It didn't change on Iona in March on a 14 nt cruise.

[Megabear2]

8 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Never encountered that problem when we have  cruised with our kids  before on P and O, Carnival and RCL. And we've always cruised Xmas/New Year or August school holidays before 

 

Just joined them on first day and barely saw them again!!

 

But maybe need others to confirm exactly what the kids club issues are on Arvia. Gary's being a bit vague tbh

Gary is doing as you did, telling us bones and all about his personal experience.  It's rather rude to say he's being vague, he's on holiday for goodness sake!  

 

You didn't use a kids club on Arvia so probably didn't need to know either.

 

Apart from Arvia how many P&O cruises have you taken, when and which ships?  I doubt you ran around on them taking note on facilities. Perhaps you could point us to your reviews for the other ships?  Apart from Azura which you mentioned (and if it was Caribbean Christmas it sounds like a few years back) where have you actually sailed to/from on P&O?

 

 

[gary_w]

35 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Never encountered that problem when we have  cruised with our kids  before on P and O, Carnival and RCL. And we've always cruised Xmas/New Year or August school holidays before 

 

Just joined them on first day and barely saw them again!!

 

But maybe need others to confirm exactly what the kids club issues are on Arvia. Gary's being a bit vague tbh

Sorry, I don't have kids, I just talk to parents, perhaps if there is a parent on this cruise on this thread they can help?

[gary_w]

7 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

 

Queues everywhere!!

 

When he was actually talking about virtual queues. 

 

Very misleading - vague was being polite tbh

 

I started writing my cruise history then had to stop myself Megabear

 

I don't have to answer questions like that on your request. I didnt do a review on my previous cruises. I could but certainly not on demand from you in a patronising way.

 

If I thought you were being friendly about it I would. But you arent. So I'm not answering you.

 

 

I know this thread got long and the patience to read it is minimised so I will summarise again.  

 

The physical queues for dining rooms, buffet, shows were insane as we started.  They are moving now to old fashioned waiting queues with people on virtual queues getting ignored still.

 

Nothing misleading here, I just say it as I see it.

 

The point of the post was to give a heads up to those who haven't had a cruise like this, so they know what to expect.  

 

I don't like the system but it works for some.  Personally I feel dropping thousands of pounds onto a holiday that it should be good for everyone not just those that fit the mould du jour,  especially if there are things you know ahead of time that can help.

[thornegirl]

We’re also on Arvia at the moment. To put it in context we have cruised on Iona twice, once on the maiden (which was only half capacity) and once last August with all the family.  Not sure how many on the August cruise but quite full. We loved Iona, but we wouldn’t go on Arvia again Don’t like the 6th street diner. The Olive Grove is ok but very limited choice and the menu never changes .  We’ve had a light lunch in Green and co with 3 starters which we shared they were very nice and ate in there 1 evening but didn’t enjoy the mains at all. 
 

Had breakfast in MDR a few times but the food is never hot, so tried the keel and cow for breakfast, that was excellent.  Bacon and egg bap was £2.50 and it was hot. 
 

keel and cow for dinner a couple of times. Would recommend that.  Sindhu once, never again, chefs table once , if I wanted to share a table for 6 I would have asked for a shared table. There was about 2” between the tables. 
 

The staff are lovely as usual but are very busy. You can’t seem to get a rapport with them. Some we recognise from other ships and they say hello. 

 

we have lots of OBC so we are using that in the pay for restaurants,  

 

In my opinion the entertainment has been poor, don’t do the headliners , wish the 4 tunes were onboard or Tom Ball who we saw on Iona in August, or Paul Ruck as Eric Clapton. They were all excellent. None of what we have seen comes anywhere near as good as those I’ve mentioned. 

 

Everyone has their own opinions but our experience on Arvia is we won’t travel on her again, we have to go in school holidays as our daughter is a teacher and we look after the grandkids term time. 

We are enjoying our cruise but are being selective what we are doing. 

 

[Interestedcruisefan]

5 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

No probs. I'm actually genuinely interested. I've previously stood up for you, some time ago admittedly, but as someone who met great hostility elsewhere on CC think it's very important everyone has a voice.

 

And just for the record to others who commented about my return. I've never really been away just unwell and had more important things to deal with.

 

Mind you if Arvia is rubbish can in blame you?  (Joke!)

Yes. I'm relieved you like early dining. 

 

Thats making me really confident you will be fine.

 

Even if your cruise is really busy!

 

Edited April 9, 2023 by Interestedcruisefan

[Vampiress88]

So just to get this straight 

Arvia is having issues

Iona seems to be fine? 
 

maybe it it just as molechip said and it’s the first year that’s different? 
 

I’m on iona soon and the again in December so hoping no issues on her. Arvia I have to wait till February for an idea but the deposit is paid so no going backsies now. 
 

I think I might be annoyed if they have changed the kids club but we shall see. 
 

I don’t see why anyone’s opinion can’t be taken into account. We could all sit for the same meal and I probably won’t like it and lots of you will, doesn’t mean I am wrong it just means that’s my opinion. 
 

also with regards to the virtual queue then I would actually count that as queuing time. It’s not cocktail time for me to sit and wait for an hour. 
Also it doesn’t always work to adjust when you go into a queue. For example takes an hour one night and your left sat there trying to entertain two kids- the kids dont just sit still in a bar for cocktails for that long, they get bored then annoying. 
If I jump into a queue the hour before and then go in the shower do make up blah blah then they will call me in the first 10mins when I am no where near ready. 
Luckily for us we managed last cruise on iona to not have massive waits, the night we did we went to keel and cow etc. 

Also I would eat in the buffet more often if their ship layout was better. It gets very cramped in that little square.  

[Megabear2]

9 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

So just to get this straight 

Arvia is having issues

Iona seems to be fine? 
 

maybe it it just as molechip said and it’s the first year that’s different? 
 

I’m on iona soon and the again in December so hoping no issues on her. Arvia I have to wait till February for an idea but the deposit is paid so no going backsies now. 
 

I think I might be annoyed if they have changed the kids club but we shall see. 
 

I don’t see why anyone’s opinion can’t be taken into account. We could all sit for the same meal and I probably won’t like it and lots of you will, doesn’t mean I am wrong it just means that’s my opinion. 
 

also with regards to the virtual queue then I would actually count that as queuing time. It’s not cocktail time for me to sit and wait for an hour. 
Also it doesn’t always work to adjust when you go into a queue. For example takes an hour one night and your left sat there trying to entertain two kids- the kids dont just sit still in a bar for cocktails for that long, they get bored then annoying. 
If I jump into a queue the hour before and then go in the shower do make up blah blah then they will call me in the first 10mins when I am no where near ready. 
Luckily for us we managed last cruise on iona to not have massive waits, the night we did we went to keel and cow etc. 

Also I would eat in the buffet more often if their ship layout was better. It gets very cramped in that little square.  

Truthfully this has all got out of hand.  One person is having a not so good time and told us so but not the end of the world stuff. Some have disagreed, but aren't there. . It's called life. You'll be grand I'm sure, you and your lovely family most probably won't be touched by any of this.

 

Truth be told it's a load of wind and air with a lot of silly people arguing about something that's really nothing to do with them. It's what forums induce when people choose to air views.

 

[Interestedcruisefan]

2 hours ago, zap99 said:

Perhaps he just enjoys cruises and doesn't pick holes in everything . Sounds like my attitude as well. I quite enjoy the food and don't expect fine dining.  I quite like the shows, but don't expect Broadway. Quite like other types of holiday as well as cruising. If P&O want to cater for a changing clientele, that's fine too. I will buy their product, or not.

Let's be brutally honest about it!

 

If I did work for P and O they would have sacked me by now for constantly harping on about how good a deal inside saver cabins are!!

 

Instead I would be on here telling everybody that Arvia and Iona deck 8 promenade cabins were the place to be!!

 

Lol

[Vampiress88]

2 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Let's be brutally honest about it!

 

If I did work for P and O they would have sacked me by now for constantly harping on about how good a deal inside saver cabins are!!

 

Instead I would be on here telling everybody that Arvia and Iona deck 8 promenade cabins were the place to be!!

 

Lol

that’s my gripe about Arvia and iona. I can’t do a cheap fare as I really don’t want those cabins so I have to pay more. 

[Vampiress88]

13 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Truthfully this has all got out of hand.  One person is having a not so good time and told us so but not the end of the world stuff. Some have disagreed, but aren't there. . It's called life. You'll be grand I'm sure, you and your lovely family most probably won't be touched by any of this.

 

Truth be told it's a load of wind and air with a lot of silly people arguing about something that's really nothing to do with them. It's what forums induce when people choose to air views.

 

yes I get all the ins and outs of the different opinions on this thread, I’ve followed it lol and I do love a bit of drama. 
I wouldn’t let a few comments either way sway me, I know what I get in general with p&o and I know full well I get what I pay for. 
Hope I don’t have any issues on iona- other than the in laws