Ship Visit Query

[wolfie]

Maybe that was when you cruised with them, BUT, in over a year at sea, 15 + cruises with P&O I spoke from our experience of them over the last 14 years. We also like tradition but not just for the sake of it and especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising, which it is most definitely not, any more.

As I said, past glories.

[oldbluefox]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

[Dancing Queen]

I wasn't questioning your experience I stated 'once was the time' which was way before Carnival owned P&O so in 14 years you have probably not seen as many changes as I have, it has nothing to do with past glories I merely have a preference for what cruising used to be rather than what it is now, each to their own as they say.

[Silver_Shiney]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

Possibly the image given by some advertising and maybe films, where it's formal attire 24/7 and if you stick your finger out, a liveried steward puts a cup of tea on the end of it?

[qbman1]

I'm pressing my blazer and flannels and steaming my straw boater as we speak !

[wolfie]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

We don't decry traditional cruising but some lines are living in the past, and, as I said, also living on past glories when there was no competition from far superior lines.

[wolfie]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

Possibly the image given by some advertising and maybe films, where it's formal attire 24/7 and if you stick your finger out, a liveried steward puts a cup of tea on the end of it?

Exactly!

[Mervyn and Trish]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

We don't decry traditional cruising but some lines are living in the past, and, as I said, also living on past glories when there was no competition from far superior lines.

I presume you intended to add "in my opinion".

In my opinion, I'm not aware of any "far superior lines" other than at far higher prices. The main stream lines working in a similar price bracket offer different styles of cruising which suit different people's preferences but, in my opinion, none can be described as far superior to any other.

[towny44]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

We don't decry traditional cruising but some lines are living in the past, and, as I said, also living on past glories when there was no competition from far superior lines.

I presume you intended to add "in my opinion".

In my opinion, I'm not aware of any "far superior lines" other than at far higher prices. The main stream lines working in a similar price bracket offer different styles of cruising which suit different people's preferences but, in my opinion, none can be described as far superior to any other.

Depends how you define far superior, if you take into account quality of the accommodation, service standards and quality and presentation of food, then I can think of two that are "far superior" to P&O, but then you will disagree with me on at least one of them.

[wolfie]

I wasn't questioning your experience I stated 'once was the time' which was way before Carnival owned P&O so in 14 years you have probably not seen as many changes as I have, it has nothing to do with past glories I merely have a preference for what cruising used to be rather than what it is now, each to their own as they say.

But, you don't cruise with them now, do you?

[wolfie]

especially when it is over trumpeted as being top notch cruising,

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

We don't decry traditional cruising but some lines are living in the past, and, as I said, also living on past glories when there was no competition from far superior lines.

I presume you intended to add "in my opinion".

In my opinion, I'm not aware of any "far superior lines" other than at far higher prices. The main stream lines working in a similar price bracket offer different styles of cruising which suit different people's preferences but, in my opinion, none can be described as far superior to any other.

No, I did not intend to add, IMO, to my post.

I would describe P&O as mainstream/traditional and Celebrity as superior. Yes, it's at a higher price, BUT, you get what you pay for. I just wish that Celebrity from the UK would vary their itineraries. There is now much more competition with cruises from the UK with other cruise lines, and, P&O are not up there with the competition in many ways, whether it be more upmarket in the form of Celebrity or on the same, or a lower level, with other lines and what they offer.

[towny44]

I would describe P&O as mainstream/traditional and Celebrity as superior.Yes, it's at a higher price, BUT, you get what you pay for. I just wish that Celebrity from the UK would vary their itineraries. There is now much more competition with cruises from the UK with other cruise lines, and, P&O are not up there with the competition in many ways, whether it be more upmarket in the form of Celebrity or on the same, or a lower level, with other lines and what they offer.

We don't find Celebrity higher priced, at least not for early bookings, but I agree that P&O saver fares are generally well below the comparable Celebrity fares, however this in my view is because P&O have to offer keener prices to fill their ships, again because their product is seen to be weaker than Celebrity's.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Not sure where this much bandied phrase has come from except those who decry traditional cruise lines. I'm not even sure what is meant by 'top notch cruising'.

We don't decry traditional cruising but some lines are living in the past, and, as I said, also living on past glories when there was no competition from far superior lines.

I presume you intended to add "in my opinion".

In my opinion, I'm not aware of any "far superior lines" other than at far higher prices. The main stream lines working in a similar price bracket offer different styles of cruising which suit different people's preferences but, in my opinion, none can be described as far superior to any other.

No, I did not intend to add, IMO, to my post.

I would describe P&O as mainstream/traditional and Celebrity as superior. Yes, it's at a higher price, BUT, you get what you pay for. I just wish that Celebrity from the UK would vary their itineraries. There is now much more competition with cruises from the UK with other cruise lines, and, P&O are not up there with the competition in many ways, whether it be more upmarket in the form of Celebrity or on the same, or a lower level, with other lines and what they offer.

Which is why you really should add IMO, because many including with us would disagree with you. I won't go over all the details again but our experience of Calamity was atrocious. Worst service we've ever had on any cruise line. Yes Calamity have plenty of fans. But their view is neither universal nor takes precedence over other opinions.