Azura review

[barney]

We got back on Sunday from our Azura repositioning cruise from Malta to Tenerife.

Overall, a most enjoyable holiday.
Didn't really notice much difference in the ship post refit, but Azura is still our favourite.
C deck balcony was much used as I booked Port side and we sailed west until the Canaries.
I managed to break the TV on day one (quickly rectified) and the sink on day two (again quickly rectified)

It was a sixteen night cruise and the demographic changed considerably in the final week due to the Scottish half term.
The first nine days were very chilled but it was much busier on the last week.
A bit like being on two different cruises really.

The entertainment on week two was better with The Privateers and George Michael looky likey.
Flights both ways were spot on, as were the transfers.
Landed in Malta at 10.25 and left the airport at 11.10. on the ship at 11.35 and in Valletta at 12.15.
P&O really have got this fly/cruise stuff sussed out. Faultless.

We are back on in January for our winter sun fix with two weeks around the Canaries - obviously C deck balcony.

On countdown !!

[Portsmouth]

I meant to ask ....did they have an evening where the theme was " wear something white " or something like that ?

[barney]

I meant to ask ....did they have an evening where the theme was " wear something white " or something like that ?

No, not that I’m aware of.
Just the usual smart casual with four formal nights.

One issue that I have taken up with P&O is the venue choice for acts.
For example, on the first night in Tenerife, they had a local Flamenco act on board.
Two singer guitarists and four dancers. They were absolutely amazing but they had put them outside and at the pool.
It was many people’s first night and being a lovely warm evening, many were taking advantage of their drinks package with no interest in what was going on.
Sort of spoiled a brilliant act with noise and kids running around while mum was necking cocktails.
I’m not blaming the passengers.
P&O should have put them inside somewhere. Would have been excellent in the atrium.

[screwy]

We have just returned from our 2 week Azura cruise round the Canaries. Having done this several times we were looking forward to a nice sunny relaxing cruise. C deck Balcony as always, C706, right by the aft lifts/stairs, not a problem. This was the noisiest cabin we have had. The creaking and banging from the wardrobe panels kept us was quite poorawake a lot, we did complain but all we got was a shrug of the shoulders.
We went for club dining first sitting,excellent. Always done freedom,not anymore. The food was a vast improvement on previous years.
The weather was quite poor, lots of cloud and rain, 2 sunny days in Funchal.

We received an email from P&O the day before we travelled to say there were cases of D&V and measures were in place, the crew worked hard on disinfecting but there were as usual the couldn’t care less one about.

Entertainment was Ok,ish. Soul/Mowtown singer Nate Simpson was the standout followed by Welsh Brothers Richard and Adam.. 3 female singers ‘ Duchess’ good but the sound was far too loud by the sound men,it just ended up like screeching.! Pulse,meh. A duo who were meh.Not forgetting the Busker.! 3k to see a Busker crazy. And a couple of comedians doing 30 minutes. Whoever is responsible for booking the entertainment needs sacking, it’s been poor fo a few years now, imo.

All in all we only rated this cruise 6/10 for various reasons. We’re back on in May from Malta,hopefully it will be a big improvement.

[screwy]

Forgot to add. We both the dreaded cabin cough 11 days in. Still coughing our lungs up.

[Ray B]

You were a bit unfortunate there Screwy with the cough, our August cruise passed with no incidents.
Like you we didn't find the entertainment that great, but as it was really hot, spent most nights up on deck.
I will say the busker was gross, we have plenty in our City who could do a much better job
I thought the food in the MDR to be a vast improvement.
Leaving from Malta as we did, hopefully the sun will shine on you, lots of nice ports to visit depending on which itinerary you will be on. Have a good time in May

[barney]

Forgot to add. We both the dreaded cabin cough 11 days in. Still coughing our lungs up.

We both managed to avoid the cough.
We have the door open as much as possible , even at night when creeping slowly between the islands at 4 knots.
Another tip we were given was to leave the lid off of the ice bucket at night to put moisture in the room.
Back next month for another go !
Roll on winter sun

[Portsmouth]

I have just returned from my cruise on Azura and I have to say things look to be going downhill
What has happened to the " Great British Sausage " ??
Replaced by mini tiddly things they call sausages.....I mean how low will standards drop

And what about the " Fruit scones "
you go to afternoon tea expecting a nice friut scone+ jam & cream ( if you like them ) and what do you find....
Only 2 raisins in your scone ....

[Stephen]

More cut backs than a tailors work bench.

[Mervyn and Trish]

But very much cut price compared to the "old days" too. You get what you pay for.

[Portsmouth]

And what about the kids onboard......I was expecting crying, yelling, tantrums & running around the decks and restaurants
Are these really British children ? sitting quietly at the table eating with mum & dad....when they did make an appearance they were so well behaved that I was starting to think they were lifelike robots programmed to be good

[Stephen]

Kids on board

Why aren’t they up the chimneys earning a crust.

[Portsmouth]

I'll be along to go into more detail about last weeks cruise but if you get bored with my style of comments I won't be offended if you jump topics
Briefly, yes, like screwy I had a bit of creaking/slight topping like rain in my cabin but not enough to disturb my sleep....I didn't suffer like him
No sign of any nasty coughs or illness that I noticed
We did have an issue on our first day at sea ...in the morning No Hot or Cold Water there was some kind of big leak and it took about half hour to get most of it fixed....this, by the way was at the time people were getting up to get ready for breakfast. Then there was another announcement to say water was available for the ship except cold water on deck B & C and then after about another half hour that also got fixed....Hooray

I'll be back tomorrow to comment on the food ....but like many others I had a good time whilst on Azura
Not forgetting enjoying the later entertainment on decks 15/16.....Yes it's the Silent Disco

[Portsmouth]

Flying out there was a delay so we got to Tenerife a bit later than we should have. Met up with friends who flew in on a different flight and we decided to have our first meal in the buffet. P&O do really well with making sure everyone washes their hands by having a member of staff at each entrance with two basins to wash & dry hands and then when you do go to get your food, there is a person at the start to give you a squirt of sanitizer in case you missed washing your hands.
Usual room layout that most of you will know. Have to say the shower is good & does the job. At the back of the door there are two knobs for hanging your towels on. Sometimes the towels seem to fall off and I can't help thinking it would be an improvement if they made them wide hooks instead. Balcony was fine on B deck, maybe not as big as those on C or D deck but enough room to sit and relax

[Portsmouth]

Ok time for a report on the food...to be honest we preferred the Peninsular restaurant to the Meridian so we mainly ate there
I would have liked to try dining in The Beach House or The Glass House but just didn't get to do that so I can't comment on the food there
Saturday nights menu.....lets start with the " Starters "
Mackeral Esccobeche on toasted soughdough bruschetto
Pulled ChickenTika Presse
Butternut Squash and Chilli Soup
Spring Courgette and Roasted Leek Tart with Basil Pesto
Locally Inspired....Spanish Tortillis

For the main course a choice of.....
Locally Inspired....Pan Fried Hake on a bed of white beans Clam & Chorizo stew
Crispy Panko crusted Plaice fillet paired with brown butter caper sauce
Braised Beef Steak in a rich red wine sauce
Pan Fried Gammon Steak & charred golden pineapple rings
Aubergine Parmigiano
Forest Mushroom Potato Gnocchi in a mushroom cream sauce
Then we have the familiar favourites......
Roasted Chicken Breast + mashed potatoe, green beans and a silky sauce chausseur
Grilled Beef Sirloin Steak

Now for the Deserts......
Warm Queen of Puddings...autuminal fruits with a toasted meringue topping
Bitter chocolate pave on a lemon blonde base
Almond & Pear frangipane tart with a raspberry coulis soft vanila ice cream and toasted almonds
Tropical Papaya and kiwi salad
Sorbet & ice creams ....mango sorbet & rum & raisin vanilla
Cheese Plate.

[oldbluefox]

I'm not a fan of Azura the ship but that sounds a nice menu.

Now hurry back and get control of Onelife!!!

[Onelife]

I wouldn’t be able to pronounce some of the dishes on that menu…so it would be a case of…I’ll have what he/she is having….and make it quick.

Btw, it's nice having a bit of class back on the forum

[oldbluefox]

I wouldn’t be able to pronounce some of the dishes on that menu…so it would be a case of…I’ll have what he/she is having….and make it quick.

Btw, it's nice having a bit of class back on the forum

Heathen!!
But you are right about having a bit of class back and taking control of the reins!!

[Portsmouth]

The Captain on my cruise...( although I never saw him ) was Alan Hawkins...he has also been in command of Oriana,Aurora,Queen Victoria, Ventura and now Azura, so some of you may already be familiar with him. He gives us useless/interesting information about how many cans of baked beans from the ship to the bottom of the ocean and then with the approx number of baked beans in a can, how many there would be
Are they keeping the name of the cruise director a secret ? I never got to know who the Cruise Director was ( not that it matters ) Once a lady announced the show without saying hello my name is & I'm your cruise director but I'm assuming it was probably her. Quite often on cruise ships they show a picture of senior staff but on Azura, the Cruise Director wasn't shown.

[Onelife]

I would imagine quite a few interesting conversations emanated out of his Baked Bean monologue’s.

Phew!

[david63]

P&O do not have Cruise Directors any more - they are Entertainment Managers, which is a totally different responsibility.

[Portsmouth]

A brief word about some of the chairs on Azura...there seem to be a few that... let's just say "lack padding" so your bottom sinks into the dip
It's ok to be a bit overweight & be on the larger size but there were a few huge

► Show Spoiler

fatties

very large people on board who I would hate to be sat next to on the plane out & back..including 2 who looked like they could hardly walk yet still had overfull plates in the buffet. Hey guys it's not an eating contest...you don't need to put everything on your plate in one sitting !!

[Portsmouth]

Screwy made a comment earlier about Pulse being just meh & the duo who were meh and I have to say I agree with him and assume they were Lex & Lou. They were ok but just one of those acts I wasn't too bothered about. I enjoyed my first night listening to the Azura Orchestra sitting alongside Malabar ( deck 7 ) having a drink & people watching as they went by. I originally went to the Playhouse to see the show but it was totally full and stood at the back for a couple of songs by the Headliners but wasn't really impressed so didn't bother going to the late performance.

[Portsmouth]

Saturday Dec 6th main act for the Playhouse was a vocal harmony group Triptonic who have been performing ( individually ) in many west end musicals and they were good except I wasn't really a fan of their banter between songs maybe others might like it.

Sunday ( formal night ) we had The Noise Next Door a comedy trio who basically took peoples suggestions and made comedy from it. Some of it worked and was very funny....but such a lot depends on what gets picked....but they were very quick at thinking on their feet.
Monday it was the turn of Headliners again with a show called On The Horizon.....I didn't see it

Tuesday ( Black Tie after a day at sea ) had Leanne Mitchell at the playhouse...The first ever winner of The Voice...didn't see this either.
Wednesday The Noise Next Door were in the Manhatten for 3 short shows....it was packed out in there. The Playhouse had Deck The Hall with the Headliners with Christmas songs.....so glad I wasn't paying to see this....It was ok I suppose
Thursday Pulse were in the Manhatten doing Rhinestone Country...Triptonic were back at the Playhouse
Not forgetting the Comedy Club with Joe Zalias a bit hit & miss from my perspective

Again I tend to agree with Screwy about the soundmen....sometimes the sound ( imo ) was a bit too loud with the music making the singers sing louder. Oh god....I'm starting to sound a grumpy old man or even like Victor Meldew

[Portsmouth]

So to sum up....How did I find my Azura cruise & would I still continue to cruise with P&O ?
I know one or two members on here have gone off P&O and probably won't go with them again.
Despite the few things that I have mentioned above, I had an enjoyable cruise and there were many positives that more than compensated for the odd things I found slightly disappointing. Yes I would cruise with P&O again especially if the price is right & the itinerary is to my liking
I will also continue to cruise with other cruise lines because I like variety