Recent experiences of P&O

[Ray B]

You may be correct there David, after all, after dining on cheesy chips, being sat in the MDR with an array of cutlery in front of you may be a bit confusing for some.

[towny44]

I suppose we all had to learn the ropes when we first started cruising, but we definitely knew what was included fairly quickly. However on our very first cruise from port Canaveral, I do remember we stopped at a dunkin donuts around lunch time prior to boarding our Carnval cruise, only to find that the poolside grill was serving bbq food, and the Americans were all tucking in as though they had not eaten for days.

[Stephen]

I suppose we all had to learn the ropes when we first started cruising, but we definitely knew what was included fairly quickly. However on our very first cruise from port Canaveral, I do remember we stopped at a dunkin donuts around lunch time prior to boarding our Carnval cruise, only to find that the poolside grill was serving bbq food, and the Americans were all tucking in as though they had not eaten for days.

More like minutes

[Mervyn and Trish]

I agree with John. We were all new once and it's great that forums like this exist where newbies can pick the brains of the old hands.

However I am astounded by some of the inane questions asked on Facebook groups. It's like the questioners drew their holiday in a lucky dip with no research whatever. Even at today's bargain prices cruising has a price and I like to know what I'm spending it on.

More worrying than the daft questions is the number of replies giving totally wrong and misleading answers.

[CaroleF]

I think one thing has changed since I started cruising in 2003. I did an incredible amount of research on line and in brochures - in those days brochures gave a lovely amount of information unlike the ones today which just seem to give a list of cruises. I knew all about the different dining times - in those days there wasn't freedom dining. There is a vast amount of information from experienced cruisers on the internet if people only go and look for it.

One thing I have noticed, I don't know if others have. I was comparing the new P&O TV adverts with the Cunard one. That really illustrates the way the two different companies are going, directed by Carnival. The P&O one is full of fun, all members of the family. The Cunard shows couples in evening dress, looking quite sophisticated. That says it all as to which way P&O are going.

Carole

[barney]

I 100% concur with this Carole.
There’s little point in Carnival competing with itself so it’s giving each U.K. line a distinct identity.
Cunard obviously being the premium brand.

[Mervyn and Trish]

When we were on Queen Victoria we talked to the Capatin, who was ex P&O, and speculated exactly that and he agreed completely. It makes sense.

[CaroleF]

I still can't understand how people can spend thousands of pounds on a cruise without having the faintest idea of many of the details of the holiday. Sometimes I wonder if they even know where the ship is going - they'll often call it a boat!

[barney]

I still can't understand how people can spend thousands of pounds on a cruise without having the faintest idea of many of the details of the holiday. Sometimes I wonder if they even know where the ship is going - they'll often call it a boat!

My dear old Mum did many cruises Carole, and she didn't really care what ship. what company or even where it was going.
Her main criteria was .......... has it got a casino

[oldbluefox]

We enjoyed the Cunard experience and would happily go with them again but their itineraries seem to be rather limited, no doubt to fit in with the American 'doing Europe ' agenda.
The clientele on P&O does leave much to be admired at times which sounds snobbish but I recognise uncouth behaviour and it's not what I want to see on holiday.

[Stephen]

We enjoyed the Cunard experience and would happily go with them again but their itineraries seem to be rather limited, no doubt to fit in with the American 'doing Europe ' agenda.
The clientele on P&O does leave much to be admired at times which sounds snobbish but I recognise uncouth behaviour and it's not what I want to see on holiday.

That's why we didn't met up on Aurora Foxy. I'd heard what your like after a couple of ciders

[oldbluefox]

We enjoyed the Cunard experience and would happily go with them again but their itineraries seem to be rather limited, no doubt to fit in with the American 'doing Europe ' agenda.
The clientele on P&O does leave much to be admired at times which sounds snobbish but I recognise uncouth behaviour and it's not what I want to see on holiday.

That's why we didn't met up on Aurora Foxy. I'd heard what your like after a couple of ciders

I beg your pardon...............shandy if you don't mind

[Mervyn and Trish]

When I heart you were both on Aurora at the same time I booked a different year to avoid the pair of you. Just saying.....

[barney]

Slightly off topic but my Mum liked P&O and Cunard but her preferred line was the old Cruise and Maritime, basically because they sailed from Tilbury and she could leave home and be on board in half hour using the ferry.
When we were in Tenerife a couple of weeks ago, moored opposite was a beautiful little ship from Nicko Cruises.
It was called Vasco De Gama and I thought it looked familiar.
On getting home I checked and it is actually the old C&M ship.
It’s had a total refurbishment.
The public areas and cabins are lovely.
Very few balconies though.

[towny44]

Just been listening to the Captains safety briefing, and a bit concerned that passengers who need help with disembarking in an emergency will be helped into life craft in the FINAL stages of disembarkation.

[CaroleF]

I think the whole muster drill has changed since I was on board in 2019. Am I right that there is no general meeting of the passengers in their muster point? What happens now when you board?

Carole

[david63]

What happens now when you board?

Unless the system has changed then at some point after boarding you "visit" your muster station and have your cruise card/boarding pass scanned and then you go to your cabin and watch the safety video on the TV.

[Mervyn and Trish]

That's how it was on Iona in August

[Stephen]

Correct. A bit of a farce really.
I bet very few bother with the video in favour of the bar and sun deck.

[Pam + Neil]

We were on the January Ventura Cruise. We went with a zero expectation following posts we had read on forms. The pre-cruise requirements regarding testing had been relaxed and we only had to provide a photo out our home test with date time and Photo ID. We are Baltic and we’re shocked to see the length of the queue when we arrived at the Mayflower Terminal. We were though quickly through and directed to the Peninsular Welcome aboard lunch. Great table of 6. This was our first cruise since Covid. Late departure fromSouthampton due to wind speeds. Bumpy first 2 days to Madeira. Captains cocktail party re-introduced. Drinks plentiful. Norovirus reared is ugly head after Madeira. This caused peninsula lunch to be cancelled and rearranged for return crossing .Great entertainment. We don’t do the theatre but Acts in Havana were first class. Food was pretty good on the whole but lacked seafood choices. Lead waiter could do with some training but assistant made up for what he lacked. Weather amazing. Peninsular party, again drinks plentiful. Some things have changed but overall I have to say this cruise far exceeded our expectations. Ventura is not our favourite ship it just happens to go to the Caribbean in January. a great escape from the UK climate at that time of year. It has certainly given us the confidence to resume cruising again.

[Ray B]

Pam+Neil, glad to see your first post covid cruise was enjoyable after reading posts that gave you negative expectations.
It's good to hear that things stopped because of covid are starting to be reintroduced slowly. Staffing must still be a problem with lack of full training, I assume leaving waiters etc to hone their skill on the job.
Now that you have renewed confidence, the only thing left now is to book the next cruise.
Happy cruising.

[oldbluefox]

Pleased to hear you had a good cruise.
I think, as we come out of Covid, you just have to go with an open mind. The industry has had to face big changes and it is going to take a while before it is back on an even keel (no pun intended!). Meanwhile I feel it is just good to be back on open seas and enjoying the cruise ship experience.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I'm certainly looking forward to our next (Cunard) in May. Just booked some tours. Some are expensive but I'm a wimp who likes to know the ship won't go without me.

[Stephen]

I'm certainly looking forward to our next (Cunard) in May. Just booked some tours. Some are expensive but I'm a wimp who likes to know the ship won't go without me.

Same here.

We are off on Ventura July. Nothing taking our fancy tour wise at the moment, although Mr S has booked a three mile walking tour. Not for me, sound like hard work. I might keep the barman company for half hour

[david63]

We are off on Ventura

How can you be "off" when you are "on"