Two night on Azura review

My first ever posting on a forum, I have been a lurker for a while picking up lots of useful tips, and enjoying the reviews so feel its time to give back.

Anyhow, I have just got off the two night trip to Zeebrugge on the Azura. A ship new to us, we aren't frequent cruisers this being our sixth in over ten years, from four to seventeen nights, med, Baltic and Norway. So, I have been following the chatter recently about the new check in procedures, falling standards, the great unwashed being allowed to sail and the horror of a two night booze cruise. Needless to say I went anticipating a few things that would irk me but more than happy to get away for the weekend.

Check in (we were on B deck), we were allocated 2.30 and allowed an extra hour for our two hour journey as we know the traffic can be tricky round Southampton. Arrived at the docks at 1.45, wheeled our case over to the hole in the wall, where we meet our first hen party. We were fully prepared to have to wait in the terminal but were asked to go straight through to check in, hooray! The terminal building was busy and there were quite a few people sat on the floor around the sides, a few were hen parties with empty bottles of prosecco. We were unpacked and back out by 2.30.

We booked an inside cabin, we normally have a balcony and wanted to give it a go in anticipation of when we are time rich and may want to spend more time on cruises. They do quite well with mirrors and lighting to make it feel spacious, no extra seating so you have to sit on the bed if you want to read or wait for your partner whilst they finish getting ready. There is a small round glass topped table that I put in the wardrobe as there really isn’t the space for it in the bedroom area, it would be quite a hazard at night if you need to visit the bathroom, get rid of it P&O. The bathroom is small but adequate, shower only, with a fabric shower curtain which I loathe. Will we book an inside again? Probably only on a very short cruise as we didn’t have any time to sit on a balcony and literally only slept and dressed in it. We ordered room service of coffee on the first morning as is our usual routine when we cruise, it arrived in good time though was at best luke warm, didn’t bother the next morning as I couldn’t face a disappointment (sad but true).

Back to our first few hours on the ship, we had a wander about and bumped into........loads of hen parties. They were all in good humour and intent of making the most of their break, and why not. I think P&O should make more of it and give all non hen party pax a tick list of brides like a treasure hunt of hen parties. We called in the buffet for a quick bit to eat at about 3.30 and enjoyed watching latecomers cars screeching into the car park in a panic. Enjoyed a lovely salad with fish, plenty of choice and loads of room to sit. Muster was later than usual and we saw many people wandering the ship up to an hour before with their life jackets, and many already sat in muster stations. Muster procedure seemed to be as normal, dragged on a bit but has to be done. Mr M and I enjoyed a glass of fizz lolling on the sun loungers next to the pool watching the wake as we sailed out in the warmth of the sunshine. The sailaway party with the entertainment team was lively and well attended. A couple of groups had blow up dolls, personally I would have preferred they left them to rest in the cabin until later when small children were in bed.

We chose freedom dining as a change from late sitting club on a large table which is our normal. Enjoying the sunshine put us a bit late but we didn’t feel the pressure of the fixed dining times, or so we thought. A pre dinner drink took nearly twenty mins to arrive with an apology, the bars were heaving so we didn’t move towards the dining room until 8.40. Oh my goodness, the queue was hideous, we thought about just going to a select dining room, but stayed strong as we wanted to experience freedom dining. Half an hour queue brought us to the front, a table for two wasn’t a problem, those in groups were given pagers. Not a nice way to start the meal experience. We were seated next to a waiters station (somebody has to), and you guessed it a large hen party. Mr M likes to see the headliners show (I’m not bothered, but its give and take) so we now needed to be quite quick to get out in time. It was not a great experience, noisy and rushed, food was adequate, but we had to skip cheese and coffee. We were planning to induct friends into cruising on this trip and were glad they didn’t come as we would have been quite embarrassed. I had sirloin with chips, the chips were heavenly.

Headliners were as they usually are, enthusiastic. It was an 80s themed music show and Mr M thoroughly enjoyed it. We wandered around the ship, towards to planet bar and enjoyed watching the dancers throwing shapes, and at last had a leisurely few drinks. It was casual dress, many were in what would have been termed smart casual. Everywhere was lively and good humoured, the hen parties were in full swing enjoying themselves and not bothering others. Over the weekend I must have seen about twenty different groups, and there will have been those that I didn’t see or they were discreet. Bed time at 1, clocks forward so it was two, our coffee was due to arrive at 7. The little time we did have for sleep was interrupted by firstly a public area then all areas (cabins) announcement for a somebody who I can only assume had separated from their party and couldn’t be found.....suggesting man overboard???? I never found out.

We chose waited breakfast at 8 which went without incident and was enjoyable apart from a lack of hen parties, not living it large now are we???? We took the trip to Ypres, coach half full, two free choccies as you board. Embarrassed to say I nearly chose to stay on board as I didn’t fancy it though Mr M looked crestfallen so I went. I spent most of the day gulping back my emotions, the guide was very knowledgeable. It really did stop me in my tracks, it’s a personal experience so I will stop there. Arrived back at the ship at 4 with the rest of the coaches and took 20mins to get back on board.

Went straight to afternoon tea, table for two as I was feeling antisocial again. Now, falling standards. First time on board we had individual tea pots and tea strainers, now the waiters pour your tea, I like the ceremony bring back individual pots. Since when is a coleslaw sandwich suitable for high tea? Never is the answer. Where was the cucumber, salmon etc? Only offered ham, tuna, chicken (not coronation) and coleslaw. The selection of little cakes was uninspiring, I love those little French fancies, none to be seen, however I did enjoy the cakes I did have. We weren’t offered a choice of teas, I’m sure I could have asked and got whatever I wanted but newbies won’t know that. So, falling standards at high tea? For me, yes a little, but I still enjoyed it and ate too much carb.

Hair appointment at 5.30, I had to remind them at 5.45 as I was still waiting, £47 plus 10% for a trim of my chin level bob, very good blow dry and not much tweaking needed by me afterwards. Expensive, yes, no tea offered or elderflower presse (as I have come to expect), no head massage, come on guys, this is what is expected for a 30 min hair do totalling over £50. The spa facilities were very busy (I had plenty of time to observe), with people making the most of the time between being off ship and dinner.

Right, so after the debacle at dinner the day before we presented for dinner at 7.10, no queue, very quiet and a lovely table for two away from the waiters station, but hold on.....there was a hen party..... little bit loud now and again throughout the meal, but I know I have been louder on occasions, they didn’t bother us and were dressed beautifully. Formal evening and we both chose to have the full Marco menu, beef wellie was fab, we tested the wine waiter with different wines for each course and he rose to the challenge. Riff raff alert, a man behind me had an open necked shirt on, can’t say he spoilt my evening, Mr M was irked. We had time for cheese and coffee. I was in good sight of the dining room entrance and by 8.10 groups were being given pagers, and a queue was starting to form. A much better evening meal which I would have been happy for our friends to share with us.

We watched the comedian, hmm, made me chuckle now and again but he was very safe and predictable. We threw away a few hard earned pounds in the casino on the way to the theatre. HRH (queen tribute) played to an enthusiastic and full house, Mr M and I thoroughly enjoyed it and even joined in with the clapping and arm waving. The bars were all very busy again, the majority of people being dressed appropriately for the dress code. We managed to win in the casino as we “passed through" on the way to the planet bar for celebratory cocktails. Much dancing and drinking was going on around the ship before we retired at 1, clocks back so midnight.

We self disembarked at 8, bit of a queue for the lifts as there were plenty of people doing the same and were on the road home by 8.20. Staff we came across were polite and helpful. Large queue at reception on the last evening, removing auto tips??????? Sorry, I know how many of you are interested in such things. Hand sanitizer in evidence and being used. I didn’t, see any loos out of action.

Did I enjoy my trip? Yes I did. A two night cruise is a far different experience from four or more nights, not necessarily a bad one, clientele much younger, lots of celebratory and large family groups, bars all rammed and lively (we always found a seat), most people trying to take advantage of all the facilities. I don’t know what it was like during the day as we were off ship. Azura presented well, the areas I saw didn’t look tiered or dirty, personally I feel they could do with enlisting extra staff for such cruises to keep up with demands, maybe they do. Probably won’t do freedom dining again as we enjoy getting to know a group of people, if we did I wouldn't rock up at 8.15. Would I do another two nighter? Can’t see why not. If groups of people celebrating annoy you I would say stay away, similarly if a usual Friday or Saturday night out in busy social venues annoy you I would say stay away. That’s not a criticism of those people, it certainly isn’t for everyone, but you can make it what you want if needs be.

Looking forward to 17 nights on Aurora in the summer now which is a new ship to us.

Apologies for any typos, writing this on a tablet. Any questions, just ask.

Thank you for your review. Azura is the ship I have been on most on the P&O fleet. Seems like you mostly enjoyed it. Fair points I thought and good attitude re the hen parties etc.

I really want to try Aurora - she sounds lovely, would be interested how you find her!

Welcome! Good to hear of your experiences and appreciate you doing a detailed review of a short cruise. You have tried to tease out the differences between weekend and longer cruises and it seems to me you have been very balanced which I'm sure will help others to weigh up the pros and cons.

Thank you. A good review. We are doing 28 nights on Azura at Christmas.

I enjoyed your review too and having done the both I agree it showed the pros and cons of the weekend v longer cruises and also Freedom dining v fixed.

Our experience of freedom is that you do need to go down earlier if you want to guarantee getting out for the shows, whereas it is guaranteed in fixed dining and that if you arrive later for dinner - along with a lot of other people - it inevitably leads to a wait for a table unless you are happy to share. When we weren't in a rush for anything though we found it a very nice experience as they weren't pressurising us out.

As to afternoon teas - back in 2013 on our first cruise we had lovely loose leaf tea, but by the next summer on the same ship in 2014 it was teabags. I can't remember if we had individual pots then though.

It does seem as if you had a lot of hen parties on board - I guess it is the wedding season and also half term, so freeing up a lot of school teachers maybe? We have only met the odd one or two, but we have always found them very pleasant and good fun - but maybe there should be a limit on the number of very large groups on board as a large group of anyone can be a bit overpowering on the others? Not sure if that is workable though lol.

As to queues on the final night at reception - remember another reason for that is to ask for a print out of your bill to check your spending so not necessarily all to remove auto tips.

We really liked Azura even though I generally prefer the smaller ships. We went on Aurora at New Year but apart from a captain (who has since retired) conspicuous by his absence, we really enjoyed that ship too. Hope you do as well. :)

Thank you. A good review. We are doing 28 nights on Azura at Christmas.

I have the answer to the cabin with nowhere to sit and having to wait for the other half. Bars have chairs. :) :)

Where you on Oriana for afternoon tea as this is the only ship I have been on with your own tea pot for afternoon tea.

Liked you review glad the cruise was better than you may have been lead to believe.

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Dai, we were on Oriana for our loose leaf tea. Was that specific to Oriana too?

I think you review is very balanced, short cruises really aren't for everyone, and you provided a good insight.

Thank you for sharing.

I have the answer to the cabin with nowhere to sit and having to wait for the other half. Bars have chairs. :) :)

 

Where you on Oriana for afternoon tea as this is the only ship I have been on with your own tea pot for afternoon tea.

 

Liked you review glad the cruise was better than you may have been lead to believe.

 

 

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Yes Dai, I believe it was the Oriana where we had our best experience of afternoon tea, with loose leaf, strainers and your own pot, several years ago now. Strange how giving the customer the job of pouring their own tea felt more refined. Lots of extra work for the waiters though with all that equipment. You are quite right, there are plenty of comfortable spaces to sit and relax out of the cabin, however if we are nearly ready for dinner I can't trust Mr M out and about as he goes walk about, so he has to remain in my sight whilst I apply my make up etc.

Yes Dai, I believe it was the Oriana where we had our best experience of afternoon tea, with loose leaf, strainers and your own pot, several years ago now. Strange how giving the customer the job of pouring their own tea felt more refined. Lots of extra work for the waiters though with all that equipment. You are quite right, there are plenty of comfortable spaces to sit and relax out of the cabin, however if we are nearly ready for dinner I can't trust Mr M out and about as he goes walk about, so he has to remain in my sight whilst I apply my make up etc.

I think Oriana still has the separate tea pots, however it is a couple of years since our last cruise on her.

I am allowed out once I am ready and my other half knows exactly where I will be. :)

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I enjoyed your review, thanks for sharing. I like Azura although prefer Ventura but have travelled on all the P&O ships.

I smiled at some of your comments and can say I have had the same experience more than once regarding hair appointments and the sandwiches at afternoon tea.

I have had the pleasure of grated carrot sandwiches whereas you got coleslaw. I thought there was going to be something else inside but no, just carrot. I saw a head waiter I know on another occasion at afternoon tea and jokingly asked if there would be carrot sandwiches that day as I was shown to a table and he said of course not – I said there were some the other day. He was horrified and said he would look into it but they did make another appearance on another day.

The salon experience is typical of what I have found on the shorter cruises where the appointments for the formal nights are quite rushed as they are so busy. On the longer cruises it can still be busy on the formal nights but as there is usually more than one formal night it is not as manic.

None of these things have spoiled my cruises nor yours. Hope you enjoy Aurora.

I think it's the only review I've started to read and got all the way to the end [emoji38] loved it.

I enjoyed your review too and having done the both I agree it showed the pros and cons of the weekend v longer cruises and also Freedom dining v fixed.

 

Our experience of freedom is that you do need to go down earlier if you want to guarantee getting out for the shows, whereas it is guaranteed in fixed dining and that if you arrive later for dinner - along with a lot of other people - it inevitably leads to a wait for a table unless you are happy to share. When we weren't in a rush for anything though we found it a very nice experience as they weren't pressurising us out.

 

As to afternoon teas - back in 2013 on our first cruise we had lovely loose leaf tea, but by the next summer on the same ship in 2014 it was teabags. I can't remember if we had individual pots then though.

 

It does seem as if you had a lot of hen parties on board - I guess it is the wedding season and also half term, so freeing up a lot of school teachers maybe? We have only met the odd one or two, but we have always found them very pleasant and good fun - but maybe there should be a limit on the number of very large groups on board as a large group of anyone can be a bit overpowering on the others? Not sure if that is workable though lol.

 

As to queues on the final night at reception - remember another reason for that is to ask for a print out of your bill to check your spending so not necessarily all to remove auto tips.

 

We really liked Azura even though I generally prefer the smaller ships. We went on Aurora at New Year but apart from a captain (who has since retired) conspicuous by his absence, we really enjoyed that ship too. Hope you do as well. :)

Hello Scriv, indeed it was a learning curve with regards to freedom dining, I'm sure we will fare much better if we choose it again. With regards to the hen parties, it sure is the season for them, my daughter may be on the way to planning one soon (ssh) being a teacher too I think a P&O two nighter on a bank holiday fits the bill. I have to say, they were conspicuous, however they were most good humoured and didn't appear to spoil others enjoyment. You are probably correct regarding the queues at reception, just something I have never seen before, but then again everything is condensed on a two nighter.

Thank you for the positive responses to my first foray into the heady mix of cruising and cyber space. I am looking forward to inviting friends round to view my holiday pics and will supply carrot and coleslaw sandwiches as refreshment, watch out for them on Fortnums summer menu!!!

It has been a real pleasure chatting with you on here and it would be nice if you continued ...... I will never look at another carrot and coleslaw sandwich again without a chuckle :)

Marbellina,

Thank you very much for your report which would shame many professional journalists. I enjoyed your observations and humour :)

Now looking forward to your "Adventures on the High Seas, Aurora and Marbellina explore the Med"!!

I'm sure it will make a wonderful read!

Regards ;)

It has been a real pleasure chatting with you on here and it would be nice if you continued ...... I will never look at another carrot and coleslaw sandwich again without a chuckle :)

I enjoyed the conversation too! It reminds me of the old days when P&O had a forum, one lady posted about all her preps and her eventual cruise. Cannot remember her name, possibly it was Sue. Cruisluvva (Jill) may remember her as well, I used to post under the name of H&R in those days. It was a great forum, got nasty a times, like most forums.

Why thank you jasperado, you are most generous. I love your suggestion of tag line for any possible future musings of mine. Adammara, I have recently enjoyed following Sue on her 52 days on oriana, eagerly awaiting her installments every few days, I'm sure I felt just as sad as her when her journey came to an end. I must watch out for her again.

Thank you Marbellina, very enjoyable and balanced review. Of the six cruises so far, in four years, we have only down fixed dining once. We prefer freedom. Afternoon tea is lovely usually but rather rushed as they only allow 45 minutes. I must say your review has encouraged us to go for the two nighter in Azura for Mr W's birthday over the August bank holiday, which we accept will be full of fun lovers!! We have done a three and four nighter before. I shall look forward to your next review.