Jollysailor93

If there are any delays you can always come off at junction 10 and head down the A3 and accross on the M27 from Portsmouth :)

Very well equipped gym. Only issue i had was my height. Being over 6ft i struggled with the treadmill as the ceiling is low so i had to stoop my run:rolleyes:

From past experience Spain will be cheaper. However whatever you do don't hold out for guernsey! Im sure your aware there could be a chance that you might not get in due to the weather or another reason. If you can't get in you won't be able to make a duty free purchase from the onboard shops as that will be your 'tax free port' and if you miss it you won't be entitled- all from past experience where we missed Guernsey due to a medical emergency and there was uproar as people held out for Guernsey and then couldn't purchase at duty free prices from that point on. However if you purchase before Guernsey and you miss the port this won't affect you.

My recommendation would be to either buy in Spain or buy early on onboard. Prices for cigarettes are very good and liquor reasonable.

PS: Hope the above makes sense

Hi,

We are looking at booking the transatlantic crossing back to Southampton next year in March. The price seems rather good and i was wondering if anyone might know why this is? Im guessing to do with the sea days.

Anyone able to provide experience and whether its a good choice cruise?

Quick question? Ive looked on the p&o website but can only find two possible captains on azura. We are sailing Monday and i am hoping its Neil Turnbull. Does anyone know who it is at present? Sorry if this seems a sad question...

I spoke to P&O only last week. I believe the lady said imthey start allocating cabins three weeks before departure and this can csrry on until a week before your departure. I guess it all depends on type of cabin and anticipated further bookings. Weve found out about 18 days before our departure and been given a good cabin. Obviously if you dont hear within the last week give them a call

We personally tip separately as we find it more personal that way although don't limit that to just the steward/ess and waiters we do it for anyone who's made our trip special or been apart of it. Whilst we do believe the whole crew do a play a part in that we are anti the automatic tips as we always feel fairly cautious that the operator takes their share. Some also hold the opinion that whilst you pay the automatic charge the crew do still expect something more...

Cruise companies such as Fred Olsen do offer 'tips and tipples' as part of their package.

Overall no matter what anyone says tipping is at your own discretion and privacy

Seen that the Britannia is calling in Le Harve via the Facebook page. Couple of awful responses from some 'passengers' however needs must. Unfortunately cruising can't guarentee you're going to a port weather, strikes and terrorism all contribute to a change or cancellation yet some think its a given that they are going.

Le Harve isn't too bad a port at all. Good little town with more on off than Blankenberge for shuttle bus passengers and good links to further in France. Even the possibility of Paris for those tempted.

Fair Play to P&O they could have done a cruise to no where which has happened before...

Hi All,

Sorry if this post has already been posted however i can't find it :confused:

Myself and my partner have booked on Azura using a Saver fare option as we aren't bothered when we eat and don't need the shuttle buses however, i was wondering if anyone could tell me when we will find out our cabin? Slightly nervous about luggage getting from the drop off point to the cabin.

Thanks in advance :D

Just a quick question?

We have booked a cruise in April to Guernsey and Amsterdam (first cruise with my partner). I was wondering if the ship actually docks in Amsterdam? I have sailed with P&O before and the itinerary stated Amsterdam however we docked in Rotterdam?

Any information would be appreciated as I am working out whether I need to book an excursion or not.

Many thanks in advance!!!

The dreaded question... Does anyone know if balmoral has the noro still? I know it was plagued for sometime!!

To be honest the drink prices are not much different to those on land if not the same. A jug of pimms from my recollection is about £14

Hey all,

I'm seeing a lot about Oriana being shamed badly and coming across as a faulty towers cruise ship?

Without going on about scratches in the plastics and chips in the paint what honestly seems the problem with her? I can't see how one ship out of the others could be 'so bad'

Also we are planning a cruise on her next year I shall be 23 and my sister 19, will we fit in or is the age profile of the ship more than double our own?

Probably the most random post on here :D

My grandparents were wondering if on the Queens there were adjustable or fixed shower heads in the cabins? I travelled on QV years ago however cant remember.

Your help would be most appreciated!!

I phage to say two ships in and p&o have messed it up by not putting the flag on the front. I don't mind the funnel but the flag? Perhaps they are reconsidering or simply rushed through and will flag her another time?

Looking at the available ships and from what discussions have been on here I would guess that Oriana is the least popular ship hence the tours in an attempt to fill her up?

You wouldn't catch me on one as it would be such a tease... I'd want to stay :p

Someone must be able to help?

I understand P&O are updating the fleet but it all seems to have gone quiet on Oriana? My understanding was she was due a face lift this month although I haven't seen nor heard of anything since?

Were they going to refit her out like Aurora? I'd assume not as she wasn't scheduled in dry dock for as long.

Just seen on facebook that the QE shall be docking in the afternoon on Saturday due to the heavy storms it is facing on its return to Southampton. It has been confirmed on the Cunard Facebook Official Page.

Have a pleasant trip, I hope you get on OK just remember those tablets!!

I am due to travel with family on the same cruise; its a very attractive cruise.

I'm 21 and we love fred olsen, have cruised on Balmoral twice and she's a great ship. We cruised on her in August 2012 (summer hols) and there werent too many children onboard. There are clubs for the kids which do take up the pools at certain times of the day but unlike p&o they dont let them run riot around the ship. Based upon the cruise i would say the age profile was probably around 40-50 still.

On ship they give you the chance to visit port talks about the destinations. They are typically on days at sea or shown on your in cabin tv. Within these they include information about where the ship docks, the local area and the excursions available.

We personally enjoy going off on our own and mooching about as we are then not tied by times and limited to the places we can go. Also you may find that some excursions are over priced compared to the actual price of the attraction and that you are really paying for the convenience of having it sorted for you.

Hope this helps...

Just in time for some holiday essentials...

Standard P&O procedure- i'd question the postman to see what he thinks of the excursions on offer ;)

We were midships right by palm court in a comfortable outside cabin. No noise whatsoever. Very handy in port for getting on and off the ship although make sure your remember to draw your curtains :p

Arrive at your allocated time slot :) if you arrive earlier don't expect to get on any sooner. FO stick firmly to their allocated times unlike other cruise lines when you can turn up as you wish.

Enjoy Balmoral, a truly beautiful ship!!!

If you require a taxi and want to be 100% sure of one simply enquire at reception onboard. They are able to arrange a taxi to be waiting at the terminal with your name on it :D