Orianababes

Also on that cruise. Yes a medical evacuation by helicopter in answer to Bin Man - We found the cruise most enjoyable. Some hesitancy before boarding following various reports. We were quite taken by all the ship had to offer. Have sailed on all of P&O existing fleet except Iona and Arvia. Now more than willing to sail on all ships in the fleet

#3 Posted 16 hours ago Which ports? The ports are Cork, Dunmore, Greenock, Belfast, Kirkwall, South Queensferry and Newcastle. It’s the Aurora trip August 2025

Considering a round Britain cruise next year. A number of the towns/cities appear to be at a distance from where the ships dock. Do P&O provide the shuttle buses or do there’s provide them. Am considering this as part of a decision between select and saver fare. Thanks for all experiences passed on

Quite easy to make up !!! not quite so easy to make up the £1,400 bill I had to pay - or rather my insurance paid!

I too use Holiday Inn near docks. This March 2 weeks parking includes night in hotel, breakfast and taxi to and from ship - cost £180!

Out of interest how much is the retreat nowadays? Do they still do a daily (if space available)? And if so how much is that? I presume charges will vary ship to ship, and possibly seasonally

Once booked a taxi on line to take us on a tour of half of the island. Obviously great care was taken to look at reviews etc. was met at the terminal by driver with our name on a board. One of the beauties was if he took us to a place we didn’t fancy- we just told him and we moved straight on. Not done on the cheap but that was not the intention. We wanted a more personal tour. Cannot recall the company sadly

My cruise travel agent knew which had beds next to balcony etc

Visited Guadeloupe on cruise a few years ago before there was an “official” tour. I must emphasise that I am not aware of the tour you’re booked on and I can only report what we found. The first part of our tour was a botanical gardens close to DIP village. Really enjoyed that but the pathways were, at that time, uneven. Getting back to the village the roads were about like our very own, not perfect roads and pavements tricky in places, particularly around the police stations and Catherine’s Bar. Careful when ordering a rum punch as on this French island that is basically - just rum! I think we should have asked for a planteur.

Also next March marks our first trip on Iona and a few other questions. Which restaurants have waiter service? Cost of Epicurian (I know it can vary) When Headliners are performing in the theatre; how many performances do they do each day? Website talks of premium brands in clothing in shops. Which brands are seen? Thanks

Always use Holiday Inn central Southampton. Good package.

Calling those who have sailed on Iona Cnsidering a cruise on Iona which will include a number of sea days. As such it would be nice to know what the in cabin tv system provides. Recent cruises on Azura and Ventura highlight quite outdated and limited systems. Britannia does have more films etc. I expect that Iona must have even more “entertainment “. Will not be looking to spend all cruise watching tv but would appreciate a good overview of what Iona ‘ s in cabin entertainment provides. Thanks in anticipation

Hello Readers This may have been mentioned before but not located it - so apologies Thinking of an Arvia cruise. Just wondered if all Peninsular tier benefits are available on Arvia - such as cocktail party for top 4 tiers or the officer hosted lunches ( appreciate that at present officers may not be present Thanks for help

Our 2 grandsons just wore their school black trousers and a white shirt. Bought them both a small tie. No need for a jacket for them. Our grandsons, aged from 12 just loved looking smart! It’s amazing how many appear to think the same. Maybe the absence of peer pressure helps!

Hello All some months ago there were reports of a delivery charge of £2-50 for breakfast delivered to the cabin. I seem to remember little in the way of comment about that since. just to confirm- is there a charge?

Hello we usually stay at Holiday Inn and leave car parked there. There is a tariff for hotel night, parking, breakfast plus taxi to and from the ship. I doubt any hotel gives “free parking”

My experience is that sites such as this focus upon problems. As in most of life; those with a complaint “publish” more than those who are content/delighted. I think that issues should be reported and P&O should welcome this as it shows how they can improve. I do accept that there are near professional complainers! I’ve had some experience in customer services and one thing I always remembered was that one could make an excellent impression in the way you handled a complaint. whilst I’m certain that it is unlikely to happen: it would be nice to see positive feedback from others on this cruise - that would give better balance and be more helpful to those reading

I have spent much time over the last two days trying to order a birthday cake for a forthcoming cruise. I cannot order it on board as the chefs require more notice than we can provide when we board - needed for about 12 hours after we board. P&O have installed an artificial intelligence answering system which does not recognise Cake or Celebration Cake or Birthday Cake. The system has been in place a little while I understand so I would have expected it to already know the products advertised on the website. Eventually AI puts you through to someone who can help you - but despite holding on for ages no one answers An American system which is not up to the purpose or it has not been set up in conjunction with P&O or its website. Bottom line is that too few staff are employed. Well another sale missed, however small!

Holiday Inn mentioned is our preferred stay. They do a cruise package which does include taxi to and from the ship. Very efficient it is too.

Hello Hope I’ve not missed a topic which already covered this. Ventura is fresh out from a refit. Can someone update me on what was done at the refit. Usually refits look at minor issues of carpets and furniture rather than larger scale issues such as upgrading television technology improvements. Be nice to hear from those currently sailing on her

Hi. Not a reply to the topic but a question. just wondered what has been done to Venture at the recent dry dock. What improvements can be seen?

Back in June we had a meal on boarding Britannia as Caribbean members.

We were aboard Britannia for 70th Jubilee. TV in most areas had coverage but very little else. Felt it was a poor show as, if I remember correctly, the Queen was Britannia’s grandmother

I’ve had the same situation. Use of printing not via iPad worked

This year we had the divider opened. Asked the cabin steward and it was done later in the day