Angel57

Thanks for the info Selbourne.

Do you know if this new practice is also going to be at the Mayflower Terminal or is it just at the Ocean Terminal?

Very helpful advice - thank you Selbourne.

4 minutes ago, wowzz said:

I understand your frustration,  but surely the new arrangements have nothing to do with P&O,  and your complaint is with CPS . Indeed, the new system may have been imposed by the Port Authorities in order to avoid congestion at the port terminal. 

Has anyone actually asked CPS why the arrangements have altered?

Absolutely agree with what you say as I assume it will effect all cruise passengers from all ships and presumably at all terminals.

7 minutes ago, jeanlyon said:

But surely all cases these days have wheels?  You don't have to carry them.  Obviously if you are disabled, then that is different.

 I agree - my cases do have wheels - but my point is when i opted for CPS instead of on board credit  I didn't think i was going to have to lift them out of the boot etc. Plus when i did my world cruises i most certainly would not have wanted to transport my six cases to the hole in the wall myself. Just another erosion and downgrading of the "cruise experience". It won't stop me going on a cruise, but when you add all thses little things together...... I know most will probably disagree, but just my opinion.

What slightly annoys me is that when i opted to reduce my OBC and take the CPS car parking it was under the old regime of driving right up to the terminal and not having to manhandle my cases. Now, i am fit and able so it is not really an issue - but it is a point of principal that once again after having booked something (or at least a service that is offered by them) the rules change!!! Some passengers may turn up completely oblivious to any possible changes and this could potentially cause unnecessary stress. Anyway, let's hope the trial doesn't work......

Given that this debacle happened and the P&O brand has been tarnished by this incident - I wonder what P&O will do / can do to stop this type of incident happening on a more regular basis..... 

2 minutes ago, anniegb said:

Which cruise lines have patriotic sailaways apart from P&O ??

 

I don't sail P&O but I have sailed NCL, MSC, HAL, Princess, Azamara, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and they don't.

 

Just asking

 

Annie

Sorry Annie. As I was on the P&O board I was only referring to their ships and cruises. Have no idea what other lines do as never sailed with anyone else. Been cruising since 1992 and always had the Great British Sailaway. I don’t believe the cruise lines you mentioned are mostly aimed at the British market, but I may be wrong.

Disgusting behaviour.

Different forms of unsocial behaviour seem to be much more commonplace these days...... Certainly not good for P&O and I just wonder what can be done to stop this. Are the alcohol packages to blame I wonder?

Patriotic sailaways (whether you like or loathe them) happen on most cruises without incident. I hope the actions of few are not going to spoil things for the majority of cruisers who know how to behave.

I think you will be fine. I have had inside on C deck several times. C201 has been mostly lovely and quiet - altho on the Northern lights cruise in March 2018 there was some sort of equipment that was stored above on B deck that was clonking around in the high seas. All you can do is look at what is above and below and hope for quiet neighbours. Aurora is a great ship - so enjoy!

Elounda and Spinalonga are lovely. I’ve not done a trip from the ship but have holidayed in Elounda. Heraklion is quite pleasant to wander around and as much as I like Knossos, it could be very hot in August.

I like the idea of a blue badge type of thing to indicate when you left the sun bed.

As a solo traveller I tend to say to people nearby that I’ll be back shortly as I once popped down to my cabin for no more than 10 mins to use the facilities and when I returned someone had dumped my towel and book on the floor. Needless to say I wasn’t happy and he wouldn’t budge.....

I’ve never had a problem finding a sun bed on Aurora altho favoured positions do get taken very early.....

Thanks for your posts Andy. So pleased you had a good cruise. I am looking forward to going on her again in a few months time (always feel I'm going to my 2nd home when I step on board and I can pay no greater compliment than that). Have fun choosing the next cruises!

I have to say that Ian Fraser was one of the nicest and best cruise directors that I have ever sailed with. He truly loved his job, took part in shows and got to know all the passengers - altho that was much easier 30 years ago when ships were smaller. 

I am wondering if they have re-upholstered the theatre seating as some were very uncomfortable indeed!

Thanks and have a great cruise.

I take my sea-sickness tablets at least 2hrs before we sail. I remember being told bt the ship's doctor that they work best as a prevention rather than a cure..... Wishing you calm seas!

With an inside cabin you will sleep really well (especially in the afternoons when it is dark in the cabin). Have a great cruise.

1 hour ago, arendale1 said:

Interested to know why after so many years of cruising, your next cruise may be your last?

 

Vampiress88 - we’re mid 40s, first cruise was early 40s. I do think that on P&O the demographic is made up of more ‘mature’ passengers. 

Several reasons - but mostly because although a holiday/cruise is what you make it, it certainly isn't as special as it used to be altho admittedly much more affordable. I personally do not like the larger ships and i fancy giving river cruising a go.

Age is 59. First cruise was in 1992 on Sea Princess (later to become Victoria). Cruised every year since but think the next one will be my last. Aurora by far is my favourite ship having done several world cruises on her.

Great thread. I love P&O because as a solo traveller i feel entirely comfortable being anywhere on the ship (be it bars or restaurants). I have done 2 world cruises and would never have had the courage to go to many places visited on my own, but on Aurora it was wonderful. I have made many lifelong friends.

Had the same problems so many thanks for posting question. Hopefully all ok now.

Just a little over 3 times around the Prom deck equals 1 mile. x

Temperature inside is as it is on a warm weather cruise BUT I found that when in port and the doors are open it can be a bit cooler/draughty...... I did this cruise last year on Aurora and loved it.

I haven't been in an accessible cabin on E deck but i have been in the ones nearby. I did two world cruises in them (so would recommend). I found it to be reasonably quiet apart from

a) if it is a hot evening and fellow passengers are walking the deck in heels,

b) footsteps once deck opens at 8am for exercise and

c) occasional late night washing of the deck.

Hope this helps.

I have been at that time of year. It was in the evening and was unfortunately wet and cold and so kroner was needed for warm drinks!! However some of the goodies on sale at the market stalls are lovely. I am pretty sure that most places took credit cards although I paid in cash and probably spent about £50. It all depends on what you want to buy.